DE102008057463A1 - Spring, particularly drawing and pressure spring, is made from fiber reinforced material and has two end sections, where twisting sections are arranged between end sections - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a spring made of a fiber composite material having two end portions and arranged therebetween winding sections, and a method and an apparatus for producing the same. In this case, this spring is characterized in that the end portions (2, 6) and the turn portions (4, 5) via deflection portions (3) are integrally connected to each other, wherein all portions (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) of a meandering folded web (8) consist of a fiber composite material. The invention also relates to a method and a production apparatus for the continuous and cost-effective production of such a spring (1).

Description

The The invention relates to a spring made of a fiber composite, the two end portions and interposed Windungsabschnitte and a method and an apparatus for producing the same the same.

feathers are well known as structural elements of mechanical engineering. For example, there are leaf springs, disc springs, coil springs or coil springs, in relation to their assigned task in different geometries, dimensions and properties, for example as a tension spring, as a compression spring or as a torsion spring, be used. Such springs are usually made of one Made of spring steel, which of the spring depending on the design and dimension gives different spring force. Although such Steel springs have a number of advantages, so these are for some applications less well suited. Especially with comparatively large springs makes up their weight disadvantageous noticeable. So is the need in modern vehicle construction originated for feathers, which are the same or better Have properties as steel springs, yet are lightweight.

Against this background is from the DE 30 00 520 A1 a carbon fiber reinforced, helically wound spring and a process for their preparation has become known. This fiber composite coil spring consists of braided carbon fibers and an amount of a resin serving as a piling material for the braided fibers, wherein the carbon fibers are braided at an angle of about plus or minus 30 ° to plus or minus 60 ° to the strand axis.

Around to produce such a carbon fiber reinforced coil spring is according to known from this document Method provided that one of carbon fiber strand, in the fibers at an angle of something plus or minus 30 ° to plus or minus 60 ° braided to the strand axis, with one as essentially closed, coherent Impregnating resin which does not solidify, the so-so-absorbed strand of wire wound into a groove, which is helical along the surface of a cylindrical mandrel extends, and thereby reinforced with carbon fibers Coil spring composite gives the helical shape, then the serving as the embedding material of the coil spring resin for Freezing brings, and finally the solid spring from the thorn decreases.

This Manufacturing process is judged to be less practical, since in particular the molding of the solidified spring from the mandrel is difficult. In addition, can be with the known manufacturing process do not realize a continuous manufacturing process, whereby the Manufacturing costs in such a manufacturing process comparatively are high.

In front In this background, the invention is based on the object Method and device for producing a spring from a To propose fiber composite material with which springs from a Fiber composite material continuously and cost-effectively can be produced. In addition, such a spring in terms of their Structure to be described.

The Solution of these tasks is in the independent Claims 1, 17 and 28 described while advantageous Embodiments and developments in the respectively associated Subclaims are defined.

Of the Invention is based on the finding that a spring a fiber composite material also by a meandering Folding a continuously fed to a manufacturing device Strands of prepreg material can be produced, the Prepreg material is known to be made of synthetic fibers, which are embedded in a non-solidified resin matrix. A knowledge based on this is that the individual, by the described folding of the prepreg material resulting Windungsabschnitte each such spring sequentially successively curing have to go through before the next turn section Wrinkles are made and cured.

According to the Features of claim 1 has an inventive Spring made of a fiber composite material two end sections and in between arranged Windungsabschnitte, wherein the end portions and the Windungsabschnitte integrally via deflecting sections connected to each other, and in which these end portions, deflecting sections and winding sections of a meandering shape folded web of a cured fiber composite material consist.

A roughly considered, roughly the same shape as such spring a meandering along its longitudinal extent folded, rectangular piece of paper. She has nevertheless, about all the essential properties of a spring, in particular a compression or tension spring.

If the technical boundary conditions so require, it can be provided according to a further development of a spring according to the invention that its end sections and turn sections are in the form of flat structures with largely flat surfaces and the deflecting sections are curved. By such a curved, and therefore not sharp-edged folded design of the deflecting advantageous voltage peaks are avoided in the material of the finished spring.

Around straight and horizontally aligned bearings form the spring is preferably provided that the end portions the spring along a transverse axis Ly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Lx of the spring are arranged aligned.

deviant Of these, the winding sections have a pitch angle in the direction the longitudinal extent of the spring, so that these turns sections according to the convolution at an angle α with respect arranged to the end sections, the larger is 0 ° and less than 45 °.

As already briefly indicated has a manufactured according to the invention Spring on two end portions, which cured in chronological succession are. Another feature of such produced according to the invention Spring is that the end portions and the winding sections over seen the longitudinal extent of the spring in each case in succession are cured. In further development of this feature can be provided that at least one end portion and a precise Hardened at this end portion associated deflecting simultaneously are. In addition, a structural feature of a fiber composite spring made according to the present invention may be consist in that the winding sections each with an associated Deflection section are cured simultaneously.

deviant this can be considered in a worse than because be prepared discontinuously manufactured spring that at this spring both the end portions and the deflection and winding sections cured at the same time. This simultaneous curing For example, after depositing a portion of the fiber composite strand of material on a folded surface of a mold and subsequent pressing the fiber composite material strand under heat respectively.

When less advantageous is the spring just described as well as the associated manufacturing method therefore judged because in this discontinuous manufacturing process, the fibers of the fiber composite material strand can not be cured under a tensile load. As a result, the fibers of the fiber composite material strand of the Spring arranged too little directed, so not optimal properties be expected of such a spring.

Therefore is at one produced by a preferred manufacturing process Fiber composite spring provided that their associated Sections, namely each end portion and deflection section as well as winding section and deflection section, under a tensile load the fibers of the fiber composite material are cured. This tensile load ensures that the fibers of the spring in the Aligned substantially parallel to each other, which also an optimal ratio of fiber content to resin content produced in the finished spring. This is partly because that the synthetic resin in parallel aligned fibers distribute particularly well between the fibers as well as excess Synthetic resin can drain easily.

In order to a fiber composite spring produced according to the invention desired mechanical properties may have been provided be that the material thickness of the deflection sections larger as the material thickness of the end portions and the turn portions is.

Yet more important is the adjustment of the fiber volume fraction in the respective Spring cross sections, ie in the end sections, the Windungsabschnitten and the deflecting portions of the spring, whereby the present there Spring properties are determined. The fiber volume fraction is included the percentage of fibers in each component cross-section of the fiber composite material. If, for example, the Proportion of the synthetic resin in such a component cross-section 34%, so the fiber volume fraction at this point is 66%. The higher the fiber volume fraction in a particular spring section is, the stiffer the fiber composite spring is at this point. on the other hand this spring section is set the softer, the lower the proportion of fibers in the considered component cross-section is.

So For example, it may be provided that the fiber volume fraction is greater in the Umlenkabschnitten than in the End sections and in the winding sections, so that in the dynamic Particularly stressed deflecting portions of the spring increased Stiffness is realized.

at another interpretation may be provided that the fiber volume fraction is smaller in the Umlenkabschnitten than in the end sections and in the Windungsabschnitten, so that in the deflection sections of the Spring lower component stiffness is present.

at a further design can be provided that the fiber volume fraction is the same in the Umlenkabschnitten as in the end sections and in the Windungsabschnitten, so that everywhere in the fiber composite spring the same component stiffness is present.

After all can the deflecting sections, the end sections and the Winding sections of the spring, each with different fiber volume fractions be educated.

The each adjustment of the fiber volume fraction can be by a more or less strong pressing out yet set resin from the sections of fiber composite web to reach.

One Another feature of a manufactured according to the invention Spring is that the circumferential contour of the spring at each end section and winding section in the region of the deflection straight and in the intermediate regions of the end and turn sections is formed circular arc. The straightforwardness of Turning sections is by a straight folding or folding of the fiber composite material strand generated while the circular arc-shaped geometry of the other peripheral sections preferably by a compression of the fiber composite material strand is generated, with the same time in the region of the deflection increased material thickness of the spring is achieved.

Provided it is the conditions of use for an inventively prepared Spring may require, as already briefly indicated, that the spring introduced into this after their curing has central bore, which at least one of the two end portions penetrates the spring. According to another embodiment may be provided that the spring one after its curing has introduced into this central bore, which are the two End sections and all turn sections over the axial Length of the spring penetrates.

After all may be provided with respect to the spring that the fiber composite material the spring consists of several prepreg layers, which are flush laid one over the other along their longitudinal extent are. As base materials for the prepreg layers come Fibers made of glass, carbon or, for example aramid in question. For producing the resin matrix of the prepreg sheets, it is preferable Thermosetting resins used with hardeners and accelerators are mixed.

Further the invention provides a method for producing a novel Fiber composite spring before, which following steps having:

S1: Feeding an uncured fiber composite web to a heater and retracting the fiber composite web in a gap between two heat rollers, in the conveying direction seen behind the heater are arranged.

S2: Redirecting the fiber composite web around one of the two heating rollers less than 181 °.

S3: Stop the transport of the fiber composite web.

S4: Actuation of the heater and the heating of the from the fiber composite web partially wrapped heat roller.

S5: Curing an end portion or a winding portion under the heater and simultaneous curing a deflecting section on the respective heating roller.

S6: Further transport of the cured end section or the hardened Windungsabschnitts through the gap of the two Heating rollers and simultaneous further transport of the hardened deflection section by lifting the deflection of the respective heating roller.

S7: Feeding and diverting a not yet cured Section of the fiber composite web around the opposite Heating roller less than 181 °.

S8: Go to step S3 to step S7 until the desired one Length of the spring is reached.

S9: Separating the spring when reaching a certain length.

S10: Removal of the spring and continue with step S4.

With This manufacturing method can be inventively formed Springs made of a fiber composite material in a continuous Produce production process very cost-effectively. The curing the fiber composite sheet under the heater and on the heating rollers is preferably to achieve short cycle times only until these sections of spring are sufficiently stiff to to maintain their existing geometric shape. The in these Residual heat containing spring sections is used in the following Procedure for complete curing of the same.

According to a development of this manufacturing method, it is provided that a planar or only slightly curved section of the fiber composite material web is hardened to an end section or to a winding section under the heater. Although this manufacturing feature is preferred, so it is not excluded, the final and Win curing sections more or less curved, if required by the desired geometry of the spring to be produced.

Around at the beginning of the production of inventive Springs to have a spring section in the present, with the future Spring held under tension and with a not yet cured Section is easily wrapped around the respective heating roller is provided according to a further embodiment, that at the beginning of the manufacturing process exclusively under the heater and before the heating rollers a planner or only slightly curved portion of the fiber composite web is cured to an end portion.

Furthermore is provided that the deflection and a pressing of not yet cured fiber composite web on the respectively associated heating roller with the help of at least one pressure and deflection roller he follows. By this method step is achieved that the Fiber composite web smooth and full surface on the respective heating roller rests and under the influence of a tensile stress under the heater and harden on the heating roller can.

Around to generate a circumferential geometry of the spring to be produced, which is largely that of a conventional coil spring made of a spring steel corresponds to an accumulation of material in the area of To be able to produce deflection sections is according to a further embodiment provided that the leadership and Shaping the uncured fiber composite web before the heater and / or on the heating rollers so, that the spring has a circumferential geometry with at the deflection sections straight course and between these deflecting a circular segment-shaped History has.

In In this context, it is therefore considered very advantageous if the manufacturing process is operated so that the leadership and shaping and the adjustment of the fiber volume fraction of not yet cured fiber composite web before the heater and / or on the heating rolls done so that the material thickness of the deflection greater is the material thickness of the end portions as well as the turns portions.

In Further development of this last-mentioned method step is preferred provided that the not yet cured fiber composite web before the heater and / or on the heating rollers in such a way compressed transversely to its longitudinal extent is that the material thickness of the deflection sections larger is the material thickness of the end portions as well as the turns portions.

The Spring is used to adjust the concrete spring characteristics of Sections of the spring are made so that the fiber volume fraction the respective deflection sections, end sections and turn sections smaller, equal to or greater than the fiber volume fraction the respectively adjacent deflection sections, end sections and turn sections. The adjustment of the respective fiber volume fraction is preferred by a sectionwise pressing out of not yet set off Resin from the supplied fiber composite web reached.

to Adjustment and fixation of the pitch angle α of the winding sections the spring can according to a further process step be provided that the pitch angle α of the winding sections by pivoting the heating rollers to a certain Verschwenkweg over or below the plane in which the fiber composite web is under the heater.

• – Eine Zuführzone zum Zuführen von wenigstens einer Prepreg-Bahn zur Bildung einer Faserverbundwerkstoff-Bahn.
• – Eine in Transportrichtung folgende und im Wesentlichen geradflächige Heizzone mit einem Heizgerät zum Formen und Aushärten von geradflächigen End- und Windungsabschnitten der Feder.
• – Eine in Transportrichtung nach der Heizzone folgende Umlenkzone zum Formen und Aushärten von gekrümmten Umlenkabschnitten der Feder.
• – Zwei in der Umlenkzone gegenüberliegend angeordnete Heizwalzen, die einen Spalt zur Aufnahme der Faserverbundwerkstoff-Bahn zwischen sich bilden.
• – Ein Anpress- und Umlenkmittel zum wechselseitigen Auflegen und Anpressen von noch nicht ausgehärteten Abschnitten der Faserverbundwerkstoff-Bahn an eine der beiden Heizwalzen.
• – Eine Trennvorrichtung zum Abtrennen von Federn vorbestimmter Länge von dem kontinuierlich hergestellten Verlauf der Feder.

In order to carry out the described manufacturing process, a manufacturing device for producing a spring made of a fiber composite material is necessary, which will be briefly described below. This device is characterized by the following device components:

• A feed zone for feeding at least one prepreg web to form a fiber composite web.
• - A following in the direction of transport and substantially geradflächige heating zone with a heater for molding and curing of geradflächigen end and Windungsabschnitten the spring.
• - A following in the transport direction after the heating zone deflection zone for forming and curing of curved deflection sections of the spring.
• - Two in the deflection zone opposite arranged heating rollers, which form a gap for receiving the fiber composite web between them.
• - A pressing and deflecting means for mutual laying and pressing of not yet cured sections of the fiber composite web to one of the two heating rollers.
• - A separating device for separating springs of predetermined length from the continuously produced course of the spring.

The pressing and deflecting means may be formed by one or more rollers or mandrels or rods. In addition, it can be provided according to a modification that under the heater curved end and turn sections can be produced. Since the diameter of the heating rollers determines the deflection radius of the deflection sections of the fiber composite spring, these are preferably designed to be interchangeable, so as to have different Fe to make the batches.

Furthermore It is judged to be very advantageous when in this manufacturing device a tensioning device is provided, in cooperation with the feed force of the two driven heating rollers a tensile force on the fiber composite web during its curing can be generated.

Further is preferably provided in this manufacturing device that in Area of the feed zone and / or immediately before the two Heating rollers and / or on the two heating rollers laying and / or mold tools to the not yet cured fiber composite web can be applied, with which the circumferential geometry and / or the Form fiber volume fraction of sections of the spring to be produced leaves.

For this can the surfaces of the two heating rollers themselves as a mold tool for shaping and / or adjusting the fiber volume fraction of the not yet cured fiber composite web formed be, so that different circumferential geometries and spring characteristics reproducible cause.

So may be the surfaces of the two heating rollers and / or the said laying and / or mold tools in the region of the feed zone be formed such that with them the fiber composite web in the area of the later deflection sections transversely to their Longitudinal extent reducible in their width and in their Material thickness is increased, or that the Fiber volume fraction in the deflecting sections compared to the adjacent Windungsabschnitten is adjustable.

After all the manufacturing device preferably has a pivoting device on, with the heating rollers above and below that level are pivotable, in which the fiber composite web under the Heater is or which by the conveyor belt Transport device is clamped. By such pivoting the heating rollers can adjust the pitch angle α, below which the winding sections transverse to the longitudinal extent the spring are employed.

following be a fiber composite spring produced according to the invention, a manufacturing apparatus therefor as well as for the production the spring necessary process steps on embodiments explained with the help of a drawing. In this shows

1 a schematic side view of an inventively designed and manufactured fiber composite spring,

2 the spring of 1 in a perspective view A on a front side of the same,

3 a schematic representation of a manufacturing apparatus for producing the spring according to 1 .

3a a schematic plan view of two superimposed prepreg webs,

4 to 11 schematic representations of further production steps for producing a spring according to the invention,

12 a schematic representation of a final production step for producing a spring according to the invention.

The 1 and 2 show schematically in a side view and in a frontal plan view A a tension or compression spring 1 which is made of a fiber composite material. The feather 1 extends along a longitudinal axis Lx and two perpendicular thereto aligned transverse axes Ly and Lz, wherein the transverse axis Lz in 1 is perpendicular to the paper plane of the drawing. The feather 1 points in the side view according to 1 Although the shape of a coil spring, but it has no continuous from one axial end to the other axial end, a helix following course. The feather 1 instead has about a geometry, as they would have a regular along its longitudinal extent meandering folded rectangular sheet of paper.

Accordingly, the spring has 1 at the respective axial ends via an upper end portion 2 and a lower end portion 6 in the illustrated embodiment, with substantially non-curved surfaces 12 . 12 ' are formed and aligned parallel to a plane spanned by the transverse axes Ly and Lz plane. Starting from the lower end section 6 follows a deflected in the direction of the longitudinal axis Lx deflection 3 , which at its other end with a meandering section 4 is integrally connected. This is also followed in one piece by another deflection section bent in the opposite direction to the first deflection section 3 which in the following with a second winding section 5 is integrally connected. This is how the spring settles 1 to its upper end portion 2 from a regular sequence of deflecting sections 3 and winding sections 4 . 5 together.

In the area of the deflection sections 3 To set a desired fiber volume fraction, the mechanical properties of the spring 1 affects the spring 1 on its outer circumference in the area 3c the end sections 2 . 6 and the winding sections 4 . 5 be shaped so that the umlen kabschnitte 3 essentially rectilinear (see view B) and in the intervening areas 3a . 3b are formed substantially circular segment-shaped.

If the fiber volume fraction in the region of the deflection sections 3 is to be increased, this is in the range of the deflection 3 achieved by squeezing out not yet set resin and thereby simultaneously the thickness of the deflection sections, for example, the same or approximately the same as that of the adjacent spring sections held.

Unless the technical constraints in the use of such a spring 1 require, this spring can also with an axial bore 7 be provided, which only one or both end portions 2 . 6 or all end sections 2 . 6 and all turns sections 4 . 5 penetrates. These all end sections 2 . 6 and all turns sections 4 . 5 penetrating axial bore 7 is in the perspective view according to the 2 good to see.

In 3 is a production plant for producing a spring according to the invention 1 made of fiber composite material shown schematically. As the right half of the drawing illustrates, there are two prepreg rolls 16 and 17 Prepreg sheets 14 respectively. 15 unrolled. Between two prepreg layers on the prepreg rollers 16 . 17 present release agent 26 . 27 (such as paper) is also used by the rollers 16 and 17 removed and rolled up separately. The two prepreg webs 14 and 15 are then in the range of a tensioner 25 merged, in such a way that the two prepreg webs 14 . 15 lie flush against each other and then a fiber composite web 8th form (see also 3a ). About the tension pulley 25 At least one weight force Fg and an axial tensile force Fx act on the fiber composite web 8th , whereby the fibers of the fiber composite web 8th stay aligned parallel to each other.

The fiber composite web 8th is in the middle section of the 3 from a transport device 19 towards a heater 10 and two in the transport direction 21 seen behind the heater 10 arranged, opposite heating rollers W1 and W2 transported. The transport device 19 consists of a heat-resistant conveyor belt 20 which on rollers 22 guided and of these in the transport direction 21 is driven.

Between the fiber composite web 8th and the conveyor belt 20 can, as in the embodiment shown, a separation and isolation track 18 be arranged, which of a roll 23 unwound and after leaving the conveyor belt 20 on the same or a different role 24 is wound up.

The transport device 19 has a feed zone Z and in the transport direction 21 adjoining heating zone H1. In the feed zone Z is a mold 28 arranged on the conveyor belt 20 or on the fiber composite web 8th is arranged lowerable. With this mold 28 can be made from the two prepreg sheets 14 and 15 existing fiber composite web 8th be shaped so that a desired geometry of the fiber composite spring to be produced 1 can be generated. Forming the fiber composite web 8th For example, by an at least partially constricting this web 8th take place, resulting in certain sections material accumulations or material reductions in the fiber composite web 8th result. Such or another or further mold 28 can also be arranged in the region of the two heating rollers W1, W2 and lowered onto them for the purpose of shaping (not shown) in order to achieve the same purpose.

In the heating zone H1, as already mentioned, the heater 10 arranged, which, for example, electrically or in other ways dotted drawn thermal radiation on the fiber composite material web 8th can radiate. As an alternative to the illustrated device, the heater 10 also below the conveyor belt 20 be arranged, and from below on the fiber composite web 8th for at least partially curing the same act. Regardless of the arrangement of the heater 10 This serves to make sure that in the area of this heater 10 located portion of the fiber composite web 8th if it is cured so that it is a mechanically rigid, so at least by the influence of gravity does not permanently deformable structure.

The free end 13 the fiber composite web 8th is through the gap formed by the two heating rollers W1 and W2 9 guided and protrudes through this far from the heater 10 therethrough. The two heating rollers W1 and W2 are applied to the fiber composite web with a contact force Fp 8th Pressed, which is set so that on the one hand a desired geometric shape of the future spring 1 can be generated and on the other hand, if necessary, excess resin from the fiber composite web 8th is pressable out.

In a deflection zone U, which includes the location of the two heating rollers W1, W2, two pressure and deflection rollers W3 and W4 are arranged, which work alternately and with their help ever because not a hardened section 11 the fiber composite web 8th on the respective heating roller W1 or W2 to form the deflection section 3 can be stored and pressed.

The two heating rollers W1 and W2 can be operated continuously heating, while the heater 10 heat only on the fiber composite web during certain periods of time 8th emits. By this construction, it is possible that in the heating zone H1 in the range of the heater 10 an end section 2 . 6 or a winding section 4 . 5 the future spring 1 is cured, while located in the feed zone Z and in the deflection zone U sections 11 the fiber composite web 8th initially not remain cured.

If the under the heater 10 lying portion of the fiber composite web 8th Hardened, this fiber composite web becomes 8th so far in the direction 21 through the gap 9 the two heating rollers W1, W2 transported, that of the previously located in the feed zone Z and not yet cured section of the fiber composite web 8th is arranged in the deflection section U. Here is this not yet cured section of the web 8th pressed by one of the two pressure and deflection rollers W3 or W4 on the surface of one of the two heating rollers W1 or W2 and this track section 11 then cured on this heat roller W1 or W2. At the same time or after the heater can also 10 be active, so that too in the range of this heater 10 located portion of the fiber composite web 8th is cured.

By alternately applying the not yet cured portion of the fiber composite web 8th on the heating roller W1 or W2, a folding of the fiber composite web takes place 8th resulting in a continuous product strand from which springs 1 . 1' can be cut off predetermined length.

In the 1 shown slope α of the winding sections 4 . 5 the feather 1 can be according to the manufacturing device 3 set by an alternate pivoting of the two heating rollers W1 and W2, which are arranged pivotable about a Schenkweg V (α) above or below that plane in which the fiber composite material web 8th under the heater 10 lies or which by the conveyor belt 20 the transport device 19 is stretched.

The 3 to 12 show the production of a spring according to the invention 1 in the manufacturing device according to 3 with the manufacturing steps S0 to S11 in detail. In 3 is the production step S0 as already explained. At the beginning of the manufacturing process is the free end 13 the fiber composite web 8th through the gap 9 the two heating rollers W1 and W2 plugged in and only the heater 10 is activated, leaving a first, straight section of the web 8th is cured.

The adjustment of the fiber volume fraction of sections of the spring 1 can be done in all production phases, which are before the curing of the resin.

4 shows the next production step S1, in which the already cured portion of the fiber composite web 8th together with an uncured section 11 are deflected by the heat roller W2 with the help of the pressure and deflection roller W4. Under the non-active heater 10 is also a not yet cured portion of the fiber composite web 8th arranged.

In 5 are then the following steps S3, S4 and S5 shown, in which the transport of the fiber composite web 8th stopped and the heating roller W2 and the heater 10 heat. Thereby, the portion wound around the heat roller W2 and that under the heater become 10 arranged section of the railway 8th hardened. In 5 is also hinted that the initially free end 13 the fiber composite web 8th cut off early.

As 6 is removed, after curing of the wound around the heating roller W2 section and the curing of the under the heater 10 arranged portion of the fiber composite web 8th the transport device 19 activated again, so that according to production step S6 lifts a cured web portion of the heating roller W2 and the other cured web portion through the gap 9 the two heating rollers W1, W2 is pushed through. 6 illustrates that the straight and already cured track sections the lower end section 6 and the first turn section 4 the future spring 1 according to 1 form during the hardened on the heating roller W2 section the deflection section 3 forms.

In 7 the production step S7 is shown, in which again a not yet cured section of the fiber composite web 8th through the gap 9 the two heating rollers W1 and W2 transported through and then stored and pressed with the help of the pressure and deflection roller W3 on the heating roller W1. The heater 10 is switched off.

8th shows how again according to the production steps S3 to S5 on the heating roller W1 and under the heater 10 arranged and not yet cured sections of the fiber composite web 8th be cured by the action of heat energy (dotted lines). Above the heating roller W1 are already produced and therefore already cured sections of the future spring 1 recognizable.

In 9 and 10 the production steps S6 and S7 are shown, in which in step S6 the cured on the heating roller W1 section of the fiber composite web 8th by further transporting them through the gap 9 of the two heating rollers W1, W2 has lifted from the heating roller W1 and under the heater 10 cured section through this gap 9 was passed through. In step S7, another supplied and not yet cured portion of the fiber composite web 8th by means of the pressure and deflection roller W4 placed on the heating roller W2 and pressed. The heater 10 is switched off and both heating rollers W1, W2 can also be switched off.

In 11 is shown in an overview representation, as the production steps S4 and S5 are currently running, while already a larger number of end sections 2 . 6 , Deflection sections 3 and winding sections 4 . 5 is made. As the number of these sections 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 for the production of a spring 1 With the length L is already large enough, in a production step S9 is a separator 29 activated, which is the spring 1 from the course of the next, still in the making spring 1' separates. The finished spring 1 is removed in a production step S10 and the manufacturing device according to 3 continuously operated.

Finally, in 12 an optional production step S11 is shown, in which by means of a in the direction of movement 31 guided drill 30 a central hole 7 in all end sections 2 . 6 and winding sections 4 . 5 the feather 1 is introduced.

1

feather

1'

Spring history

2

Oberer End portion of the spring

3

deflection section

3a

peripheral portion the feather

3b

peripheral portion the feather

3c

peripheral portion the feather

4

turn section

5

turn section

6

lower End portion of the spring

7

axial bore in the spring

8th

Fiber composite material-Bahn

9

gap between the two heating rollers

10

heater

11

Unhardened section of the track 8th

12

Surface of the end section 2

12 '

Surface of the end section 6

13

Free End of the fiber composite web

14

Prepreg-Bahn

15

Prepreg-Bahn

16

Prepreg role

17

Prepreg role

18

separating and insulating agent web

19

transport device

20

conveyor belt

21

transport direction

22

role the transport device

23

separating and insulation agent role

24

separating and insulation agent role

25

idler

26

release agent

27

release agent

28

Forming tool for deflection sections 3

29

separating device

30

drill

31

movement direction of the drill

A

front the feather

B

sideview the feather

fg

Weight of the tension pulley 25

fp

pressing force the heating rollers W1, W2

Fx

Tensile force on the fiber composite web 8th

H1

heating zone under the heater

L

length the feather

Lx

longitudinal axis the feather

Ly

transverse axis the feather

U

deflection

S0-S11

steps

V (α)

pivoting the heating rollers W1, W2

W1

heating roller

W2

heating roller

W3

contact pressure and guide roller, contact and deflection

W4

contact pressure and guide roller, contact and deflection

Z

feed zone

α

Gradient of a meandering section 4 . 5

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 3000520 A1 [0003]

Claims (33)

Feather ( 1 ) of a fiber composite material having two end sections and winding sections arranged between them, characterized in that the end sections ( 2 . 6 ) and the winding sections ( 4 . 5 ) via deflection sections ( 3 ) are integrally connected, all sections ( 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 ) from a meandering folded web ( 8th ) consist of a fiber composite material. Spring according to claim 1, characterized in that the end sections ( 2 . 6 ) and the winding sections ( 4 . 5 ) as a sheet with largely flat surfaces ( 12 ) and the deflection sections ( 3 ) are curved. Spring according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the end sections ( 2 . 6 ) along a transverse axis (Ly) at right angles to the longitudinal axis (Lx) of the spring ( 1 ) are arranged aligned. Spring according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the end sections ( 2 . 6 ) are cured successively in time. Spring according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the end sections ( 2 . 6 ) and the winding sections ( 4 . 5 ) over the longitudinal extent of the spring ( 1 ) are each cured in chronological succession. Spring according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one end portion ( 2 . 6 ) and an associated deflection section ( 3 ) are cured at the same time. Spring according to claim 5, characterized in that the winding sections ( 4 . 5 ) each with an associated deflection section ( 3 ) are cured at the same time. Spring according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the mutually associated portions, namely end portion ( 2 . 6 ) and deflection section ( 3 ) and deflection section ( 3 ) and winding section ( 4 . 5 ) under a tensile load (Fx) of the fibers of the fiber composite material. Spring according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the fiber volume fraction of the deflection sections ( 3 ) is smaller, equal to or greater than the fiber volume fraction of the end sections ( 2 . 6 ) and the winding sections ( 4 . 5 ). Spring according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the fiber volume fraction of the deflection sections ( 3 ), the end sections ( 2 . 6 ) and the winding sections ( 4 . 5 ) is different in each case. Spring according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the material thickness (D2) of the deflection sections ( 3 ) is greater than the material thickness (D1) of the end sections ( 2 . 6 ) and the winding sections ( 4 . 5 ). Spring according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the peripheral contour ( 3a . 3b . 3c ) the feather ( 1 ) at each end section ( 2 . 6 ) and winding section ( 4 . 5 ) in the area ( 3c ) of the deflection sections ( 3 ) in a straight line and in the intermediate areas ( 3a . 3b ) is formed circular arc-shaped. Spring according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the spring ( 1 ) a introduced after curing in this central bore ( 7 ), which at least one of the two end portions ( 2 . 6 ) the feather ( 1 ) penetrates. Spring according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the spring ( 1 ) a introduced after curing in this central bore ( 7 ), which the two end sections ( 2 . 6 ) and all turns sections ( 4 . 5 ) over the axial length (L) of the spring ( 1 ) penetrates. Spring according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the winding sections ( 4 . 5 ) at an angle (α) to the end sections ( 2 . 6 ), which is greater than 0 ° and less than 45 °. Spring according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the fiber composite material of the spring ( 1 ) of several prepreg layers ( 14 . 15 ), which are flush with each other along their longitudinal extent superimposed. Method for producing a spring ( 1 ) of a fiber composite material, characterized by the following method steps: S1: feeding a non-cured fiber composite web ( 8th ) to a heater ( 10 ) and retraction of the fiber composite web ( 8th ) into a gap ( 9 ) between two heating rollers (W1, W2), seen in the conveying direction behind the heater ( 10 ) are arranged. S2: deflection of the fiber composite web ( 8th ) around one of the two heating rollers (W1, W2) by less than 181 °. S3: stop the transport of the fiber composite web ( 8th ). S4: Operating the heater ( 10 ) as well as the heating of the fiber composite web ( 8th ) partially wrapped heat roller (W1, W2). S5: curing of an end section ( 2 . 6 ) or a winding section ( 4 . 5 ) under the heater ( 10 ) and simultaneous curing of a deflection section ( 3 ) on the heating roller (W1, W2). S6: further transport of the hardened end section ( 2 . 6 ) or the hardened turn section ( 4 . 5 ) through the gap ( 9 ) of the two heating rollers (W1, W2) and simultaneous further transport of the hardened deflection section ( 3 ) by lifting off the deflecting section ( 3 ) from the heating roller (W1, W2). S7: feeding and redirecting an uncured section ( 11 ) of the fiber composite web ( 8th ) around the opposite heating roller (W2, W1) by less than 181 °. S8: Continue with step S3 to step S7 until the desired length of the spring (FIG. 1 ) is reached. S9: separating the spring ( 1 ) when reaching a certain length (L). S10: removal of the spring ( 1 ) and continue to step S4. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that below the heater ( 10 ) a plane or only slightly curved portion of the fiber composite web ( 8th ) to an end portion ( 2 . 6 ) or to a winding section ( 4 . 5 ) is cured. A method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that at the beginning of the manufacturing process exclusively under the heater ( 10 ) and in front of the heating rollers (W1, W2) a flat or only slightly curved section of the fiber composite material web (FIG. 8th ) to an end portion ( 2 . 6 ) is cured. Method according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the deflection and pressing of the not yet cured fiber composite web ( 8th ) on the respectively associated heating roller (W1, W2) by means of at least one pressing and deflection roller (W3, W4). Method according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the under the heater ( 10 ) and the portion of the fiber composite web (FIG. 1) on the heating roller (W1, W2) ( 8th ) is exposed during curing of a tensile force (Fx). Method according to one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the guidance and shaping of the not yet cured fiber composite material web ( 8th ) in front of the heater ( 10 ) and / or on the heating rollers (W1, W2) is performed so that the spring ( 1 ) a circumferential geometry with at the deflecting sections ( 3 ) straight course ( 3c ) and between these deflecting sections ( 3 ) a circular section course ( 3a . 3b ) having. Method according to one of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that the guidance and shaping of the not yet cured fiber composite material web ( 8th ) in front of the heater ( 10 ) and / or on the heating rollers (W1, W2) is performed so that the fiber volume fraction of the respective deflection sections ( 3 ), End sections 2 . 6 ) and turns sections smaller, equal to or greater than the fiber volume fraction of the respective adjacent deflection sections, end sections and turn sections ( 4 . 5 ). A method according to claim 23, characterized in that the guidance and shaping of the not yet cured fiber composite material web ( 8th ) in front of the heater ( 10 ) and / or on the heating rollers (W1, W2) is carried out so that the fiber volume fraction in the deflecting sections ( 3 ) is greater than the fiber volume fraction in the end sections ( 2 . 6 ) and in the winding sections ( 4 . 5 ). A method according to claim 23, characterized in that the guidance and shaping of the not yet cured fiber composite material web ( 8th ) in front of the heater ( 10 ) and / or on the heating rollers (W1, W2) is carried out so that the fiber volume fraction in the deflecting sections ( 3 ) is smaller than the fiber volume fraction in the end sections ( 2 . 6 ) and in the winding sections ( 4 . 5 ). Method according to one of claims 17 to 25, characterized in that the setting of the respective fiber volume fraction by a section-wise pressing out of not yet hardened synthetic resin from the supplied fiber composite material web ( 8th ) is achieved. Method according to one of claims 17 to 26, characterized in that the pitch angle (α) of the winding sections ( 4 . 5 ) in the spring ( 1 ) by a pivoting of the heating rollers (W1, W2) about a certain Verschwenkweg (Vα) above or below the plane in which the fiber composite material web ( 8th ) under the heater ( 10 ) lies. Device for producing a spring from a fiber composite material, characterized by - a feed zone (Z) for feeding at least one prepreg web ( 14 . 15 ) to form a fiber composite web ( 8th ), - one in the transport direction ( 21 ) the following and substantially planar heating zone (H1) with a heater ( 10 ) for shaping and curing straight-sided end sections ( 2 . 6 ) and winding sections ( 4 . 5 ) the feather ( 1 ), - in the transport direction after the heating zone (H1) following deflection zone (U) for shaping and Aushär th of curved deflecting sections ( 3 ) the feather ( 1 ), - two in the heating zone (H1) opposite arranged heating rollers (W1, W2), the one gap ( 9 ) for receiving the fiber composite web ( 8th ) form between them, - a pressing and deflecting means (W3, W4) for mutual laying and pressing of not yet cured sections ( 11 ) of the fiber composite web ( 8th ) to one of the two heating rollers (W1, W2), - and a separating device ( 29 ) for separating springs ( 1 ) predetermined length (L) of the continuously produced course of the spring ( 1' ). Device according to claim 28, characterized in that a tensioning device ( 25 ) is present, in conjunction with the feed force of the two driven heating rollers (W1, W2), a tensile force (Fx) on the fiber composite web ( 8th ) is produced during their curing. Apparatus according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that in the region of the feed zone (Z) and / or immediately before the two heating rollers (W1, W2) and / or on the two heating rollers (W1, W2) molding tools ( 28 ) to the not yet cured fiber composite web ( 8th ) can be attached, with which the circumferential geometry and / or the fiber volume fraction of sections ( 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 ) of the spring to be produced ( 1 ). Device according to one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that the surfaces of the two heating rollers (W1, W2) as molding tools for forming and / or adjusting the fiber volume fraction of the not yet cured fiber composite web ( 8th ) are formed. Device according to one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that the surfaces of the two heating rollers (W1, W2) and / or the depositing and / or forming tools ( 28 ) are formed in the region of the feed zone (Z) such that with them the fiber composite web ( 8th ) in the region of the later deflection sections ( 3 ) Can be reduced across its longitudinal extent in its width and in its material thickness (D2) is increased, or that the fiber volume fraction in the Umlenkabschnitten ( 3 ) with respect to the adjacent turn sections ( 4 . 5 ) is enlarged. Device according to one of claims 28 to 32, characterized in that the two heating rollers (W1, W2) for adjusting the pitch angle (α) of the winding sections ( 4 . 5 ) the feather ( 1 ) by means of a pivoting device about a pivoting path (Vα) are pivotable above and below the plane in which the fiber composite material web ( 8th ) under the heater ( 10 ) or which by the conveyor belt ( 20 ) of the transport device ( 19 ) is stretched.