STORAGE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A COMPONENT FROM A DUROPLASTIC TOWPREG SEMI-PRODUCT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a storage device, a storage system and a method for manufacturing a component from a thermosetting towpreg semi-finished product, as well as a component.

[0002] Storage devices and methods for manufacturing components from thermoset towpreg semi-finished products are generally known. Towpreg semi-finished products are unidirectionally continuous fiber-reinforced, thermoset pre-impregnated semi-finished products that differ from conventional prepregs in that the matrix of towpreg semi-finished products is dry and essentially non-sticky at room temperature.

[0003] Towpreg semi-finished products can be stored at room temperature for extended periods. Furthermore, towpreg semi-finished products typically do not use release papers, which separate the individual layers of conventional prepregs. Towpreg semi-finished products are also characterized by the fact that they can be heated almost indefinitely below a crosslinking temperature, also known as the curing temperature or hardening temperature, at which irreversible crosslinking occurs. This means the matrix can be liquified almost indefinitely.

[0004] Towpreg semi-finished products are frequently used in applications in the aerospace and automotive industries, as well as in the production of hydrogen pressure vessels made from carbon fiber reinforced plastics. A key aspect of processing towpreg semi-finished products is the precise setting of process parameters.

[0005] Towpreg semi-finished products can be processed using winding or laying units. In particular, multi-applicators with single or multiple rotary spindle systems can also be used. It is known that towpreg semi-finished products are fed to a winding body or a laying table at a limited feed rate, for example, less than 3 m / s. This feed rate is limited, among other reasons, because the towpreg semi-finished products must be heated to a processing temperature. This takes place before winding or laying in heating units, which, for example, heat the towpreg semi-finished product using a heated fluid and / or infrared radiation. Such heating units are therefore essential for the production of fiber-reinforced composite components, as the towpreg semi-finished product to be laid must usually be completely heated through.

[0006] US Patent 6,451,152 B1, for example, discloses the processing of a thermoset prepreg with a laser, whereby the interlocking area is irradiated. Furthermore, methods for laser-assisted tape laying are known from WO 2016 / 078977A1 ​​and EP 2,895,317 B1. Here, too, low feed rates are described as essential to ensuring high component quality. Page 3

[0007] WO 2007 / 033499 A1 discloses shape-free insulated coil windings. EP 3 130 444 A1 discloses methods for fiber-reinforced additive manufacturing. FR 3 100 153 A1 discloses a fiber application head with a particularly soft roller. EP 1 334 819 A1 discloses a device and a high-speed method for joining fiber-reinforced composite materials. JP 2020 044 793 A discloses a method for manufacturing a tank with fiber-reinforced plastic layers.

[0008] The demand for high-quality fiber-reinforced composite components is steadily increasing. This is due to the growing need for components in established applications on the one hand, and new application areas, such as hydrogen tanks, on the other. However, the limited processing speeds of existing equipment and methods for manufacturing components from towpreg semi-finished products restrict their application possibilities, as there is still potential for improvement in terms of production time and costs. Furthermore, the processing time for a single component increases manufacturing costs, as the capital-intensive machines require longer processing times per component. While existing equipment and methods for manufacturing components from thermoset towpreg semi-finished products offer several advantages, further improvements are desirable.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a storage device, a storage system, and a method for manufacturing a component from a thermoset towpreg semi-finished product, as well as a component itself, which reduce or eliminate one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a solution that reduces the manufacturing time for a component made from a towpreg semi-finished product and / or the associated costs. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a solution that improves the component quality of a component manufactured from a towpreg semi-finished product. Page 3a

[0010] This problem is solved by a storage device, a method, and a component according to the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of these aspects are specified in the respective dependent claims. The features listed individually in the claims and the description can be combined with one another in any technologically meaningful way, and further embodiments of the invention are shown.

[0011] The storage device for manufacturing the component from the thermosetting towpreg semi-finished product includes a storage unit for guiding the towpreg.

[0012] Semi-finished product. The storage unit preferably has one, two, or more guide elements for guiding the towpreg semi-finished product. It is particularly preferred that the storage unit is arranged and configured to guide the towpreg semi-finished product along a guide path, wherein the storage unit, viewed along the guide path, has a first guide end and a second guide end. For example, the towpreg semi-finished product can be fed into the storage unit at the first guide end and removed from the second guide end of the storage unit. It is preferred that the guide path extends at least from a feed point to a removal point.

[0013] Furthermore, the storage device includes a laser unit for emitting a laser beam. The laser unit is preferably a laser optic. The laser optic can, for example, be coupled to or connected to a laser source via a fiber optic cable. The laser unit can comprise a diode laser or can be a diode laser itself. In addition, the laser unit can also be or comprise another type of laser. Furthermore, the laser unit can be a direct emitter.

[0014] It is preferred that the laser unit has a laser power output greater than 0.3 kilowatts, greater than 1 kilowatt, greater than 2 kilowatts, greater than 3 kilowatts, and / or greater than 4 kilowatts. It is particularly preferred that the laser power output be between 1 kilowatt and 5 kilowatts, preferably between 2 kilowatts and 4 kilowatts. The wavelength range of the laser unit is preferably between 450 and 1080 nanometers. The laser unit can be a pulsed laser and / or a continuous-wave laser.

[0015] The storage device also includes a heating zone. The heating zone may also be enclosed within the storage unit. The heating zone is specifically arranged such that, during normal operation of the storage device, the towpreg semi-finished product is guided through the heating zone. The storage unit is specifically designed to guide the towpreg semi-finished product along the guide path. The guide path preferably extends through the heating zone.

[0016] The laser unit is arranged and configured to subject the towpreg semi-finished product in the heating area to the laser beam. Subjecting the towpreg to the heating area specifically means irradiating it with the laser beam. The laser unit is specifically arranged and configured such that the emitted laser beam strikes the heating area. For this purpose, the laser beam can also be deflected from the laser unit to the heating area by means of optical elements such as reflectors.

[0017] It is preferred that the laser beam heats the towpreg semi-finished product in the heating area with a planar profile having arbitrary outer contours. The laser unit can, for example, be arranged and configured to generate the laser beam such that it imparts a line profile and / or a rectangular profile to the towpreg semi-finished product in the heating area. In particular, the laser unit can be arranged and configured to impart the laser beam to the towpreg semi-finished product in the heating area by scanning it. Scanning, in this context, means that the laser unit not only focuses the laser beam onto a stationary position, but also traces a line profile on the towpreg semi-finished product with the laser beam. Scanning is also possible with other laser beam profiles, such as a rectangular profile.

[0018] The towpreg semi-finished product is in particular a semi-finished product made of a fiber composite material which has a large number of unidirectionally oriented fibers, in particular carbon fibers, and a thermoset matrix, wherein the thermoset matrix has a processing temperature, for example between 80 and 100 degrees Celsius, and a crosslinking temperature, for example of 120 degrees Celsius.

[0019] The invention is based on the understanding that existing methods for processing towpregs can be further improved. Furthermore, the invention is based on the understanding that a further increase in component quality is desirable in order to reduce safety factors and / or the amount of material per component, thereby reducing costs.

[0020] The placement device enables higher processing speeds through laser irradiation of the towpreg semi-finished product. Laser units have not typically been used for processing towpregs until now, as their use was unnecessary due to the previously employed processing speeds. The ability to achieve a predefined liquefaction of a towpreg semi-finished product surface layer with a laser unit improves the processing quality of the towpreg. As a result, higher-quality components can be manufactured at lower costs.

[0021] Furthermore, the high energy input of the laser unit enables targeted temperature control and thus targeted liquefaction of the towpreg semi-finished product, for example, so that only an outer layer is liquefied and not a middle layer of the towpreg semi-finished product. In addition, the depositing device allows for the setting of a targeted viscosity profile in one thickness direction of the towpreg semi-finished product by enabling precise and rapid control of the laser-induced heat input into the towpreg semi-finished product during processing.By heating only a surface layer of the towpreg semi-finished product, the longitudinal stress inherent in the towpreg semi-finished product can be increased during deposition. This is because not the entire thickness of the towpreg is liquefied, and the fibers remain fixed within the rigid zone, even at higher longitudinal stresses. This results in improved processability and better component quality. Alternatively, the towpreg semi-finished product can be heated above a crosslinking temperature using a laser beam, thus reducing the subsequent oven time, as the crosslinking process is initiated during the forming process.Furthermore, the significantly higher intensity of the laser radiation compared to the state of the art allows the towpreg semi-finished product to be heated faster and to reach the desired temperature over a shorter guide path, which significantly reduces the preheating distance and leads to considerably higher process speeds.

[0022] Furthermore, it is preferred that the depositing unit has a feed unit that moves the towpreg semi-finished product in a feed direction, particularly with a feed motion. In addition, the depositing unit can have a force measuring unit arranged and configured to determine longitudinal stress in the towpreg semi-finished product. Furthermore, it is preferred that the depositing unit has a guide roller at the second guide end, arranged and configured to allow the towpreg semi-finished product to exit at a predetermined angle.

[0023] A preferred embodiment of the laying device is characterized by the fact that the laser unit is arranged and configured to subject at least one outer surface of the towpreg semi-finished product within the heating area to the laser beam. The first outer surface is, in particular, a bottom surface of the towpreg semi-finished product. In the processing of towpreg semi-finished products, a bottom surface is always the side of the towpreg semi-finished product that comes into contact with a substrate, such as a winding body, a component, or a laying table, during the winding process. By selectively heating the first outer surface, especially the bottom surface, a predefined processability of the towpreg semi-finished product is achieved, thus enabling improved laying or winding.When the entire towpreg semi-finished product is heated according to the state of the art, resulting in liquefaction of the entire towpreg thickness, process-induced towpreg stresses can cause fiber displacements relative to each other in the cross-section after winding, negatively impacting the resulting component quality. By selectively and relatively quickly and controllably heating the underside of the towpreg semi-finished product using laser radiation, it is possible to reduce or even prevent such displacements. Consequently, improved component quality is achieved.

[0024] It is further preferred that the laser unit is arranged such that the towpreg semi-finished product can be heated with the laser beam at a distance from a gusset area. This means, in particular, that the heating area is provided at a distance from the gusset area. As a result, the heating of the towpreg semi-finished product is simplified and more precisely controlled. Furthermore, only the underside of the towpreg is exposed to laser radiation and not the gusset area, so that the component / the already laid-down towpregs are not irradiated by the laser radiation and thus not affected. The gusset area is, in particular, the area where the towpreg semi-finished product meets a winding body, for example, a rotationally symmetrical component. It is especially preferred that the heating area is located along the guide path and at a distance from the gusset area.

[0025] The deposition device is characterized in that the deposition unit comprises a process housing through which the towpreg semi-finished product can be guided, with the heating zone being located within the process housing. The guide path preferably extends through the process housing. The process housing preferably has an interior, with the heating zone located within this interior. The process housing preferably has a semi-finished product inlet and a semi-finished product outlet, which are arranged such that the towpreg semi-finished product enters the process housing through the semi-finished product inlet and exits the process housing through the semi-finished product outlet. In particular, the semi-finished product inlet, the semi-finished product outlet, and a semi-finished product section connecting them are all part of the guide path.The interior of the housing is preferably arranged between the semi-finished product inlet and outlet, with the semi-finished product inlet and outlet preferably being designed as openings in the process housing. The laser unit is particularly arranged and configured to subject the towpreg semi-finished product between the semi-finished product inlet and outlet to the laser beam.

[0026] The process housing preferably has radiation shielding walls that essentially protect the area surrounding the process housing from laser beams. Furthermore, because the process housing already provides local laser protection, a laser safety cabin and / or additional laser protection for tolerated residual scattered radiation can be dispensed with, or implemented with significantly less effort, resulting in considerably simpler and more cost-effective devices.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferred that the process housing includes a laser beam protection unit. The laser beam protection unit can, for example, be designed as a laser beam protection labyrinth. The laser beam protection unit is preferably located adjacent to the semi-finished product inlet and / or outlet.

[0028] A further preferred embodiment of the storage device is characterized by the fact that the laser unit is coupled to the process housing. For example, the laser unit can be arranged on the process housing or within the process housing. The laser unit can be arranged outside the process housing, in which case the laser beam emitted by the laser unit can be guided to the heating area within the process housing by means of optical elements and / or optically conductive elements. It is particularly preferred that the laser unit is arranged and configured such that the laser beam emitted by the laser unit enters the process housing and is guided into the heating area. For this purpose, the laser unit can be arranged partially or completely within the process housing.Furthermore, the laser unit can be coupled to the process housing in such a way that the emitted laser beam is guided from the laser unit to the heating area by means of a reflective element, for example a beam splitter mirror.

[0029] A further preferred embodiment of the depositing device is characterized by the fact that the laser unit and / or the depositing unit are arranged and configured such that the laser beam strikes the towpreg semi-finished product essentially orthogonally. Such an arrangement of the laser unit and / or the depositing unit enables particularly advantageous absorption of the laser radiation and thus efficient heating. Furthermore, it reduces scattered radiation entering or exiting the semi-finished product.

[0030] It is further preferred that a beam-splitter mirror is arranged in the laser beam path between the laser unit and the heating area to deflect the laser beam. It is preferred that the beam-splitter mirror is arranged and configured such that the laser beam is deflected by 90 degrees or less and / or 90 degrees or more. In particular, it is preferred that the beam-splitter mirror is configured to deflect the laser beam by 90 degrees. The beam-splitter mirror makes the arrangement of the laser unit more flexible. For example, the laser unit can be arranged such that the emitted laser beam is initially aligned substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the towpreg semi-finished product. The beam-splitter mirror can then be used to deflect the laser beam so that it strikes the towpreg semi-finished product, for example, perpendicularly.Furthermore, it is preferred that the beam splitter mirror transmits thermal radiation generated by the towpreg semi-finished product in the heating area.

[0031] Furthermore, it is preferred that the storage device includes a first temperature measuring unit, which is arranged and configured to determine a first temperature of the towpreg semi-finished product in the heating area. The first temperature measuring unit can, for example, be a pyrometer or a thermal imaging camera. In particular, it is preferred that the first temperature measuring unit is arranged and configured to determine a first temperature of the first outer surface of the towpreg semi-finished product.

[0032] It is further preferred that the first temperature measuring unit is arranged and configured to detect the thermal radiation transmitted by the splitter mirror and to determine the first temperature of the towpreg semi-finished product, in particular the first outer surface of the towpreg, in the heating area based on the detected thermal radiation.

[0033] It is particularly preferred that the first temperature measuring unit is configured to generate and evaluate a first temperature signal characterizing the detected thermal radiation and to determine the first temperature based on this signal. Furthermore, it may be preferred that the first temperature measuring unit is coupled to the control device described in more detail below via a signal connection, and that the control device is configured to determine the first temperature based on the first temperature signal.

[0034] Furthermore, the storage device can include at least one additional measuring unit, which is arranged and configured to detect one or more of the following quality criteria of the towpreg semi-finished product: the geometry of the towpreg semi-finished product, tolerances of the geometry of the towpreg semi-finished product, the roughness of a surface, preferably of the first and / or second outer surface of the towpreg semi-finished product, and the fiber distribution of the towpreg semi-finished product. Preferably, the at least one additional measuring unit is configured to detect the one or more quality criteria before and / or after the heating area and / or within the heating area. This makes it possible to compare the quality criteria before, during, and after heating.

[0035] Another preferred embodiment of the storage device comprises a second temperature measuring unit, which is arranged and configured to determine a second temperature of a second outer surface of the towpreg semi-finished product opposite the first outer surface. Preferably, the second temperature measuring unit is configured to generate a temperature signal characterizing the second temperature and to determine the second temperature based on this second temperature signal. Furthermore, the second temperature measuring unit can provide the second temperature signal to the control device described in more detail below, wherein the control device is configured to determine the second temperature based on the second temperature signal. The second temperature measuring unit can be signal-coupled with the control device to provide the second temperature signal to the control device.The second temperature measuring unit ensures that the laser unit is not reached and that complete liquefaction of the towpreg semi-finished product is avoided.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the storage device, it comprises a cooling device arranged and configured to cool the laser unit. In particular, the cooling device can be configured to cool the laser unit with cooling water. The storage device can further comprise a temperature measuring unit arranged and configured to detect the temperature of the coolant before and after cooling the laser unit. Significant changes in the temperature difference between the two temperatures can indicate defects in the heating of the towpreg semi-finished product.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment of the storage device, it is provided that it includes one, two, or more additional temperature measuring units, which are arranged to determine the temperature of the towpreg semi-finished product within the heating area, and / or along the guide path, or in a direction of movement of the towpreg semi-finished product before and / or after the heating area. The first, second, and additional temperature measuring units mentioned above can, for example, be a pyrometer or a thermal imaging camera and can be signal-coupled to the control device.

[0038] Furthermore, it is preferred that the storage device includes a prestressing unit for generating longitudinal stress in the towpreg semi-finished product. The prestressing unit is particularly configured such that the longitudinal stress is between 0 N and more than 200 N. The prestressing unit is particularly configured such that the longitudinal stress in the towpreg semi-finished product is more than 50 Newtons, more than 100 Newtons, more than 200 Newtons, more than 300 Newtons, more than 400 Newtons, more than 500 Newtons, and / or more than 1000 Newtons.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferred that the storage device includes a force measuring unit, in particular a load cell, which is arranged and configured to determine the longitudinal stress in the towpreg semi-finished product. It is particularly preferred that the prestressing unit is coupled to the force measuring unit, especially via a signal connection.

[0040] Another preferred embodiment of the storage device is characterized by the inclusion of a preheating station, which is arranged upstream of the heating area with respect to one direction of movement of the towpreg semi-finished product. The preheating station is specifically designed to heat the towpreg semi-finished product by means of a warm fluid, for example a heating gas, or infrared radiation.

[0041] A further preferred embodiment of the depositing device comprises a control device, coupled to the laser unit and / or the depositing unit via a signal connection, for controlling and / or regulating at least one laser parameter of the laser unit, a feed rate of the towpreg semi-finished product, and / or the longitudinal stress of the towpreg semi-finished product. Laser parameters can be the laser power, the duration of the exposure, and / or the location of the exposure.

[0042] The control device is specifically designed to control the laser unit, and in particular the laser power of the laser unit, such that the towpreg semi-finished product is at least partially, and preferably completely, liquefied by the laser beam. Liquefaction means, in particular, that at least a portion of the towpreg semi-finished product is liquefied or softened. In other words, the towpreg semi-finished product is heated by the laser beam, at least partially, to such an extent that a certain viscosity of the exposed towpreg semi-finished product is achieved.

[0043] Furthermore, it is preferred that the control device is configured to control the laser unit, in particular the laser power of the laser unit, such that an outer layer of the towpreg semi-finished product is liquefied. It is also preferred that a middle layer and another outer layer of the towpreg semi-finished product opposite the outer layer remain essentially unliquefied. The outer layer preferably comprises the first outer surface. The middle layer is particularly arranged between the first outer surface and the second outer surface, and especially between the outer layer and another outer layer, which preferably comprises the second outer surface. By liquefying only the outer layer and not the middle layer, the overall stiffness of the towpreg semi-finished product can be specifically adjusted.Furthermore, this restricts the mobility of the individual fibers of the towpreg semi-finished product relative to each other, which has a positive effect on the resulting component qualities. The depth of the surface layer is preferably less than 20%, less than preferably 10%, and / or less than 5% of the thickness of the towpreg semi-finished product.

[0044] Furthermore, it is preferred that the control device is configured to control the laser unit, in particular the laser power of the laser unit, such that a predefined viscosity of the surface layer is set. For this purpose, a corresponding laser power is set based on the known material parameters of the towpreg semi-finished product, so that the predefined viscosity is achieved. In addition, the control device can be configured to control the laser unit, in particular the laser power of the laser unit, such that the towpreg semi-finished product is heated to a temperature that corresponds at least to a crosslinking temperature of the towpreg semi-finished product.

[0045] In a further preferred embodiment of the storage device, the control device is designed to control the laser unit, in particular the laser power of the laser unit, based on the first temperature, the second temperature and / or another temperature measured by the towpreg semi-finished product within the heating area and / or a temperature measured by the towpreg semi-finished product before and / or after the heating area along the guide path or in the direction of movement of the towpreg semi-finished product.

[0046] In a further preferred embodiment of the storage device, it is provided that relationships between material viscosities and temperatures are stored in a memory of the control device, and wherein the control device is configured to control the laser unit based on a viscosity input characterizing a viscosity, the viscosity being determined based on the stored relationships.

[0047] According to a further aspect, the aforementioned task is solved by a storage system for manufacturing a component from a thermoset towpreg semi-finished product, comprising a storage device according to one of the previously mentioned embodiments and a handling unit coupled to the storage device, wherein the handling unit is arranged and configured to move the storage device. In particular, the handling unit is arranged and configured to move the storage device in one, two, or three spatial directions and / or to rotate the storage device in one, two, or three spatial directions. The handling unit can, for example, be an articulated robot or a gantry machine. Furthermore, the handling unit can be a linear axis with a swivel and / or rotary unit. Page 15

[0048] According to a further aspect, the aforementioned problem is solved by a method for manufacturing a component from a thermoset towpreg semi-finished product with a depositing device according to one of the embodiment variants described above, comprising the steps: providing the thermoset towpreg semi-finished product, guiding the towpreg semi-finished product along a guide path to a depositing area and / or a winding area, and heating the towpreg semi-finished product in the heating area with the laser beam, wherein the heating area is considered along the guide path in front of the depositing area and / or the winding area.

[0049] The lay-down area can be, for example, part of a component, a winding body, or a lay-down table. Specifically, the lay-down area is a region of the component, winding body, or lay-down table where the towpreg semi-finished product is wound onto or laid down onto the component, winding body, or lay-down table. In other words, the lay-down area is the region where the towpreg semi-finished product comes into contact with the component, winding body, or lay-down table. The heating region is located, in particular, in the direction of movement of the towpreg semi-finished product upstream of the lay-down area and / or the winding region. Heating the towpreg semi-finished product upstream of the lay-down area and / or the winding region can, in particular, take place in a shielded area, for example, within a process housing. It is especially preferred that the towpreg semi-finished product is first heated and then laid down and / or wound.

[0050] It is further preferred that the heating of the towpreg semi-finished product takes place at a distance from a gusset area. It is also preferred that only a first outer surface, in particular a bottom surface of the towpreg semi-finished product, is heated, in particular by being exposed to the laser beam, for example, by irradiation. The bottom surface is in particular the side of the towpreg semi-finished product that subsequently contacts a lay-down surface during laying and / or winding. Page 15a

[0051] Due to the high intensity of the laser radiation, combined with the possibility of fast and precise temperature-based laser power control using temperature sensors, the heating and the associated local liquefaction of the towpreg semi-finished product can be limited to a restricted thickness range. Furthermore, this allows for the establishment of a targeted viscosity gradient in the thickness direction.

[0052] It is further preferred that the towpreg semi-finished product is heated to a processing temperature, for example, more than 80 degrees Celsius or more than 90 degrees Celsius, and to a curing temperature, for example, more than 120 degrees Celsius. It is also preferred that the towpreg semi-finished product is subjected to a longitudinal stress of more than 20 Newtons, more than 50 Newtons, more than 100 Newtons, and / or more than 200 Newtons. Furthermore, it is preferred that the towpreg semi-finished product is subjected to a longitudinal stress of more than 200 Newtons, preferably more than 300 Newtons, and particularly more than 500 Newtons.

[0053] According to another aspect, the aforementioned problem is solved by a component, in particular a pressure tank, preferably a gas pressure tank for gases, for example a hydrogen tank, manufactured using a method according to one of the embodiments described above. The hydrogen tank is, for example, a hydrogen tank for mobile applications.

[0054] The process and its possible further trainings exhibit characteristics or process steps that make them particularly suitable for use in a storage device and its further trainings.

[0055] For further advantages, design variants and design details of the other aspects and their possible further developments, reference is also made to the previously given description of the corresponding features and further developments of the storage device.

[0056] Preferred embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the enclosed

[0057] Figures explained. They show: Figure 1: a schematic, two-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a storage device; Figure 2: another schematic, two-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a storage device; Figure 3: another schematic, two-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a storage device; Figure 4: a schematic, two-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a storage system; Figure 5: another schematic, two-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a storage system; and Figure 6: a schematic method.

[0058] In the figures, identical or essentially functionally equivalent or similar elements are designated with the same reference symbols.

[0059] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic, two-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a storage device 1. The storage device 1 comprises a storage unit 2 for guiding a towpreg semi-finished product 100. Furthermore, the storage device 1 has a laser unit 4 for emitting a laser beam 6. The laser unit 4 is arranged and configured such that the towpreg semi-finished product 100 can be exposed to the laser beam 6 in a heating zone 8.

[0060] The storage device 1 further comprises a process housing 10. The process housing 10 has a housing inlet and a housing outlet, wherein the towpreg semi-finished product 100 is guided through the process housing 10. In particular, the towpreg semi-finished product 100 is guided through a first housing section 12 of the process housing 10, which includes the housing inlet. The process housing 10 further comprises a second housing section 14. The housing sections 12 and 14 each have an interior space with a through-direction. The direction of passage of the first housing section 12 is essentially parallel to the direction of movement 106 of the towpreg semi-finished product 100 or parallel to a guide path of the storage device 1. The direction of passage of the second housing section 14 is essentially orthogonal to the direction of passage of the first housing section 12 and to the direction of movement 106 of the towpreg semi-finished product in the area of ​​the process housing 10.

[0061] The laser unit 4 is coupled to the process housing 10, in particular to the second housing section 14. Furthermore, a beam splitter mirror 16 is arranged in the beam path of the laser beam in the second housing section 14, deflecting the laser beam 6 by 90 degrees. As a result, the laser beam 6 emitted by the laser unit 4, which is initially aligned substantially parallel to the towpreg semi-finished product 100, is deflected such that the laser beam 6 strikes the towpreg semi-finished product 100 substantially orthogonally. In particular, the laser beam 6 strikes the towpreg semi-finished product 100 within the heating area 8.

[0062] To ensure optimal processing of the towpreg semi-finished product 100, the storage device 1 has a first temperature measuring unit 18 and a second temperature measuring unit 20. The first temperature measuring unit 18 is arranged behind the beam splitter mirror 16, so that thermal radiation from the heating area 8 transmitted by the beam splitter mirror 16 is detected, thus allowing the first temperature of the towpreg semi-finished product 100 to be determined. In particular, the first temperature measuring unit 18 determines the temperature of a first outer surface, here the laser-irradiated underside of the towpreg semi-finished product 100. The second temperature measuring unit 20 determines the temperature of the second outer surface opposite the underside, here the top side of the towpreg semi-finished product.

[0063] Furthermore, the storage device 1 includes additional temperature measuring units 28 to 34, with which the temperature, in particular a surface temperature, of the towpreg semi-finished product in the direction of movement 106 in front of the heating area 8 and behind the heating area 108 can be measured.

[0064] The storage device 1 further comprises a prestressing unit 22 for generating longitudinal stress in the towpreg semi-finished product 100, wherein the prestressing unit 22 is preferably configured such that the longitudinal stress is regulated from 0 Newtons to more than 200 Newtons. The storage device 1 also comprises a preheating station 24 in which the towpreg semi-finished product 100 can be preheated by means of heating gas and / or infrared radiation. The guide section is understood to be the section along which the towpreg semi-finished product 100 is guided. Fig. 1The guide path extends from a removal point of the pre-tensioning unit 22, through the storage unit 2 to a winding / picking / laying area of ​​a component 104. In particular, the winding / picking / laying area can be a wedge area.

[0065] The towpreg semi-finished product 100 is guided in the longitudinal direction L between the force measuring unit 40 and the guide roller 46. The longitudinal direction of the towpreg semi-finished product 100 is to be understood in particular as a principal direction of extension. In the direction of movement 106 in front of the force measuring unit 40, the longitudinal direction of the towpreg semi-finished product 100 is aligned in the direction of movement 106. The thickness direction of the towpreg semi-finished product 100 is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal direction of the towpreg semi-finished product 100, in particular in direction D. The thickness direction is the direction that is oriented orthogonally to a planar extension of the towpreg semi-finished product 100. In the thickness direction, the towpreg semi-finished product 100 has two outer layers, between which a middle layer is arranged.

[0066] Furthermore, the storage device 1 has a control device 26 which is coupled to the laser unit 4 and the storage unit 2 via a signal connection. The control device 26 is designed to control and regulate at least one laser parameter of the laser unit 4, for example, a laser power, a feed rate of the towpreg semi-finished product 100 adjustable by the feed unit 38, and the longitudinal tension.

[0067] The control device 26 is specifically configured to control the laser unit 4 such that the towpreg semi-finished product 100 is at least partially liquefied by the laser beam 6. Furthermore, the control device 26 can be configured to control the laser unit 4 such that an outer layer of the towpreg semi-finished product 100 is liquefied while a middle layer of the towpreg semi-finished product 100 remains essentially unliquefied. In other words, the shape of the middle layer of the towpreg semi-finished product is not changed. In addition, the control device can be configured to control the laser unit 4 such that a predefined viscosity of the outer layer can be set. Furthermore, the control device 26 can be configured to control the laser unit 4 such that the towpreg semi-finished product 100 is heated to a temperature that corresponds at least to a crosslinking temperature of the towpreg semi-finished product 100.

[0068] Furthermore, the storage device 1 has a towpreg guide 36, 42, which is arranged before and after the feed unit 38, respectively. The feed unit 38 sets the feed direction 106 of the towpreg semi-finished product 100. The storage device 1 also includes the pre-tensioning unit 22. The guide roller 46 sets the exit angle of the towpreg semi-finished product 100 from the process housing 10.

[0069] The in Figure 2 The storage device 1 shown has a similar structure, in which a pressure roller 48 is additionally provided, which is arranged and designed to press the towpreg semi-finished product onto the component.

[0070] Figure 3 Figure 1 shows another possible design variant of the storage device 1. Here, the process housing 10 is smaller and is formed in particular by the second housing section 14.

[0071] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a schematic, two-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a storage system 60. The storage system 60 comprises the storage unit 1 and a handling unit 62, wherein the handling unit 62 is arranged and configured to move the storage device 1, in particular to enable a method for manufacturing a component from a thermoset towpreg semi-finished product. The handling unit 62 is configured here as an articulated robot. Alternatively, the handling unit 62 can also be configured as a gantry machine. The component 104 rotates about a winding axis 108, so that the component 104 winds the towpreg semi-finished product 100 essentially automatically.

[0072] In Figure 5 The described storage system 60 is shown in connection with a storage procedure. Here, the towpreg semi-finished product 100 is placed on a storage table 100 within a storage area 112.

[0073] Figure 6Figure 1 shows a schematic process for manufacturing a component 104 from a thermoset towpreg semi-finished product 100. In step 200, the thermoset towpreg semi-finished product 100 is provided. In step 202, the towpreg semi-finished product 100 is guided to the lay-up area 112. In step 204, the towpreg semi-finished product 100 is heated with a laser beam 6 in front of the lay-up area 112. The towpreg semi-finished product 100 is heated with the laser beam 6 along the guide path of the towpreg semi-finished product 100 shortly before the lay-up or winding process.

[0074] Due to the high intensity of the laser radiation in combination with laser power control, the heating and the associated local liquefaction of the towpreg semi-finished product can be limited to a restricted thickness range. This allows for the establishment of a targeted viscosity gradient in the thickness direction and ensures improved processing of the towpreg semi-finished product. The heating of the towpreg semi-finished product is carried out at a distance from a gusset area. For example, the towpreg semi-finished product can be heated to a processing temperature, such as 80 degrees Celsius. Alternatively, the towpreg semi-finished product can also be heated to a curing temperature, such as more than 120 degrees Celsius. The inventors have found that heating the towpreg semi-finished product to a temperature above the curing temperature significantly reduces the subsequent processing time in the oven. REFERENCE MARK

[0075] 1 Storage device 2 Storage unit 4 Laser unit 6 Laser beam 8 Heating area 10 Process housing 12 First housing section 14 Second housing section 16 Dividing mirror 18 First temperature measuring unit 20 Second temperature measuring unit 22 Preload unit 24 Preheating station 26 Control device 28 Temperature measuring units 30 Temperature measuring units 32 Temperature measuring units 34 Temperature measuring units 36 Towpreg guide 38 Feed unit 40 Force measuring unit 42 Towpreg guide 44 Laser optical fiber 46 Guide roller 48 Pressure roller 60 Storage system 62 Handling unit 100 Towpreg semi-finished product 102 Material spool 104 Component 106 Direction of movement 108 Winding axis 110 Storage table 112 Storage area

Claims

1. Placement device (1) for producing a component (104) from a thermoset towpreg semi-finished product (100), comprising - a placement unit (2) for guiding the towpreg semi-finished product (100), - a laser unit (4) for emitting a laser beam (6), and - a heating section (8), - wherein the laser unit (4) is arranged and configured to apply the laser beam (6) to the towpreg semi-finished product (100) in the heating area (8), - characterized in that the laser unit (4) is arranged and configured to apply the laser beam (6) to at least a first outer surface of the towpreg semi-finished product (100) within the heating area (8) and that the placement unit (2) comprises a process housing (10) through which the towpreg semi-finished product (100) can be passed, wherein the heating area (8) is located within the process housing (10).

2. Placement device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the laser unit (4) is coupled to the process housing (10), in particular is arranged on or in the process housing (10).

3. Placement device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the laser unit (4) and / or the placement unit (2) is / are arranged and configured such that the laser beam (6) impinges substantially orthogonally on the towpreg semi-finished product (100), and / or - a beam splitter mirror (16) is arranged in a beam path of the laser beam (6) between the laser unit (4) and the heating region (8), which mirror deflects the laser beam (6), in particular by 90 degrees, and / or transmits a thermal radiation generated by the towpreg semi-finished product (100) in the heating region (8).

4. Placement device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - comprising a first temperature measuring unit (18) arranged and configured to determine a first temperature of the towpreg semi-finished product (100) in the heating region (8), and / or - comprising the first temperature measuring unit (18), wherein the first temperature measuring unit (18) is arranged and configured to detect thermal radiation transmitted through the beam splitter mirror (16) and to determine the first temperature of the towpreg semi-finished product (100) in the heating area (8) based on the detected thermal radiation.

5. Placement device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second temperature measuring unit (20) arranged and configured to detect a second temperature of a second outer surface of the towpreg semi-finished product (100) opposite to the first outer surface.

6. Placement device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a prestressing unit (22) for generating a longitudinal tension in the towpreg semi-finished product (100), preferably the prestressing unit (22) being configured such that the longitudinal tension is between 0 N to more than 200 N.

7. Placement device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a preheating station (24) arranged upstream of the heating area (8) with respect to a direction of movement of the towpreg semi-finished product (100).

8. Placement device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a control device (26), signal-technically coupled to the laser unit (4) and / or to the placement unit (2), for controlling and / or loop-controlling at least one laser parameter of the laser unit (4), a feed speed of the towpreg semi-finished product (100) and / or the longitudinal tension of the towpreg semi-finished product (100), wherein preferably - the control device (26) is set up to control the laser unit (4) in such a way that the towpreg semi-finished product (100) is at least partially, preferably completely, liquified by the laser beam (6), - the control device (26) is arranged to control the laser unit (4) such that an edge layer of the towpreg semi-finished product (100) is liquified, and / or - the control device (26) is set up to control the laser unit (4) such that a predefined viscosity of the edge layer is set, and / or - the control device (26) is set up to control the laser unit (4) such that the towpreg semi-finished product (100) is heated to a temperature which corresponds at least to a curative temperature of the towpreg semi-finished product (100).

9. Placement device (1) according to the preceding claim 8, wherein the control device (26) is arranged to control the laser unit (4) based on the first temperature, the second temperature and / or another temperature measured of the towpreg semi-finished product (100) within the heating area (8) and / or a temperature measured of the towpreg semi-finished product (100) before and / or after the heating area (8) in the direction of movement of the towpreg semi-finished product (100).

10. Placement system (60) for producing a component (104) from a thermoset towpreg semi-finished product (100), comprising - a placement device (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1-9, and - a handling unit (62) coupled to the placement device (1), - wherein the handling unit (62) is arranged and configured to move the placement device (1).

11. Method of producing a component (104) from a thermoset towpreg semi-finished product (100) with a placement device (1) according to any of claims 1-9, comprising the steps: - Providing (200) the thermoset towpreg semi-finished product (100), - Guiding (202) the towpreg semi-finished product (100) along a guiding path to a placement area and / or a winding area, and - Heating (204) the towpreg semi-finished product (100) in the heating area (8) with the laser beam (6), wherein the heating area (8) is along the guide path upstream of the placement area and / or the winding area.

12. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the heating (204) of the towpreg semi-finished product (100) is spaced apart from a wrapping area.

13. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the towpreg semi-finished product (100) is heated to a processing temperature, for example more than 80 °C or more than 90 °C, and / or to a curative temperature, for example more than 120 °C.

14. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the towpreg semi-finished product (100) is guided with a longitudinal tension of more than 20 N, more than 50 N, more than 100 N and / or more than 200 N.