DE102016007464A1 - REINFORCING STRIPS FOR A TUBULAR COMPONENT COMPOSITE COMPONENT - Google Patents

Abstract

The reinforcing strip (1) serves to produce tubular composite components consisting of a reinforced by reinforcing wires (4) resin. It includes a plurality of reinforcing wires arranged side by side and joined together, preferably by stitching to form a strip-shaped reinforcing textile. The reinforcing strip has a plurality of transverse zones (5) which follow one another in length, and at the same height in each of these transverse zones the reinforcing wires are arranged according to a unidirectional orientation which differs from that of the reinforcing fibers which are at the same height in located in the adjacent transverse zones. By winding this strip vertically about an elongated core (12), a tubular member can be obtained which includes reinforcing wires which are oriented differently depending on its sides.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a reinforcing strip which makes it possible to produce tubular composite components consisting of a thermoplastic or hardenable resin reinforced by reinforcing wires, in particular glass fiber or carbon fiber.

The invention also relates to the use of such a reinforcing strip for producing a composite tubular member, preferably by an RTM molding method or the like.

The composite tubular articles thus obtained find many applications, especially in the automotive sector, and in particular for the production of carriers for a shock absorption system, also called bumper carrier.

State of the art

In order to gain a large gain in weight and to limit costs, it is increasingly necessary to replace the traditional metallic components with new components made of plastic, in particular in the field of transport, aviation, water sports, sports or leisure , This is particularly the case with many tubular members, for example of round, square, rectangular or oval cross-section, which are frequently used in all these technical fields.

In order to withstand, as well as their metallic equivalents, the various stresses to which they are subjected in use, these plastic tubular members must be reinforced by a reinforcement, preferably of glass or plastic fibers. They form so much more resistant components made of composite material.

Depending on the applications, however, the tubular composite components are subject to different stresses depending on the sides or surfaces considered. For example, when using such a tubular member to make a bumper beam, it must be able to withstand strong compressive forces on its front, tensile forces on its back, and less severe shear and compressive forces on its upper and lower surfaces. Since the stresses vary in direction and thickness depending on the sides, the reinforcement needs to resist them are also different for each of these sides.

In order to produce such tubular composite members, it is known to make successive turns of reinforcing wires according to different orientations with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member in order to withstand the various stresses to which the tubular member is subjected in its later use.

For this purpose, several techniques are known in the art. For example, the so-called "pull-winding" method is known, according to which several layers of resin-coated wires or strips (called "UD" strips) are laid and wound around a rotating mandrel immersed in a resin from a side-by-side arrangement, longitudinally aligned wires are formed. Depending on the speed or direction of rotation of the winding devices, different inclinations are obtained for the reinforcing wires or the strips of reinforcing wires. These devices are followed by a heating unit which melts the resin surrounding the reinforcing wires and a shaping device which calibrates the tubular component by giving it its external shape.

With such a method, it is not possible to obtain an alignment of the reinforcing wires, which differs depending on the sides of the tubular member. The reinforcing wires or reinforcing strips must in fact be wound around the mandrel over one or more revolutions.

In addition, the winding of the reinforcing wires or reinforcing strips takes place in a longitudinal direction around the mandrel. It is thus difficult to obtain an arrangement of the reinforcing wires with an orientation of 0 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular component to be obtained. In this case, they are simply unwound around the mandrel without winding.

In addition, the speed or the direction of rotation of the winding devices must be changed whenever a change in the inclination of the reinforcing wires is to be obtained, which complicates the manufacturing process. It is thus very difficult to vary widely the angles or arrangement of the reinforcing wires along the tube. In pull-winding, it is advantageous to maintain a virtually constant reinforcement along the entire tube.

Finally, due to the stiffness imparted by the resin surrounding the reinforcing wires, the tubular member obtained after winding has a high rigidity and is difficult to bend before being formed. The by a tubular components obtained by such processes are rectilinear and have a stack of concentric layers enclosing reinforcing wires arranged within a same layer according to a unidirectional orientation and which may be difficult to vary from one layer to another. However, the orientation of these reinforcing wires remains the same, regardless of the side or surface of the obtained tubular member.

It is also an RTM process, known as Resin Transfer Molding, according to which a reinforcing fabric is wrapped around a mandrel of elongate shape, which may be solid, or, to facilitate molding, water-soluble, even inflatable , The reinforcement fabric used is generally a sheet of glass fibers, carbon fibers or plastic fibers mechanically bonded together without the use of resin called dry fiber mat. Within such a fiber layer, which is made, for example, in the form of strips, the reinforcing wires are arranged, usually continuously, in any unidirectional orientation, for example at 0 °, 90 °, + 45 ° or -45 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the strip , and are mechanically joined together, for example, by weaving or sewing.

After wrapping the reinforcing material around the mandrel, the latter is inserted into a low pressure injection molding tool into which liquid resin is introduced to impregnate and encase the reinforcing material. When cured, this resin ensures cohesion between the various windings of reinforcing materials and gives the tubular member its final shape. The tubular member is then formed, and the mandrel is removed therefrom.

With such a method, it is necessary to stack several layers of different reinforcing materials to obtain reinforcing fibers having different orientations. Each of these reinforcing materials must be wound around the mandrel one or more times before the forming step is performed on the unit. Such a method, which successively uses several types of amplification, is quite complex to carry out.

In addition, as before, it leads to a tubular component in which the reinforcing wires of different orientation are necessarily arranged one above the other in the form of complete concentric layers. It is therefore impossible, depending on the side or surface of the tubular member to obtain a different orientation of the fibers.

Thus, there is a need for a reinforcing material that would allow for different reinforcement depending on the location of installation, and thus could be different on each of the sides of the manufactured tubular component. It could thus be specially adapted to the particular stresses exerted on each of the sides of the tubular member during use.

It is an object of the invention to provide a reinforcing strip which makes it possible to achieve such a goal very easily.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art methods and proposes a new reinforcing strip for composite tubular members.

This reinforcing strip may advantageously be wound around a core of elongate shape with a vertical winding direction with respect to this core.

For this winding, a single reinforcing strip is used, and only a single winding step is performed. The inventive method is thus particularly simplified in comparison with the methods of the prior art.

The reinforcing strip according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to obtain a reinforcing wire reinforced tubular member having an orientation which may vary depending on the side or face of the tubular member. Thus, it is very easy to obtain a composite tubular member which is particularly well suited to the application for which it is intended.

In order to solve this technical problem, the invention provides a reinforcing strip for producing composite tubular members consisting of reinforcing wire reinforced resin. This reinforcing strip includes a plurality of reinforcing wires juxtaposed and bonded together to form a reinforcing textile in the form of a strip.

This reinforcing strip is characterized in that it has a plurality of transverse zones, which follow one another in the length of the strip, and that at a same height in each of these transverse zones, the reinforcing wires according to a unidirectional orientation are arranged, which differs from that of the reinforcing wires, which are located at the same height in the adjacent transverse zones.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in at least one transverse zone, the reinforcing wires are arranged in a direction which forms an angle of 0 °, of 90 °, of + 45 ° or -45 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the reinforcing strip.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the reinforcing wires are continuous wires and / or contain glass, carbon or aramid fibers.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the reinforcing wires are connected to each other by sewing, weaving or by adhesion by means of a thermoplastic resin.

According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one of the transverse zones is thicker than one of its adjacent transverse zones, and the reinforcing wires of this thicker transverse zone all have the same orientation or are arranged in a plurality of layers of different unidirectional orientation stacked at different heights.

According to another embodiment of the reinforcing strip according to the invention, at least one of the transverse zones has a thickness which is not constant throughout the transverse zone and the reinforcing wires of this transverse zone all have the same orientation or are arranged in several layers of different unidirectional orientation which are stacked at different heights are.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the reinforcing strip has at one of its ends an end zone which has no reinforcing wires and which consists of a thermoplastic film which is compatible with and tight to the resin.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the reinforcing strip comprises a member of different nature, preferably a honeycomb stiffening member which is attached and assembled on one or more zones of the reinforcing strip.

The invention also teaches a tubular reinforcement including such a reinforcing strip formed by winding the reinforcing strip about itself along a winding axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reinforcing strip.

The invention also teaches a composite tubular member including such a reinforcing strip which includes a tubular reinforcement formed by winding the reinforcing strip about itself along a winding axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reinforcing strip, and a resin containing the covered tubular reinforcement.

• – Bereitstellen eines länglichen Kerns, dessen Querschnitt eine geeignete Form bezüglich der Form des herzustellenden rohrförmigen Bauteils hat;
• – Bereitstellen eines Verstärkungsstreifens, dessen Breite der Länge des herzustellenden rohrförmigen Bauteils entspricht, und seine Anordnung senkrecht bezüglich des länglichen Kerns;
• – Wickeln des Verstärkungsstreifens um den länglichen Kern und senkrecht zu diesem, und Durchführen einer oder mehrerer Umdrehungen, bis eine rohrförmige Verstärkung einer geeigneten Dicke bezüglich des herzustellenden rohrförmigen Bauteils erhalten wird;
• – Einsetzen des von der rohrförmigen Verstärkung umgebenen länglichen Kerns in den Aufnahmehohlraum eines Einspritzformwerkzeugs oder eines Formgebers, dessen Form der Außenform des herzustellenden rohrförmigen Bauteils entspricht;
• – Einspritzen eines Harzes in den Hohlraum des Einspritzformwerkzeugs, um die Bewehrungsdrähte des Verstärkungsstreifens zu tränken oder zu erwärmen, um das die Bewehrungsdrähte des Verstärkungsstreifens verbindende Harz zu schmelzen;
• – nach dem Härten des Harzes, Herausziehen des erhaltenen rohrförmigen Bauteils aus dem Einspritzformwerkzeug oder dem Formgeber, und Entfernen des länglichen Kerns aus diesem.

Finally, the invention teaches the use of such a reinforcing strip for carrying out a method for producing a tubular component made of composite material. This procedure includes the following steps:

• Providing an elongate core whose cross section has a suitable shape with respect to the shape of the tubular component to be produced;
• - Providing a reinforcing strip whose width corresponds to the length of the tubular member to be produced, and its arrangement perpendicular to the elongated core;
• - winding the reinforcing strip around and perpendicular to the elongate core, and performing one or more turns until a tubular reinforcement of suitable thickness is obtained with respect to the tubular component to be produced;
• - Inserting the elongated core surrounded by the tubular reinforcement in the receiving cavity of an injection molding tool or a former whose shape corresponds to the outer shape of the tubular member to be produced;
• Injecting a resin into the cavity of the injection molding tool to impregnate or heat the reinforcing strip reinforcing wires to melt the resin connecting the reinforcing strip reinforcing wires;
• After hardening the resin, withdrawing the obtained tubular member from the injection molding die or the former, and removing the elongated core therefrom.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the step of wrapping the reinforcing strip about the elongate core is followed by a step of bending the elongated core surrounded by the tubular reinforcement prior to insertion into the injection mold or former.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, during the step of wrapping the reinforcing strip about the elongated core, the transverse zones of the reinforcing strip are formed on the appropriate sides of the elongate core arranged so that the obtained tubular member includes reinforcing wires, which are aligned differently depending on its sides.

Brief description of the figures

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which is to be considered as non-binding and not restrictive, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 is a top perspective view of a first example of a reinforcing strip according to the invention, which allows the production of a single tubular member;

2 is a top perspective view of a second example of a reinforcing strip according to the invention, which is packaged in rolls and can serve to produce a plurality of tubular components;

3 a schematic perspective view of the winding step of the manufacturing method according to the invention of a tubular member from the reinforcing strip of 1 is;

4 Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the tubular member obtained by this method;

5 a schematic cross-sectional view of the tubular member of 4 is;

6 a schematic perspective view of a third example of the reinforcing strip according to the invention is;

7 a schematic perspective view of a fourth example of the reinforcing strip according to the invention is;

8th a schematic perspective view of the process according to the invention, starting from the reinforcing strip of 7 obtained tubular member.

Detailed disclosure of the invention

The reinforcing strip according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS 1 to 8th described. The equivalent elements shown in the various figures bear the same reference numerals.

In the following description, terms such as top and bottom, bottom and top, side, front and rear etc. are defined depending on the proper orientation by the devices as shown in the various figures. It is clear that this orientation is not necessarily maintained during use.

In addition, to simplify the drawings, the resin in the 4 . 5 and 8th not shown.

In the various figures, several embodiments of a reinforcing strip according to the invention 1 shown.

The reinforcing strip 1 is preferably cut to have the dimensions corresponding to the manufacture of a single tubular article of composite material, as in U.S. Pat 1 . 6 and 7 shown.

The reinforcing strip according to the invention 1 can also be provided longer and so allow the successive production of several tubular articles made of composite material after cutting. He can then take the form of a role 2 be packed as in 2 shown.

The reinforcing strip according to the invention 1 has suitable dimensions with respect to those of the tubular member 3 that you want to make. One of its dimensions, generally its width, corresponds to the length of the tubular component to be produced 3 , So you can advantageously the tubular member 3 by vertical winding of the reinforcing strip according to the invention 1 produce.

The second dimension of the reinforcing strip 1 , in general its length, depends on the thickness of the tubular component 3 desired reinforcement and so on the number of turns of the winding, which is obtained with the reinforcing strip according to the invention 1 want to perform.

The reinforcing strip 1 contains a multitude of juxtaposed reinforcing wires 4 , They are preferably made of glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers or a mixture of several of these types of fibers produced through wires.

The reinforcement wires 4 of the reinforcing strip 1 are joined together, preferably by mechanical assembly or by adhesion by means of a thermoplastic resin, thus forming a reinforcing textile in the form of a strip.

If they are mechanically assembled, the reinforcement wires can 4 woven together or more preferably sewn together, for example by means of a thin and soft sewing thread, for example made of polyester.

If they are joined together by weaving, the reinforcing wires have 4 small ripples.

When they are sewn, the reinforcing wires remain 4 advantageously straight and taut, and so can better withstand the forces to which they are exposed in use. In fact, it is the sewing threads that are responsible for holding the reinforcing wires 4 assume side by side necessary curvatures.

The mechanical assemblies of reinforcing wires 4 , also called dry fiber mats, are particularly soft and can easily be wrapped, bent and / or twisted around themselves. Thus, they are preferred when bending the obtained tubular member 3 want to produce.

The assemblies of impregnated reinforcing wires 4 By adhering a thermoplastic resin in turn are much stiffer and are more for tubular components 3 reserved, which are intended to be straightforward.

As can be seen in the various examples illustrated, the reinforcing strip 1 several transverse zones 5 which follow each other in the length of the strip.

Each of these transverse zones 5 encloses a multitude of reinforcing wires 4 according to one of a transverse zone 5 arranged to the other different orientation.

For example, in 1 illustrated reinforcing strips 1 with a zone 6 first type, that of a stack of reinforcing wires 4 , which are arranged according to an orientation of + 45 °, and of reinforcing wires 4 formed according to an orientation of -45 ° with respect to the axis of the reinforcing strip 1 are arranged, ie, 45 with respect to the axis of the tubular member to be obtained 3 ,

He then points a zone 7 second type in which the reinforcing wires 4 are arranged according to a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the reinforcing strip, ie with an orientation which is an angle of 0 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular component to be produced 3 forms.

This zone is followed by a zone 8th third type in which the reinforcement wires 4 along the axis of the reinforcing strip 1 are arranged, ie with an orientation which is an angle of 90 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member 3 forms.

Several zones of the second type 7 and third type 8th then follow each other alternately in the length of the reinforcing strip 1 and thus form a periodic pattern that repeats eight times.

A new zone of the first type 6 , the reinforcement wires 4 which are crossed at + 45 ° and -45 °, follows this alternate arrangement of a second type zone 7 and third type 8th ,

According to a preferred variant of the invention, the in 1 illustrated reinforcing strip at its other end an end zone 9 other than the transverse zones described above 5 on and no reinforcing wires 4 having.

This endzone 9 consists of a thermoplastic film called "liner", which is tight and preferably compatible with the resin, depending on the variants of the reinforcing wires 4 soaks and / or is then injected into the mold to the tubular member 3 to build.

It is for example a film of polyamide or polypropylene, the function of which will be explained below.

Except for this endzone 9 consists of the reinforcing strip 1 so from an assembly of several layers of reinforcing wires 4 with from one layer to another different unidirectional orientation, in the direction of the length of the reinforcing strip 1 follow one another.

As you can see in the figures have the different transverse zones 5 of the reinforcing strip 1 not all the same length. Some, like the zones of the first type 6 , have a much longer length than others, like the third type zones 8th , The dimension of each of these transverse zones 5 is not chosen randomly, but, as will be seen below, is defined depending on the position that it has on the tubular component to be manufactured 3 should take and corresponds to the dimensions of the side of the tubular member 3 on which each of these cross zones 5 should be positioned.

2 illustrates a second example of a reinforcing strip according to the invention 1 ,

As before, this starts with a cross zone 5 first type 6 that a stack of reinforcement wires 4 encloses, which are aligned with + 45 ° and -45 °.

They are followed by a cross zone 5 third type 8th , the reinforcement wires 4 which are longitudinal with respect to the reinforcing strip 1 are arranged, ie with an orientation which is an angle of 90 ° with respect to the axis of the tubular member 3 forms, then a cross zone 5 of a fourth type 10 , the reinforcement wires 4 which are arranged unidirectionally with an orientation which is at an angle of + 45 ° with respect to the axis of the tubular member to be obtained 3 forms.

Then you will find a cross zone 5 third type 7 with reinforcing wires 4 transverse to the axis of the reinforcing strip 1 are arranged, ie with an orientation which is an angle of 0 ° with respect to the tubular member to be obtained 3 forms.

Then you will find a cross zone 5 of a fifth type 11 , the reinforcement wires 4 includes, which are arranged according to an orientation which is an angle of -45 ° with respect to the axis of the tubular member to be obtained 4 forms.

That of the sequence of the above-described transverse zones 5 third type 8th fourth type 10 , second type 7 and fifth type 11 formed pattern is then four times in the length of the reinforcing strip 1 repeated.

A cross zone 5 first type 6 then terminates this sequence, which forms a sufficient reinforcing strip portion, around a tubular member 3 manufacture.

This section continues continuously through several equal sections that, after cutting, allow for further tubular components 3 manufacture.

As disclosed above, the reinforcing strip according to the invention makes it possible 1 advantageously, a tubular component 3 to manufacture the reinforcing wires 4 which, depending on their position on the tubular component 3 are aligned differently, and, for example, differently oriented on each of its pages. The following 3 to 5 make it possible to better understand this feature.

In 3 is the example of the reinforcing strip 1 of the 1 just before wrapping around a core 12 elongated shape shown.

The illustrated core 12 is a solid core that has a rectangular cross-section. It makes it possible, a tubular component 3 with a rectangular cross-section like the one without resin in 4 is shown. Of course, other types of cores may be used with the reinforcing strip of the present invention and, depending on the applications, allow tubular members of a variable section shape, for example, circular, square or oval to be obtained.

The used reinforcement strip 1 was cut out to a single tubular component 3 have corresponding dimensions. So it has a width corresponding to the length of the component to be obtained 3 , which is, for example, between 1 and 1.5 meters, depending on the application. For example, a width of about 1.20 meters is particularly suitable for the production of a support of a shock absorption system for a vehicle (bumper tube).

The reinforcing strip 1 becomes perpendicular to the core 12 arranged, and the end of its end zone 9 is temporarily attached to it by any suitable means. For example, it is an attachment by sliding this end into a notch of the core 12 , or its support by a device of the type clamp or any other suitable device for temporary maintenance.

When this temporary attachment has been made, the core becomes 12 rotated to wrap the reinforcing strip 1 to effect it, to form a tubular reinforcement 13 leads.

The winding phase, the winding of a single reinforcing strip 1 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the core 12 is so extremely easy and fast to carry out.

The length of the end zone 9 is provided to the entirety of the sides of the core 12 to cover at its first turn. How to get in 5 can see, forms this final layer 9 , also called "liner", so the inner layer of the tubular reinforcement 13 that with the core 12 directly in contact.

It forms an impermeable barrier to the core 12 protects. Due to this impermeable end zone 9 can be the liquid resin, which subsequently the reinforcement wires 4 soaks, the tubular reinforcement 13 do not completely traverse and the core 12 to reach. Pulling out the core 12 during the later step of molding, this greatly simplifies. This effect can be improved, if necessary, by coating the underside of this end zone 9 with a lubricant that simplifies molding, or else for example, by producing a siliconized underside for this end zone 9 ,

The continuation of the rotation of the core 12 causes the winding of the zone of the first type 6 covering the entirety of the sides of the core 12 covered during a complete turn of that. This cross zone 5 first type 6 whose length is one complete turn of the core 12 corresponds, thus forming the second concentric layer of the tubular reinforcement 13 ,

If the core 12 continues to rotate, the winding continues through the first transverse zone 5 third type 8th whose length has been provided to the dimensions of the small side of the tubular component to be obtained 3 to be complied with, ie its 14 or bottom 15 ,

The winding continues by placing a cross zone 5 second type 7 in the region of one of the large sides of the tubular component 3 away, ie in the region of its front edge 16 or its trailing edge 17 ,

The following cross zone 5 third type 8th is then along the second small side corresponding to the page 14 or 15 arranged, then covers the following zone of the second type 7 the second flank 16 or 17 of the tubular component 3 , whereby the third concentric winding layer of the tubular reinforcement 13 is terminated at the third turn of the core 12 is obtained.

The three following turns of the core 12 Similarly, fourth, fifth and sixth concentric layers are the same as the previously described third concentric layer by successively winding the alternating sequence of the third type zones 8th and second type 7 that repeat periodically.

The seventh and last turn of the core 12 forms the last concentric layer (outer layer) of the tubular reinforcement 13 coming from a cross zone 5 first type 6 consisting of the entirety of the sides of the tubular component 3 covered.

When winding the reinforcing strip 1 around the core 12 is completely finished, and after a possible bending step, that of the tubular reinforcement 13 surrounded core 12 used in the receiving cavity of an injection molding tool, when the reinforcing strip is formed by dry fiber layers. Then, low-pressure resin is injected into the inside of the mold cavity at a plurality of locations. This very liquid resin, with which a curing agent is mixed, wets the reinforcing wires 4 and envelops her. It provides the cohesion of the unit and gives the tubular component 3 his final form.

Due to the impermeable end zone 9 covering the inner layer of the tubular reinforcement 13 This resin can not form to the core 12 therefore does not penetrate and does not disturb its later shaping. Because the endzone 9 preferably made of a thermoplastic compatible with this resin, it adheres perfectly to the other layers of the tubular member 3 ,

For example, in a method of Art RTM, the resin used for injection is an acrylic resin.

When the resin is hard, the injection molding tool is opened, and the molding of the tubular member 3 is carried out. Subsequently, the core becomes 12 removed from it.

According to an alternative variant, the core 12 be removed while the tubular member 3 is still in the injection mold, then its molding are performed.

To accelerate the curing, can also be formed by the unit is easily heated to a temperature, for example, between 60 ° C and 100 ° C.

When the reinforcement strip 1 starting from reinforcing wires 4 which are already coated with a thermoplastic resin, in particular based on polypropylene or polyamide, is from the core 12 and the reinforcing strip wound around it 1 The formed unit is not inserted into a mold, but heated to easily melt the resin, is then inserted into the receiving cavity of a former whose shape is the outer shape of the tubular member to be obtained 3 equivalent. During its solidification, the resin imparts its cohesion and shape to the tubular member 3 , Again, prevents the presence of the end zone 9 Liner type penetrates the molten resin to the core 12 to facilitate its shaping.

The molding steps are carried out as described above.

Starting from the reinforcing strip of the 1 becomes a tubular component 3 get that reinforcement wires 4 , which are aligned longitudinally with 0 ° on its main sides, ie on its front flank 16 and on his back flank 17 , and reinforcing wires 4 encloses, which are arranged transversely at 90 ° on its two small sides, ie on its top 14 and on its underside 15 ,

In order to improve the rigidity of the unit, in particular in terms of angles, and to provide better torsional strength, these four reinforcing layers are completed with two complete concentric layers depending on the sides of different orientation, one inside and one outside, one stacking of crossed reinforcing wires containing + 45 ° and -45 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member 3 are aligned.

The obtained tubular component 3 is particularly suitable for the production of a support of a shock absorption system for vehicles (bumper support). In fact, such a carrier is fastened by its two ends to the chassis of the vehicle and is exposed to bending forces. Its most exposed leading edge receives the main forces and works on pressure, while its trailing edge, which is opposite, works mainly on train. The longitudinally arranged with 0 ° reinforcement wires 4 inside the corresponding flanks 16 . 17 of the tubular component obtained by the method according to the invention 4 contained, allow a particularly good resistance to such forces.

The top and bottom of the bumper beam are mainly exposed to less strong pressure and shear forces. The inside of the 14 and bottom 15 of the tubular component thus obtained 3 contained reinforcing wires 4 are perfectly suited to withstand such forces.

The crossed reinforcement wires, which are aligned with + 45 ° and -45 °, distributed around the entire tubular component 3 in its inner and outer layers, in turn, allow it to withstand the lesser components aligned in other directions of the forces experienced by the wearer.

Of course, many other applications may be considered for tubular components obtained from reinforcing strips of the invention. There may be mentioned, for example, the many tubes or profile parts used in the automotive sector, such as burglar bars included in the doors of the vehicles, the pillars and side members associated with the chassis or doors, the cross members under instrument panels, etc. Similar tubular Components are also used in other technical fields, such as aeronautics, water sports, or sports and leisure.

In each particular application contemplated, the reinforcing strip of the present invention is designed depending on the nature and intensity of the main forces exerted on that tubular component in use. The location and direction of the experienced stresses make it possible to derive therefrom the preferred orientation of the reinforcing wires to be used as well as their location on the different sides of the tubular member. The nature and dimensions of the different transverse zones 5 of the reinforcing strip to be used for producing the tubular component 1 can thus be adjusted accordingly and customized with respect to this application to easily create a special tubular component that is perfectly suited for its application.

Using this principle, the adaptation can be continued.

In addition to that she reinforcement wires 4 which are aligned according to a unidirectional orientation, that of the adjacent transverse zones 5 distinguish, have the transverse zones 5 not always the same thickness along the whole reinforcing strip 1 ,

For example, the transverse zones 5 , which are intended to be located on the sides of the tubular component which are subjected to the greatest stresses, with a greater thickness than that of the transverse zones 5 manufactured to be located on the other sides of the tubular member. In the example of the bumper beam described above, it is the front 16 and rear flank 17 which are the most stressed. It is thus advantageously possible to decide to produce a thicker reinforcement in this area.

As in 6 represented, this can be a reinforcing strip 1 use its transverse zones 5 second type 7 have a greater thickness than the transverse zones 5 third type 8th that are adjacent to them. As mentioned above with reference to 5 has seen, are these transverse zones 5 second type 7 after winding in the area of the front 16 and rear flank 17 of the tubular component 3 arranged. The tubular reinforcement obtained after winding 13 is so in the area of its front 16 and rear flank 17 thicker than in the area of its upper side 14 and lower side 15 whereby the obtained tubular member is given better strength in this range.

Finally, depending on the applications applied to the tubular component Forces will not be the same. You can do so for example in the central zone 18 be stronger than at the ends 19 of the tubular component 3 ,

For example, in the application of the bumper beam, which over its two ends 19 Fixed to the chassis, the forces he must withstand are in his central zone 20 much stronger. It is therefore particularly advantageous to increase the gain in this central zone.

The reinforcing strip according to the invention 1 makes it very easy to achieve this goal. For this purpose, it is sufficient, the thickness of the reinforcing strip this time in the region of longitudinal zones 20 to increase, as in 7 shown.

For this purpose, one or more additional layers 21 of reinforcing wires 4 suitably smaller dimensions on the original reinforcing strip 1 in the area of the longitudinal zones 20 attached and assembled, which are to be strengthened. These layers 21 For example, they can be sewn or glued to the original reinforcing strip.

Then cross zones 5 obtained having a thickness which is not constant in the entire transverse zone, since the thickness in the region of the longitudinal zones 20 larger, in which the additional layers 21 are located.

The additional layers 21 contain reinforcing wires 4 which, as in the example shown, has the same orientation as that of the reinforcing wires 4 may be present in the corresponding transverse zones 5 of the original reinforcing strip. In this case, even if their thickness is not constant, these transverse zones enclose 5 reinforcement wires 4 that all have the same orientation.

It is also possible additional layers 21 to choose in which the reinforcement wires 4 are oriented differently than those in the original strip. The affected transverse zones 5 then contain reinforcing wires 4 which are arranged in multiple layers of different unidirectional orientation stacked at different heights.

After winding, a tubular reinforcement 13 obtained, which has a greater thickness in the zone in which the additional layers 21 located, for example, in the area of the central zone 18 for the in 8th illustrated example.

To progressively increase and / or decrease the thickness of the tubular reinforcement 13 As shown, preferably several additional layers may be formed 21 decreasing width are stacked in the area of the longitudinal zone 20 centered, which is to be reinforced, instead of a single additional layer of large thickness.

In this case, after winding, a tubular reinforcement, the thickness of which progressively increases and then decreases, is obtained in a slightly stepped manner, which is easily caught in the distribution of the resin.

Of course, reinforcing strips 1 that combine these different possibilities, of course, also be taken into account.

According to another variant of the invention, which is easy for the expert to carry out, the reinforcing strip according to the invention 1 also have one or more other elements of different nature, which are connected to one or more 5 and / or longitudinal zones 20 of the reinforcing strip are attached.

This element of different texture can on the reinforcement strip 1 be glued or is preferably mechanically assembled with this and preferably sewn at the appropriate place on this.

It may be a component of any nature and function that is suitable for the application being considered for the tubular component to be obtained, as long as it is not the wrapping of the reinforcing strip 1 to prevent itself, which is necessary for the preservation of the tubular member.

For example, a honeycomb stiffening member may be mentioned, preferably cellular or honeycomb, and for example polyurethane or thermoplastic foam. After wrapping the reinforcing strip, this stiffening member may advantageously be sandwiched between two layers of reinforcing wires 4 which gives the resulting tubular reinforcement a much stiffer sandwich structure.

In the above-mentioned application example in which the obtained tubular component 3 For example, a flat strip of polyurethane foam may be provided on one of the transverse zones to produce a bumper beam 5 second type 7 attached, which is intended after winding on the front flank 16 to be located of the tubular member. This foam strip, of a shape and dimensions corresponding to those of the affected transverse zone 5 and of a thickness preferably between 3 and 8 mm, is preferably sewn in this area on the reinforcing strip.

The tubular member obtained after winding such a reinforcing strip then has a front flank which has a sandwich structure with a foam layer interposed between two layers of composite material, and thus is advantageously much more resistant to compression when subjected to pressure.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above and illustrated in the various figures, since the skilled artisan can make many changes and imagine other variants, without departing from the scope or scope of the invention defined by the claims.

Claims (14)

Reinforcement strip ( 1 ) for producing tubular components ( 3 ) of composite material consisting of a reinforcing wire ( 4 ) reinforced resin, wherein the reinforcing strip ( 1 ) a plurality of reinforcing wires ( 4 ) juxtaposed and joined together to form a reinforcing textile in the form of a strip, characterized in that the reinforcing strip ( 1 ) several transverse zones ( 5 ), which follow one another in their length, and that at an equal height in each of these transverse zones ( 5 ) the reinforcing wires ( 4 ) are arranged according to a unidirectional orientation, which is different from that of the reinforcing wires ( 4 ), which are at the same height in the adjacent transverse zones ( 5 ) are located. Reinforcement strip ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in at least one transverse zone ( 5 ) the reinforcing wires ( 4 ) are arranged in a direction at an angle of 0 °, of 90 °, of + 45 ° or of -45 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the reinforcing strip ( 1 ). Reinforcement strip ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing wires ( 4 ) are continuous wires or contain glass, carbon or aramid fibers. Reinforcement strip ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing wires ( 4 ) are connected together by sewing, weaving or by adhesion by means of a thermoplastic resin. Reinforcement strip ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the transverse zones ( 5 ) is thicker than one of its adjacent transverse zones ( 5 ) and that the reinforcing wires ( 4 ) of this thicker transverse zone ( 5 ) all have the same orientation or are arranged in multiple layers of different unidirectional orientation, stacked at different heights. Reinforcement strip ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the transverse zones ( 5 ) has a thickness that is not constant throughout the transverse zone and that the reinforcing wires ( 4 ) of this transverse zone have the same orientation or are arranged in several layers of different unidirectional orientation, which are stacked at different heights. Reinforcement strip ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing strip ( 1 ) at one of its ends an end zone ( 9 ) having no reinforcement wires ( 4 ) and which consists of a thermoplastic film compatible with and dense with the resin. Reinforcement strip ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an element of different nature, which is added and assembled on one or more zones of the reinforcing strip. Reinforcement strip ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the element of different nature is a stiffening component with honeycomb structure. Tubular reinforcement ( 13 ), which has a reinforcing strip ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it depends on a winding of the reinforcing strip ( 1 ) is formed around itself according to a winding axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reinforcing strip. Tubular component ( 3 ) made of composite material, the one Reinforcement strip ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a tubular reinforcement which is formed by a winding of the reinforcing strip ( 1 ) is formed around itself according to a winding axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reinforcing strip and includes a resin covering the tubular reinforcement. Method for producing a tubular component made of composite material, comprising a reinforcing strip ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - providing an elongate core ( 12 ) whose cross-section has a suitable shape with respect to the shape of the tubular component ( 3 ) Has; Providing a reinforcing strip ( 1 ) whose width corresponds to the length of the tubular component ( 3 ) and its arrangement perpendicular to the elongated core ( 12 ); - winding the reinforcing strip ( 1 ) around the elongated core ( 12 ) and perpendicular to it, and performing one or more turns until a tubular reinforcement ( 13 ) of a suitable thickness with respect to the tubular component to be produced ( 3 ) is received; Insertion of the tubular reinforcement ( 13 ) surrounded elongated core ( 12 ) into the receiving cavity of an injection molding tool or a former whose shape matches the outer shape of the tubular component ( 3 ) corresponds; Injecting a resin into the cavity of the injection molding tool around the reinforcing wires ( 4 ) of the reinforcing strip ( 1 ) or heating, around which the reinforcing wires ( 4 ) of the reinforcing strip ( 1 ) to melt connecting resin; After curing of the resin, extraction of the obtained tubular component ( 3 ) from the injection mold or the former, and removing the elongated core ( 12 ) from this. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the step of winding the reinforcing strip ( 1 ) around the elongated core ( 12 ) a step of bending the tubular reinforcement ( 13 ) surrounded elongated core ( 12 ), before it is inserted into the injection mold or the former. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that during the step of winding the reinforcing strip ( 1 ) around the elongated core ( 12 ) the transverse zones ( 5 ) of the reinforcing strip ( 1 ) on the appropriate sides of the elongated core ( 12 ) are arranged so that the obtained tubular component ( 3 ) Reinforcement wires ( 4 ), which are oriented differently depending on its pages.

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