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EP3271159A1 - Fibre application head with infrared heating system - Google Patents

Fibre application head with infrared heating system

Info

Publication number
EP3271159A1
EP3271159A1 EP16713511.0A EP16713511A EP3271159A1 EP 3271159 A1 EP3271159 A1 EP 3271159A1 EP 16713511 A EP16713511 A EP 16713511A EP 3271159 A1 EP3271159 A1 EP 3271159A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
application
head
lamp
strip
fiber
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP16713511.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Johannes TREIBER
Olivier Leborgne
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Coriolis Group
Original Assignee
Coriolis Composites SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Coriolis Composites SAS filed Critical Coriolis Composites SAS
Publication of EP3271159A1 publication Critical patent/EP3271159A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C70/00Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29C70/04Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
    • B29C70/28Shaping operations therefor
    • B29C70/30Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or core; Shaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core
    • B29C70/38Automated lay-up, e.g. using robots, laying filaments according to predetermined patterns
    • B29C70/382Automated fiber placement [AFP]
    • B29C70/384Fiber placement heads, e.g. component parts, details or accessories
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29KINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2105/00Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
    • B29K2105/06Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped containing reinforcements, fillers or inserts
    • B29K2105/08Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped containing reinforcements, fillers or inserts of continuous length, e.g. cords, rovings, mats, fabrics, strands or yarns

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fiber application head for a fiber application machine for producing parts made of composite materials, and more particularly to a so-called fiber placement head equipped with an infrared type heating system.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing composite material parts by means of a corresponding application head.
  • Fiber application machines commonly known as fiber placement machines, are known for contacting drape tools, such as a male or female mold, with a wide web of multiple flat fibers.
  • continuous, ribbon type dry or impregnated with thermosetting or thermoplastic resin, especially carbon fibers consisting of a multitude of carbon threads or filaments.
  • thermoplastic or thermosetting resin conventionally in an amount of at least 40% by weight
  • the prepreg preform obtained after draping is cured or polymerized by passing through an oven to obtain a piece of composite material.
  • the fibers comprise a reduced quantity of so-called binding resin, also called a binder, generally a thermoplastic resin, in an amount of less than or equal to 5% by weight, to give a character sticky to the fibers during draping.
  • binding resin also called a binder
  • thermoplastic resin in an amount of less than or equal to 5% by weight
  • These machines conventionally comprise a fiber application head, a displacement system of said head, fiber storage means, and fiber routing means for conveying the fibers. fibers of said storage means to the head.
  • the head conventionally comprises an application roller, also called compaction roller, intended to come into contact against the mold for applying the strip, and fiber guiding means on said application roller.
  • the head further generally comprises a heating system for heating the fibers.
  • the compaction roller presses the fiber web against the application surface of the mold, or against the previously deposited fiber web or strips, in order to facilitate the adhesion of the strips deposited between them, as well as to progressively evacuate trapped air between the deposited tapes.
  • the heating system provides a heating of the fiber web to be applied, and / or the mold or strips already applied upstream of the compaction roller, just before the compaction of the web, in order to at least soften the resin of pre impregnation or binding resin, and thus promote the adhesion of the strips together.
  • the prepreg fibers are simply heated to soften them, typically at temperatures of the order of 40 ° C.
  • the heating system conventionally comprises an infrared heating system comprising one or more infrared lamps.
  • the pre-impregnated fibers must be heated to higher temperatures, at least up to the melting temperature of the resin, ie of the order of 200 ° C. for nylon-type resins, and up to 200 ° C. at about 400 ° C for PEEK resins.
  • Hot-air torches are a cost-effective solution, but the heating zone and heating temperature are difficult to adjust precisely.
  • Laser heating systems are more accurate in terms of heating zone definition and heating temperature. These laser heating systems significantly increase the total cost of the fiber placement cell, and present significant constraints in terms of safety.
  • the laser beam is generally routed from the laser source to the laser optics carried by the head by means of an optical fiber. This fiber optic system may be incompatible with some displacement systems of the fiber placement machine and / or interchangeable head concepts, in which the fiber reels can be shipped.
  • the object of the invention is to propose a solution that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks, and in particular a heating system for a fiber placement machine that is simple in design and construction and that allows the implementation of dry fibers with thermoplastic binder and or fibers pre-impregnated with a thermoplastic resin.
  • the present invention provides a fiber application head for producing composite material parts, comprising an application roll for applying a strip formed of one or more fibers to a surface of application, a main guide system for guiding at least one fiber to said application roller, and a heating system capable of emitting thermal radiation in the direction of the web, just prior to its application by the application roller, characterized in the heating system comprises at least a first infrared lamp adapted to heat the strip between its exit from the main guide system and the contact area between the application roller and the application surface, and at least a second lamp infrared capable of heating the application surface and / or one or more strips previously applied, upstream of the roller, relative to the direction of advancement of the applica said head further comprising a secondary guide system adapted to guide the web between the main guide system and the application roller while allowing said web to be heated by the first lamp between the main guide system and the roller; application.
  • the heating system is an infrared lamp type system, including a lamp for heating the draping surface and or fibers previously draped, and an infrared lamp which is oriented towards the strip at the output of the main guide system , combined with a secondary guide system adapted to allow sufficient heating of tape for its draping, while ensuring proper guidance of the tape to the roll.
  • a heating system may advantageously be used for draping dry fibers or fibers pre-impregnated with thermoplastic resin.
  • Such a heating system is simple in design and is fully embedded on the head, without remote part as for a laser type system.
  • Such a heating system may especially be advantageously used for interchangeable application heads, and / or with heads associated with particular displacement systems that do not allow the connection of elements of the heating system on board the head to d '. other elements deported from the head.
  • said secondary guiding system is capable of laterally guiding said strip at the output of the main guiding system, and thus preventing a lateral displacement of the strip in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller, preferably adapted to guide laterally each fiber of said strip.
  • said guide system comprises a comb whose fingers extend substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the application roller, preferably from the output of the main guide system.
  • each fiber of the strip is able to be guided between two fingers of the comb.
  • said comb comprises only two fingers between which the band is guided.
  • said secondary guiding system is able to keep the band away from the first lamp, to prevent contact of the strip with the first lamp, particularly at the end of fiber removal after a cutting operation.
  • said secondary guiding system comprises at least one rod disposed between the first lamp and the application roller, substantially parallel to the axis of the roller, the band passing between said rod and the application roller. .
  • each finger of the comb is in contact with the rod, in particular when the heating system is in an active position.
  • said rod is hollow and is cooled by a fluid flowing in said rod, in particular a flow of air.
  • the heat radiation of each first lamp is centered on the application roller, and the thermal radiation of the second lamp is centered on the application surface upstream of the application roller, said lamps being by example equipped with a reflector, especially in the form of a reflective coating, to direct and focus the radiation.
  • said head constitutes a fiber placement head comprising cutting means and means for rerouting, and possibly fiber blocking means.
  • the invention also relates to a method for producing a composite material part comprising the application of continuous fibers to an application surface to form a preform comprising several folds of fibers superposed in different orientations, each fold being made by applying one or more strips in an orientation, each strip being formed of one or more fibers, characterized in that the application of fibers is carried out by means of a fiber application head as defined above, by relative displacement of the application head relative to the drape surface according to different removal paths.
  • the process according to the invention is particularly advantageous in the case of dry preforms made from dry fibers provided with a binder and / or thermoplastic preforms made from fibers pre-impregnated with thermoplastic resin.
  • the method further comprises a resin impregnation step in the dry preform, by adding one or more impregnation resins by infusion or injection to the dry preform, and a step of hardening to obtain a composite material part.
  • the preform may optionally be subjected to an additional consolidation step to obtain a final piece of composite material.
  • FIG. 1 is a partial schematic side view of a fiber placement head equipped with a heating system according to one embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a partial schematic sectional view of the head of Figure 1 illustrating the heating system
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B are two perspective views of the heating system mounted on the compacting roll assembly parts
  • FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the head with the heating system in the separated position
  • FIG. 5 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 illustrating a head according to an alternative embodiment, comprising a lateral secondary guide system;
  • FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the head of Figure 5, the heating system being in the separated position.
  • FIGS. 4 and 4 illustrate a fiber placement head 1 according to the invention equipped with a heating system 2, allowing automatic draping in contact on the application surface 91 of a mold 9 of strips formed of several fibers, by relative displacement of the head relative to the mold via a displacement system.
  • the head 1 comprises a compacting roller 11, a main guide system 12 for guiding the fibers towards the roll in the form of two plies of fibers, to form a fiber web in which the fibers are disposed substantially edge to edge .
  • the head comprises, for example, a main guide system as described in the aforementioned patent document, comprising first guide channels and second guide channels into which first fibers 81 of the first sheet respectively pass. and second fibers 82 of the second web.
  • the first channels and the second channels are staggered in two guide planes, shown diagrammatically under the references PI and P2, approaching each other from upstream to downstream, so that the fibers 81, 82 two plies are substantially disposed edge to edge at the compacting roller.
  • These guide channels are for example formed at the assembly interface of a central piece 121, wedge-shaped, and two side plates 122, 123.
  • the head comprises for example a support structure 13 on which is mounted the main guide system 12 and by which the head can be assembled to a displacement system (not shown) which is able to move the head in at least three directions perpendicular to the to each other.
  • the roller is rotatably mounted about an axis Al of rotation on two assembly parts 14, by which the roller is removably mounted on the support structure 13.
  • the displacement system comprises for example a robot comprising a wrist or poly-articulated arm at the end of which is mounted said head.
  • the head is fixed and the mold is adapted 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 comprises cutting means for individually cutting each fiber passing through the main guide system, blocking means for individually blocking each fiber that has just been cut, and means for rerouting or driving to individually reroute each fiber that has just been cut to the roll, in order to be able to stop and resume the application of a fiber at any time, as well as to choose the width of the strip.
  • the head is for example designed to receive sixteen fibers, and allow the application of a strip of sixteen fibers, for example each 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) wide.
  • the heating system 2 is disposed upstream of the roll with respect to the direction of advance of the head during draping, illustrated by the arrow referenced SI. It includes a first lamp 3 with infrared radiation, called infrared lamp, to heat the ⁇ fibers leaving the main guidance system 12, and two second infrared lamps 4, arranged upstream of the first infrared lamp, for heating, upstream of the compacting roller with respect to the direction of advance of the head, the surface of draping and / or previously draped fibers.
  • infrared lamp infrared lamp
  • the lamps 3, 4 are mounted on a support system 21 which is assembled at the head, and are arranged parallel to the axis A1 of the compacting roller, so that the radiation 31 of the first lamp 3 is oriented towards the roller, while the radiation 41 of the second lamps 4 are oriented towards the application surface.
  • Each lamp extends over the entire length of the compaction roller, so that a strip of sixteen fibers can be heated here.
  • Infrared lamps are here lamps with double tubes or twin tubes. For each lamp, the twin tubes are provided on one side with a reflective coating 33 in order to concentrate the radiation, form a screen barrier and thus limit the heating of the main guide system and the support system 21.
  • the support system 21 comprises two arms 211 between which the lamps 3, 4 are mounted, the arms being assembled at their first end to the assembly parts 14.
  • the arms are preferably rotatably mounted and can be moved between an active layup position. illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a so-called maintenance maintenance position, illustrated in FIG. 4, in which the heating system 2 is moved away from the main guidance system 12 to allow access to the latter and to carry out maintenance operations .
  • Locking means make it possible to keep the heating system in the active position, these means comprising for example for each arm a rod operated by a button 22, and able to fit into a suitable recess 15 of the support structure 13.
  • plate or protection grid 23 is mounted at the second ends of the arms 211, and can be moved from a retracted position illustrated in Figure 1, to a maintenance position shown in Figure 3B.
  • the grid is brought into the retracted position during draping operations and is brought into the maintenance position above the lamps, in order to protect the lamps during operations. maintenance and operators to limit the risk of burns.
  • a secondary guide system is disposed between the first lamp and the roller, and comprises a rod 5 extending parallel to the axis of the roller and mounted between the two arms 211 via two flanges 51.
  • the small section of the rod forms a negligible screen to the radiation of the first lamp.
  • the rod is advantageously a hollow rod and is cooled by a flow of air flowing in the rod. During draping, the fibers pass between the roller 11 and the rod 5. The rod thus prevents any contact between the fiber and the first lamp 3, in particular after a cutting operation, when the ends of the fibers leave the main guide system. .
  • the main guide system comprises a deflector 6, disposed above the first lamp 3, and formed of a flexible blade.
  • This deflector makes it possible to separate the fibers of the first lamp at the outlet of the channels and to orient them between the roller and the rod, in particular during fiber re-routing operations after a cutting operation, when the ends of the fibers leave the channels.
  • the baffle is here mounted directly on the main guide system.
  • this deflector 6 is mounted on the support system 21 of the heating system.
  • one or more other rods are provided upstream and / or downstream of the aforementioned rod 5.
  • the rod or rods 5, as well as possibly the deflector 6, are replaced by a grid preventing the passage of fibers between said grid and the first lamp 3 while allowing the heating of the fibers coming out of the main guide system. by the radiation emitted by the first lamp.
  • the fiber placement head advantageously comprises a compacting roller 11 adapted to adapt to the application surface, in particular to convex and / or concave application surfaces to ensure substantially uniform compaction over the entire width of the strip.
  • the roller is for example a compacting roll of a so-called flexible material, which is elastically deformable, such as an elastomer.
  • the roll is cooled by a cooling system 16 comprising a deflector or nozzle supplied with air by conduits (not shown) connected to the nozzle via connectors 16a, the nozzle covering the roll over a large sector, more than 180 °, opposite the application surface.
  • each lamp 3, 4 comprises two twin quartz glass tubes, equipped on one side with an electrical connection system 43 for the electrical connection of the filaments 44 of the tubes, said filaments being electrically connected together with each other. the other side by a connector 45.
  • the heating system comprises infrared lamps or emitters marketed under the trade name Golden 8 by the company Heraeus Noblelight.
  • the heating system is in the active position, the first lamp 3 heats the draper fibers coming out of the main guide system, before they are applied to the application surface by the roll, and the second lamps 4 heat the surface application and / or fibers of the previous ply or plies, this to ensure the connection between the fibers to be draped and the surface and / or fibers previously draped.
  • the first lamp 3 is oriented so as to also heat the nip between the roll and the application surface, as well as possibly the part of the application surface or previously draped fibers which is just upstream of the roll.
  • FIGS 5 and 6 illustrate an alternative embodiment in which the head is further equipped with a secondary said lateral guide system 7, for laterally guiding the fibers coming out of the main guide system.
  • This lateral secondary guide system is in the form of a comb, comprising a base 71 by which the comb is mounted on the head, said base carrying a plurality of fingers 72.
  • Each fiber is thus guided laterally between two tongues, the tabs preventing lateral displacement of the fibers parallel to the axis Al of the roll.
  • the small section of the tongues namely their small thickness, forms a screen negligible to the radiation emitted by the first lamp.
  • the lateral main guide system comprises only the two so-called outer tongues, of the aforementioned comb, referenced 72a and 72b, for laterally guiding the outer fibers of a complete strip, formed in this example of 16 fibers, the two tabs preventing lateral displacement of the strip in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Robotics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Composite Materials (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Moulding By Coating Moulds (AREA)
  • Reinforced Plastic Materials (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention concerns a fibre application head, comprising a roller (11) for applying a strip formed from one or more fibres (81, 82) onto an application surface (91), a main guide system (12) for guiding at least one fibre towards said roller, and a heating system (2) suitable for emitting heat radiation towards the strip, just prior to the application thereof, characterised in that the heating system comprises at least one first infrared lamp (3) capable of heating the strip exiting the main guide system, and at least one second infrared lamp (4) capable of heating the surface upstream from the roller, said head further comprising a secondary guide system (5, 6) capable of guiding the strip between the main guide system and the roller while allowing said strip to be heated by the first lamp.

Description

TÊTE D'APPLICATION DE FIBRES AVEC SYSTÈME DE CHAUFFAGE INFRAROUGE  FIBER APPLICATION HEAD WITH INFRARED HEATING SYSTEM
La présente invention concerne une tête d'application de fibres pour une machine d'application de fibres pour la réalisation de pièces en matériaux composites, et plus particulièrement une tête dite de placement de fibres équipée d'un système de chauffage de type infrarouge. La présente invention concerne également un procédé de fabrication de pièces en matériau composites au moyen d'une tête d'application correspondante. The present invention relates to a fiber application head for a fiber application machine for producing parts made of composite materials, and more particularly to a so-called fiber placement head equipped with an infrared type heating system. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing composite material parts by means of a corresponding application head.
Il est connu des machines d'application de fibres, appelées couramment machines de placement de fibres, pour l'application au contact sur un outillage de drapage, tel qu'un moule mâle ou femelle, d'une bande large formée de plusieurs fibres plates continues, de type rubans, sèches ou imprégnées de résine thermodurcissable ou thermoplastique, notamment des fibres de carbone constituées d'une multitude de fils ou filaments de carbone.  Fiber application machines, commonly known as fiber placement machines, are known for contacting drape tools, such as a male or female mold, with a wide web of multiple flat fibers. continuous, ribbon type, dry or impregnated with thermosetting or thermoplastic resin, especially carbon fibers consisting of a multitude of carbon threads or filaments.
Ces machines sont utilisées pour réaliser des préformes formées de plusieurs plis superposés, chaque pli étant formé par drapage sur le moule d'une ou plusieurs bandes côte à côte. Dans le cas d'un drapage de fibres pré-imprégnées de résine thermoplastique ou thermodurcissable, classiquement en une quantité d'au moins 40% en poids, la préforme pré-imprégnée obtenue après drapage est durcie ou polymérisée par passage dans un four pour obtenir une pièce en matériau composite. Dans le cas de fibres dites sèches, non préimprégnées de résines, les fibres comprennent une quantité réduite de résine dite de liaison, appelé également liant, généralement une résine thermoplastique, en une quantité inférieure ou égale à 5% en poids, pour conférer un caractère collant aux fibres lors du drapage. Après drapage, la préforme dite sèche est soumise à une opération d'injection ou d'infusion de résine avant l'étape de durcissement.  These machines are used to produce preforms formed of several superimposed folds, each fold being formed by draping on the mold of one or more strips side by side. In the case of a lay-up of fibers pre-impregnated with thermoplastic or thermosetting resin, conventionally in an amount of at least 40% by weight, the prepreg preform obtained after draping is cured or polymerized by passing through an oven to obtain a piece of composite material. In the case of so-called dry fibers, which are not pre-impregnated with resins, the fibers comprise a reduced quantity of so-called binding resin, also called a binder, generally a thermoplastic resin, in an amount of less than or equal to 5% by weight, to give a character sticky to the fibers during draping. After draping, the so-called dry preform is subjected to an injection or resin infusion operation before the hardening step.
Ces machines, telles que décrites dans le document brevet WO2006/092514, comprennent classiquement une tête d'application de fibres, un système de déplacement de ladite tête, des moyens de stockage de fibres, et des moyens d'acheminement des fibres pour acheminer les fibres desdits moyens de stockage vers la tête. La tête comprend classiquement un rouleau d'application, également appelé rouleau de compactage, destiné à venir en contact contre le moule pour appliquer la bande, et des moyens de guidage des fibres sur ledit rouleau d'application. La tête comprend en outre généralement un système de chauffage pour chauffer les fibres. Le rouleau de compactage presse la bande de fibres contre la surface d'application du moule, ou contre la ou les bandes de fibres précédemment déposées, afin de faciliter l'adhésion des bandes déposées entre elles, ainsi que pour évacuer progressivement l'air emprisonné entre les bandes déposées. Le système de chauffage assure un chauffage de la bande de fibres à appliquer, et/ou du moule ou des bandes déjà appliquées en amont du rouleau de compactage, juste avant le compactage de la bande, afin d'au moins ramollir la résine de pré-imprégnation ou la résine de liaison, et ainsi favoriser l'adhésion des bandes entre elles. These machines, as described in the patent document WO2006 / 092514, conventionally comprise a fiber application head, a displacement system of said head, fiber storage means, and fiber routing means for conveying the fibers. fibers of said storage means to the head. The head conventionally comprises an application roller, also called compaction roller, intended to come into contact against the mold for applying the strip, and fiber guiding means on said application roller. The head further generally comprises a heating system for heating the fibers. The compaction roller presses the fiber web against the application surface of the mold, or against the previously deposited fiber web or strips, in order to facilitate the adhesion of the strips deposited between them, as well as to progressively evacuate trapped air between the deposited tapes. The heating system provides a heating of the fiber web to be applied, and / or the mold or strips already applied upstream of the compaction roller, just before the compaction of the web, in order to at least soften the resin of pre impregnation or binding resin, and thus promote the adhesion of the strips together.
Dans le cas de résines thermodurcissables, les fibres préimprégnées sont simplement chauffées pour les ramollir, classiquement à des températures de l'ordre de 40 °C. Le système de chauffage comprend classiquement un système de chauffage infrarouge comprenant une ou plusieurs lampes infrarouge.  In the case of thermosetting resins, the prepreg fibers are simply heated to soften them, typically at temperatures of the order of 40 ° C. The heating system conventionally comprises an infrared heating system comprising one or more infrared lamps.
Dans le cas de résines thermoplastiques, les fibres préimprégnées doivent être chauffées à des températures plus élevées, au moins jusqu'à la température de fusion de la résine, soit de l'ordre de 200 °C pour des résines de type nylon, et jusqu'à environ 400°C pour des résines de type PEEK.  In the case of thermoplastic resins, the pre-impregnated fibers must be heated to higher temperatures, at least up to the melting temperature of the resin, ie of the order of 200 ° C. for nylon-type resins, and up to 200 ° C. at about 400 ° C for PEEK resins.
Pour atteindre ces températures plus élevées, il a été proposé des systèmes de torche à air chaud, et plus récemment des systèmes de chauffe de type laser. Les torches à air chaud constituent une solution économique mais la zone de chauffe et la température de chauffe sont difficiles à régler avec précision. Les systèmes de chauffe laser s'avèrent plus précis en terme de définition de zone de chauffe et température de chauffe. Ces systèmes de chauffe laser augmente significativement le coût total de la cellule de placement de fibres, et présentent des contraintes importantes en terme de sécurité. Par ailleurs, le faisceau laser est généralement acheminé depuis la source laser jusqu'à l'optique laser porté par la tête au moyen d'une fibre optique. Ce système par fibre optique peut s'avérer incompatible avec certains systèmes de déplacement de la machine de placement de fibres et/ou avec les concepts de tête interchangeable, dans lesquels les bobines de fibres peuvent être embarquées. To achieve these higher temperatures, it has been proposed hot air torch systems, and more recently laser type heating systems. Hot-air torches are a cost-effective solution, but the heating zone and heating temperature are difficult to adjust precisely. Laser heating systems are more accurate in terms of heating zone definition and heating temperature. These laser heating systems significantly increase the total cost of the fiber placement cell, and present significant constraints in terms of safety. Moreover, the laser beam is generally routed from the laser source to the laser optics carried by the head by means of an optical fiber. This fiber optic system may be incompatible with some displacement systems of the fiber placement machine and / or interchangeable head concepts, in which the fiber reels can be shipped.
Le but de l'invention est de proposer une solution palliant les inconvénients précités, et notamment un système de chauffage pour machine de placement de fibres qui soit simple de conception et de réalisation et qui permette la mise en œuvre de fibres sèches avec liant thermoplastique et/ou de fibres pré-imprégnées d'une résine thermoplastiques .  The object of the invention is to propose a solution that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks, and in particular a heating system for a fiber placement machine that is simple in design and construction and that allows the implementation of dry fibers with thermoplastic binder and or fibers pre-impregnated with a thermoplastic resin.
A cet effet, la présente invention propose une tête d'application de fibres pour la réalisation de pièces en matériau composite, comprenant un rouleau d'application pour l'application d'une bande formée d'une ou plusieurs fibres sur une surface d'application, un système de guidage principal pour guider au moins une fibre vers ledit rouleau d'application, et un système de chauffage apte à émettre un rayonnement thermique en direction de la bande, juste avant son application par le rouleau d'application, caractérisée en ce que le système de chauffage comprend au moins une première lampe infrarouge apte à chauffer la bande entre sa sortie du système de guidage principal et la zone de contact entre le rouleau d'application et la surface d'application, et au moins une deuxième lampe infrarouge apte à chauffer la surface d'application et/ou une ou plusieurs bandes préalablement appliquées, en amont du rouleau, par rapport à la direction d'avancement de la tête d'application, ladite tête comprenant en outre un système de guidage secondaire apte à guider la bande entre le système de guidage principal et le rouleau d'application tout en permettant le chauffage de ladite bande par la première lampe entre le système de guidage principal et le rouleau d'application.  For this purpose, the present invention provides a fiber application head for producing composite material parts, comprising an application roll for applying a strip formed of one or more fibers to a surface of application, a main guide system for guiding at least one fiber to said application roller, and a heating system capable of emitting thermal radiation in the direction of the web, just prior to its application by the application roller, characterized in the heating system comprises at least a first infrared lamp adapted to heat the strip between its exit from the main guide system and the contact area between the application roller and the application surface, and at least a second lamp infrared capable of heating the application surface and / or one or more strips previously applied, upstream of the roller, relative to the direction of advancement of the applica said head further comprising a secondary guide system adapted to guide the web between the main guide system and the application roller while allowing said web to be heated by the first lamp between the main guide system and the roller; application.
Selon l'invention, le système de chauffage est un système de type lampe infrarouge, dont une lampe pour chauffer la surface de drapage et ou des fibres préalablement drapées, et une lampe infrarouge qui est orientée vers la bande en sortie de système de guidage principal, combiné à un système de guidage secondaire adapté pour permettre un chauffage suffisant de bande pour son drapage, tout en assurant un guidage correct de la bande vers le rouleau. Un tel système de chauffage peut avantageusement être utilisé pour le drapage de fibres sèches ou des fibres pré-imprégnées de résine thermoplastique. Un tel système de chauffage est simple de conception et est entièrement embarqué sur la tête, sans partie déportée comme pour un système de type laser. Un tel système de chauffage pourra notamment être avantageusement utilisé pour des têtes d'application interchangeables, et/ou avec des têtes associées à des systèmes de déplacement particuliers ne permettant pas la liaison d'éléments du système de chauffage embarqués sur la tête à d'autres éléments déportés de la tête. According to the invention, the heating system is an infrared lamp type system, including a lamp for heating the draping surface and or fibers previously draped, and an infrared lamp which is oriented towards the strip at the output of the main guide system , combined with a secondary guide system adapted to allow sufficient heating of tape for its draping, while ensuring proper guidance of the tape to the roll. Such a heating system may advantageously be used for draping dry fibers or fibers pre-impregnated with thermoplastic resin. Such a heating system is simple in design and is fully embedded on the head, without remote part as for a laser type system. Such a heating system may especially be advantageously used for interchangeable application heads, and / or with heads associated with particular displacement systems that do not allow the connection of elements of the heating system on board the head to d '. other elements deported from the head.
Selon un mode de réalisation, ledit système de guidage secondaire est apte à guider latéralement ladite bande en sortie du système de guidage principal, et ainsi empêcher un déplacement latéral de la bande dans une direction parallèle à l'axe de rotation du rouleau, de préférence apte à guider latéralement chaque fibre de ladite bande.  According to one embodiment, said secondary guiding system is capable of laterally guiding said strip at the output of the main guiding system, and thus preventing a lateral displacement of the strip in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller, preferably adapted to guide laterally each fiber of said strip.
Selon un mode de réalisation, ledit système de guidage comprend un peigne dont les doigts s'étendent sensiblement perpendiculairement à l'axe de rotation du rouleau d'application, de préférence depuis la sortie du système de guidage principal. Selon un mode de réalisation, chaque fibre de la bande est apte à être guidée entre deux doigts du peigne. Selon un autre mode de réalisation, ledit peigne comprend uniquement deux doigts entre lesquels la bande est guidée.  According to one embodiment, said guide system comprises a comb whose fingers extend substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the application roller, preferably from the output of the main guide system. According to one embodiment, each fiber of the strip is able to be guided between two fingers of the comb. According to another embodiment, said comb comprises only two fingers between which the band is guided.
Selon un mode de réalisation, ledit système de guidage secondaire est apte à maintenir la bande écartée de la première lampe, pour éviter le contact de la bande avec la première lampe, en particulier en fin de dépose de fibres après une opération de coupe. Selon un mode de réalisation, ledit système de guidage secondaire comprend au moins une tige disposée entre la première lampe et le rouleau d'application, sensiblement parallèlement à l'axe du rouleau, la bande passant entre la dite tige et le rouleau d'application.  According to one embodiment, said secondary guiding system is able to keep the band away from the first lamp, to prevent contact of the strip with the first lamp, particularly at the end of fiber removal after a cutting operation. According to one embodiment, said secondary guiding system comprises at least one rod disposed between the first lamp and the application roller, substantially parallel to the axis of the roller, the band passing between said rod and the application roller. .
Selon un mode de réalisation, chaque doigt du peigne est en contact avec la tige, en particulier lorsque le système de chauffe est dans une position active. Selon un mode de réalisation, ladite tige est creuse et est refroidie par un fluide circulant dans ladite tige, en particulier un flux d'air. Selon un mode de réalisation, le rayonnement thermique de chaque première lampe est centré vers le rouleau d'application, et le rayonnement thermique de la deuxième lampe est centré vers la surface d'application en amont du rouleau d'application, lesdites lampes étant par exemple équipée d'un réflecteur, notamment sous la forme d'un revêtement réflecteur, afin de diriger et concentrer le rayonnement. According to one embodiment, each finger of the comb is in contact with the rod, in particular when the heating system is in an active position. According to one embodiment, said rod is hollow and is cooled by a fluid flowing in said rod, in particular a flow of air. According to one embodiment, the heat radiation of each first lamp is centered on the application roller, and the thermal radiation of the second lamp is centered on the application surface upstream of the application roller, said lamps being by example equipped with a reflector, especially in the form of a reflective coating, to direct and focus the radiation.
Selon un mode de réalisation, ladite tête constitue une tête de placement de fibres comprenant des moyens de coupe et des moyens de réacheminement, et éventuellement de moyens de blocage de fibres.  According to one embodiment, said head constitutes a fiber placement head comprising cutting means and means for rerouting, and possibly fiber blocking means.
L'invention a également pour objet un procédé de réalisation d'une pièce en matériau composite comprenant l'application de fibres continues sur une surface d'application pour former une préforme comprenant plusieurs plis de fibres superposés dans différentes orientations, chaque pli étant réalisé par application d'une ou plusieurs bandes selon une orientation, chaque bande étant formée d'une ou plusieurs fibres, caractérisé en ce que l'application de fibres est réalisée au moyen d'une tête d'application de fibres telle que définie précédemment, par déplacement relatif de la tête d'application par rapport à la surface de drapage selon différentes trajectoires de dépose.  The invention also relates to a method for producing a composite material part comprising the application of continuous fibers to an application surface to form a preform comprising several folds of fibers superposed in different orientations, each fold being made by applying one or more strips in an orientation, each strip being formed of one or more fibers, characterized in that the application of fibers is carried out by means of a fiber application head as defined above, by relative displacement of the application head relative to the drape surface according to different removal paths.
Le procédé selon l'invention est particulièrement avantageux dans le cas de préformes sèches réalisées à partir de fibres sèches munies d'un liant et/ou de préformes thermoplastiques réalisées à partir de fibres pré-imprégnées de résine thermoplastique. Dans le cas d'une préforme sèche, le procédé comprend en outre une étape d'imprégnation de résine dans la préforme sèche, par ajout d'une ou plusieurs résines d'imprégnation par infusion ou injection à la préforme sèche, et une étape de durcissement pour obtenir une pièce en matériau composite. Dans le cas d'une préforme thermoplastique, la préforme peut éventuellement être soumise à une étape de consolidation supplémentaire pour obtenir une pièce finale en matériau composite.  The process according to the invention is particularly advantageous in the case of dry preforms made from dry fibers provided with a binder and / or thermoplastic preforms made from fibers pre-impregnated with thermoplastic resin. In the case of a dry preform, the method further comprises a resin impregnation step in the dry preform, by adding one or more impregnation resins by infusion or injection to the dry preform, and a step of hardening to obtain a composite material part. In the case of a thermoplastic preform, the preform may optionally be subjected to an additional consolidation step to obtain a final piece of composite material.
L'invention sera mieux comprise, et d'autres buts, détails, caractéristiques et avantages apparaîtront plus clairement au cours de la description explicative détaillée qui va suivre de deux modes de réalisation particuliers actuellement préférés de l'invention, en référence aux dessins schématiques annexés, sur lesquels : - la figure 1 est une vue schématique partielle de côté d'une tête de placement de fibres équipée d'un système de chauffe selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ; 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 two presently preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. , on which ones : - Figure 1 is a partial schematic side view of a fiber placement head equipped with a heating system according to one embodiment of the invention;
- la figure 2 est une vue schématique partielle en coupe de la tête de la figure 1 illustrant le système de chauffage ;  - Figure 2 is a partial schematic sectional view of the head of Figure 1 illustrating the heating system;
- les figures 3A et 3B sont deux vues en perspective du système de chauffage montés sur les pièces d'assemblage du rouleau de compactage ;  FIGS. 3A and 3B are two perspective views of the heating system mounted on the compacting roll assembly parts;
- la figure 4 est une vue partielle de côté de la tête avec le système de chauffe en position écartée ;  - Figure 4 is a partial side view of the head with the heating system in the separated position;
- la figure 5 est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 2 illustrant une tête selon une variante de réalisation, comprenant un système de guidage secondaire latéral; et,  - Figure 5 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 illustrating a head according to an alternative embodiment, comprising a lateral secondary guide system; and,
- la figure 6 est une vue partielle en perspective de la tête de la figure 5, le système de chauffage étant en position écartée.  - Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the head of Figure 5, the heating system being in the separated position.
Les figures là 4 illustrent une tête 1 de placement de fibres selon l'invention équipée d'un système de chauffage 2, permettant le drapage automatique au contact sur la surface d'application 91 d'un moule 9 de bandes formées de plusieurs fibres, par déplacement relatif de la tête par rapport au moule via un système de déplacement.  FIGS. 4 and 4 illustrate a fiber placement head 1 according to the invention equipped with a heating system 2, allowing automatic draping in contact on the application surface 91 of a mold 9 of strips formed of several fibers, by relative displacement of the head relative to the mold via a displacement system.
La tête 1 comprend un rouleau 11 de compactage, un système de guidage principal 12 pour guider les fibres en direction du rouleau sous la forme de deux nappes de fibres, afin de former une bande de fibres dans laquelle les fibres sont disposées sensiblement bord à bord. En référence à la figure 2, la tête comprend par exemple un système de guidage principal tel que décrit dans le document brevet précité, comprenant des premiers canaux de guidage et des seconds canaux de guidage dans lesquels passent respectivement des premières fibres 81 de la première nappe et des secondes fibres 82 de la seconde nappe. Les premiers canaux et les seconds canaux sont disposés en quinconce, selon deux plans de guidage, représentés schématiquement sous les références PI et P2, se rapprochant l'un de l'autre d'amont en aval, de sorte que les fibres 81 , 82 des deux nappes soient sensiblement disposées bord à bord au niveau du rouleau de compactage. Ces canaux de guidage sont par exemple formés à l'interface d'assemblage d'une pièce centrale 121, en forme de coin, et de deux plaques latérales 122, 123. The head 1 comprises a compacting roller 11, a main guide system 12 for guiding the fibers towards the roll in the form of two plies of fibers, to form a fiber web in which the fibers are disposed substantially edge to edge . With reference to FIG. 2, the head comprises, for example, a main guide system as described in the aforementioned patent document, comprising first guide channels and second guide channels into which first fibers 81 of the first sheet respectively pass. and second fibers 82 of the second web. The first channels and the second channels are staggered in two guide planes, shown diagrammatically under the references PI and P2, approaching each other from upstream to downstream, so that the fibers 81, 82 two plies are substantially disposed edge to edge at the compacting roller. These guide channels are for example formed at the assembly interface of a central piece 121, wedge-shaped, and two side plates 122, 123.
La tête comprend par exemple une structure support 13 sur laquelle est monté le système de guidage principal 12 et par laquelle la tête peut être assemblée à un système de déplacement (non représenté) qui est apte à déplacer la tête selon au moins trois directions perpendiculaires les unes aux autres. Le rouleau est monté libre en rotation autour d'un axe Al de rotation sur deux pièces d'assemblage 14, par lesquelles le rouleau est monté de manière amovible sur la structure support 13. Le système de déplacement comprend par exemple un robot comprenant un poignet ou bras poly-articulé à l'extrémité duquel est montée ladite tête. En variante, la tête est fixe et le moule est apte à être déplacé par rapport à la tête pour effectuer les opérations de drapage. Les fibres sont acheminées depuis des moyens de stockage (non représentés) jusqu'à la tête via des moyens d'acheminement (non représentés). Les moyens de stockage de fibres peuvent comprendre un cantre dans le cas de fibres conditionnées sous forme de bobines. Les moyens d'acheminement peuvent être formés de tubes flexibles, chaque tube recevant une fibre dans son passage interne.  The head comprises for example a support structure 13 on which is mounted the main guide system 12 and by which the head can be assembled to a displacement system (not shown) which is able to move the head in at least three directions perpendicular to the to each other. The roller is rotatably mounted about an axis Al of rotation on two assembly parts 14, by which the roller is removably mounted on the support structure 13. The displacement system comprises for example a robot comprising a wrist or poly-articulated arm at the end of which is mounted said head. Alternatively, the head is fixed and the mold is adapted 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.
De manière connue en soi, la tête comprend des moyens de coupe pour couper individuellement chaque fibre passant dans le système de guidage principal, des moyens de blocage pour bloquer individuellement chaque fibre venant d'être coupée, et des moyens de réacheminement ou d'entraînement pour réacheminer individuellement jusqu'au rouleau chaque fibre venant d'être coupée, ceci afin de pouvoir à tout moment stopper et reprendre l'application d'une fibre, ainsi que choisir la largeur de la bande. Ces différents moyens (non représentés) sont décrits notamment dans le document brevet précité.  In a manner known per se, the head comprises cutting means for individually cutting each fiber passing through the main guide system, blocking means for individually blocking each fiber that has just been cut, and means for rerouting or driving to individually reroute each fiber that has just been cut to the roll, in order to be able to stop and resume the application of a fiber at any time, as well as to choose the width of the strip. These various means (not shown) are described in particular in the aforementioned patent document.
La tête est par exemple prévue pour recevoir seize fibres, et permettre l'application d'une bande de seize fibres, par exemple chacune de 6,35 mm (1/4 de pouce) de large.  The head is for example designed to receive sixteen fibers, and allow the application of a strip of sixteen fibers, for example each 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) wide.
Le système de chauffage 2 est disposé en amont du rouleau par rapport à la direction d'avancement de la tête lors du drapage, illustrée par la flèche référencée SI. Il comprend une première lampe 3 à rayonnement infrarouge, appelée lampe infrarouge, pour chauffer les δ fibres sortant du système de guidage principal 12, et deux deuxièmes lampes infrarouges 4, disposées en amont de la première lampe infrarouge, pour chauffer, en amont du rouleau de compactage par rapport à la direction d'avancement de la tête, la surface de drapage et/ou les fibres préalablement drapées. The heating system 2 is disposed upstream of the roll with respect to the direction of advance of the head during draping, illustrated by the arrow referenced SI. It includes a first lamp 3 with infrared radiation, called infrared lamp, to heat the δ fibers leaving the main guidance system 12, and two second infrared lamps 4, arranged upstream of the first infrared lamp, for heating, upstream of the compacting roller with respect to the direction of advance of the head, the surface of draping and / or previously draped fibers.
Les lampes 3, 4 sont montées sur un système support 21 qui est assemblée à la tête, et sont disposées parallèlement à l'axe Al du rouleau de compactage, de sorte que le rayonnement 31 de la première lampe 3 est orienté vers le rouleau, tandis que les rayonnements 41 des deuxièmes lampes 4 sont orientés vers la surface d'application. Chaque lampe s'étend sur toute la longueur du rouleau de compactage, de manière à pouvoir chauffer ici une bande de seize fibres. Les lampes infrarouges sont ici des lampes à double tubes ou tubes jumelés. Pour chaque lampe, les tubes jumelés sont munis d'un côté d'un revêtement réflecteur 33 afin de concentrer le rayonnement, former une barrière écran et ainsi de limiter la chauffe du système de guidage principal et du système support 21.  The lamps 3, 4 are mounted on a support system 21 which is assembled at the head, and are arranged parallel to the axis A1 of the compacting roller, so that the radiation 31 of the first lamp 3 is oriented towards the roller, while the radiation 41 of the second lamps 4 are oriented towards the application surface. Each lamp extends over the entire length of the compaction roller, so that a strip of sixteen fibers can be heated here. Infrared lamps are here lamps with double tubes or twin tubes. For each lamp, the twin tubes are provided on one side with a reflective coating 33 in order to concentrate the radiation, form a screen barrier and thus limit the heating of the main guide system and the support system 21.
Le système support 21 comprend deux bras 211 entre lesquels sont montées les lampes 3, 4, les bras étant assemblés par leur première extrémité aux pièces d'assemblage 14. Les bras sont de préférence montés rotatifs et peuvent être déplacés entre une position active de drapage illustrée aux figures 1 et 2, et une position écartée dite de maintenance, illustrée à la figure 4, dans laquelle le système de chauffage 2 est écarté du système de guidage principal 12 pour permettre l'accès à ce dernier et réaliser des opérations de maintenance. Des moyens de blocage permettent de maintenir le système de chauffage en position active, ces moyens comprenant par exemple pour chaque bras une tige manœuvrée par un bouton 22, et apte à venir s'insérer dans un renfoncement 15 approprié de la structure support 13. Une plaque ou grille de protection 23 est montée aux deuxièmes extrémités des bras 211, et peut être déplacée depuis une position escamotée illustrée à la figure 1, vers une position de maintenance illustrée à la figure 3B. La grille est amenée en position escamotée lors des opérations de drapage et est amenée en position de maintenance au- dessus les lampes, afin de protéger les lampes lors des opérations de maintenance, ainsi que les opérateurs pour limiter les risques de brûlures. The support system 21 comprises two arms 211 between which the lamps 3, 4 are mounted, the arms being assembled at their first end to the assembly parts 14. The arms are preferably rotatably mounted and can be moved between an active layup position. illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a so-called maintenance maintenance position, illustrated in FIG. 4, in which the heating system 2 is moved away from the main guidance system 12 to allow access to the latter and to carry out maintenance operations . Locking means make it possible to keep the heating system in the active position, these means comprising for example for each arm a rod operated by a button 22, and able to fit into a suitable recess 15 of the support structure 13. plate or protection grid 23 is mounted at the second ends of the arms 211, and can be moved from a retracted position illustrated in Figure 1, to a maintenance position shown in Figure 3B. The grid is brought into the retracted position during draping operations and is brought into the maintenance position above the lamps, in order to protect the lamps during operations. maintenance and operators to limit the risk of burns.
Un système de guidage secondaire est disposé entre la première lampe et le rouleau, et comprend une tige 5 s'étendant parallèlement à l'axe du rouleau et montée entre les deux bras 211 via deux flasques 51. La faible section de la tige forme un écran négligeable au rayonnement de la première lampe. La tige est avantageusement une tige creuse et est refroidie par un flux d'air circulant dans la tige. Lors du drapage, les fibres passent entre le rouleau 11 et la tige 5. La tige évite ainsi tout contact entre la fibre et la première lampe 3, en particulier après une opération de coupe, lorsque les extrémités des fibres quittent le système de guidage principal.  A secondary guide system is disposed between the first lamp and the roller, and comprises a rod 5 extending parallel to the axis of the roller and mounted between the two arms 211 via two flanges 51. The small section of the rod forms a negligible screen to the radiation of the first lamp. The rod is advantageously a hollow rod and is cooled by a flow of air flowing in the rod. During draping, the fibers pass between the roller 11 and the rod 5. The rod thus prevents any contact between the fiber and the first lamp 3, in particular after a cutting operation, when the ends of the fibers leave the main guide system. .
Le système de guidage principal comprend un déflecteur 6, disposé au-dessus de la première lampe 3, et formé d'une lame flexible. Ce déflecteur permet d'écarter les fibres de la première lampe en sortie des canaux et de les orienter entre le rouleau la tige, notamment lors des opérations de réacheminement de fibres après une opération de coupe, lorsque les extrémités des fibres sortent des canaux. Le déflecteur est ici monté directement sur le système de guidage principal. En variante, ce déflecteur 6 est monté sur le système support 21 du système de chauffage.  The main guide system comprises a deflector 6, disposed above the first lamp 3, and formed of a flexible blade. This deflector makes it possible to separate the fibers of the first lamp at the outlet of the channels and to orient them between the roller and the rod, in particular during fiber re-routing operations after a cutting operation, when the ends of the fibers leave the channels. The baffle is here mounted directly on the main guide system. In a variant, this deflector 6 is mounted on the support system 21 of the heating system.
Selon une autre variante, une ou plusieurs autres tiges sont prévues en amont et/ou en aval de la tige 5 précitée.  According to another variant, one or more other rods are provided upstream and / or downstream of the aforementioned rod 5.
Selon une autre variante, la ou les tiges 5, ainsi qu'éventuellement le déflecteur 6, sont remplacés par une grille empêchant le passage de fibres entre ladite grille et la première lampe 3 tout en autorisant le chauffage des fibres sortant du système de guidage principal par le rayonnement émis par la première lampe.  According to another variant, the rod or rods 5, as well as possibly the deflector 6, are replaced by a grid preventing the passage of fibers between said grid and the first lamp 3 while allowing the heating of the fibers coming out of the main guide system. by the radiation emitted by the first lamp.
La tête de placement de fibres comprend avantageusement un rouleau de compactage 11 apte à s'adapter à la surface d'application, notamment à des surfaces d'application convexes et/ou concaves pour garantir un compactage sensiblement uniforme sur toute la largeur de la bande. Le rouleau est par exemple un rouleau de compactage en un matériau dit souple, qui est déformable élastiquement, tel qu'un élastomère. Le rouleau est refroidi par un système de refroidissement 16 comprenant un déflecteur ou tuyère alimenté en air par des conduites (non représentées) connectées à la tuyère via des connecteurs 16a, la tuyère recouvrant le rouleau sur un secteur important, de plus de 180°, opposé à la surface d'application. The fiber placement head advantageously comprises a compacting roller 11 adapted to adapt to the application surface, in particular to convex and / or concave application surfaces to ensure substantially uniform compaction over the entire width of the strip. . The roller is for example a compacting roll of a so-called flexible material, which is elastically deformable, such as an elastomer. The roll is cooled by a cooling system 16 comprising a deflector or nozzle supplied with air by conduits (not shown) connected to the nozzle via connectors 16a, the nozzle covering the roll over a large sector, more than 180 °, opposite the application surface.
Dans l'exemple illustré, chaque lampe 3, 4 comprend deux tubes jumelés en verre de quartz, équipés d'un côté d'un système de connexion 43 électrique pour le branchement électrique des filaments 44 des tubes, lesdits filaments étant reliés ensemble électriquement de l'autre côté par un connecteur 45. A titre d'exemple, le système de chauffage comprend des lampes ou émetteurs infrarouge commercialisés sous la dénomination commerciale Golden 8 par la société Heraeus Noblelight.  In the illustrated example, each lamp 3, 4 comprises two twin quartz glass tubes, equipped on one side with an electrical connection system 43 for the electrical connection of the filaments 44 of the tubes, said filaments being electrically connected together with each other. the other side by a connector 45. For example, the heating system comprises infrared lamps or emitters marketed under the trade name Golden 8 by the company Heraeus Noblelight.
Lors du drapage, le système de chauffage est en position active, la première lampe 3 chauffe les fibres à draper sortant du système de guidage principal, avant leur application sur la surface d'application par le rouleau, et les deuxièmes lampes 4 chauffent la surface d'application et/ou des fibres du ou des plis précédents, ceci afin de garantir la liaison entre les fibres à draper et la surface et/ou les fibres préalablement drapées.  During draping, the heating system is in the active position, the first lamp 3 heats the draper fibers coming out of the main guide system, before they are applied to the application surface by the roll, and the second lamps 4 heat the surface application and / or fibers of the previous ply or plies, this to ensure the connection between the fibers to be draped and the surface and / or fibers previously draped.
Selon une variante de réalisation, la première lampe 3 est orientée de manière à chauffer également la zone de pincement entre le rouleau et la surface d'application, ainsi qu'éventuellement la partie de la surface d'application ou des fibres préalablement drapées qui est juste en amont du rouleau.  According to an alternative embodiment, the first lamp 3 is oriented so as to also heat the nip between the roll and the application surface, as well as possibly the part of the application surface or previously draped fibers which is just upstream of the roll.
Les figures 5 et 6 illustrent une variante de réalisation dans laquelle la tête est en outre équipée d'un système de guidage secondaire dit latéral 7, permettant de guider latéralement les fibres sortant du système de guidage principal. Ce système de guidage secondaire latéral se présente sous la forme d'un peigne, comprenant une base 71 par laquelle le peigne est monté sur la tête, ladite base portant une pluralité de doigts 72.  Figures 5 and 6 illustrate an alternative embodiment in which the head is further equipped with a secondary said lateral guide system 7, for laterally guiding the fibers coming out of the main guide system. This lateral secondary guide system is in the form of a comb, comprising a base 71 by which the comb is mounted on the head, said base carrying a plurality of fingers 72.
~ 7 Les ; doigts" 721^~pr^ ou petites plaques, de faible épaisseur, montées parallèlement entre elles sur une barre formant la base 71 , avec un pas d'écartement entre deux languettes adjacentes correspondant sensiblement à la largeur d'une fibre. Le peigne est monté par sa base sur la structure support 13, de sorte que les languettes soient disposées entre le rouleau 11 et le système de guidage principal 12, leurs surfaces planes principales disposées perpendiculairement à l'axe Al du rouleau, chaque fibre qui sort d'un canal du système de guidage principal 12 passant entre deux languettes adjacentes. Les languettes s'étendent sensiblement depuis les sorties des canaux du système de guidage principal jusqu'à la tige 5. Les languettes présentent sur leur bord d'extrémité libre une encoche sans laquelle vient se positionner la tige 5 dans la position active du système de chauffage. Chaque fibre est ainsi guidée latéralement entre deux languettes, les languettes empêchant un déplacement latéral des fibres parallèlement à l'axe Al du rouleau. La faible section des languettes, à savoir leur faible épaisseur, forme un écran négligeable au rayonnement émis par la première lampe. ~ 7 The; fingers "721 ^ ~ pr ^ or small plates of small thickness, mounted parallel to one another on a bar forming the base 71, with a spacing pitch between two adjacent tabs substantially corresponding to the width of a fiber. The comb is mounted by its base on the support structure 13, so that the tongues are arranged between the roll 11 and the main guide system 12, their main planar surfaces disposed perpendicular to the axis Al of the roll, each fiber coming out of a channel of the main guide system 12 passing between two adjacent tongues. The tongues extend substantially from the outputs of the channels of the main guide system to the rod 5. The tabs have on their free end edge a notch without which is positioned the rod 5 in the active position of the system. heater. Each fiber is thus guided laterally between two tongues, the tabs preventing lateral displacement of the fibers parallel to the axis Al of the roll. The small section of the tongues, namely their small thickness, forms a screen negligible to the radiation emitted by the first lamp.
Dans une variante de réalisation, le système de guidage principal latéral comprend uniquement les deux languettes dites extérieures, du peigne précité, référencées 72a et 72b, permettant de guider latéralement les fibres extérieures d'une bande complète, formée dans cet exemple de 16 fibres, les deux languettes empêchant un déplacement latéral de la bande dans une direction parallèle à l'axe de rotation du rouleau.  In an alternative embodiment, the lateral main guide system comprises only the two so-called outer tongues, of the aforementioned comb, referenced 72a and 72b, for laterally guiding the outer fibers of a complete strip, formed in this example of 16 fibers, the two tabs preventing lateral displacement of the strip in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller.
Bien que l'invention ait été décrite en liaison avec différents modes de réalisation particuliers, il est bien évident qu'elle n'y est nullement limitée et qu'elle comprend tous les équivalents techniques des moyens décrits ainsi que leurs combinaisons si celles-ci entrent dans le cadre de l'invention.  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.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Tête d'application de fibres pour la réalisation de pièces en matériau composite, comprenant  1. Fiber application head for producing parts made of composite material, comprising
- un rouleau d'application (11) pour l'application d'une bande formée d'une ou plusieurs fibres (81 , 82) sur une surface (91) d'application,  - an application roll (11) for applying a web of one or more fibers (81, 82) to an application surface (91),
- un système de guidage (12) principal pour guider au moins une fibre vers ledit rouleau d'application, et  a main guide system (12) for guiding at least one fiber towards said application roller, and
- un système de chauffage (2) apte à émettre un rayonnement thermique en direction de la bande, juste avant application par le rouleau,  a heating system (2) able to emit thermal radiation in the direction of the strip, just before application by the roll,
caractérisée en ce que le système de chauffage (2) comprend characterized in that the heating system (2) comprises
- au moins une première lampe (3) infrarouge apte à chauffer la bande entre sa sortie du système de guidage principal et la zone de contact entre le rouleau d'application et la surface d'application, et at least one first infrared lamp (3) capable of heating the strip between its exit from the main guiding system and the contact zone between the application roller and the application surface, and
- au moins une deuxième lampe infrarouge (4) apte à chauffer, en amont du rouleau, la surface d'application et/ou une ou plusieurs bandes préalablement appliquées,  at least one second infrared lamp (4) capable of heating, upstream of the roll, the application surface and / or one or more strips previously applied,
- ladite tête comprenant en outre un système de guidage secondaire (5, 6, 7) apte à guider la bande entre le système de guidage principal et le rouleau d'application tout en permettant le chauffage de ladite bande par la première lampe entre le système de guidage principal et le rouleau d'application.  said head further comprising a secondary guiding system (5, 6, 7) capable of guiding the strip between the main guiding system and the application roller while allowing said strip to be heated by the first lamp between the system main guide and the application roller.
2. Tête selon la revendication 1 , caractérisée en ce que ledit système de guidage secondaire (7) est apte à guider latéralement ladite bande en sortie du système de guidage principal (12).  2. Head according to claim 1, characterized in that said secondary guide system (7) is adapted to laterally guide said strip at the output of the main guide system (12).
3. Tête selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que ledit système de guidage comprend un peigne (7) dont les doigts (72) s'étendent sensiblement perpendiculairement à l'axe de rotation (Al) du rouleau d'application.  3. Head according to claim 2, characterized in that said guide system comprises a comb (7) whose fingers (72) extend substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation (Al) of the application roller.
4. Tête selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que chaque fibre de la bande est apte à être guidée entre deux doigts (72) du peigne (7).  4. Head according to claim 3, characterized in that each fiber of the strip is adapted to be guided between two fingers (72) of the comb (7).
5. Tête selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que ledit peigne (7) comprend uniquement deux doigts (72a, 72b) entre lesquels la bande est guidée. 5. Head according to claim 3, characterized in that said comb (7) comprises only two fingers (72a, 72b) between which the band is guided.
6. Tête selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisée en ce que ledit système de guidage secondaire (5) est apte à maintenir la bande écartée de la première lampe (3), pour éviter le contact de la bande avec la première lampe. 6. Head according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said secondary guide system (5) is adapted to maintain the band away from the first lamp (3), to avoid contact of the strip with the first lamp.
7. Tête selon la revendication 6, caractérisée en ce que ledit système de guidage secondaire comprend au moins une tige (5) disposée entre la première lampe (3) et le rouleau d'application (11), sensiblement parallèlement à l'axe du rouleau, la bande passant entre la dite tige et le rouleau d'application.  7. Head according to claim 6, characterized in that said secondary guide system comprises at least one rod (5) disposed between the first lamp (3) and the application roller (11), substantially parallel to the axis of the roll, the band passing between said rod and the application roller.
8. Tête selon les revendications 5 et 7, caractérisée en ce que chaque doigt (72) du peigne (7) est en contact avec la tige (5).  8. Head according to claims 5 and 7, characterized in that each finger (72) of the comb (7) is in contact with the rod (5).
9. Tête selon la revendication 7 ou 8, caractérisée en ce que ladite tige (5) est creuse et est refroidie par un fluide circulant dans ladite tige.  9. Head according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said rod (5) is hollow and is cooled by a fluid flowing in said rod.
10. Tête selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisée en ce que le rayonnement thermique de chaque première lampe (3) est centré vers le rouleau d'application, et le rayonnement thermique de la deuxième lampe (4) est centré vers la surface d'application en amont du rouleau d'application.  10. Head according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the heat radiation of each first lamp (3) is centered towards the application roller, and the heat radiation of the second lamp (4) is centered towards the application surface upstream of the application roller.
11. Tête selon l'une des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisée en ce qu'elle constitue une tête de placement de fibres.  11. Head according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it constitutes a fiber placement head.
12. Procédé de réalisation d'une pièce en matériau composite une comprenant l'application de fibres continues sur une surface d'application pour former pour former une préforme comprenant plusieurs plis de fibres superposés dans différentes orientations, chaque pli étant réalisé par application d'une ou plusieurs bandes selon une orientation, chaque bande étant formée d'une ou plusieurs fibres, caractérisé en ce que l'application de fibres est réalisée au moyen d'une tête d'application de fibres selon l'une des revendications 1 à 11 , par déplacement relatif de la tête d'application par rapport à la surface de drapage selon différentes trajectoires de dépose.  12. A method of producing a composite material part one comprising the application of continuous fibers to an application surface to form to form a preform comprising several folds of fibers superimposed in different orientations, each fold being made by application of one or more webs in an orientation, each web being formed of one or more fibers, characterized in that the fiber application is carried out by means of a fiber application head according to one of claims 1 to 11 , by relative displacement of the application head relative to the layup surface according to different removal paths.
EP16713511.0A 2015-03-16 2016-03-10 Fibre application head with infrared heating system Withdrawn EP3271159A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR1500553A FR3033729B1 (en) 2015-03-16 2015-03-16 FIBER APPLICATION HEAD WITH INFRARED HEATING SYSTEM
PCT/FR2016/000043 WO2016146902A1 (en) 2015-03-16 2016-03-10 Fibre application head with infrared heating system

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FR3034338B1 (en) 2015-04-01 2017-04-21 Coriolis Composites FIBER APPLICATION HEAD WITH PARTICULAR APPLICATION ROLLER
FR3043010B1 (en) 2015-10-28 2017-10-27 Coriolis Composites FIBER APPLICATION MACHINE WITH PARTICULAR CUTTING SYSTEMS
FR3048373B1 (en) 2016-03-07 2018-05-18 Coriolis Group PROCESS FOR MAKING PREFORMS WITH APPLICATION OF A BINDER ON DRY FIBER AND CORRESPONDING MACHINE
FR3056438B1 (en) 2016-09-27 2019-11-01 Coriolis Group METHOD FOR PRODUCING COMPOSITE MATERIAL PARTS BY IMPREGNATING A PARTICULAR PREFORM
FR3062336B1 (en) * 2017-02-02 2019-04-12 Safran Ceramics PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING A PIECE OF COMPOSITE MATERIAL
GB2561914B (en) * 2017-04-28 2022-04-27 Hexcel Reinforcements Uk Ltd Apparatus for and method of fibre placement for the formation of fibre preforms
FR3079162B1 (en) 2018-03-20 2020-04-24 Technip France COMPACTION DEVICE OF A TUBULAR STRUCTURE, RELATED INSTALLATION AND METHOD
JP2022532393A (en) 2019-05-16 2022-07-14 アクリビア Torch and plasma heating method for placing composite rovings
WO2021200498A1 (en) 2020-03-30 2021-10-07 東レ株式会社 Fiber placement device
US11198261B1 (en) * 2020-06-03 2021-12-14 The Boeing Company Systems and methods for deposition and high-frequency microwave inspection of uncured fiber-reinforced polymeric materials

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FR2882681B1 (en) 2005-03-03 2009-11-20 Coriolis Composites FIBER APPLICATION HEAD AND CORRESPONDING MACHINE
FR2913365B1 (en) * 2007-03-06 2013-07-26 Coriolis Composites Attn Olivier Bouroullec FIBER APPLICATION HEAD WITH PARTICULAR FIBER CUTTING SYSTEMS
FR2937582B1 (en) * 2008-10-28 2010-12-17 Coriolis Composites FIBER APPLICATION MACHINE WITH FLEXIBLE FIBER DELIVERY TUBES PLACED IN A COLD SHEATH
FR2982793B1 (en) * 2011-11-18 2019-06-28 Coriolis Group BI-DIRECTIONAL FIBER APPLICATION HEAD
FR2999466B1 (en) * 2012-12-18 2015-06-19 Airbus Operations Sas FIBER PLACEMENT MACHINE COMPRISING A ROLLER WITH SWIVEL RINGS
FR3006938B1 (en) * 2013-06-18 2015-10-02 Coriolis Composites HEAD OF BI DIRECTIONAL FIBER APPLICATION WITH TWO ROLLS
FR3009510B1 (en) * 2013-08-06 2016-01-01 Astrium Sas HEAD FOR REMOVING THREADS FOR PRODUCING COMPOSITE MATERIALS

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