Head for automatically depositing strips of composite material and associated method for routing strips of composite material

Abstract

The invention relates to a head for depositing a strip (1) of composite material, the head having routing means comprising: - upstream routing means (2) for driving the strip (1) of material from the storage means (4) in translation along a selected path (T1, T2) to the cutting means (6); - downstream routing means (3) for driving the strip (1) of material between the cutting means (6) and the compaction means (5) and able to be driven radially about an axis Z along a second selected path (R1, R2) between the cutting means (6) and the compaction means (5) and vice versa, and to the associated implementation method.

Description

Automatic composite material strip deposition head and associated composite material strip conveying method TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the field of composite material deposition and lamination techniques suitable for manufacturing composite structures and more particularly the conveying of composite material strip for the manufacture of large parts. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Until recently, large composite structures were typically created using manual lamination techniques involving the manual placement of mats or plies of reinforcing fibrous material into large molds. Multiple layers of fibrous material are arranged within the mold. The fibrous material is usually in the form of strips containing glass or carbon fibers. Once the strips are in place, resin is introduced using a technique such as resin transfer molding (RTM) or vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). Alternatively, the mats can be pre-impregnated with resin, eliminating the need to supply resin to the mold. In all cases, the layup is generally subjected to a consolidation and curing process under vacuum and temperature control.

[0003] The presence of a large surface area to cover on molds during deposition forces any deposition machine to make many additional passes and adapt the position of the deposition head, severely limiting production productivity.

[0004] The use of composite fiber placement or deposition allows the production of large parts but has a limit on the size of the strip suitable for deposition, due in particular to the weight limits of the deposition head but also to the limit width of the strip suitable for deposition.

[0005] Deposition operations for large strips, i.e. greater than 600mm in width, present many additional technical problems compared to strips of composite material of smaller width.

[0006] On the one hand, composite material strips wider than 600 mm are not only heavy but also have reduced handling capacity, meaning a reduced conveying capacity due to the strip's surface area. A strip of this width is more complex to move from a storage reel to compaction equipment for deposition onto a mold.

[0007] Added to this is a problem of deposition quality since transporting strips of material of this size also has the disadvantage of increasing the chances that the strip will deform, tear or settle, and particularly for prepreg type composite material strips which may have two parts of the same impregnated surface which stick together.

[0008] Finally, when transporting strips of prepreg-type composite material of significant width, i.e. greater than 600mm, the transport becomes all the more complex as the separation of the strip with its protective film induces adhesion and bonding constraints of the strip with any transport system coming into contact with it at the level of the prepreg face.

[0009] Conveyance means the action of conveying a strip of material to be deposited when a new reel is inserted into storage means of the head or following a cutting action of the strip, the end of which must be conveyed to compaction means to allow the action of depositing the strip on the depositing surface.

[0010] The present invention remedies these drawbacks.

[0011] The invention relates to a deposition head for a strip of composite material to be deposited on a mold, having means for storing a strip of composite material to be deposited, said strip of composite material being unwound towards conveying means configured to drive said strip of material from the storage means to cutting means and to compaction means so as to allow adhesion to the mold of the strip of material to be deposited.

[0012] According to a general definition of the invention, the means for conveying the deposit head include: the conveying means include: - upstream conveying means which allow the material strip to be driven from the storage means to the cutting means, and comprising at least one upstream movable gripper capable of passing from an open state allowing the material strip to be deposited to a closed state where the strip is held between the elements of said upstream movable gripper, said upstream movable gripper being capable of being driven in translation along a chosen path towards the cutting means;-downstream conveying means which allow the strip of material to be moved between the cutting means and the compaction means, said downstream conveying means comprising at least one downstream movable clamp capable of moving from an open state allowing the strip of material to be deposited to pass through when the upstream movable clamp is in translation towards the cutting means, to a closed state where the strip is immobilized when the translation towards the cutting means of the upstream movable clamp is completed, the downstream movable clamp being capable of being driven radially around an axis Z along a second path chosen between the cutting means and the compaction means and vice versa.;

[0013] Advantageously, the deposition head according to the invention allows for deposition operations on large strips, exceeding 600 mm, and also provides improved strip handling capabilities, facilitating and optimizing strip conveying while taking into account the strip width. A strip of this width can therefore be conveyed from a storage reel to the compaction equipment while avoiding any twisting or damage to the material strip.

[0014] The deposition head according to the invention then allows to convey and deposit strips of material of greater thickness, i.e. up to 0.6 mm thick.

[0015] In addition, the radially driven downstream conveying means make it possible to reduce the angle with which the strip is conveyed to the compaction means and therefore to maintain tension regardless of the position of the head and the orientation of the deposition surface relative to the position of the head when the compaction means dock on said deposition surface.

[0016] In practice, the cutting means include at least one fixed clamp capable of moving from an open state allowing the strip of material to be deposited to pass through to a closed state where the strip is held between the elements of said fixed clamp to carry out the cut via a cutting tool, the fixed clamp being configured to move from a closed state to an open state after the cutting of the strip of material to be deposited.

[0017] The cutting means of the head according to the invention make it possible to obtain a clean cut while participating as an intermediate anchoring point during the conveying of the strip, by pinching the latter to allow the passage of the gripper of the upstream conveying means in an open state and the passage of the gripper of the downstream conveying means.

[0018] As an example, the upstream mobile clamp is capable of being driven in translation via actuator means of translation of the cylinder type.

[0019] In addition, the cylinders can be pneumatic or electric.

[0020] In practice, the upstream moving clamp comprises at least one upstream support of chosen dimensions and at least one corresponding upstream counter-support, arranged coaxially with respect to each other and configured to move from an open state allowing the strip of material to be deposited to pass through to a closed state where the strip is immobilized between the upstream support and the upstream counter-support, the upstream moving clamp further comprising at least one pair of fixed rollers, arranged upstream of the upstream support and the upstream counter-support with respect to the path of the strip in a fixed position independent of the state of said upstream moving clamp, each roller of the pair being arranged coplanarly with respect to each other and the two rollers of the pair being separated by a space of chosen dimensions configured to allow the passage of the strip,The pair of rollers is configured to serve as a fixed support point for the belt when the upstream mobile gripper moves to the open state to detach the belt from the support surface.

[0021] In addition, each downstream moving clamp includes at least one downstream support of chosen dimensions and at least one corresponding downstream counter-support, arranged coaxially with respect to each other and configured to move from an open state allowing the strip of material to be deposited to pass through to a closed state where the strip is held between the downstream support and the downstream counter-support, the downstream moving clamp further including guide rollers arranged on the same plane as the downstream support and the downstream counter-support in a fixed position independent of the state of said downstream moving clamp, the guide rollers being configured to allow the passage of the strip and to serve as a fixed support point for the strip when the downstream moving clamp moves to the open state to detach the strip from the surface of the support.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention, the fixed clamp of the cutting means comprises at least one cutting support of chosen dimensions and at least one corresponding counter-cutting support, arranged coaxially with respect to each other and configured to go from an open state allowing the strip of material to be deposited to pass through to a closed state where the strip is immobilized between the cutting support and the counter-cutting support.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the upstream counter-support, the downstream counter-support and the cutting counter-support have a contact surface covered with a non-adherent material known as "Teflon" (registered trademark).

[0024] Advantageously, the structure and position of the upstream and downstream mobile grippers, and of the fixed gripper of the cutting means allows the conveying while limiting the adhesion and gluing constraints of the strip by reducing the surface and the physical adhesion of the gripper in contact with the pre-impregnated face.

[0025] As a non-limiting example, the downstream mobile clamp is capable of being driven radially via actuating means for rotation.

[0026] In practice, each fixed clamp of the cutting means includes cylinders to move from an open state allowing the strip of material to be deposited to a closed state where the strip is immobilized between the elements of said fixed clamp to carry out the cut via a cutting tool, the fixed clamp being configured to move from a closed state to an open state after the cutting of the strip of material to be deposited.

[0027] As an example, the deposition head according to the invention is configured to accommodate a strip of composite material having a width between 800mm and 1400mm.

[0028] The head according to the invention therefore allows the deposition of wide strips and makes it possible to reduce the number of passes required to cover a large deposition area while greatly increasing production productivity.

[0029] The invention further relates to a method of conveying a strip of material to be deposited onto a mold implemented by a deposition head, the strip of material to be deposited being in the form of a reel in storage means and engaged in upstream conveying means and cutting means, the strip being separated from a protective film at the exit of the storage means.

[0030] According to another definition of the invention, the process comprises the following steps:

[0031] -S1: adjust one end of the strip deposition by moving the material strip in translation along a chosen path T from the storage means to the cutting means, via at least one upstream mobile gripper of the upstream conveying means going from an open state allowing the material strip to be deposited to a closed state where the strip is immobilized by said upstream mobile gripper, said upstream mobile gripper moving the strip towards the cutting means in translation then move a fixed gripper of the cutting means from an open state to a closed state, and move the upstream mobile gripper from its closed state to its open state, then perform an adjustment cut;

[0032] -S2: reset the position of the upstream mobile clamp open by driving it in translation along a chosen path inverse to the previous path towards the storage means and move the fixed clamp of the cutting means from its closed state to its open state;

[0033] -S3: to move the material strip along a chosen path T from the storage means to the cutting means, via at least the upstream movable gripper of the upstream conveying means, moving from an open state allowing the material strip to be deposited to a closed state where the strip is immobilized by said upstream movable gripper, said upstream movable gripper moving the strip towards the cutting means in translation, then moving the upstream movable gripper from its closed state to its open state, moving a fixed gripper of the cutting means from an open state to a closed state; and

[0034] -S4: to drive radially around an axis Z along a second chosen path R the strip of material from the cutting means to the compaction means via at least one downstream movable gripper going from an open state allowing the strip of material to be deposited to pass when the upstream movable gripper is in translation towards the cutting means, to a closed state where the strip is immobilized when the translation towards the cutting means of the upstream movable gripper is finished, to move the fixed gripper of the cutting means from its closed state to its open state, then to move the downstream movable gripper from a retracted position where the downstream movable gripper is at the level of the cutting means to its deployed position where the downstream movable gripper is at the level of the compaction means.

[0035] Advantageously, the process according to the invention allows for the conveying and deposition of strips of significant width (800 mm to 1400 mm) and thickness (0.2 to 0.6 mm), while minimizing manual intervention to position the strip for deposition. The process according to the invention also eliminates interruptions in the deposition sequence and reduces overall deposition time and production efficiency, particularly for large deposition areas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0036] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the description and drawings in which: schematically represents the deposition head according to a side view according to the invention; schematically represents the upstream conveying means of the deposition head according to the invention; schematically represents a close-up view of the upstream mobile gripper of the upstream conveying means according to the invention; schematically represents the downstream conveying means of the deposition head according to the invention; schematically represents a close-up view of the downstream mobile gripper of the downstream conveying means according to the invention; schematically represents the deposition head in operation according to the invention; schematically represents the deposition head in operation according to a first implementation step according to the invention;represents a schematic view of the deposition head in operation according to a second implementation step according to the invention; represents a schematic view of the deposition head in operation according to a third implementation step according to the invention; represents a schematic view of the deposition head in operation according to a fourth implementation step according to the invention; represents a schematic view of the deposition head in operation according to a fifth implementation step according to the invention; represents a schematic view of the deposition head in operation according to a sixth implementation step according to the invention; represents a schematic view of the deposition head in operation according to a seventh implementation step according to the invention; represents a schematic view of the deposition head in operation according to an eighth implementation step according to the invention;represents a schematic view of the deposition head in operation according to a ninth implementation step according to the invention; represents a schematic view of the deposition head in operation according to a tenth implementation step according to the invention; and schematically represents the process according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] With reference to Figures 1 to 7, the deposition head according to the invention comprises storage means 4 for a strip 1 of composite material to be deposited, said strip 1 of composite material being unwound towards conveying means configured to drive said strip 1 of material from the storage means 4 to cutting means 6 and to compaction means 5 so as to allow adhesion to the mold 7 of the strip 1 of material to be deposited.

[0038] The storage means 4 of a belt 1 are defined as any means 41,42 enabling the loading, holding in place and unloading of a belt 1 of material to be deposited at the level of the depositing head.

[0039] The means for conveying the deposition head according to the invention include upstream conveying means 2 which enable the belt 1 of material to be conveyed from the storage means 4 to the cutting means 6, and downstream conveying means 3 which enable the belt 1 of material to be conveyed between the cutting means 6 and the compaction means 5.

[0040] The upstream conveying means 2 include at least one upstream mobile gripper 21 capable of moving from an open state allowing the strip 1 of material to be deposited to pass through to a closed state where the strip 1 is held between the elements of said upstream mobile gripper 21, said upstream mobile gripper 21 being capable of being driven in translation along a chosen path T1,T2 from the storage means 4 to the cutting means 6 and vice versa.

[0041] In practice, the upstream mobile clamp 21 includes at least one upstream support 22 of chosen dimensions and at least one corresponding upstream counter-support 23, arranged coaxially with respect to each other and configured to move from an open state allowing the strip 1 of material to be deposited to pass through to a closed state where the strip 1 is immobilized between the upstream support 22 and the upstream counter-support 23.

[0042] The upstream mobile clamp 21 further comprises at least one pair of fixed rollers 24, arranged upstream of the upstream support 22 and the upstream counter-support 23 with respect to the path of the band 1 in a fixed position independent of the state of said upstream mobile clamp 21, each roller 24 of the pair being arranged coplanarly with respect to each other and the two rollers 24 of the pair being separated by a space of chosen dimensions configured to allow the passage of the band 1, the pair of rollers being configured to serve as a fixed support point for the band 1 when the upstream mobile clamp 21 is in the open state to detach the band 1 from the surface of the support 22.

[0043] Advantageously, when the upstream support 22 and the upstream counter-support 23 move apart during the transition to the open state, the strip 1 can remain stuck at the level of its impregnated face against the upstream support 22, the pair of fixed rollers 24 has a fixed position regardless of the state of the upstream mobile clamp 21, and its arrangement upstream with respect to the upstream support 22 and the upstream counter-support 23, allows during the transition to the open state to offer a lever surface to the strip 1 so as to detach the impregnated face from the upstream support 22 automatically.

[0044] As a non-limiting example, the upstream mobile clamp 21 is suitable for being driven in translation via actuator means 2A for translation of the pneumatic or electric cylinder type.

[0045] The downstream conveying means 3 include at least one downstream movable gripper 31 capable of moving from an open state allowing the strip 1 of material to be deposited to pass through when the upstream movable gripper 21 is in translation towards the cutting means 6, to a closed state where the strip 1 is immobilized when the translation towards the cutting means 6 of the upstream movable gripper 21 is completed, the downstream movable gripper 31 being capable of being driven radially around an axis Z along a second chosen path R1,R2 between the cutting means 6 and the compaction means 5 and vice versa.

[0046] In practice, the downstream mobile clamp 31 is capable of being driven radially via rotation actuator means 32.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the downstream mobile clamp 31 is driven radially via a rotation actuator 32 of the cylinder type, the mobile end of which is integral with at least one transmission member 34, having an attachment point 33 on the deposit head mounted in pivot, and the second end of the transmission member of which is integral with the downstream mobile clamp 31.

[0048] The downstream mobile clamp 31 comprises at least one downstream support 311 of chosen dimensions and at least one corresponding downstream counter-support 312, arranged coaxially with respect to each other and configured to move from an open state allowing the strip 1 of material to be deposited to pass through to a closed state where the strip 1 is held between the downstream support 311 and the downstream counter-support 312, the downstream mobile clamp 31 further comprising guide rollers 313 arranged on the same plane as the downstream support 311 and the downstream counter-support 312 in a fixed position independent of the state of said downstream mobile clamp 31, the guide rollers 313 being configured to allow the passage of the strip 1 and to serve as a fixed support point for the strip 1 when the downstream mobile clamp 31 moves to the open state to detach the strip 1 from the surface of the support 311.

[0049] For example, the downstream counter-support 312 includes a rigid linear plate extending horizontally along the entire length of the head. As a non-limiting example, this plate is made of carbon and coated with a non-stick material such as that known as "Teflon" (registered trademark).

[0050] Advantageously, when the downstream support 311 and the downstream counter-support 312 move away from each other during the transition to the open state, the strip 1 can remain stuck at the level of its impregnated face against the downstream support 31, the guide rollers 313 have a fixed position regardless of the state of the downstream mobile clamp 31, and its upstream arrangement relative to the downstream support 31 and the downstream counter-support 312 allows, during the transition to the open state, to offer a lever surface to the strip 1 so as to detach the impregnated face from the downstream support 31 automatically.

[0051] Advantageously, the radial drive of the downstream mobile clamp 31 allows the approach angle of the band 1 towards the compaction means 5 to be reduced.

[0052] As a non-limiting example, the approach angle relative to the deposition surface is reduced and defined as 65°. Radial routing allows a transition from a routing angle α corresponding to the structure of the deposition head along which the strip 1 is routed to an approach angle of 65°.

[0053] Indeed, large strips 1 must be maintained at a chosen tension and have a more restricted path to the compaction means 5 than smaller strips 1.

[0054] The Applicant also observed that the combination of translational conveying followed by radial conveying of the strip 1 made it possible to eliminate the conveying constraints created for large strips (thickness, width), and the downstream mobile clamp 31 also makes it possible to hold the strip 1 regardless of the position of the deposit head when docking towards the depositing surface, thus ensuring a precise and uniform deposit of the strip 1 while minimizing twisting and damage.

[0055] The cutting means 6 of the deposition head according to the invention include at least one fixed clamp 61 capable of going from an open state allowing the strip 1 of material to be deposited to pass through to a closed state where the strip 1 is held between the elements of said fixed clamp 61 and vice versa, and at least one cutting tool 62 to carry out the cutting of the strip 1.

[0056] In practice, the fixed clamp 61 of the cutting means 6 includes at least one cutting support of chosen dimensions and at least one corresponding counter-cutting support, arranged coaxially with respect to each other and configured to go from an open state allowing the strip 1 of material to be deposited to pass to a closed state where the strip 1 is immobilized between the cutting support and the counter-cutting support.

[0057] In addition, the fixed clamp 61 of the cutting means 6 includes pneumatic cylinders to move from an open state allowing the strip 1 of material to be deposited to pass through to a closed state where the strip 1 is immobilized between the elements of said fixed clamp 61 to carry out the cutting via the cutting tool 62.

[0058] In practice, the 62 cutting tool is of the straight cutting type.

[0059] According to a particular embodiment, the fixed clamp 61 has at least one pair of fixed rollers, arranged upstream of the cutting support and the counter-cutting support relative to the path of the strip 1 in a fixed position independent of the state of said fixed clamp 61, each fixed roller of the pair being arranged coplanarly with respect to each other and the two fixed rollers of the pair being separated by a space of chosen dimensions configured to allow the passage of the strip 1, the pair of fixed rollers being configured to serve as a fixed support point for the strip 1 when the fixed clamp 61 is opened to lift the strip 1 from the surface of the cutting support.

[0060] By way of non-limiting example, the upstream counter-support, the downstream counter-support and the cutting counter-support have a contact surface with the band 1 covered with a non-adherent material of a type known as "Teflon" (registered trademark).

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upstream support 22, the downstream support 311 and the cutting support are adapted to have a contact surface with the pre-impregnated or sticky face of the strip 1 of chosen and minimized dimensions, such as a surface per support less than or equal to 3 cm².

[0062] Advantageously, the use of a contact surface with a non-stick material such as that known as "Teflon" (registered trademark) helps to limit maintenance and wear of the clamps while ensuring good conveying of the strip 1.

[0063] The deposition head according to the invention also allows the use of large strips of material 1 of greater size and thickness than conventional deposition heads.

[0064] As an example, strip 1 of material has a width between 800mm and 1400mm.

[0065] As an example, strip 1 of material has a thickness between 0.1 and 0.8 mm.

[0066] In practice, material strip 1 can belong to the group formed by pre-impregnated carbon fiber conditioned on a backing, pre-impregnated glass fiber conditioned on a backing, pre-impregnated fibers, adhesive strips

[0067] With reference to figures 6 to 17, the invention also describes a method for conveying a strip 1 of material to be deposited onto a mold 7 suitable for implementation via the deposition head according to the invention.

[0068] The strip 1 of material to be deposited is in the form of a reel in storage means 4 and engaged in upstream conveying means 2 and cutting means 6, the strip 1 being separated by a protective film at the exit of storage means 4.

[0069] The process according to the invention first includes a length adjustment step S1 of the strip 1.

[0070] In practice, the adjustment step S1 of the belt 1 consists of adjusting the length of the belt 1 from a deposit end of the belt 1 by driving said deposit end in translation along a chosen path T1 the belt 1 of material from the storage means 4 to the cutting means 6.

[0071] The translational drive of the deposit end of the strip 1 is carried out via at least one upstream mobile gripper 21 of the upstream conveying means 2 according to the following sub-steps: - going from an open state allowing the strip 1 of material to be deposited to pass to a closed state where the strip 1 is immobilized by said upstream mobile gripper 21; and - translation of said upstream mobile gripper 21 in the closed state along a path T1 towards the cutting means 6.

[0072] Once the translational training along path T1 has been carried out, the adjustment step S1 further includes the following sub-steps: - moving a fixed clamp 61 of the cutting means 6 from an open state to a closed state, thus immobilizing the band at the level of the cutting means 6; - moving the upstream mobile clamp 21 from its closed state to its open state; - performing an adjustment cut of the band 1 via a cutting tool of the cutting means 6.

[0073] The adjustment step S1 of the strip 1 is implemented when a new roll of strip 1 is inserted into the deposition head and / or following a cut by the cutting means 6 requiring rerouting to the compaction means 5 and advantageously allows obtaining a straight end of strip with a clean edge so as to ensure better accuracy and quality of the deposition of the strip 1.

[0074] The method according to the invention then includes a reset step S2 of the position of the upstream conveying means 2.

[0075] The reset step S2 includes a first sub-step consisting of resetting the position of the upstream mobile clamp 21 to its open state, by moving said upstream mobile clamp 21 in translation along a chosen path T2 towards the storage means 4. The path T2 is represented as the inverse coaxial path of the path T1.

[0076] Once the translation of the upstream mobile clamp 21 along the path T2 is completed, the fixed clamp 61 of the cutting means 6 is moved from its closed state to its open state and a drive step S3 of the process according to the invention is implemented.

[0077] The upstream training step S3 of the process according to the invention includes the translational training along a chosen path T1 of the material belt 1 from the storage means 4 to the cutting means 6, via at least the upstream mobile gripper 21 of the upstream conveying means 2.

[0078] The upstream training step S3 includes a first sub-step implemented by the passage of the upstream mobile gripper 21 from an open state allowing the strip 1 of material to be deposited to pass through to a closed state where the strip 1 is held in position.

[0079] According to a second sub-step, said upstream mobile clamp 21 drives the strip 1 held by the upstream mobile clamp 21 towards the cutting means 6 along the path T1.

[0080] According to a third sub-step, the upstream mobile clamp 21 changes from its closed state to its open state.

[0081] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the passage of the upstream mobile clamp 21 from its closed state to its open state, and the fixed clamp 61 of the cutting means 6 from the open state to the closed state, the passages being carried out simultaneously or almost simultaneously so as to always maintain the strip in position.

[0082] The conveying process according to the invention then includes a radial drive step S4 configured to allow the conveying of the strip 1 from the cutting means 6 to the compacting means 5 and thus position the strip 1 so as to be able to initiate the deposition of said strip on the mold 7.

[0083] In practice, the radial drive step S4 includes a first sub-step of the downstream mobile gripper 31 passing from an open state allowing the strip 1 of material to be deposited to pass to a closed state where the strip 1 is immobilized.

[0084] According to the particular embodiment of the invention, when the fixed clamp 61 is in a closed state, implement the transition of the fixed clamp 61 of the cutting means 6 from the closed state to the open state.

[0085] The radial drive step S4 then includes a second sub-step in which the band 1 held by the downstream mobile clamp 31 is radially driven around an axis Z along a second chosen path R1 inscribed in at least one XY plane.

[0086] The strip 1 of material is then driven radially from the cutting means 6 to the compaction means 5 via the downstream mobile clamp 31, the downstream mobile clamp 31 moving from a retracted position where the downstream mobile clamp 31 is at the level of the cutting means 6 to its deployed position where the downstream mobile clamp 31 is at the level of the compaction means 5.

[0087] Advantageously, once the radial drive step S4 has been implemented, if the deposition end of the strip 1 is positioned at the level of the compaction means 5, the downstream mobile clamp 31 in the open state and in the deployed position makes it possible to hold said strip 1 in position so as to facilitate the docking of the strip 1 and the compaction means 5 on the mold 7, regardless of the position and orientation of the deposition head.

[0088] As an example, docking on a vertical or near-vertical mold surface 7 with the downstream mobile clamp 31 in the deployed position and in the closed state allows the deposit end of said strip 1 to be kept straight and in position at the level of the compaction means and thus prevent the strip from deforming downwards under the effect of gravity.

[0089] The method according to the invention includes an additional downstream position reset step S5.

[0090] The downstream position reset step S5 includes a first sub-step in which the fixed clamp 61 of the cutting means 6 passes from the open state to the closed state and the downstream moving clamp 31 passes from the closed state to an open state.

[0091] The downstream position reset step S5 includes a second sub-step in which the upstream moving clamp 21 in the open state is driven in translation along the path T2 so as to return to its initial position and the downstream moving clamp 31 in the open state is driven radially along a path R2 from its deployed position to its retracted position.

[0092] The downstream position reset step S5 is implemented when the upstream drive steps S3 and radial drive steps S4 need to be repeated so that the deposition end of the band 1 is at the level of the head compaction means.

[0093] The process according to the invention makes it possible to automate the conveying of the strip 1 of material to be deposited by limiting the manual manipulations of the operator in the depositing head.

[0094] Advantageously, the process according to the invention also allows for the conveying of large strips 1, which are maintained at a chosen tension and have a more restricted conveying trajectory towards the compaction means 5 than smaller strips 1, while reducing the angle of approach of the strip 1 towards the compaction means 5.

[0095] The Applicant also observed that the combination of translational conveying followed by radial conveying of the strip 1 made it possible to eliminate the conveying constraints created for large strips (thickness, width), and the downstream mobile clamp 31 also makes it possible to hold the strip 1 regardless of the position of the deposition head when approaching the deposition surface, thus ensuring a precise and uniform deposition of the strip 1 while minimizing twisting and damage and guaranteeing an optimal position of the strip 1 when approaching the mold surface 7 on which the deposition is to be carried out.

Claims

Deposition head for a strip (1) of composite material to be deposited onto a mold (7), having storage means (4) for a strip (1) of composite material to be deposited, said strip (1) of composite material being unwound towards conveying means configured to drive said strip (1) of material from the storage means (4) to cutting means (6) and to compaction means (5) so as to allow adhesion to the mold (7) of the strip (1) of material to be deposited, characterized in that the conveying means comprise: - upstream conveying means (2) which allow the strip (1) of material to be driven from the storage means (4) to the cutting means (6), and comprising at least one upstream movable gripper (21) capable of passing from an open state allowing the strip (1) of material to be deposited to pass to a closed state where the strip (1) is held between the elements of said upstream movable gripper (21),said upstream movable gripper (21) being capable of being driven in translation along a chosen path (T1,T2) towards the cutting means (6); -downstream conveying means (3) which allow the strip (1) of material to be driven between the cutting means (6) and the compaction means (5), said downstream conveying means (3) comprising at least one downstream movable gripper (31) capable of passing from an open state allowing the strip (1) of material to be deposited to pass when the upstream movable gripper (21) is in translation towards the cutting means (6), to a closed state where the strip (1) is immobilized when the translation towards the cutting means (6) of the upstream movable gripper (21) is completed, the downstream movable gripper (31) being capable of being driven radially around an axis Z along a second chosen path (R1,R2) between the cutting means (6) and the compaction means (5) and vice versa. Material deposit head according to claim 1, characterized in that the cutting means (6) comprise at least one fixed clamp (61) capable of going from an open state allowing the strip (1) of material to be deposited to pass through to a closed state where the strip (1) is held between the elements of said fixed clamp (61) to carry out the cutting via a cutting tool (62), the fixed clamp (61) being configured to go from a closed state to an open state after the cutting of the strip (1) of material to be deposited. Material deposit head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upstream movable gripper (21) is capable of being driven in translation via actuator means (2A) for translation of the cylinder type. A material deposition head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upstream movable gripper (21) comprises at least one upstream support (22) of chosen dimensions and at least one corresponding upstream counter-support (23), arranged coaxially with respect to each other and configured to transition from an open state allowing the strip (1) of material to be deposited to pass through to a closed state where the strip (1) is immobilized between the upstream support (22) and the upstream counter-support (23), the upstream movable gripper (21) further comprising at least one pair of fixed rollers (24), arranged upstream of the upstream support (22) and the upstream counter-support (23) with respect to the path of the strip (1) in a fixed position independent of the state of said upstream movable gripper (21), each roller (24) of the pair being arranged coplanarly with respect to each other and the two rollers (24) of the pair being separated by a space of chosen dimensions configured to allow the passage of the strip (1),the pair of rollers being configured to serve as a fixed support point for the strip (1) when the upstream mobile gripper (21) moves to the open state to detach the strip (1) from the surface of the support (22). Material deposit head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each downstream movable gripper (31) comprises at least one downstream support (311) of chosen dimensions and at least one corresponding downstream counter-support (312), arranged coaxially with respect to each other and configured to transition from an open state allowing the strip (1) of material to be deposited to pass through to a closed state where the strip (1) is held between the downstream support (311) and the downstream counter-support (312), the downstream movable gripper (31) further comprising guide rollers (313) arranged on the same plane as the downstream support (311) and the downstream counter-support (312) in a fixed position independent of the state of said downstream movable gripper (31), the guide rollers (313) being configured to allow the passage of the strip (1) and to serve as a fixed support point for the strip (1) when the downstream movable gripper (31) transitions to the open state. to detach the strip (1) from the surface of the support (311). Material deposit head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixed clamp (61) of the cutting means (6) comprises at least one cutting support of chosen dimensions and at least one corresponding counter-cutting support, arranged coaxially with respect to each other and configured to go from an open state allowing the strip (1) of material to be deposited to pass to a closed state where the strip (1) is immobilized between the cutting support and the counter-cutting support. Material deposit head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upstream counter-support, the downstream counter-support and the cutting counter-support have a contact surface with the strip (1) covered with a non-adherent material of the Teflon® type. Material deposition head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the downstream movable gripper (31) is capable of being driven radially via actuating means for rotation (32). Material deposit head according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that each fixed clamp (61) of the cutting means (6) comprises cylinders for moving from an open state allowing the strip (1) of material to be deposited to pass through to a closed state or the strip (1) is immobilized between the elements of said fixed clamp to carry out the cut via a cutting tool (62), the fixed clamp (61) being configured to move from a closed state to an open state after the cutting of the strip (1) of material to be deposited. Material deposition head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material strip (1) has a width between 800mm and 1400mm Method for conveying a strip (1) of material to be deposited onto a mold (7) implemented by a deposition head according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the strip (1) of material to be deposited being in the form of a reel in storage means (4) and engaged in upstream conveying means (2) and cutting means (6), the strip (1) being separated from a protective film at the exit of the storage means, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:-S1: adjusting a deposition end of the strip (1) by moving the strip (1) of material in translation along a chosen path (T1) from the storage means (4) to the cutting means (6), via at least one upstream movable gripper (21) of the upstream conveying means (2), passing from an open state allowing the strip (1) of material to be deposited to pass through to a closed state where the strip (1) is held in position by said upstream movable gripper (21),said upstream mobile gripper (21) moving the strip (1) in translation towards the cutting means (6), then moving a fixed gripper (61) of the cutting means (6) from an open state to a closed state, moving the upstream mobile gripper (21) from its closed state to its open state and performing an adjustment cut -S2: reset the position of the open upstream mobile gripper (21) by moving it in translation along a chosen path (T2) inverse to the previous path (T1) towards the storage means (4) and moving the fixed gripper (61) of the cutting means (6) from its closed state to its open state; -S3: moving the strip (1) of material in translation along a chosen path (T1) from the storage means (4) to the cutting means (6), via at least the upstream mobile gripper (21) of the upstream conveying means (2), moving from an open state allowing the strip (1) of material to be deposited to pass through to a closed state where the strip (1) is immobilized by said upstream mobile clamp (21),said upstream mobile gripper (21) driving the strip (1) towards the cutting means (6) in translation, then moving the upstream mobile gripper (21) from its closed state to its open state, moving a fixed gripper (61) of the cutting means (6) from an open state to a closed state; and-S4: driving radially around an axis Z along a second chosen path (R1) the strip (1) of material from the cutting means (6) towards compaction means (5) via at least one downstream mobile gripper (31) moving from an open state allowing the strip (1) of material to be deposited to pass when the upstream mobile gripper (21) is in translation towards the cutting means (6), to a closed state where the strip (1) is immobilized when the translation towards the cutting means (6) of the upstream mobile gripper (21) is completed, moving the fixed gripper (61) of the cutting means (6) from its closed state to its open state,then move the downstream mobile clamp (31) from a retracted position where the downstream mobile clamp (31) is at the level of the cutting means (6) to its deployed position where the downstream mobile clamp (31) is at the level of the compaction means (5).

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