EP3704388A1

EP3704388A1 - Connection element for fiber composite material components, method for connecting fiber composite material components, device for connecting fiber composite material components, and fiber composite material component assembly

Info

Publication number: EP3704388A1
Application number: EP18792899.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Patrik Nikolas Dreher
Original assignee: Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft und Raumfahrt eV
Current assignee: Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft und Raumfahrt eV
Priority date: 2017-11-02
Filing date: 2018-10-18
Publication date: 2020-09-09
Also published as: DE102017125621A1; WO2019086263A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection element for fiber composite material components (12, 14), comprising a disc (24) and a plurality of spaced pins (30) which sit on the disc (24). The pins (30) are designed to penetrate a matrix material (18) of the fiber composite material, and the pins (30) can be plastically deformed. In a fixing position of the connection element, a pin (30) is oriented transversely to the penetration direction (44) of the corresponding pin (30) into the matrix material (18) at least in some regions by means of plastic deformation and/or is bent at least in some regions relative to the orientation of the pin in a starting position and/or has a transverse orientation at least in some regions relative to the orientation of the pin in the starting position.

Description

Connecting element for fiber composite components, method for connecting fiber composite components, device for

Connection of fiber composite components and

Fiber composite material component assembly

The invention relates to a connecting element for fiber composite components.

The invention further relates to a method for joining fiber composite components.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for connecting fiber composite components.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a fiber composite material component assembly. In the article "STRENGTH OF SELF-PIERCING RIVETED JOINTS FOR

CFRP / ALUMINUM SHEETS "by L. Kroll et al., 18 ^th International Conference on Composite Materials describes hybrid material and structure interconnect technologies JP 2013-039672 A discloses a resin part bonding method.

WO 2016/071335 Al discloses a method for connecting two objects. DE 37 21 717 AI discloses a clamping and clamping element consisting of a mounting bracket and at least one clip, wherein the mounting bracket has a plurality of self-tapping frames, which are connected to the clip by bending. DE 10 2009 056 580 A1 discloses a method for joining thermoplastic fiber composite components by means of pin-shaped functional elements.

DE 10 2010 061 301 AI discloses a connecting element for connecting a fiber composite component to a second component, wherein the connecting element has a base body, arranged on which at least one anchoring element for anchoring the connecting element in the fiber composite component and at least one fastening means for fastening with the second component are.

GB 2 238 977 A discloses a method for producing a composite material.

The invention has for its object to provide a connecting element of the type mentioned, with which can be easily connect fiber composite components. This object is achieved in the above-mentioned connecting element according to the invention in that a plate is provided, and that a plurality of spaced pins are provided, which sit on the plate, wherein the pins are provided for penetration into a matrix material of the fiber composite material, wherein the pins are plastically deformable, and wherein in a fixing position of the connecting element, a pin is oriented by plastic deformation at least partially transverse to a direction of penetration of the corresponding pin in the matrix material and / or at least partially bent relative to its orientation in a starting position and / or at least partially a Has transverse orientation to its orientation in the starting position.

The connecting element can be introduced into the fiber composite components via its pins during the production of the connection. Due to the spaced pins, which do not form areas enclosed by semi-hollow punch rivets, there is no local separation of material. In particular, no fibers are severed in the fiber composite, but these are merely displaced; the fibers can dodge and are not damaged.

Due to the plastic deformability of the pins, an anchoring of the connecting element in the fiber composite components can be achieved and these can be fixed relative to each other.

To make the connection, no pilot holes are necessary and there are no chip contamination in the environment.

By connecting fiber composite components with connecting elements according to the invention, advantageous crack stop properties result. Furthermore, fiber composite components can be combined with greater tolerances, since the corresponding joining partners do not have to have parallel surfaces across large areas.

A corresponding connecting element can be produced in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Furthermore, a connection can be produced in a simple and cost-effective manner. It is favorable if at least three pins, preferably at least five pins and in particular at least seven pins are provided. This results in a good connectivity. It is particularly advantageous if the pins are spaced apart and in particular evenly spaced on a closed line. For example, they are arranged on a circle. A corresponding connecting element then has the approximate structure of a half-hollow punch rivet, but no area is enclosed. This means that no material has to be separated when penetrating into a joining partner, that is, there is no local separation of material instead. Furthermore, fibers can escape and by this fiber displacement, a separation of fibers can be avoided.

It is favorable if a pin has a tapering area at one end, which faces away from the plate. This tapering region can be produced, for example, by one or more wedge surfaces, by a conical or partially conical surface, etc. The tapering area allows easy penetration into matrix material of a fiber composite material (which in particular is heated).

In an advantageous embodiment, a pin has a tapering region parallel to the plate with respect to its cross section, in particular a region with a greater width being closer to an edge of the plate than a region having a smaller width. As a result, it is easy to specify a direction for the plastic deformation and thus for a type of bending of a pin. In particular, this makes it possible in a simple manner to bend a pin away from a central region of the plate with appropriate exertion of force in order to obtain an effective anchoring and thus again to achieve a good connection between fiber composite components.

It is advantageous if the pins are connected to the plate and in particular are integrally connected. This results in a connecting element which can be used and produced in a simple manner. In one embodiment, at least one barb is disposed on a pin. These barbs form a kind of spines. It can be used to achieve an additional (positive) anchoring. This results in an improved connection between (at least) two fiber composite components.

According to the invention, a method is provided for joining fiber composite components with at least one connecting element according to the invention, in which the at least one connecting element from a first side of a fiber composite component assembly in a

Direction is pressed from the first side to a second side of the fiber composite component assembly in the fiber composite component assembly, and in which on the second side, a counter-element is or is positioned.

It is first introduced a connecting element in the fiber composite component assembly. The pins can penetrate into the fiber composite material. A plastic deformation can be achieved via the counter element in order to achieve a "hooking" of the pins in the combination of fiber composite components.

It may be provided that the counter element is pressed in a direction from the second side to the first side. This allows the plastic deformation of pins can be achieved. Furthermore, a workpiece (the fiber composite component assembly) can be clamped.

It is particularly advantageous if the fiber composite component assembly is heated and, in particular in the case of thermoplastic matrix material of the fiber composite material of the fiber composite component assembly, heating takes place in a thermoplastic state or flowable state of the matrix material. In particular, a

Heating above a consolidation temperature. As a result, the pins can be easily inserted into the fiber composite material. fibers can dodge and are not severed. This is supported by the increased viscosity of the matrix material. Subsequent consolidation gives a strong bond with excellent crack-stop properties. In addition, an additional cohesive connection in the manner of a thermoplastic welding can also be achieved at an interface between fiber composite components.

In an advantageous embodiment, the counter element, adapted to the at least one connecting element, has a recess for positioning pins. By a corresponding depression can be targeted control a positioning of pins. For example, a direction for the plastic deformation, such as by bending, can be achieved thereby. Furthermore, a kind of diversion can be achieved. It is favorable if the depression surrounds a central area in a ring-shaped manner, wherein in particular the central area corresponds to a closed line on which the pin elements are arranged on the plate of the at least one connecting element. It can be specifically controlled the plastic deformation of the pins and thus their position within the fiber composite component assembly.

It is particularly advantageous if the depression has a decreasing and in particular continuously decreasing depth towards a first edge which faces the central region and / or the depression leads to a second edge which is remote from the central region, has a decreasing and in particular continuous decreasing depth. There are so edges and the like avoided. It can thus be achieved in a simple manner targeted bending of the pins. In one embodiment, the counter element is movably guided on a first sleeve, which is placed in particular on the fiber composite component assembly on the second side, in particular, the counter element and / or the first sleeve is heated and / or heated. A workpiece (the fiber composite component assembly) can be clamped in a defined manner via the first sleeve (in correspondence in particular with a second sleeve) and the corresponding connection process can be carried out. Furthermore, the counter element can be guided in a defined manner by the first sleeve in order to achieve a defined, spatially controlled optimized positioning of a connecting element with plastically deformed pins. Furthermore, a targeted heating can be carried out in order to soften the matrix material of the fiber composite material and bring it above its consolidation temperature, for example.

For the same reason, it is favorable if the at least one connecting element is pressed over a punch in the direction from the first side to the second side, wherein in particular the punch is guided on a second sleeve, which on the first side faces the fiber composite. material component assembly is placed, in particular, the punch and / or the second sleeve is heated and / or heated. A workpiece can be clamped between the first sleeve and the second sleeve. The second sleeve can also be used as a guide for the stamp. The punch exerts the necessary compressive force to push a connector into the fiber composite component assembly.

It is advantageous if a heating element can be guided and / or guided on the second sleeve. This second heating element, which may also be the stamp, is used in particular to heat a large surface area, and in particular to heat a region in which then subsequently a connecting element is pressed.

In one embodiment, it is provided that a height of pins of the at least one connecting element above the associated plate is higher than or equal to a height (thickness) of the fiber composite component assembly. This achieves a good connection. Furthermore, it can be easily recognized whether one or more pins are broken during the connection process. In particular, it is provided that, when the connection is made, pins of the at least one connecting element are bent by plastic deformation in comparison to an initial state and lie in the matrix material of the fiber composite material of the fiber composite component arrangement. In particular, they have such a bend that a deflection area is present. For example, when two fiber composite components are to be interconnected, it is advantageous for pins to be in both the first fiber composite component and the second fiber composite component to achieve a secure connection.

In a device according to the invention for connecting fiber composite components is a pressing device for pressing a

The invention provides a connecting element, and a counter element (die) is provided for deforming pins of the connecting element.

The method according to the invention can be carried out on the device according to the invention.

The device according to the invention can be used to carry out the method according to the invention.

In particular, it is provided that the counter element is guided in a first sleeve and / or a punch of the pressing device is guided in a second sleeve, and in particular a heating device is arranged on at least one of the following: the counter element, the punch, the first sleeve , the second sleeve, a heating element, which is guided on the second sleeve. As a result, in particular a workpiece between the first sleeve and the second sleeve can be pressed. Furthermore, can be over the

Stamp and press the counter element a connecting element in the fiber composite component assembly and it can be a plastic deformation of pins reach. Leaves over the at least one heater make matrix material of the fiber composite "soft". This in turn can be achieved in a simple manner, a pressing of the connecting element. Fibers in the fiber composite material can be displaced and it is a separation prevented.

According to the invention, a fiber composite component assembly is further provided, comprising at least two fiber composite components, which are interconnected, wherein the connection is made with at least one connecting element according to the invention.

In addition, there may also be a cohesive connection at interfaces between two fiber composite components. This connection is achieved in particular via thermoplastic welding.

The following description of preferred embodiments is used in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation of the invention

Show it :

Figure 1 is a schematic (partial sectional) view of two fiber composite components, which are connected via an embodiment of a connecting element according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a first perspective view of an embodiment of a connecting element;

Figure 3 is another perspective view of the connecting element according to Figure 2; Figure 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a

Apparatus for connecting fiber composite components; FIGS. 5 to 7 show various method steps for producing the connection with the device according to FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 schematically shows a manufactured connection (similar to FIG

i);

FIG. 9 shows a first perspective view of a further embodiment of a connecting element; FIG. 10 shows a second perspective view of the connecting element according to FIG. 9;

Figure 11 is a first perspective view of another embodiment of a connecting element;

FIG. 12 shows a second perspective view of the connecting element according to FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows a first perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of a connecting element; and

14 shows a second perspective view of the connecting element according to FIG. 13. A fiber composite component arrangement according to the invention, which is shown schematically in FIG. 1 and designated 10, comprises (at least) a first fiber composite component 12 and a second fiber composite component 14. The first fiber composite component 12 and the second fiber composite component 14 are produced from a fiber composite material 16 (cf., FIG. 4) which comprises a matrix material 18 and is fiber-reinforced via fibers 20. strengthens. The fibers 20 may, for example, be single fibers or be present in a woven fabric, knitted fabric or the like.

The matrix material 18 is in particular a thermoplastic material such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone).

In principle, the first fiber composite component 12 and the second fiber composite component 14 may be made of the same material with respect to matrix material 18 and fibers 20 or of different materials with regard to matrix material 18 and / or fibers 20.

The first fiber composite component 12 and the second fiber composite component 14 are interconnected via one and in particular a plurality of connecting elements 22. A connecting element 22 is a type of rivet.

A connecting element 22 (FIGS. 2 and 3) comprises a plate 24. The plate 24 has a first side 26 and an opposite second side 28.

In one embodiment, the first side 26 is planar. The second side 28 is particularly flat. In a preferred embodiment, the first side 26 and the second side 28 are parallel to each other.

The plate 24 is formed for example in the manner of a circular disk.

The first side 26 forms a contact surface on the first fiber composite component 12. The second side 28 forms in the manufacture of the fiber composite component assembly 10 with connection via the at least one connecting element 22, a pressure surface for pressing the connecting element 22 in the fiber composite material Components 12 and 14. The plate 24 may be rounded in particular on the second side 28 in order to avoid sharp edges or the like on the second side 28. On the plate 28 sit a plurality of pins 30. The pins 30 are spaced from each other.

In particular, it is provided that the pins 30 sit at a distance on a closed line 32 (FIG. 3). In an exemplary embodiment (FIGS. 2, 3), this line 32 is a circular line.

The closed line 32 is parallel spaced in the embodiment according to the figures 2 and 3 to an edge 34 of the plate 24. The pins 30 are in particular evenly spaced on the plate 24, that is, a distance between adjacent pins 30 is the same for all pins ,

A pin 30 projects transversely to the first side 26 beyond the plate 24 also.

In the embodiment shown, a pin 30 is oriented perpendicular to the first side 26 of the plate 24.

A pin 30 has at one end 36, which is facing away from the plate 24, a tapering region 38. This tapering region 38 is formed, for example, over a wedge surface (FIGS. 2, 3). It can also be formed over a plurality of wedge surfaces or, for example, via a conical tip (cf.

FIGS. 9 to 12). The taper region 38 serves to facilitate penetration into the fiber composite components 12, 14. The number of pins 30 is preferably at least three and more preferably at least five and in particular at least seven.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 ten pins 30 are present.

Basically, the number of pins 30 and their dimensions, as well as the dimensions of the plate 24 to the application, that is, to the fiber composite components 12, 14, which are to be interconnected.

In a preferred embodiment, a height H of the pins 30 corresponds to a height D (thickness D) of the fiber composite component assembly 10 (see Figure 1), or this height H is greater than the thickness D. When the height H of the pins 30th is greater than the thickness D and in particular is slightly larger than the thickness D, then can easily control whether pins 30 are broken in the process of making the connection. It is possible that all pins 30 have the same height H, or that different heights H are provided for different pins 30.

The thickness D of the produced fiber composite component assembly 10 is composed of the sum of the thicknesses di of the first

Fiber composite component 12 and d _{2 of} the second fiber composite component 14. A typical order of magnitude for the thickness di and d ₂ is 1 to 3 mm.

In the connecting element 22 according to FIGS. 2, 3, an even number of pins 30 are provided. These are positioned on the line 32. Connecting lines 40 between diametrically opposed pins 30 intersect at a point 42 which is a midpoint of the line 32. This results in a uniform force distribution. The connecting element 22 is in particular made of a metallic material. The pins 30 are plastically deformable. FIGS. 2, 3 show an initial state of the connecting element 22. Due to the plastic deformability, the pins 30 can change their orientation relative to the initial state. In particular, they can be bent at least in certain areas (while bending relative to the plate 24). Relative to a penetration direction 44 of the connecting element 22 into a fiber composite component 12 or 14 (indicated in FIG. 2), the pins 30 can be oriented transversely, at least in regions. Relative to the starting position, which is in particular perpendicular to the plate 24, the pins 30 can be provided at least in regions by plastic deformation with a transverse orientation. 1 shows a fixing position of the connecting element 22 is shown, in which the pins 30 are bent to the plate 24 and with respect to the initial position shown in Figures 2, 3.

Due to the plastic deformability and bending of the pins 30, these can be guided past fibers 20 when they penetrate into a fiber composite component 12 or 14 and can be anchored in the fiber composite components 12, 14, whereby a connection between them is possible to manufacture the fiber composite component assembly 10.

The pins 30 are arranged and formed on the plate 24 in particular such that a plastic deformability of the pins 30 (a bendability) is present, which is from the line 32 to the outside (toward the edge 34 out). In particular, there is a bendability in a radial

Direction 46 (Figure 3) away from the point 42 before. In addition to the connection with the connecting elements 22, a welding may also be present at an interface 48 between the fiber composite components 12 and 14. An exemplary embodiment of a device 50 (FIGS. 4 to 7) for connecting fiber composite components 12, 14 (wherein more than two fiber composite components can also be connected to one another) comprises a punch 52 (FIG. 6), via which a connecting element 22 with its pins 30 in fiber composite components 12, 14 can be pressed by penetrating the pins 30 in the direction of penetration 44 into the corresponding matrix material 18 and with displacement of fibers 20, if they should be the pins 30 in the way.

The punch 52 is associated with a counter element 54 (die). A fiber composite component assembly 56 prior to connection has a first one

Page 58 and an opposite second side 60. It is provided that a connecting element 22 is positioned on the first side 58 and the punch 52 is moved in a direction 62 from the first side 58 to the second side 60 to the connecting element 22 with the penetration direction 44 of the pins 30 in the matrix material 18 of the fiber composite material component assembly 56 to bring.

The counter element 54 is positioned on the second side 60 in order to be able to act as a counter element.

In this case, provision can in particular also be made for the counter element 54 to be pressed against the fiber composite component arrangement 56 in a direction 64 which is an opposite direction to the direction 62 and a direction from the second side 60 to the first side 58 becomes.

In one embodiment, a first sleeve 66 is provided. The first sleeve 66 is intended for positioning on the second side 60. The first sleeve 66 has a guide recess 68 in which the counter-element 54 is displaceably guided. The first sleeve 66 is configured in particular ring-shaped, for example in the form of a circular ring. The guide recess 68 is in particular formed as a hollow cylinder. The counter element 54 is then in particular cylindrical.

The first sleeve 66 is provided for fixed positioning on the second side 60. In the guide recess 68, the counter element 54 can then be guided in the direction 64 and thereby press against the fiber composite component assembly 56.

In one embodiment, the counter element 54 comprises a heating device 70. About this heater 70, the fiber composite component assembly can be heated so that in particular a consolidation temperature for the matrix material 18 can be achieved. The heating preferably takes place via the heating device 70 such that matrix material 18 can be brought into a "soft" or flowable state. It may alternatively or additionally be provided that the first sleeve 66 has a heating device 72 in order to achieve the same heating effect.

In one embodiment, a second sleeve 74 is provided which serves for positioning on the first side 58. The second sleeve 74 is formed in particular in the form of a cylinder ring.

A workpiece can be clamped between the first sleeve 66 and the second sleeve 74.

The second sleeve 74 has a guide recess 76. The guide recess 76 is adapted to the dimensions of the connecting element 22 and thereby of the plate 24. This can be through the guide recess 66 pass to bring the pins 30 in the fiber composite component assembly 56 can. The second sleeve 74 forms a positioning template for the connecting element 22. Further, the guide recess 76 serves to guide the punch 52 and the punch 52 to be able to act on the plate 24 (on the second side 28) to the connecting element 22 with its pins To be able to press 30 in the fiber composite component assembly 57. It is provided in particular that the second sleeve 74 has a heating device 78, via which the fiber composite component assembly 56 can be heated from the first side 58 forth.

Furthermore, a heating element 80 may be provided (FIGS. 4, 5), which likewise has a heating device 82. It is particularly provided to guide this heating element 80 into the guide recess 76 to the area on the fiber composite component assembly 56, which is not touched by the second sleeve 74 and thus not in thermal

Contact with this one is to heat. As a result, the heating element 80 in the guide recess 76 is pressed against the first side 58 for thermal contact.

The heating element 80 is used before the connecting element 22 is brought into the guide recess 76 and pressed with the punch 52 in the fiber composite component assembly 56.

The heating element 80 may be formed by the punch 52 or be separated from it. In principle, it is possible that the punch 52 itself has a heating device, and thus in particular heats the connecting element 22, which is then preferably made of a metallic material. The method according to the invention for producing the fiber composite component assembly 10 with connected first fiber composite component 12 and second fiber composite component 14 by one or more connection elements 22 made of the fiber composite component assembly 56 before the connection takes place as follows:

The first fiber composite component 12 and the second fiber composite component 14 are placed against each other. It may be provided that, as mentioned above, the interface 48 between the first fiber composite component 12 and the second fiber composite component 14 is heated and in particular a flat welded joint is performed. The first sleeve 66 is then applied to the device 50 on the second side 60 of the fiber composite component assembly 56 (prior to connection). Further, the second sleeve 74 is applied and thereby clamped the corresponding workpiece. The first sleeve 66 and the second sleeve 74 have in particular at least approximately the same transverse measurements and are aligned with each other.

It can be provided that these are pressed together.

It is the counter element 54 is brought into the guide recess 68 and guided to the second side 60. The heating element 80 is brought into the guide recess 76 and guided to the first side 58. There is a heating in order to heat the corresponding fiber composite material and thereby to heat the matrix material 18, so that it is in a thermoplastic state or is flowable. For example, when PEEK is used as the matrix material 18, it is heated to about 400 ° C. to correspondingly reach the consolidation temperature of the matrix material 18. In parallel, the connecting element 22 is heated.

It is then guided by the guide recess 76, a connecting element 22 to the first side 58 and pressed with the punch 52 in the fiber composite component assembly 56. The pins 30 penetrate into the matrix material 18 in the direction of penetration 44.

Fibers 20, when they reach the area of pins 30, are displaced and not severed. As a result of the heating, the viscosity of the matrix material 18 is reduced in such a way that this deflection of the fibers 20 is made possible.

The counter element 54 is firmly positioned in this method step, that is to say in such a way that it can not escape in the direction 62.

When the pins 30 act on the mating element 54 (directly or with matrix material 18 in between), they are plastically deformed (FIG. 7) and, relative to the initial state, the pins 30 are bent over (FIG. 7). These can be characterized in the matrix material 18 both of the first

Anchor fiber composite component 12 and the second fiber composite component 14 and it is achieved the connection.

The first side 26 of the plate 24 rests against the first side 58 of the first fiber composite component 12 and further penetration is prevented. In a fixing position 84 (see Figure 8), the pins 30 are bent in comparison to the starting position (see Figure 6). In certain regions, they have a transverse orientation to the penetration direction 44 and are partially oriented transversely to this initial position. As a result of the heating of the fiber composite components 12, 14, even if no welded connection has previously taken place, a cohesive connection can take place at the interface 48.

In one embodiment, on a side 86 facing the second side 60 of the fiber-composite component assembly 46 when the connection is made, the counter-element 54 has a depression 88 which annularly surrounds a central region 90. This depression 88 is bounded by a first edge 92 towards the central region 90 and bounded by a second edge 94 towards an outer side of the counter element 54.

The central region 90 is adapted in its transverse dimensions to the plate 24 (and thereby to the guide recess 76 and the punch 52). The central region 90 has a slightly smaller diameter than the plate 24, in particular in the case of a disk-shaped configuration of the plate 24. A depth T of the depression 88 decreases continuously towards the first edge 92 and decreases continuously towards the second edge 94. Between the first edge 92 and the second edge 94, the recess 88 has its greatest depth. In particular, edges and the like are avoided on the recess 88.

The recess 88 is aligned with the position of the pins 30 on a connecting element 22.

When a connecting element 22 is pressed into the fiber composite component assembly 56 (FIG. 6), the pins 30 can deflect into the depression 88 and undergo a type of deflection there (FIG. 7). It is thus possible to achieve a kind of barb positioning in the fiber-composite component arrangement 56, in order to achieve precisely in the fiber-composite material Component assembly 10, the fiber composite components 12, 14 to connect together.

The indentation 88 provides for a corresponding adaptation to the connecting element 22 with the arrangement of its pins 30 for a targeted guidance of the plastic deformation of the pins 30 and in particular for a deflection for a purposeful bending.

The central region 90 preferably corresponds to the line 32 and, in particular, these are aligned with respect to the direction 62 in alignment with one another.

It can be provided that after positioning the connecting element 22 with its pins 30 for cooling the workpiece, a defined cooling of the counter element 54 or the first sleeve 66 or the second sleeve 74 with the heating element 80, which now acts as a cooling element, to achieve a consolidation of joining partners 12 and 14. The result is then the fiber composite component assembly 10 (Figure 1 and Figure 8).

The method according to the invention is composed of a stamped riveting of the connecting element 22 with elements of a thermoplastic welding process in which the matrix material 18 is brought above its consolidation temperature in order to be thermoplastic or to be free-flowing. Characterized in that a plurality of spaced pins 30 are arranged on the plate 24, no local separation takes place at the fiber composite components 12, 14; it is a completely enclosed area as avoided in semi-hollow punching.

Over the pins 30 fibers 20 can be displaced; a separation of fibers 20 is thereby avoided. The heating of the matrix material 18 supports this displacement process by lowering the viscosity of the matrix material 18.

The plastic deformation of the pins 30 allows for optimized positioning of the pins 30 in the fiber composite 16 of the fiber composite component assembly 10. The pins 30 can, so to speak, catch in and thus provide the connection.

In addition to the mechanical connection via a connecting element 22, a cohesive connection can also be made at the interface 58 by previously performed thermoplastic welding process, or by appropriate heating during the "Rivietungsprozesses" by connecting elements 22. The connection via a connecting element 22 can be produced without the need for pre-drilling. As a result, no chips are created which cause contamination of the environment.

By means of existing connecting elements 22, very good crack-stop properties are obtained for a manufactured fiber-composite component arrangement 10, that is to say the propagation of cracks can be limited.

Furthermore, fiber composite components 12, 14 can be produced with relatively high tolerances in the joining partners, since not necessarily parallel or exactly parallel surfaces must be present.

A connecting element 22 can be produced in a simple manner. It may be made, for example, from a deep-drawing steel or from an alloy such as Ti-6AI-4V.

A device 50 for producing a connection can be designed in a structurally simple manner and used universally. Fiber composite component assemblies 10 which have been produced by the method according to the invention or with the aid of connecting elements 22 according to the invention can be used in many fields such as aircraft construction, automobile construction, sports equipment construction and the like. Basically, all fiber composite components with thermoplastic

Connect matrix material 18.

As mentioned above, the arrangement and formation of the pins 30 on the plate 24 and the number of pins 30 depends on the particular application.

In a further embodiment of a connecting element 96

(Figures 9, 10) 98 pins 100 are arranged on a plate. In their initial position, these pins 100 project vertically away from the plate 98. A pin 100 has, relative to a cross section 102 parallel to the plate 98, a tapering region 104. At this taper region 104, a width 106 to an edge 108 of the plate 98 is greater than a width 110 to a center.

In cross-section 102, a web 100 is, for example, at least approximately triangular.

In particular, such a tapered region 104 extends over an entire height of a pin 100 to a tapered region at one end.

The tapering region 104 in the cross-section 102 is used in the

plastic deformation to achieve bending outward (away from a center 112). By the rejuvenation region 104, a bending direction can be specified.

In a further embodiment of a connecting element 114 (FIGS. 11, 12), a plate 116 is provided, on which pins 118 in one Starting position protrude vertically upwards away. A pin 108 has a circular cross-section and is provided at one end 120 with a tip 122; At the end 120, a tapering region 124 is formed which leads to the tip 122.

The pins 118 are arranged in particular spaced on a circular line.

In a further embodiment of a connecting element 126 (FIGS. 13, 14), a plate 128 is provided, on which an initial state pins 130 project vertically upwards.

In the embodiment shown, the pins 130 have a circular cross section and a tapering region 132 in the region of an end facing away from the plate 128.

At the pins 130 sit a plurality of barbs 134.

In one embodiment, a barb is formed in the manner of a spike, which projects transversely from the pin 130 from.

Such a barb 134 has, for example, a triangular shape.

The barbs 134 cause a surface enlargement of the combination of pin 130 with barbs 134th

The barbs 134 provide additional positive locking in consolidated matrix material 18. In particular, barbs 134 are disposed circumferentially around the pin 130. These can be arranged at different heights based on the distance to the plate 128. In one embodiment, a barb 134 has a first flank 138 and a second flank 140 relative to a skirt 136 of a pin 130. The first flank 138 is arranged and formed so that it lies at an obtuse angle 142 (greater than 180 °) to the jacket 136. The first edge 138 is facing away from the plate 128th

The second flank 140 faces the plate 128. It lies in particular at an acute angle 144 to the casing 136.

The arrangement of the first edge 138 at the obtuse angle 142 facilitates the penetration of a pin 130 upon insertion into the fiber composite component assembly 56.

List of Reference Fiber-composite component assembly

First fiber composite component

Second fiber composite Material component

Fiber composite material

matrix material

fibers

connecting element

Plate

First page

Second page

pencils

line

edge

The End

tapering region

connecting line

Point

penetration device

Radial area

interface

device

stamp

counter-element

Fiber composite component arrangement before / at connection First page

Second page

direction

First sleeve

guide recess heater

heater

Second sleeve

guide recess

heater

heating element

heater

fixation position

page

deepening

Central area

First edge

Second edge

connecting element

Plate

pencils

cross-section

tapering region

width

edge

width

center

connecting element

Plate

pen

The End

top

tapering region

connecting element

Plate

pen

tapering region

barb coat

First flank Second flank Dull angle Spitzer angle

Claims

claims

1. connecting element for fiber composite components (12, 14),

comprising a plate (24; 98; 116; 128), and a plurality of spaced pins (30; 100; 118; 130) seated on the plate (24; 98; 116; 128), the pins (30; 100, 118, 130) are provided for penetrating into a matrix material (18) of the fiber composite material, wherein the pins (30; 100; 118; 130) are plastically deformable, and wherein in a fixing position of the connecting element a pin (30; 130) is oriented by plastic deformation at least regionally transverse to a penetration direction (44) of the corresponding pin (30; 100; 118; 130) into the matrix material (18) and / or bent at least in regions relative to its orientation in a starting position, and / or at least partially has a transverse orientation to its orientation in the starting position.

2. Connecting element according to claim 1, characterized by

at least three pins (30; 100; 118; 130), preferably at least five pins (30; 100; 118; 130) and in particular by at least seven pins (30; 100; 118; 130).

3. Connecting element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pins (30; 100; 118; 130) spaced and in particular evenly spaced on a closed line (32) are arranged.

4. Connecting element according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that a pin (30; 100; 118; 130) has a tapering portion (38; 104; 124; 132) at an end (36) facing away from the disc (24; 98; 116; 128) ,

5. Connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pin (100) relative to its cross section (102) parallel to the plate (98) has a tapering region (104), in particular a region of greater width (106) closer to an edge (108) of the plate (98) is located as a smaller width region (110).

6. Connecting element according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the pins (30; 100; 118; 130) are connected to the plate (24; 98; 116; 128) and in particular are integrally connected.

7. Connecting element according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that at least one barb (134) is arranged on a pin (130).

8. A method of joining fiber composite components (12; 14) to at least one connecting element (22; 96; 114; 126) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connecting element (22; 96; 114; first side (58) of a fiber composite component assembly (56) in a direction (60) from the first side (58) to a second side (60) of the fiber composite component assembly (56) into the fiber composite component Arrangement (56) is pressed, and on the second side (60), a counter-element (54) is or is positioned.

A method according to claim 8, characterized in that the counter element (54) is urged in a direction from the second side (60) to the first side (58).

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the fiber composite component assembly (56) is heated and in particular in thermoplastic matrix material (18) of the fiber composite material of the fiber composite component assembly heating in a thermoplastic state or flowable state of Matrix material (18) takes place.

11. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the counter element (54) adapted to the at least one connecting element (22; 96; 114; 126) has a recess (98) for positioning pins (30; 130).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the recess (88) annularly surrounds a central region (90), wherein in particular the central region (90) with a closed line (32) corresponds, on which the pins (30; 118; 130) are arranged on the plate (24; 98; 116; 128) of the at least one connecting element (22; 96; 114; 126).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the depression (88) towards a first edge (92) which faces the central region (90) has a decreasing and in particular continuously decreasing depth and / or that the Groove (88) to a second edge (94), which of the

remote central region (90) has a decreasing and in particular continuously decreasing depth.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the counter-element (54) is movably guided on a first sleeve (66), which in particular on the Faserverbundwerksoff-component arrangement (56) on the second side (60). is attached, in particular, the counter-element (54) and / or the first sleeve (66) is heated and / or heated.

15. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the at least one connecting element (22; 96; 114; 126) via a punch (52) in the direction (62) from the first side (58) to the second Side (60) is pressed, in particular the punch (52) on a second sleeve (74) is guided, which on the first side (58) on the fiber composite component assembly (56) is placed, in particular the stamp ( 52) and / or the second sleeve (74) is heated and / or heated.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that at the

second sleeve (74) a heating element (80) is feasible and / or guided.

17. Method according to one of claims 8 to 16, characterized in that a height (H) of pins (30; 100; 118; 130) of the at least one connecting element (22; 96; 114; 126) over the associated plate (24 98; 116; 128) is higher than or equal to a height (D) of the fiber composite component assembly (56; 10).

18. Method according to one of claims 8 to 17, characterized in that, when the connection is made, pins (30; 100; 118; 130) of the at least one connecting element (22; 96; 114; 126) are bent in relation to their initial state and in Matrix material (18) of the fiber composite material of the fiber composite component assembly (10) lie.

19. A device for connecting fiber composite components, comprising a pressing device (52) for pressing a connecting element (22; 96; 114; 126) according to one of claims 1 to 7 into a fiber composite component assembly (56), and a counter element (54) for deforming pins (30; 100; 118; 130) of the connecting element (22; 96; 114; 126).

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the

Counterelement (54) is guided in a first sleeve (66) and / or a punch (52) of the pressing device in a second sleeve (74) is guided, and in particular a heating device (70; 72; 78; 82) on at least one of the following means are arranged: the counter element (54), the punch (52), the first sleeve (66), the second sleeve (74), a heating element (80) which is guided in the second sleeve (74).

21. A fiber composite component assembly comprising at least two fiber composite components (12, 14) which are connected to at least one connecting element (22; 96; 114; 126) according to one of claims 1 to 7.