WO2019077017A1

WO2019077017A1 - Method and device for consolidating fibre composite structures

Info

Publication number: WO2019077017A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/078481
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthias Graf
Original assignee: Dieffenbacher GmbH Maschinen- und Anlagenbau
Priority date: 2017-10-19
Filing date: 2018-10-18
Publication date: 2019-04-25
Also published as: DE102017124426A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for consolidating a fibre composite structure (10) comprising at least one thermoplastic and/or thermoelastic polymer, said method comprising: arranging the fibre composite structure (10) between a plate-type base (20) and a plate-type cover (30); heating the fibre composite structure (10) to the melting point range of the polymer; and generating a vacuum in the space (Z) between the base (20) and the cover (30) such that the ambient pressure presses the cover (30) against the base (20) and the fibre composite structure (10) is compressed between the cover (30) and the base (20). Said method also comprises the following steps: placing the arrangement of the cover (30) and base (20) with the fibre composite structure (10) arranged therebetween into a vacuum chamber device embodying at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3); generating a vacuum in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) prior to and/or at the same time as generating the vacuum in the space (Z) between the base and the cover; once a nominal pressure has been reached in said space (Z), releasing the vacuum in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) while maintaining the vacuum in said space (Z); and removing the arrangement of the cover (30) and base (20) with the fibre composite structure (10) arranged therebetween from the vacuum chamber device.

Description

Method and apparatus for consolidating fiber composite structures

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the

Consolidating fiber composite structures for, for example, automotive components.

Applications for fiber composites have continued to increase over the past decades, especially when they have been seen as a low - cost alternative to metallic materials, with the benefits of

Design freedom and application-specific formulation options. Specifically, the material CFK (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) has an extremely high

Lightweight potential, while being characterized by its high strength and very high structural rigidity. The latter is an important criterion in automotive engineering, for example. The automatable production of the P reform represents a key technology in the production process of continuous fiber reinforced fiber composite components

Realization of efficient mass production with reproducible stable component quality dar. But also in so-called hybrid components, ie compression molded sheets, which are mainly pressed with carbon fiber semi-finished products to reinforce critical load zones in addition, all production units must be integrated plant and control technology, if a sufficient

Productivity should be achieved.

For the production of continuous fiber reinforced components are now predominantly textile fiber semi-finished products such as fiber or fiber fabric, which are partially or completely impregnated with a matrix. Furthermore, fiber webs can also be infiltrated with powdered plastic or produced from a blended yarn with a proportion of thermoplastic fibers whose thermoplastic fraction is melted during further processing and forms the matrix. The matrix of fiber-reinforced plastics has the task of high-strength fibers

embed (support function) and fill the gap completely

(Barrier function).

On matrix materials can basically materials from the groups of Thermoplastics and possibly additional elasticizing components, such as elastomers, are used, which vary in the strength, the maximum elongation, the

Operating temperature, the processing speed and the

Distinguish chemical resistance.

From these semi-finished products, which are available as rolls or sheets in standard formats, blanks are produced, for example, in a cutting process, which usually fully lined the formed component. Alternatively, continuous fiber-reinforced components can also be processed using fiber or tape-laying methods that have become known in a much lower-waste or

waste-free and therefore more resource-efficient. Especially the

Use of tapes made of thermoplastic continuous fibers proves to be a very attractive process variant. By "tape" in the context is preferably meant any type of web-shaped material, in particular a prepreg material having, for example, a width between 30 and 200 mm, which is suitable for being deposited by means of a tape-laying device Yarns (rovings), fiber fabrics and / or fiber fabrics, which are impregnated with a matrix, for example a thermoplastic matrix, partially or completely impregnated, in particular preimpregnated. Both

"Fibers" are, in particular, carbon fibers, but are equally applicable to glass fibers or other, in particular artificially produced, fibers or also natural fibers For the processing of tapes, these are known by means of tape-laying devices, in particular so-called fiber-placement devices peel off a bobbin or roll, cut to length and place on a laying table or a tapestry already laid on the laying table.With the laying of a tape strip this is connected pointwise with the underlying tape layer over a number of ultrasonic welding heads Tapelegevorrichtungen are for example from the

Documents WO 2014/083196 A1 and US 8,048,253 known.

After laying fiber composite structures with a desired shape by means of tapes of individual tapes, or by arranging large-area blanks, it is necessary to have the fiber composite structures in one subsequent process step under the action of pressure and temperature to press and thus consolidate to a laminate.

An exemplary method for consolidating fiber composite structures with thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymers is known from the document DE 10 2014 004 053 A1. In this document, as shown in Fig. 1, it is proposed to arrange a fiber composite structure 1 to be consolidated on a rigid base 2, as well as to place a rigid cover 3 on the fiber composite structure 1 so that the fiber composite structure 1 is in a space between the base 2 and the cover 3 is located. The side is the

Interspace sealed by a ring seal 5 of resilient material. Furthermore, radiation sources 4 are provided, which are arranged above or below the cover 3 and the base 2 and which generate electromagnetic radiation, in particular infrared radiation. The cover 3 and the base 2 are permeable to the electromagnetic radiation generated by the radiation sources 4, so that the electromagnetic radiation can be coupled through the base 2 and the cover 3 into the fiber composite structure 1. To the

Consolidating the fiber composite structure 1, the fiber composite structure 1 is irradiated by the underlay 2 and the cover 3 with the electromagnetic radiation in order to convert the impregnating polymer in a plasticized, molten state. In addition, the space between the pad 2 and the cover 3 by means of a merging into a gap in the space

Pipe socket 6 connected vacuum pump (not shown), evacuated, so that as a result of the top of the cover 3 (or at least partially from below on the pad 2) acting ambient pressure, the fiber composite structure

1 under compression of the ring seal 5 between the cover 3 and the pad

2 is pressed.

An advantage of this method is the low required technical equipment effort, in particular the renunciation of pressing tools or the like, so that the process can be implemented easily and inexpensively. In addition, the method allows direct heating of the fiber composite structure 1, without it being necessary, for example, to heat large pressing tools, which makes the method very energy-efficient and therefore cost-effective in operation. However, this method has the potential for air pockets when closing the cover and backing, or air pockets forming during the compression and consolidation within the fiber composite structure, resulting in the formation of voids in the consolidated laminate. Although the applied negative pressure for a certain ventilation of the

Fiber composite structure provided, but since the fiber composite structure between the pad and the cover is pressed, it may happen that a

Extraction of trapped air, especially in the middle of the fiber composite structure in some cases only insufficiently done. As a result, especially in the middle of the fiber composite structure, pores may form that are optically inadequate

Impression of the surface of the consolidated laminate and / or lead to an inhomogeneous laminate. This problem exists especially for large

Formats, such as up to 2,000 mm x 2,000 mm or more. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method and an apparatus for consolidating a fiber composite structure which overcome the above disadvantages.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for consolidating a fiber composite structure which enables a fiber composite structure to be avoided as much as possible to prevent the formation of a fiber composite structure

Air entrainment and / or pores to consolidate a laminate, thus making it possible to form a laminate with a perfect, homogeneous surface and with.

These and other objects of the invention are achieved with a method and apparatus for consolidating a fiber composite structure as in the

Claims 1 and 12 indicated. Further preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

As a first solution, a method for consolidating a

Fiber composite structure with at least one thermoplastic and / or

thermoelastic polymer, comprising arranging the

Composite structure between a plate-shaped pad and a plate-shaped cover, wherein the cover is sealed by a sealing element with respect to the pad displaceable against the pad, creating a negative pressure in the space between the pad and the cover, and heating the fiber composite structure by electromagnetic radiation at least up to the range of the melting temperature of the at least a thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer, wherein the fiber composite structure is pressed between the cover and the substrate under the effect of the ambient pressure pressing the cover against the substrate. The method further comprises: inserting the cover and pad assembly with the fiber composite structure therebetween into a vacuum chamber means, the vacuum chamber means forming at least one chamber which at least partially seals the cover and / or pad against the environment, creating a negative pressure in the at least one a chamber before and / or simultaneously with generating the negative pressure in the space after the negative pressure in the space has reached a target pressure, reducing the negative pressure in the at least one chamber while maintaining the negative pressure in the gap, and after reducing the negative pressure in the at least one chamber, removing the arrangement of cover and pad with the arranged therebetween

Fiber composite structure from the vacuum chamber device.

According to the invention, the pressing and consolidating takes place

Fiber composite structure therefore not simultaneously with the evacuation of the gap, as is done for example in the explained with reference to FIG. 1 method. Rather, the gap can first be evacuated without any compression of the fiber composite structure. This is achieved by the arrangement of cover and pad is placed with the interposed fiber composite structure in the vacuum chamber means, and of the

Vacuum chamber device formed (s) chamber (s) are also evacuated, namely zeitgeich with or (partially) in time before the evacuation of the gap. Due to the resulting negative pressure state in the / the chamber (s) of the vacuum device is prevented so that a pressure difference at the

Cover and / or the pad forms, which pressure difference would cause the cover and the pad are pressed together, while the interposed fiber composite structure would prematurely compressed. It will be like this it is possible to evacuate the interspace without the composite fiber structure being compressed and compacted at this time. In the

Fiber composite structure trapped air can thus easier from the

Out of the fiber composite structure into the space and be deducted via the connected vacuum pump. Only after the

Fiber composite structure was vented, the negative pressure in / in the

Chamber (s) of the vacuum chamber device degraded, for example, by air from the environment with the prevailing ambient pressure in the chamber (s) of the vacuum chamber device is flowed, while maintaining the prevailing in the space vacuum state is maintained. This results in a pressure difference on the cover and / or the base, which pressure difference causes the cover and the base to be pressed together, at the same time compressing the interposed fiber composite structure. Thereafter, the cover and pad assembly may be removed from the vacuum chamber assembly while still maintaining vacuum in the space to be placed in the range of radiation sources for heating the fiber composite structure where the fiber composite structure is heated to the melting temperature of the polymer under the action of the cover pressing against the pad

Ambient pressure, the now softened fiber composite structure between the cover and the substrate is pressed. This makes it possible to consolidate the fiber composite structure largely without or with only a few and very small air inclusions or pores and thus to form a high-quality laminate of high quality.

It is preferred that the heating of the fiber composite structure by means of electromagnetic radiation after removal of the arrangement of cover and pad with the interposed fiber composite structure of the

Vacuum chamber device is made to allow the simplest possible handling of the process. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to heat the

Applying fiber composite structure by means of electromagnetic radiation prior to placing the cover on the substrate, and / or perform the heating within the vacuum chamber means. Preferably, the cover is initially spaced above the

Fiber composite structure positioned.

It is preferably provided that the cover on at least two

each having a support frame member opposite sides, and / or the pad on at least two opposite sides each one

Has support frame element.

The cover and / or the base are preferably designed as a radiation-transparent element or comprise these, in particular formed as a glass plate or a glass ceramic plate or include these. The cover and / or the underlay should in particular be designed to be transparent for UV radiation, infrared radiation, laser radiation and / or microwave radiation. The vacuum chamber means may preferably comprise a first chamber cover on which the pad may be positioned such that the first vacuum chamber cover extends below the pad, forming a first chamber between the first chamber cover and the pad, further comprising a seal between the first chamber cover and the pad is provided, in particular a sealing element to seal the first chamber to the environment, and more preferably a passage is provided, in particular a pipe section, which allows to connect the chamber with a vacuum pump for generating the negative pressure in the first Chamber. Further preferably, it can be provided that the sealing element provided between the base and the cover encloses a first active area, the sealing element provided between the first chamber cover and the cover encloses a second active area, and that the second effective area is larger than the first effective area. Alternatively or additionally, the vacuum chamber device, a second

A chamber cover, which can be positioned on the cover, so that the second chamber cover extends above the cover, wherein a second chamber between the second chamber cover and the cover is formed, wherein further a seal between the second Kammerabd corner and the cover is provided, in particular a

Sealing element to seal the second chamber to the environment, and more preferably a passage is provided, in particular a

Pipe section, which allows to connect the chamber with a vacuum pump for generating the negative pressure in the second chamber.

Further preferably, it may be provided that the sealing element provided between the base and the cover encloses a first active area, the sealing element provided between the first chamber cover and the base encloses a second active area, and that the second effective area is larger than the first

Effective area is. Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the second active area is greater than the first effective area by an amount that is dimensioned for a given pressure state upon partial or complete evacuation of the gap and the chamber formed between the first chamber cover and the pad is, results in a resultant force, which is preferably directed away from the fiber composite structure.

Further preferably, it can be provided that the sealing element provided between the base and the cover encloses a first active area, the sealing element provided between the second chamber cover and the cover encloses a second active area, and that the second effective area is larger than the first effective area. Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the second effective area is greater than the first effective area by an amount which is such that for a given pressure state upon partial or complete evacuation of the gap and the chamber formed between the second chamber cover and the cover is a resultant force which compensates for the weight force exerted by the cover.

In a further preferred embodiment it can be provided that the first chamber cover and the second chamber cover are kept at a predefined distance from one another during the generation of a negative pressure in the chambers. This can be particularly preferably carried out by appropriately sized bolts or spacers formed and between the first

Chamber cover and the second chamber cover are arranged, which support the second chamber cover on and opposite the first chamber cover.

Alternatively or additionally, retaining elements may be provided which respectively hold the first and second chamber covers in a predetermined position relative to, for example, a device frame and indirectly hold the first and second chamber covers relative to each other in position and at a predetermined distance. Further alternatively, the vacuum chamber means may be formed as a vacuum housing into which the cover and pad assembly with the fiber composite structure interposed therebetween may be inserted, the vacuum housing forming a chamber surrounding the inserted cover and pad assembly with the fiber composite structure therebetween. wherein more preferably a passage is provided, in particular a pipe section, which allows to connect the chamber with a vacuum pump for generating the negative pressure in the chamber.

The seal can be carried out in each case by means of a sealing element, in particular an elastic ring seal.

The intermediate space and the at least one chamber can each be connected to a same vacuum pump. Alternatively, separate vacuum pumps may be provided for the intermediate space and the at least one chamber, more preferably the vacuum pumps being controlled and / or operated such that the pressure in the at least one chamber is less than the pressure in the intermediate space, in particular at least 1 mbar. 2 mbar, 5 mbar or 10 mbar is less than the pressure in the intermediate space. As another solution, a device for consolidating a

Fiber composite structure with at least one thermoplastic and / or

thermoelastic polymer, comprising a plate-shaped pad; a plate-shaped cover; a sealing member for displaceably sealing the cover with respect to the pad; at least one radiation source for Generation of electromagnetic radiation for heating the

Fiber composite structure by means of electromagnetic radiation at least up to the range of the melting temperature of the at least one thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer; and a vacuum pump for generating a

Negative pressure in the space between the pad and the cover. The apparatus further comprises a vacuum chamber device into which the cover and pad assembly with the fiber composite structure interposed therebetween may be inserted, the vacuum chamber device forming at least one chamber sealing the cover and / or pad against the environment, the device being operable is in the at least one chamber before and / or simultaneously with the generation of the negative pressure in the

Space to create a negative pressure, after reaching a target pressure in the gap to reduce the negative pressure in the at least one chamber while maintaining the negative pressure in the gap, and after reducing the negative pressure in the at least one chamber, the arrangement of cover and pad with the interposed fiber composite structure to remove from the vacuum chamber device.

The device may preferably be suitable for carrying out a method as described above.

Another solution is to consolidate an asset

Fiber composite structure with a loading / unloading station, a heating station, and a cooling station specified, which comprises a device as described above, and which is arranged: in the loading Discharge Station with a

Fiber composite structure occupied record or the base to

To provide occupancy with a fiber composite structure, and to position the cover over the pad, in the loading / unloading station or in a station located between the loading / unloading station and the pressing station, the cover and pad assembly with the fiber composite structure interposed therebetween into the vacuum chamber means to introduce, in the at least one chamber and in the intermediate space to generate the negative pressure, after reaching a Zieidrucks in the intermediate space, the negative pressure in the at least one chamber below

To reduce the negative pressure in the gap, and after dismantling the vacuum in the at least one chamber, the arrangement of cover and pad with the interposed fiber composite structure of the

To move vacuum chamber means to move the base and the cover with the interposed fiber composite structure to the heating station, in the heating station, the fiber composite structure by means of the at least one radiation source at least up to the range of the melting temperature of the at least one

thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer, wherein the vacuum in the space consolidates the softened fiber composite structure between the cover and the substrate; after consolidation, the underlay and the cover with the more consolidated one placed between them

Moving fiber composite structure to the cooling station; in the cooling station, preferably to cool the assembly of base, cover and the interposed fiber composite structure while maintaining the negative pressure; After cooling, the underlay and the cover with the placed in between

Moving fiber composite structure to the loading / unloading station; and in the loading / unloading station, lifting the cover from the pad to remove the consolidated fiber composite structure from the pad or to remove the pad coated with the consolidated fiber composite structure. The cooling station can have a first and a second cooling plate, wherein for cooling the arrangement of base, cover and the fiber composite structure placed therebetween can be arranged on the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate can be lowered onto the arrangement of base, cover and the interposed fiber composite structure can. Due to the direct contact with the cooling plates can be a good heat conduction and thus an efficient

Heat dissipation be enabled.

Preferably, it can further be provided that the first and the second cooling plate can work as press plates of a press, in this way, a predetermined pressing pressure on the arrangement of pad, cover and placed therebetween

Exercise fiber composite structure. In this way, it is possible to keep the fiber composite structure in the compressed state during the time in the cooling station, and thus to prevent the fiber composite structure from possibly expanding, thus undesirably losing its desired shape, and / or for another To provide compression of the fiber composite structure.

Said system is preferably arranged to carry out a method as described above.

The invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a method for consolidating a

Fiber composite structure according to the prior art;

FIGS. 2A to 2D show an apparatus and method for consolidating a fiber composite structure according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 3 shows an apparatus for consolidating a

Fiber composite structure according to a second embodiment;

Fig. 4 shows an apparatus for consolidating a

Fiber composite structure according to a third embodiment; and

Figs. 5A to 5B are explanatory of the effect of different ones of Figs

Sealing elements defined active surfaces

Referring first to FIGS. 2A to 2D, a method for consolidating a fiber composite structure 10 according to a first preferred embodiment will be described

described.

As shown in FIG. 2A, a fiber composite structure 10 pre-impregnated with thermoplastic or thermoelastic polymers or staggered with such polymers in the solid, dissolved or deposited state is formed on one

plate-shaped pad 20 is arranged. Providing a sealing element 15, in particular an elastic ring seal, which surrounds the fiber composite structure 10 laterally and preferably at a distance, a plate-shaped cover 30 is further provided over the fiber composite structure 10 arranged on the substrate 20 positioned. The pad 20 and the cover 30 are each formed of a permeable to electromagnetic radiation, in particular infrared radiation, and heat-resistant material. Particularly preferably, the base 20 and the cover 30 are each formed as plates made of glass or a glass ceramic.

For example, the cover 30 and the pad 20 may each be formed as rectangular glass plates having a width of 500 mm, 1000 mm, 1500 mm, 2000 mm or more, and a length of 1000 mm, 1500 mm, 2000 mm, 2500 mm or more , The thickness of the glass plate may be, for example, 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm or more.

In order to provide easier handling of the cover 30 and the pad 20, these can each be attached to a support frame. The support frame can be made in one or more parts, and can cover the cover 30 and the pad 20 at its side edges completely or partially. Accordingly, FIG. 2A shows by way of example that two support frame elements 21 and 31 are respectively arranged on the cover 30 and the base 20. For handling the cover 30, in particular for positioning the cover 30 on the base 20, lateral projections, recesses or the like (not shown) may be provided on the support frame 31, which allow corresponding hooks or other holding elements (not shown) Support frame 31, and thus the

Cover 30, can engage. If a glass plate is used in each case for the cover 30 and / or the base 20, the glass plate can be firmly connected, for example, by gluing to the corresponding support elements 21, 31. Other types of attachment, such as screwing, or terminals in a groove, which is provided in a support member 21, 31, and which includes the glass plate on both sides and jammed, are also conceivable.

In Fig. 2A also designed as a pipe section 61 passage is shown, which extends through the support member 31 therethrough. About this pipe section 61 can, as described in more detail below, the

G space evacuated and placed in negative pressure.

The cover 30 can be placed directly on the base 20, or arranged on the base 20 fiber composite structure 10. However, preference may be given Support elements (not shown) are provided, for example in the form of elastically compressible spacers, as dimensioned accordingly

Rubber elements, or actively activatable actuator elements, which the

Cover 30 so supported against the base 20 that after application of the cover 30 over the fiber composite structure 10 and the pad 20, a gap between the fiber composite structure 10 and the cover 30 remains.

Thereafter, the assembly of pad 20, cover 30, and fiber composite structure 10 disposed therebetween may be placed in a vacuum chamber as shown with reference to FIG. 2B. In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, the vacuum chamber device is formed by a first chamber cover 40 and a second chamber cover 50.

The first chamber cover 40 extends below the base 20, wherein the base 20 and the support frame member 21 of the pad 20 rests on the first chamber cover 40, so that a first chamber K1 between the first chamber cover 40 and the pad 20 is formed. Next is one

Sealing element 41 is provided, which is arranged between the first chamber cover 40 and the base 20 and the support frame member 21 of the base 20 to seal the first chamber K1 from the environment.

The second chamber cover 50 extends above the cover 30, with the second chamber cover 50 resting on the cover 30 and the support frame member 31 of the cover 30, respectively, so that a second chamber K2 is formed between the second chamber cover 50 and the cover 30. Next is one

Sealing member 51 is provided, which is disposed between the second chamber cover 50 and the cover 30 and the support frame member 31 of the cover 30 to seal the second chamber K2 from the environment. For example, the first and second chamber covers 40, 50 may each be formed as steel or aluminum plates.

To prevent that by the load of the second chamber cover 50 the

Cover 30 is pressed against the pad 20 are preferred Spacer elements (not shown) are provided, which may be formed, for example, as appropriately sized bolts or spacers and arranged along the lateral periphery of the chamber cover 50, which support the second chamber cover 50 and against the first chamber cover 40. Other forms of support and / or retention of the chamber cover 50 with respect to the chamber cover 40 are also possible.

As further shown in FIG. 2B, the pipe section 61 is connected to a vacuum pump 65 via a valve V1 and via another pipe section 64. Through the first and second chamber covers 40, 50 through passages are also formed as a pipe sections 62, 63, which are also connected via respective valves V2, V3 to the pipe section 64 and via this with the vacuum pump 65. The pipe sections 62, 63 can each be brought into communication with the ambient air via further valves V4, V5.

The valves V4, V5 are or are closed at this stage, and the valves V1 to V3 are closed to evacuate and exhaust the air contained in the space Z and those in the chambers K1 and K2 through the vacuum pump 65, respectively. In the chambers K1 and K2, as well as in the

Gap Z is generated in this way a negative pressure state.

Due to the stable design of the chamber covers 40, 50 as steel or aluminum plates, these can withstand the outside pressure alone attacking ambient, without deforming. The support and / or support of the second chamber cover 50 with respect to the first chamber cover 40 further prevents the second chamber cover 50 is moved relative to the first chamber cover 40 and pressed onto it. It therefore does not come to one

undesirable premature pressing of the cover 30 on the pad 20

Since in this embodiment, the gap Z on the

Pipe sections 61, 62, 63, 64 is in communication with the chambers K1 and K2, is formed in the intermediate space Z and in the chambers K1 and K2 each a negative pressure state with substantially the same pressure. It will therefore not be one of the chamber K1 in the direction of the fiber composite structure 10 directed surface pressure is exerted on the substrate 20, and there is no directed from the chamber K2 in the direction of the fiber composite structure 10 surface pressure on the cover 30 is applied. Thus, it is possible to generate a negative pressure in the gap Z without causing a displacement of the cover 30 relative to the base 20, and thus a negative pressure can be built up in the gap Z without compressing the fiber composite structure 10 , Therefore, good venting of the loosely-laid, uncompressed fiber composite structure 10 and, in particular, good suction of air pockets or other air pockets contained in the fiber composite structure 10 can be accomplished. It can be accomplished in this way that almost no residual air in fiber composite structure 10 remains, so that in the course of the fiber composite structure 10 to a in the

Essentially non-porous laminate can be consolidated. When the pressure in the gap Z has reached a desired negative pressure state, for example a desired target pressure of 10 mbar or 5 mbar, the valves V2 and V3 are closed, so that the pipe sections 62, 63 are separated from the vacuum pump 65. Subsequently, the valves V4, V5 are opened to allow air from the environment to flow into the chambers K1 and K2. Consequently, in the chambers K1 and K2, a pressure level is established which corresponds to the atmospheric pressure of the environment, and a corresponding pressure difference results to the intermediate space Z, which is still in negative pressure. Accordingly, the air pressure prevailing in the chamber K1 exerts a force on the base 20 and the air pressure prevailing in the chamber K2 exerts a force on the cover 30, so that the cover 30 is moved relative to the base 20 and the

Fiber composite structure 10 between the cover 30 and the pad 20 is pressed and compressed, as symbolized in Fig. 2C.

After the fiber composite structure 10 has been deaerated in this way, the arrangement of the base 20, cover 30 and fiber composite structure 10 arranged therebetween can, while the negative pressure in the space Z continues to exist, escape from the

Vacuum chamber means are removed and arranged in the region of radiation sources 14 for heating the fiber composite structure 10, as shown in Fig. 2D. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2D, radiation sources 14 may be provided, which are arranged above the cover 30 and below the base 20, and which are adapted to electromagnetic radiation for heating the

To give fiber composite structure 10. Alternatively, it is also possible to arrange only one radiation source 14 above the cover 30 or below the base 20. The radiation sources 14 are preferably designed as infrared light sources. The radiation source 14 arranged below the base 20 may optionally also be arranged in the support structure (not shown) for the base 20. Preferably, the radiation sources 14 are designed as area radiators, which irradiate the cover 30 and / or the base 20 substantially over the whole area and with substantially the same area-related radiation density. The polymer contained in the fiber composite structure 10 is now molten and can, under the influence of the compressive pressure of the cover 30 and pad 20, flow into any remaining cavities and fill them. After compressed in this way, the fiber composite structure 10 and a

Laminate, also referred to as Tailored Blank, has been consolidated, and after the laminate is cooled, the cover 30 can be opened. This can be done easily by the vacuum or the negative pressure in the

Spaced intermediate space and the cover 30 is lifted.

The method may preferably be carried out in a plant (not shown) for consolidating a fiber composite structure 10 having a loading / unloading station, a heating station and a cooling station. In the loading / unloading station, the underlay 20 can be made accessible, for example, to an operator so that the operator can place a fiber composite structure 10, such as a tape-laying tape laying method, on the underlay 20. The cover 30 is placed on or above the support 20 via a support provided in the system, which can engage the support frame of the cover 30, for example, so that the fiber composite structure 10 as described above with reference to FIG. 2A continues to be described by means of the sealing device 15 sealed gap Z is located. The backing 20 may then be moved, together with the fiber composite structure 10 thereon and the cover 30 also disposed above, to the heating station where the fiber composite structure 10 of FIG

Radiation sources 14 is irradiated and heated, for example, to a temperature in the range between 200 and 400 ° C, depending on the impregnating polymer until the core of the fiber composite structure 10 is molten. In the heating station can be provided that a lifting table is arranged, which is preferably formed with a flat table surface to lift the pad 20 from a (not shown) conveyor, which ensures the transport in the system, and so in a well-defined To spend position.

After pressing is, preferably in a further applied vacuum, the entirety of pad 20, cover 30 and pressed in between

Fiber composite structure 10 moves to the cooling station.

In the cooling station, a first cooling plate, for example in the form of a cooling table, can be provided, on which the base 20 is deposited, or which can be lifted to be brought into contact with the base 20. Also, a second cooling plate may be provided, which from above in contact with the

Cover 30 is brought. Alternatively, the first cooling plate or cooling table may lift the pad 20 until the cover 30 is brought into contact with the second cooling plate. With the cooling plates, the cover 30 and the base 20, and indirectly the fiber composite structure 10 are cooled, for example, until the fiber composite structure 10 is cooled in the core to a temperature below 150 ° C, preferably below 100 C and the impregnating polymer solidifies.

Preferably, it can further be provided that the first and the second cooling plate can work as press plates of a press, in such a way to exert a predetermined pressing pressure on the arrangement of base 20, cover 30 and the fiber composite structure 10 placed therebetween. In this way, it is possible to keep the fiber composite structure 10 in the compressed state even during the time in the cooling station, and thus to prevent the fiber composite structure 10 from possibly expanding and thus undesirably losing its desired shape, and / or for a to ensure further compression of the fiber composite structure 10. Subsequently, the entirety of the base 20, cover 30 and fiber composite structure 10 pressed therebetween can be moved to the loading / unloading station, in which the cover 30 can be lifted and the operator can remove the fiber composite structure 10 that has been finished to form the laminate.

In order to avoid excessive compression of the fiber composite structure 10, more preferably, stop pieces (not shown) between the cover 30 and the pad 20 and / or between the corresponding

Support frame elements 31, 21 provide. The stop pieces are sized in height according to the target thickness of the consolidated fiber composite structure 10. The stop pieces can be made for example of a metal. However, the stop pieces are preferably formed from a temperature-resistant plastic material, in particular with low specific heat capacity. This has the advantage that these stop pieces also cool rapidly when cooling the fiber composite structure 10 and it does not come to an effect that the

Stop pieces remain hot beyond the cooling process and, in a next introduction of a fiber composite structure 10, these prematurely and undesirably locally heated, which could lead to non-uniform compression and consolidation. Referring again to FIG. 2B, it can be advantageously provided that the sealing elements 41, 51, which seal the chambers K1, K2, are placed further outward than the sealing element 15, which seals the gap Z. The consequence of this is that the pressure state prevailing in the intermediate space Z acts on a relatively smaller area, namely the area delimited by the sealing element 15 lying further inside, than the pressure state prevailing in the chambers K1, K2 (in particular with the same pressure) each acts on the surface which acts from the further outwardly disposed sealing elements 41, 51. On the respective outer surface of the sealing elements 15, 41, 51 acts according to the ambient pressure. This will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIGS. 5A and 5B schematically show a sealing member 51 positioned on the cover 30 (more specifically, between the cover 30 and the second chamber cover 50, not shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B) to provide a circumferential seal. Here, FIG. 5A shows a schematic view from the side and Fig. 5B is a schematic top view. The enclosed by the sealing element 51 surface should be referred to here as the effective area W2. These

Effective area W2 corresponds to the areal extent of the chamber K2 in which the reduced pressure P _R prevails during evacuation. In other words, the effective area W2 is the area over which the reduced pressure P _R in the chamber K2 acts on the cover 30.

Also shown is a sealing member 15 positioned below the cover 30 (more specifically, between the cover 30 and the backing 20, not shown in Figs. 5A, 5B) to provide a circumferential seal. The enclosed by the sealing element 15 surface should be referred to here as the effective area WZ. This effective area WZ corresponds to the areal extent of the

Interspace Z, in which there is also a reduced pressure P _R during evacuation. In other words, the effective area WZ is the area over which the reduced pressure P _R in the gap Z acts on the cover 30.

Outside of the sealing elements 15, 51 respectively sealed areas prevails the ambient pressure. For the cover 30, whose total area is to be referred to here as A, this means that various pressure and weight forces attack. Thus, the weight F _{G of} the cover 30 acts in the downward direction. Also, a downward force is exerted on the cover 30 by the reduced pressure P _R in the effective range W2, which corresponds to the product of the area, here the effective area W2, and the pressure, here P _R , thus F = W2 ^* P _R. In the outer area (relative to the sealing element 51), which corresponds to an area A-W2, the ambient pressure P _(J) prevails, so that a downward force F = (A-W2) ^* Pu is exerted on the outside, from the underside of the cover 30 accordingly acts an upward force, which is caused by the reduced pressure P _R in the effective range WZ, hence F = WZ ^* P _R , as well as on the basis of the ambient pressure in the outer region (relative to the sealing element 15) of a surface A-WZ corresponds, an upward force F

= (A-WZ) ^* Pu. The resulting downward force F _res thus results in:

F _res = F _G + W 2 ^* P _R + (A-W 2) ^* Pu - WZ ^* P _R - (A-WZ) ^* Pu

= F _G + (W2-WZ) ^* P _R - (W2-WZ) ^* Pu

The resulting force F _res is thus determined only by the area difference of the active surfaces. If the difference W2-WZ as AW and the difference between

Ambient pressure and reduced pressure Pu - P _{R written} as ΔΡ, F _res can be given as follows.

F _res = F _G - AW ΔΡ

This circumstance may be advantageously taken advantage of to compensate, by a suitable choice of EW, the weight F _G for a desired pressure difference ΔΡ, which may correspond to a partial or complete evacuation state, so that the resultant force F _res becomes zero , For this case, AW can be determined as:

AW = F _G / AP

For a cover 30 made of glass, with a specific gravity of 2.5 g / cm ³ , an area A of 2 m ² and a thickness of 10 mm, for example, results in a weight of 50 kg, corresponding to a weight F _G of approx. 500 N. For a complete compensation of this weight in a partial

Evacuation to eg about half the ambient pressure, simplified as 500 mbar assumed to reach, an effective area difference AW of about 500 N / 0.5 ^* 100,000 N / m ² = 0.010 m ² = 100 cm ^{2 can be} provided. If the evacuation continues, the pressure difference ΔP increases, and consequently overcompensation takes place, so that it can be achieved that the

Cover 30 is pressed away from the fiber composite structure 10 away. A corresponding embodiment can advantageously according to also be provided with respect to the sealing element 41 between the first chamber cover 40 and the pad 20. By this arrangement, in particular a suitable choice of a

Effective area difference AW, it can be achieved that acts on the cover 30 and the pad 20 respectively due to the different surface pressure forces a resultant force F _res , which pushes the cover 30 and the pad 20 respectively away from the fiber composite structure 10 and thus additionally counteracts compression , This is advantageous because this way an improved

Extraction of trapped air from the fiber composite structure 10 can be achieved.

Additionally or alternatively, it may also be provided to use a plurality of vacuum pumps 65, for example a vacuum pump 65, which is connected to the

Gap Z is connected and this sucks, and a second vacuum pump 65, which is connected to the chambers K1 and K2 and sucks them together. It is also conceivable to provide a separate vacuum pump 65 for each of the chambers K1, K2. The different vacuum pumps 65 can now advantageously be operated, in particular controlled and / or regulated, so that different pressure states occur in the intermediate space Z and the chambers K1, K2. In particular, it can be specified, for example, that the pressure in the intermediate space Z is at least 1 mbar, 2 mbar, 5 mbar or 10 mbar greater than the pressure in the chambers K1, K2. As a result of these different pressures, different surface pressure forces, which are manifested in a resultant force, which presses the cover 30 and the base 20 away from the fiber composite structure 10 on the cover 30 and on the base 20, in turn, additionally counteracts compression. This is advantageous since in this way improved extraction of air inclusions from the fiber composite structure 10 can be achieved.

In the foregoing, with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D, a preferred

Embodiment described in which two chambers K1, K2 were formed by two chamber covers 40, 50, each one of the cover 30th and the pad 20 are located adjacent. However, this is not limiting, and other embodiments are conceivable as well.

Thus, it is also conceivable, as shown in Fig. 3, for example, to provide only the second chamber cover 50, which is disposed adjacent to the cover 30. In this case, the underlay 20 can preferably be formed with a greater material thickness, for example at least twice as thick as the cover 30, and / or with a minimum thickness depending on the material used and the surface of the underlay 20, with sufficient rigidity against bending to achieve due to the vacuum to be produced in the intermediate space Z.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, provision may be made to provide a vacuum housing 67 into which the pad 20 and the cover 30 are completely inserted such that the vacuum housing 67 is the cover 30, pad 20 assembly and interposed fiber composite structure 10 completely enveloped.

Reference list P1578:

1, 10 fiber composite structure

2, 20 base

3, 30, cover

4, 14 radiation device

5, 15 sealing element

6 pipe socket

21 support frame member 31 supporting frame element

40 chamber cover

41 sealing element

50 chamber cover

51 sealing element

61, 62, 63, 64 pipeline section

65 vacuum pump

67 Vacuum housing

A Area of the cover

F force

F _G weight

F _res resulting force

P _R reduced pressure

Pu ambient pressure

K1. K2, K3 chamber

V1, V2, V3, V4, V5 valve

W2, WZ active surfaces

Z space

Claims

claims

1 . A method of consolidating a fiber composite structure (10) with at least one thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer comprising

Arranging the fiber composite structure (10) between a plate-like pad (20) and a plate-shaped cover (30), the cover (30) being displaceable against the pad (20) by a sealing element (15) with respect to the pad (20) .

Creating a negative pressure in the space (Z) between the pad (20) and the cover (30), and

Heating the fiber composite structure (10) by means of electromagnetic radiation at least up to the region of the melting temperature of the at least one thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer,

wherein the fiber composite structure (10) is pressed between the cover (20) and the base (20) under the effect of the ambient pressure pressing the cover (30) against the base (20),

characterized in that the method comprises:

Inserting the arrangement of cover (30) and base (20) with the interposed fiber composite structure (10) in one

Vacuum chamber device, wherein the vacuum chamber device at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) is formed, which the cover (30) and / or the

Pad (20) at least partially seals against the environment

Generating a negative pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) before and / or simultaneously with the generation of the negative pressure in the intermediate space (Z) after the negative pressure in the intermediate space (Z) has reached a target pressure, reducing the negative pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) while maintaining the negative pressure in the intermediate space (Z), and

After removing the negative pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3), removing the arrangement of cover (30) and pad (20) with the interposed fiber composite structure (10) of the

Vacuum chamber means.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating of the fiber composite structure (10) by means of electromagnetic radiation after removal the arrangement of cover (30) and pad (20) with the fiber composite structure (10) arranged therebetween takes place from the vacuum chamber device.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (30) initially at a distance above the

Fiber composite structure (10) is positioned.

A method according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the vacuum chamber means comprises a first chamber cover (40) on which the pad (20) can be positioned so that the first chamber cover (40) extends below the pad (20) wherein a first chamber (K1) is formed between the first chamber cover (40) and the pad (20), further comprising a seal between the first chamber cover (40)

Chamber cover (40) and the base (20) is provided, in particular a sealing element (41) to seal the first chamber (K1) to the environment, and more preferably a passage is provided, in particular a

Pipe section (62), which allows the chamber (K1) with a

Vacuum pump (65) to connect to generate the negative pressure in the first chamber (K1).

A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vacuum chamber means comprises a second chamber cover (50) which can be positioned on the cover (30) so that the second chamber cover (50) extends above the cover (30) , where a second

Chamber (K2) between the second chamber cover (50) and the cover (30) is formed,

wherein a seal between the second chamber cover (50) and the cover (30) is further provided, in particular a sealing element (51) to seal the second chamber (K2) to the environment, and more preferably a passage is provided, in particular a Pipe section (63), which allows the chamber (K2) with a vacuum pump (65) to connect to generate the negative pressure in the second chamber (K2).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the base (20) and the cover (30) provided sealing element (15) includes a first effective area (WZ), and between the second chamber cover (50) and the Cover (30) provided

Sealing element (51) and / or provided between the first chamber cover (40) and the base (20) sealing element (41) includes a second active surface (W2), and that the second active surface (W2) is greater than the first effective area (WZ) is.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the second

Effective area (W2) is greater than the first effective area (WZ) by an amount (AW) dimensioned such that, for a given pressure condition, partial or total evacuation of the space (Z) and the chamber (K2) interposed between the second chamber cover (50) and the cover (30) is formed, a resultant force (F _res ) results, which compensates the force exerted by the cover (30) weight force (F _G ).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first chamber cover (40) and the second chamber cover (50) during the generation of a negative pressure in the chambers (K1, K2) are kept at a predefined distance from each other.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vacuum chamber device is formed as a vacuum housing (67), in which the arrangement of cover (30) and pad (20) with the interposed fiber composite structure (10) can be introduced wherein the vacuum housing (67) forms a chamber (K3) which surrounds the introduced arrangement of cover (30) and base (20) with the fiber composite structure (10) arranged between them, more preferably a passage is provided, in particular a pipe section (63 ), which allows the chamber (K3) to be connected to a vacuum pump (65) for generating the negative pressure in the chamber (K3).

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing (s) in each case by means of a sealing element (15, 41, 51), in particular an elastic ring seal takes place or take place.

1 1. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate space (Z) and the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) are each connected to a same vacuum pump (65) and / or that for the intermediate space (Z) and the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) separate

Vacuum pump (65) are provided, wherein preferably the vacuum pump (65) are so controlled and / or operated that the pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) is smaller than the pressure in the intermediate space (Z), in particular at least 1 mbar, 2 mbar, 5 mbar or 10 mbar is less than the pressure in the intermediate space (Z).

12. An apparatus for consolidating a fiber composite structure (10) with at least one thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer, in particular for carrying out a method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 1 1, comprising a plate-shaped pad (20); a plate-shaped cover (30); a sealing member (15) for displaceably sealing the cover (30) with respect to the pad (20);

at least one radiation source (14) for generating electromagnetic radiation for heating the fiber composite structure (10) mitteis

electromagnetic radiation at least into the range of

Melting temperature of the at least one thermoplastic and / or

thermoelastic polymer; and

a vacuum pump (65) for generating a negative pressure in the space (Z) between the base (20) and the cover (30),

characterized in that the device further comprises

Vacuum chamber means in which the arrangement of cover (30) and pad (20) can be introduced with the interposed fiber composite structure (10), wherein the vacuum chamber means at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) forming the cover (30) and / or the

Pad (20) seals against the environment, wherein the device is operable in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) before and / or simultaneously with the generation of the negative pressure in the intermediate space (Z) to generate a negative pressure, after reaching a Zieidrucks in the intermediate space (Z) the negative pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) below

To reduce the negative pressure in the intermediate space (Z), and after removal of the negative pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3), the arrangement of cover (30) and pad (20) with the interposed fiber composite structure (10) of the Remove vacuum chamber device.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the cover (30) on at least two opposite sides each one

Has support frame member (31), and / or the pad (20) on at least two opposite sides each having a support frame member (21).

14. Device according to one of claims 12 to 13, characterized in that the cover (30) and / or the base (20) as a

is formed or comprises radiation-transparent element,

is formed in particular as a glass plate or a glass ceramic plate or comprises.

15. Device according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the vacuum chamber means comprises a first chamber cover (40) on which the pad (20) can be positioned, so that the first chamber cover (40) below the pad (20 ), wherein a first chamber (K1) is formed between the first chamber cover (40) and the pad (20) further comprising a seal between the first chamber cover (40)

Pipe section (62), which allows the chamber (K1) with a vacuum pump (65) to connect to generate the negative pressure in the first chamber (K1).

16. Device according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the vacuum chamber means comprises a second chamber cover (50) which can be positioned on the cover (30), so that the second chamber cover (40) above the cover (30 ), wherein a second chamber (K1) between the second chamber cover (50) and the pad

(20) is formed, wherein further a seal between the second

Chamber cover (50) and the cover (30) is provided, in particular a sealing element (51) to seal the second chamber (K2) to the environment, and more preferably a passage is provided, in particular a pipe section (63), which allowed the chamber with a

Vacuum pump (65) to connect to generate the negative pressure in the second chamber (K2).

17. Device according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that between the pad (20) and the cover (30) provided

Sealing element (15) includes a first active surface (WZ), and provided between the second chamber cover (50) and the cover (30)

Sealing element (51) and / or provided between the first chamber cover (40) and the base (20) sealing element (41) includes a second active surface (W2), and that the second active surface (W2) is greater than the first effective area

(TM) is.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the second

19. Device according to one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that further means are provided to the first chamber cover (40) and the second chamber cover (50) during the generation of a negative pressure in the chambers (K1, K2) on a predefined Keep distance to each other.

20. Device according to one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that the vacuum chamber device is designed as a vacuum housing (67), in which the arrangement of cover (30) and pad (20) with the interposed fiber composite structure (10) are introduced can, wherein the vacuum housing (67) forms a chamber (K3), which surrounds the introduced arrangement of cover (30) and pad (20) with the interposed fiber composite structure (10), wherein more preferably a passage is provided, in particular a pipe section (63), which allows the chamber (K3) with a vacuum pump (65) to connect to generate the negative pressure in the chamber (K3).

21. Device according to one of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that the sealing (s) takes place or takes place by means of a respective sealing element (15, 41, 51), in particular an elastic ring seal.

22. Device according to one of claims 12 to 21, characterized in that the intermediate space (Z) and the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) are each connected to a same vacuum pump (65) and / or that for the intermediate space ( Z) and the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) separate vacuum pumps (65) are provided, wherein preferably the vacuum pump (65) are so controlled and / or operated that the pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) is greater than the pressure in the intermediate space (Z), in particular at least 5 mbar is greater.

23. Plant for consolidating a fiber composite structure (10) with at least one thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer, in particular for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, with a loading / unloading station, a heating station, and a cooling station, characterized in that the installation has a device according to one of Claims 12 to 22, and the installation is set up:

picking up the underlay (20) covered with a fiber composite structure (10) or providing the underlay (20) for occupation with a fiber composite structure (10) in the loading / unloading station, and positioning the cover (30) over the underlay (20), in the loading / unloading station or in a station located between the loading / unloading station and the heating station, inserting the arrangement of cover (30) and base (20) with the interposed fiber composite structure (10) in the vacuum chamber device, in the at least one Chamber (K1, K2, K3) and in the space (Z) to generate the negative pressure, after

Achieving a target pressure in the intermediate space (Z) to reduce the negative pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) while maintaining the negative pressure in the intermediate space (Z), and after reducing the negative pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) to remove the arrangement of cover (30) and base (20) with the fiber composite structure (10) arranged therebetween from the vacuum chamber device,

the pad (20) and the cover (30) with the interposed placed

Fiber composite structure (10) to move to the heating station,

in the heating station, to heat the fiber composite structure (10) by means of the at least one radiation source (14) at least into the melting region of the at least one thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer, and by means of the vacuum pump to reduce the negative pressure in the intermediate space (Z) to consolidate the fiber composite structure ( 10) between the cover (30) and the pad (20) to produce and / or maintain;

after consolidation, move the base (20) and the cover (30) to the cooling station with the consolidated fiber composite structure (10) placed therebetween.

in the cooling station, the arrangement of base (20), cover (30) and the interposed fiber composite structure (10) preferably below

Maintaining the negative pressure to cool;

after cooling, move the base (20) and the cover (30) with the fiber composite structure (10) placed therebetween to the loading / unloading station; and

lifting the cover (30) from the base (20) in the loading / unloading station to remove the consolidated fiber composite structure (10) from the base

Underlay (20) or for the removal of the underlying with the consolidated fiber composite structure (10) pad (20).

24. Plant according to claim 23, characterized in that the cooling station has a first and a second cooling plate, wherein for cooling the arrangement of pad (20), cover (30) and placed therebetween

Fiber composite structure (10) can be arranged on the first cooling bar and the second cooling plate can be lowered onto the assembly of base (20), cover (30) and the interposed fiber composite structure (10), preferably wherein the first and the second cooling plate as press plates a press, so, a given pressing force on the

Arrangement of pad (20), cover (30) and placed therebetween fiber composite structure (10) to hold the fiber composite structure (10) in the compressed state and / or to provide for a further compression of the fiber composite structure (10).