WO2019207217A1 - Fibre application head comprising a plurality of functional modules that are movable in translation in order to carry out maintenance operations - Google Patents

Fibre application head comprising a plurality of functional modules that are movable in translation in order to carry out maintenance operations Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019207217A1
WO2019207217A1 PCT/FR2019/000061 FR2019000061W WO2019207217A1 WO 2019207217 A1 WO2019207217 A1 WO 2019207217A1 FR 2019000061 W FR2019000061 W FR 2019000061W WO 2019207217 A1 WO2019207217 A1 WO 2019207217A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
compacting
fiber
functional module
head
functional
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR2019/000061
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Loïc GAILLARD
Johan BERLAUD
Original Assignee
Coriolis Group
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Coriolis Group filed Critical Coriolis Group
Publication of WO2019207217A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019207217A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29C70/04—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
    • B29C70/28—Shaping operations therefor
    • B29C70/30—Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or core; Shaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core
    • B29C70/38—Automated lay-up, e.g. using robots, laying filaments according to predetermined patterns
    • B29C70/382—Automated fiber placement [AFP]
    • B29C70/384—Fiber placement heads, e.g. component parts, details or accessories
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C35/00—Heating, cooling or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C35/02—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould
    • B29C35/04—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould using liquids, gas or steam
    • B29C35/045—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould using liquids, gas or steam using gas or flames
    • B29C2035/046—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould using liquids, gas or steam using gas or flames dried air
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C35/00—Heating, cooling or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C35/02—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould
    • B29C35/08—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation
    • B29C35/0805—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation using electromagnetic radiation
    • B29C2035/0822—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation using electromagnetic radiation using IR radiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C35/00—Heating, cooling or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C35/02—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould
    • B29C35/08—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation
    • B29C35/0805—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation using electromagnetic radiation
    • B29C2035/0838—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation using electromagnetic radiation using laser

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fiber application head for producing composite material parts, and more particularly to a fiber application head comprising a plurality of functional modules.
  • the present invention also relates to a process for manufacturing parts made of composite materials by means of a corresponding application head.
  • Fiber applicator machines are known for contacting a draping tool, such as a male or female mold, with a wide band formed of one or more continuous flat fibers, of the wick type, dry or impregnated with thermosetting or thermoplastic resin, especially carbon fibers, consisting of a multitude of carbon threads or filaments.
  • These fiber application machines also called fiber placement machines, conventionally comprise an application head, a displacement system capable of moving the application head, and storage means for storing the fibers.
  • the fiber storage means can be embedded on the head, or be placed at a distance from the head.
  • the head conventionally comprises a compaction system comprising at least application roll for applying a strip formed of several fibers arranged edge to edge on an application surface of a draping tool, a guiding system for guiding the fibers in the form of a web to said application roller, and for each fiber, cutting means for cutting a fiber, re-routing means for rerouting the fiber to the application roller after a cut made by the cutting means, and locking means for blocking the newly cut fiber.
  • the compacting system further comprises at least one compacting ram for applying the fibers with a compacting force.
  • rollers are staggered in two parallel rows to be able to apply strips of fibers in which the fibers are laterally tangential. Such positioning rolls in two rows simplifies the architecture of the head, including mounting the various rollers on the head.
  • thermosetting polymer In the case of draping fibers pre-impregnated with a thermosetting polymer, it may be envisaged to equip the head with heating means arranged upstream of the compacting rollers, for example in the form of infrared lamp ramps, for heating the application surface or the fibers previously draped and thus ensure the adhesion of the different folds to each other during draping.
  • the object of the present invention is to propose a solution to overcome at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.
  • the present invention proposes a fiber application head for producing parts made of composite material by applying strips formed of several continuous fibers arranged side by side, preferably edge to edge, comprising a compacting system comprising several independent compacting rollers and compacting cylinders for applying the fibers with compacting force, and for each fiber, cutting means and means for rerouting, and preferably locking means, characterized in that for each fiber, the head comprises a functional module comprising the cutting means and the rerouting means, each functional module is mounted to move in translation in a compaction direction on a support element of the head,
  • each compacting roller is mounted on one or more adjacent functional modules
  • a compacting ram is associated with the functional module (s) associated with a compacting roller for translational movement of the functional module or modules;
  • each support member is movably mounted in translation on a frame of the head in a direction perpendicular to the compaction direction, so that each support element can be moved from a lay-up position, in which the functional modules are side by side and wherein said head is adapted to drape a fiber band formed of fibers disposed edge to edge, to a maintenance position in which the functional module or modules carried by said element are separated from the other support elements and accessible to perform maintenance operations .
  • This assembly of the functional modules on support elements movable in translation on a frame makes it possible to propose a head allowing draping of large fiber strips with a good quality of draping, all having a simple and easy access to the functional modules for maintenance operations. , in particular maintenance operations on the cutting means and / or the re-routing means, as well as the positioning of the fiber in each functional module.
  • each support element carries two adjacent modules, each module preferably being accessible from a lateral face of the support element.
  • At least one support element is able to be moved by a drive motor, said support element being for example equipped with a motor cooperating with a rack secured to the chassis, said support elements being equipped with means for assembly for assembling and disassembling two by two adjacent support members.
  • each outer support element is able to be moved by a drive motor.
  • each support element is able to carry a fiber reel or fiber cassette associated with each functional module carried by said support element.
  • each support element comprises a mandrel for receiving each fiber coil or cassette, the axial blocking of coils or cassettes on their respective mandrels being effected by the adjacent support element when the support elements are in the position of draping.
  • said head comprises at least a first functional module, also called downstream functional module, and at least one second functional module, also called upstream functional module, arranged side by side alternately, each first functional module comprising means guide means for guiding a first fiber towards a compacting roller in a first guide plane, and each second functional module comprising guide means for guiding a second fiber towards a compacting roller according to a second guide plane, different from the first guide plane, so as to form at the compaction rollers a fiber web formed of first (s) and second (s) fibers arranged alternately edge to edge.
  • first and second functional modules guiding the fibers along a first guide plane and a second guide plane makes it possible to drape fiber strips in which the fibers are arranged edge to edge, the fibers being substantially joined by their longitudinal edges.
  • the head may comprise only a first functional module and a single second functional module, the head then being able to drape a fiber band formed of a first fiber and a second fiber disposed edge to edge.
  • the head comprises several first functional modules and second functional modules, the first functional modules and second functional modules are alternately arranged side by side, the head then being able to drape a fiber band formed of first fibers and second fibers arranged in alternation edge to edge.
  • the compacting rollers are arranged in a single row, side by side, preferably without contact between they, the axes of rotation of the compacting rollers being arranged in a same plane, called compacting plane, parallel to the compaction direction.
  • This single-row arrangement makes it possible to use simple and effective heating means which can be heated at the level of the line of contact between the application surface and each compacting roller.
  • the inventors have found that partial compaction of the fibers or of certain fibers over only a part of their width makes it possible to obtain a satisfactory quality of draping, and that it is therefore possible to use, in the case a head comprising a fiber compaction roller, a compacting roll of width less than the width of the fiber.
  • the compacting cylinders are able to move the functional modules between a first extreme position, said high position, and a second extreme position called low position, the axes of rotation of the rollers in the extreme high position or in the extreme low position are substantially aligned.
  • the compaction rolls are aligned apart from one another so that they can move in the compaction plane independently of one another.
  • the head according to the invention comprises at least two compacting rollers, each compaction roller being associated with a functional module or with two functional modules.
  • each compaction roller is mounted on one or more functional modules between two flanges, a clearance being preferably provided between the flanges of two adjacent compaction rollers.
  • each compacting roller comprises two compacting rollers, mounted to rotate cantilevered on either side of the same flange or support.
  • the head comprises a compacting roller by functional module.
  • the head comprises first functional modules, also called downstream functional modules, and second functional modules, also called upstream functional modules, arranged alternately, each first functional module comprising guide means able to guide a first fiber towards the compacting roller associated with said first functional module in a first guide plane forming a first non-zero angle with the compacting plane of the axes of rotation of the compacting rollers, each second functional module comprising guide means capable of guiding a second fiber towards the compacting roller associated with said second functional module in a second guide plane forming a second non-zero angle with the compacting plane of the axes of rotation of the compacting rollers, said second angle being greater than the first angle, said guide planes being disposed on the same side of the compacting plane.
  • This particular head architecture with two guide planes arranged on the same side with respect to the compacting plane ensures optimum fiber guidance as close as possible to the compaction rollers, and an angle of arrival of the fibers on the compaction rollers for heating optimum fiber by heating means arranged upstream of compacting rollers.
  • the head further comprises heating means arranged upstream of the compacting rollers with respect to the direction of advance of the head during draping comprising an independent heating system associated with each compacting roll, said heating system being able to move with the functional module or modules associated with said compacting roller, when the functional module or modules are moving in the direction of compaction.
  • a heating system is associated with each compaction roller and moves in the compaction direction with the associated functional module (s), thus ensuring optimum heating during draping.
  • the heating system is adjusted so that it is able to emit thermal radiation in the direction of the draping surface and / or one or more fibers previously applied, preferably in the direction of the nip or contact zone between the roll.
  • the distance between the heating system and the application surface, the distance between the heating system and the compacting roller, and the orientation of the radiation with respect to the surface application and compacting roll vary slightly, preferably remain substantially constant.
  • the heating system is able to emit thermal radiation in the direction of the nip or contact zone between the compaction roller and the application surface, to heat each fiber disposed on the compacting roller. , before its compaction by the latter, and the application surface and / or one or more fibers previously applied.
  • each heating system comprises one or more hot air torches, a laser type heating system, or a flash lamp type heating system.
  • the heating system is mounted directly on the module or modules associated with the same compacting roller.
  • each heating system is movably mounted in translation in the compaction direction on the support element, upstream of the functional module or modules associated with the same compacting roller, and is mechanically connected by at least one rigid arm to said (s) module (s) functional (s).
  • the displacement of the heating system is provided by the compacting jack via the link arm.
  • the heating system is moved by its own actuating system, for example a jack, which operates in synchronism with the compacting ram.
  • each heating system is pivotally mounted on the support element, upstream of the functional module or modules associated with the same compacting roller, around an axis parallel to the axes of rotation of the compacting rolls and is mechanically connected by at least one rod to said functional module (s), the rod being pivotally mounted at its ends to the heating system and said module (s) block (s).
  • the application head comprises limiting means, preferably mechanical, able to limit the relative strokes of two adjacent functional modules in the compacting direction, so as to allow an arrangement of the cutting means of the modules functional and fiber guidance as close as possible to compacting rollers, and thus ensure good draping quality, while avoiding collisions, especially between said cutting means.
  • Said limiting means comprise, for example, for each pair of adjacent modules associated with different compaction rollers, a finger secured to one of the two functional modules, and positioned between two stops of the other functional module, the two stops being spaced from each other in the compaction direction.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a composite material part comprising the application of continuous fibers to an application surface, characterized in that the application of fibers is carried out by means of a head of application of fibers as described above, by relative displacement of the application head relative to the drape surface according to removal paths.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 are two schematic perspective views of a fiber application head according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 3 is a side view of the head of Figure 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a support element of the head of FIG. 1, said support element carrying two functional modules and the associated fiber cassettes;
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 are side views of the support element of FIG. 4, respectively illustrating a downstream functional module and an upstream functional module, said functional modules being in the extreme high position;
  • Figures 7 and 8 are views similar to Figures 5 and 6, the downstream functional module being in the low position and the upstream functional module being in the up position;
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 are enlarged side views respectively of the downstream and upstream functional modules, schematically illustrating the cutting means, the rerouting means and the blocking means of the functional modules;
  • FIG. 11 is a view illustrating the relative position of the functional modules of FIGS. 9 and 10;
  • FIGS. 15 and 16 are respectively perspective and side views of the head of FIG. 1, the support elements being in a maintenance position;
  • FIGS. 17 and 18 are views similar to that of FIG. 16 illustrating other maintenance positions of the support elements.
  • FIG. 19 is a side view of a head according to an alternative embodiment
  • FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the detail D of FIG. 19.
  • Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a fiber application head according to the invention for draping a strip formed of several continuous fibers.
  • the head according to the invention is intended to be assembled to a displacement system for carrying out the operations of draping fibers, the fibers being in the present embodiment packaged in the form of cassettes, and the cassettes are loaded on the head.
  • the head comprises a support structure or frame 1 having an upper main face 11 provided with assembly means (not shown) for assembling the head according to an assembly axis A, to a head displacement system, for example the wrist of a polyarticulated robot or a Cartesian-type gantry displacement system.
  • a head displacement system for example the wrist of a polyarticulated robot or a Cartesian-type gantry displacement system.
  • the head carries a plurality of functional modules 2a, 2b arranged side by side.
  • Each functional module is associated with a fiber cassette 91a, 91b and includes cutting means, re-routing means and locking means.
  • Each module carries a compacting roller 3a, 3b.
  • the head comprises two types of functional module, first functional modules 2a, also called upstream functional modules, associated with upstream fiber cassettes 91a, arranged upstream of the functional modules with respect to the direction of advance D (FIG. of the head during draping, and second functional modules 2b, also called downstream functional modules, associated with downstream fiber cassettes 91b, disposed downstream of the functional modules with respect to the direction of progress D.
  • the functional modules are arranged in a row, the row comprising an alternation of upstream functional modules 2a and downstream functional modules 2b.
  • the functional modules are mounted on the chassis by means of support elements 4, each support element consisting of one or more parts carrying a downstream functional module 2a and an upstream functional module 2b.
  • the head is provided for draping a strip of eight fibers, the head comprises four identical support elements 4, each carrying two functional modules, the support elements being referenced individually under the references 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d in the figures.
  • Each support member 4 is mounted to move in translation on the lower main face 12 of the frame 1, in a direction T1, perpendicular to Assembly Tax A.
  • each support member 4 is equipped on an upper edge of two carriages 41 for mounting the support element on two corresponding rails 13, mounted on the underside 12 of the frame, extending from a first end 14 to a second end 15 of the frame.
  • the support element 4 carries a downstream functional module 2a, accessible from a first lateral face 40a of the support element, and an upstream functional module 2b, accessible from a second lateral face 40b.
  • the downstream functional module 2a is mounted on the support member, movable in translation in a direction T2, which is parallel to Assembly Tax A.
  • the downstream functional module is equipped with carriages 21 mounted sliding on a rail 42a. integral with the support element.
  • the module is assembled in the upper part at the end of the rod of a compaction jack 5a, said jack being assembled by its body to the support member.
  • the downstream functional module carries in the lower part a compacting roller 3a.
  • the compacting roller is mounted between two flanges 22a of the downstream functional module, rotatable about an axis of rotation Bl, which is perpendicular to the direction T2.
  • the module downstream device comprises means for guiding a fiber for guiding the fiber entering the module in the direction of the compacting roller in a plane PI, said plane forming an angle ai with the plane
  • the downstream functional module comprises cutting means 23 for cutting the fiber, rerouting means 24 for rerouting the fiber to the compacting roller after a cutting operation, and locking means for block the newly cut fiber.
  • the cutting means comprise at least one blade adapted to be operated by a cutting cylinder between a rest position and an active position for cutting a fiber.
  • the locking means comprise for example a blocking stud adapted to be operated by a locking jack between a rest position and an active position to block the fiber.
  • the downstream functional module comprises cutting means and locking means, as described in patent document EP2134532, WO2017 / 072421 or FR17 / 01245 and FRI 7/01247.
  • the rerouting means comprise a motorized drive roller 241 and a counter-roller 242 actuated by a rerouting cylinder between a rest position and an active position.
  • the drive roller 241 is rotated by a motor 243 embedded in the downstream functional module, for example by means of a belt or gear system.
  • the counter-roller In the active position, the counter-roller is able to press the fiber against the drive roller for the rerouting of the latter.
  • the guiding means 26 make it possible to guide the fiber between the blocking means, the rerouting means and the cutting means and in the direction of the compaction roller, and comprise, for example, a channel formed at the interface of assembly of two plates. .
  • the unrolled fiber of the cassette 91a associated with the module is guided at the input of the guide means 26 by a pulley 27 which is rotatably mounted between two flanges integral with the functional module.
  • the support element also carries on its first lateral face a mandrel 43a, motorized or not, to receive the cassette, so that the cassette is rotatable about an axis of rotation El.
  • the unrolled fiber of the cassette is conveyed to the pulley 27 of the module by means of a set of pulleys (not shown), rotatably mounted on the lateral face 40a.
  • a tension control system may also be provided on the fiber path between the cassette and the pulley 27 to take up the slack and / or check the rotation of the mandrel.
  • the upstream functional module 2b is mounted to move in translation in the direction T2, the upstream functional module being equipped with carriages 21 slidably mounted on a rail 42b integral with the support element. .
  • the module is assembled in the upper part at the end of the rod of a compacting cylinder 5b, said cylinder being assembled by its body to the support element.
  • the upstream functional module carries in the lower part a compaction roller 3b.
  • the compacting roller 3b is mounted between two flanges 22b of the downstream functional module, rotatable about an axis of rotation B2, which is perpendicular to the direction T2.
  • the axis of rotation B2 of the compaction roller 3b of this module moves in the same plane C as the axis of rotation B1 of the compaction roller 3a of the downstream functional module.
  • the downstream functional module comprises guiding means 26 of a fiber for guiding the fiber entering the module in the direction of the compacting roller in a plane P2, the planes PI and P2 being disposed on the same side of the plane C, said plane P2 forming an angle a 2 with the plane C which is greater than the angle ai, the plane PI being arranged upstream a plane P2 relative to the direction of advance of the head during the draping.
  • the downstream functional module comprises cutting means 23, re-routing means 24, and locking means, said means being identical to those of the downstream functional module.
  • the upstream functional module has a shape different from that of the downstream functional module, so as to shift the guide plane P2 relative to the guide plane PL. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the guide means, the cutting means, rerouting and blocking of the upstream functional module are offset from those of the downstream functional module. To limit the cantilever, the rail 42b on which is mounted the upstream functional module is shifted relative to the rail 42a on which is mounted the downstream functional module.
  • the functional module upstream also carries a pulley 27 rotatably mounted between two flanges to guide the unwound fiber of the cassette 91b at the input of the functional module.
  • the support element also carries on its first lateral face 40a a mandrel 43b, motorized or not, to receive the cassette 90b, so that the cassette is rotatable about an axis of rotation E2, as well as, as before a set of guide pulleys and a possible voltage control system.
  • the four support members are mounted on the frame so that the axes of rotation of the rollers are all arranged substantially in the same plane C.
  • the compacting rollers are all identical and are preferably adapted to adapt to the application surface, in particular to convex and / or concave application surfaces.
  • Each compacting roll is preferably a compacting roll of a so-called flexible material, which is elastically deformable, such as an elastomer.
  • the roll comprises a cylinder of flexible material, mounted fixed in rotation on a rigid axis, for example metal by which the roller is mounted free to rotate between two flanges.
  • Each compacting cylinder 5a, 5b is able to move its associated functional module between an extreme high position and an extreme low position.
  • the two modules are in extreme high position.
  • the downstream functional module is in the extreme low position while the upstream functional module is in the extreme high position.
  • Each compacting cylinder is for example a double-acting cylinder, preferably pneumatic, with two chambers supplied with compressed air, including a first lower chamber between the piston and the functional module and a second upper chamber on the opposite side of the piston.
  • the module For draping a fiber with a functional module, the module is elastically biased towards its extreme low position by its compaction jack. The head is brought into contact with the draping surface, the roll resting with the draping surface.
  • the compacting force for draping can be regulated by adjusting the compressed air supply pressure in the upper chamber of the jack.
  • the Functional module can move between its extreme low position and its extreme high position to adapt to the draping surface.
  • the module is not used to drape a fiber, it is held in extreme extreme position by feeding the lower chamber with compressed air.
  • the four functional modules of the two support elements 4a and 4b are in the extreme low position for draping a band of four fibers, the other four functional modules of the two other support elements. 4c and 4d being maintained in extreme high position.
  • the functional modules of the support elements are able to move between their extreme high position and their extreme low position independently of each other, as a function of the geometry variations of the application surface.
  • the head comprises compacting rollers of width less than that of the fibers, the difference in width corresponding to the space required for the rotational mounting of compacting rollers between two flanges.
  • the spacing between the lateral faces of two adjacent compaction rollers corresponds generally to the thicknesses of the two adjacent flanges, plus an inter-flange clearance.
  • the head comprises a heating system associated with each functional module for heating at least the application surface upstream of the compacting roller, preferably the application surface upstream of the roller, and the fiber to be draped at the outlet of the means. guidance.
  • the heating systems are illustrated only in FIGS. 12 to 14.
  • Each support element 4 carries a heating system 6a associated with the downstream functional module 2a and a heating system 6b associated with the upstream functional module 2b.
  • the heating systems are mounted on the support element upstream of the functional modules with respect to the direction of advance of the head.
  • each heating system comprises a hot air torch 61a, 61b, preferably electric, compressed air or associated with a turbine, adapted to emit a hot air flow.
  • Each torch is mounted on a support 62 mounted to move in translation in the direction T2, via carriages 63 integral with the support sliding on a rail 64 secured to the support element.
  • the heating system 6a is connected to the downstream functional module by a connecting arm 65a, so that the hot air torch moves in translation with the downstream functional module during draping.
  • the heating system 6b is connected by an arm 65b to the upstream functional module 2b.
  • the mounting of the torch is carried out so that the hot air flow 66 is directed towards the nip area between the roll and the application surface.
  • the connection of the hot-air torch to its functional module guarantees optimum heating for draping the fiber.
  • each heating system is mounted directly on a functional module.
  • the heating system comprises for each functional module two air torches, for example superimposed.
  • the heating system may further include one or more infrared lamps mounted on the support member, upstream of the at least one torch, for heating the drape surface.
  • the above-mentioned air-torch heating system is replaced by a laser-type heating system or a flash lamp-type heating system, as described in patent WO2014 / 029969 or WO2017 / 134453.
  • the radiation is directed obliquely towards the pinch zone or contact zone between the application roll and the application surface, to heat the arranged fiber on the roll, before its compaction by the latter, and the application surface and / or one or more fibers previously applied.
  • the fibers are preferably flat continuous fibers, of the wicking type, pre-impregnated with a thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic resin, or dry fibers provided with a binder.
  • the binder is in the form of powder and / or one or more webs, preferably thermoplastic type.
  • the head according to the invention is particularly advantageous for the sheet of dry fibers provided with binder or fibers preimpregnated with thermoplastic resin.
  • the head may be adapted for draping fibers of different widths, but is particularly advantageous for draping fibers of at least half an inch in width, for example one inch, one and a half inches, or two inches.
  • the fibers can be rolled up into coiled rolls with helical coils. Beyond half an inch in width, the fiber is wound into a reel or cassette without slicing.
  • the support elements are arranged side by side in a draping position, in which the head is able to drape a strip of fiber fibers arranged edge to edge, and in which the support elements are centered. relative to the axis A.
  • the support elements are equipped with assembly or locking means 44a, 44b, for example pneumatic, for assembling and disassembling two adjacent elements.
  • the two outer support elements 4a and 4d are each equipped with a motor 45, 46 whose shaft is provided with a pinion 451 meshing with a rack 47, 48 mounted on the support element to allow the displacement of said functional modules 4a. , 4b in translation in the direction T1.
  • FIGS. 15 to 18 illustrate the different positions of the support elements for carrying out maintenance operations on the upstream and downstream functional modules of the support elements, as well as for loading new fiber cassettes.
  • the first main face 40a of the outer support member 4a disposed on the side of the first end 14 is accessible, for example to access its upstream functional module to perform maintenance operations on its cutting means, rerouting and / or blocking, on its compaction roller, to perform a fiber cassette change, and to effect fiber passage from the cassette to the compaction roller.
  • the second main face 40b of the outer support member 4d is also accessible to access its upstream functional module and its associated cassette to perform the above operations.
  • the outer support element 4d is disassembled from the adjacent support element 4c, by controlling their locking means 44a, 44b, and its motor 46 is driven to move it towards the second end 15, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16.
  • the motor 45 of the outer support element 4a is driven to move it towards the first end 14, with the support element 4e assembled to the support element 4b, itself assembled to the motorized outer support element 4a.
  • the outer support element 4d is separated from the support element 4c, so that an operator can access the main faces vis-à-vis these support elements, and carry out maintenance operations on functional modules and cassettes that are accessible from said faces.
  • the motors 45, 46 can be driven to bring back the support elements into the lay-up position of FIG. 1, then after assembly of the support element 4c to the support element 4d, and disassembly of the support member 4c of the support member 4b, the motors are driven to return the outer support members to the ends 14, 15 as shown in Figure 17.
  • an operator can perform maintenance operations on the functional modules and associated cassettes accessible from the main faces vis-à-vis the functional elements 4c and 4b central.
  • the motors 45, 46 can subsequently be driven to bring the support elements back into the draping position, then after assembly of the support member 4b to the support member 4c, and disassembly of the support element 4b of the support element 4a, the motors are driven to bring the outer support elements towards the ends 14, 15 as illustrated in FIG. 18.
  • this maintenance position an operator can carry out operations of maintenance on the functional modules and cassette associated main faces vis-à-vis the functional elements 4b and 4a.
  • FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 illustrate the three maintenance positions of the head support elements which make it possible to carry out maintenance operations on all the functional modules and all the cassettes.
  • the axial locking of the cassette 91a of the outer support member 4a on its mandrel, and the axial locking of the cassette 91b of the outer support member 4d on its mandrel are provided by specific locking means equipping said mandrels.
  • the axial locking is advantageously obtained thanks to the support element vis-à-vis in the lay-up position, in particular thanks to the mandrels facing said support elements.
  • one of the outer support elements 4a or 4d is connected to an electrical source, the assembly of the support elements to each other allows the electrical connection of the different support elements to said source, for example for powering the power supply systems. heater.
  • FIGS 19 and 20 illustrate a head 101 according to an alternative embodiment, which is different from the head 1 described above in that it further comprises limiting means for limiting the relative strokes of two adjacent functional modules in the direction T2 compaction.
  • Each functional module 2a, 2b comprises on one of its lateral faces a protruding finger 28, extending in the direction T1, and on its other lateral face a recess extending in the direction of compaction and defining a stop 29a and a low stop 29b.
  • the finger of a functional module is positioned between the two abutments of the recess of an adjacent module, and its recess receives between its two stops the finger of the other adjacent module.
  • the two externally located functional modules which are adjacent to a single other functional module, one comprises only one finger which is positioned in the recess of the adjacent module, the other comprises only its recess which receives the finger from its adjacent module.
  • the distance between the two stops defines the maximum relative distance between two adjacent functional modules

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fibre application head comprising a compacting system comprising a plurality of independent compacting rollers and compacting cylinders, and, for each fibre, cutting means and redirecting means. For each fibre, the head comprises a functional module comprising the cutting means and the redirecting means, each function module being mounted so as to be movable in translation in a compacting direction on a support element of the head. Each compacting roller is mounted on one or more adjacent functional modules. A compacting cylinder is associated with the functional module(s) associated with a compacting roller. Each support element (4) is mounted on a frame (1) of the head so as to be movable in translation in a direction (T1) perpendicular to the compacting direction, such that each support element can be moved from a lay-up position to a maintenance position.

Description

TETE D’APPLICATION DE FIBRES COMPRENANT PLUSIEURS MODULES FONCTIONNELS MOBILES EN TRANSLATION POUR FIBER APPLICATION HEAD COMPRISING MULTIPLE MOBILE FUNCTIONAL MODULES IN TRANSLATION FOR
LA REALISATION D’OPERATIONS DE MAINTENANCE REALIZATION OF MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS
La présente invention concerne une tête d’application de fibres pour réaliser des pièces en matériaux composites, et plus particulièrement une tête d’application de fibres comprenant plusieurs modules fonctionnels. La présente invention concerne également un procédé de fabrication de pièces en matériaux composites au moyen d’une tête d’application correspondante. The present invention relates to a fiber application head for producing composite material parts, and more particularly to a fiber application head comprising a plurality of functional modules. The present invention also relates to a process for manufacturing parts made of composite materials by means of a corresponding application head.
Il est connu des machines d'application de fibre pour l'application au contact sur un outillage de drapage, tel qu'un moule mâle ou femelle, d'une bande large formée d'une ou plusieurs fibres plates continues, de type mèches, sèches ou imprégnées de résine thermodurcissable ou thermoplastique, notamment des fibres de carbone, constituées d'une multitude de fils ou filaments de carbone.  Fiber applicator machines are known for contacting a draping tool, such as a male or female mold, with a wide band formed of one or more continuous flat fibers, of the wick type, dry or impregnated with thermosetting or thermoplastic resin, especially carbon fibers, consisting of a multitude of carbon threads or filaments.
Ces machines d'application de fibres, appelées également machines de placement de fibre, comprennent classiquement une tête d'application, un système de déplacement apte à déplacer la tête d'application, et des moyens de stockage pour stocker les fibres. Les moyens de stockage de fibres peuvent être embarqués sur la tête, ou être disposés à distance de la tête. La tête comprend classiquement un système de compactage comprenant au moins rouleau d'application pour l'application d'une bande formée de plusieurs fibres disposées bord à bord sur une surface d'application d'un outillage de drapage, un système de guidage pour guider les fibres sous la forme d’une bande vers ledit rouleau d’application, et pour chaque fibre, des moyens de coupe pour couper une fibre, des moyens de réacheminement pour réacheminer la fibre jusqu’au rouleau d’application après une coupe effectuée par les moyens de coupe, et des moyens de blocage pour bloquer la fibre venant d’être coupée.  These fiber application machines, also called fiber placement machines, conventionally comprise an application head, a displacement system capable of moving the application head, and storage means for storing the fibers. The fiber storage means can be embedded on the head, or be placed at a distance from the head. The head conventionally comprises a compaction system comprising at least application roll for applying a strip formed of several fibers arranged edge to edge on an application surface of a draping tool, a guiding system for guiding the fibers in the form of a web to said application roller, and for each fiber, cutting means for cutting a fiber, re-routing means for rerouting the fiber to the application roller after a cut made by the cutting means, and locking means for blocking the newly cut fiber.
Le système de compactage comprend en outre au moins un vérin de compactage pour appliquer les fibres avec un effort de compactage.  The compacting system further comprises at least one compacting ram for applying the fibers with a compacting force.
Pour pouvoir appliquer de larges bandes de fibres, en particulier sur des surfaces d’application concaves ou convexes, il a été proposé notamment dans le document brevet EP2594389, d’utiliser un système de compactage comprenant des rouleaux de compactage indépendants. Chaque rouleau est utilisé pour appliquer une seule fibre, et est supporté par un système de fixation comprenant un système de déplacement en hauteur piloté par un moteur, et un vérin de compactage pour compenser les irrégularités de la surface d’application. Un tel système de compactage, ainsi que les moyens de coupe et les moyens de réacheminement de chaque fibre peuvent s’avérer compliquer à piloter en particulier pour atteindre des précisions de drapage dans le cas de coupe et de réacheminement de fibres à la volée. In order to be able to apply wide strips of fibers, in particular on concave or convex application surfaces, it has been proposed in patent document EP2594389, in particular, to use a compacting system comprising independent compaction rollers. Each roller is used to apply a single fiber, and is supported by a fastening system comprising a motor-driven height displacement system, and a compacting ram to compensate for irregularities in the application surface. Such a compacting system, as well as the cutting means and the means of rerouting each fiber may prove to be difficult to control in particular to achieve draping accuracies in the case of fiber cutting and re-routing on the fly.
Les rouleaux sont disposés en quinconce selon deux rangées parallèles pour pouvoir appliquer des bandes de fibres dans lesquelles les fibres sont tangentes latéralement. Un tel positionnement des rouleaux en deux rangées simplifie l’architecture de la tête, et notamment le montage des différents rouleaux sur la tête.  The rollers are staggered in two parallel rows to be able to apply strips of fibers in which the fibers are laterally tangential. Such positioning rolls in two rows simplifies the architecture of the head, including mounting the various rollers on the head.
Dans le cas de drapage de fibres pré-imprégnées d’un polymère thermodurcissable, il peut être envisagé d’équiper la tête de moyens de chauffage disposés en amont des rouleaux de compactage, par exemple sous la forme de rampes de lampes infrarouges, pour chauffer la surface d’application ou les fibres préalablement draper et ainsi assurer l’adhésion des différents plis les uns aux autres lors du drapage.  In the case of draping fibers pre-impregnated with a thermosetting polymer, it may be envisaged to equip the head with heating means arranged upstream of the compacting rollers, for example in the form of infrared lamp ramps, for heating the application surface or the fibers previously draped and thus ensure the adhesion of the different folds to each other during draping.
Pour certains types de fibres, notamment des fibres sèches munies d’un liant, ou des fibres pré-imprégnées d’un polymère thermoplastique, il est nécessaire de chauffer la surface de drapage, ainsi que les fibres à draper, de préférence au niveau de zone de contact entre le rouleau et la surface. La tête proposée dans le document brevet cité rend difficile, voire impossible le drapage de telles fibres.  For certain types of fibers, especially dry fibers with a binder, or fibers pre-impregnated with a thermoplastic polymer, it is necessary to heat the draping surface and the fibers to be draped, preferably at the level of contact area between the roll and the surface. The head proposed in the cited patent document makes it difficult or impossible to drape such fibers.
Le but de la présente invention est de proposer une solution visant à pallier au moins l’un des inconvénients précités.  The object of the present invention is to propose a solution to overcome at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.
A cet effet, la présente invention propose une tête d’application de fibres pour la réalisation de pièces en matériau composite par application de bandes formées de plusieurs fibres continues disposées côte à côte, de préférence bord à bord, comprenant un système de compactage comprenant plusieurs rouleaux de compactage indépendants et des vérins de compactage pour appliquer les fibres avec effort de compactage, et pour chaque fibre, des moyens de coupe et des moyens de réacheminement, et de préférence des moyens de blocage, caractérisée en ce que - pour chaque fibre, la tête comprend un module fonctionnel comprenant les moyens de coupe et les moyens de réacheminement, chaque module fonctionnel est monté mobile en translation selon une direction de compactage sur un élément support de la tête, For this purpose, the present invention proposes a fiber application head for producing parts made of composite material by applying strips formed of several continuous fibers arranged side by side, preferably edge to edge, comprising a compacting system comprising several independent compacting rollers and compacting cylinders for applying the fibers with compacting force, and for each fiber, cutting means and means for rerouting, and preferably locking means, characterized in that for each fiber, the head comprises a functional module comprising the cutting means and the rerouting means, each functional module is mounted to move in translation in a compaction direction on a support element of the head,
- chaque rouleau de compactage est monté sur un ou plusieurs modules fonctionnels adjacents ;  each compacting roller is mounted on one or more adjacent functional modules;
- un vérin de compactage est associé au(x) module(s) fonctionnel(s) associé(s) à un rouleau de compactage pour le déplacement en translation du ou des modules fonctionnels,  a compacting ram is associated with the functional module (s) associated with a compacting roller for translational movement of the functional module or modules;
- chaque élément support est monté mobile en translation sur un châssis de la tête dans une direction perpendiculaire à la direction de compactage, de sorte que chaque élément support puisse être déplacé depuis une position de drapage, dans laquelle les modules fonctionnels sont côte à côte et dans laquelle ladite tête est apte à draper une bande de fibres formée de fibres disposées bord à bord, vers une position de maintenance dans laquelle le ou les modules fonctionnels portés par ledit éléments sont écartés des autres éléments support et accessibles pour effectuer les opérations de maintenance.  each support member is movably mounted in translation on a frame of the head in a direction perpendicular to the compaction direction, so that each support element can be moved from a lay-up position, in which the functional modules are side by side and wherein said head is adapted to drape a fiber band formed of fibers disposed edge to edge, to a maintenance position in which the functional module or modules carried by said element are separated from the other support elements and accessible to perform maintenance operations .
Ce montage des modules fonctionnels sur des éléments support mobiles en translation sur un châssis permet de proposer une tête permettant le drapage de larges bandes de fibres avec une bonne qualité de drapage, tout ayant un accès simple et aisé aux modules fonctionnels pour des opérations de maintenance, notamment des opérations de maintenance sur les moyens de coupe et/ou les moyens de réacheminement, ainsi que le positionnement de la fibre dans chaque module fonctionnel.  This assembly of the functional modules on support elements movable in translation on a frame makes it possible to propose a head allowing draping of large fiber strips with a good quality of draping, all having a simple and easy access to the functional modules for maintenance operations. , in particular maintenance operations on the cutting means and / or the re-routing means, as well as the positioning of the fiber in each functional module.
Selon un mode de réalisation, chaque élément support porte deux modules adjacents, chaque module étant de préférence accessible depuis une face latérale de l’élément support.  According to one embodiment, each support element carries two adjacent modules, each module preferably being accessible from a lateral face of the support element.
Selon un mode de réalisation au moins un élément support est apte à être déplacé par un moteur d’entrainement, ledit élément support étant par exemple équipé d’un moteur coopérant avec une crémaillère solidaire du châssis, lesdits éléments support étant équipés de moyens d’assemblage pour assembler et désassembler deux à deux de éléments support adjacents. Selon un mode de réalisation, chaque élément support extérieur est apte à être déplacé par un moteur d’entrainement. Selon un mode de réalisation, chaque élément support est apte à porter une bobine de fibre ou cassette de fibre associée à chaque module fonctionnel porté par ledit élément support. According to one embodiment, at least one support element is able to be moved by a drive motor, said support element being for example equipped with a motor cooperating with a rack secured to the chassis, said support elements being equipped with means for assembly for assembling and disassembling two by two adjacent support members. According to one embodiment, each outer support element is able to be moved by a drive motor. According to one embodiment, each support element is able to carry a fiber reel or fiber cassette associated with each functional module carried by said support element.
Selon un mode de réalisation, chaque élément support comprend un mandrin pour la réception de chaque bobine ou cassette de fibre, le blocage axial de bobines ou cassettes sur leurs mandrins respectifs étant effectué par l’élément support adjacent lorsque les éléments support sont en position de drapage.  According to one embodiment, each support element comprises a mandrel for receiving each fiber coil or cassette, the axial blocking of coils or cassettes on their respective mandrels being effected by the adjacent support element when the support elements are in the position of draping.
Selon un mode de réalisation, ladite tête comprend au moins un premier module fonctionnel, appelé également module fonctionnel aval, et au moins un second module fonctionnel, appelé également module fonctionnel amont, disposés côte à côte en alternance, chaque premier module fonctionnel comprenant des moyens de guidage aptes à guider une première fibre en direction d’un rouleau de compactage selon un premier plan de guidage, et chaque second module fonctionnel comprenant des moyens de guidage aptes à guider une deuxième fibre en direction d’un rouleau de compactage selon un second plan de guidage, différent du premier plan de guidage, de manière à former au niveau des rouleaux de compactage une bande de fibres formée de première(s) et deuxième(s) fibres disposées en alternance bord à bord.  According to one embodiment, said head comprises at least a first functional module, also called downstream functional module, and at least one second functional module, also called upstream functional module, arranged side by side alternately, each first functional module comprising means guide means for guiding a first fiber towards a compacting roller in a first guide plane, and each second functional module comprising guide means for guiding a second fiber towards a compacting roller according to a second guide plane, different from the first guide plane, so as to form at the compaction rollers a fiber web formed of first (s) and second (s) fibers arranged alternately edge to edge.
L’utilisation de premier(s) et second(s) modules fonctionnels guidant les fibres selon un premier plan de guidage et un second plan de guidage permet de draper des bandes de fibres dans lesquelles les fibres sont disposées bord à bord, les fibres étant sensiblement jointives par leurs bords longitudinaux.  The use of first and second functional modules guiding the fibers along a first guide plane and a second guide plane makes it possible to drape fiber strips in which the fibers are arranged edge to edge, the fibers being substantially joined by their longitudinal edges.
La tête peut comprendre qu’un seul premier module fonctionnel et un seul second module fonctionnel, la tête étant alors apte à draper une bande de fibres formée d’une première fibre et d’une deuxième fibre disposées bord à bord. Lorsque la tête comprend plusieurs premiers modules fonctionnels et seconds modules fonctionnels, les premiers modules fonctionnels et seconds modules fonctionnels sont disposés côte à côte en alternance, la tête étant alors apte à draper une bande de fibre formée de premières fibres et de deuxièmes fibres disposées en alternance bord à bord.  The head may comprise only a first functional module and a single second functional module, the head then being able to drape a fiber band formed of a first fiber and a second fiber disposed edge to edge. When the head comprises several first functional modules and second functional modules, the first functional modules and second functional modules are alternately arranged side by side, the head then being able to drape a fiber band formed of first fibers and second fibers arranged in alternation edge to edge.
Selon un mode de réalisation, les rouleaux de compactage sont disposés en une seule rangée, côte à côte, de préférence sans contact entre eux, les axes de rotation des rouleaux de compactage étant disposés selon un même plan, appelé plan de compactage, parallèle à la direction de compactage. Cette disposition en une seule rangée permet d’utiliser des moyens de chauffage simples et efficaces, pouvant chauffer au niveau de la ligne de contact entre la surface d’application et chaque rouleau de compactage. De manière surprenante, les inventeurs ont constaté qu’un compactage partiel des fibres ou de certaines fibres sur uniquement une partie de leur largeur permettait d’obtenir une qualité de drapage satisfaisante, et qu’il est donc possible d’utiliser, dans le cas d’une tête comprenant un rouleau de compactage par fibre, un rouleau de compactage de largueur inférieure à la largeur de la fibre. Les vérins de compactage sont aptes à déplacer les modules fonctionnels entre une première position extrême, dite position haute, et une deuxième position extrême dite position basse, les axes de rotation des rouleaux en position haute extrême ou en position basse extrême sont sensiblement alignés. According to one embodiment, the compacting rollers are arranged in a single row, side by side, preferably without contact between they, the axes of rotation of the compacting rollers being arranged in a same plane, called compacting plane, parallel to the compaction direction. This single-row arrangement makes it possible to use simple and effective heating means which can be heated at the level of the line of contact between the application surface and each compacting roller. Surprisingly, the inventors have found that partial compaction of the fibers or of certain fibers over only a part of their width makes it possible to obtain a satisfactory quality of draping, and that it is therefore possible to use, in the case a head comprising a fiber compaction roller, a compacting roll of width less than the width of the fiber. The compacting cylinders are able to move the functional modules between a first extreme position, said high position, and a second extreme position called low position, the axes of rotation of the rollers in the extreme high position or in the extreme low position are substantially aligned.
Les rouleaux de compactage sont alignés en étant écartés les uns des autres, de sorte qu’ils puissent se déplacer dans le plan de compactage indépendamment les uns des autres.  The compaction rolls are aligned apart from one another so that they can move in the compaction plane independently of one another.
La tête selon l’invention comprend au minimum deux rouleaux de compactage, chaque rouleau de compactage étant associé à un module fonctionnel ou à deux modules fonctionnels.  The head according to the invention comprises at least two compacting rollers, each compaction roller being associated with a functional module or with two functional modules.
Selon un mode de réalisation, chaque rouleau de compactage est monté sur un ou plusieurs modules fonctionnels entre deux flasques, un jeu étant de préférence prévu entre les flasques de deux rouleaux de compactage adjacents. Selon un autre mode de réalisation, chaque rouleau de compactage comprend deux galets de compactage, montés rotatifs en porte à faux de part et d’autre d’un même flasque ou support.  According to one embodiment, each compaction roller is mounted on one or more functional modules between two flanges, a clearance being preferably provided between the flanges of two adjacent compaction rollers. According to another embodiment, each compacting roller comprises two compacting rollers, mounted to rotate cantilevered on either side of the same flange or support.
Selon un mode de réalisation, la tête comprend un rouleau de compactage par module fonctionnel.  According to one embodiment, the head comprises a compacting roller by functional module.
Selon un mode de réalisation, la tête comprend des premiers modules fonctionnels, appelés également modules fonctionnels aval, et des seconds modules fonctionnels, appelés également modules fonctionnels amont, disposés en alternance, chaque premier module fonctionnel comprenant des moyens de guidage aptes à guider une première fibre en direction du rouleau de compactage associé audit premier module fonctionnel selon un premier plan de guidage formant un premier angle non nul avec le plan de compactage des axes de rotation des rouleaux de compactage, chaque second module fonctionnel comprenant des moyens de guidage aptes à guider une deuxième fibre en direction du rouleau de compactage associé audit second module fonctionnel selon un second plan de guidage formant un deuxième angle non nul avec le plan de compactage des axes de rotation des rouleaux de compactage, ledit deuxième angle étant supérieur au premier angle, lesdits plans de guidage étant disposés du même côté du plan de compactage. Cette architecture particulière de tête avec deux plans de guidage disposés du même côté par rapport au plan de compactage assure un guidage optimal des fibres au plus près des rouleaux de compactage, et un angle d’arrivée des fibres sur les rouleaux de compactage permettant un chauffage optimal des fibres par des moyens de chauffage disposés en amont des rouleaux de compactage. According to one embodiment, the head comprises first functional modules, also called downstream functional modules, and second functional modules, also called upstream functional modules, arranged alternately, each first functional module comprising guide means able to guide a first fiber towards the compacting roller associated with said first functional module in a first guide plane forming a first non-zero angle with the compacting plane of the axes of rotation of the compacting rollers, each second functional module comprising guide means capable of guiding a second fiber towards the compacting roller associated with said second functional module in a second guide plane forming a second non-zero angle with the compacting plane of the axes of rotation of the compacting rollers, said second angle being greater than the first angle, said guide planes being disposed on the same side of the compacting plane. This particular head architecture with two guide planes arranged on the same side with respect to the compacting plane ensures optimum fiber guidance as close as possible to the compaction rollers, and an angle of arrival of the fibers on the compaction rollers for heating optimum fiber by heating means arranged upstream of compacting rollers.
Selon un mode de réalisation, la tête comprend en outre des moyens de chauffage, disposés en amont des rouleaux de compactage par rapport à la direction d’avancement de la tête lors du drapage comprenant un système de chauffage indépendant associé à chaque rouleau de compactage, ledit système de chauffage étant apte à se déplacer avec le ou les modules fonctionnels associés audit un rouleau de compactage, lorsque le ou les modules fonctionnels se déplacent selon la direction de compactage. Un système de chauffage est associé à chaque rouleau de compactage et se déplace dans la direction de compactage avec le ou les modules fonctionnels associés, garantissant ainsi un chauffage optimal en cours de drapage. Le système de chauffage est réglé de sorte qu’il soit apte à émettre un rayonnement thermique en direction de surface de drapage et/ou une ou plusieurs fibres préalablement appliquées, de préférence en direction de la zone de pincement ou zone de contact entre le rouleau de compactage et la surface d’application, pour chauffer la fibre disposée sur le rouleau, avant son compactage par ce dernier, ainsi que la surface d’application et/ou une ou plusieurs fibres préalablement appliquées. Lors du déplacement du module fonctionnel dans la direction de compactage, la distance entre le système de chauffage et la surface d’application, la distance entre le système de chauffage et le rouleau de compactage, et l’orientation du rayonnement par rapport à la surface d’application et le rouleau de compactage varient faiblement, de préférence restent sensiblement constantes. According to one embodiment, the head further comprises heating means arranged upstream of the compacting rollers with respect to the direction of advance of the head during draping comprising an independent heating system associated with each compacting roll, said heating system being able to move with the functional module or modules associated with said compacting roller, when the functional module or modules are moving in the direction of compaction. A heating system is associated with each compaction roller and moves in the compaction direction with the associated functional module (s), thus ensuring optimum heating during draping. The heating system is adjusted so that it is able to emit thermal radiation in the direction of the draping surface and / or one or more fibers previously applied, preferably in the direction of the nip or contact zone between the roll. compacting and the application surface, for heating the fiber disposed on the roll, before its compacting by the latter, and the application surface and / or one or more previously applied fibers. When moving the functional module in the compaction direction, the distance between the heating system and the application surface, the distance between the heating system and the compacting roller, and the orientation of the radiation with respect to the surface application and compacting roll vary slightly, preferably remain substantially constant.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le système de chauffage est apte à émettre un rayonnement thermique en direction de la zone de pincement ou zone de contact entre le rouleau de compactage et la surface d’application, pour chauffer chaque fibre disposée sur le rouleau de compactage, avant son compactage par ce dernier, ainsi que la surface d’application et/ou une ou plusieurs fibres préalablement appliquées.  According to one embodiment, the heating system is able to emit thermal radiation in the direction of the nip or contact zone between the compaction roller and the application surface, to heat each fiber disposed on the compacting roller. , before its compaction by the latter, and the application surface and / or one or more fibers previously applied.
Selon un mode de réalisation, chaque système de chauffage comprend une ou plusieurs torches à air chaud, un système de chauffage de type laser, ou un système de chauffage de type lampe flash.  According to one embodiment, each heating system comprises one or more hot air torches, a laser type heating system, or a flash lamp type heating system.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le système de chauffage est monté directement sur le ou les modules associés à un même rouleau de compactage.  According to one embodiment, the heating system is mounted directly on the module or modules associated with the same compacting roller.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation, chaque système de chauffage est monté mobile en translation dans la direction de compactage sur l’élément support, en amont du ou des modules fonctionnels associés à un même rouleau de compactage, et est relié mécaniquement par au moins un bras rigide au(x)dit(s) module(s) fonctionnel(s). Dans ce mode de réalisation, le déplacement du système de chauffage est assuré par le vérin de compactage via le bras de liaison. Selon une variante de réalisation, le système de chauffage est déplacé par son propre système d’actionnement, par exemple un vérin, qui fonctionne en synchronisme avec le vérin de compactage.  According to another embodiment, each heating system is movably mounted in translation in the compaction direction on the support element, upstream of the functional module or modules associated with the same compacting roller, and is mechanically connected by at least one rigid arm to said (s) module (s) functional (s). In this embodiment, the displacement of the heating system is provided by the compacting jack via the link arm. According to an alternative embodiment, the heating system is moved by its own actuating system, for example a jack, which operates in synchronism with the compacting ram.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation, chaque système de chauffage est monté pivotant sur l’élément support, en amont du ou des modules fonctionnels associés à un même rouleau de compactage, autour d’un axe parallèle aux axes de rotation des rouleaux de compactage et est relié mécaniquement par au moins une biellette au(x)dit(s) module(s) fonctionnel(s), la biellette étant montée pivotante par ses extrémités au système de chauffage et au(x)dit(s) module(s) fonctionnel(s).  According to another embodiment, each heating system is pivotally mounted on the support element, upstream of the functional module or modules associated with the same compacting roller, around an axis parallel to the axes of rotation of the compacting rolls and is mechanically connected by at least one rod to said functional module (s), the rod being pivotally mounted at its ends to the heating system and said module (s) block (s).
Selon un mode de réalisation, la tête d’application comprend des moyens de limitation, de préférence mécaniques, aptes à limiter les courses relatives de deux modules fonctionnels adjacents dans la direction de compactage, de manière à permettre une disposition des moyens de coupe des modules fonctionnels et un guidage des fibres au plus près des rouleaux de compactage, et ainsi garantir une bonne qualité de drapage, tout en évitant des collisions, notamment entre lesdits moyens de coupe. Lesdits moyens de limitation comprennent par exemple, pour chaque paire de modules adjacents associés à des rouleaux de compactage différents, un doigt solidaire de l’un des deux modules fonctionnels, et positionné entre deux butées de l’autre module fonctionnel, les deux butées étant espacées l’une de l’autre dans la direction de compactage. According to one embodiment, the application head comprises limiting means, preferably mechanical, able to limit the relative strokes of two adjacent functional modules in the compacting direction, so as to allow an arrangement of the cutting means of the modules functional and fiber guidance as close as possible to compacting rollers, and thus ensure good draping quality, while avoiding collisions, especially between said cutting means. Said limiting means comprise, for example, for each pair of adjacent modules associated with different compaction rollers, a finger secured to one of the two functional modules, and positioned between two stops of the other functional module, the two stops being spaced from each other in the compaction direction.
La présente invention a également pour objet un procédé de fabrication d’une pièce en matériau composite comprenant l’application de fibres continues sur une surface d’application, caractérisé en ce que l’application de fibres est réalisée au moyen d’une tête d’application de fibres tel que décrit précédemment, par déplacement relatif de la tête d’application par rapport à la surface de drapage selon des trajectoires de dépose.  The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a composite material part comprising the application of continuous fibers to an application surface, characterized in that the application of fibers is carried out by means of a head of application of fibers as described above, by relative displacement of the application head relative to the drape surface according to removal paths.
L'invention sera mieux comprise, et d'autres buts, détails, caractéristiques et avantages apparaîtront plus clairement au cours de la description explicative détaillée qui va suivre d’un mode de réalisation particulier actuellement préféré de l'invention, en référence aux dessins schématiques annexés, sur lesquels :  The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages will become more clearly apparent from the following detailed explanatory description of a particular presently preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to the schematic drawings. annexed, in which:
- les figures 1 et 2 sont deux vues schématiques en perspective d’une tête d’application de fibres selon un mode de réalisation l’invention ;  - Figures 1 and 2 are two schematic perspective views of a fiber application head according to one embodiment of the invention;
- la figure 3 est une vue de côté de la tête de la figure 1 ;  Figure 3 is a side view of the head of Figure 1;
- la figure 4 est une vue schématique en perspective d’un élément support de la tête de la figure 1, ledit élément support portant deux modules fonctionnels et les cassettes de fibre associées ;  FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a support element of the head of FIG. 1, said support element carrying two functional modules and the associated fiber cassettes;
- les figures 5 et 6 sont des vues de côté de l’élément support de la figure 4, illustrant respectivement un module fonctionnel aval et un module fonctionnel amont, lesdits modules fonctionnels étant en position haute extrême ;  FIGS. 5 and 6 are side views of the support element of FIG. 4, respectively illustrating a downstream functional module and an upstream functional module, said functional modules being in the extreme high position;
- les figures 7 et 8 sont des vues analogues aux figures 5 et 6, le module fonctionnel aval étant en position basse et le module fonctionnel amont étant en position haute ;  - Figures 7 and 8 are views similar to Figures 5 and 6, the downstream functional module being in the low position and the upstream functional module being in the up position;
- les figures 9 et 10 sont des vues de côté agrandies respectivement des modules fonctionnels aval et amont, illustrant de manière schématique les moyens de coupe, les moyens de réacheminement et les moyens de blocage des modules fonctionnels ; - la figure 11 est une vue illustrant la position relative des modules fonctionnels des figures 9 et 10 ; FIGS. 9 and 10 are enlarged side views respectively of the downstream and upstream functional modules, schematically illustrating the cutting means, the rerouting means and the blocking means of the functional modules; FIG. 11 is a view illustrating the relative position of the functional modules of FIGS. 9 and 10;
- les figures 12, 13 et 14 sont des vues analogues à celles respectivement des figures 4, 5 et 7, sur lesquelles les systèmes de chauffage de la tête ont été ajoutés ;  - Figures 12, 13 and 14 are views similar to those respectively of Figures 4, 5 and 7, on which the heating systems of the head were added;
- les figures 15 et 16 sont respectivement des vues en perspective et de côté de la tête de la figure 1, les éléments support étant dans une position de maintenance ; et,  FIGS. 15 and 16 are respectively perspective and side views of the head of FIG. 1, the support elements being in a maintenance position; and,
- les figures 17 et 18 sont des vues analogues à celle de la figure 16 illustrant d’autres positons de maintenance des éléments support ; et, FIGS. 17 and 18 are views similar to that of FIG. 16 illustrating other maintenance positions of the support elements; and,
- la figure 19 est une vue de côté d’une tête selon une variante de réalisation, et la figure 20 est une vue agrandie du détail D de la figure 19. FIG. 19 is a side view of a head according to an alternative embodiment, and FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the detail D of FIG. 19.
Les figures 1 à 3 illustrent une tête d’application de fibres selon l’invention pour le drapage d’une bande formée de plusieurs fibres continues.  Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a fiber application head according to the invention for draping a strip formed of several continuous fibers.
La tête selon l’invention est destinée à être assemblée à un système de déplacement pour effectuer les opérations de drapage de fibres, les fibres étant dans le présent mode de réalisation conditionnées sous forme de cassettes, et les cassettes sont embarquées sur la tête.  The head according to the invention is intended to be assembled to a displacement system for carrying out the operations of draping fibers, the fibers being in the present embodiment packaged in the form of cassettes, and the cassettes are loaded on the head.
La tête comprend une structure support ou châssis 1 présentant une face principale supérieure 11 munie de moyens d’assemblage (non représentés) pour l’assemblage de la tête selon un axe assemblage A, à un système de déplacement de la tête, par exemple le poignet d’un robot polyarticulé ou d’un système de déplacement cartésien de type portique.  The head comprises a support structure or frame 1 having an upper main face 11 provided with assembly means (not shown) for assembling the head according to an assembly axis A, to a head displacement system, for example the wrist of a polyarticulated robot or a Cartesian-type gantry displacement system.
La tête porte une pluralité de modules fonctionnels 2a, 2b disposés côte à côte. Chaque module fonctionnel est associé à une cassette de fibre 91a, 91b et comprend des moyens de coupe, des moyens de réacheminement et des moyens de blocage. Chaque module porte un rouleau de compactage 3 a, 3b.  The head carries a plurality of functional modules 2a, 2b arranged side by side. Each functional module is associated with a fiber cassette 91a, 91b and includes cutting means, re-routing means and locking means. Each module carries a compacting roller 3a, 3b.
La tête comprend deux types de module fonctionnel, des premiers modules fonctionnels 2a, appelés également modules fonctionnels amont, associés à des cassettes de fibres amont 91a, disposées en amont des modules fonctionnels par rapport à la direction d’avancement D (Fig. 3) de la tête lors du drapage, et des seconds modules fonctionnels 2b, appelés également modules fonctionnels aval, associés à des cassettes de fibres aval 91b, disposées en aval des modules fonctionnels par rapport à la direction d’avancement D. Les modules fonctionnels sont disposés selon une rangée, la rangée comprenant une alternance de modules fonctionnels amont 2a et de modules fonctionnels aval 2b. The head comprises two types of functional module, first functional modules 2a, also called upstream functional modules, associated with upstream fiber cassettes 91a, arranged upstream of the functional modules with respect to the direction of advance D (FIG. of the head during draping, and second functional modules 2b, also called downstream functional modules, associated with downstream fiber cassettes 91b, disposed downstream of the functional modules with respect to the direction of progress D. The functional modules are arranged in a row, the row comprising an alternation of upstream functional modules 2a and downstream functional modules 2b.
Le montage des modules fonctionnels sur le châssis est réalisé au moyen d’éléments support 4, chaque élément support, formé d’une ou plusieurs pièces, portant un module fonctionnel aval 2a et un module fonctionnel amont 2b.  The functional modules are mounted on the chassis by means of support elements 4, each support element consisting of one or more parts carrying a downstream functional module 2a and an upstream functional module 2b.
Dans le présent mode de réalisation, la tête est prévue pour le drapage d’une bande de huit fibres, la tête comprend quatre éléments support 4 identiques, portant chacun deux modules fonctionnels, les éléments support étant référencés individuellement sous les références 4a, 4b, 4c et 4d sur les figures.  In the present embodiment, the head is provided for draping a strip of eight fibers, the head comprises four identical support elements 4, each carrying two functional modules, the support elements being referenced individually under the references 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d in the figures.
Chaque élément support 4 est monté mobile en translation sur la face principale inférieure 12 du châssis 1, selon une direction Tl, perpendiculaire à Taxe d’assemblage A. Pour ce montage en translation, chaque élément support 4 est équipé sur un bord supérieur de deux chariots 41 pour le montage de l’élément support sur deux rails 13 correspondants, montés sur la face inférieure 12 du châssis, s’étendant d’une première extrémité 14 à une deuxième extrémité 15 du châssis.  Each support member 4 is mounted to move in translation on the lower main face 12 of the frame 1, in a direction T1, perpendicular to Assembly Tax A. For this translation assembly, each support member 4 is equipped on an upper edge of two carriages 41 for mounting the support element on two corresponding rails 13, mounted on the underside 12 of the frame, extending from a first end 14 to a second end 15 of the frame.
En référence aux figures 4 à 6, l’élément support 4 porte un module fonctionnel aval 2a, accessible depuis une première face latérale 40a de l’élément support, et un module fonctionnel amont 2b, accessible depuis une deuxième face latérale 40b.  With reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the support element 4 carries a downstream functional module 2a, accessible from a first lateral face 40a of the support element, and an upstream functional module 2b, accessible from a second lateral face 40b.
Le module fonctionnel aval 2a est monté sur l’élément support, mobile en translation dans une direction T2, qui est parallèle à Taxe d’assemblage A. Pour ce montage, le module fonctionnel aval est équipé de chariots 21 montés coulissants sur un rail 42a solidaire de l’élément support. Le module est assemblé en partie supérieure à l’extrémité de la tige d’un vérin de compactage 5a, ledit vérin étant assemblé par son corps à l’élément support. Le module fonctionnel aval porte en partie inférieure un rouleau de compactage 3a. Le rouleau de compactage est monté entre deux flasques 22a du module fonctionnel aval, mobile en rotation autour d’un axe de rotation Bl, qui est perpendiculaire à la direction T2. Lors du déplacement du module fonctionnel en translation dans la direction T2, Taxe de rotation Bl du rouleau de compactage se déplace dans un plan C appelé plan de compactage, qui est parallèle à la direction T2. Le module fonctionnel aval comprend des moyens de guidage d’une fibre permettant de guider la fibre entrant dans le module en direction du rouleau de compactage selon un plan PI, ledit plan formant un angle ai avec le planThe downstream functional module 2a is mounted on the support member, movable in translation in a direction T2, which is parallel to Assembly Tax A. For this assembly, the downstream functional module is equipped with carriages 21 mounted sliding on a rail 42a. integral with the support element. The module is assembled in the upper part at the end of the rod of a compaction jack 5a, said jack being assembled by its body to the support member. The downstream functional module carries in the lower part a compacting roller 3a. The compacting roller is mounted between two flanges 22a of the downstream functional module, rotatable about an axis of rotation Bl, which is perpendicular to the direction T2. When moving the functional module in translation in the direction T2, the rotation axis B1 of the compacting roller moves in a plane C called the compacting plane, which is parallel to the direction T2. The module downstream device comprises means for guiding a fiber for guiding the fiber entering the module in the direction of the compacting roller in a plane PI, said plane forming an angle ai with the plane
C. vs.
En référence à la figure 9, le module fonctionnel aval comprend des moyens de coupe 23 pour couper la fibre, des moyens de réacheminement 24, pour réacheminer la fibre jusqu’au rouleau de compactage après une opération de coupe, et des moyens de blocage pour bloquer la fibre venant d’être coupée.  Referring to FIG. 9, the downstream functional module comprises cutting means 23 for cutting the fiber, rerouting means 24 for rerouting the fiber to the compacting roller after a cutting operation, and locking means for block the newly cut fiber.
Les moyens de coupe, connus en soi, comprennent au moins une lame apte à être manœuvrée par un vérin de coupe entre une position de repos et une position active pour couper une fibre. Les moyens de blocage, connus en soi, comprennent par exemple un plot de blocage apte à être manœuvré par un vérin de blocage entre une position de repos et une position active pour bloquer la fibre. A titre d’exemple, le module fonctionnel aval comprend des moyens de coupe et des moyens de blocage, tels que décrits dans le document brevet EP2134532, WO2017/072421 ou FR17/01245 et FRI 7/01247.  The cutting means, known per se, comprise at least one blade adapted to be operated by a cutting cylinder between a rest position and an active position for cutting a fiber. The locking means, known per se, comprise for example a blocking stud adapted to be operated by a locking jack between a rest position and an active position to block the fiber. By way of example, the downstream functional module comprises cutting means and locking means, as described in patent document EP2134532, WO2017 / 072421 or FR17 / 01245 and FRI 7/01247.
Les moyens de réacheminement comprennent un galet d’entrainement 241 motorisé et un contre-galet 242 actionné par un vérin de réacheminement entre une position de repos et une position active. Le galet d’entrainement 241 est entraîné en rotation par un moteur 243 embarqué dans le module fonctionnel aval, par exemple par l’intermédiaire d’un système de courroie ou d’engrenage. En position active, le contre-galet est apte à plaquer la fibre contre le galet d’entrainement pour le réacheminement de cette dernière.  The rerouting means comprise a motorized drive roller 241 and a counter-roller 242 actuated by a rerouting cylinder between a rest position and an active position. The drive roller 241 is rotated by a motor 243 embedded in the downstream functional module, for example by means of a belt or gear system. In the active position, the counter-roller is able to press the fiber against the drive roller for the rerouting of the latter.
Les moyens de guidage 26 permettent de guider la fibre entre les moyens de blocage, les moyens de réacheminement et les moyens de coupe et en direction du rouleau de compactage, et comprennent par exemple un canal formé à l’interface d’assemblage de deux plaques. La fibre déroulée de la cassette 91a associée au module est guidée en entrée des moyens de guidage 26 par une poulie 27 qui est montée mobile en rotation entre deux flasques solidaires du module fonctionnel. L’élément support porte en outre sur sa première face latérale un mandrin 43a, motorisé ou non, pour recevoir la cassette, de sorte que la cassette soit mobile en rotation autour d’un axe de rotation El . La fibre déroulée de la cassette, est acheminée jusqu’à la poulie 27 du module au moyen d’un ensemble de poulies (non représentées), montées rotatives sur la face latérale 40a. Un système de contrôle de la tension peut également être prévu sur le chemin de fibre entre la cassette et la poulie 27 pour reprendre le mou et/ou contrôler la rotation du mandrin. The guiding means 26 make it possible to guide the fiber between the blocking means, the rerouting means and the cutting means and in the direction of the compaction roller, and comprise, for example, a channel formed at the interface of assembly of two plates. . The unrolled fiber of the cassette 91a associated with the module is guided at the input of the guide means 26 by a pulley 27 which is rotatably mounted between two flanges integral with the functional module. The support element also carries on its first lateral face a mandrel 43a, motorized or not, to receive the cassette, so that the cassette is rotatable about an axis of rotation El. The unrolled fiber of the cassette, is conveyed to the pulley 27 of the module by means of a set of pulleys (not shown), rotatably mounted on the lateral face 40a. A tension control system may also be provided on the fiber path between the cassette and the pulley 27 to take up the slack and / or check the rotation of the mandrel.
De manière analogue, en référence aux figures 6, 8 et 10, le module fonctionnel amont 2b est monté mobile en translation dans la direction T2, le module fonctionnel amont étant équipé de chariots 21 montés coulissants sur un rail 42b solidaire de l’élément support. Le module est assemblé en partie supérieure à l’extrémité de la tige d’un vérin de compactage 5b, ledit vérin étant assemblé par son corps à l’élément support. Le module fonctionnel amont porte en partie inférieure un rouleau de compactage 3b. Le rouleau de compactage 3b est monté entre deux flasques 22b du module fonctionnel aval, mobile en rotation autour d’un axe de rotation B2, qui est perpendiculaire à la direction T2. Lors du déplacement du module en translation dans la direction T2, l’axe de rotation B2 du rouleau de compactage 3b de ce module se déplace dans le même plan C que l’axe de rotation B1 du rouleau de compactage 3a du module fonctionnel aval.  Similarly, with reference to FIGS. 6, 8 and 10, the upstream functional module 2b is mounted to move in translation in the direction T2, the upstream functional module being equipped with carriages 21 slidably mounted on a rail 42b integral with the support element. . The module is assembled in the upper part at the end of the rod of a compacting cylinder 5b, said cylinder being assembled by its body to the support element. The upstream functional module carries in the lower part a compaction roller 3b. The compacting roller 3b is mounted between two flanges 22b of the downstream functional module, rotatable about an axis of rotation B2, which is perpendicular to the direction T2. During displacement of the module in translation in the direction T2, the axis of rotation B2 of the compaction roller 3b of this module moves in the same plane C as the axis of rotation B1 of the compaction roller 3a of the downstream functional module.
Le module fonctionnel aval comprend des moyens de guidage 26 d’une fibre permettant de guider la fibre entrant dans le module en direction du rouleau de compactage selon un plan P2, les plans PI et P2 étant disposé du même côté du plan C, ledit plan P2 formant un angle a2 avec le plan C qui est supérieur à 1‘ angle ai, le plan PI étant disposé en amont un plan P2 par rapport à la direction d’avancement de la tête lors du drapage. Le module fonctionnel aval comprend des moyens de coupe 23, des moyens de réacheminement 24, et des moyens de blocage, lesdits moyens étant identiques à ceux du module fonctionnel aval. The downstream functional module comprises guiding means 26 of a fiber for guiding the fiber entering the module in the direction of the compacting roller in a plane P2, the planes PI and P2 being disposed on the same side of the plane C, said plane P2 forming an angle a 2 with the plane C which is greater than the angle ai, the plane PI being arranged upstream a plane P2 relative to the direction of advance of the head during the draping. The downstream functional module comprises cutting means 23, re-routing means 24, and locking means, said means being identical to those of the downstream functional module.
Le module fonctionnel amont présente une forme différente de celle du module fonctionnel aval, de manière à décaler le plan de guidage P2 par rapport au plan de guidage PL Tel qu’illustré sur la figure 11, les moyens de guidage, les moyens de coupe, de réacheminement et de blocage du module fonctionnel amont sont décalés par rapport à ceux du module fonctionnel aval. Pour limiter le porte-à-faux, le rail 42b sur lequel est monté le module fonctionnel amont est décalé par rapport au rail 42a sur lequel est monté le module fonctionnel aval. Le module fonctionnel amont porte également une poulie 27 montée mobile en rotation entre deux flasques, pour guider la fibre déroulée de la cassette 91b en entrée du module fonctionnel. The upstream functional module has a shape different from that of the downstream functional module, so as to shift the guide plane P2 relative to the guide plane PL. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the guide means, the cutting means, rerouting and blocking of the upstream functional module are offset from those of the downstream functional module. To limit the cantilever, the rail 42b on which is mounted the upstream functional module is shifted relative to the rail 42a on which is mounted the downstream functional module. The functional module upstream also carries a pulley 27 rotatably mounted between two flanges to guide the unwound fiber of the cassette 91b at the input of the functional module.
L’élément support porte en outre sur sa première face latérale 40a un mandrin 43b, motorisé ou non, pour recevoir la cassette 90b, de sorte que la cassette soit mobile en rotation autour d’un axe de rotation E2, ainsi que, comme précédemment un ensemble de poulies de guidage et un éventuel système de contrôle de tension.  The support element also carries on its first lateral face 40a a mandrel 43b, motorized or not, to receive the cassette 90b, so that the cassette is rotatable about an axis of rotation E2, as well as, as before a set of guide pulleys and a possible voltage control system.
Les quatre éléments support sont montés sur le châssis de sorte que les axes de rotation des rouleaux soient tous disposés sensiblement selon le même plan C.  The four support members are mounted on the frame so that the axes of rotation of the rollers are all arranged substantially in the same plane C.
Les rouleaux de compactage sont tous identiques et sont de préférence aptes à s’adapter à la surface d’application, notamment à des surfaces d'application convexes et/ou concaves. Chaque rouleau de compactage est de préférence un rouleau de compactage en un matériau dit souple, qui est déformable élastiquement, tel qu’un élastomère. Le rouleau comprend un cylindre en matériau souple, monté fixe en rotation sur un axe rigide, par exemple métallique par lequel le rouleau est monté libre en rotation entre deux flasques.  The compacting rollers are all identical and are preferably adapted to adapt to the application surface, in particular to convex and / or concave application surfaces. Each compacting roll is preferably a compacting roll of a so-called flexible material, which is elastically deformable, such as an elastomer. The roll comprises a cylinder of flexible material, mounted fixed in rotation on a rigid axis, for example metal by which the roller is mounted free to rotate between two flanges.
Chaque vérin de compactage 5a, 5b est apte à déplacer son module fonctionnel associé entre une position haute extrême et une position basse extrême. Sur la figure 4, les deux modules sont en position haute extrême. Sur les figures 7 et 8, le module fonctionnel aval est en position basse extrême tandis que le module fonctionnel amont est en position haute extrême.  Each compacting cylinder 5a, 5b is able to move its associated functional module between an extreme high position and an extreme low position. In Figure 4, the two modules are in extreme high position. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the downstream functional module is in the extreme low position while the upstream functional module is in the extreme high position.
Chaque vérin de compactage est par exemple un vérin à double effet, de préférence pneumatique, avec deux chambres alimentées en air comprimé, dont une première chambre inférieure entre le piston et le module fonctionnel et une deuxième chambre supérieure du côté opposé du piston.  Each compacting cylinder is for example a double-acting cylinder, preferably pneumatic, with two chambers supplied with compressed air, including a first lower chamber between the piston and the functional module and a second upper chamber on the opposite side of the piston.
Pour le drapage d’une fibre avec un module fonctionnel, le module est sollicité élastiquement vers sa position extrême basse par son vérin de compactage. La tête est amenée en contact avec la surface de drapage, le rouleau en appui avec la surface de drapage. L’effort de compactage pour le drapage peut être régulé en adaptant la pression d’alimentation en air comprimé dans la chambre supérieure du vérin. Lors du drapage, le module fonctionnel peut se déplacer entre sa position basse extrême et sa position haute extrême pour s’adapter à la surface de drapage. Lorsque le module n’est pas utilisé pour draper une fibre, celui-ci est maintenu en position haute extrême en alimentant la chambre inférieure en air comprimé. For draping a fiber with a functional module, the module is elastically biased towards its extreme low position by its compaction jack. The head is brought into contact with the draping surface, the roll resting with the draping surface. The compacting force for draping can be regulated by adjusting the compressed air supply pressure in the upper chamber of the jack. When draping, the Functional module can move between its extreme low position and its extreme high position to adapt to the draping surface. When the module is not used to drape a fiber, it is held in extreme extreme position by feeding the lower chamber with compressed air.
A titre d’exemple, sur les figures 1 à 3, les quatre modules fonctionnels des deux éléments support 4a et 4b sont en position basse extrême pour le drapage d’une bande de quatre fibres, les quatre autres modules fonctionnels des deux autres éléments support 4c et 4d étant maintenus en position haute extrême. Lors du drapage, les modules fonctionnels des éléments support sont aptes à se déplacer entre leur position haute extrême et leur position basse extrême indépendamment les uns des autres, en fonction des variations de géométrie de la surface d’application.  By way of example, in FIGS. 1 to 3, the four functional modules of the two support elements 4a and 4b are in the extreme low position for draping a band of four fibers, the other four functional modules of the two other support elements. 4c and 4d being maintained in extreme high position. During draping, the functional modules of the support elements are able to move between their extreme high position and their extreme low position independently of each other, as a function of the geometry variations of the application surface.
Les moyens de guidage, ainsi que les moyens de coupe, au moins au niveau de la ou des lames du système de coupe, présentent nécessairement une dimension transversale supérieure à la largeur de la fibre. Aussi, pour permettre le drapage de bandes de fibres dans lesquelles les fibres sont sensiblement bord à bord, les moyens de guidage et les moyens de coupe des modules fonctionnels amont et ceux des modules fonctionnel aval sont disposés de manière à permettre le déplacement desdits modules fonctionnels indépendamment les uns des autres entre leur position basse extrême et leur position haute extrême. Dans le cas d’une tête prévue pour le drapage de bande de fibres bord à bord, la tête comprend des rouleaux de compactage de largeur inférieure à celle des fibres, la différence de largeur correspondant à l’encombrement nécessaire pour le montage en rotation des rouleaux de compactage entre deux flasques. L’écartement entre les faces latérales de deux rouleaux de compactage adjacents correspond globalement aux épaisseurs des deux flasques adjacents, additionnées d’un jeu inter- flasques.  The guiding means, as well as the cutting means, at least at the level of the blade or blades of the cutting system, necessarily have a transverse dimension greater than the width of the fiber. Also, to enable the draping of fiber strips in which the fibers are substantially edge to edge, the guiding means and the cutting means of the upstream functional modules and those of the downstream functional modules are arranged so as to allow the displacement of said functional modules. independently of each other between their extreme low position and their extreme high position. In the case of a head provided for the lay-up of edge-to-edge fiber tape, the head comprises compacting rollers of width less than that of the fibers, the difference in width corresponding to the space required for the rotational mounting of compacting rollers between two flanges. The spacing between the lateral faces of two adjacent compaction rollers corresponds generally to the thicknesses of the two adjacent flanges, plus an inter-flange clearance.
La tête comprend un système de chauffage associé à chaque module fonctionnel pour chauffer au moins la surface d’application en amont du rouleau de compactage, de préférence la surface d’application en amont du rouleau, ainsi que la fibre à draper en sortie des moyens de guidage. Dans un souci de clarté des figures, les systèmes de chauffage sont illustrés uniquement sur les figures 12 à 14. Chaque élément support 4 porte un système de chauffage 6a associé au module fonctionnel aval 2a et un système de chauffage 6b associé au module fonctionnel amont 2b. Les systèmes de chauffage sont montés sur l’élément support en amont des modules fonctionnels par rapport à la direction d’avancement de la tête. The head comprises a heating system associated with each functional module for heating at least the application surface upstream of the compacting roller, preferably the application surface upstream of the roller, and the fiber to be draped at the outlet of the means. guidance. For the sake of clarity of the figures, the heating systems are illustrated only in FIGS. 12 to 14. Each support element 4 carries a heating system 6a associated with the downstream functional module 2a and a heating system 6b associated with the upstream functional module 2b. The heating systems are mounted on the support element upstream of the functional modules with respect to the direction of advance of the head.
Dans le présent mode de réalisation, chaque système de chauffage comprend une torche à air chaud 61a, 61b, de préférence électrique, à air comprimé ou associé à une turbine, apte à émettre un flux d’air chaud. Chaque torche est montée sur un support 62 monté mobile en translation dans la direction T2, via des chariots 63 solidaires du support coulissant sur un rail 64 solidaire de l’élément support. Le système de chauffage 6a est lié au module fonctionnel aval par un bras de liaison 65a, de sorte que la torche à air chaud se déplace en translation avec le module fonctionnel aval lors du drapage. De manière analogue le système de chauffage 6b est relié par un bras 65b au module fonctionnel amont 2b.  In the present embodiment, each heating system comprises a hot air torch 61a, 61b, preferably electric, compressed air or associated with a turbine, adapted to emit a hot air flow. Each torch is mounted on a support 62 mounted to move in translation in the direction T2, via carriages 63 integral with the support sliding on a rail 64 secured to the support element. The heating system 6a is connected to the downstream functional module by a connecting arm 65a, so that the hot air torch moves in translation with the downstream functional module during draping. Similarly, the heating system 6b is connected by an arm 65b to the upstream functional module 2b.
Le montage de la torche est effectué de sorte que le flux d’air chaud 66 soit dirigé en direction de la zone de pincement entre le rouleau et la surface d’application. La liaison de la torche à air chaud à son module fonctionnel garantit un chauffage optimal pour le drapage de la fibre.  The mounting of the torch is carried out so that the hot air flow 66 is directed towards the nip area between the roll and the application surface. The connection of the hot-air torch to its functional module guarantees optimum heating for draping the fiber.
Le montage des systèmes de chauffage sur des rails permet de limiter le porte-à-faux des modules fonctionnels. Toutefois, selon un mode de réalisation, chaque système de chauffage est monté directement sur un module fonctionnel.  Mounting the heating systems on rails makes it possible to limit the cantilever of the functional modules. However, according to one embodiment, each heating system is mounted directly on a functional module.
Selon une variante de réalisation, le système de chauffage comprend pour chaque module fonctionnel deux torches à air, par exemple superposées.  According to an alternative embodiment, the heating system comprises for each functional module two air torches, for example superimposed.
Le système de chauffage peut comprendre en outre plus une ou plusieurs lampes infrarouges montées sur l’élément support, en amont de la ou des torches, pour chauffer la surface de drapage.  The heating system may further include one or more infrared lamps mounted on the support member, upstream of the at least one torch, for heating the drape surface.
Selon d’autres modes de réalisation, le système de chauffage à torche à air précité est remplacé par un système de chauffage de type laser ou un système de chauffage de type lampe flash, tel que décrit dans le document brevet WO2014/029969 ou WO2017/134453. Dans le cas d’un chauffage de type laser ou lampe flash, le rayonnement est dirigé obliquement vers la zone de pincement ou zone de contact entre le rouleau d’application et la surface d’application, pour chauffer la fibre disposée sur le rouleau, avant son compactage par ce dernier, ainsi que la surface d’application et/ou une ou plusieurs fibres préalablement appliquées. According to other embodiments, the above-mentioned air-torch heating system is replaced by a laser-type heating system or a flash lamp-type heating system, as described in patent WO2014 / 029969 or WO2017 / 134453. In the case of a laser or flash lamp type heating, the radiation is directed obliquely towards the pinch zone or contact zone between the application roll and the application surface, to heat the arranged fiber on the roll, before its compaction by the latter, and the application surface and / or one or more fibers previously applied.
Les fibres sont de préférence des fibres continues plates, de type mèches, pré-imprégnées d’une résine thermodurcissable ou d’une résine thermoplastiques, ou des fibres sèches munies d’un liant. Le liant est sous forme de poudre et/ou d’un ou plusieurs voiles, de préférence de type thermoplastique.  The fibers are preferably flat continuous fibers, of the wicking type, pre-impregnated with a thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic resin, or dry fibers provided with a binder. The binder is in the form of powder and / or one or more webs, preferably thermoplastic type.
La tête selon l’invention s’avère particulièrement avantageuse pour le drapade de fibres sèches munies de liant ou de fibres pré-imprégnées de résine thermoplastique.  The head according to the invention is particularly advantageous for the sheet of dry fibers provided with binder or fibers preimpregnated with thermoplastic resin.
La tête peut être adaptée pour le drapage de fibres de différentes largeurs, mais s’avère particulièrement avantageuse pour le drapage de fibres de largeur d’au moins un demi pouce, par exemple d’un pouce, d’un pouce et demi, ou deux pouces. Pour une largeur allant jusqu’à un demi pouce, les fibres peuvent être enroulées en bobines trancannées, à spires hélicoïdales. Au-delà d’un demi-pouce de largeur, la fibre est enroulée en bobine ou cassette sans trancannage.  The head may be adapted for draping fibers of different widths, but is particularly advantageous for draping fibers of at least half an inch in width, for example one inch, one and a half inches, or two inches. For a width of up to half an inch, the fibers can be rolled up into coiled rolls with helical coils. Beyond half an inch in width, the fiber is wound into a reel or cassette without slicing.
En référence aux figures 1 et 2, les éléments supports sont disposés côte à côte dans une position de drapage, dans laquelle la tête est apte à draper une bande de fibres formées de fibres disposées bord à bord, et dans laquelle les éléments support sont centrés par rapport à l’axe A. Les éléments support sont équipés de moyens d’assemblage ou verrouillage 44a, 44b, par exemple pneumatiques, permettant d’assembler et de désassembler deux éléments adjacents. Les deux éléments support 4a et 4d extérieurs sont chacun équipés d’un moteur 45, 46 dont l’arbre est muni d’un pignon 451 engrenant avec une crémaillère 47, 48 montée sur l’élément support pour permettre le déplacement desdits modules fonctionnels 4a, 4b en translation dans la direction Tl.  With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the support elements are arranged side by side in a draping position, in which the head is able to drape a strip of fiber fibers arranged edge to edge, and in which the support elements are centered. relative to the axis A. The support elements are equipped with assembly or locking means 44a, 44b, for example pneumatic, for assembling and disassembling two adjacent elements. The two outer support elements 4a and 4d are each equipped with a motor 45, 46 whose shaft is provided with a pinion 451 meshing with a rack 47, 48 mounted on the support element to allow the displacement of said functional modules 4a. , 4b in translation in the direction T1.
Dans la position de drapage des éléments support illustrée aux figures 1 et 2, les éléments support sont assemblés les uns aux autres. Le maintien en position de drapage est assuré par les moteurs 45, 46. En variante, des moyens de blocage en translation peuvent être prévus.  In the draping position of the support members illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support members are assembled together. The holding in the draping position is provided by the motors 45, 46. Alternatively, translation locking means may be provided.
Les figures 15 à 18 illustrent les différentes positions des éléments support pour effectuer des opérations de maintenance sur les modules fonctionnels amont et aval des éléments support, ainsi que pour charger de nouvelles cassettes de fibre. En position de drapage, la première face principale 40a de l’élément support 4a extérieur disposé du côté de la première extrémité 14 est accessible, par exemple pour accéder à son module fonctionnel amont pour effectuer des opérations de maintenance sur ses moyens de coupe, de réacheminement et/ou de blocage, sur son rouleau de compactage, pour effectuer un changement de cassette de fibre, et pour effectuer le passage de fibre de la cassette jusqu’au rouleau de compactage. La deuxième face principale 40b de l’élément support extérieur 4d est également accessible pour accéder à son module fonctionnel amont et à sa cassette associée pour effectuer les opérations précitées. FIGS. 15 to 18 illustrate the different positions of the support elements for carrying out maintenance operations on the upstream and downstream functional modules of the support elements, as well as for loading new fiber cassettes. In layup position, the first main face 40a of the outer support member 4a disposed on the side of the first end 14 is accessible, for example to access its upstream functional module to perform maintenance operations on its cutting means, rerouting and / or blocking, on its compaction roller, to perform a fiber cassette change, and to effect fiber passage from the cassette to the compaction roller. The second main face 40b of the outer support member 4d is also accessible to access its upstream functional module and its associated cassette to perform the above operations.
Partant de cette position de drapage, l’élément support 4d extérieur est désassemblé de l’élément support 4c adjacent, en pilotant leurs moyens de verrouillage 44a, 44b, et son moteur 46 est piloté pour le déplacer en direction de la deuxième extrémité 15, tel qu’illustré aux figures 15 et 16. Le moteur 45 de l’élément support 4a extérieur est piloté pour le déplacer en direction de la première extrémité 14, avec l’élément support 4e assemblé à l’élément support 4b, lui-même assemblé à l’élément support 4a extérieur motorisé.  Starting from this layup position, the outer support element 4d is disassembled from the adjacent support element 4c, by controlling their locking means 44a, 44b, and its motor 46 is driven to move it towards the second end 15, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16. The motor 45 of the outer support element 4a is driven to move it towards the first end 14, with the support element 4e assembled to the support element 4b, itself assembled to the motorized outer support element 4a.
Dans cette position de maintenance, l’élément support 4d extérieur est écarté de l’élément support 4c, de sorte qu’un opérateur puisse accéder aux faces principales en vis-à-vis de ces éléments support, et effectuer des opérations de maintenance sur les modules fonctionnels et les cassettes qui sont accessibles depuis lesdites faces.  In this maintenance position, the outer support element 4d is separated from the support element 4c, so that an operator can access the main faces vis-à-vis these support elements, and carry out maintenance operations on functional modules and cassettes that are accessible from said faces.
Depuis cette position de maintenance des figures 15 et 16, les moteurs 45, 46 peuvent être pilotés pour ramener les éléments support dans la position de drapage de la figure 1, puis après assemblage de l’élément support 4c à l’élément support 4d, et désassemblage de l’élément support 4c de l’élément support 4b, les moteurs sont pilotés pour ramener les éléments support extérieurs vers les extrémités 14, 15 tel qu’illustré à la figure 17. Dans cette position de maintenance, un opérateur peut effectuer des opérations de maintenance sur les modules fonctionnels et cassettes associées accessibles depuis les faces principales en vis-à-vis des éléments fonctionnels 4c et 4b centraux.  From this maintenance position of FIGS. 15 and 16, the motors 45, 46 can be driven to bring back the support elements into the lay-up position of FIG. 1, then after assembly of the support element 4c to the support element 4d, and disassembly of the support member 4c of the support member 4b, the motors are driven to return the outer support members to the ends 14, 15 as shown in Figure 17. In this maintenance position, an operator can perform maintenance operations on the functional modules and associated cassettes accessible from the main faces vis-à-vis the functional elements 4c and 4b central.
Les moteurs 45, 46 peuvent par la suite être pilotés pour ramener les éléments support dans la position de drapage, puis après assemblage de l’élément support 4b à l’élément support 4c, et désassemblage de l’élément support 4b de l’élément support 4a, les moteurs sont pilotés pour ramener les éléments support extérieurs vers les extrémités 14, 15 tel qu’illustré à la figure 18. Dans cette position de maintenance, un opérateur peut effectuer des opérations de maintenance sur les modules fonctionnels et cassette associées des faces principales en vis-à-vis des éléments fonctionnels 4b et 4a. The motors 45, 46 can subsequently be driven to bring the support elements back into the draping position, then after assembly of the support member 4b to the support member 4c, and disassembly of the support element 4b of the support element 4a, the motors are driven to bring the outer support elements towards the ends 14, 15 as illustrated in FIG. 18. In this maintenance position, an operator can carry out operations of maintenance on the functional modules and cassette associated main faces vis-à-vis the functional elements 4b and 4a.
Les figures 16, 17 et 18 illustrent les trois positions de maintenance des éléments support de la tête qui permettent d’effectuer des opérations de maintenance sur tous les modules fonctionnels et toutes les cassettes.  FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 illustrate the three maintenance positions of the head support elements which make it possible to carry out maintenance operations on all the functional modules and all the cassettes.
L’utilisation de deux moteurs, notamment pour revenir en position de drapage entre chaque position de maintenance, permet d’effectuer les changements de position plus rapidement. En variante, le passage d’une position de maintenance à l’autre est effectué en utilisant qu’un seul moteur. Selon un autre mode de réalisation, seul l’un des deux éléments support est motorisé, et est utilisé pour effectuer les différentes positions de maintenance.  The use of two motors, in particular to return to the position of draping between each maintenance position, makes it possible to make the changes of position more quickly. Alternatively, the transition from one maintenance position to another is performed using only one engine. According to another embodiment, only one of the two support elements is motorized, and is used to perform the different maintenance positions.
Le blocage axial de la cassette 91a de l’élément support extérieur 4a sur son mandrin, et le blocage axial de la cassette 91b de l’élément support extérieur 4d sur son mandrin sont assurés par des moyens de blocage spécifiques équipant lesdits mandrins. Pour les autres cassettes des éléments support, le blocage axial est avantageusement obtenu grâce à l’élément support en vis-à-vis dans la position de drapage, en particulier grâce aux mandrins en vis-à-vis desdits éléments support.  The axial locking of the cassette 91a of the outer support member 4a on its mandrel, and the axial locking of the cassette 91b of the outer support member 4d on its mandrel are provided by specific locking means equipping said mandrels. For the other cassettes of the support elements, the axial locking is advantageously obtained thanks to the support element vis-à-vis in the lay-up position, in particular thanks to the mandrels facing said support elements.
Avantageusement, l’un des éléments supports 4a ou 4d extérieurs est connecté à une source électrique, l’assemblage des éléments support les uns aux autres permet la connexion électrique des différents éléments support à ladite source, par exemple pour l’alimentation des systèmes de chauffage.  Advantageously, one of the outer support elements 4a or 4d is connected to an electrical source, the assembly of the support elements to each other allows the electrical connection of the different support elements to said source, for example for powering the power supply systems. heater.
Les figures 19 et 20 illustrent une tête 101 selon une variante de réalisation, qui se différencie de la tête 1 décrite précédemment par le fait qu’elle comprend en outre des moyens de limitation pour limiter les courses relatives de deux modules fonctionnels adjacents dans la direction de compactage T2. Chaque module fonctionnel 2a, 2b comprend sur l’une de ses faces latérales un doigt 28 saillant, s’étendant dans la direction Tl, et sur son autre face latérale un renfoncement s’étendant dans la direction de compactage et définissant une butée haute 29a et une butée basse 29b. Dans la position de drapage, le doigt d’un module fonctionnel se positionne entre les deux butées du renfoncement d’un module adjacent, et son renfoncement reçoit entre ses deux butées le doigt de l’autre module adjacent. Pour les deux modules fonctionnels disposés à l’extérieur, qui sont adjacents à un seul autre module fonctionnel, l’un comprend uniquement un doigt qui se positionne dans le renfoncement du module adjacent, l’autre comprend uniquement son renfoncement qui reçoit le doigt de son module adjacent. La distance entre les deux butées définit la course relative maximale entre deux modules fonctionnels adjacents Figures 19 and 20 illustrate a head 101 according to an alternative embodiment, which is different from the head 1 described above in that it further comprises limiting means for limiting the relative strokes of two adjacent functional modules in the direction T2 compaction. Each functional module 2a, 2b comprises on one of its lateral faces a protruding finger 28, extending in the direction T1, and on its other lateral face a recess extending in the direction of compaction and defining a stop 29a and a low stop 29b. In the draping position, the finger of a functional module is positioned between the two abutments of the recess of an adjacent module, and its recess receives between its two stops the finger of the other adjacent module. For the two externally located functional modules, which are adjacent to a single other functional module, one comprises only one finger which is positioned in the recess of the adjacent module, the other comprises only its recess which receives the finger from its adjacent module. The distance between the two stops defines the maximum relative distance between two adjacent functional modules
A titre d’exemple, tel qu’illustré à la figure 20, lorsque le module fonctionnel référencé 2a est sollicité vers sa position basse pour draper une seule fibre au moyen de ce dit module fonctionnel, les modules fonctionnels disposés à sa droite sur la figure 20 sont également entraînés mécaniquement par leurs doigts en appui contre les butées hautes correspondantes, et les modules fonctionnels à sa gauche sont entraînés mécaniquement par leur butées basses en appui contre en appui contre les doigts correspondants.  By way of example, as illustrated in FIG. 20, when the functional module referenced 2a is biased towards its lower position to drape a single fiber by means of this functional module, the functional modules arranged on its right in FIG. 20 are also driven mechanically by their fingers bearing against the corresponding high stops, and the functional modules to its left are mechanically driven by their low stops bearing against bearing against the corresponding fingers.
Bien que l’invention ait été décrite en liaison avec un mode de réalisation particulier, il est bien évident qu’elle n’y est nullement limitée et qu’elle comprend tous les équivalents techniques des moyens décrits ainsi que leurs combinaisons si celles-ci entrent dans le cadre de l’invention.  Although the invention has been described in connection with a particular embodiment, it is obvious that it is not limited thereto and that it comprises all the technical equivalents of the means described and their combinations if they are within the scope of the invention.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Tête d’application de fibres pour la réalisation de pièces en matériau composite par application de bandes formées de plusieurs fibres continues disposées bord à bord, comprenant un système de compactage comprenant plusieurs rouleaux de compactage indépendants (3a, 3b) et des vérins de compactage (5a, 5b), et pour chaque fibre, des moyens de coupe (23) et des moyens de réacheminement (24), caractérisée en ce queFiber application head for the production of composite material parts by application of strips formed of several continuous fibers arranged edge to edge, comprising a compacting system comprising a plurality of independent compacting rollers (3a, 3b) and cylinders of compacting (5a, 5b), and for each fiber, cutting means (23) and re-routing means (24), characterized in that
- pour chaque fibre, la tête comprend un module fonctionnel (2a, 2b) comprenant les moyens de coupe (23) et les moyens de réacheminement (24), chaque module fonctionnel est monté mobile en translation selon une direction de compactage (T2) sur un élément support (4) de la tête, for each fiber, the head comprises a functional module (2a, 2b) comprising the cutting means (23) and the rerouting means (24), each functional module is mounted to move in translation along a compaction direction (T2) on a support element (4) of the head,
- chaque rouleau de compactage est monté sur un ou plusieurs modules fonctionnels adjacents ;  each compacting roller is mounted on one or more adjacent functional modules;
- un vérin de compactage est associé au(x) module(s) fonctionnel(s) associé(s) à un rouleau de compactage pour le déplacement en translation du ou des modules fonctionnels,  a compacting ram is associated with the functional module (s) associated with a compacting roller for translational movement of the functional module or modules;
- chaque élément support (4) est monté mobile en translation sur un châssis (1) de la tête dans une direction (Tl) perpendiculaire à la direction de compactage, de sorte que chaque élément support puisse être déplacé depuis une position de drapage dans laquelle les modules fonctionnels sont côte à côte et dans laquelle ladite tête est apte à draper une bande de fibres formée de fibres disposées bord à bord, vers une position de maintenance dans laquelle le ou les modules fonctionnels portés par ledit élément support sont écartés des autres éléments support.  each support element (4) is mounted to move in translation on a chassis (1) of the head in a direction (Tl) perpendicular to the compaction direction, so that each support element can be moved from a lay position in which the functional modules are side by side and in which said head is able to drape a fiber band formed of fibers arranged edge to edge, towards a maintenance position in which the functional module or modules carried by said support element are separated from the other elements support.
2. Tête d’application selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que chaque élément support porte deux modules adjacents (2a, 2b), chaque module étant accessible depuis une face latérale (40a, 40b) de l’élément support (4).  2. Applicator head according to claim 1, characterized in that each support member carries two adjacent modules (2a, 2b), each module being accessible from a side face (40a, 40b) of the support member (4).
3. Tête d’application selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce qu’au moins un élément support (4a, 4b) est apte à être déplacé par un moteur (45, 46) d’entrainement, lesdits éléments support étant équipés de moyens d’assemblage (44a, 44b) pour assembler et désassembler deux à deux des éléments support adjacents. 3. Application head according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one support member (4a, 4b) is adapted to be displaced by a drive motor (45, 46), said support elements being equipped with means assembly (44a, 44b) for assembling and disassembling pairwise adjacent support members.
4. Tête d’application selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que chaque élément support (4a, 4b) extérieur est apte à être déplacé par un moteur d’entrainement (45, 46). 4. Applicator head according to claim 3, characterized in that each outer support member (4a, 4b) is adapted to be moved by a drive motor (45, 46).
5. Tête d’application selon l’une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisée en ce que chaque élément support (4) est apte à porter une bobine de fibre ou cassette de fibre (91a, 91b) associée à chaque module fonctionnel (2a, 2b) porté par ledit élément support.  5. Application head according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each support member (4) is adapted to carry a fiber coil or fiber cassette (91a, 91b) associated with each functional module (2a , 2b) carried by said support member.
6. Tête d’application selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que chaque élément support comprend un mandrin (43 a, 43b) pour la réception de chaque bobine ou cassette de fibre, le blocage axial de bobines ou cassettes sur leurs mandrins respectifs étant effectué par l’élément support adjacent lorsque les éléments support sont en position de drapage.  6. Applicator head according to claim 5, characterized in that each support member comprises a mandrel (43 a, 43b) for receiving each fiber coil or cassette, the axial locking of coils or cassettes on their respective mandrels being performed by the adjacent support member when the support members are in layup position.
7. Tête d’application selon l’une des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisée en ce qu’elle comprend un rouleau de compactage (3a, 3b) par module fonctionnel (2a, 2b).  7. Applicator head according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a compacting roller (3a, 3b) by functional module (2a, 2b).
8. Tête d’application selon Tune des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisée en ce qu’elle comprend au moins un premier module fonctionnel (2a) et au moins un second module fonctionnel (2b) disposés côte à côte en alternance, chaque premier module fonctionnel comprenant des moyens de guidage (26) aptes à guider une première fibre en direction d’un rouleau de compactage selon un premier plan (PI) de guidage et chaque second module fonctionnel comprenant des moyens de guidage aptes à guider une deuxième fibre en direction d’un rouleau de compactage selon un second plan (P2) de guidage, de manière à former au niveau des rouleaux de compactage une bande de fibres formée de première(s) et deuxième(s) fibres disposées en alternance bord à bord.  8. Application head according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises at least a first functional module (2a) and at least a second functional module (2b) arranged side by side alternately, each first module functional device comprising guiding means (26) able to guide a first fiber in the direction of a compacting roller in a first guide plane (PI) and each second functional module comprising guide means able to guide a second fiber in the direction of a compacting roller in a second plane (P2) for guiding, so as to form at the compacting rollers a fiber web formed of first (s) and second (s) fibers arranged alternately edge to edge.
9. Tête d’application selon la revendication 8, caractérisée en ce que les rouleaux de compactage sont disposés en une seule rangée.  9. Application head according to claim 8, characterized in that the compaction rollers are arranged in a single row.
10. Tête d’application selon la revendication 9, caractérisée en ce que chaque premier module fonctionnel (2a) comprend des moyens de guidage (26) aptes à guider une première fibre en direction du rouleau de compactage (3a) selon un premier plan (PI) de guidage formant un premier angle (al) non nul avec le plan (C) de compactage des axes de rotation (Bl, B2) des rouleaux de compactage, chaque second module fonctionnel (2b) comprend des moyens de guidage aptes à guider une deuxième fibre en direction du rouleau de compactage (3b) selon un second plan (P2) de guidage formant un deuxième angle (a2) non nul avec le plan (C) de compactage, ledit deuxième angle étant supérieur au premier angle, lesdits plans de guidage (PI, P2) étant disposés du même côté du plan (C) de compactage. 10. Application head according to claim 9, characterized in that each first functional module (2a) comprises guide means (26) adapted to guide a first fiber towards the compacting roller (3a) in a first plane ( PI) forming a first non-zero angle (a1) with the plane (C) of compacting the axes of rotation (B1, B2) of the compacting rollers, each second functional module (2b) comprises guide means capable of guiding a second fiber towards the compaction roller (3b) according to a second plane (P2) for guiding forming a second angle (a2) which is not zero with the plane (C) of compaction, said second angle being greater than the first angle, said guide planes (PI, P2) being arranged on the same side of the plane (C) compacting.
11. Procédé de fabrication d’une pièce en matériau composite comprenant l’application de fibres continues sur une surface d’application, caractérisé en ce que l’application de fibres est réalisée au moyen d’une tête d’application de fibres selon l’une des revendications 1 à 10, par déplacement relatif de la tête d’application par rapport à la surface de drapage selon des trajectoires de dépose.  11. A method of manufacturing a composite material part comprising the application of continuous fibers to an application surface, characterized in that the application of fibers is performed by means of a fiber application head according to the invention. one of claims 1 to 10, by relative displacement of the applicator head relative to the drape surface according to removal paths.
PCT/FR2019/000061 2018-04-25 2019-04-23 Fibre application head comprising a plurality of functional modules that are movable in translation in order to carry out maintenance operations WO2019207217A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR1800447A FR3080565B1 (en) 2018-04-25 2018-04-25 FIBER APPLICATION HEAD COMPRISING MULTIPLE MOBILE FUNCTIONAL MODULES IN TRANSLATION FOR CARRYING OUT MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS
FR18/00447 2018-04-25

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EP2594389A1 (en) 2010-07-14 2013-05-22 Manuel Torres Martinez Head for applying fibre strips
WO2014029969A1 (en) 2012-08-22 2014-02-27 The University Of Bristol Composite articles
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EP2134532A2 (en) 2007-03-06 2009-12-23 Coriolis Composites Fibre applicator head including systems for cutting individual fibres
EP2594389A1 (en) 2010-07-14 2013-05-22 Manuel Torres Martinez Head for applying fibre strips
WO2014029969A1 (en) 2012-08-22 2014-02-27 The University Of Bristol Composite articles
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EP3848188A1 (en) * 2020-01-07 2021-07-14 Electroimpact, Inc. Laser heating system for individual lanes on afp heads

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FR3080565B1 (en) 2020-04-24

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