WO2015032986A1

WO2015032986A1 - Method and device for edge-trimming a prefabricated semifinished product

Info

Publication number: WO2015032986A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/069206
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steffen Maertiens
Original assignee: Dieffenbacher GmbH Maschinen- und Anlagenbau
Priority date: 2013-09-09
Filing date: 2014-09-09
Publication date: 2015-03-12
Also published as: DE102013109856A1; EP3043985A1; AT15267U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for edge-trimming a three-dimensionally preformed semifinished product (3) made of fibre material (4) and a small proportion of binding agent, having • - a receiving device (2) which is formed so as to follow the contour of the semifinished product (3), • - a trimming frame (7) which is formed so as to follow the subsequent circumferential form of the semifinished product (3). The invention is characterized in that • - the receiving device (2) is arranged beneath the semifinished product (3) in the direction of gravitational force when used as intended; • - provision is made of a cutting device (10) which is formed so as to be movable circumferentially along the circumferential form of the semifinished product (3) in order to trim the protruding material of the semifinished product (3).

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MAKING A PREPARED HALF TOOL

The invention relates to a device for trimming a prefabricated three-dimensionally shaped semifinished product from a fiber material. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for trimming such a fiber material.

Prefabricated three-dimensionally shaped semi-finished products made of fiber material are known as semi-finished products for further processing into fiber-reinforced molded parts by injection molding or resin injection or infusion (RTM, VARI, VIP), for example, a high-pressure process, from the general state of the art.

For example, DE 10 2010 043 666 A1 describes a method and an apparatus for producing such a three-dimensionally preformed semifinished product or three-dimensional preform. The device described therein, which is also referred to as a draping device, is able to bring one or more layers of a knitted fabric, fabric or knitted fabric made of fibers in a predetermined three-dimensional shape, in particular so that the fibers do not be charged on train. Together with a small amount of binder, typically about 5 to 30 g / m ^2, based on the area of the individual layers, this results in the three-dimensionally preformed semi-finished product. This three-dimensionally preformed semi-finished product is then trimmed along its later outer edges to the later shape and can be further processed, for example, in a press with a high-pressure injection system.

The described small amount of binder or binder material thereby a cohesion of the draped in the three-dimensional shape or contour individual layers of the fiber material is achieved. However, the binding material is desired only in the comparatively small amounts described above in order not to affect the later properties of the finished fiber-reinforced component or only minimally. The three-dimensionally preformed semi-finished product is thus usually very little dimensionally stable and has a comparatively high flexibility.

The further processing of the three-dimensionally prefabricated semi-finished product is then carried out so that this is inserted into the pressing tool. The peripheral shape of the semifinished product has to be very close to the inner contour of the mold all around in order to achieve a complete sheathing of the fibers on the one hand and to ensure a complete closing of the molds on the other hand. If the fiber material were too large in the edge region, it would protrude between the sealing elements of the mold. This would no longer be completely sealed, which would be a major disadvantage, especially in high-pressure RTM process. If the outer contour of the preformed three-dimensional semifinished product is too small, an increased accumulation of the injected carrier resin results in the edge region, which is likewise undesirable since this results in deteriorated and / or unexpected material properties in the edge region. The outer contour of the three-dimensionally prefabricated semi-finished product must therefore achieve a comparatively high dimensional stability of the order of magnitude of ± 1 mm for such ratios. Due to the high flexibility or the lack of stability of the three-dimensionally preformed semifinished product, this represents a considerable challenge in so-called trimming, ie cutting the three-dimensionally prefabricated semi-finished product to its final peripheral shape. Due to the high flexibility of the semifinished product, a very low cutting forces already occur not negligible deformation of the semifinished product, which thus has an extremely negative effect on the cutting tolerance. One possible solution, which is known in the general state of the art, would be the trimming of the peripheral shape by means of a laser cutting machine. However, this solution is extremely expensive and therefore not economical or only in borderline cases.

Another solution is described by WO 91/17035 A1. This document uses a three-dimensionally preformed semi-finished product, which is inserted without prior trimming in the mold with injection mold. Subsequently, in the pressing tool moves a knife, which images the entire peripheral shape of the later workpiece, from top to bottom on a cutting edge position and thereby cuts off the fiber material. Subsequently, a gasket is pressed down on the inside of the cutting blade to appropriately seal the area into which the resin is injected. This structure is comparatively inflexible and has some disadvantages. In particular, a cutting blade must exist, which in each case completely images the outer contour or peripheral shape of the later workpiece. A further disadvantage is that the peripheral cutting over a cutting blade, which presses from top to bottom on a cutting edge, the fibers of the fiber material partially and in particular unevenly stretched and squeezed, resulting in undesirable material properties in the finished component. A further disadvantage is that the seal must be made along the knife, and therefore, especially for high pressure applications, therefore not suitable, since depending on the friction between the seal and the knife may possibly leaks occur. In addition, the fiber material must be pushed back by the pointed tapered seal, which on the one hand may solve any stresses introduced, but on the other hand can lead to compression of the fiber material, which are far more undesirable than registered stresses, since they produce a waviness in the fiber material can. A further disadvantage is that due to the structure in the edge region, the fiber material, in particular on the end faces of the cut edges, is not or only insufficiently wetted with the injected resin, so that open edges of the fiber material can arise. These represent, for example, with respect to the penetration of moisture into the fibers a significant disadvantage in terms of the life of the fiber-reinforced component.

Furthermore, a similar structure is known from EP 2 524 796 A1, in which a trimming of the semifinished product in the sense of a spacing or cutting off of the protruding material also takes place in the pressing tool of an injection mold by means of a circumferential shape of the subsequent semifinished product in its entirety.

Based on this prior art, it is now the object of the present invention to provide a device and a method which avoids these disadvantages and specifies a flexible, simple and safe structure for trimming the three-dimensionally prefabricated semi-finished product.

According to the invention this object is achieved by the features in the characterizing part of claim 1. A procedural solution is indicated by the features in the characterizing part of claim 17. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the device and the method emerge in each case from the subclaims dependent thereon.

In the device according to the invention a receiving device is provided which is formed following the contour of the semifinished product. In a particularly favorable and advantageous development of the idea, it can be provided in particular that the receiving device is formed by the Drapierschale a draping analogous to the aforementioned prior art, which is pivoted for use in the apparatus according to the invention by 180 °. Furthermore, a trim frame is part of the device, which is formed following the later peripheral shape of the semifinished product. According to the invention it is provided that the receiving device is arranged in the intended use in the direction of gravity below the semifinished product and this supports accordingly. The apparatus further comprises a cutting device, which is formed circumferentially movably along the contact shape of the semifinished product for trimming the protruding material of the semifinished product. In the structure according to the invention, the comparatively flexible semifinished product is thus supported by a receiving device following the contour of the semifinished product, for example a draping tray. At least below the peripheral shape of the semifinished product is then a trim frame. Along this trimming frame, the peripheral shape of the semifinished product is trimmed by a cutting device guided around the peripheral mold. In contrast to a simultaneous trimming of all points of the entire circumferential shape so undesirable stresses in the fiber material are avoided, and it is achieved a high degree of flexibility, especially when the cutting device is guided, for example by means of a robot arm and a corresponding programming along the desired peripheral shape of the semifinished product. By receiving the semifinished product in the receiving device can also be a very good support of the flexible material of the semifinished product can be achieved, so that without unwanted forces are introduced, a very accurate trimming can be done. This is especially true if according to the described advantageous embodiment, the receiving device is also the Drapierschale, since then no conversion of the semifinished product from the Drapierschale is required in the receiving device and thereby even greater precision when trimming the outer peripheral shape can be achieved.

In a particularly favorable and advantageous development of the device according to the invention, it may be provided that the trim frame is formed on its outer contour of the peripheral shape of the finished semifinished product accordingly. This therefore means that the outer contour of the trim frame directly follows the circumferential shape of the finished semi-finished product or images it. Thus, the trim frame is not over the later shape of the semi-finished product, so that all overcuts can be easily cut along the Beschnittrahmens so as to achieve the desired subsequent peripheral shape of the finished semi-finished product. The trim frame may in particular have a cutting edge. Such a configuration, in which the trim frame follows the peripheral shape exactly and in particular has a cutting edge, allows the use of the trim frame as a kind of template. It can then be done very exactly along the cutting edge or along the outer contour of the Beschnittrahmens the trimming of the semifinished product, whereby a high precision is achieved.

According to an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, it can also be provided that the trim frame has a cutting gap or a cutting groove below the peripheral shape of the semi-finished product. Such a cutting gap or a cutting groove can be part of the subsequent peripheral shape of the semifinished projecting Beschnittrahmens, wherein the cutting gap or the cutting groove, which in turn follows exactly the later peripheral shape of the semifinished, a trimming thereof is very accurately possible.

In a further alternative embodiment, it can also be provided that the trim frame extends below the peripheral shape of the semifinished product and has a cutting edge element for a cutting device. This embodiment comprises a typically flexible counter element for the cutting device. This could then be performed, for example, in the form of a cutting wheel, or in particular in the form of an oscillating knife, along the later peripheral shape of the semifinished product, whereby unnecessary premature wear of the cutting device is prevented by the flexible counter element in the region of the trim frame.

In an advantageous development, it is further provided that the cutting gap, the cutting groove or the cutting edge element transversely to the peripheral shape of the finished semifinished product extending portions. Such transverse to the later peripheral shape of the finished semi-finished extending portions of the cutting edge element of the cutting groove or the cutting gap can be used to cut the protruding material which is cut transversely, for example perpendicular to the direction of the later peripheral shape of the semifinished product. By means of such a cutting, the cut material can be subdivided into a plurality of individual sections and can thus be removed much more easily from the device than if this is present as a continuous material which is typically closed in a ring shape.

In a further very favorable embodiment of the device according to the invention, it can now also be provided that a hold-down frame is arranged above the semifinished product and formed following its outer contour of the peripheral shape of the semifinished product. In particular, it may be provided that the hold-down frame is formed under prestress against the trim frame pressed. With this particularly favorable structure, the holding-down frame can be pressed from above onto the trim frame lying below the outer contour of the semifinished product in the intended use with slight pressure. The material of the semifinished product is thus clamped between the hold-down frame and the trim frame. The pressure with which the upper hold-down frame is pressed onto the lower trim frame, can be chosen in particular so that the material of the semifinished product is indeed sufficiently fixed to be cut off precisely, but on the other hand is not stretched or squeezed with respect to its fibers. Then, a cutting off of the protruding fiber material can take place along the outer contour of the device through the hold-down frame and through the trim frame. In this advantageous embodiment, a delay of the semifinished product is effectively avoided.

According to a very favorable development of the device according to the invention, it may be provided in addition or as an alternative to the hold-down frame, that the trim frame has in its surface in contact with the semi-finished surface openings which are connectable to a vacuum source. Such a structure allows the suction of the semifinished product via vacuum or a vacuum. The semifinished product is then securely and reliably fixed to the trim frame and can be easily and reliably trimmed with or even without the hold-down frame to the later peripheral shape of the finished semifinished product.

The trimming itself can take place according to an advantageous development such that the cutting device is designed as a scissors cutting system. Such a scissors cutting system with relatively mutually movable cutting is particularly efficient and gentle when trimming the fiber material, as a clean cut without bruising or deformation and in particular without the entry of tension or compression in the fibers.

In an advantageous development of this, it can be provided that with a corresponding configuration of the trim frame as one of the two relatively movable cutting edges, the cutting edge of the trim frame is used. The structure is very simple and efficient. The trim frame can in particular be designed so that interchangeable cutting edges are mounted on its outer contour, so that they can be easily replaced when worn.

An alternative embodiment of the cutting device provides that it has an oscillating blade, in particular an ultrasonic knife. In the known method of technical ultrasonic cutting takes place a pressure-free cutting of the fiber material by a, in particular ultrasonically excited, oscillating blade. This is particularly gentle and can also be implemented easily and efficiently without the introduction of undesirable stresses in the fiber material.

According to a very favorable development of the device according to the invention, it is now also provided that a suction device is provided for sucking off the cut off protruding material. The cut-off projecting material can be sucked in this particularly advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention via the suction device and so very easily, reliably and cleanly removed from the device. This has the additional advantage that, depending on the type of fiber, any impairments of the environment which may be caused by the fibers, in particular when they are cut into very small lengths, are prevented, since these very short fiber shreds are also extracted by the suction device.

In an advantageous development of this idea, the suction device can be guided by a robot arm, for example parallel or temporally after the cutting device, along the peripheral shape of the semifinished product. The provision of the suction device via the robot in chronological sequence after the cutting device permits in particular the use of a single robot, while otherwise two robot arms or a corresponding device for the spaced guidance of the cutting device on the one hand and the suction device on the other hand would be necessary on a common robot arm.

In the method according to the invention, it is now provided that, for trimming the already described three-dimensionally prefabricated semifinished product made of fiber material for further processing in a compression and injection process (RTM), the semifinished product is deposited in a receiving device which follows the three-dimensional shape of the semifinished product. Again, as the receiving device, in particular, a draping cup from a previously performed draping process can be used. Then, a trim frame defining the peripheral shape of the semifinished product is placed below the semifinished product or is already integrated into the receptacle. Thereafter, the protruding material of the semifinished product is circumferentially cut off. The resulting higher flexibility and the corresponding advantages correspond to the already explained in the context of the device advantages.

In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it may be provided that the semifinished product is clamped between an upper hold-down frame and a lower trim frame before the protruding material is cut circumferentially along the hold-down frame. Again, there are the advantages in terms of higher accuracy when trimming the semi-finished product analogous to the already described embodiments of the device.

In a favorable embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is further provided that the protruding material of the semifinished product is cut transversely to the peripheral shape of the finished semifinished product prior to cutting. Such cutting of the protruding material before it is cut off, advantageously ensures that no circumferential annular closed cut material is obtained, but that this breaks up by the cross-cutting into individual sections. These are then much easier to remove from the device, creating a procedural advantage.

In a very favorable development of the method according to the invention, it is now also provided that the cut-off material of the semifinished product is sucked off via a suction device after cutting off. In particular, in combination with the cutting of the material before cutting off, the result is a very simple and efficient construction, which ensures a very good, simple and reliable production process.

In a further very advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the receiving device is used as Drapierschale a draping device, in particular according to DE 10 2010 043 666 A1, which is pivoted after draping the semifinished product by 180 ° and the Besäumung is supplied , By not necessary Umbett the material by the further use of Drapierschale as receiving means for trimming a further significant improvement in the accuracy of the trimming is achieved.

As already mentioned, it can advantageously be provided that the cutting off of the protruding material of the semifinished product is effected by a cutting device which is guided completely by its circumference in the feed direction along the peripheral shape of the semifinished product by means of an automated moving device, in particular a robot. In a very advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can now be provided that the suction device for sucking the cut material temporally and / or locally after the cutting device by means of an automated movement device, in particular a robot, in the feed direction along the peripheral shape of the semifinished product around the Scope is performed. In time or locally offset from the cutting device, the suction device can thus be guided along the circumference via the same robot or a second robot, so that the cut-off material can be sucked in. A reliable and careful disposal of the cut material, without residues remaining in the area of the device is thus ensured.

In principle, trimming cuts according to the present invention can not only be made vertically, and thus parallel to gravity, but also at an arbitrary angle.

Further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention will become apparent from the remaining dependent subclaims and will be apparent from the embodiment, which is described below with reference to the figures.

Showing:
1 shows a draping device according to DE 10 2010 043 666 A1 in a first position;
FIG. 2 shows a draping device according to DE 10 2010 043 666 A1 in a second position; FIG.
3 shows a draping device according to DE 10 2010 043 666 A1 in a third position;
4 shows several representations of a possible apparatus for trimming a prefabricated three-dimensionally shaped semifinished product and the method sequence;
5 shows a first possible embodiment of a detail of the device for trimming in cross section;
6 shows a representation analogous to FIG. 5 in a side view;
Figure 7 shows a second possible embodiment of a detail of the device for trimming in cross section.
8 is a view similar to Figure 7 in a side view,
9 shows a third possible embodiment of a detail of the device for trimming in cross-section;
Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail X of Figure 9;
FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 9 in a side view; FIG.
FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the enlarged detail analogous to FIG. 10;
13 shows a further possible embodiment of the apparatus for trimming in cross-section during a further step of the method sequence; and
14 is a plan view of the trim frame analogous to the representation in FIG. 13.

In the figures 1, 2 and 3, a draping device 1 can be seen analogously to the representations in the German patent application DE 10 2010 043 666 A1. With regard to their exact functionality, reference is made to the document there. This functionality plays a minor role in the present invention and is merely illustrative of the best mode. Part of the draping device 1 is a draping cup, which serves as a receiving device 2 for a three-dimensionally prefabricated semi-finished product which is produced or prefabricated in the draping device 1. The later semifinished product 3 is shown in the illustrations of FIGS. 1 to 3 in the form of a plurality of draped fiber layers 4. These fiber layers 4 are, as described in the cited German patent application, tension-free inserted into the shape of the Drapierschale and preformed by stamp elements 5 accordingly. After this has taken place, which is indicated in the illustration of Figure 1, the draping device 1 is pivoted with the Drapierschale by an angle of 180 °, so that the Drapierschale in the direction of gravity g below the semifinished product 3 from the individual fiber layers 4 of the fiber material lie comes. At this time, the individual fiber layers 4 of the fiber material are already provided with a very small amount of binder of typically 5 to 30 g / m ^{2 of} the individual fiber layers 4. As a result, they adhere to one another and form the three-dimensionally preformed semifinished product 3, which still has comparatively high flexibility due to the very small amount of binder. After pivoting the draping device 1 into the position shown in FIG. 2, the unit provided with the punches 5 is swiveled back analogously to the illustration in FIG. The semifinished product 3 now lies in the draping cup and is supported accordingly by the draping cup, which follows the contour of the semifinished product 3, or pressed against the draping cup by the force of gravity g. It is thus comparatively safe and without, despite its comparatively high flexibility, the risk of deformation, in the Drapierschale.

This Drapierschale now serves as a receiving device 2 for a device shown in several steps in Figure 4 6 for trimming the semifinished product 3. In the partial view in Figure 4a) is again the position of Drapierschale or receiving device 2 analogous to the representation in Figure 1 can be seen. An arrow indicates the pivoting. In FIG. 4b), the device 6 for trimming is shown. The receiving device 2 has already been pivoted into the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 as shown in FIG. The semifinished product 3 is located above the draping cup and is supported by it. The special feature over the prior art is that the draping cup or receiving device 2 in the device 6 according to FIG. 4 has a trimming frame 7. Analogous to the direct integration of the trim frame 7, this could also be brought in when inserting the receiving device 2 in the device 6 from below. Likewise, it would be conceivable to form the receiving device 2 as an independent receiving device and to convey the semifinished product accordingly via a handling robot or the like from the draping cup into the then independently formed receiving device 2. However, it is advantageous if receiving device 2 and Drapierschale are the same component, since then no displacement of the still flexible semi-finished product 3 is necessary before trimming, which ultimately increases the achievable during trimming accuracy.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 4 also a hold-down frame 8 is part of the device 6. This is, as can be seen in the partial views b) and c) of Figure 4, in the direction of gravity from above on the semifinished product 3 and now below the semifinished product 3 lying receiving device 2 is pivoted. In the partial view of Figure 4c) is indicated by two arrows denoted by F, that the hold-down frame 8 is pressed against the Beschnittrahmen 7 with a slight contact force. As a result, the material of the semifinished product 3 is securely held between the hold-down frame 8 and the trim frame 7. The force F can be chosen so that no squeezing of the fiber material occurs, and that the fiber material is not stretched. Nevertheless, the edge of the semifinished product 3 is clamped accordingly and held securely in position. Subsequently, as can be seen in the representation of FIG. 4d), the material x projecting beyond the trim frame 7 and the hold-down frame 8 is cut off via a robot arm 9 and a cutting device 10 fastened to the robot arm 9. This is also referred to as trimming the semifinished product 3. The process with the peripheral cutting off of the protruding material x is very gentle on the material and squeezes and does not tension the fibers of the semifinished product 3 at all or only minimally. At the same time, by using the trim frame 7 and advantageously additionally the hold-down frame 8, a comparatively high precision when trimming the semi-finished product 3 can be achieved. The semifinished product edged in this way can then, as can be seen in the illustration of FIG. 4e), be lifted off the receiving device 2, for example via an indicated handling robot 11 when the hold-down frame 8 is folded up, and, for example, an intermediate storage and / or direct further processing in a press and Injection process, for example RTM process, are fed in a corresponding press or pressing tool.

In the representation of FIG. 5, a possible embodiment of the cutting device 10 can be seen in a sectional view through the semifinished product 3 and the trim frame 7 as well as the hold-down frame 8. The cutting device 10 is formed in this case as a scissors cutting system 12. The scissors cutting system 12 comprises two relatively mutually movable cutting edges 13, 14, of which in the embodiment shown here, the cutting edge 14 is formed as a stationary cutting edge and the cutting edge 13 as a movable cutting edge.

It can be seen in the side view of FIG. 6 that the cutting device 10 is guided around the peripheral shape of the semifinished product 3 in accordance with the feed marked V. The protruding parts of the material x of the semifinished product 3 are cut off. Thus, the semi-finished product 3 on the left of the cutting device 10 is already trimmed, while in the feed direction before the cutting device 10, the supernatants of the material x can still be seen. The cutting edges 13, 14 or at least one of the cutting edges, in particular the movable cutting edge 13, is formed obliquely to the main position of the edge of the semifinished product 3. In addition to a slope, a rounded contour would also be conceivable. In this way, it is achieved that the cut is essentially always made only in a very small area of the edge of the semifinished product 3, whereby the entry of forces into the fibers of the semifinished product 3 is minimized.

An alternative illustration of the cutting device 10 can be seen in the illustration of FIG. The cutting device 10 again comprises a movable cutting edge, which, however, is designed here as an ultrasonic knife 15. This ultrasound knife 15 uses an oscillating movement of its cutting edge produced by ultrasound and can thus cut off the supernatant material x of the semifinished product 3 very precisely and without influencing the pressure on the semifinished product 3. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, a further cutting edge 16 in the form of a cutting edge 16 which can be exchanged for screws via the indicated holes is arranged in the trim frame 7. This can be replaced if necessary and allows the use of the cutting device 10 without its own second cutting edge, since it is integrated in the trim frame 7. In principle, this would also be conceivable in the case of the design of the cutting device 10 as a scissors cutting system 12. However, together with the excitation of the movable cutting edge by means of ultrasound, it is possible to cut off the supernatant material x of the semifinished product 3 into the semifinished product 3 virtually without pressure influencing and without the introduction of stresses or the like. Accordingly, it is also possible to completely dispense with the holding-down frame 8, which is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 7, in this construction.

In the side view of FIG. 8, the advance of the cutting edge formed as an ultrasonic knife 15 is shown once again by means of the solid line marked V. The feed takes place so that the cutting edge, which in turn is formed obliquely, but in principle could also be rounded, in the illustration of Figure 8 is first passed down through the supernatant material x, before again upwards and in the circumferential direction of the semifinished product 3 is displaced. Then the movement is down again, back up and so on. As a result, a very precise cutting by means of the cutting device 10 is achieved.

In the illustration of Figure 9, a further possible embodiment can be seen. The cutting device 10 is in this case again designed as a knife, for example in the form of the recognizable in the representation of Figure 11 cutting wheel 17. The receiving device 2 with integrated trim frame 7, in the embodiment shown here, circumferentially around the peripheral shape of the semifinished product 3, a Schneidersgenelement 18 for the Cutting device 10 and the cutting wheel 17 on. In addition, the semifinished product 3 is held via the hold-down frame 8 against the receiving device 2 or the trim frame 7 integrated therein. The cutting device 10 can be seen in the illustration of Figure 9 in a first upper position and shown in black in a second engaged position. This engaged position can be seen in detail from the enlarged view of FIG. The cutting wheel 17 penetrates the material of the semifinished product 3 and cuts off the supernatant material x accordingly. The cutting edge of the cutting wheel 17 dips slightly into the cutting edge element 18 in order to ensure a safe and reliable cut. The cutting edge element 18 is designed to be flexible in order to protect the cutting edge of the cutting wheel 17. The entire structure is shown in the representation of Figure 11 again in a side view with partially cut trim frame 7. In addition to the cutting wheel 17 shown here, in cooperation with the cutting edge element 18, it is possible in particular to use a movable blade which is excited in an oscillating manner, in particular by ultrasound. The embodiment variant with the cutting edge element 18 is therefore particularly reliable and efficient, in particular in combination with the ultrasonic knife 15 already mentioned above.

Analogous to the illustration in FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment is shown in the illustration of FIG. The structure essentially corresponds to the construction already described in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11. Instead of the cutting edge element 18, however, a cutting groove or a cutting gap 19 occurs, which is so formed that, for example, the cutting wheel 17 or an ultrasonic knife 15 can dip into the cutting gap 19 when the circumferential shape of the semifinished product 3 is trimmed, so that there are none Damage to the cutting edge occurs. In contrast to a Schneidersgenelement 18, the structure is less susceptible to wear.

The cut-off material x must now be reliably removed from the device 6. For this purpose, in particular, a suction device 20 shown in Figure 13 can be used. This can be performed, for example, over the robot arm 9 in time after the cutting device 10 around the circumference of the semifinished product 3 to suck the cut material x. Additionally or alternatively, it would also be conceivable, either via a second robot or a corresponding device, which holds the suction device 20 and the cutting device 10 spaced from each other on the one robot, but at the same time ideally locally offset from each other around the circumference of the semifinished product 3 ,

The trim frame 7, as can be seen in the illustration of FIG. 13, again has the hold-down frame 8 and the cutting edge element 18. In addition, 21 designated portions can be seen, which are formed of the same material as the Schneidersgenelement 18. The structure and function of these sections 21 can be seen from the illustration in Figure 14 in detail. The sections 21 extend transversely to the actual cutting edge element 18, for example perpendicular to the peripheral shape of the finished semifinished product 3. They serve to cut the supernatant material x according to the trimming of the later peripheral shape of the semifinished product 3 to individual sections of the cut material x and no annular To obtain closed material, which could not be sucked or only much worse than the individual sections.

In terms of process technology, the cutting device 10 is typically first guided along the sections 21 in order to cut in the protruding material accordingly, before it is cut off along the cutting edge element 18. Of course, a comparable structure is conceivable not only with the cutting edge element 18, but analogously thereto also with a cutting groove or a cutting gap 19.

In the illustration of FIG. 14, it can also be seen that individual openings 22 are arranged within the area in which the semifinished product 3 (not shown in FIG. 14 rests on the trimming frame 7). These openings 22, of which only a few are provided with a reference numeral, are connected to a vacuum source so as to hold the semifinished product 3 on the trim frame 7 during the trimming process by means of vacuum or vacuum. In this structure, unlike in the representation of FIG. 13, the holding-down frame 8 can be dispensed with. The use of the openings 22 and the suction with negative pressure can also be combined with the other embodiments and is not limited to the Schneiggergenelement 18 and the sections 21 and the cutting groove or the cutting gap 19.

List of Reference P1465
1 draping device
2 receiving device
3 semifinished product
4 fiber layer
5 stamps
6 device
7 trim frame
8 hold-down frame
9 robot arm
10 cutting device
11 handling rotor
12 paper cutting system
13 cutting edge
14 cutting edge
15 ultrasonic knives
16 cutting edge
17 cutting wheel
18 cutting edge element
19 cutting gap
20 suction device
21 sections
22 openings
V feed
x material
F force
g gravity

Named patent literature
DE 10 2010 043 666 A1
WO 91/17035 A1
EP 2 524 796 A1

Claims

Device for trimming a three-dimensionally preformed semifinished product (3) made of fiber material (4) and a small proportion of binder, with

1.1 a receiving device (2) which is formed substantially following the contour of the semifinished product (3),

1.2 a trim frame (7), which is formed following the later peripheral shape of the semifinished product (3),

characterized in that

1.3 the receiving device (2) in its intended use in the direction of gravity (g) below the semifinished product (3) is arranged;

1.4 a cutting device (10) is provided, which along the peripheral shape of the semifinished product (3) circumferentially movable for trimming the protruding material (x) of the semifinished product (3) is formed.
Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer contour of the trim frame (7) of the peripheral shape of the finished semifinished product (3) is designed accordingly.
Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the trim frame (7) has on its outer contour a cutting edge (16).
Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the trim frame (7) below the peripheral shape of the semifinished product (3) has a cutting gap (19) or a cutting groove.
Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the trim frame (7) below the peripheral shape of the semifinished product (3) has a cutting edge element (18) for the cutting device (10).
Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the cutting gap (19), the cutting groove or the Schneigegenelement (18) transversely to the peripheral shape of the semifinished product (3) extending portions (21).
Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a hold-down frame (8) above the semifinished product (3) is arranged, and at its outer edge of the peripheral shape of the semifinished product (3) is formed following.
Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the hold-down frame (8) under pressure against the trim frame (7) is formed pressable.
Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the trim frame (7) in its standing with the semi-finished product (3) in contact surface openings (22) which are connectable to a vacuum source.
Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cutting device (10) is designed as a scissors cutting system (12).
Apparatus according to claim 3 and 10, characterized in that the cutting edge (16) of the trim frame (7) is formed as one of two cutting edges (13, 14) of the scissors cutting system (12).
Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the cutting device (10) comprises an oscillating blade, in particular an ultrasonic knife (15).
Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a robot arm (9) for guiding the cutting device (10) along the peripheral shape of the semifinished product (3) is provided.
Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the receiving device (2) as a draping device, in particular Drapierschale, a draping device (1) is formed.
Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a suction device (20) for sucking the cut-off protruding material (x) is provided.
Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that a robot arm (9) for guiding the suction device (20) along the peripheral shape of the semifinished product (3) is provided.
Method for trimming a three-dimensionally preformed semifinished product (3) made of fiber material (4) for further processing in a compression and injection method,

characterized in that

the semifinished product (3) is fed into a receiving device (2), which essentially follows the three-dimensional shape of the semifinished product (3), or is deposited in such a receiving device (2) for trimming;

a trim frame (7) defining the peripheral shape of the semifinished product (3) is placed below the semifinished product (3) or is already integrated in the receptacle (2), after which

circumferentially along the Beschnittrahmens (7), the supernatant material (x) of the semifinished product (3) is cut off.
Method according to claim 17, characterized in that the semifinished product (3) is clamped between an upper holding-down frame (8) and the lower cutting frame (7), before circulating along the frames (7, 8) the protruding material (x) of the semifinished product (3). 3) is cut off.
A method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the supernatant material (x) of the semi-finished product (3) is cut prior to cutting transversely to the peripheral shape of the finished semi-finished product (3).
A method according to claim 17, 18 or 19, characterized in that the cut-off material (x) of the semifinished product (3) via a suction device (20) is sucked off after or during the cutting.
Method according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the receiving device (2) is a draping device, in particular Drapierschale, a draping device (1) according to DE 10 2010 043 666 A1 is used, which after draping the semifinished product (3) to Swiveled 180 ° and the trimming is fed.
Method according to one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the cutting off of the protruding material (x) of the semifinished product (3) by a cutting device (10), which by means of an automated moving device (robot 9) in the feed direction (V) along the Circumferential shape of the semi-finished product (3) is guided completely around the circumference.
A method according to claim 22, characterized in that for sucking the cut material (x) of the semifinished product (3) a suction device (20) temporally and / or locally after the cutting device (10) by means of an automated movement device (robot 9) in the feed direction along the Peripheral shape of the semi-finished product (3) is guided around the circumference.