Apparatus for consolidating a fibrous structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for solidifying a fiber structure (2) by means of a fluid (3), comprising a fluid jet head (9) which has a nozzle (20) for dispensing the fluid (3), a manipulator (4), and a fiber receptacle (25) for arranging the fiber structure (2), wherein the fluid jet head (9) is arranged as an effector (8) on the manipulator (4), and wherein the manipulator (4) is provided in such a way that the fluid jet head (9) arranged thereon can thus be moved in at least two spatial directions (10.1, 10.2, 10.3) relative to the fiber receptacle (25).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for solidifying a fiber structure by means of a fluid.

[0002] Hydroentanglement systems are known from the prior art, in which a nap as web material is passed under a water jet beam. This beam has a plurality of nozzles arranged side by side perpendicular to the machine direction in which the web material is moved. The water jets act on the web material from above, and a collecting basin for the process water is provided below. The fibers, which are still more or less loosely connected in the nap, are swirled and entangled by the water jets, thus bonding them, for example, into a nonwoven fabric.

[0003] The present invention is based on the technical problem of providing an advantageous device for solidifying a fiber structure.

[0004] This is achieved according to the invention with the device according to claim 1. This device comprises a fiber receptacle for arranging the fiber structure and a fluid jet head with a nozzle for dispensing the fluid. The fluid jet head is mounted on a manipulator and can be moved relative to the fiber receptacle in at least two spatial directions.

[0005] In contrast to the prior art cited at the beginning, the entire fiber structure is not necessarily consolidated, but can be consolidated only in defined areas by appropriately positioning the fluid jet head. In the case of a web or sheet material, such locally limited consolidation can, for example, achieve a higher degree of consolidation in certain areas (the fibers are more intertwined locally). This can, for example, open up optical design possibilities, such as the inscription of a line, etc. (patterns, lettering, etc.). The fiber structure can also be multi-layered, whereby the locally limited consolidation makes it possible, for example, to join the layers similar to quilting, with a high degree of flexibility.

[0006] In general, the object is not limited to a two-dimensional flat or web material. The fluid jet head can also be moved with the manipulator relative to a three-dimensionally shaped fiber structure, which, for example, in addition to the extension in the two surface directions, also has an extension in the thickness direction, in particular a varying extension, i.e. a contour. Such a fiber structure can, for example, be designed as an insert for a housing, for example for insulation or soundproofing; applications in body construction, etc. are also possible, see below in detail. A three-dimensional fiber structure can, for example, be created by stacking fiber modules and / or fiber layers on top of one another, and the fluid jet head can then be guided into connection areas, for example, using the manipulator. The fiber structure can also be solidified as a whole, for example with different exposure times and / or varying fluid pressure in certain areas.

[0007] In summary, the combination of manipulator and fluid jet head opens up a variety of application possibilities, offering, for example, a high degree of flexibility. Compared to the water jet bar mentioned above, selective solidification, in which only the areas actually required for the finished product are solidified and edge areas remain unsolidified, for example, as a pile, can also be advantageous in terms of material economy. The edge areas that are not or only slightly solidified can then be reused with less effort, thus being re-incorporated into production.

[0008] Further preferred embodiments can be found in the dependent claims and the entire disclosure, whereby the presentation of the features does not always distinguish in detail between aspects of the device and aspects of the method or use relating to its application; in any case, the disclosure is implicitly to be read with regard to all claim categories. For example, if a device suitable for a specific application is described, this is to be read simultaneously as a disclosure of a corresponding method or use, and vice versa.

[0009] The nozzle of the fluid jet head can, for example, have an opening width of at least 50 µm, further and particularly preferably at least 70 µm or 80 µm. Possible upper limits can be, for example, a maximum of 1 mm, further and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.3 mm or 0.2 mm. A circular opening can be preferred, so the width specifications refer to the opening diameter. In detail, the width can also depend on the type of fluid; although the subject matter of the invention is preferably generally not limited to hydroentanglement, air or generally a gaseous fluid can also be provided as an alternative. The fluid jet head can have exactly one or more nozzles; see below for details.

[0010] The fiber structure can be made up of continuous and / or staple fibers. The fibers in the fiber structure can be arranged essentially unconsolidated in its initial state, i.e., it can be an unconsolidated pile, for example. In any case, after the fiber structure has been consolidated using the consolidating device disclosed here, i.e., in the consolidated fiber structure, the fibers are connected due to the fiber-fiber entanglement. However, a certain degree of entanglement can already be present in the initial state, wherein the degree of entanglement is less than in the fully consolidated fiber structure. In general, the fibers can also be held together with a binder, but preferably in the fully consolidated fiber structure they are held together binder-free (without binder), preferably solely due to the fiber entanglement. The latter can, for example,be advantageous for ecological and economic reasons and are made possible by targeted solidification with a manipulator and fluid jet head.

[0011] The fiber holder can, for example, be a support onto which the fiber structure is placed. In a simple case, this can be a flat surface, but contours are also possible, see details below. In general, the fiber holder can, for example, also be a cage in which the fiber structure is held and is accessible from different sides, e.g. from above and below. The manipulator has one or more axes that are provided on a base, preferably a stationary foundation. The axes can, for example, be equipped with drive units (motors, etc.) and mechanically coupled via connecting elements. With two axes, for example, the relative mobility in at least two spatial directions as required can be realized.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the manipulator is designed such that the fluid jet head arranged therein is movable in three spatial directions. Generally, the "spatial directions" refer to a stationary coordinate system. According to the main claim, for example, relative positioning in the x- and y-directions is possible; preferably, relative positioning in the z-direction is also possible (the x-, y-, and z-directions are perpendicular to each other, for example). In the case of a three-dimensional fiber structure as mentioned above, the x- and y-directions can, for example, coincide with its surface directions, and the z-direction with the thickness direction.

[0013] Regardless of the number of spatial directions, relative mobility can be achieved mechanically in different ways, thus providing several options for the relative arrangement and mounting of the manipulator's axes. For example, the manipulator can be designed as a gantry robot, i.e., with linear guides (on two or three mutually perpendicular axes). The manipulator is preferably designed as an articulated-arm robot, e.g., as a 5-, 6-, or 7-axis articulated-arm robot, a dual-arm robot, a palletizing robot, or a SCARA robot. An articulated-arm robot, for example, can allow for particularly flexible guidance of the fluid jet head, which can thus be adapted to different fiber structure geometries.

[0014] In general, the manipulator is preferably controlled with or by a programmable control unit, which can be implemented as an integrated device or connected as an external computer via an interface. If specific process sequences are described herein, this should therefore also be interpreted as a disclosure that the control unit is configured to cause the manipulator to perform corresponding steps.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the manipulator is designed such that the fluid jet head can be not only offset relative to the fiber holder, but also tilted. Tilting allows the angle of incidence, which the main discharge direction of the nozzle encloses with the fiber holder, to be changed. This allows the angle of incidence at which the fluid hits the surface of the fiber structure to be adjusted during operation; for example, a different angle of incidence can be selected in different areas. In the case of a fiber structure with a contoured surface, however, the angle of incidence can also be kept constant across the fiber structure by tilting, for example.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, a surface of the fiber receptacle, against which the fiber structure rests during operation, is curved at least in some areas. This curvature can be concave or convex as viewed from the fiber structure, i.e., from the cavity intended to receive the fiber structure; a combination of partially concave and partially convex configurations is also possible. The curvature can be used to predetermine a corresponding shape for the fiber structure. The fiber structure itself can be introduced into the fiber receptacle as an originally flat material or can also be pre-contoured.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, a surface of the fiber receptacle, against which the fiber structure rests, is provided with a plurality of openings. The surface can be formed, for example, by a grid, with the rods or wires of the grid interlocking to define the openings. The openings can also be provided, for example, as holes in a surface, e.g., as perforations in a sheet material (e.g., a metal sheet) or as openings of through-channels in a sheet or volume material. During operation, the fluid discharged via the fluid jet head can be discharged through the openings, i.e., after impacting the fiber structure. Figuratively speaking, this can prevent a "backup" of the fluid and thus an undefined deflection or deceleration of the fluid jet. The holes can, for example, be distributed in a grid pattern across the surface, regardless of whether the surface is (partially) curved or flat.

[0018] The surface of the fiber holder does not have to be a single, continuous area; it can also be made up of several separate partial surface areas. For example, several fiber holder elements can be arranged next to one another, each of which forms a partial surface area. The fiber holder elements can, for example, be rods arranged next to one another in a bundle, with the end face of each rod forming the respective partial surface area of ​​the surface. In general, the fiber holder elements arranged next to one another can also be designed so that they can be offset from one another, so that different contours, i.e. different surface profiles, can be created as required. In the case of rods, these can, for example,each be mounted displaceably along its longitudinal axis so that the end-side partial surface areas can be brought into different relative positions by relative displacement of the rods and thus different surface contours can be set.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, at least one surface portion of the fiber receptacle, to whose surface the fiber structure adheres, is a generatively manufactured part. The fiber receptacle can be a coherent generatively manufactured part as a whole, but it can also be constructed from multiple parts. It can be composed of several generatively manufactured surface parts and / or include one or more conventionally manufactured surface parts. The latter can, for example, define a basic shape that, depending on the desired product, is / are supplemented with one or more generatively manufactured and thus individually tailored surface parts.

[0020] When we speak of a "surface part" of the fiber holder in this context, we mean a part with a surface for the fiber structure to adhere to, i.e., to which the fibers adhere during operation. Furthermore, the fiber holder can of course include mounting and fastening elements that hold the surface parts together, for example, in the case of a multi-part structure.

[0021] A "generatively manufactured part" is a part constructed from a previously formless or shape-neutral material based on a computer model (e.g., a CAD model). This construction occurs, for example, layer by layer, with an area corresponding to the shape specified in the computer model being applied or solidified for each layer. The generatively manufactured part can, in particular, be a 3D-printed part, i.e., one that was built up in layers using a print head that dispenses the material. The material can be plastic, for example, but a metallic surface part is also possible (manufactured, for example, by laser sintering or in a powder bed process). Also intended to be disclosed is a method for producing a device for solidifying a fiber structure as discussed here, wherein at least a surface portion of the fiber receptacle is produced generatively, in particular using one of the methods just mentioned.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the device has a further manipulator on which the fiber holder is arranged as an effector. With the further manipulator, the fiber holder can be moved in a stationary coordinate system, for example in at least two or preferably three spatial directions. With regard to possible embodiments of the further manipulator, reference is made to the above disclosure; this can be constructed, for example, as a gantry robot or as an articulated arm robot, etc. By arranging both the fluid jet head and the fiber holder on a respective manipulator, they can be brought into different relative positions with particular flexibility. Apart from suspension points, etc., the fiber holder can therefore in principle be accessible from all directions. As mentioned above, the fiber holder can, for example,It can be constructed as a cage, which prevents the fiber structure from falling out, regardless of its orientation in the fixed coordinate system. The cage can, for example, be hinged, so that the fiber structure can be easily inserted and removed again after solidification. A method is also to be disclosed in which the fiber structure is solidified sequentially from different sides with the fluid jet emitted by the fluid jet head, in particular from opposite directions (as viewed in the coordinate system of the fiber structure).

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the device has a fiber dispensing unit with which fibers can be applied to the fiber receptacle and / or the fiber structure already arranged there during operation. In the simplest case, the fibers can simply fall out; preferably, they are accelerated with a fluid jet, in particular a gaseous fluid, preferably air, in the direction of the fiber receptacle or the fiber structure. The fluid jet entrains the fibers, which attach themselves to the fiber receptacle or the fiber structure. Preferably, the fiber receptacle and the fiber dispensing unit are movable relative to one another; particularly preferably, the fiber dispensing unit can be mounted so as to be movable, viewed in a stationary coordinate system, for example, arranged on a gantry robot.

[0024] Regardless of the specific technical implementation, the fiber dispensing unit can preferably be moved over the fiber receptacle, whereby in a preferred application, fibers are then dispensed in certain areas and no fibers are dispensed in certain areas, or at least a smaller number of fibers are dispensed. In this way, for example, a fiber structure can be constructed with different properties in certain areas (see above). Different fibers can also be applied sequentially, for example, and / or more fibers can be dispensed in certain areas. The fiber structure can, for example, be built up successively in several layers, whereby in a respective layer, for example, only fibers can be applied in certain areas, so that a three-dimensional fiber structure comparable to a height profile can be constructed.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the fluid jet head has a total of no more than 500 nozzles for dispensing the fluid, with increasing preference, in the order mentioned, to no more than 400, 300, 200, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, or 10 nozzles. The fluid jet head can also have exactly one nozzle, but possible lower limits can also be at least 2, 3, 4, or 5 nozzles, whereby the lower and upper limits can also be of interest independently of one another and should be disclosed. The provision of more than one nozzle can be advantageous, for example, with regard to the possible energy input and thus the process duration, whereby an upper limit can be advantageous, for example, with regard to accuracy.

[0026] The fluid jet head can, for example, also be valve-controlled in such a way that the number of nozzles used to dispense the fluid can be varied during operation. In one operating mode, the fluid can be dispensed from all nozzles of the fluid jet head, for example, to act on a large area of ​​the fiber structure. In another operating mode, the fluid can be dispensed from only some or even just one of the nozzles to act on a smaller area and thus create a finer structure.

[0027] Even independently of such control functions, in a preferred embodiment the area of ​​the fluid jet head occupied by the nozzle(s) can be limited; in other words, a distribution of the nozzles over a not too large area can be preferred. This can, for example, offer advantages in terms of accuracy and thus also flexibility (accessibility to fine structures). The area occupied by the nozzle(s), i.e. all nozzles of the fluid jet head, can, for example, amount to a maximum of 5 cm 2< , 4 cm 2< , 3 cm 2< , 2 cm 2< or 1 cm 2< (in increasing order of preference in the order mentioned). In the case of a fluid jet head with a single nozzle, a lower limit can be its diameter (see above); in the case of multiple nozzles, further lower limits can be, for example, 0.1 cm 2< , 0.25 cm 2< or 0.5 cm 2<.In detail, in the case of several nozzles, the area is determined using an envelope placed around them, i.e. as the area enclosed by them.

[0028] If the fluid jet head has multiple nozzles, an alignment such that their main discharge directions are essentially parallel to each other may be preferred. "Essentially parallel" means, for example, tilted by no more than 10° relative to each other, with increasing preference given to no more than 8°, 6°, or 4°, respectively. Within the limits of technical feasibility, an exactly parallel alignment (0°) may also be preferred.

[0029] The invention also relates to a method for solidifying a fiber structure, in which a fluid jet head with nozzle and a fiber structure are moved relative to one another in at least two, preferably three spatial directions by means of a manipulator. The fiber structure can be arranged in a fiber holder as described above, wherein, for example, viewed in a stationary coordinate system, the fiber holder is stationary and the fluid jet head is moved with the manipulator. Alternatively, however, the fiber holder can generally also be moved in the stationary coordinate system and thus the fiber structure with the manipulator, for example a cage-shaped fiber holder. Combinations are also possible, i.e. both a movement of the fiber holder and the fluid jet head (each viewed in the stationary coordinate system). For example, it is therefore possible.The fiber holder can be mounted on a manipulator, such as an articulated-arm robot (see above), and the fluid jet head can also be mounted on a manipulator, such as another articulated-arm robot. This allows for particularly flexible implementation of different relative arrangements.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the fiber structure has different properties in certain regions, specifically in the fully consolidated state, for example, when removed from the fiber receptacle. The "different properties" can be, for example, a different fiber density (volume fraction of fibers per unit volume) and / or a different mass density (weight per unit volume) and / or a different pore structure; alternatively or additionally, the fibers can also differ in certain regions, for example, a difference in the fiber material and / or fiber length or thickness is possible. Fibers of different colors, for example, open up design and labeling possibilities; the fiber structure can therefore be colored differently in different regions. The property(ies) in question can change abruptly from region to region or along a gradient.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the fiber structure already has a three-dimensional shape before solidification, i.e. it has an extension not only in two mutually perpendicular surface directions, but also in a thickness direction perpendicular to these (see above). This extension in the thickness direction can vary across the fiber structure, in particular; the fiber structure can therefore, for example, have a contour. The combination with the fluid jet head can be advantageous, for example, in that different points or sides and surfaces of the three-dimensional fiber structure are easily accessible due to or with the relative movement by the manipulator. The fluid jet head can be placed in different relative positions and / or different angles relative to the fiber structure, so that it is solidified in a targeted manner (in certain areas).

[0032] In general, a "three-dimensional fiber structure" can, for example, have a dimension of at least 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, or 15 cm in each of three mutually perpendicular spatial directions (xyz direction). Significantly larger dimensions are also possible in at least two directions (the "flat with contour" variant). Although structures of any size are generally conceivable, possible upper limits could be, for example, 3 m, 2 m, or 1 m.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the fiber structure is composed of several pile elements, for example, several pile layers, prior to consolidation. These can each have a different structure, comparable to a height profile, and thus, when stacked on top of each other, create a three-dimensional shape. Furthermore, the pile elements can also be building blocks that are stacked on top of each other to create the desired three-dimensional fiber structure. As an alternative to assembling the pile structure in this way, the fibers can also be formed into the desired shape in an appropriately shaped cavity, i.e., a mold; they can, for example, be blown into the mold.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the fluid jet head is not only used for bonding, but in another operating mode, a portion of the fiber structure is opened up or preferably severed with the fluid jet. The fluid jet head is therefore also used for fluid jet cutting, e.g., water jet cutting. This allows, for example, unnecessary edge areas in the fully bonded fiber structure to be separated and / or one or more holes or openings can be introduced into the fiber structure. Depending on its subsequent use, such a hole can be used, for example, for assembly, such as fastening to a body or housing part. In a "cutting" operating mode, the fluid can be dispensed, for example, at higher pressure and / or from a smaller number of nozzles. Likewise, a longer exposure per unit area is possible compared to the "bonding" operating mode.Regardless of these details, the integration of the additional operating mode can further increase flexibility, requiring no additional equipment compared to, for example, a production line with a separate fluid jet cutting unit.

[0035] The invention also relates to a method for producing a molded part for a body part, a housing part, a piece of clothing, a seat or back cushion, a packaging cushion or an insulating or damping component, wherein the molded part is produced by solidifying a fiber structure in a method disclosed herein.

[0036] In the following, the invention is explained using an exemplary embodiment, whereby the individual features within the scope of the independent claims can also be essential to the invention in other combinations and no distinction is made in detail between the different claim categories. In detail,

[0037] Figure 1 shows a device according to the invention with a fiber holder, a manipulator, and a fluid jet head; Figure 2 shows a detailed view of a fluid jet head; Figure 3 shows a detailed view of a fiber holder. Figure 4 shows another device according to the invention with a manipulator and a fluid jet head, wherein the fiber holder is also arranged on a manipulator; Figure 5 shows a fiber holder with a fiber dispensing unit for the selective application of fibers in certain areas.

[0038] Figure 1shows a device 1 for consolidating a fiber structure 2 using a fluid 3. The device 1 has a manipulator 4, which is designed here as a multi-axis robot. This has several articulated arms 5, which are connected to one another via rotary joints 6. The articulated arms 5 are also mounted horizontally rotatably on the base 7, so that any point within an xyz coordinate system spanned by the spatial directions 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 can be approached within the range. A fluid jet head 9 is provided as the effector 8, which is also connected via a rotary joint 6. The fluid jet head has several nozzles 20, through which the fluid 3 is discharged during operation, see also the detailed illustration according to Figure 2 .

[0039] With the manipulator 4, the fluid jet head 9 can be moved relative to a fiber holder 25, on which, in the present example, the fiber structure 2 rests without any lateral enclosure, etc. In order for this to receive a schematically shown three-dimensional structure, it can have a support structure inside, for example a wire frame. Alternatively or additionally, a three-dimensional structure can also be predetermined by a three-dimensionally shaped surface of the fiber holder 25, as described in more detail below. The fiber holder 25 has holes (not shown here) through which the fluid, in this case the water, is drained downwards after acting on the fiber structure 2. A tray 26 is arranged below the fiber holder 25, in which the residual water 27 is collected and can, for example, be recirculated and fed back to the fluid jet head 9 (not shown).

[0040] The relative movement between the fiber holder 25 and the fluid jet head 9 adjusts its position relative to the fiber structure 2. Different locations of the three-dimensionally shaped fiber structure 2 can be targeted in order to solidify the fibers in certain areas or to solidify them even more strongly compared to the rest of the fiber structure 2.

[0041] As detailed in Figure 2 As shown, not only the position of the center of gravity 28 of the fluid jet head 9 relative to the fiber structure 2 can be changed, but also an angle of incidence 30. This includes a main output direction 31 of the nozzle 20 with the fiber receptacle 25 or the fiber structure 2. In other words, the fluid jet head 9 can be tilted relative to the fiber structure 2, thus a respective water jet 21 can be directed at an angle onto the fiber structure 2 in a targeted manner and / or, in the case of a contoured surface, the angle of incidence can also be kept constant with the tilting.

[0042] Figure 3 Illustrates an alternative fiber receptacle 25, which is somewhat bowl-shaped. Accordingly, a surface 35, against which the fiber structure (not shown here) rests, has a concave curvature. This preformed surface 35 can be used to predetermine a shape for the fiber structure, thus, in this case, a bowl-shaped, curved molded part can be created. This can be used, for example, as an insert for a piece of clothing, such as a bra.

[0043] For small-batch or prototype production, the fiber holder 25 can be customized, for example, using a 3D printing process. A multitude of holes 36 can be seen in the surface 35, which serve to drain the fluid, as described above.

[0044] Figure 4 shows a device 1 which, with regard to the manipulator 4 and the fluid jet head 9, is comparable to that according to Figure 1In contrast, however, the fiber holder 25 is not stationary, but is arranged on a further manipulator 40. The fiber holder 25 thus forms its effector 41. This allows the fiber holder 25 and the fluid jet head to be brought into a variety of different relative positions, meaning that the fiber structure (not shown here) can be consolidated from above and below or from the side. To prevent it from falling out, the fiber holder is provided in the form of a cage 45, which can be opened to insert and remove the fiber structure. The further manipulator 40 is constructed analogously to the manipulator 4 as a multi-axis robot with several articulated arms 42, which are connected to one another via pivot joints 43 and arranged on a common base 44.

[0045] Figure 5 shows a device 1 which in principle corresponds to that according to Figure 1is comparable, whereby the manipulator 4 with the fluid jet head 8 is not shown for the sake of clarity. The device 1 is additionally equipped with a fiber dispensing unit 50, from which fibers 51 can be dispensed and applied to the fiber holder 25 or the fiber structure 2. The fibers 51 can, for example, be sprayed on, i.e. accelerated by compressed air in the direction of the fiber holder 25. The fiber dispensing unit 50 is movably mounted on two linear axes 55, 56, in this case suspended from a gantry robot. It can thus be moved over a large area of ​​the fiber holder 25, whereby fibers 51 can be selectively applied in predefined areas by specifically switching the fiber dispensing on and off.

Claims

1. Device (1) for solidifying a fiber structure (2) by means of a fluid (3), with a fluid jet head (9) which has a nozzle (20) for dispensing the fluid (3), a manipulator (4), and a fiber holder (25) for arranging the fiber structure (2), wherein the fluid jet head (9) is arranged as an effector (8) on the manipulator (4), and wherein the manipulator (4) is provided in such a way that the fluid jet head (9) arranged thereon can thus be moved in at least two spatial directions (10.1, 10.2, 10.3) relative to the fiber holder (25).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the manipulator (4) is provided in such a way that the fluid jet head (9) arranged thereon can be moved in three spatial directions relative to the fiber holder (25).

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the manipulator (4) is provided in such a way that in a respective relative position of the fluid jet head (9) to the fiber holder (25) an angle of incidence (30) which is enclosed by a main output direction (31) of the nozzle (20) with the fiber holder (25) can be changed.

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a surface (35) of the fiber receptacle (25), which is intended to bear against the fiber structure (2), is curved at least in some regions.

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a surface (35) of the fiber receptacle (25) which is intended to bear against the fiber structure (2) has a plurality of openings (36) for discharging the fluid (3) discharged from the nozzle (20) after acting on the fiber structure.

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one surface part of the fiber receptacle (25), which forms a surface (35) intended for contact with the fiber structure (2), is a generatively manufactured component.

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which has a further manipulator (40), wherein the fiber receptacle (25) is arranged as an effector (41) on the further manipulator (40).

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which has a fiber dispensing unit (50) with which fibers (51) can be applied to the fiber receptacle (25) or the fiber structure (2).

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid jet head (9) has at most 500 nozzles for dispensing the fluid (3), preferably at most 10 nozzles.

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the nozzle (20) or nozzles (20) on the fluid jet head (9) have a total area of ​​at most 5 cm 2 take.

11. Method for solidifying a fiber structure (2), in particular by means of a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which method a fluid jet head (9) which has a nozzle (20) and a fiber holder (25) in which a fiber structure (2) is arranged are moved relative to one another in at least two spatial directions by means of a manipulator (4), wherein during this relative movement a fluid (3) is dispensed at least temporarily from the nozzle (20) of the fluid jet head (9) to solidify the fiber structure (2).

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein the fully consolidated fiber structure (2) has different properties in certain regions.

13. Method according to claim 12, in which the regionally different properties of the fiber structure (2) are at least also caused by fibers which differ in the different regions of the fiber structure (2) in at least one of their length, their thickness, their material and their color.

14. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, in which the fiber structure (2) already has a three-dimensional shape before solidification.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the fiber structure (2) is composed of several three-dimensional pile building blocks before consolidation.

16. Method according to one of claims 11 to 15, in which, in another operating mode, a part of the fiber structure (2) is cut open or severed with the fluid (3) discharged from the nozzle (20) of the fluid jet head (9).

17. A method for producing a molded part for a body part, a housing part, a garment, a seat or backrest cushion, a packaging cushion or an insulating or damping component by solidifying a fiber structure (2) according to one of claims 9 to 13.

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