• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The present invention relates to a method for producing preforms by applying fibers to an application surface, a method for producing composite material parts from said preforms, and a corresponding application machine. The method of producing preforms comprises the application without compaction of continuous fibers (9), on the application surface by means of an application head (1) in defined orientations, said application being carried out by relative displacement of the application head with respect to the drape surface in different paths, without compacting the fibers by the application head, the fiber or fibers being positively driven in the application head, and compacting the fibers applied to obtain a preform.
    公开号:FR3020778A1
    申请号:FR1401061
    申请日:2014-05-09
    公开日:2015-11-13
    发明作者:Alexander Hamlyn
    申请人:Coriolis Composites SAS；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing preforms by applying fibers to a tool, a method of making composite material parts from said preforms, and a corresponding application machine.
    [0002] It is known in particular from EP 1 250 991 methods for producing preforms by spraying fibers possibly associated with a binder. The fibers unwound from reels or balls are conveyed to a projection head in which the fibers are cut by rotary knives in segments of 10 to 50 mm. The head is mounted at the end of a robotic arm to make a continuous projection of cut fibers on a tool, for example a female mold. The binder, for example in wire form, is also conveyed to the head to be cut and sprayed with the cut fibers. This mold can be pierced with a multitude of holes to allow suction and maintenance of the projected fibers. Once the projection is complete, the mold is closed and heated to compress the preform to the desired thickness, and melt the binder. The preform is obtained after cooling and demolding. This preform can then be subjected to an infusion or resin injection operation to obtain a final piece of composite material, comprising fibers and a resin matrix. This process is conventionally used for the manufacture of preforms from glass fibers. This fiber projection technique ensures good rates for the production of preforms. A disadvantage of this technique is the low mechanical strength of the final part because of the short fibers and not oriented relative to major constraints, the short fibers being projected randomly. This technique can not be used for the manufacture of structural parts. It is also known so-called fiber placement processes in which continuous fibers are deposited in contact on a tool in defined orientations. This method of application to the contact is implemented by means of a fiber application head comprising an application roller intended to come into contact against the tooling to apply a strip formed of one or more continuous flat fibers. , and a guiding system for guiding the fiber (s) on said roll. The fibers applied may be continuous flat fibers of the wick type, dry or impregnated with thermosetting or thermoplastic resin, in particular carbon fibers, consisting of a multitude of carbon threads or filaments. These methods make it possible to produce structural parts of good mechanical strength. However production rates seem not very compatible with those required in certain areas, particularly in the automotive field. The object of the present invention is to propose a solution to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.
    [0003] For this purpose, the present invention proposes a method for producing preforms comprising the application of fibers to an application surface or drape surface, characterized in that it comprises the application without compacting of continuous fibers, preferably unidirectionally, on the application surface by means of an application head in defined orientations, said fold orientations being defined as a function of principal stresses exerted on the final part obtained from the preform, said application being carried out by relative displacement of the application head with respect to the drape surface, at a speed of application, according to different trajectories, without compaction of the fibers by the application head, to form several superimposed folds of fibers in different orientations, the or the fibers being positively driven in the application head, preferably at a driving speed at least equal to the application speed, so that the fibers are applied without prior fixing of the fibers to said application surface or to the previously applied fibers. - Compaction, also called forming, applied fibers to obtain a preform.
    [0004] As used herein, a "non-compacting" or "non-contacting" application refers to an application by means of the application head without compacting the fibers by the application head against the draping surface. According to the invention, the method comprises the application of continuous and oriented fibers, the fibers to be applied being positively driven continuously in the application head. This application without compaction is as close as possible to the surface to be draped, to limit the unguided distance of the deposited fibers. The fibers are re-routed continuously during draping and cut to the desired length. The continuous drive allows to actively evacuate the fibers without requiring a first grip on the tooling. This application is performed without compaction and can therefore be performed at high rates, higher than in the case of an application to contact by means of a compaction roller. The precision of application of the fibers according to the process according to the invention is less important than that obtained by a method of application to the contact by means of a roller, the resulting preform being able to present in a fold fiber recovery rates. and vacuum rates, conventionally called gap rates, larger, and lower orientation accuracy. However, the applied fibers 15 are oriented and make it possible to obtain parts having a good mechanical strength, better than in the case of a projection of short fibers randomly. According to one embodiment, the application without compacting fibers is carried out by means of an application head capable of applying to at least one fiber, preferably several fibers simultaneously, in particular in the form of a strip formed of a plurality of fibers substantially edge to edge, said head comprising drive means adapted to drive each fiber, preferably individually, said drive means comprising at least one roller or drive roller, whose drive speed is a function the speed of application, and a counter-roller adapted to press the fiber against the drive roller, so that the fiber is driven positively by the latter. The fibers may be driven at the same drive speed, for example by means of a common drive roller, or at different drive speeds, with a drive roller then being associated with each fiber. According to one embodiment, the method comprises applying fibers provided with a binder and / or applying binder to the application surface simultaneously and / or subsequently applying the fibers.
    [0005] Compacting can be done cold or hot. In the case of hot compaction, said binder is activated by heating during the compacting operation, said binder ensuring the cohesion of the preform after compaction.
    [0006] Said binder application preferably comprises the spraying of a liquid binder and / or the projection of a binder in the form of a powder, the said binder allowing the adhesion of the fibers applied to the application surface and / or the fibers previously applied. . According to a first embodiment, the process according to the invention is a process for producing dry preforms comprising less than 10% by weight of binder, preferably less than 5% by weight of binder, said dry preform being by way of subsequently subjected to an impregnation operation of a resin to form a composite part. The dry preforms are obtained by application of dry fibers provided with a binder and / or by application of dry fibers, without binder and application of binder to the application surface. According to a second embodiment, the process is a process for producing pre-impregnated preforms, comprising at least 30% by weight of binder, preferably at least 40% by weight of binder, said binder constituting the matrix. of the final composite part, the pre-impregnated preform being not subsequently subjected to an impregnation operation, for a core impregnation of the binder in the fibers, and then a hardening operation. The pre-impregnated preforms are obtained by application of pre-impregnated fibers, and / or by application of dry fibers, without binder, and application of binder to the surface of application. According to one embodiment, said method comprises the application of an adhesion agent, such as water, to promote the capillary adhesion of the fibers applied to the tool or the fibers of the folds previously draped. According to one embodiment, the method comprises fiber cutting operations by cutting means of the application head, at the end of the trajectory, and / or during a trajectory, said cutting means being disposed downstream of the means. driving with respect to the direction of advancement of the fibers in the application head.
    [0007] According to one embodiment, downstream of the cutting means, the cut fibers are driven by complementary drive means preferably comprising for each fiber a channel in which circulates an upstream gas flow downstream. These complementary drive means allow to deposit fibers of restricted lengths, especially less than the distance between the cutting means and the application surface. These complementary drive means can also drive the fibers throughout the main guide system. According to one embodiment, downstream of the cutting means, the fibers are guided by additional guide means, comprising at least one channel of which at least the downstream portion is formed by a flexible tube coming into contact with the surface of application during application, in order to reduce the distance between the head and the tooling. Advantageously, the head comprises a flexible tube by fiber, each flexible tube being able to move independently. According to one embodiment, in order to facilitate the maintenance of the set of plies on the tooling, the application comprises the flat application from above of fibers to a substantially planar application surface. According to one embodiment, the method comprises the application in contact with fibers in defined orientations by means of an application head comprising a compacting roller, preferably operable between an active position to allow compacting application, in contact with said roller, and an inactive position in which the head is used for an application without compacting fibers, said contacting being carried out by relative displacement of the application head relative to the application surface according to different paths, said head being supported by its compaction roller against the application surface, the abovementioned counter-roller of the drive means being preferably in an inactive position, so that the fiber is not positively driven in the head when applying to the contact. According to this embodiment, the method comprises a combination of non-compacted fiber application and fiber compacted application. This application of contact fibers, called fiber placement, can be carried out to achieve local reinforcements for example, before an application without compacting fibers and / or after an application without compacting fibers and compaction of said applied fibers without compaction.
    [0008] The subject of the present invention is also a process for manufacturing composite material parts, characterized in that it comprises the production of a preform by application of fibers as described previously, a resin impregnation step in the preform, said impregnation step comprising adding one or more resins by infusion or injection, or heating the preform to impregnate throughout the preform the resin or resins forming the binder; and, a hardening step.
    [0009] Said impregnation step may be performed after a possible step of clipping the preform. The present invention also relates to a fiber application machine comprising - an application head comprising a main guide system for guiding at least one continuous fiber towards an application surface, drive means capable of driving each fiber at a driving speed, said driving means comprising a drive roller and a roller adapted to press the fiber against the drive roller, and preferably cutting means adapted to cut each fiber, preferably individually displacement means capable of effecting a relative movement of the head relative to the application surface of a tool for applying the fibers along paths at a speed of application, characterized in that it comprises a unit controller adapted to drive the drive means for driving at a drive speed each fiber to be applied according to the speed of application cation, so that the fiber is positively driven for the application of said fiber on the drape surface.
    [0010] The machine further preferably comprises a storage and dispensing system for storing and dispensing at least one fiber, and / or conveyance means for conveying the fiber (s) from said storage and dispensing system to the main guidance system. of the head. According to one embodiment, the main guiding system comprises guide channels, the head further comprises complementary drive means capable of driving the fibers at least downstream of the cutting means, said complementary drive means comprising injection means for injecting a gaseous fluid, such as compressed air or any other type of gas into said guide channels, to create an upstream flow of air downstream towards the lower edge; of the head, at least downstream of the cutting means, said injection means being arranged for example downstream of the cutting means for driving the fibers that have just been cut. Preferably the injection means are arranged upstream of the cutting means, more preferably upstream of the drive means for driving the fibers into the main guide system. This air flow makes it possible to drive the fibers towards the application surface and makes it possible in particular to apply to an application surface, in a given orientation, fibers of length less than the distance 20 between the cutting zone. fiber and the surface of application. According to one embodiment, the head comprises additional guide means able to guide the fiber or fibers downstream of the main guide system, said additional guide means comprise at least one flexible tube, preferably a flexible tube 25 by fiber, adapted to come against the application surface, by deforming, for the application of fibers, said complementary drive means possibly causing the fibers in said flexible tube. According to one embodiment, the head comprises at least one application roll mounted movable with respect to said main guide system between at least one active position in which the main guide system is able to guide the fibers on said roll for contacting a web of one or more fibers on the application surface, and, - an inactive position, wherein said roll is moved away from the main guide system for non-compacting application. a strip, said head comprising an actuating system adapted to maneuver the roll between its two positions.
    [0011] According to one embodiment, said additional guide means are mounted movable relative to said main guide system between at least one active position in which said strip is adapted to be guided by the first additional guide means for the application without compacting a band, and an inactive position, in which the first additional guiding means are separated from the main guiding system, said head comprising actuating means able to maneuver the roller in the active position and the first additional guiding means in position inactive to apply a strip to the contact by means of the roll, and to operate the roll in the inactive position and the first additional guide means in the active position to apply without compacting a strip. According to one embodiment, the operation of the application roller and the first additional guide means between their two positions is achieved by pivoting about one or more pivot axes. According to one embodiment, the roller and the first additional guide means are mounted on a common support module adapted to be operated by said actuating system for their maneuvering between their two positions, said support module being mounted at the lower ends of the two arms extending on either side of the main guide system, the arms being pivotally mounted relative to the main guide system by their upper end about a pivot axis, disposed above the axis of the main guide system; rotation of the roll. According to another embodiment, the roller and the first additional guide means are mounted on separate support modules, pivotally mounted via pivoting arms. According to one embodiment, the head further comprises second additional guide means mounted on the support module of the roller and adapted to guide each fiber exiting the main guide system to the roller when said roller is in the active position. The head may comprise a compacting wedge mounted on the support module of the roll, and / or one or more heating systems, for example mounted on the common support module or the separate support modules, capable of emitting thermal radiation in directing the fiber web before it is applied without compacting and / or before application to the contact and / or to the already applied mold or fiber webs; and / or - application means, for applying a binder or an adhesion agent upstream of the lower or the downstream edge of the main guide means system with respect to the direction of advance of the head, on the surface of the application and / or previously applied fibers. According to one embodiment, the machine comprises a draping tool equipped with means of evacuation to promote the holding by suction of the draped fibers on the application surface. According to one embodiment, said main guide system 20 is able to guide a plurality of fibers towards the application roll in the form of a band, the main guide system comprises first and second guide means arranged in staggered rows. in two guide planes approaching each other from upstream to downstream to guide the fibers downstream of the main guide system in the form of two layers of fibers, the first and second guide means comprising first channels and second channels opening on the downstream edge of the main guidance system. The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages will become more clearly apparent from the following detailed explanatory description of particular embodiments currently preferred of the invention, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. , in which: FIG. 1 is a partial schematic view of an application head according to the invention for producing a preform; - Figures 2A and 2B are two schematic side views illustrating the draping operation by means of the head of Figure 1; FIG. 3 is a schematic view from above of the draping tool illustrating fibers draped in different orientations; - Figures 4A, 4B and 4C are schematic side views illustrating the compacting operation and a resultant preform; FIG. 5 illustrates a variant of the trajectory of the head for draping fibers; FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic side view of the draping tool 10 illustrating an alternative application of fibers; FIG. 7 is a schematic side view illustrating a binder application operation by means of the application head; FIG. 8 is a partial schematic view of an application head according to a second embodiment, in the compacted application position; FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged view of the head of FIG. 8; - Figure 10 is a view similar to that of Figure 8, the head being in the application position without compacting; Figure 11 is a partial enlarged view of the head of Figure 10; and, - Figure 12 is a partial schematic view of an application head according to a third embodiment. Figure 1 partially illustrates a fiber application head 1 according to the invention, also referred to as a drape head, provided here for the application of a web of one or more fibers. The fibers 9 enter the head in the form of two plies of fibers, and the head 1 comprises a main guide system 11 for guiding the fibers to form a fiber web in which the fibers are arranged side by side. The main guide system comprises first guide channels 111a and second guide channels 111b in which the fibers of the first web and the fibers of the second web respectively pass. These guide channels are for example formed at the assembly interface of a central piece 112, wedge-shaped, and two side plates 113a, 113b, for example by grooves formed on the faces of the central piece. and / or side plates.
    [0012] The first channels and the second channels are arranged in staggered rows, in two planes P1, P2 of guide approaching each other from upstream to downstream, so that the fibers of the two sheets are substantially disposed edge to edge in outlet of the head, at the downstream edge 114 of the head, also called lower edge. Plane planes P2, P2 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the plane P3 median symmetry of the guidance system. The head comprises, for example, a support structure (not shown) on which is mounted the main guide system and by which the head can be assembled to a displacement system, able to move the head in at least three directions perpendicular to each other. other. The displacement system comprises for example a robot comprising a wrist or poly-articulated arm at the end of which is mounted said application head. Alternatively, the head is fixed 15 and the draping mold or tool is able to be moved relative to the head to perform the draping operations. The fibers are conveyed from storage means (not shown) to the head via conveying means (not shown). The fiber storage means may comprise a creel in the case of fibers packaged in the form of coils. The conveying means may be formed of flexible tubes, each tube receiving a fiber in its internal passage. The head further comprises, on either side of the main guiding system, cutting means 12 for individually cutting each fiber passing through the guiding system, locking means 13 arranged upstream of the cutting means. relative to the direction of advancement of the fibers, to block each fiber that has just been cut, and drive means 14, arranged upstream of the cutting means, to individually drive each fiber, so as to be able to moment stop and resume the application of a band, as well as choose the width of the band. For each fiber of a web, the cutting means 12 comprise a blade 121 mounted at the end of the rod of a cylinder 122. The cutting cylinder is able to move its blade from a rest position to a cutting position to cut a fiber. The cutting means comprise for example counter-tools arranged on the central piece 112, vis-à-vis the cutting edges of the blades, and against which the blades abut in the cutting position. For each sheet, the cylinders are arranged in a row, and the counter-tools comprise a bar, for example of elastomeric material, housed in the central piece. For each fiber of a web, the locking means 13 comprise a stud 131 mounted at the end of the rod of a locking jack 132. The locking cylinder is able to move its block from a rest position to a blocking position to block a fiber. The locking means comprise locking counter-tools arranged on the central piece, opposite the bearing surfaces of the pads, and against which the pads abut in the locking position. For each sheet, the locking cylinders are arranged in a row, above the row of cutting cylinders, said counter-tools are formed for example of the same rigid bar housed in a housing of the central part. For each fiber of a ply, the drive means 14 comprise a counter-roller 141 actuated by a drive cylinder 142 between a spaced position, said rest position, in which the counter-roller is disposed at a distance from a driving roller, and a driving position for pressing the fiber against the drive roller 143. The counter-roller 141 is rotatably mounted on a yoke mounted at the free end of the rod 142 of the cylinder 'training. For each web, the drive cylinders and the counter rollers are arranged in a row between the row of cutting cylinders and the row of locking cylinders. The drive rollers are mounted on the same axis or drive rod 144. The two drive rods carrying the drive rollers are rotatably mounted on the central part 112. During the draping operations, the drive rods are driven continuously in rotation, in the direction of rotation represented by the arrows S 1. The driving rods are for example driven in rotation by the same motor, by means of a belt mounted on the ends of the drive rods and of the motor shaft. The motor is driven by a head control unit so that the rotational or driving speed of the drive rollers is proportional to the speed of movement or application of the head. Alternatively, the drive rollers for the fibers of each web are replaced by a same drive roller. The locking means 13, the drive means 14 and the cutting means 12 of the first ply and the second ply are arranged symmetrically on either side of the plane of symmetry P3. According to alternative embodiments, depending on the size and the width of the deposited fibers, the driving, cutting and / or blocking means for a layer of fibers are arranged on two superimposed rows, said means for two adjacent fibers of the same ply being in different rows. During draping operations, the cutting cylinders, blocking and driving, for example of the pneumatic type, are controlled by a control unit of the head. The head is for example designed to accommodate eight fibers, 6.35 mm wide, and allow the application of strips of one to eight fibers. The head further comprises air injection means 15 for injecting compressed air into the guide channels 111a, 111b, and creating an upstream flow of air downstream towards the lower edge 114. of the head. These air injection means comprise injection tubes 151 connected to the guide channels, downstream of the cutting means. The air flow is preferably air-conditioned, namely regulated in temperature and / or hygrometry, and purified to avoid any contamination of the fibers. The head is used to apply fibers to a mold, by relative movement of the head over a draping tool, without contact between the head and the draping tool, the fibers to be applied being driven positively by their respective drive rollers against which the fibers are pressed by their respective counter-rollers in the driving position. By way of example, the head is used for producing a dry preform P of omega section, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, from dry fibers, provided with a binder in powder form and / or one or more webs, and / or in the form of co-mingled fibers, for example continuous flat carbon fibers, of the wick type, comprising a multitude of carbon threads or filaments, with a thermoplastic binder under powder form, present in an amount of the order of 2% by weight. With reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, the preform P is made by superimposing several plies of fibers in 0 °, 90 °, + 45 ° and -45 ° orientations on the application surface 21 of a tool 2, which constitutes here a male forming tool. The application surface 21 corresponds to the inner surface of the preform to be produced, and is provided with a longitudinal projection whose section corresponds to the section of the preform to be produced. The surface thus has an upper flat portion 21a connected to lateral plane portions 21b by two ramp portions 21c. Each fold is made by moving the head along parallel draping paths to deposit at each path a B-band of fibers 91. FIG. 3 schematically illustrates only two bands of fibers of a 90 ° fold, and only one band. of each following fold at 0 °, + 45 ° and -45 °. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an operation for applying a band of fibers to the tooling by moving the head along a trajectory T1 at 90 °. When moving the head, the drive rollers continuously drive the fibers to deposit them on the surface of the draping tool. In this embodiment, the path is substantially rectilinear and is defined so that the head can pass over the boss without coming into contact therewith. At the end of the trajectory, each fiber is cut, locked and its counter-roller is maneuvered in the rest position.
    [0013] After completion of the various desired plies, the set of plies E is subjected to a compacting operation also called forming operation, said operation consisting in compacting the set of plies between the male forming tool 2 and a female forming tooling 3, having a longitudinal groove of shape corresponding to that of the boss, by relative approximation of the draping tool and the female molding tool, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. This compaction is carried out hot, by heating the two tools 2, 3, in order to soften the binder and obtain a preform. Alternatively, compacting is accomplished using a vacuum tarpaulin system in place of the female forming tool. The resulting preform is then subjected to an operation of adding resin by injection and / or infusion to finally obtain a piece of composite material. In an alternative embodiment, the fibers applied are fibers pre-impregnated with one or more thermoplastic or thermosetting resins. After the application of the fibers, the set of plies is subjected to a compacting operation, as described above, and to a hardening operation, also called a consolidation operation, these two operations being combinable and carried out with the same tooling. According to another embodiment, the draping operation consists of flat draping a plurality of plies without compacting in complementary orientations on a substantially flat surface of a sheet-shaped draping tool. After draping the set of pleats is subjected to a forming operation between a male forming tool and a female forming tool. By way of example, the set of plies is transferred from the draping tool to the female forming tool. FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of trajectories, in which the head 1 follows the application surface 21 while remaining substantially at the same distance from the latter, so as to make a non-contact application as close as possible to the surface. application 21, and thus limit the distance over which the fibers are not guided. The head is here equipped with a heating system 16 to heat the binder during application of the fibers, and thus allow adhesion of the fibers of the different plies. The heating system, for example of the infrared lamp type, heats the fibers before their application on the application surface, as well as the application surface or the fibers previously deposited upstream of the lower edge of the head relative to the direction. progress. FIG. 6 illustrates a variant of fiber application in which fiber cutting operations are carried out during each trajectory in order to apply short fibers 94, of a few centimeters, for example of the order of 5 to 8. cm, one behind the other. During a course, each fiber is cut into segments 94 via its associated cutting means, while being continuously driven by its drive means. The application is made by performing head trajectories as illustrated in Figure 5, and injecting air via the injection tubes 151 to drive to the application surface fibers once cut. FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the head 5 1 is equipped with application means 17 for the application of a binder to the application surface 21 or to the previously deposited fibers. The binder application means comprises a nozzle for spraying a liquid binder or for spraying a binder in powder form. Binder application is performed during fiber application or between fiber applications, for example prior to making a fold. By way of example, the fibers applied are dry, non-bindered fibers, the application means are used to apply a binder, in a sufficient quantity, of the order of approximately 4% by weight, to allow during the application, adhesion of the fibers applied to the application surface or to the fibers of the preceding plies, and cohesion of the preform after the compacting operation. Alternatively, the application means is used to apply a binder of one or more resins in an amount sufficient to form the matrix of the final composite part. In a variant, the application means are used to spray an adhesion agent, such as water, to allow the capillary adhesion of the fibers to the tooling or the fibers of the previously draped folds. Figures 8 to 11 illustrate a head according to a second embodiment, in which the head allows either the application without compaction of fibers, or the application with compaction of fibers by means of a compaction roller. To do this, the head 1 described above is equipped with a compacting roller 3 operable between an active position and an inactive position. The head comprises a support module 4 on which are mounted a first additional guidance system 5 associated with a compacting roller 3, and a second additional guide system 6. The support module is movable between - an application position with compacting also called the placement position, as shown in FIG. 8, in which the roller is in the active position, the first additional guiding system guiding the fibers coming out of the main guide system as close as possible to the roller, and an application position without compaction, as illustrated in FIG. 10, in which the roll is in the inactive position, the second additional guide system 6 guides the fibers coming out of the main guide system as close as possible to the surface of the 'application. The support module 4 comprises two support elements 40 between which the additional guidance systems 5, 6 are mounted on either side of the plane of symmetry P4 of the support module. The roller 3 is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation Al, between the two support members 40, on the side of the first additional guide system 5. The support module is assembled at the lower ends of two arms 41 extending from and other side faces of the main guide system. Each arm is pivotally mounted on a lateral face of the guide system about a pivoting axis A2, arranged along the plane of symmetry P3 of the main guide system, and is assembled, preferably removably, at the level of the plane. P4 symmetry to a support member 40. The arms 5 are pivotable about the axis A2 to move the support module between its two positions. Referring to FIG. 9, the first additional guidance system 5 comprises a bar 51 disposed parallel to the rotation axis A1 joined at its ends to the two support elements, preferably in a removable manner. The bar has in cross section a generally triangular, wedge-shaped shape, with a so-called upper surface oriented towards the main guiding system when the roller is in the active position, a so-called external surface, substantially flat, facing outwards, and a so-called internal surface, concave, oriented towards the roll and whose concavity corresponds to the surface of the roll. The bar comprises two parallel rows of additional guide channels. The first additional channels 52 of a first row and the second additional channels 53 of the second row are arranged in staggered rows. These additional channels are open and are formed of grooves, formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the bar, and opening on the upper surface. The first 35 channels 52, said curved, are formed of grooves formed on the concave inner surface of the bar, and the second channels 53 are formed of grooves on the outer surface. For positioning as close as possible to the additional guiding system with respect to the main guiding system, the downstream edge 114 of the main guiding system may have a convex cylindrical surface, the bar of the additional guiding system then having a concave upper surface of shape. corresponding. In the active position, the bar 51 is disposed opposite the downstream edge of the main guide system, its first additional channels 52 are arranged in the extension of the first guide channels 113a of the first sheet disposed according to the plane Pl, and its second additional channels 53 are arranged in the extension of the second guide channels 113b of the second sheet disposed along the plane P2. To ensure the maintenance of the fibers in the grooves forming the second channels 72, they are closed by a guide plate 54 15 removably mounted on the bar, against the outer surface. The module is furthermore equipped with heating means formed here of an infrared lamp 71 for heating the fibers coming out of the additional guidance system, and / or the mold and / or the fiber strips already applied upstream of the compacting roller, just before compacting the strip by the roll, in order to at least soften the binder and thus promote the adhesion of the strips to one another. The lamp 71 is mounted on at least one of the two support members and is disposed downstream of the roll 3 with respect to the lay-up direction S2. The module is equipped with a compacting wedge 74 arranged downstream of the roller with respect to the direction of advance of the head, this wedge making it possible to guarantee compaction over the entire width of the band, especially during corner passages. As described in EP patent 2 414 152. Referring to FIG. 11, the second additional guide system 6 comprises first flexible tubes 64 and second flexible tubes 65 mounted on the module by means of a bar 60 which is arranged parallel to the axis Al, and assembled at its ends to the two support members 40, preferably removably. The bar has a concave upper surface oriented toward the main guide system when the module is in the uncompressed position, two side surfaces and a lower downstream surface. The bar comprises first and second additional channels 62, 63, arranged in a staggered manner, opening on the upper surface and the lower surface. In the application position without compacting the module, the bar 61 is disposed opposite the downstream edge of the main guide system, its first additional channels 62 are arranged in the extension of the first guide channels 113a, and its second additional channels 63 are arranged in the extension of the second guide channels 113b. The first and second flexible tubes 64, 65 are mounted at one end respectively in said first and second additional channels 62, 63. When the module is in the application position without compaction, the head can be used for the application without compaction of fibers in both draping directions S2 and S3. The module is equipped with heating means, formed here of a first infrared lamp 72 and a second infrared lamp 73, mounted symmetrically on either side of the bar 60, for heating the fibers leaving the flexible tubes, and / or the mold or strips of fibers already applied, respectively in the lay-up direction S2 and in the lay-up direction S2. The support module is operated between its two positions by an actuating system (not shown), for example formed of a cylinder whose cylinder is fixedly mounted on the head relative to the main guide system and whose cylinder rod is assembled to an arm. For draping with compaction of a fiber web on a mold in the direction S2, the roll is brought into its active position by operating the module in the application position to the contact. The fibers guided in the channels of the main guide system are then guided in the additional channels 52, 53 of the bar 51 to then be applied to the mold by the roller. For layup without compaction of a fiber web in the S2 or S3 direction, the module is operated in its application position without compaction. The fibers exiting the channels of the main guide system are guided in the additional channels of the additional guidance system and then into the flexible tubes and then applied to the mold. The tubes are advantageously in contact with the application surface for guiding the fibers onto the application surface. Because of the flexibility of the tubes, they deform in contact with the application surface so that no compaction force is applied to the fibers. The force resulting from the friction between the tubes and the fibers already applied is small enough that the fibers already applied are not driven by the tubes. The head can be used for the manufacture of preform by application without compaction of fibers, by application with compaction of fiber via the roll, or by a combination of both types of application. In the latter case, an operation of compaction of fibers applied without compacting is preferably carried out before carrying out the application with compaction of fibers, the application with compaction being for example made to form reinforcements having mechanical characteristics in the preform.
    [0014] FIG. 12 illustrates a head 101 according to a third embodiment comprising, as previously, a support module 104 movable between two positions and carrying a first additional guiding system 106a for draping without compacting in the first direction S2, and a second additional guiding system 106b for draping without compaction in the second direction S3. Each additional guidance system 106a, 106b comprises as previously a bar 160a, 160b on which are mounted first flexible tubes 164a, 164b and second flexible tubes 165a, 164b. The flexible tubes 164a, 165a, of the first additional guiding system 106a are preloaded so as to be bent in the direction opposite to the direction S2. Similarly, the flexible tubes 164b, 165b of the second additional guiding system 106b are bent in the direction opposite to the direction S3. To drape in the first direction S2, the module is operated in a first position in which the fibers are guided in the flexible tubes 164a, 165a. During draping, the tubes are advantageously brought into contact with the draping surface. These curved tubes form a guide ramp for the fibers and ensure proper guidance of the fibers, while limiting the forces applied by the tubes on the application surface. To drape in the second direction S3, the module is operated in its second position illustrated in Figure 12 in which the fibers are guided in the flexible tubes 164b, 165b. During draping, the tubes are advantageously brought into contact with the draping surface. Although the invention has been described in connection with various particular embodiments, it is obvious that it is not limited thereto and that it comprises all the technical equivalents of the means described and their combinations if they are within the scope of the invention.
    权利要求:
    Claims (13)
    [0001]
    REVENDICATIONS1. A method of producing preforms comprising applying fibers to an application surface (21), characterized in that it comprises - the application without compacting of continuous fibers (9), on the application surface by means of an application head (1, 101) in defined orientations, said application being made by relative displacement of the application head with respect to the draping surface in different paths, without compacting the fibers by the head of application, the fiber or fibers being positively entrained in the application head, and - compaction of the applied fibers to obtain a preform.
    [0002]
    2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the application without compacting fibers is carried out by means of an applicator head capable of applying at least one fiber, said head comprising drive means (14). adapted to drive each fiber, said drive means comprising at least one drive roller (142), whose driving speed is a function of the speed of application, and a counter-roller (141) capable of pressing the fiber against the drive roll, so that the fiber is positively driven by the latter.
    [0003]
    3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises the application of fibers provided with a binder and / or the application of binder to the application surface simultaneously and / or subsequently to the fiber application.
    [0004]
    4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises fiber cutting operations by cutting means (12) of the application head (1) at the end of the trajectory, and / or in course of trajectory. 30
    [0005]
    5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that downstream of the cutting means, the cut fibers are driven by complementary drive means comprising for each fiber a channel (11a, 11b, 62-65) in which circulates a gaseous flow from upstream to downstream.
    [0006]
    6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that downstream of the cutting means, the fibers are guided by additional guide means (6, 106a, 106b), comprising at least one channel of which at least the downstream portion is formed by a flexible tube (64, 65, 164a, 165a, 164b, 165b) contacting the application surface during application.
    [0007]
    7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises the application in contact with fibers in defined orientations by means of an application head comprising a compacting roller (3), said application to the contact being made, by relative displacement of the application head relative to the application surface in different paths, said head being supported by its compaction roller against the application surface.
    [0008]
    8. A method of manufacturing composite material parts, characterized in that it comprises - the embodiment of a preform by application of fibers according to one of claims 1 to 7, 15 - a step of impregnation of resin in the preform, said impregnation step comprising adding one or more resins by infusion or injection, or heating the preform to impregnate throughout the preform the resin or resins forming the binder; and, a hardening step. 20
    [0009]
    A fiber application machine comprising an application head (1, 101) having a main guide system (11) for guiding at least one continuous fiber to an application surface, drive means (14) each of which is capable of driving each fiber at a driving speed, and cutting means (12) capable of cutting each fiber, and displacement means able to effect a relative displacement of the head relative to the application surface ( 21) of a tool for applying the fibers along paths at a speed of application, characterized in that it comprises a control unit able to drive the drive means (14) to drive at a speed of driving each fiber to be applied according to the speed of application, so that the fiber is positively driven for the application of said fiber to the draping surface.
    [0010]
    10. Machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the main guide system (11) comprises guide channels (111a, 111b), the head further comprises complementary drive means (15), capable of driving the fibers downstream of the cutting means, said complementary drive means comprising injection means (151) for injecting a gaseous fluid into said guide channels, in order to create an upstream flow of air downstream, in the direction of the lower edge of the head, at least downstream of the cutting means.
    [0011]
    11. Machine according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the head (101) comprises additional guide means (6, 106a, 106b) adapted to guide the fiber or fibers downstream of the main guide system, said means of additional guidance comprises at least one flexible tube (64, 65, 164a, 165a, 164b, 165b) adapted to come against the application surface for the application of fibers.
    [0012]
    12. Machine according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the head (101) comprises at least one application roller (3) mounted movable relative to said main guide system (11) between at least one position wherein the main guide system (11) is capable of guiding the fibers on said roll for application in contact with a web of one or more fibers on the application surface, and an inactive position in wherein said roll is moved away from the main guide system for application without compacting a web.
    [0013]
    13. Machine according to claims 11 and 12, characterized in that said additional guide means are mounted movable relative to said main guide system (11) between at least one active position in which said strip is adapted to be guided by the first additional guiding means, and an inactive position in which the first additional guiding means are spaced apart from the main guiding system, said head comprising actuating means adapted to maneuver the roller in the active position and the first additional guiding means in position inactive to apply a strip to the contact by means of the roll, and to operate the roll in the inactive position and the first additional guide means in the active position to apply without compacting a strip.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    FR3020778B1|2016-12-30|
    EP3140105A1|2017-03-15|
    WO2015170016A1|2015-11-12|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    DE3226290A1|1982-07-14|1984-01-26|Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm GmbH, 8000 München|Process and device for controlled lay-up of fibres on a mould|
    WO2010070245A1|2008-12-19|2010-06-24|Hexcel Reinforcements|Head for the application of reinforcing threads on a deposition surface|
    DE102011102950A1|2011-05-31|2012-02-16|Daimler Ag|Laying head, useful for the deposition of fiber assemblies for the manufacture of textile preforms, comprises at least fiber supply device, placing roller and heating device for heating of thermally activatable bonding agent|
    US6527533B2|2000-12-29|2003-03-04|Ford Global Technologies, Inc.|Processing systems for automated manufacture of preforms|
    FR2943943A1|2009-04-02|2010-10-08|Coriolis Composites|METHOD AND MACHINE FOR APPLYING A FIBER BAND TO CONVEXED SURFACES AND / OR WITH AREES|FR3052699B1|2016-06-20|2019-08-16|Institut De Recherche Technologique Jules Verne|METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A COMPOSITE MATERIAL PART, STEERING COLUMN BRACKET, AND LOWER BAY TRAVERSE PRODUCED BY SUCH A METHOD|
    US11117333B2|2016-11-11|2021-09-14|Rolls-Royce Plc|Composite material lay-up equipment|
    WO2020182674A1|2019-03-08|2020-09-17|Kejora Gmbh|Method for flexible production of textile structures|
    FR3109551A1|2020-04-28|2021-10-29|Institut De Recherche Technologique Jules Verne|Manufacturing process of a three-dimensional preform|
    法律状态:
    2015-04-22| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 2 |
    2015-11-13| PLSC| Search report ready|Effective date: 20151113 |
    2016-04-22| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 3 |
    2017-04-21| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 4 |
    2018-04-23| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 5 |
    2018-12-07| TP| Transmission of property|Owner name: CORIOLIS GROUP, FR Effective date: 20180925 |
    2019-04-19| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 6 |
    2020-04-22| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 7 |
    2021-04-21| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 8 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    FR1401061A|FR3020778B1|2014-05-09|2014-05-09|METHOD AND MACHINE FOR MAKING PREFORMS BY NON-COMPACTING APPLICATION OF ORIENTED FIBERS|FR1401061A| FR3020778B1|2014-05-09|2014-05-09|METHOD AND MACHINE FOR MAKING PREFORMS BY NON-COMPACTING APPLICATION OF ORIENTED FIBERS|
    EP15721761.3A| EP3140105A1|2014-05-09|2015-04-28|Method and machine for creating preforms by compactionless application of oriented fibers|
    PCT/FR2015/000090| WO2015170016A1|2014-05-09|2015-04-28|Method and machine for creating preforms by compactionless application of oriented fibers|
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