WO2017129806A1

WO2017129806A1 - Tool for draping a fibre blank and method for producing a three-dimensional preform

Info

Publication number: WO2017129806A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/051871
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthias Graf
Original assignee: Dieffenbacher GmbH Maschinen- und Anlagenbau
Priority date: 2016-01-29
Filing date: 2017-01-29
Publication date: 2017-08-03
Also published as: DE102016101610A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool for gripping, positioning and draping a fibre blank (11) for a local reinforcing layer as part of the production of a three-dimensional preform for the production of fibre-reinforced moulded parts. The tool (1) has at least one gripping element (4), in particular a vacuum gripping element, for gripping and receiving the fibre blank (11), and at least one draping punch element (2) for draping the fibre blank (11), wherein the at least one gripping element (4) and the at least one draping punch element (2) can be adjusted relative to one another, in particular between a first position for gripping the fibre blank (11) and a second position for shaping the fibre blank (11), by means of the at least one draping punch element (4), on a fibrous material stack (12). Preferably, a fixing device (7), such as an ultrasound sonotrode, can be provided in order to fix the fibre blank (11) on the fibrous material stack (12).

Description

Tool for draping a fiber blank and method of making a three-dimensional preform

The invention relates to a tool for draping a fiber blank in the course of the production of three-dimensional preforms in the course of the production of fiber-reinforced molded parts according to claim 1, and a method for producing three-dimensional preforms in the course of the production of fiber-reinforced molded parts according to claim 12. In the course of production of fiber reinforced plastic components, too

Fiber composite components called, in particular industrial use of the RTM process, resin transfer molding process, common practice. The whole

Manufacturing process to a usable plastic components consists of several subsequent individual processes. In a first

Process step near-net shape preforms / semi-finished fiber products are produced, which already have substantially the outer shape of the later plastic component. In this preform process (production of a preform) are usually several layers of fabric or fiber fabric, usually in two-dimensional form, stacked or possibly joined (sewing, welding, gluing), so that the

Fiber fabric stack substantially already the necessary outer contours and sometimes already special layers or layer thicknesses or local

Has special features (WO 2012 156 524 A1). Preferably, a binder is introduced into the parting planes of the layers, which after reaching a reshaped three-dimensional shape and its activation and curing leads to a fixation of the layers to each other and the corresponding 3D contour (WO 2012 156 523 A1). For the preform process, the fabric stacks are transferred to a forming tool and usually under (relatively low) pressure by closing the

Forming tool as far as the contour of the later molding approximated and cured by activation of the binder (heating and cooling), so that the

Semi-finished fiber semi-finished in a tool of a press for performing the

RTM method itself can be inserted (WO 2010 103 471 A2). Depending on requirements, the semi-finished fiber is still re-cut or punched at predetermined locations in order to achieve an even more precise contour of the semifinished fiber product (preform) over the later plastic component. After inserting the Semi-finished fiber into the tool of a press, which is preferably suitable for the RTM process, the mold halves are closed and injected the necessary resin into the cavity of the tool, wherein the resin impregnates the fiber structure of the semi-finished fiber, the fibers and firmly binds in the resin matrix , After curing of the resin, the fiber-reinforced plastic component can be removed from the mold.

In addition to the RTM process itself, the production of a semifinished fiber product already lays the foundation for success in the production of a plastic component.

It has been found that the state of the art describes a large number of possibilities for producing a preform, which, however, are usually exhausted in manual or automated production of as flat as possible a fibrous tissue stack, which finally ends up in a press from its 2D form into a 3D Form is transferred.

For the 3D forming of multi-layered two-dimensional blanks

Fiber webs are also known in the following process steps: fiber webs or webs are unwound from a roll and made up of a number of different webs or plies, shapes and sizes into a fiber stack as needed. It may be necessary to edit or cut the outer and possibly inner contour according to a pattern of the preform or the plastic molding. The pattern is generated from a development of the preform, or the final component. Preferably, the created, substantially flat fiber stack is then by means of a

Draping device draped, respectively, converted into a three-dimensional preform (WO 2012 062 824 A1, WO 2012 062 825 A1, WO 2012 062 828 A1).

Other known automated preforming techniques for the manufacture of preforms use a tentering frame in which the entire layer structure of a fiber fabric consisting of several fiber mat blanks is held clamped at the outer edges. The fiber web is heated in the tenter frame to melt the binder. In the next step, the layer structure in a

Forming press with upper and lower tool formed. The cooled tool leads a solidification of the binder, whereby the preform is stabilized. It is also known, instead of a fixed clamping frame, to provide a multiplicity of vertically adjustable clamping elements which clamp the semifinished fiber product peripherally at its circumference (DE 10 2013 008 697 A1).

A further method for producing a preform is known from the document DE 10 2010 043 666 A1, wherein a fiber fabric stack is placed or formed between a draping device and a mold shell,

then a Drapierwerkzeug is extended from the draping and at least partially introduces the fiber fabric stack in the shell mold until the fiber fabric stack is pressed by means of this Drapierwerkzeugs to the shell mold and fixed there. Subsequently, in a predetermined order more

Draping tools individually or together from the draping in the direction of the shell mold.

The document DE 10 2013 208 778 A1 describes a device for picking up, handling and depositing textile structures in the production of

Fiber composite components. The device comprises a grid structure having a first bar system with first parallel bars and a second bar system with second parallel bars, the first bar system and the second bar system

Rod system arranged mutually angled crossed and rhombus-like or parallelogram-like sliding. By means of the end effector, the textile blanks are picked up and deposited on a surface of a molding tool with a three-dimensionally curved, in particular spherical cap-like surface, or on further textile structures which are arranged on the molding tool.

The aforementioned approaches have proven particularly useful in applications in which the preforms / semifinished fiber products are formed from large-area fiber fabric layers, which can be correspondingly easily stacked or joined.

Recently, however, there is an increasing demand to produce fiber-reinforced molded parts having local reinforcements. So it is for example

Tailgates of automobiles required, the fiber-reinforced moldings at the locations where the hinges are to be connected to the tailgate, locally reinforce in order to safely absorb and divert the forces occurring during the subsequent use of the tailgate, and thereby avoid the risk of premature wear or breakage of the tailgate. For the production of such tailgates and other fiber-reinforced moldings, which should have such local reinforcements, there is therefore a need to form the local reinforcements already in the production of preforms / semifinished fiber products. Thus, it would be conceivable to form the local reinforcements in the above-mentioned approaches by additionally providing correspondingly small reinforcing layers made of fiber fabrics into the stack at the corresponding points

(Large area) fiber fabrics are inserted in order then to transform the thus formed stack with the reinforcing layers together in the desired shape.

However, there is the disadvantage that the aforementioned approaches often prove to be less suitable, easy handling and small sized

To allow reinforcement layers and to ensure the necessary precision during the preform process. In particular, it may cause wrinkles or warping in the fiber fabric stack in the field of

Reinforcing layers come. Especially with larger forming steps, the

Reinforcement layer adversely affect the draping behavior of the fiber fabric stack or even impossible, because then the reinforcing layer can be brought by entrainment during draping in a wrong position in the fiber fabric stack. Another disadvantage is that the reinforcement layers mostly in

Fiber fabric piles are embedded. A monitoring of the Drapierverhaltens the Verstärkungsiagen is not possible during the preforming process. Only by analyzing the produced preform errors in the forming can be discovered.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the above drawbacks and to provide tools and methods by means of which simple and precise localized reinforcements can be formed in fiber-reinforced molded components. The above and other objects of the present invention are achieved by a tool for gripping, placing and draping a fiber reinforcement for a local reinforcement layer in the course of manufacturing a three-dimensional preform for the production of fiber-reinforced molded parts, as well as a method for producing a three-dimensional preform for the Production of fiber-reinforced molded parts. Further preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

As a first solution, a tool for gripping, placing and draping at least one fiber blank for a local reinforcing layer in the course of the production of a three-dimensional preform for the production of

fiber-reinforced molded parts specified, the tool at least one

Gripping element for gripping and receiving the fiber blank, and at least one Drapierstempelelement for draping the fiber blank, wherein the at least one gripping member and the at least one Drapierstempelelement are adjustable or movable relative to each other.

The tool is a combined unit by which a fiber blank for a local reinforcing ply can be grasped, placed and draped. This allows for easy handling and precise placement and at the same time

Drape the fiber blank, while at the same time reduce the risk of wrinkling and / or the occurrence of distortion of the fiber blank when placing and draping successfully or completely rule out. The Drapierstempelelemente form through their Formstempeloberfläche a contour which substantially the contour of the mold section, to which the

Fiber blank is to be draped, is modeled. Precise molding to the contour of the mold can thus be made possible. The shape is determined essentially by the component geometry, so that the preform already a

is formed close to the final contour.

Alternatively or in combination, the at least one gripping element and the at least one Drapierstempelelement relative to each other adjustable between a first position for gripping the fiber blank and a second position for molding the fiber blank by means of the at least one Drapierstempelelements on a fiber fabric pile.

In a first position, therefore, the mostly flat fiber blank is received and in the second position, the molding of the fiber blank substantially to the contour of the shape by the at least one Drapierstempelelement respectively by its Formstempeloberfläche. The fiber blank can thus be formed optimally without the formation of wrinkles or distortions of the mold.

A further embodiment provides that the at least one gripping element is designed as a vacuum gripping element and / or needle gripper. Gripping by vacuum is particularly advantageous because it does not damage the fiber structure in any way.

Preferably, it can further be provided that the tool has at least one

Has fixing device for fixing the fiber blank on the fiber fabric stack. The fixing device can preferably be designed as an ultrasonic sonotrode, which is set up, the fiber blank by

Ultrasonic welding to fix on the fiber fabric pile.

By forming the tool with a fixing device, it is possible, after draping the fiber blank to the corresponding point of the fiber fabric stack, to fix the fiber blank to the fiber fabric stack or to a topmost layer of the fiber fabric stack, for example by cutting the fiber by means of ultrasonic sonotrodes executed fixing devices point by point

Ultrasonic welding is fixed to the fiber fabric stack. In this way, the fiber blank can be securely held in place without the risk that the position of the fiber blank shifts on or in a fiber fabric stack, be it laying or otherwise placing further fiber layers, or be it in forming a fully formed Fiber cloth stack for forming the preform.

The complete fiber fabric stack 12 for forming a preform may comprise a plurality of layered fiber fabric stacks 12, in which one or more fiber blanks 1 1 are arranged for a reinforcing layer. Particularly preferably, the at least one fixing device at least

be arranged partially extending within the at least one forming die element, and in particular be arranged so that one end of the at least one fixing device is formed transiently with a forming die surface of the at least one forming die element. In this way, a tool can be realized, which can provide the functionality of fixing the fiber blank for the reinforcing layer in a particularly compact manner.

The gripper element (s) and the draping die element (s) can each be designed as dedicated elements, each of which is set up only to carry out the gripping or draping functionality. Alternatively and preferably, it can also be provided that the gripping element or at least one of the gripping elements is designed as a combined gripping / Drapierstempelelement, and / or that the Drapierstempelelement or at least one

Drapierstempelelement is designed as a combined gripping / Drapierstempelelement.

In this way, a higher degree of integration can be achieved, which makes it possible to make the tool more compact. This may also permit use for gripping, placing and draping fiber blanks for localized reinforcements of small and minute dimensions, and / or facilitate formation of more complex shapes.

The tool may in particular be designed so that it is connected to a

Industrial robot can be attached.

Alternatively or in combination, the Drapierstempelelement or the

Form stamp surface be made heatable or heated. By the

Heating can also be a fixation of the fiber blank on the

Fiber fabric stack are enabled.

In particular, there is provided a station for placing and draping a fiber blank for a localized reinforcement ply in the course of manufacturing a three-dimensional preform for the manufacture of fiber reinforced moldings, the station comprising: a deployment table for providing a fiber blank for a local reinforcement layer; an industrial robot; and a tool disposed on the industrial robot as stated above.

In an advantageous embodiment, a plant for producing a

3-dimensional preform of a fiber fabric in the course of the production of fiber-reinforced molded parts, which comprises a form for a fiber fabric stack, means for laying a fiber fabric stack in the form: and the aforementioned station. As a further solution, a method for producing a three-dimensional preform from a fiber fabric in the course of the production of fiber-reinforced molded parts is given. The method comprises: providing a

Fiber fabric stack; and draping at least one fiber blank for at least one localized reinforcement layer on the fiber fabric stack by means of a tool as mentioned above.

In the method, draping the at least one fiber blank may further comprise: providing at least one fiber blank on one

Deployment table; Gripping the at least one fiber blank with the tool; Moving the tool to a position over the location of the fiber web stack at which the at least one fiber blank is to be draped; Lowering the

Tool towards the already lying in Drapierwerkzeug

Fiber fabric stack until the fiber blank at least partially comes into contact with the fiber fabric stack; Draping the at least one fiber blank on the fiber fabric stack by adjusting the at least one gripping element and the at least one drape stamping element relative to each other; and lifting the tool from the fiber web stack and the fiber blank draped thereon.

Preferably, the method, after draping the at least one

Fiber blank on the fiber fabric stack and before lifting the tool from the fiber fabric stack and the fiber blank draped thereon, further comprising: fixing the fiber blank on the fiber fabric stack by means of the fixing device, wherein the fixing preferably takes place selectively. When using reactive binder systems, the fiber blank can either be cured directly by prolonged or ruptured ultrasonic heating or the entire preform is cured together after completion. The fiber blank may preferably be provided and draped without preheating.

In particular, multiple fiber blanks may be picked up from a deployment table in a sequence of picking operations and draped onto the fiber web stack simultaneously or sequentially. Thus, several can

Fiber blanks are draped, which can improve the cycle times.

Preferably, the at least one fiber blank prior to placement on the

Fiber fabric stack predrawn by adjusting the at least one gripping element and the at least one Drapierstempelelements relative to each other. Thus, the fiber blank already receives a shape approximated to the preform before it is deposited on the fiber fabric stack. The positioning relative to one another can also be referred to as a third position or gripping position. The molding of the

Fiber blanks to the mold can be done in a shorter time. In addition, the contact friction between fiber blank and fiber fabric pile is reduced to a minimum.

More preferably, the method may further include: applying further

Fiber blanks and / or further fiber layers and / or fiber fabric on the

Fiber fabric stack, and forming and / or pressing the fiber fabric stack for the production of the preform.

Further advantageous measures and embodiments of the subject matter of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description with the drawing.

Show it: Fig. 1 shows a tool according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2A to 2D schematically the gripping, placing and draping a

Fiber blank for a local reinforcement layer by means of

Tool of Fig. 1;

3 shows a tool according to a second embodiment of the invention;

4A to 4D schematically the gripping, placing and draping a

Fiber blank for a local reinforcement layer by means of

Tool of Fig. 3; and

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a tool according to a third embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 shows a tool 1 for gripping, placing and draping a

Fiber blank 11 according to a first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tool 1 has two gripping elements 4. However, the number of gripping elements 4 is not limited to two, and the tool 1 may also have only one gripping element 4, or may be more than two

Have gripping elements 4, for example, three, four, five or more gripping elements 4 have. The gripping elements 4 are preferably arranged so that they grip and hold a fiber blank 11 for a local area

Allow reinforcement layer.

The gripping elements 4 are designed in this embodiment as vacuum gripping elements. For this purpose, in the gripping elements 4 vacuum devices. 5

be formed, which open into corresponding vacuum openings 5a on a surface of the gripping elements 4. The vacuum channels 5 are connected to a suction device (not shown). When the suction device is activated, so does one

A negative pressure generated in the vacuum devices 5, and a fiber blank 11 for a local reinforcing layer can be securely gripped and held at the vacuum openings 5a by the action of the negative pressure. However, the gripping elements 4 are not limited to vacuum gripping elements, it may alternatively or additionally also other technologies are used, such as needle grippers. The

Gripping elements 4 may alternatively be designed so that they allow a recording of multiple fiber blanks 11 for a local reinforcement layer. Between the gripper elements 4 a Drapierstempelelement 2 is arranged in the tool 1 of the embodiment of FIG. The drape stamping element 2 has a forming die surface 3 contoured in accordance with the shape 15 with which a fiber blank for a localized reinforcement layer is to be draped and formed onto a fiber fabric stack 12, as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2D will be described. Again, the number of

Draping die elements 2 are not limited to one element, and two, three, four, five or more draping die elements 2 may be provided. The Drapierstempelelemente 2 may be fixedly connected to each other, or may also be designed to be adjustable relative to each other, for example, the

To realize or simplify draping in more complex geometries.

Preferably, vacuum devices 5 can also be provided in the draping die element 2, which open into corresponding vacuum openings 5 a which are formed in the die surface 3. These vacuum devices 5 serve to assist and supplement the gripping and holding of the fiber blank 11 for a local reinforcement layer by the gripping elements 4, by forming additional stopping points, so that the fiber blank 11 can be held more securely for a local reinforcing layer. The risk of sagging of the fiber blank 11, and the associated risk of any inaccuracies in the positioning of the fiber blank 11 and / or the formation of wrinkles during placement and

Draping the fiber blank 11 for a localized reinforcement layer is thus to be avoided or reduced.

In addition, fixing means 7 may be provided in the tool 1, which are arranged on the Drapierstempelelement 2, or preferably at least partially formed by the Drapierstempelelement 2 extending therethrough, as shown in Fig. 1. The fixing devices 7 may preferably be designed as ultrasonic sonotrodes. However, this is not limiting, it may alternatively or additionally be used other technologies, which fixation allow a fiber blank 11 on a fiber fabric stack 12, and it can be so formed, for example, as thermodes fixation means 7, which cause fixing by introducing thermal energy to activate a binder and / or melt the fibers of the fiber blank 11.

Further fasteners 8 are provided in this embodiment, which are fastened to the Drapierstempelelement 2, and each carrying an actuator 9, which can each actuate a push rod 6, at the end of each of the gripping elements 4 is arranged. The actuators 9 can, for example, as

Be carried out spring mechanisms, by means of which the push rods 6 and via these the gripping elements 4 are biased in the downward direction in FIG. The fastening elements 8, actuators 9 and push rods 6 in this way constitute a mechanism which allows the gripping elements 4 to be adjusted relative to the draping punch element 2. Alternatively, the actuators 9 may also be designed as electromotive or as pneumatic actuators 9, by means of which the gripping elements 4 can be adjusted relative to the draping die element 2 by applying corresponding control signals from a controller (not shown). In the following, with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2D, the use of the

Tool 1 of Fig. 1 in a method for producing a three-dimensional preform from a fiber fabric in the course of the production of fiber-reinforced molded parts are described according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2A, first a fiber blank 11 for a local

Reinforcement layer provided on a deployment table 10. The fiber blank 11 for a local reinforcement layer can be formed by unwinding a fiber fabric or fabric from a roll and cutting it to the required dimensions, or a desired outer contour, and optionally also a desired inner contour.

Then, the tool 1, which is formed, for example, as an end effector disposed on an industrial robot (not shown), is moved to a position over the fiber blank 11. The gripping elements 4 and the Drapierstempelelement 2 are thereby positioned relative to each other so that a flat, planar recording of Fiber blank 11 for the reinforcing layer by the tool 1 is possible. This relative positioning to each other may be referred to as a first position or gripping position. Next, as shown in Fig. 2B, the tool 1 is lowered until it comes into contact with the fiber blank 11. There are now the gripping elements 4, and optionally provided in the Drapierstempelelement 2 provided vacuum devices 5 to grip the fiber blank 11 and to hold the tool 1. Subsequently, the tool 1, together with the fiber blank 11 held by the tool 1, can be moved over a fiber fabric stack 12, as shown in FIG. 2C.

The fiber fabric stack 12 may have been formed in a known manner. In particular, fibrous webs or webs may be unwound from a roll and collapsed into a plurality of fibrous webs 12 as needed from a plurality of different webs or plies, shapes, and sizes. In this case, if appropriate, the outer contour and / or the inner contour can be machined or cut to a pattern of the preform to be produced. The pattern can be generated from a development of the preform or the final component. The fiber fabric stack 12 can directly on a

Supporting table (not shown) are formed. It can also be provided that a binder material is scattered, applied or sprayed between the individual layers.

In this case, the fiber fabric stack 12 of FIG. 2C is formed only up to a height on which a local reinforcement layer is to be formed. In the example of FIG. 2C, the local reinforcement layer in the region of a depression 13 which is located in the region

Fiber fabric stack 12 is formed, to be arranged. In other words, the fiber fabric stack 12 shown in FIG. 2C may be an intermediate step in the formation of a (complete) fiber fabric stack 12 for the production of a preform.

In order to place the fiber blank 11 now on the fiber fabric stack 12 and to Drape, the tool 1 is first lowered until the fiber blank 11 for the reinforcement layer occurs in partial support on the fiber fabric stack 12. The location or places where it comes to the partial support on the fiber fabric stack 12, corresponding to the example in Figs. 2A to 2D, the locations where the fiber blank 11 is held for the reinforcing layer of the gripping elements 4. Subsequently, the tool 1 is further lowered in the direction of the fiber fabric stack 12, wherein at the same time the gripping elements 4 and the Drapierstempelelement 2 are adjusted relative to each other. While the gripping elements 4 continue to restrain the fiber blank 11 for the reinforcing ply in contact with the fiber fabric stack 12, with the draping punch element 2 the fiber blank 11 for the reinforcing ply is draped into the trough 13 of the fiber web stack 12 until finally, as shown in FIG Drapierstempelelement 2 the fiber blank 11 for the

Reinforcement layer at least partially, in particular completely in the corresponding mold 15, here the predetermined by the trough 13 and the contour of the die surface 3 shape 15, draped and has formed on the fiber fabric stack 12 accordingly. This relative positioning of the gripping elements 4 and

Drapierstempelelements 2 in the position in which the fiber blank 11 for the

Reinforcement layer is completely draped on the fiber fabric stack 12 may be referred to as a second position or Drapierposition. In order to facilitate molding of the fiber blank 11 for a reinforcing ply to the trough 13, the draping punch element 2 and the picking elements 4 can be moved relative to each other prior to contact with the fiber fabric stack 12.

At this time, it is now possible to activate the fixing elements 7 in order to fix the fiber blank 11 for the reinforcing layer on the fiber fabric stack 12, or an uppermost layer of the fiber fabric stack 12, in a punctiform manner,

For example, by ultrasonic welding using trained as ultrasonic sonotrodes fixing 7. Then the gripping elements 4 respectively in or on the

Gripping elements 4 arranged vacuum devices 5 deactivated to the

Letting fiber blank 11 for the reinforcing layer, and the tool 1 is lifted after completed, at least selective fixation and is ready, for example, to form further local reinforcing layers. A local reinforcement layer, which is formed by the fiber blank 11, is now formed in the fiber fabric stack 12. Further fiber layers, for example as full-surface fiber layers, can now be applied to the fiber fabric stack 12 and / or further local reinforcement layers can be formed by draping further fiber blanks 11 for local reinforcement layers onto the fiber fabric stack 12 as described above.

When the fiber fabric stack 12 has been completed in this way by applying further local and / or all-over fiber layers, the thus finished fiber fabric stack 12 can be pressed and / or reshaped in a manner known per se in order to produce the preform.

With reference to FIG. 3, a further embodiment of a tool 1 will now be described.

Similar to the tool 1 of the embodiment of FIG. 1, the tool 1 of the embodiment of FIG. 3 also has a draping punch element 2 and two gripping elements 4. In contrast to FIG. 1, in the tool 1 of the embodiment of FIG. 3, the die surface 3 of the draping die element 2 is formed with a concave contour, and the gripping elements 4 are in a central region of the

Drapierstempelelements 2 arranged and formed by the Drapierstempelelement 2 extending therethrough. For the sake of clarity of illustration, in Fig. 3, the mechanism for adjusting the gripping elements 4 and the

Drapierstempelelements 2 not shown relative to each other.

In order to securely grasp and hold a fiber blank 11 for a local reinforcing layer, in the tool 1 of this embodiment, in addition to those shown in FIG. 3, substantially in a central region of FIG

Drapierstempelelements 2 arranged gripping elements 4 more dedicated

Gripping elements (not shown) may be provided in the region of the edge of the

Drapierstempelelements 2 are arranged to allow a planar gripping and holding a fiber blank 11 for a local reinforcing layer also in an edge region thereof. Alternatively and preferably, however, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3 in the edge region of the Drapierstempelelements 2 itself corresponding Vacuum devices 5 may be provided so that the Drapierstempelelement 2 can simultaneously perform the function of a gripping device.

As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, the tool 1 according to the

Embodiment of Fig. 3 can be similarly used for gripping, placing and draping a fiber blank 11 for a local reinforcement layer as the tool 1 of the embodiment of Fig. 1 (see Figures 2A to 2C), in the case of this example Fiber blank 11 for a local reinforcing ply is draped and formed on a bump 14 formed in the fiber fabric stack 12 as shown in Figs. 4C and 4D.

Yet another embodiment of a tool 1 is shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the tool 1 of this embodiment being formed of three elements, each of which represents a combined gripping / draping stamping element 2a, 2b, 2c. In other words, each of the combined gripping / draping stamping elements 2a, 2b, 2c is formed with a die surface 3a, 3b, 3c, which in FIG

Collaboration can define a contour, according to the one

Fiber blank 11 is draped and formed on a fiber fabric stack 12 for a local reinforcement layer. Also, each of the combined gripping / Drapierstempelelemente 2a, 2b, 2c one or more fixing 7 have. In addition, each of the combined gripping / Drapierstempelelemente 2 a, 2 b, 2 c is formed simultaneously as a gripping element 4, for example, by vacuum devices 5 with corresponding vacuum openings 5 a in the

Forming die surfaces 3a, 3b, 3c are formed so that each of the combined gripping / Drapierstempelelemente 2a, 2b, 2c for gripping and holding the fiber blank 11 can serve for a local reinforcement layer.

As further illustrated in Figs. 5A and 5B, a mechanism is also provided for augmenting one or more of the combined gripper / drape stamping elements 2a, 2b, 2c relative to another one or more of the combined gripping-type stamping die elements 2a, 2b, 2c adjust. Thus, in the example of Figs. 5A and 5B, the central gripping / draping punch member 2a can be moved vertically relative to the two outer gripping / draping punch members 2b, 2c, as indicated by the vertical double arrows in Figs. 5A and 5B. The middle gripping / Drapierstempelelement 2a can be adjusted relative to the two outer gripping / Drapierstempelelementen 2b, 2c so that, as shown in Fig. 5B, a first position or gripping position is taken, the vacuum openings 5a are positioned so that they are substantially in one Level lie, so that a substantially planar gripping and receiving a fiber blank 11 for a local reinforcement layer is possible. The central gripper / drape stamping element 2a can also be displaced relative to the two outer gripping / draping stamping elements 2b, 2c such that a second position or gripping position is assumed, as shown in FIG. 5A, the forming die surfaces 3a, 3b and 3c being substantially briefly adjoin one another. This position corresponds to the end position at

Draping of the fiber blank 11 on the fiber fabric stack 12. The central gripping ZDrapierstempelelement 2a can also take any position relative to the two outer gripping / Drapierstempelelementen 2b, 2c, if this makes sense for the Drapierprozess, especially if the fiber blank 11 to a contour to be nestled. Preference may also be given to any other gripping

/ Drapierstempelelemente 2b, 2c or all gripper / Drapierstempelelemente 2a, 2b, 2c are adjusted relative to each other.

The relative movement of the individual gripping / Drapierstempelelemente 2a, 2b, 2c to each other may be particularly advantageous if the fiber blank 11 to be nestled to a contour or draped wrinkle-free. For this purpose, the order of movement of the individual gripper / Drapierstempelelemente 2a, 2b, 2c relative to each other can be done so that the fiber blank 11 is draped wrinkle-free and / or stress-free on the fiber fabric stack 12.

While the invention has been described above with reference to various exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited to these. Thus, the gripping elements 4 may be formed as mechanical gripping elements 4, or may be formed as gripping elements 4, which can realize a gripping and holding the fiber blank 11 for a local reinforcing layer by means of electrostatic forces. Also, the drape stamping elements 2 and the gripping / draping stamping elements 2a, 2b, 2c may be formed without vacuum means 5, or may have mechanical or electrostatic gripping means instead of vacuum means 5. Reference P1508:

1 tool

2 draping stamp element

2a, 2b, 2c gripping / Drapierstempelelement 3, 3a, 3b, 3c mold punch surface

4 gripping element

5 vacuum device

5a vacuum opening

6 push rod

7 fixing device

8 fastener

9 actuator

10 deployment table

11 fiber cutting

12 fiber fabric piles

13 trough

14 survey

15 form

Claims

claims

Tool (1) for gripping, placing and draping at least one

Fiber blank (11) for a local reinforcement layer in the course of the production of a three-dimensional preform for the production of fiber-reinforced molded parts,

the tool (1) comprising at least one gripping element (4) for gripping and picking up the fiber blank (11), and at least one draping punch element (2) for draping the fiber blank (11), and

wherein the at least one gripping element (4) and the at least one

Drapierstempelelement (2) are adjustable or movable relative to each other.

Tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one gripping element (4) and the at least one draping punch element (2) are adjustable relative to each other between a first position for gripping the fiber blank (11) and a second position for molding the fiber blank (11). by means of the at least one draping punch element (2) onto a fiber fabric stack (12).

Tool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the at least one gripping element (4) is designed as a vacuum gripping element and / or needle gripper.

Tool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising at least one fixing device (7) for fixing the fiber blank (11) on the

Fiber fabric stack (12).

Tool (1) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one fixing device (7) is designed as an ultrasonic sonotrode, which is arranged, the

To fix fiber blank (11) by ultrasonic welding on the fiber fabric stack (12).

6. Tool (1) according to one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the at least one

Fixing device (7) at least partially disposed within the at least one forming die element (2), preferably one end the at least one fixing device (7) is designed to be volatile with a forming punch surface (3) of the at least one forming punch element (2).

Tool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6,

wherein the at least one gripping element (4) and / or the at least one draping punch element (2) is or are formed as a combined gripping / draping punch element (s) (2a, 2b, 2c).

Tool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tool (1) is attachable to an industrial robot.

Tool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the

Drapierstempelelement (2) or the Formstempeloberfläche (3a, 3b, 3c) are made heatable or heated.

A station for placing and draping a fibrous blank (11) for a localized reinforcement layer in the course of making a three-dimensional preform for the manufacture of fiber reinforced molded parts, the station comprising: a deployment table for providing a fiber blank (11) for a localized reinforcement layer;

an industrial robot; and

an arranged on the industrial robot tool according to one of

Claims 1 to 9.

Plant for producing a three-dimensional preform from a

Fiber fabric in the course of the production of fiber-reinforced molded parts, comprising:

a mold (15) for a fiber fabric

Means for laying a fibrous tissue stack (12) in the mold (15); and a station according to claim 10.

12. A method for producing a three-dimensional preform from a

Fiber fabric in the course of the production of fiber-reinforced molded parts, comprising: Providing a fibrous tissue stack (12); and

Draping at least one fiber blank (11) for at least one local reinforcement layer on the fiber fabric stack (12) by means of a tool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein draping the at least one

Fiber blank (11) comprises:

Providing the at least one fiber blank (11) on one

Deployment table (10);

Gripping the at least one fiber blank (11) with the tool (1);

Moving the tool (1) to a position above the location of the

Fiber cloth stack (12) on which the at least one fiber blank (11) is to be draped;

Lowering the tool (1) in the direction of the fiber fabric stack (12) until the at least one fiber blank (11) at least partially comes into contact with the fiber fabric stack (12);

Draping the at least one fiber blank (11) onto the fiber fabric stack (12) by adjusting the at least one gripping element (4) and the at least one draping punch element (2) relative to each other; and

Lifting the tool (1) from the fiber fabric stack (12) and the fiber blank (11) draped thereon.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method is performed with a tool according to one of claims 4 to 6, and wherein the method further comprises, after draping the at least one fiber blank (11) on the

Fiber fabric stack (12) and before lifting the tool (1) from the fiber fabric stack (12) and the fiber blank (11) draped thereon, fixing the fiber blank (11) on an upper layer of the fiber web stack (12) by means of the fixing device (7), wherein the fixing preferably takes place selectively.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the fiber blank (11) is provided and draped without preheating.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized that a plurality of fiber blanks (1 1) are received in a sequence of gripping operations by a supply table (10) and on the

Fiber fabric stacks (12) are applied simultaneously or sequentially.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the at least one fiber blank (11) before placing on the

Fiber fabric stack (12) by adjusting the at least one gripping element (4) and the at least one Drapierstempelelements (2) is pre-trained relative to each other.

18. The method of claim 12, further comprising

Applying further fiber blanks and / or further fiber layers and / or fiber fabric on the fiber fabric stack (12), and

Forming and / or pressing of the fiber fabric stack (12) for the production of the preform for the production of fiber-reinforced molded parts.