DE102015201347A1 - Displacement device, insert system and method for inserting an insert into a preform - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a displacement device (1) for an insert (2), which is designed for insertion into a preform (3) made of fiber fabric or fiber fabric impregnated with a matrix material, an insert system (10) and a method for inserting an insert ( 2) in a preform (3). The displacement device (1) has a connection section (4) and a displacement section (5), wherein the connection section (4) for connecting the displacement device (1) to the insert (2) is formed, and wherein the displacement section (5) is formed is, when introducing the displacement device (1) in the preform (3) in a direction of insertion € the fiber fabric at least partially displaced transversely to the direction of introduction (E).

Description

The present invention relates to a displacement device for an insert, which is designed for introduction into a preform made of fiber fabric or with a matrix material impregnated fiber fabric, an insert system for insertion into a preform made of fiber fabric or with a matrix material impregnated fiber fabric, comprising an insert with a A joining side facing the preform when inserting the insert into a preform, and a method of inserting an insert into a preform, the preform comprising a fibrous web or a fibrous web impregnated with a matrix material.

From the prior art a variety of different fiber composite components and methods for producing fiber composite components are well known. Fiber composite components are used in many fields of technology and have prevailed in particular because of their high rigidity at low density and high load capacity, especially in the lightweight construction in vehicle construction and in aerospace.

Fiber-reinforced plastics, in particular carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFK, colloquially often referred to as carbon) are known from the general state of the art, which are outstandingly suitable as lightweight materials due to their high weight-specific strength and rigidity. Fiber composite components basically consist of a composite of two materials, one material being fibrous and the other material being formed as a matrix material. The matrix material is arranged between the fibers. Fiber composite components as a rule have a plastic matrix, for example a thermoplastic or thermoset matrix, as the matrix material.

If no pre-impregnated materials are used, a fiber-reinforced component can be produced by means of the following process steps. In a first step, dry textile semifinished fiber products are processed into a preform, which is also called preform. For this purpose, the dry semifinished fiber products are assembled by appropriate cutting and arranged to a flat and / or in part complex, a component end contour adapted, fiber structure or a fiber fabric. For this first process step are often derived from the textile technology, but also based on the adhesive technology method used. In a second step, the preform is placed in a tool, such. As an impregnation tool, inserted and further processed into a fiber composite component. This process step is also referred to as infiltration or as impregnation. During the impregnation, a viscous plastic matrix is introduced into the preform by means of a pressure gradient. During impregnation, the plastic matrix fills fiber interstices of the preform and thus bonds adjacent fibers together. In a third, following the impregnation step, the fiber composite component is cured. This is done by heat in the tool, for example in a corresponding furnace. After curing, the fiber composite component is removed from the mold in a fourth step. For thermoset matrix materials forming the fiber composite component after curing is no longer possible. In a fifth step, the cured fiber composite component is subjected to a post-processing. In the post-processing, for example, bushings and holes for fastening means are introduced into the fiber composite component. This is done z. B. by machining methods, such as. As milling or drilling and water jet or laser cutting process.

Furthermore, it is known to form functional sections of a fiber composite component, such. B. threads, to arrange inserts in the fiber composite component. Such inserts are z. B. used in corresponding recesses of the cured fiber composite component and fixed by gluing to the fiber composite component. Onserts, which, like inserts, may have functional sections, are adhesively bonded, for example, to the surface of the fiber composite component. In an alternative method, the arrangement of the insert on the fiber composite component takes place by pressing the insert into a preform of the fiber composite component. Depending on the manufacturing process, the preform has fiber fabric or fiber fabric impregnated with a matrix material. Subsequent curing of the matrix material fixes the inserts to the preform.

Known devices and methods for the production of fiber composite components with inserts have the disadvantage that the inserts are often difficult and can be introduced with a relatively high contact pressure in the preform. As a result, the insert may already be damaged when introduced into the preform, z. B. deformed, be. Furthermore, matrix material can penetrate into functional sections of the inserts during impregnation and block them. In such cases, a very time-consuming reworking of the functional sections is often required. This further process step leads to an increase in the production costs, the production time and the manufacturing costs of the fiber composite components.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to produce a fiber composite component or to optimize a fiber composite component with an insert disposed thereon, wherein the disadvantages of the prior art are at least partially overcome. In particular, it is the object of the present invention to provide a device and a method for introducing an insert into a preform, by means of which an introduction of an insert into a fiber composite component with simple means and inexpensively optimized and the risk of damage to the insert during insertion or impregnation is reducible.

The above object is achieved by a displacement device for an insert, which is designed for introduction into a preform made of fiber fabric or impregnated with a matrix material fiber fabric, having the features of independent claim 1. Furthermore, the object is achieved by an insert system, the The object is inventively achieved by a method for introducing an insert into a preform made of fiber fabric or fiber fabric impregnated with a matrix material for introduction into a preform made of fiber fabric or fiber fabric impregnated with a matrix material with the features of independent claim 11. Further features of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. In this case, features and details that are described in connection with the displacement device according to the invention apply, of course, in connection with the insert system according to the invention and the inventive method for processing a preform and in each case vice versa, so that with respect to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always reciprocal reference , or can be. Of course, the inventive method for introducing an insert into a preform can be carried out with the displacement device according to the invention and the insert system according to the invention.

The displacement device according to the invention for an insert, which is designed for introduction into a preform made of fiber fabric or fiber fabric impregnated with a matrix material, has a connection section and a displacement section. The connection section is designed to connect the displacement device to the insert. The displacement section is designed to displace the fiber web at least partially transversely to the direction of insertion when the displacement device is introduced into the preform in an insertion direction.

The displacement device, in particular the displacement section, is preferably rotationally symmetrical or substantially rotationally symmetrical, wherein an axis of symmetry is preferably aligned in the introduction direction of the displacement device in the preform. Alternatively, the displacement device, in particular the displacement section, is preferably mirror-symmetrical or substantially mirror-symmetrical about one or two mirror planes arranged at right angles to one another and extending parallel to the direction of insertion. This ensures a uniform displacement of the fiber material.

The displacement device can be arranged via the connection section on an insert. Preferably, the displacement device can be arranged on a joining side of the insert, which faces the insert during insertion of the insert into the preform. Accordingly, it is advantageous if the connection section has a contour that corresponds to a contour of the joining side or at least substantially corresponds. In this way, a compressive force exerted on the insert in the direction of the joining side can be easily transferred to the displacement device. According to the invention, a plurality of different terminal portions may be provided, the different cross sections, such. B. round, oval, polygonal, rectangular, square or triangular, have.

The displacement portion of the displacement device is designed to displace the fiber material of the preform. The displacement section is designed to displace fiber material at least partially transversely to an insertion direction of the displacement device into the preform. Preferably, a contour of the displacement section is formed such that the insert is not damaged by a compressive force required for introducing the displacement device with an insert disposed thereon into the preform. More preferably, the displacement device has external dimensions such that the displacement device with insert disposed thereon can be used in conventional shaping devices for fiber composite components.

A displacement device according to the invention has the advantage that by means of this a Einbringkraft which is required for introducing an insert into a preform, can be reduced. In addition, by means of such displacement devices inserts into a preform made of fiber material or with a matrix material impregnated fiber material can be introduced, the z. B. are too fragile on their joining side or have a fragile structure. Inserts with an asymmetric joining side can be introduced more easily with a displacement device according to the invention into the preform in a linear insertion direction, without becoming one side Break out. A further advantage is that the joining side of the insert is at least partially covered by the displacement device and thus protected from contact with fiber material and / or matrix material.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the displacement portion is at least partially conical and / or spherical. It is preferred that the displacement section tapers in the direction of insertion. Thus, a loading force required to introduce the displacer section into the preform is reduced and the displacement of the fibers by the displacer is improved.

It is preferred that the connection section is designed such that it engages in a recess of the insert. For this purpose, the connection portion, for example, a projection, which preferably has a cylindrical or rectangular cross-section. This has the advantage that slipping of the displacement device from the insert transversely to the insertion direction can be prevented in a form-fitting manner.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connection section is designed to seal a recess of the insert prior to the penetration of a matrix material, which is designed for the production of a fiber composite component for introduction into the fiber fabric of the preform. For this purpose, the displacement device is designed to seal the recess of the insert. It can be provided that the displacement device is designed to sealingly engage with an area arranged around the recess. Additionally or alternatively it can be provided that the displacement device is designed such that it engages sealingly with a region spaced from the recess and thus seals the recess. A seal has z. B. the advantage that during the impregnation of the preform no matrix material can penetrate into the recess. As a result, a complex and expensive post-processing of the insert or the recess of the insert can be prevented.

Particularly preferably, the connection portion has a coupling device, which is designed for frictional and / or non-positive coupling with the insert. The coupling device has, for example, a nose which is designed to engage behind a corresponding shoulder of the insert. Additionally or alternatively, the coupling device has a surface, in particular with a corresponding roughness and / or friction elements, which is designed to form a frictional connection with the insert. A friction element is z. B. a local increase that extends over portions of the surface. Preferably, the coupling device is at least partially conical to form a frictional conical connection with the insert. A coupling device has the advantage that the displacement device can be arranged by means of this on an insert and held at this at least temporarily. Thus, the insert with displacer disposed thereon is usable in a manufacturing process, e.g. B. in a molding process of the preform, without the displacement device unintentionally separates from the insert.

More preferably, the coupling device is designed such that a pressure exceeding a threshold pressure force on the displacement device causes a release of the coupling device from the insert. In this case, the pressure force preferably counteracts the direction of insertion. The coupling device has, for example, a predetermined breaking point or can be bent by the pressure force. The threshold value is preferably higher than a compressive force which is required for introducing the displacement device into the preform. Such a coupling device has the advantage that a secure hold of the displacement device to the insert as well as easy detachment from the insert are ensured without additional work steps. When using a forming tool, holding the displacing device by the coupling device is required only as long as the mold halves of the forming tool are moved apart and the displacing device is not yet engaged with the preform. Upon a moving together of the mold halves, the displacement device engages with the preform and is held by this engagement on the insert. Holding by the coupling device is no longer required from this point on.

Preferably, the terminal portion is adapted to completely or substantially completely cover a joining side of the insert, which faces the preform when the insert is inserted into the preform. In this case, a shape of the connection section preferably corresponds to a shape of the joining side or is slightly larger. This has the advantage that the joining side of the insert is protected from damage during the introduction of the insert into the preform and / or during the impregnation of the preform.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the displacement device comprises a thermoplastic material. Alternatively or additionally, the displacement device consists of a thermoplastic material. Also alternatively or additionally, the displacement device is fusible. Meltable in the sense of the invention means that the displacement device can be heated in this way is to be plastically deformed by simple means. A temperature required for this should not damage an insert.

Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention by an insert system for introduction into a preform made of fiber fabric or fiber fabric impregnated with a matrix material. The insert system has an insert with a joining side facing the preform as the insert is placed in a preform. Moreover, the insert system has a displacement device according to the invention, wherein the displacement device is arranged on the joining side of the insert.

An insert system according to the invention has the advantage over conventional inserts that insertion of the insert into a preform and displacement of the fibers of the preform during insertion of the insert is optimized. Thus, manufacturing costs, in particular rework costs, can be reduced.

Preferably, the insert has a blind hole and / or a through hole and / or an internal thread. According to the invention, a plurality of different blind holes and / or through holes may be provided, the different cross sections, such. B. round, oval, polygonal, rectangular, square or triangular, have. Such functional sections can be covered by the displacement device and thus against external influences, such. As the penetration of matrix material during or after the impregnation of the preform, estimable.

• – Bereitstellen eines Vorformlings aus Fasergewebe oder aus mit einem Matrixwerkstoff imprägniertem Fasergewebe; und
• – Einbringen eines erfindungsgemäßen Insertsystems in den Vorformling.

Furthermore, the object is achieved in accordance with the invention by a method for introducing an insert into a preform made of fiber fabric or of fiber material impregnated with a matrix material. The method comprising the steps:

• - Providing a preform made of fiber fabric or with a matrix material impregnated fiber fabric; and
• - Introducing an insert system according to the invention in the preform.

The method has the advantage that the insert is particularly easy and can be introduced into the preform by simple means. The risk of damaging the insert during insertion is considerably reduced. In this case, a joining side of the insert is at least partially protected by the displacement device.

It is preferred that the displacement device is heated by means of a heating device during the introduction and / or after the introduction of the insert system into the fiber fabric of the preform. Heating, for example, has the advantage that the displacement device can thereby be softened and thus easily deformed. In this way, a seal between insert and displacement device can be formed or improved.

More preferably, during insertion and / or after inserting the insert system into the fibrous web of the preform, the displacing device is plastically deformed such that at least a portion of the joining side of the insert is sealed by the deformed displacing device. The sealed region of the joining side preferably has a recess of the insert. The seal is preferably designed to prevent penetration of a matrix material, which is formed for the production of a fiber composite component for introduction into the fiber fabric of the preform, in the sealed area. This has the advantage that a complicated reworking of the insert after the impregnation of the preform is thus avoidable. Furthermore, the displacement device can have greater manufacturing tolerances, since any leaks between the insert and the displacement device can be easily closed by plastically deforming the displacement device in order to produce a seal.

Further, measures improving the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, which are shown schematically in the following figures. All of the claims, description or drawings resulting features and / or advantages, including constructive details and spatial arrangements may be essential to the invention both in itself and in the various combinations.

In the figures, each schematically shows:

1 a side view of a preferred embodiment of an insert system according to the invention with a preform and a tool at a first time;

2 the insert system according to the invention with preform and tool 1 at a second time; and

3 a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention.

1 shows schematically in a side view a preferred embodiment of an insert system according to the invention 10 with a preform 3 and a tool at a first time, the first time prior to insertion of the insert system 10 in the preform 3 lies.

The insert system 10 has an insert 2 with a recess 6 on that as a blind hole 11 is trained. The insert 2 points in the blind hole 11 an internal thread 12 on. Such an insert 2 is for the production of a fiber composite component with an internal thread 12 usable. On a joining side 8th of the insert 2 in an insertion direction E of the insert system 10 indicates is a displacement device 1 arranged. The displacement device 1 has a connection section 4 and a displacement section 5 on. The connection section 4 has a coupling device 7 on, which are cylindrical in this embodiment and in the recess 6 of the insert 2 is arranged. The coupling device 7 has, for example, an external thread and is with the internal thread 12 screwed. Alternatively, the coupling device 7 Grooves and / or such a rough surface on that the coupling device 7 frictionally held in the recess. Preferably, the coupling device 7 an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of the recess 6 of the insert 2 is to stop the displacement device 1 on the insert 2 to improve.

At the connection section 4 the displacement device is the displacement section 5 arranged. The displacement section 5 is substantially conical, with a tip of the cone in the direction of insertion E has. A broad side of the cone in this preferred embodiment is a contour of the joining side 8th of the insert 2 adapted and surmounted the joining side 8th laterally. Alternatively, the displacement device closes 1 with the joining side 8th flush off.

In this embodiment, the displacement device 1 and the insert about a longitudinal axis 15 of the insert system 10 formed rotationally symmetrical.

One of the displacement device 1 opposite side of the insert 2 is on a tool shell 9a arranged or held on this. In the insertion direction E of the insert system 10 spaced is a preform 3 on a tool base 9b arranged. For inserting the insert 2 or the insert system 10 in the preform 3 is the tool shell 9a in the direction of insertion E to the lower tool part 9b traversable. At first a tip of the displacement device 1 with the preform 3 engaged. By further penetration of the displacement device 1 in the preform 3 is fiber material of the preform 3 from the displacement section 5 the displacement device 1 at least partially laterally displaceable to the insertion direction E and the insert 2 thus in the preform 3 recoverable.

In this example, the tool base points 9b a franking 14 in which part of the insert system 10 that through the preform 3 has been inserted, is insertable to damage the insert 2 through the lower tool part 9b to avoid. At the postage 14 is a heater 13 for heating the displacement device 1 arranged.

2 shows the arrangement 1 at a second time. The second time is after insertion of the insert system 10 in the preform 3 , The joining side 8th opposite side of the insert 2 in this example is on a plane with a top 3a of the preform 3 arranged and the insert 2 in the preform 3 brought in. The displacement device 1 as well as a part of the insert 2 to which the displacement device 1 is arranged in the franking 14 of the lower tool part 9b arranged. By the procedure of the insert system 10 in the direction of insertion E is the displacement device 1 by a counterpressure of the tool lower part 9b deformed. The displacement device 1 was deformed in such a way that this is the recess 6 seals against penetration of matrix material.

3 shows a flowchart of a method according to the present invention. In the first process step 100 becomes a preform 3 fiber fabric or fibrous web impregnated with a matrix material, e.g. B. on a tool base 9b a tool, such as. B. a forming tool, parked.

In a second process step 200 becomes an insert system according to the invention 10 provided, for. B. on a tool shell 9a a tool, such as. B. a forming tool, arranged or fixed to this releasably.

In a third process step 300 becomes the insert system 10 in the preform 3 brought in. This z. B. the tool shell 9a with an insert system arranged thereon 10 in the direction of insertion E to the lower tool part 9b method. Additionally or alternatively, the lower tool part 9b in the third process step 300 proceed counter to the insertion direction E. When inserting the insert system 10 in the preform first comes the displacement device 1 with the top 3a of the preform 3 in contact. This works with a corresponding arrangement, of course, with an insert system 10 that's the bottom first 3b of the preform 3 contacted. After contacting, the displacement device penetrates 1 in the preform 3 and displaces the fiber material or the impregnated fiber material at least partially transversely to the insertion direction E. Here forms the displacement device 1 a channel in the preform 2 that of its top 3a to the bottom 3b penetrates and into the insert 2 during the third process step 300 is introduced in the insertion direction E. Preferably, the displacement device penetrate 1 and part of the insert 2 complete the preform and penetrate into a franking 14 of the lower tool part 9b one. This will damage the insert 2 through the mold bottom 9b avoided. Also preferred is the displacement device 1 at least partially from the lower tool part 9b deformed. The displacement device 1 seals the recess at least after this deformation 6 of the insert 2 before the penetration of a liquid matrix material.

In an optional fourth process step 400 becomes the displacement device 1 by means of a heating device 13 heated to a deformability of the displacement device 1 to improve. The fourth process step 400 is preferably parallel or substantially parallel with the third method step 300 carried out. In this case, heating or softening of the displacement device 1 before penetrating the preform 3 to avoid, as this is the one property of the displacement section 5 To displace fiber material would minimize.

After completion of the process, the preform can be impregnated, for example, with a matrix material. After a subsequent moving apart of the upper part of the tool 9a and lower tool part 9b the displacement device 1 preferably from the insert 2 removable and the recess 6 thus accessible from the outside.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

displacement device

2

insert

3

preform

3a

top

3b

bottom

4

connecting section

5

displacement section

6

recess

7

coupling device

8th

Add page

9a

Upper die

9b

Tool part

10

insert system

11

blind

12

inner thread

13

heater

14

franking

15

longitudinal axis

100

first process step

200

second process step

300

third process step

400

fourth process step

e

of introduction

Claims (13)

Displacement device ( 1 ) for an insert ( 2 ) which is to be introduced into a preform ( 3 ) is formed from fiber fabric or fiber material impregnated with a matrix material, comprising a connection section ( 4 ) as well as a displacement section ( 5 ), wherein the connection section ( 4 ) for connecting the displacement device ( 1 ) to the insert ( 2 ), and wherein the displacement section ( 5 ) is formed in such a way when introducing the displacement device ( 1 ) in the preform ( 3 ) in an insertion direction (E) to displace the fiber fabric at least partially transversely to the insertion direction (E). Displacement device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the displacement section ( 5 ) is at least partially conical and / or spherical. Displacement device ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection section ( 4 ) is formed in such a way, in a recess ( 6 ) of the insert ( 2 ) intervene. Displacement device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection section ( 4 ) is formed such a recess ( 6 ) of the insert prior to the penetration of a matrix material, which is used for the production of a fiber composite component for introduction into the fiber fabric of the preform ( 3 ) is formed to seal. Displacement device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection section ( 4 ) a coupling device ( 7 ), which for frictional and / or non-positive coupling with the insert ( 2 ) is trained. Displacement device ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the coupling device ( 7 ) is designed such that a pressure exceeding a threshold pressure force on the displacement device ( 1 ) a release of the coupling device ( 7 ) from the insert ( 2 ) causes. Displacement device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection section ( 4 ) is designed such a joining side ( 8th ) of the insert ( 2 ) when inserting the insert ( 2 ) in the preform ( 3 ) the Preform ( 3 ), completely or substantially completely cover. Displacement device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displacement device ( 1 ) comprises a thermoplastic material and / or consists of a thermoplastic material and / or is meltable. Insert system ( 10 ) for introduction into a preform ( 3 ) of fibrous or fibrous web impregnated with a matrix material, comprising an insert ( 2 ) with a joining side ( 8th ) when inserting the insert ( 2 ) in a preform ( 3 ) the preform ( 3 ), characterized in that the insert system ( 10 ) a displacement device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the displacement device ( 1 ) on the joining side ( 8th ) of the insert ( 2 ) is arranged. Insert system ( 10 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the insert ( 2 ) a blind hole ( 11 ) and / or a through hole and / or an internal thread ( 12 ) having. Method for introducing an insert ( 2 ) in a preform ( 3 ) of fibrous or fibrous web impregnated with a matrix material, comprising the steps of: - providing a preform ( 3 ) of fibrous fabric or fiber fabric impregnated with a matrix material; and - inserting an insert system ( 10 ) according to one of claims 9 or 10 in the preform ( 3 ). Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the displacement device ( 1 ) during insertion and / or after insertion of the insert system ( 10 ) in the fibrous web of the preform ( 3 ) by means of a heating device ( 13 ) is heated. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the displacement device ( 1 ) during insertion and / or after insertion of the insert system ( 10 ) in the fibrous web of the preform ( 3 ) is plastically deformed such that at least a region of the joining side ( 8th ) of the insert ( 2 ) from the deformed displacement device ( 1a ) is sealed.

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