Method of consolidating plastic composites

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for consolidating a plastic (2) with fibers, comprising the following steps: (a) placing the plastic (2) with fibers to be consolidated on a carrier plate (10); (b) heating the plastic (2) with fibers on the carrier plate (10); (c) placing the carrier plate (10) with the heated plastic (2) with fibers on a bottom (6); (d) covering the bottom (6) comprising the carrier plate (10) with a consolidation hood (4), wherein the consolidation hood (4) has a membrane (5) on the side facing the bottom (6) which defines a cavity, wherein the membrane (5) covers the heated plastic on the carrier plate (10); (e) heating the membrane (5) and establishing an overpressure in the cavity (8); (f) cooling the carrier plate (10); (g) opening the consolidation hood (4) and removing the consolidated plastic with continuous fibers. The invention also relates to an apparatus for the method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for consolidating fibrous plastics, the apparatus comprising a bottom having a cooling plate, the bottom being separable by a consolidation shroud having a membrane on its bottom-facing side, a cavity being formed between the inner wall of the consolidation shroud and the membrane, and a heating device for heating the cavity being provided. Furthermore, this invention relates to a method for consolidating fibrous plastics. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber-reinforced plastic composites containing fibers are known to possess good mechanical properties, but are currently used only in a few technological fields. The infrequent use of these fiber-reinforced plastic composites is due to the fact that their production, particularly their bonding, is both expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, the use of fiber-reinforced plastic composites containing fibers is limited to high-tech fields where the mechanical and physical advantages outweigh the cost disadvantages.

[0003] WO 2017 / 129393 A1, DE 10 2021 000 921 A1 and DE 37 27 926 A1 all describe apparatus for molding thermoplastic materials, the apparatus having a bottom that can be covered by a shroud having a cavity that can be heated by a heating device.

[0004] DE 101 457 98 A1 discloses a press for sheet-like workpieces, such as carrier plates pressed from film material for producing furniture panels. The press includes an upper press table and a lower press table, wherein the lower press table has a fixed design and is located on a support. DE 10 2021 000 921 A1, EP 2 189 276 A1, and DE 198 597 98C1 disclose pressing tools having a membrane between pressing tools.

[0005] US 11007730 B2 discloses an apparatus for curing / solidifying polymer prepreg fabric preforms, comprising: (i) a mold without heating or cooling equipment, including a forming surface and a mounting surface for reproducing the shape of the fabric preform; (ii) a sealed housing of the preform on the mold; (iii) means for applying a vacuum within the housing surrounding the fabric preform; and (iv) a hot block including means for induction heating and a receiving interface that interacts with the mounting surface of the mold to position the mold and transfer heat between the mold and the hot block.

[0006] US 5037599 A discloses a method for producing nonplanar thermoplastic composite materials from a thermoplastic drapeable prepreg formed in the interior of a mold cavity. The film is formed into the shape of a finished part by pressure and temperature.

[0007] US 5378134 A discloses an apparatus for forming a composite material using a lower plate and an upper plate, further comprising a membrane through which force can be applied by means of fluid. Similar apparatuses are disclosed in JP 4 670313 B2 or WO 2014 / 195799 A2. Summary of the Invention

[0008] While such devices are indeed known from the prior art, they are not suitable for consolidating fiber-containing plastics to form consolidated fiber-reinforced plastic composites. Known methods for consolidating fiber-containing plastics are extremely complex.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a simple and cost-effective method for consolidating fiber-reinforced plastics to form consolidated fiber-reinforced plastic composites. Apparatus suitable for this method is also provided.

[0010] On the one hand, this objective is achieved by a method for consolidating fiber-reinforced plastics to form a consolidated fiber-reinforced plastic composite material, the method comprising the following steps:

[0011] (a) Place the fibrous plastic to be consolidated on a carrier plate;

[0012] (b) A plastic heating carrier plate with fibers;

[0013] (c) Place the heated, fibrous plastic carrier plate on the bottom;

[0014] (d) The bottom and the carrier plate are covered together with a consolidation hood, the consolidation hood having a membrane on the bottom-facing side that defines a cavity, the membrane covering the heated fibrous plastic on the carrier plate;

[0015] (e) Heating the membrane and applying overpressure within the cavity;

[0016] (f) Cooling carrier plate;

[0017] (g) Open the consolidation shroud and remove the consolidated plastic with continuous fibers.

[0018] On the other hand, this objective is also achieved through a device for consolidating fibrous plastics.

[0019] The device has a bottom with a cooling plate.

[0020] The bottom can be sealed by a consolidation cover.

[0021] The consolidation shroud has a membrane on the bottom-facing side.

[0022] A cavity is formed between the inner wall of the consolidation hood and the membrane.

[0023] It is equipped with a heating device for heating the cavity.

[0024] Its characteristic is that it is provided with a carrier plate for the fibrous plastic.

[0025] The bottom has a bearing surface for removably receiving the carrier plate.

[0026] It has a heating device associated with a carrier plate, which is configured to heat the carrier plate at a heating position.

[0027] The heating element can be located outside the actual equipment. Specifically, the heating element is neither located on or within the bottom, nor on or within the solidification shroud, but rather at a distance from the bottom and the solidification shroud. As a result, the carrier plate can be heated outside the bottom and the solidification shroud.

[0028] This invention provides a consolidation method and consolidation apparatus that presses plastic and fibers together under pressure and temperature. According to this invention, a very fast consolidation cycle can be achieved, and furthermore, consolidated fiber-reinforced plastic composites of varying thicknesses can be produced without investing in geometry-adapted tools or molds.

[0029] At the start of this method, the fiber-reinforced plastic to be consolidated does not yet possess its final physical material properties, such as strength, stiffness, and density. When the consolidated fiber-reinforced plastic composite material is produced, only through the treatment of this invention can the final physical material properties of the fiber-reinforced plastic to be consolidated be achieved.

[0030] There are different options for the plastic and fiber materials to be consolidated (hereinafter collectively referred to as "starting materials"):

[0031] a) Fibers are used to reinforce the plastic forming the matrix component. The fibers have higher strength and stiffness in the tensile direction compared to the matrix component. Preferred fibers are carbon fibers, glass fibers, and aramid fibers. Other examples are metal fibers and natural fibers such as flax and hemp. In one embodiment variation, the fiber is a thermoplastic fiber with a melting or softening temperature higher than the matrix component used (preferably, the melting or softening temperature is at least 30°C higher than the matrix component). The fiber can be a short fiber, a long fiber, or a continuous fiber; preferably, continuous fibers are used, with a length within the range of the component dimensions. The fiber can be a simple roving made only of reinforcing fibers or a hybrid roving (i.e., a roving made of reinforcing fibers and a matrix material).

[0032] b) The plastic to be solidified is particularly preferably a thermoplastic because it softens upon heating. Examples include polyamides or polyolefins, as well as high-performance thermoplastics such as PEEK. Another example of a plastic is a wax, such as a low-melting-point wax. In its initial form, the plastic can also exist as a crosslinking reactive resin or as a thermosetting polymer. In this case, step b) involves heating, preferably to the temperature at which the plastic melts. For amorphous thermoplastics, this can be based on the softening temperature (glass transition temperature T). g For semi-crystalline thermoplastics, this can be determined based on the melting temperature (T). m This is determined by [the method used], and the temperature should be heated above these values. Therefore, the temperature is preferably greater than 180°C, within the typical initial molding temperature range for thermoplastics.

[0033] c) The starting materials themselves may already be in fibrous form. For example, plastics and fibers can exist as unconsolidated mixed fibers (i.e., as a semi-finished fibrous product made of reinforcing fibers and at least one matrix fiber). Other starting materials can be thermoplastic unidirectional prepregs (UD prepregs or tapes) or fabric prepregs (so-called organic sheets), which are assembled to form a laminate. What these starting materials have in common is that they are compressed under pressure and at temperatures above the melting or softening temperature of the matrix material, and then cooled to achieve the final strength and stiffness.

[0034] The plastic may also preferably be in the form of fibers. Polymer fibers with a melting or softening temperature range of 50 to 400°C are preferred, and thermoplastic plastics are preferred, as described above. The polymer fibers may have semi-crystalline or even amorphous characteristics. In addition to being in the initial form of fibers, the matrix component may also exist, for example, as polymer powder, melt layer, or film.

[0035] Furthermore, composite structures consisting of at least two separate layers pre-impregnated with a matrix can be used as starting materials. However, there is no complete surface bonding between the individual layers; instead, there is only a defined orientation of the fiber angles used for reinforcement.

[0036] In this invention, the starting material is placed on a carrier plate outside the device and heated. The carrier plate is located in a heated position, where the heating device is associated with the carrier plate so that the carrier plate can be heated at that position. The carrier plate may already be heated when the starting material is placed on it, or it may be heated after the placement. Preferably, the carrier plate is heated before the starting material is placed, but it may also be heated after the initial material is placed.

[0037] In the heated state, the carrier plate, together with the plastic to be solidified, is transferred into the device according to the invention, to the bottom of the device. This can be achieved, for example, using a conveying device. The device includes a coolable cooling plate and a heatable solidification shroud. For cooling, the coolable cooling plate may have cooling channels through which a cooling medium can flow. Therefore, a conveying device can be provided for the device, by which the carrier plate can be moved between the heated position and the bottom bearing surface.

[0038] The profile or shape of the consolidated fibrous plastic is no longer defined by the carrier plate. The actual profile is achieved using upstream or downstream processes. Preferably, only two-dimensional structures (i.e., plates or films) are produced using the carrier plate. Therefore, the carrier plate is also preferably substantially planar, i.e., the bearing surface for the starting material has a flat surface (no curvature). The carrier plate can be designed as a planetary carrier and can be supplied to a heating station to consolidate the same composite material structure according to the aforementioned scheme, or to consolidate different composite material structures due to geometric degrees of freedom.

[0039] For process engineering purposes, the outline of the stored fiber composite structure can be reproduced on the carrier plate in a raised or recessed manner to fix the outline of the introduced unconsolidated fiber-containing plastic. For example, indentations preferably in the range of 0.5 mm can be provided in the carrier plate.

[0040] To prevent the heating carrier plate disposed on the bottom bearing surface from sliding, advantageously, the bottom has a recess in the area of ​​the bearing surface, into which the carrier plate can preferably be partially inserted in a form-fitting manner. According to an embodiment, this recess can be directly integrated into the cooling plate or support.

[0041] Once the carrier plate is positioned on the bottom, the consolidation hood is positioned above the bottom, and the device is closed. The consolidation hood is sealed airtight with a membrane, creating a cavity between the inner wall of the consolidation hood and the membrane. Thus, the membrane is positioned on the bottom-facing side of the consolidation hood. The internal dimensions of the consolidation hood are at least equal to the external dimensions of the fibrous plastic to be consolidated; preferably, the carrier plate is completely covered. The consolidation hood covers the fibrous plastic that has not yet solidified but has been melted or activated.

[0042] The heating device is associated with a cavity within the consolidation shroud. The cavity can be heated using the heating device. For this purpose, one or more radiant heaters can be provided. The radiant heaters can be placed directly within the cavity for direct heat input. The radiant heaters are designed to generate radiant energy, particularly in the infrared spectral range. The heating device can be used to directly heat the film and the underlying carrier plate. Irradiation is maintained for a predetermined time period, preferably between 10 and 210 seconds. Irradiation ensures that the fiber composite structure maintains its operating temperature throughout the irradiation time. Alternatively, the radiant heater can be thermally connected to the cavity.

[0043] The consolidation hood has a membrane that is pressed onto the fibrous plastic to be consolidated, thereby achieving consolidation of the fibrous plastic with uneven thickness.

[0044] Because the membrane is stretched on the consolidation shroud, it can already be subjected to consolidation pressure when placed on the fibrous plastic to be consolidated. Furthermore, a pressure generating device can be provided to apply pressure to the cavity. According to a variant of the embodiment, the pressure generating device serves two purposes: firstly, it can accelerate consolidation. Secondly, in a variant of the embodiment where thermal decoupling between the carrier plate and the cooling plate is achieved through a thermal decoupling element, the length-adjustable thermal decoupling element can be compressed so that after consolidation, the cooling plate and the carrier plate can directly contact each other through relative movement to achieve cooling at the carrier plate.

[0045] For example, the membrane can be an entropically elastic material with highly elastic and reversible behavior, such as an elastomer, and an energy-elastic material with low elasticity, such as a metal membrane; as well as a purely energy-elastic material with plastic elasticity, such as a polymer film. Combinations of these can also be used, such as a combination of an elastomer film and a polymer film. The basic requirement is that the membrane can withstand the operating temperature and provide an hermetically sealed consolidation hood during cycling. Optionally, the membrane can be replaced after each cycle, or it can be retained in the device for several cycles or even permanently.

[0046] During the irradiation time, an additional overpressure is preferably generated simultaneously using the fluid in the consolidation hood, as described above. The consolidation pressure can then be established within the cavity of the consolidation hood. This pressure within the cavity is 0.5 to 200 bar higher than the ambient pressure, pressing the membrane against the carrier plate. As a result of exposure to operating temperature and overpressure conditions for a period of time, the fiber-containing plastic is consolidated. In the case of polymer matrix systems containing fibers, powders, or films, this achieves matrix flow, and thus proper wetting of the reinforcing fibers and air displacement. In the case of pre-impregnated laminates, the individual layers are fused together, and air displacement is also achieved. In crosslinked matrix systems, a continuous crosslinking reaction is achieved, and air displacement is also achieved. Air escape can be promoted by applying negative pressure (vacuum) to the bottom.

[0047] The procedure is as follows: The carrier plate is heated to the operating temperature outside the equipment. In this case, the operating temperature is understood to be the temperature at which the viscosity of the matrix component becomes sufficiently low to achieve good wetting properties or welding during the subsequent consolidation process. Heating the carrier plate outside the equipment can be achieved by convection, induction, conduction / thermal transfer, or radiation. Preferably, the carrier plate is brought to the appropriate operating temperature by thermal conduction and infrared radiation. This temperature is preferably higher than the melting or softening temperature of the thermoplastic matrix material used, preferably in the temperature range of 50 to 400°C. Specifically, the operating temperature should be at least within or above the softening or melting temperature range of the polymer matrix, or higher than the activation temperature used to cure the crosslinking matrix, thus in the temperature range of +50°C to +400°C. The carrier plate is preferably preheated to the operating temperature and the matrix component melted or crosslinking reaction initiated when the composite structure is placed.

[0048] The heating carrier plate, containing fibrous plastic, is transferred into the equipment and placed on a supporting surface at the bottom. During this process, the transfer time should be as short as possible to maintain the temperature of the introduced carrier plate as much as possible. In this case, the transfer time is within a few seconds. For this purpose, handling equipment can be provided.

[0049] In addition, the heating device is in operation, heating the membrane or heating the starting material through the membrane. L utilizes the heating device and the previously heated carrier plate to ensure that the starting material maintains or reaches the appropriate temperature before the consolidation process is completed.

[0050] After the irradiation time has elapsed, the heating equipment is turned off or the power is reduced. Overpressure is maintained and acts on the fiber composite structure. In principle, the overpressure can also be reduced or increased. After the irradiation time has elapsed, the cooling process is initiated immediately by changing the relative positions of the carrier plate and the cooling plate to establish contact with the cooling plate. Particularly good heat transfer is preferred when the cooling plate is in contact with the carrier plate. The larger the contact area between the cooling plate and the carrier plate, the faster the consolidated fiber composite structure cools. If the fiber composite structure reaches a specific cooling temperature, the pressure can be released and the consolidation shroud can be reopened. In this case, the cooling temperature again depends on the matrix system used; in the case of a polymer matrix system, it should be at least 10°C lower than the melting or softening temperature to achieve sufficient stability. After this cycle, the composite structure reaches its final material-specific physical properties, such as strength, elastic modulus, and density. The compaction is particularly pronounced for thicker structures compared to the starting material. The change in the relative positions of the carrier plate and the cooling plate is preferably reversible, so the procedure can be repeated from (a) to (g).

[0051] Subsequently, the carrier plate with the compacted and consolidated composite material structure is removed from the consolidation cover, the composite material structure is removed from the carrier plate, and further processing steps, such as molding, can be performed on it.

[0052] Preferably, a cooling device is provided through which the cooling plate can be cooled. For this purpose, holes can be provided in the cooling device through which a cooling medium can be guided. Cooling of the cooling plate can be achieved, for example, using water or other media. The cooling temperature is preferably at least 20°C lower than the operating temperature of the carrier plate.

[0053] During step (e), the cooling plate that is preferably cooled is preferably not in direct contact with the carrier plate; for this purpose, it is thermally separated from the carrier plate through an air gap.

[0054] The cooling plate enables the solidified composite material to cool more quickly. The simplest operating mode involves permanent cooling of the cooling plate by a cooling device. However, to ensure that the cooling plate does not simultaneously cool the heated carrier plate, thermal decoupling is provided in the bearing surface region between the carrier plate and the cooling plate. Thermal decoupling is understood as an interruption or reduction of thermal conduction between the carrier plate and the cooling plate. To decouple thermal conduction, at least one preferably movable thermal decoupling element is preferably provided in the region of the bearing surface, which is designed such that the distance between the carrier plate and the cooling plate is variable. The thermal decoupling element preferably has a lower thermal conductivity than the cooling plate. Thermal decoupling is deactivated by changing the relative positions of the carrier plate and the cooling plate covering the thermal decoupling element with respect to the contact point. To achieve this, the thermal decoupling element can be moved, or the cooling plate or portions thereof can be moved.

[0055] Thermal decoupling is deactivated by changing the relative positions of the contact points between the carrier plate and the cooling plate covering the thermally conductive decoupling element and the contact points between the carrier plate and the cooling plate. To achieve this, the thermally conductive decoupling element can be compressible. When pressure is generated in the consolidation shroud by a pressure generating device, the carrier plate covering the thermally conductive decoupling element is pressed against the cooling plate. By compressing the thermally conductive decoupling element, the distance between the carrier plate and the cooling plate decreases until the two plates are in direct contact. The thermally conductive decoupling element can be located in a recess in the cooling plate, for example, at the bottom, and longitudinal extension can be reduced. The thermally conductive decoupling element can be designed as a support, which can take different shapes. Thus, in one embodiment variation of the method, it is envisioned that additional pressure is applied in step (f). This achieves cooling of the carrier plate because the thermally conductive decoupling element is compressed by the compression. However, for example, the thermally conductive decoupling element can also be telescopic. In this case, the thermally conductive decoupling element is additionally moved in step (f) to achieve thermal decoupling between the carrier plate and the cooling plate.

[0056] For example, thermal decoupling may involve an adjustable-length support. These adjustable-length supports may be compressible. Then, for example, after a period of time (optionally between 10 and 300 seconds), the heating device can be deactivated, and the pressure in the cavity of the consolidation shroud can be increased relative to the consolidation pressure. This pressure increase compresses the adjustable-length thermal decoupling element, causing the heat carrier plate to directly cover the cooling plate and be rapidly cooled due to the change in relative position. In this embodiment variation, the adjustable-length thermal decoupling element may include, for example, a spring element and / or a compressible element (e.g., a porous plastic or rubber). The thermal conductivity of the thermal decoupling element is lower than that of the cooling plate. Due to its lower thermal conductivity, the adjustable-length thermal decoupling element decouples the carrier plate from the cooling plate in terms of thermal conductivity.

[0057] Preferably, several thermally conductive decoupling elements are provided.

[0058] In another embodiment, thermal decoupling is activated by a change in relative position or deactivated by blocking or moving the cooling plate. In this case, the thermally insulating decoupling element is fixed, and during the consolidation process, the cooling plate does not contact the carrier plate to minimize heat dissipation. After the consolidation process is complete, the pressure in the consolidation shroud remains above ambient pressure, and the cooling plate moves toward the heat carrier plate. Thus, thermal decoupling is deactivated, and the cooling process begins.

[0059] The carrier plate is preferably a two-dimensionally extended plate with a thickness of 0.5 to 15 mm, particularly preferably 1 to 4.5 mm. While any material with sufficient temperature resistance relative to the operating temperature can be used, steel is preferred as the plate material. If desired, the carrier plate may be coated with a non-stick coating on the side facing the fibrous plastic.

[0060] The device preferably includes a pressurizing device, which can change the pressure inside the cavity. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Further advantages and details of the invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings and description. Identical components in different drawings and variations of embodiments have the same reference numerals; therefore, for clarity, not all reference numerals in each drawing will be described in full. In this regard, please refer to the description of the drawings of other variations of embodiments.

[0062] Figure 1a , Figure 1b The device according to the invention is shown in the open state. Figure 1a ) and heating position ( Figure 1b ).

[0063] Figure 2a , Figure 2b Show Figure 1a and Figure 1b The device is in the closed state of two working states.

[0064] Figure 3a , Figure 3b A carrier plate with a bottom having a variant of the second embodiment is shown.

[0065] Figure 4a , Figure 4b A carrier plate with a bottom having a variant of the third embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0066] Figure 1a The apparatus 1 for consolidating fibrous plastic 2 according to the present invention is in the open position. In addition to the bottom 6, the apparatus 1 includes a consolidation cover 4 (upper part) which can cover the carrier plate 10 arranged on the bearing surface 12 of the bottom 6. The consolidation cover 4 has a membrane 5 on the side facing the bottom 6. A cavity 8 is formed between the inner wall 7 of the consolidation cover 4 and the membrane 5. Furthermore, two heating devices 9 in the form of radiant heaters are provided, which can be used to heat the cavity 8. The heating devices 9 are arranged in the cavity 8.

[0067] At the bottom 6, a cooling plate 3 can be seen, which has holes 14 for cooling the cooling plate 3. A carrier plate 10 covers a bearing surface 12, which is formed in a recess 16 in the bottom 6 of the region of the cooling plate 3.

[0068] The fibrous plastic 2 to be solidified is placed on the carrier plate 10. Figure 1a In the example, the carrier plate 10 is already located in the bearing surface 12. However, at the start of the process, the carrier plate 10 is located in the heating position 17, which is located outside the equipment 1, and the fibrous plastic 2 to be solidified is initially placed on the carrier plate 10 in the heating position 17. Figure 1b The plastic 2 to be solidified, placed on the carrier plate 10 and in the heating position 17, is heated, and then the carrier plate 10 on which the plastic 2 is placed is detachably positioned in the bearing surface 12 of the bottom 6. The heating of the fibrous plastic 2 to be solidified can be achieved by preheating the carrier plate 10 and / or by heating the carrier plate 10 on which the fibrous plastic 2 is placed. For this purpose, a heating device 13 associated with the carrier plate 10 is provided.

[0069] In order to achieve the consolidation of the fibrous plastic 2 with uneven thickness, the consolidation cover 4 has a membrane 5, which is pressed onto the fibrous plastic 2 to be consolidated after the carrier plate 10 and the fibrous plastic 2 are positioned in the bearing surface 12 of the bottom 6.

[0070] The bottom 6 has a recess 16 in the area of ​​the bearing surface 12, into which the carrier plate 10 is inserted and sits in the area in a form-fitting manner to prevent slippage.

[0071] The cooling plate 3 can be cooled by a cooling device. For this purpose, holes 14 are provided so that the cooling medium can be guided through the holes 14.

[0072] Furthermore, a thermally conductive decoupling element 15 is provided in the region of the bearing surface 12 between the carrier plate 10 and the cooling plate 3. The thermally conductive decoupling element 15 is movable and is designed such that the distance between the carrier plate 10 and the cooling plate 3 is variable. Figure 1a The thermally conductive decoupling element 15 in the middle is compressible.

[0073] Figure 1a and Figure 2a The uncompressed thermally conductive decoupling element 15 is shown. These elements are made of a material with low thermal conductivity, thereby decoupling the cooling plate 3 from the carrier plate 10 in terms of thermal conductivity. Figure 2a The diagram shows a fibrous plastic 2 covered by a membrane 5, with a heating device 9 in an active state heating the fibrous plastic 2. Similarly, pressure p acts within a cavity 8 to compress the fibrous plastic 2. A pressure generating device 20 is configured to generate pressure. The pressure generating device 20 is only used in... Figure 1a As shown in the figure. For clarity, the description of the pressure generating device 20 has been omitted in other embodiments and figures.

[0074] If the pressure in cavity 8 increases further ( Figure 2b When the thermal decoupling element 15 is compressed, the cooling plate 3 comes into direct contact with the carrier plate 10. As a result, heat conduction is possible, and thus the cooled cooling plate 3 can cool the carrier plate 10.

[0075] Figure 3a , Figure 3b , Figure 4a and Figure 4b Alternative embodiments are schematically illustrated in the diagram. Figure 3a and Figure 3b Implementation examples and Figure 1a and Figure 2b The difference in the exemplary embodiment is that the thermal decoupling between the carrier plate 10 and the cooling plate 3 is achieved by a fixed thermal decoupling element 15. Figure 3a In this process, the fibrous plastic 2 is again covered by the membrane 5 of the consolidation shroud 4, and the heating device 9 is active, thus heating the fibrous plastic 2. The pressure p in the cavity 8 compresses the fibrous plastic 2. Unlike Figure 2b In the example, the pressure in cavity 8 is further increased, in which case the cooling plate 3 moves upward ( Figure 3bThis allows the cooling plate 3 to come into direct contact with the carrier plate 10, enabling heat conduction through the cooling plate 3 to cool the carrier plate 10.

[0076] exist Figure 4a and Figure 4b In an exemplary embodiment, a compressible insert-type thermally conductive decoupling element 15 is disposed between the carrier plate 10 and the cooling plate 3. Like Figure 2a and Figure 2b As in the example, the fibrous plastic 2 is covered by a membrane 5, and the heating device 9 is in an active state. The pressure p in the cavity 8 compresses the fibrous plastic 2, wherein, for cooling, the pressure in the cavity 8 is further increased ( Figure 4b This compresses the insert. At the bearing surface (not shown), the cooling plate 3 is in direct contact with the carrier plate 10 so that heat can be conducted through the cooling plate 3 to cool the carrier plate 10. In this variant, thermal decoupling between the carrier plate 10 and the cooling plate 3 is thus achieved again through a compressible thermal decoupling element 15, i.e., the compressible insert. The compressible insert is compressed by applying pressure within the cavity, causing the cooling plate 3 to contact the carrier plate 10. The thermal decoupling element 15 has a lower thermal conductivity than the cooling plate 3.

[0077] In all examples, cooling of the carrier plate 10 is achieved through relative positional changes in the cooling plate 3. The carrier plate 10 covers one or more thermally conductive decoupling elements 15. The movement of the thermally conductive decoupling elements 15 can be actively performed with a stroke (e.g., hydraulically or electrically driven), or it can be passively performed through compression of the thermally conductive decoupling elements 15. The relative positional changes in the thermally conductive decoupling elements 15 are preferably reversible.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment not shown, it is conceivable that the thermally conductive decoupling element 15 is designed, for example, as a pad, and has openings through which movable contact elements extend, which do not initially contact the carrier plate 10 but only contact the carrier plate 10 for cooling purposes.

Claims

1. A method for consolidating a fibrous plastic (2), comprising the following steps: (a) Place the fibrous plastic (2) to be solidified on the carrier plate (10); (b) Heating the fibrous plastic (2) on the carrier plate (10); (c) Place the carrier plate (10) with the heated fibrous plastic (2) on the bottom (6); (d) The bottom (6) and the carrier plate (10) are covered together by a consolidation cover (4), the consolidation cover (4) having a membrane (5) on the side facing the bottom (4) that defines a cavity (8), the membrane (5) covering the heated plastic on the carrier plate (10); (e) Heating the membrane (5) and applying overpressure in the cavity (8); (f) Cooling the carrier plate (10); (g) Open the consolidation cover (4) and remove the consolidated plastic with continuous fibers.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (f), the carrier plate (10) is cooled by changing its relative position and bringing it into contact with the cooling plate (3).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plastic is a thermoplastic.

4. An apparatus (1) for consolidating a fibrous plastic (2), The device (1) has a bottom (6) with a cooling plate (3). The bottom (6) can be closed by a consolidation cover (4). The consolidation cover (4) has a membrane (5) on the side facing the bottom (6). A cavity (8) is formed between the inner wall (7) of the consolidation cover (4) and the membrane (5). It is equipped with a heating device (9) that can be used to heat the cavity (8). Its features are, A carrier plate (10) is provided for the fiber-containing plastic (2). The bottom (6) has a bearing surface (12) for removably receiving the carrier plate (10). The heating device (13) is associated with the carrier plate (10) and the heating device (10) is used to heat the carrier plate (10) at the heating position (17).

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom (6) has a recess (16) in the region of the bearing surface (12), and the carrier plate (10) can be partially inserted into the recess.

6. The device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, A cooling device is provided, which can be used to cool the cooling plate (3).

7. The device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, At least one preferably movable thermally conductive decoupling element (15) is provided in the region of the bearing surface (12), the element being designed such that the distance between the carrier plate (10) and the cooling plate (3) is variable.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The at least one thermally conductive decoupling element (15) is compressible.

9. The device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The at least one thermally conductive decoupling element (15) is retractable between the carrier plate (10) and the cooling plate (3).

10. The device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, At least one fixed thermally conductive decoupling element (15), preferably immovable, is provided in the region of the bearing surface (12). The element is designed to allow the distance between the carrier plate (10) and the cooling plate (3) to be changed by moving the cooling plate (3).

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