Device for manufacturing an elongated, unconsolidated textile element

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for manufacturing an elongated textile and unconsolidated element (11) comprising: - a frame (2) including a main longitudinal guide (3) along a direction X, said guide (3) being fixed on the frame (2) and - at least two modules (4) arranged in series around the guide (3) along the direction X, each module (4) comprising: - a feed ring (5) surrounding a section of the guide (3), - feed means (6) arranged on the ring (5) capable of feeding at least one ribbon (10) towards the guide (3) at an angle between -90° and 90° with the direction X and at a feed rate V1, each ribbon (10) being capable of winding at least around the guide (3) or on the upper layer of ribbon (10), and - drive means (15) for the ring (5) capable of rotating the ring (5) around the guide (3) at a rotation rate V2.The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an elongated textile and unconsolidated element (11) and the elongated textile and unconsolidated element (11) obtained. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Device for manufacturing an elongated, unconsolidated textile element

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of devices for manufacturing an elongated, unconsolidated textile element as well as the associated manufacturing method and the elongated, unconsolidated textile element obtained.

[0002] In the above field, braiding methods are known for forming, in particular, elongated tubes. These tubes, in order to be usable, are then consolidated to form composite tubes.

[0003] However, such methods are expensive, do not allow for large-scale production and are restrictive in terms of the tubular shape obtained.

[0004] There are also machines for manufacturing composite tubes comprising different layers of tape arranged on top of each other, one layer comprising a resin which mixes and interacts with the tapes of the upper layers. These tubes have a rigid matrix and are not easily transformable.

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks, and to manufacture an elongated, unconsolidated textile element which can have large dimensions and be easily transformed.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a device for manufacturing an elongated, unconsolidated textile element comprising: - a frame comprising a main longitudinal guide in a direction X, said guide being fixed on the frame and - at least two modules arranged in series around the guide in the X direction, each module comprising: - a feed crown surrounding a section of the guide, - feed means arranged on the crown capable of feeding at least one ribbon towards the guide at an angle of between -90° and 90° with the direction X and at a feed speed VI, each ribbon being capable of winding at least around the guide or on the upper layer of ribbon, and - crown drive means capable of rotating the crown around the guide at a rotation speed V2.

[0007] The implementation of ribbon feeding means around a main guide makes it possible to easily deploy the ribbons in the same direction. Each module can thus deliver at least one ribbon in a given direction and the elongated element thus comprises several layers of ribbon, each layer comprising at least one ribbon arranged at a given angle. The upper layer is defined as the last layer applied.

[0008] The device according to the invention makes it possible to superimpose as many layers of ribbon as desired as there are modules implemented. The advance speed VI corresponds to the advance speed of the textile element relative to the main guide of the device. The speed VI is thus substantially the same for each module of the device.

[0009] Such an elongated element obtained by the device according to the invention has numerous advantages. The elongated element is thus unconsolidated and can therefore be easily cold-bent in order to give it a particular non-rectilinear shape. The elongated element can then be consolidated, for example, by transforming it into a compatible tool.

[0010] The ribbons are deposited towards the guide with an angle strictly greater than -90° relative to the direction X of advancement of the textile element and strictly less than 90° relative to the direction X of advancement of the textile element.

[0011] For the purposes of the invention, a ribbon is said to be textile and therefore comprises fibers, for example unidirectional carbon fibers, in which case these are dry fibers. A ribbon compatible with the invention is capable of being wound around the guide and comprises a structure that is sufficiently rigid to remain wound around the guide.

[0012] A ribbon compatible with the invention may also be made of plastic, ceramic, metal, paper or mixtures of these materials without being exhaustive. A ribbon compatible with the invention is thus defined as any material capable of forming around a guide and resistant to the forces inherent in the device according to the invention.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment, a ribbon may further comprise a matrix intended to solidify rapidly and a consolidated elongated textile element may be obtained with the device of the invention.

[0014] According to a characteristic of the invention, each module comprises independent supply means. Thus, each module can distribute ribbons of a different nature. The nature and dimensions of the ribbons can be different from one layer to another.

[0015] According to another characteristic of the invention, the main longitudinal guide comprises a substantially circular or polygonal section or even a free-form section. The elongated element obtained can thus have the shape of a tube or can be of a more complex shape depending on the use.

[0016] According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the supply means comprise at least one ribbon dispenser arranged around the supply ring. The implementation of the ribbon dispenser allows for easy storage and distribution of the ribbons towards the main guide, the dispenser(s) rotating around the guide according to the rotation speed of the supply ring.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tape dispensers comprise pivoting means on the feed ring. The implementation of pivoting means makes it possible to direct the distribution of the ribbons towards the guide and thus to choose an angle between -90° and 90° between the ribbon and the guide. All the ribbons of the same module have substantially the same angle with the guide.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, the tape dispensers comprise at least one guillotine capable of cutting at least one tape at the outlet of a dispenser and a motorized element capable of bringing the tape towards the guide.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, the tape dispensers comprise welding means, for example ultrasonic welding means, capable of welding a tape to a present layer or upper layer. Other welding means compatible with the nature of the tapes used are possible within the scope of the invention. When the diameter, or the section if it is not a tube, of the elongated element varies, it is advantageous to add or remove one or more tapes, which is possible within the scope of the invention thanks to the use of a guillotine and / or welding means.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises a pulling assistance device capable of guiding the ribbons of the module(s).

[0021] The use of a pulling aid device makes it easier to slide the different layers of ribbon along the main guide. An example embodiment of a pulling aid device may be a system of at least one roller arranged downstream of the last module in the X direction. This or these rollers exert sufficient pressure to cause the layers of ribbon to slide on the main guide. Depending on the nature of the ribbons, this aid device may be removed during the manufacture of the textile element which, due to its rigidity, can advance alone on the guide. According to other embodiments, the nature of the ribbons does not require a pulling aid.

[0022] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises a secondary longitudinal guide of diameter or section greater than the diameter or section if it is not a tube, of the main guide and capable of translating on the main guide. When the device is in operation, the implementation of a secondary guide of greater diameter or section makes it possible to increase the diameter, or the section if it is not a tube, of the elongated element, the ribbons being deposited on the secondary guide.

[0023] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an elongated, unconsolidated textile element comprising the following steps: - Implementation of the power supply means on each of the modules of the device according to the invention, said power supply means comprising selected ribbons, - Setting the feed speed VI and rotation speed V2 of each module and starting up each module, - Cutting of the elongated element and / or exhaustion of the ribbons, and - Recovery of the elongated element obtained.

[0024] The feed speed V1 corresponds to the feed speed of the textile element on the main guide. The feed speed VI is therefore substantially the same for each of the modules. The feed speed VI and the rotation speed V2 of each module are linked, on the one hand, to the angle defined between the ribbon(s) fed by each of the modules and their feed speed.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises a step of storing the elongated element wound around a storage reel. The method according to the invention makes it possible to manufacture, until the ribbon supply means are exhausted, an elongated element of large size which may be, for example, up to a kilometer long. Storing the elongated element on a reel at the outlet of the device facilitates handling.

[0026] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the step of assisting in pulling the ribbons with the implementation of the pulling assistance device. The pulling assistance device is placed downstream of the last module delivering the last layer of the textile element. An operator can, for example, guide each of the layers of ribbon towards the pulling assistance device which will then help to slide the different layers onto the main guide.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the storage reel is a device for assisting in drawing the ribbons from the supply means of the modules of the manufacturing device.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the additional step of arranging a secondary longitudinal guide at the first module and translating said secondary guide along the X direction. The secondary guide makes it possible to enlarge the diameter or the section if it is not a tube, of the elongated element being manufactured or to reduce the diameter or the section of the element if a first secondary guide has already been implemented.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises a step of cold bending the elongated element obtained at a desired angle. An advantage of the manufacturing device is the possibility of cold bending the elongated element.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises a step of varying the diameter, or the section if it is not a tube, of the elongated element. Means other than the implementation of the secondary guide can be implemented to enlarge or reduce the diameter, or the section if it is not a tube, of the elongated element.

[0031] The invention also relates to an elongated, unconsolidated textile element obtained from from the manufacturing device according to the invention.

[0032] Of course, the various features, variants and embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0033] Furthermore, various other characteristics of the invention emerge from the appended description given with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting forms of embodiment of the invention and where:

[0034] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of an example of a device according to the invention,

[0035] [Fig.2] is a perspective view from an opposite angle of the device of [Fig.l],

[0036] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of an example of an elongated element according to the invention,

[0037] [Fig.4] is a sectional view of [Fig.3],

[0038] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of an example of a module according to the invention,

[0039] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the module of [Fig.3],

[0040] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of an exemplary ribbon feeding means according to the invention,

[0041] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention,

[0042] [Fig.9] is a perspective view from an opposite angle of the device of [Fig.6],

[0043] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of an elongate element comprising a variable section according to the invention, and

[0044] [Fig. 11] is a sectional view of an elongated curved element according to the invention.

[0045] It should be noted that in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0046] A device according to the invention as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 and designated as a whole by the reference 1 aims at the manufacture of an elongated textile and unconsolidated element. For these purposes, the device 1 comprises a frame 2 comprising a main longitudinal guide 3 in a direction X, and at least two modules 4 arranged in series around the guide 3 in the direction X.

[0047] The main longitudinal guide 3 is fixed on the frame 2. According to the illustrated embodiments, the main longitudinal guide 3 comprises a circular section and therefore has a tubular shape. This shape is not limiting for the invention, other shapes of guide 3 are compatible with the invention. The guide 3 is rectilinear and can comprise sections of different shapes such as square, rectangular, quadrilateral, triangular, polygonal, round, oval, or of mixed and / or free shape.

[0048] A module 4 of a device 1 according to the invention comprises, on the one hand, a feed ring 5 surrounding a section of the main longitudinal guide 3. According to the examples illustrated, the feed ring 5 has substantially the shape of a disc comprising a central hole in which the guide 3 is located.

[0049] A module 4 further comprises feed means 6 arranged on the crown 5. According to the illustrated embodiment, the feed means 6 are located on one face of the disc and feed at least one ribbon 10 towards the guide 3 with an angle relative to the direction X of between -90° and 90°.

[0050] A ribbon 10 compatible with the invention is, on the one hand, sufficiently flexible to be wound around the guide 3. [Fig. 3] illustrates an elongated element 11 obtained by means of the device 1 according to the invention. It is the successive layers of ribbon 10 arranged at different angles which allow the elongated element 11 obtained to keep its shape. [Fig. 4] illustrates a section of this elongated element 11 where the successive layers are visible.

[0051] The feed means 6 arranged on the crown 5 feed at least one ribbon 10 towards the guide 3 with a chosen angle of between -90° and 90° relative to the direction X. Each ribbon 10 is wound at least around the guide 3 or on the layer of ribbon 10 already present, i.e. the upper layer with a chosen overall feed speed VI.

[0052] Each module 4 also comprises drive means 15 for the crown 5. According to [Fig.2] and also visible in [Fig.5], the drive means 15 are located on the face of the crown 5 opposite the feed means 6. The drive means 15 for the crown 5 make it possible to rotate the crown 5 around the guide 3 at a rotation speed V2. According to the illustrated embodiment, the drive means 15 comprise a motor comprising in particular a belt capable of rotating the crown 5 and a motor control unit in order to implement a rotation speed V2 of the crown 5. This configuration is not limiting for the invention.

[0053] The device illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 comprises two modules 4. The supply means 6 of the first module 4 comprise two dispensers 20 of ribbon 10 and the supply means 6 of the second module 4 comprise a single dispenser 20 of ribbon 10. The supply means 6 of the different modules 4 are in fact independent of each other. Thus each module 4 can deliver ribbons 10 of different nature and a chosen number of ribbons 10 per layer.

[0054] [Fig. 6] illustrates a module 4 comprising six dispensers 20 of ribbon 10. The dispensers 20 of ribbon 10 are arranged around the supply ring 5. According to the illustrated embodiments, a dispenser 20 of ribbon 10 comprises a reel 21 fixed on one face of the ring 5 with pivoting means 22. According to this illustrated but non-limiting embodiment, the pivoting means 22 comprise a fixed part 23 and a pivoting part 24 directed towards the reel 21. The reel 21 is free to pivot in the pivoting part 24 and the pivoting part is free to pivot relative to the fixed part 23. Thus, the reel 21 can be arranged in a desired configuration and the pivoting means 22 can be locked according to the desired arrangement of the distributor 20.

[0055] [Fig.7] illustrates a particular embodiment of the invention in which a dispenser 20 of ribbon 10 also comprises a guillotine 25 capable of cutting the ribbon 10 at the outlet of the dispenser 20, a motor M capable of feeding the ribbon after cutting and ultrasonic welding means 26 capable of welding a ribbon 10 at the level of a layer of ribbons 10 present or upper layer. The illustration of the motor M, the guillotine 25 and the welding means 26 is schematic in [Fig.7] and other embodiments are possible and in particular with means of acting on a ribbon 10 outside the dispenser 20.

[0056] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a particular embodiment of the invention. The device 1 comprises three modules 4. The first module 4 comprises four dispensers 20 of ribbon 10 which each deposit a ribbon 10 in the direction of advancement X, that is to say that the angle between the ribbon 10 and the guide 3 has a value of 0 degrees. The second module 4 comprises two dispensers 20 of ribbon 10 and finally the third module 4 comprises a single dispenser 20 of ribbon 10. This embodiment is not limiting for the invention.

[0057] In order to manufacture an elongated element 11 according to the invention, a first step consists of implementing supply means 6 on each of the modules 4 of the device 1. For this purpose, according to the examples illustrated, reels 21 each comprising a chosen ribbon 10 are arranged on each supply ring 5 of the device 1. Preferably, the reels deliver the same ribbon 10 per module and each module 4 can comprise reels of ribbon 10 of a different type.

[0058] According to the example illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the ribbons 10 used have a width of between 20 and 10 mm and a thickness of approximately 150 microns.

[0059] A second step of the method consists in setting, on the one hand, the feed speed VI and, on the other hand, the rotation speed V2 of each of the modules 4. The precise and coordinated setting of these two values ​​makes it possible to define for each feed means 6 a desired angle between the ribbon 10 and the guide, this angle varies between -90 and 90° excluding these two interval limits. For example, and according to the example of the device illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, a first layer of ribbon 10 is deposited with an angle close to 0° relative to the direction X, a second layer of ribbon 10 is deposited with an angle of approximately 80° relative to the direction X and a third layer is deposited with an angle close to -80° relative to the direction X.

[0060] An example of parameterization consists of defining a feed speed VI substantially equal to one meter per minute and a rotation speed V2 of two modules 4 each distributing a ribbon 10 substantially equal to 360 revolutions per minute. This example is not limiting for the invention.

[0061] Modules 4 are then started up.

[0062] Depending on the nature of the ribbons 10, a pulling aid device 30 is implemented in order to assist in pulling the ribbons 10 of the different layers of the element 11. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first layer of ribbon 10 from the first module 4 slides on the main guide 3 through the two other modules 4 implemented. The ribbons 10 of the first layer can slide alone if their nature allows it or with manual assistance. The ribbons 10 of the other layers are deposited on the previous layer and then pass through the pulling aid device 30. This aid device 30 is not always necessary for implementing the method but it can assist in sliding the different layers towards the X direction depending on the nature of the ribbons 10 used.

[0063] According to a particular embodiment with in particular ribbons of the first layer arranged at an angle close to 0° with the direction X, there is not necessarily a need for manual assistance to advance said ribbons 10.

[0064] According to another embodiment, once other layers of ribbons 10 are superimposed on the first layer, the elongated element 11 is manufactured without assistance and the pulling aid device 30 is no longer useful and can be removed. This may be a transitional period of start-up assistance which is necessary if the nature of the ribbon 10 used does not allow the ribbon to deploy efficiently from its reel 21.

[0065] The elongated element 11 which is manufactured can be stored wound around a storage reel, thus facilitating its subsequent handling. The elongated element 11 can also be cut as it is manufactured according to the desired size and according to the additional steps described below, for example increasing or reducing the dimensions.

[0066] According to one embodiment (not illustrated) the storage reel is a device for assisting in pulling the ribbons 10. In fact, when it is wound, the textile element 11 causes the ribbons 10 which form it to be pulled.

[0067] When the elongated element 11 is of the desired size, it can then be cut. Another way of completing the process is to wait until the ribbons 10 are used up.

[0068] The obtained unconsolidated textile elongated element 11 can finally be recovered. Consolidation steps can then be applied to it, for example a thermoforming step when the dimensions allow it. When consolidating the elongated element 11, it is also possible to slightly vary the dimensions of the elongated element 11, in particular its perimeter, of the order of 10-20%.

[0069] According to a particular embodiment, a secondary longitudinal guide (not shown) is arranged at the level of the first module 4 during manufacturing. This secondary guide of diameter or section greater than the diameter or section of the main guide 3 is placed upstream of the first module 4 and translates towards the direction of fa brication of the elongated element 11. The ribbons 10 of the different modules 4 are then deposited on the secondary guide, and again on the main guide 3 after the secondary guide has passed. It is thus also possible to significantly increase the diameter or the section or even the overall shape of the elongated element 11 during its manufacture. Such an elongated element 11 obtained is illustrated in [Fig. 10].

[0070] With an increase in diameter or cross-section, ribbons 10 similar to the ribbons 10 supplied by the corresponding module 4 can be added using ultrasonic welding means 26, thus making it possible to fill openings which could form due to the increase in the surface area of ​​the elongated element 11; such an example is illustrated in [Fig. 10] with ribbons 10 added to the layer below the upper layer when increasing the diameter of the element 11 and ribbons 10 cut when decreasing the diameter of the element 11.

[0071] According to another embodiment of the invention, the elongated element 11 obtained by the device 1 is cold bent at a desired angle such that the elongated element 11 appears in [Fig. 11]. This cold bending step can be done by hand if the bending rigidity of the elongated element 11 obtained allows it.

[0072] According to another embodiment not illustrated, the elongated element 11 can also be consolidated by integrating a solid matrix at the level of one of the layers of ribbon 10 composing it.

[0073] Of course, various other modifications may be made to the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) for manufacturing an elongated textile and unconsolidated element (11) comprising: - a frame (2) comprising a main longitudinal guide (3) in a direction X, said guide (3) being fixed on the frame (2) and - at least two modules (4) arranged in series around the guide (3) in the direction X, each module (4) comprising: - a feed ring (5) surrounding a section of the guide (3), - feed means (6) arranged on the ring (5) capable of feeding at least one ribbon (10) towards the guide (3) at an angle of between -90° and 90° with the direction X and at a feed speed VI, each ribbon (10) being capable of winding at least around the guide (3) or on the upper layer of ribbon (10), and - drive means (15) of the ring (5) capable of rotating the ring (5) around the guide (3) at a speed of rotation V2.

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim in which each module (4) comprises independent power supply means (6).

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the main longitudinal guide (3) comprises a substantially circular or polygonal or free-form section.

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the supply means (6) comprise at least one dispenser (20) of ribbon (10) arranged around the supply crown (5).

5. Device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the dispensers (20) of ribbon (10) comprise pivoting means (22) on the feed crown (5).

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5 further comprising at least one guillotine (25) capable of cutting at least one ribbon (10) at the outlet of a dispenser (20) and a motorized element (M) capable of bringing the ribbon (10) towards the guide (3).

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising welding means (26) capable of welding a ribbon (10) onto an upper layer.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a pulling aid device (30) capable of guiding the or the ribbons (10) of the supply means (6) of the module(s) (4).

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a secondary longitudinal guide of diameter or section greater than the diameter or section of the main guide (3) and capable of translating on the main guide (3).

10. Method for manufacturing an elongated textile and unconsolidated element (11) comprising the following steps: - Implementation of the feed means (6) on each of the modules (4) of the device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, said feed means (6) comprising selected ribbons (10), - Setting the feed speed VI and the rotation speed V2 of each of the modules (4) and starting up each module (4), - Cutting the elongated element (11) and / or exhausting the ribbons (10), and - Recovery of the elongated element (11) obtained.

11. A manufacturing method according to the preceding claim further comprising a step of storing the elongated element (11) wound around a storage reel.

12. Manufacturing method according to one of claims 10 or 11 in their dependence on claim 8 further comprising the step of assisting in the pulling of the ribbons (10) with the implementation of the pulling assistance device (30).

13. Manufacturing method according to one of claims 10 to 12 in their dependence on claim 9 further comprising the additional step of arranging a secondary longitudinal guide at the level of the first module (4) and translating said secondary guide in the direction X.

14. Manufacturing method according to one of claims 10 to 13 comprising a step of cold bending the elongated element (11) obtained at a desired angle.

15. Manufacturing method according to one of claims 10 to 13 comprising a step of varying the diameter or the section of the elongated element (11).

16. Elongated textile and unconsolidated element (11) obtained from the manufacturing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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