DE102008052668A1 - Device for supplying reinforcement fiber for formation of reinforcing ply of fibrous composite, has carrier unit for positioning and adjusting of device relative to composite, where device is firmly or movably mounted on carrier unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (30) has a carrier unit (50) for positioning and adjusting of the device relative to a fibrous composite, where the device is firmly or movably mounted on the carrier unit. Supply units are distributedly arranged over circumference of the carrier unit. The supply units are formed by a tube element (40), where the supply units have a supporting body (36) with an inlet opening (37) and an outlet opening (38). A reinforcement fiber (14) is guided through the inlet opening and supplied through the outlet opening. An independent claim is also included for a device for production of a fibrous composite.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for feeding a Reinforcing fiber to form a reinforcing layer a semifinished fiber product. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for producing a semi-finished fiber product with such a device.

to Production of semi-finished fiber products can basically Braiding or winding method can be used. In braiding Braiding cores are produced by means of braiding machines Give component its later form, with suitable braiding fibers or braided threads, for example carbon fibers, braided.

at Take a conventional braiding bobbins the bobbin thread bobbins and are on guideways moved relative to each other so that mesh-forming crossovers arise. The clappers have different directions of rotation around the wickerwork core. In round braiding are the guideways two opposing concentric orbits around one pacifying core.

Usually is the braid core, for example by means of a robot arm, moved relative to the fixed braiding machine body, wherein unwind the fibers from the fiber bobbins and after a deflection on a braiding ring and over corresponding crossings be stored at the braiding on the braid core. Depending on the desired Structure of the semifinished fiber product and / or the individual Flechtlagen can Reinforcing threads and / or Stützfä the from carbon, glass, aramid, Kevlar and / or thermoplastic threads be added.

From the DE 10 2004 017 311 A1 is a method for producing fiber composite semi-finished products by means of Rundflechttechnik known. Here, a braid core is braided with braided threads, which are unwound concentrically around the braided core in different directions clapper. Here, the bobbins of a circumferential direction with reinforcing threads or fibers and the bobbins of the opposite direction are at least partially equipped with support threads or fibers. The support threads consist at least partially of thermoplastic threads. The core can be braided several times, each unidirectional layers are deposited on the braid core. Before depositing another single layer, the previously deposited single layer can be fixed by melting the thermoplastic threads.

Furthermore, from the DE 101 15 953 A1 a braiding machine with a deflection of shear-sensitive braiding between the bobbins and the braided core known, wherein the deflection is accomplished by means of an inner braided ring and an outer braided ring. Here, the two braided rings are arranged concentrically to each other and axially movable in a direction transverse to the conveying direction of the braided core and perform periodic strokes. The lifting movements can be carried out in antiphase, that is, during a movement of the one braiding ring in one direction, for example upwards, the other braiding ring moves in an opposite direction, for example downwards. After deflection of the braiding threads on the two braided rings, the braiding threads are fed to the braid core and placed on this.

It has proven to be disadvantageous that in particular in the Generation of triaxial braids via so-called standing threads when they are incorporated, the fibers are undulated, whereby the mechanical Properties of the semifinished fiber are reduced. Continue to exist the disadvantage that such Stehfäden only in limited Number according to the number of impellers and can not be completely positioned. Furthermore, band-shaped materials can not over the braiding process be incorporated into the braid.

Of the Invention is based on the object, reinforcing fibers as free as possible in the production process for to introduce a semi-finished fiber product. Furthermore, a device for Producing a semi-finished fiber product, whereby also threads, Tapes or auxiliaries introduced into the manufacturing process can be.

to Solution to this problem is a device with the features of claim 1 and a device with the features of Patent claim 16 proposed. Preferred developments are defined in the subclaims. in principle let the devices of the invention for braiding or winding method use.

The Inventive device for feeding a reinforcing fiber to form a reinforcing ply a semifinished fiber product comprises a feeding device for Feeding the reinforcing fiber towards the semifinished fiber product and a carrier unit for positioning and orientation of the feed device relative to the semifinished fiber product, wherein the feeding device is fixed or movable on the carrier unit is stored.

The combined arrangement of feeder and carrier unit is designed in a preferred embodiment such that the feeder is mounted either fixed or movable, ie It is possible to keep the feeder fixed in a specific position and orientation and if necessary to change this position and orientation, and preferably to fix it in a new position and orientation.

With The device according to the invention becomes a delivery system created, in particular, as a supplement to an existing braiding or winding machine is used, wherein the device can be easily integrated into the existing machine. The order the delivery system is adjacent, for example to any existing Flechtringen a braiding, in particular in a round braiding machine, so that the additionally introduced Reinforcing fibers directly, without chemical fixation or by means of binder technology, from that resulting from the braiding process textile braid be held and fixed.

at a movable connection of the feeder to the Carrier unit can be very accurate to change the shape of the wicker core are reacted.

With This delivery system can be used as reinforcing fibers For example, also ribbons (eg rovings) or auxiliaries be introduced. Are preferred with the inventive Device in component longitudinally oriented reinforcing fibers introduced to form a reinforcing layer. The additional introduced reinforcement layer, the braided component strengthen in the longitudinal direction. Among excipients are in the context of the present application, for example, release films, adhesive fleeces, Foam layers, etc. to understand. The term "reinforcing fiber" includes both individual fibers and semi-finished products (eg fiber layers).

at In a preferred embodiment, the feeder slidably and / or rotatably mounted on the carrier unit be. In particular, the feeding device can be a transversely to the conveying direction of the semifinished fiber oriented axis, preferably substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction is aligned, be rotatable. The agility regarding a shift can in particular in a direction parallel to the conveying direction or be formed transversely thereto.

advantageously, the feed device comprises at least one feed unit. The feeding unit may vary depending on the geometric shape of the be supplied suitable material, so that also band-shaped elements made of reinforcing fibers can be supplied. Through the training individual units can be an accurate vote for the formation of the Be achieved. So can different areas the lateral surface or sections along the longitudinal direction a braiding or winding core with a different fiber or layer structure can be produced. Here it turns out to be advantageous if the feeder several feed units that covers the circumference of the carrier unit are arranged distributed.

at Another preferred embodiment is the length the feed unit variable. For example, the feed unit be formed by a tubular element, preferably in his Lengthwise telescopically shortened or extendable is. The length of the feed unit or pipe element depends in particular on the distance of the device, in particular the carrier unit, from the lateral surface of the core and after the geometric configuration of the lateral surface of the Core.

at Another preferred embodiment, the feed unit a first end and a second end, the first end being indirectly or is mounted directly on the carrier unit and the second end is formed as a free end. Over a appropriate positioning and alignment of the second end can the feeding direction can be set appropriately. For the case that the core is one along its longitudinal direction variable cross-sectional shape, can by appropriate change the position of the second end of the lateral surface of the core be followed.

Further the feed unit can have a bearing body with a Have inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein the reinforcing fiber through the inlet opening passed and fed through the outlet opening becomes. For example, the bearing body hinged to the Carrier unit stored and the feed unit firmly be attached to the bearing body. That way is the feeder or feeder unit rotatably mounted on the carrier unit.

advantageously, the supply unit comprises a spreading unit and / or a storage unit, in particular a thread eye. With the storage unit can an improved, undulation-free deposition of the fiber on the core be achieved. With the spreading unit, for example, a To be supplied band of reinforcing fibers in strips split and then the strips in the braiding or winding process be introduced.

Conveniently, the carrier unit can be positioned around the semi-finished fiber product, in particular annular or angular, formed. In particular, the carrier unit may be formed as a ring or fastening ring. In this way, the carrier unit with the feeding device can be close to an existing braiding ring of the existing braiding be positioned. The geometric shape of the carrier unit and / or the feed device is preferably adapted to the shape of the semi-finished fiber product or the braided core to be produced.

at Another preferred embodiment is at least a deflection unit for deflecting the reinforcing fiber and for determining the feeding angle in the direction of Fiber semi-finished provided. For this purpose, the carrier unit and / or the feed device comprise the deflection unit. With others Words can carrier unit and deflection unit be formed together as a one-piece component.

Around cut the reinforcing fiber at a predetermined location may be provided a separator. Advantageously the separating device integrated in the feeder, for example, by forming a separating edge at an opening the feed unit.

In A preferred embodiment is a feed device for introducing the reinforcing fiber in the feeder and / or for advancing the reinforcing fiber in the feeder intended. The feed device can be designed in such a way that they have an air flow for introduction into the feeder and / or for advancing the reinforcing fiber in the feeder provides.

The Inventive device for producing a Semi-finished fiber comprises at least one feed unit for Feeding a base fiber to form a semi-finished fiber and an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for supplying a reinforcing fiber for formation a reinforcing layer of the semifinished fiber product, wherein the feed unit in a predetermined relative position to the carrier unit the device is arranged.

at the aforementioned device according to the invention for producing a semi-finished fiber product is preferably around a braiding device. The arrangement of the delivery system according to the device according to one of the claims 1 to 15 takes place in such a braiding for example adjacent to existing Flechtringen for the feeder the basic fiber.

at In a preferred embodiment, the feed unit is such arranged in relative position to the carrier unit, so that the reinforcing fiber and the base fiber during the production of semi-finished fiber essentially in one point along a longitudinal direction of the semifinished fiber product to each other meet or at a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction meet each other.

With the two devices of the invention can improved mechanical properties of the reinforcing fibers to be introduced and of the entire semifinished fiber product can be achieved. Furthermore you can the components to be braided or wrapped completely be grouped, whereby, for example, reinforcing fibers can be positioned in large numbers.

at In a particularly preferred embodiment, the carrier unit be formed in the form of a fastening ring and with a any number of feeding units in the form of thread feeding elements be equipped distributed the circumference of the ring. This can be one over the Circumference of the braid core closed reinforcing layer produced or in certain areas beyond the scope of the Flechtkernes a defined thread entry are possible. Here, the thread feeding elements in Length and entry angle variable or articulated so that the supply of the threads is also at variable cross sections of the thread core is guaranteed. Farther can be at the exit of the thread feeding elements Thread eyes be attached, which has a homogeneous thread tray as well allow spreading of the reinforcing threads. Finally, the variable delivery system also be designed so that band-shaped products introduced can be. For this can both prefabricated reinforcing tapes, as well strip-shaped auxiliaries, such as, for example, bovine fleece, Release films or sandwich core elements are used.

following The invention will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings explained. Here are shown schematically:

1 a longitudinal section through an inventive apparatus for producing a semi-finished fiber product and an inventive device for feeding a reinforcing fiber in the semifinished fiber, and

2 a view from the front of the arrangement according to 1 ,

The 1 and 2 show an apparatus for producing a semi-finished fiber product with at least one feed unit 60 for feeding a base fiber 16 for forming the semifinished fiber and an apparatus for supplying a reinforcing fiber 14 in the semifinished fiber product. The combined arrangement of the two devices represents a preferred embodiment of a braiding, in particular a round braiding device, with a braided layer of the base fibers 16 and a reinforcing layer of the reinforcing fibers 14 be processed to form the semi-finished fiber.

The semi-finished fiber is made by braiding the basic fiber 16 on a lateral surface 12 a wicker core 10 and by feeding the reinforcing fiber 14 educated. The braid core 10 has a, viewed in its longitudinal direction L, variable lateral surface 12 on. To the braid core 10 along its longitudinal direction L to be able to completely stain, this is transported along a conveying direction F by the braiding device.

The device for feeding the reinforcing fiber 14 includes a feeder 30 and a carrier unit 50 , Here is the carrier unit 50 in a predetermined relative position at a distance A from the feed unit 60 arranged. The distance A is chosen here so that the reinforcing fiber 14 in the longitudinal direction L spaced from the base fiber 16 on the lateral surface 12 or impinges on the already partially trained braid.

The for feeding, alignment and storage of the reinforcing fiber 14 serving feeder 30 includes a variety of feeding units 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 that over the circumference of the carrier unit 50 are arranged distributed.

Each of the feeder units 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 has a bearing body 36 on, attached to the carrier unit 50 is stored. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing body 36 shaped spherically and provided with a cavity. The bearing body 36 has an inlet opening 37 and an exit opening 38 through, through which the reinforcing fiber 14 is guided through.

The carrier unit 50 is preferably formed as a ring or fastening ring and around the braid core 10 positioned around. The carrier unit 50 serves to position and align the feeder 30 in a suitable position relative to the braid core 10 so that the reinforcing fiber 14 and the basic fiber 16 as free as possible on the lateral surface 12 can be stored. The carrier unit 50 stores the feeder 30 such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and thus perpendicular to the conveying direction F or longitudinal direction L. In other words, the feeder is 30 over the bearing body 36 movable, in particular rotatable or pivotable, on the carrier unit 50 stored.

Further, each of the feeder units has 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 and 35 a pipe element 40 with a first end 42 and a second end 44 on. Each pipe element 40 is in the area of the first end 42 firmly on the bearing body 36 appropriate. The second end 38 is formed as a free end and may include a storage unit and / or a spreading unit. About the respect to all three spatial directions in the desired position can be brought free end 38 of the tubular element 36 can the reinforcing fiber 14 suitably on the braid core 10 be filed.

The pipe elements 40 each have a wall and an inner cavity, so that the reinforcing fiber 14 through the bearing body 36 and the pipe element 40 can be supplied. In other words, the pipe element serves 40 as a thread feeding element for the reinforcing fiber 14 ,

The pipe elements 40 are advantageously variable in their length, so that on cross-sectional changes of the braid core 10 along its conveying direction F can be reacted. Preferably, the pipe element 40 constructed telescopically.

In this way, a largely ondulationsfreie or completely ondulationsfreie storage of the reinforcing fiber 14 on the wickerwork core 10 or inside of it by the basic fiber 16 formed braid can be achieved. The reinforcing fiber 14 is preferably oriented at an angle of 0 ° to the longitudinal direction L and reinforces the semi-finished fiber in its longitudinal direction.

10

braid

12

lateral surface

14

reinforcing fiber

16

base fiber

30

feeding

31

feed

32

feed

33

feed

34

feed

35

feed

36

bearing body

37

inlet opening

38

outlet opening

40

tube element

42

first The End

44

second The End

50

support unit

60

feed

L

longitudinal direction

F

conveying direction

A

distance

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 102004017311 A1 [0005]
• - DE 10115953 A1 [0006]

Claims (17)

Device for feeding a reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) for forming a reinforcing layer of a semi-finished fiber product with a feed device ( 30 ) for feeding the reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) in the direction of the semi-finished fiber product and a carrier unit ( 50 ) for positioning and alignment of the feeding device ( 30 ) relative to the semifinished fiber product, wherein the feed device ( 30 ) fixed or movable on the carrier unit ( 50 ) is stored. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the feed device ( 30 ) displaceable and / or rotatable on the carrier unit ( 50 ) is stored. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the feeding device ( 30 ) at least one feed unit ( 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 ). Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the feed device ( 30 ) several feed units ( 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 ), which extends over the circumference of the carrier unit ( 50 ) are arranged distributed. Device according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the length of the feed unit ( 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 ) is variable. Device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the feed unit ( 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 ) by a tubular element ( 40 ) is formed. Device according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the feed unit ( 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 ) a first end ( 42 ) and a second end ( 44 ), wherein the first end ( 42 ) directly or indirectly on the carrier unit ( 50 ) and the second end ( 44 ) is formed as a free end. Device according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the feed unit ( 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 ) a bearing body ( 36 ) with an inlet opening ( 37 ) and an exit opening ( 38 ), wherein the reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) through the inlet opening ( 37 ) and through the outlet ( 38 ) is supplied. Device according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the feed unit ( 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 ) comprises a spreading unit and / or a storage unit, in particular a thread eye. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier unit ( 50 ) Positionable around the semi-finished fiber, in particular annular or angular, is formed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one deflection unit for deflecting the reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) and is provided for determining the feed angle in the direction of the semifinished fiber product. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a separating device is provided to the reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) to cut at a predetermined location. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the separating device in the feed device ( 30 ) is integrated, preferably by forming a separating edge at an opening of the feed unit ( 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a feed device for introducing the reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) in the feeder ( 30 ) and / or for advancing the reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) in the feeder ( 30 ) is provided. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the feed device an air flow for introducing the reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) in the feeder ( 30 ) and / or for advancing the reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) in the feeder ( 30 ). Device for producing a semi-finished fiber product with at least one feed unit ( 60 ) for feeding a base fiber ( 16 ) for forming a semi-finished fiber product and with an apparatus according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 15 for feeding a reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) for forming a reinforcing layer of the semifinished fiber product, wherein the feed unit ( 60 ) in a predetermined relative position to the carrier unit ( 50 ) of the device is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the feed unit ( 60 ) in relative position to the carrier unit ( 50 ) is arranged so that the reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) and the basic fiber ( 16 ) meet one another during the production of the semifinished fiber product substantially at a point along a longitudinal direction (L) of the semifinished fiber product or at a predetermined distance (A) along the longitudinal direction (L) from each other meet each other.