EP1392906B1 - Real time control method for needle-bonding fibrous structures and needle-bonding device for carrying out said method - Google Patents

Real time control method for needle-bonding fibrous structures and needle-bonding device for carrying out said method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1392906B1
EP1392906B1 EP20020780839 EP02780839A EP1392906B1 EP 1392906 B1 EP1392906 B1 EP 1392906B1 EP 20020780839 EP20020780839 EP 20020780839 EP 02780839 A EP02780839 A EP 02780839A EP 1392906 B1 EP1392906 B1 EP 1392906B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
needles
needling
platen
evaluated
magnitude
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP20020780839
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1392906A1 (en
Inventor
Renaud Duval
Thierry Marjollet
Robert Jean
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Safran Landing Systems SAS
Original Assignee
Messier Bugatti SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Messier Bugatti SA filed Critical Messier Bugatti SA
Publication of EP1392906A1 publication Critical patent/EP1392906A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1392906B1 publication Critical patent/EP1392906B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
    • D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
    • D04H1/44—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties the fleeces or layers being consolidated by mechanical means, e.g. by rolling
    • D04H1/46—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties the fleeces or layers being consolidated by mechanical means, e.g. by rolling by needling or like operations to cause entanglement of fibres
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H18/00—Needling machines
    • D04H18/02—Needling machines with needles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the needling of fibrous structures, in particular to produce preforms intended to constitute reinforcement structures for composite material parts, such as, for example, preforms for brake discs made of thermostructural composite material.
  • the needles take fibers from the strata and transfer them in the Z direction.
  • the Z-fibers confer cohesion and resistance to delamination (separation between strata) to the needle-punched structure. It is thus possible to give composite parts incorporating such structures as fibrous reinforcements a mechanical strength that enables them to withstand shear stresses, as is the case for brake disks during the application of a braking torque.
  • a real-time measurement of the surface position can make it possible to take into account possible drifts with respect to a model, for example thickness differences of the individual strata. .
  • this measurement is not performed exactly at the level of needling.
  • other possible drifts with respect to pre-established conditions are not taken into account, such as wear of needles.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a needling process which makes it possible to take into account the actual efficiency of the needles throughout the needling process, so that it can be controlled or controlled in real time.
  • a process for producing a needled fibrous structure of the type comprising the stacking of fibrous layers on a plate, the needling of the layers as and when they are stacked by means of needles animated by a reciprocating movement in the transverse direction with respect to the layers, and the variation of the distance separating the plate from an end position of the needles, during the realization of the stack, in order to obtain a desired distribution of the needling characteristics in the thickness of the fibrous structure, the method according to which the instantaneous force (f) exerted during the penetration of the needles is measured, a magnitude representing a needling effort (F) or a penetration energy (E) is evaluated. from the effort instantaneous, and it is verified that the magnitude (F; E) evaluated satisfies at least one predetermined condition.
  • the penetration energy (E) of the needles can be evaluated by integrating the measured instantaneous force (f), for example over a period separating the entry of the needles into the fibrous structure of their arrival at the bottom dead point of their race. .
  • the magnitude evaluated may also be the maximum value (F) of the instant needling force (f) measured during the penetration of the needles into the fibrous structure.
  • the magnitude representative of the needling effort (F) or the penetration energy (E) remains substantially constant, or follows substantially a preset law of variation.
  • the measurement of the needling force (F) or the penetration energy (E) is a means of controlling the smooth running of the needling which is controlled according to a predefined process, for example a step of descent of the constant plateau, or a particular variation of the descent step as in the document EP 0 736 115 .
  • the invention controls the variation of the distance between the plate and a position of end of stroke of the needles as a function of the evaluated value of the needling effort (F) or the energy of the penetration (E).
  • the variation in distance is controlled in order to control the needling force or the penetration energy of the needles at a predetermined value or at a predetermined variation law, according to the desired distribution of the characteristics of the needling, especially the Z-fiber ratio, in the thickness of the fibrous structure.
  • the measurement of the force exerted or the energy expended during the penetration of the needles makes it possible to take into account the real effectiveness of the needles and to integrate any variation. possible, for example an individual thickness of irregular stratum or premature wear of the needles.
  • the instantaneous penetration force (f) is advantageously measured at the plateau.
  • the invention also aims to provide a needling device for carrying out the above methods.
  • a device comprising a plate on which fibrous layers can be stacked, a plurality of needles carried by a support, above the plate, means for driving the needle holder to animate the fibers. reciprocating in a transverse direction relative to the plate, and means for varying the distance between the plate and a position of end of stroke of the needles, in which device is provided at least one force sensor for providing a signal representative of the instantaneous force exerted during the penetration of the needles in fibrous strata stacked on the plate.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically show a rectilinear needling installation comprising, in a manner well known per se, a needling station 10 disposed between a first table 12 and a second table 14.
  • a fibrous plate P is moved in reciprocating rectilinear motion between the table 12 and the table 14, through the needling station 10.
  • the plate P is formed of fibrous strata stacked and needled as and when stacked .
  • the layers may be formed of fabrics, unidirectional or multidirectional webs, knits, felts, or other substantially two dimensional fiber textures.
  • the plate P passes on a support plate 100 above which is located a needle board 110.
  • the support plate 100 rests on beams 102 of a frame 104 by means of cylinders 106, for example six in number, which make it possible to vary the vertical position of the plate 100.
  • the needle board 110 extends transversely to the direction of movement of the plate P, at least over the entire width thereof.
  • the board 110 is driven by a vertical reciprocating movement by means of one or more drive devices 112 of the crank-handle type.
  • two crank-crank systems are provided, connected to the board in the vicinity of the ends thereof.
  • One or more motors carried for example by the frame 104 drive the crank systems-crank 112.
  • Needles 114 carried by board 110 are provided with barbs, hooks or forks. They penetrate into the fibrous texture of the layers constituting the plate P to collect fibers that are displaced transversely to the strata (Z direction), and bind the layers together.
  • a needling pass is made after a new fibrous layer has been added by advancing the plate P by means of the pressure rollers 16, 18 so that the entire surface of the plate is described by the needles. .
  • the advance of the plate can be continuous or not. In the latter case, a stop or slowing down of the plate is controlled during the penetration of the needles.
  • the cylinders 106 are controlled to move the tray 100, so that the distance between the tray 100 and an end-of-travel end of the needles 114 can be varied.
  • the penetration depth of the needles 114 in the plate P extends over several thicknesses of layers. Holes 101 are formed in the plate 100 facing the needles 114 so that they can enter there during the needling of the first layers.
  • one or more force sensors are arranged to provide a signal representative of the force exerted during the penetration of the needles into the plate P.
  • the measurement of the efforts can be carried out at the level of the needle board, it is carried out, for convenience and in order not to be affected by the accelerations and vibrations imposed on the needle board, at the level of the plate 100.
  • force sensors 108 are interposed between the rods of the cylinders 106 and the plate 100.
  • the sensors 108 may be, conventionally, strain gauge sensors, for example of the piezoelectric type, mounted in bridge.
  • the electrical signals of the sensors 108 are collected by a circuit 109 ( figure 1 ).
  • the circuit 109 is a control circuit which, in particular, provides control signals to the drive systems 16, 18 and the jacks 106.
  • the signals provided by the sensors 108 represent the instantaneous force of penetration of the needles.
  • the signals received from the different sensors can be summed or averaged to provide an average signal f 'for developing a value f representative of the instantaneous penetration force.
  • a non-zero average signal f ' o can be provided by the signals of the sensors, due to residual forces exerted on the plate, for example due to friction between the plate and a stripper (not shown) applied to it.
  • the effort f'o is measured for example at the moment of the transition to neutral or residual efforts (voluntary or not) due to friction débourreur-preform high.
  • the value f representative of the penetration force or instant needling effort itself is then equal to f'-f ' o .
  • a magnitude F representative of the needling force during each penetration of the needles can be obtained by taking the maximum of the instantaneous force f measured during this penetration.
  • the value f is sampled by the circuit 109 and the quantity F retained is the value of the maximum amplitude sample measured during each stroke of the hands.
  • the beginning of each needle penetration cycle can be set at the top dead center in their travel. This is detected by means of a sensor 116, for example of inductive or optical type cooperating for example with a cam profile 113 having an angular position corresponding to the top dead center and rotated with the crank of one of the systems. 112 of the needle board.
  • the signals from the sensor 116 are received and processed by the circuit 109.
  • a quantity E representative of the penetration energy of the needles which may be correlated with the quantity of fibers transferred in Z, is preferably developed.
  • This quantity E is obtained by integration over time, by means of the circuit 109. the instantaneous measurement of penetration effort.
  • This integration of the value f is carried out over a predefined period, for example the time separating the passage of the needles to the top dead center of the passage of the needles at the bottom dead point of their stroke.
  • Detection of the bottom dead center can be done in the same way as the detection of the top dead center.
  • non-contact optical measurement means such as a laser emitter / receiver unit 118, as described in the patent application.
  • FR 01 02 869 of the applicant The transmitter, which occupies a fixed position relative to the frame 104, directs a laser beam towards the surface of the fibrous plate.
  • the laser beam preferably not collimated, is reflected and beam path analysis between transmitter and receiver provides the desired position information.
  • the transceiver 118 which is connected to the circuit 109, can be placed at the needling station, the laser beam passing through an orifice formed in the needle board 110.
  • the embodiment of the figure 3 is different from that of the figure 2 in that the plate 100 of the needling station rests on bases 103 carried by columns of the frame 104 via cylinders 106, four in number in this example.
  • the force sensors 108 are here interposed between the bases 103 and the cylinders of the cylinders 106. A similar provision sensors could be adopted for the embodiment of the Figures 1 and 2 .
  • FIG. 3 Compared to the installation of Figures 1 and 2 , that of the figure 3 may be suitable for needling P-plates of smaller widths.
  • step 40 After needling a few initial layers superimposed (step 40), a new layer is added (step 41) and a step of descent is imposed on the plateau (step 42).
  • the step of descent is predetermined.
  • the step of descent imposed on the plate after each needling pass of a stratum and superposition of a new stratum may be constant or vary in a preestablished manner, as described in the aforementioned documents. US 4,790,052 and EP 0 736 115 .
  • the needling force F induced by the penetration of the needles into the fibrous structure or the penetration energy E of the needles are evaluated by means of the sensors 106 and the circuit 109 (step 43).
  • the magnitude of effort F or energy E evaluated can be that determined at each penetration of the needles, or an average of effort measurements can be made during a few penetrations of successive needles.
  • the estimated penetration energy E is compared with minimum threshold values E min and maximum E max . If E is in the range [E min , E max ] (test 45), go back to step 43. If the needling pass is complete at test 44, (which can be detected by an end sensor run of the plate P), we return to step 41.
  • test 45 If the test 45 is negative, an alarm signal is generated (step 46) indicating that the needling effort, thus the efficiency of the needles, is no longer within the predetermined tolerance range. This may be due for example to wear or needle breakage, to a table positioning defect, or to a non-compliant change in the needled product or layers constituting the plate P.
  • the values E min and E max are determined experimentally as a function, in particular, of the desired needling characteristics, in particular of the Z-fiber ratio.
  • the values E min and E max may be fixed, or be variable, as and when the constitution of the plate P, to follow a predetermined law of variation.
  • the penetration energy, and thus the Z-fiber content may be greater in portions of the plate where greater Z-fiber transfer is desired to increase the delamination resistance.
  • the process of figure 4 Thanks to the continuous measurement of the penetration energy, it is possible to check that the needling is taking place with a real efficiency corresponding to that desired.
  • This process comprises steps 50 to 53 of needling initial strata, adding a new stratum, achieving a predetermined descent step and needling and measuring penetration energy, similar to the steps 40 at 43 from the process of figure 4 .
  • the evaluated energy E is compared with predetermined minimum values E ' min and maximum E' max , insofar as the current needling pass is not completed (test 54).
  • step 56 When the evaluated energy becomes greater than the threshold E ' max (test 55), a decrease increment ⁇ h is imposed on the plate 100 (step 56). This can be done during the needling of the last stacked layer, as soon as the overshoot is detected, or at the end of the needling of the stratum, the increment ⁇ h superimposing on the predetermined step of descent. After step 55, return to step 53. If, at test 54, the needling pass in progress is over, it returns to step 51 to add a new layer.
  • step 58 the increment ⁇ 'h superimposed on the predetermined step of descent. After step 58, proceed to step 53.
  • the thresholds E ' min and E' max can be determined experimentally and are not necessarily equal to those of the process of the figure 4 . They may be fixed or variable in a predetermined manner as the constitution of the needled plate.
  • the increments ⁇ h and ⁇ 'h represent for example from one to a few% of a mean descent step.
  • increments ⁇ h and ⁇ 'h may be variable, for example as a function of the amplitude of crossing the thresholds E ' min and E' max .
  • the process of figure 5 allows, thanks to the continuous measurement of the needling force, correct, if necessary, the predetermined value of the descent step, or a predetermined law of variation of the descent step, so that the effectiveness of the needles remains consistent with what is expected.
  • the figure 6 shows the steps of a needling process according to which the descent of the plate is controlled according to only the needling energy evaluated.
  • step 61 After needling of initial layers (step 60), a new layer is added (step 61), the needling is started and the penetration energy of the needles E is evaluated (step 62), as in step 43 of the figure 4 .
  • the evaluated energy E is compared with minimum threshold values E " min and maximum E" max . If the energy E is less than E " min (test 65), an elementary pitch p is stepped, the plateau is raised (step 66) and step 62 is returned. If the test 64 is positive, returns to step 61. If the energy E is not less than E " min , it is compared to E" max (test 67). greater than E " max , an elementary pitch p 2 of descent of the plate (step 67) is controlled, and it returns to step 62. If the energy E is not greater than E" max , it returns to step 62.
  • E " min and E” max may be predefined experimentally, depending on the desired needling characteristics. It can be fixed, or be variable, as and when the formation of the fibrous plate, to follow a predetermined law of variation.
  • the rise steps p 1 and descent p 2 may be equal or not between them. Their value may be fixed, or variable, in a predetermined manner for example as a function of the amplitude of the difference between E and E " min or between E and E" max .
  • the needling force measurement can be implemented not only in straight needling devices, but also in circular needling devices.
  • Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a needling device with a circular plate 200.
  • Annular layers are stacked and needled on the plate 200 to form a needled fibrous preform or ring-shaped disk P.
  • the layers may be formed by rings or sectors of juxtaposed rings, which are cut in a dimensional fiber texture, for example a fabric, a unidirectional or multidirectional sheet, a felt, ...
  • the strata may also be formed by coils wound flat, such as turns of helical fabric, or turns formed from deformed braids, or turns formed from a two-dimensional deformable texture.
  • documents may be referred to US 6,009,605 , US 5,662,855 and WO 98/44182 :
  • the annular preform P may constitute in particular a brake disk preform of composite material.
  • the disk P is rotated and passes to a needling station comprising a needle board 210 which overhangs a sector of the plate 200 (the location of which is delimited by mixed lines on the figure 8 ).
  • the board 210 is driven by a vertical reciprocating translation movement by means of a drive device 212 of the crank-handle type.
  • the needles 214 carried by the board 212 are provided with barbs, hooks or forks to collect fibers in the stacked layers and transfer them through them when they enter the disk P.
  • the drive of the disk P in rotation can be achieved by means of conical rollers such as 22, the plate 200 being fixed and being provided with holes 201 with respect to the needles 214.
  • the driving of the disk P can be achieved by In the latter case, the plate 200 is provided with a coating in which the needles can penetrate without being damaged. The Z-fiber transfer in this coating secures the disk P with the plate and thus facilitates its rotation drive.
  • the plate 200 is articulated on a support 202 which rests on a frame 204 by means of cylinders 206, three in number in the illustrated example (see figure 8 ).
  • One or more force sensors 208 are interposed between the support 202 and the plate 200.
  • the hinge 203 of the plate 200 on the support 204 is located in an area of the circumference of the plate 200 opposite the zone where the needling station 20 is located.
  • the sensors 208 they are located under the plate 200 of on both sides of the needling station 20, at locations remote from the articulation 203. This arrangement of the articulation 203 and the sensors 208 makes it possible to optimize the measurement of the needling force exerted at the needling station 20.
  • the signals of the sensors 208 are collected by a control circuit which controls in particular the rotation of the disk P and the cylinders 206 to move the plate vertically during the needling process.
  • the signals of the sensors 208 are used for the control or the real-time control of the needling, following processes such as those described with reference to the Figures 4 to 6 .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Nonwoven Fabrics (AREA)
  • Preliminary Treatment Of Fibers (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
  • Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Manufacture, Treatment Of Glass Fibers (AREA)
  • Adhesives Or Adhesive Processes (AREA)
  • Die Bonding (AREA)
  • Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Portable Nailing Machines And Staplers (AREA)

Abstract

A needled fiber structure is made by stacking fiber plies on a platen, by needling the plies as the stack of plies is built up by means of needles driven with reciprocating motion in a direction that extends transversely relative to the plies, and by varying the distance between the platen and an end-of-stroke position of the needles while building up the stack so as to obtain a desired distribution of needling characteristics through the thickness of the fiber structure. The instantaneous force exerted during needle penetration is measured (sensors) and a magnitude representative of needling force or penetration energy is evaluated on the basis of the instantaneous force, and the evaluated magnitude is verified for compliance with at least one predetermined condition to monitor proper operation of the process or to act on the way the distance between the platen and the end-of-stroke position of the needles is varied.

Description

Arrière-plan de l'inventionBackground of the invention

L'invention concerne l'aiguilletage de structures fibreuses, en particulier pour réaliser des préformes destinées là constituer des structures de renfort pour des pièces en matériau composite, telles que, par exemple, des préformes pour disques de frein en matériau composite thermostructural.The invention relates to the needling of fibrous structures, in particular to produce preforms intended to constitute reinforcement structures for composite material parts, such as, for example, preforms for brake discs made of thermostructural composite material.

Pour la réalisation de telles structures aiguilletées, il est bien connu d'empiler des strates fibreuses sur un plateau et d'aiguilleter les strates au fur et à mesure de leur empilement au moyen d'aiguilles animées d'un mouvement alternatif en direction transversale par rapport aux strates (ou direction Z).For the production of such needled structures, it is well known to stack fibrous layers on a plate and to needle the layers as and when they are stacked by means of reciprocatingly reciprocating needles in the transverse direction. report to the strata (or Z direction).

Les aiguilles prélèvent des fibres dans les strates et les transfèrent en direction Z. Les fibres en Z confèrent une cohésion et une résistance au délaminage (séparation entre strates) à la structure aiguilletée. On peut ainsi conférer aux pièces composites incorporant de telles structures comme renforts fibreux une tenue mécanique leur permettant de résister à des efforts de cisaillement, comme c'est le cas pour des disques de frein lors de l'application d'un couple de freinage.The needles take fibers from the strata and transfer them in the Z direction. The Z-fibers confer cohesion and resistance to delamination (separation between strata) to the needle-punched structure. It is thus possible to give composite parts incorporating such structures as fibrous reinforcements a mechanical strength that enables them to withstand shear stresses, as is the case for brake disks during the application of a braking torque.

Pour conférer des caractéristiques d'aiguilletage désirées dans l'épaisseur de la structure fibreuse aiguilletée, il est connu de piloter la distance entre le plateau et une extrémité de fin de course des aiguilles au fur et à mesure de la réalisation de l'empilement. Plus particulièrement, il a été proposé dans le document US 4 790 052 d'augmenter cette distance à chaque fois qu'une nouvelle strate est empilée en imposant au plateau un pas de descente égal à l'épaisseur d'une strate aiguilletée, l'objet étant d'uniformiser la densité d'aiguilletage dans toute l'épaisseur de la structure fibreuse.In order to impart desired needling characteristics in the thickness of the fibrous needle-like structure, it is known to control the distance between the plate and an end-of-stroke end of the needles as the stack is made. In particular, it was proposed in the document US 4,790,052 to increase this distance each time a new layer is stacked by imposing on the plateau a step of descent equal to the thickness of a needled stratum, the object being to standardize the needling density throughout the thickness of the fibrous structure.

Il a été proposé, dans le document EP 0 736 115 , de prendre en compte la variation de comportement de la structure fibreuse, au fur et à mesure de sa constitution, en imposant au plateau un pas de descente variable selon une loi de variation décroissante prédéterminée. L'objet est de conférer une épaisseur constante aux différentes couches constituées par les strates aiguilletées.It was proposed in the document EP 0 736 115 , to take into account the variation of behavior of the fibrous structure, as it is constituted, by imposing on the plateau a variable step of descent according to a law of decreasing variation predetermined. The object is to confer a constant thickness to the various layers formed by needled strata.

Quant au document EP 0 695 823 , il propose de transférer des fibres en Z en contrôlant, pendant le processus d'aiguilletage, la profondeur de pénétration des aiguilles. A cet effet, une grandeur représentative de la position de la surface libre de la structure fibreuse en cours d'aiguilletage est élaborée en utilisant des capteurs qui mesurent la position de la surface libre à l'extérieur de la zone d'aiguilletage.As for the document EP 0 695 823 he proposes to transfer Z-fibers by controlling, during the needling process, the penetration depth of the needles. For this purpose, a magnitude representative of the position of the free surface of the fibrous structure during needling is developed using sensors which measure the position of the free surface outside the needling zone.

Par rapport à un processus dans lequel le pas de descente est prédéterminé, une mesure en temps réel de la position de surface peut permettre de prendre en compte d'éventuelles dérives par rapport à un modèle, par exemple des écarts d'épaisseurs des strates individuelles. Toutefois, dans le document EP 0 695 823 , cette mesure n'est pas effectuée exactement au niveau de l'aiguilletage. En outre, d'autres dérives possibles par rapport à des conditions préétablies ne sont pas prises en compte, comme par exemple l'usure des aiguilles.With respect to a process in which the step of descent is predetermined, a real-time measurement of the surface position can make it possible to take into account possible drifts with respect to a model, for example thickness differences of the individual strata. . However, in the document EP 0 695 823 this measurement is not performed exactly at the level of needling. In addition, other possible drifts with respect to pre-established conditions are not taken into account, such as wear of needles.

Objet et résumé de l'inventionObject and summary of the invention

L'invention a pour but de fournir un procédé d'aiguilletage qui permette de prendre en compte l'efficacité réelle des aiguilles tout au long du processus d'aiguilletage, de manière à pouvoir le contrôler ou le commander en temps réel.The object of the invention is to provide a needling process which makes it possible to take into account the actual efficiency of the needles throughout the needling process, so that it can be controlled or controlled in real time.

Ce but est atteint par un procédé de réalisation d'une structure fibreuse aiguilletée du type comprenant l'empilement de strates fibreuses sur un plateau, l'aiguilletage des strates au fur et à mesure de leur empilement au moyen d'aiguilles animées d'un mouvement alternatif en direction transversale par rapport aux strates, et la variation de la distance séparant le plateau d'une position de fin de course des aiguilles, pendant la réalisation de l'empilement, afin d'obtenir une distribution souhaitée des caractéristiques d'aiguilletage dans l'épaisseur de la structure fibreuse, procédé selon lequel on mesure l'effort instantané (f) exercé lors de la pénétration des aiguilles, on évalue une grandeur représentant un effort d'aiguilletage (F) ou une énergie de pénétration (E) à partir de l'effort instantané, et on vérifie que la grandeur (F ; E) évaluée satisfait au moins une condition prédéterminée.This object is achieved by a process for producing a needled fibrous structure of the type comprising the stacking of fibrous layers on a plate, the needling of the layers as and when they are stacked by means of needles animated by a reciprocating movement in the transverse direction with respect to the layers, and the variation of the distance separating the plate from an end position of the needles, during the realization of the stack, in order to obtain a desired distribution of the needling characteristics in the thickness of the fibrous structure, the method according to which the instantaneous force (f) exerted during the penetration of the needles is measured, a magnitude representing a needling effort (F) or a penetration energy (E) is evaluated. from the effort instantaneous, and it is verified that the magnitude (F; E) evaluated satisfies at least one predetermined condition.

L'énergie (E) de pénétration des aiguilles peut être évaluée par intégration de l'effort instantané mesuré (f), par exemple sur une durée séparant l'entrée des aiguilles dans la structure fibreuse de leur arrivée au point mort bas de leur course.The penetration energy (E) of the needles can be evaluated by integrating the measured instantaneous force (f), for example over a period separating the entry of the needles into the fibrous structure of their arrival at the bottom dead point of their race. .

La grandeur évaluée peut être aussi la valeur maximale (F) de l'effort d'aiguilletage instantané (f) mesuré lors de la pénétration des aiguilles dans la structure fibreuse.The magnitude evaluated may also be the maximum value (F) of the instant needling force (f) measured during the penetration of the needles into the fibrous structure.

Selon la distribution souhaitée des caractéristiques d'aiguilletage dans l'épaisseur de la structure fibreuse, on vérifie que la grandeur représentative de l'effort d'aiguilletage (F) ou de l'énergie de pénétration (E) reste sensiblement constante, ou suit sensiblement une loi de variation préétablie.According to the desired distribution of the needling characteristics in the thickness of the fibrous structure, it is verified that the magnitude representative of the needling effort (F) or the penetration energy (E) remains substantially constant, or follows substantially a preset law of variation.

Selon un aspect de l'invention, la mesure de l'effort d'aiguilletage (F) ou de l'énergie de pénétration (E) constitue un moyen de contrôle du bon déroulement de l'aiguilletage qui est commandé selon un processus prédéfini, par exemple un pas de descente du plateau constant, ou une variation particulière du pas de descente comme-dans le document EP 0 736 115 .According to one aspect of the invention, the measurement of the needling force (F) or the penetration energy (E) is a means of controlling the smooth running of the needling which is controlled according to a predefined process, for example a step of descent of the constant plateau, or a particular variation of the descent step as in the document EP 0 736 115 .

Selon un autre aspect de l'invention, on commande la variation de la distance entre le plateau et une position de fin de course des aiguilles en fonction de la valeur évaluée de l'effort d'aiguilletage (F) ou de l'énergie de pénétration (E).According to another aspect of the invention, it controls the variation of the distance between the plate and a position of end of stroke of the needles as a function of the evaluated value of the needling effort (F) or the energy of the penetration (E).

En particulier, lorsque l'on fait varier de façon prédéterminée la distance entre le plateau et une position de fin de course des aiguilles au cours du processus d'aiguilletage, l'on superpose le cas échéant à cette variation une modification supplémentaire de ladite distance lorsque la grandeur (E) ou (F) évaluée ne satisfait pas une condition prédéterminée.In particular, when the distance between the plate and a position of the end of stroke of the needles during the needling process is varied in a predetermined manner, this variation is superimposed, if necessary, on a further modification of said distance. when the magnitude (E) or (F) evaluated does not satisfy a predetermined condition.

Dans ces deux derniers cas, la variation de distance est commandée afin d'asservir l'effort d'aiguilletage ou l'énergie de pénétration des aiguilles à une valeur prédéterminée ou à une loi de variation prédéterminée, selon la distribution souhaitée des caractéristiques d'aiguilletage, notamment le taux de fibres en Z, dans l'épaisseur de la structure fibreuse.In the latter two cases, the variation in distance is controlled in order to control the needling force or the penetration energy of the needles at a predetermined value or at a predetermined variation law, according to the desired distribution of the characteristics of the needling, especially the Z-fiber ratio, in the thickness of the fibrous structure.

Dans l'un et l'autre aspects de l'invention, la mesure de l'effort exercé ou de l'énergie dépensée lors de la pénétration des aiguilles permet de prendre en compte l'efficacité réelle des aiguilles et d'intégrer toute variation éventuelle, par exemple une épaisseur individuelle de strate irrégulière ou une usure prématurée des aiguilles.In both aspects of the invention, the measurement of the force exerted or the energy expended during the penetration of the needles makes it possible to take into account the real effectiveness of the needles and to integrate any variation. possible, for example an individual thickness of irregular stratum or premature wear of the needles.

L'effort de pénétration instantané (f) est avantageusement mesuré au niveau du plateau.The instantaneous penetration force (f) is advantageously measured at the plateau.

L'invention a aussi pour objet de fournir un dispositif d'aiguilletage permettant de mettre en oeuvre les procédés ci-dessus.The invention also aims to provide a needling device for carrying out the above methods.

Ce but est atteint grâce à un dispositif comprenant un plateau sur lequel peuvent être empilées des strates fibreuses, une pluralité d'aiguilles portées par un support, au-dessus du plateau, des moyens d'entraînement du support d'aiguilles pour animer celles-ci d'un mouvement alternatif en direction transversale par rapport au plateau, et des moyens pour faire varier la distance entre le plateau et une position de fin de course des aiguilles, dispositif dans lequel est prévu au moins un capteur d'effort permettant de fournir un signal représentatif de l'effort instantané exercé lors de la pénétration des aiguilles dans des strates fibreuses empilées sur le plateau.This object is achieved by means of a device comprising a plate on which fibrous layers can be stacked, a plurality of needles carried by a support, above the plate, means for driving the needle holder to animate the fibers. reciprocating in a transverse direction relative to the plate, and means for varying the distance between the plate and a position of end of stroke of the needles, in which device is provided at least one force sensor for providing a signal representative of the instantaneous force exerted during the penetration of the needles in fibrous strata stacked on the plate.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description faite ci-après, à titre indicatif mais non limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés, sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique en élévation d'un dispositif d'aiguilletage rectiligne conforme à l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue schématique en élévation et en coupe suivant le plan II-II de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique en élévation et en coupe d'une variante de réalisation d'un dispositif d'aiguilletage rectiligne conforme à l'invention ;
  • les figures 4 à 6 illustrent des étapes successives de trois modes de mise en oeuvre d'un procédé selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 7 est une vue en élévation d'un dispositifs d'aiguilletage circulaire conforme à l'invention ; et
  • la figure 8 est une vue de dessus du plateau du dispositif d'aiguilletage de la figure 7.
The invention will be better understood on reading the description given below, by way of indication but without limitation, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic elevational view of a rectilinear needling device according to the invention;
  • the figure 2 is a schematic view in elevation and in section along plane II-II of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 3 is a schematic view in elevation and in section of an alternative embodiment of a rectilinear needling device according to the invention;
  • the Figures 4 to 6 illustrate successive steps of three modes of implementation of a method according to the invention;
  • the figure 7 is an elevational view of a circular needling device according to the invention; and
  • the figure 8 is a top view of the tray of the needling device of the figure 7 .

Description détaillée de modes de réalisationDetailed description of embodiments

Les figures 1 et 2 montrent schématiquement une installation d'aiguilletage rectiligne comprenant, de façon bien connue en soi, un poste d'aiguilletage 10 disposé entre une première table 12 et une deuxième table 14.The Figures 1 and 2 schematically show a rectilinear needling installation comprising, in a manner well known per se, a needling station 10 disposed between a first table 12 and a second table 14.

Des systèmes d'entraînement 16, 18 à rouleaux presseurs sont interposés entre la table 12 et le poste d'aiguilletage 10 et entre ce dernier et la table 14.Drive systems 16, 18 with pressure rollers are interposed between the table 12 and the needling station 10 and between the latter and the table 14.

Une plaque fibreuse P est déplacée suivant un mouvement alternatif de translation rectiligne entre la table 12 et la table 14, à travers le poste d'aiguilletage 10. La plaque P est formée de strates fibreuses empilées et aiguilletées au fur et à mesure de leur empilement. Les strates peuvent être formées de tissus, nappes unidirectionnelles ou multidirectionnelles, tricots, feutres, ou autres textures fibreuses essentiellement bidimensionnelles. Après chaque passe d'aiguilletage, lorsque la plaque P, ayant traversé complètement le poste d'aiguilletage 10, parvient sur une des tables 12 et 14, une nouvelle strate est ajoutée, et une nouvelle passe d'aiguilletage est réalisée en déplaçant la plaque dans l'autre direction.A fibrous plate P is moved in reciprocating rectilinear motion between the table 12 and the table 14, through the needling station 10. The plate P is formed of fibrous strata stacked and needled as and when stacked . The layers may be formed of fabrics, unidirectional or multidirectional webs, knits, felts, or other substantially two dimensional fiber textures. After each needling pass, when the plate P, having passed completely through the needling station 10, reaches one of the tables 12 and 14, a new layer is added, and a new needling pass is made by moving the plate in the other direction.

Au poste d'aiguilletage 10, la plaque P passe sur un plateau support 100 au-dessus duquel est située une planche à aiguilles 110.At the needling station 10, the plate P passes on a support plate 100 above which is located a needle board 110.

Le plateau support 100 repose sur des poutres 102 d'un bâti 104 par l'intermédiaire de vérins 106, par exemple au nombre de six, qui permettent de faire varier la position verticale du plateau 100.The support plate 100 rests on beams 102 of a frame 104 by means of cylinders 106, for example six in number, which make it possible to vary the vertical position of the plate 100.

La planche à aiguilles 110 s'étend transversalement par rapport à la direction de déplacement de la plaque P, au moins sur toute la largeur de celle-ci. La planche 110 est animée d'un mouvement de translation alternatif vertical au moyen d'un ou plusieurs dispositifs d'entraînement 112 de type bielle-manivelle. Dans l'exemple illustré, deux systèmes bielles-manivelles sont prévus, reliés à la planche au voisinage des extrémités de celle-ci. Un ou plusieurs moteurs (non représentés) portés par exemple par le bâti 104 entraînent les systèmes bielles-manivelles 112.The needle board 110 extends transversely to the direction of movement of the plate P, at least over the entire width thereof. The board 110 is driven by a vertical reciprocating movement by means of one or more drive devices 112 of the crank-handle type. In the illustrated example, two crank-crank systems are provided, connected to the board in the vicinity of the ends thereof. One or more motors (not shown) carried for example by the frame 104 drive the crank systems-crank 112.

Les aiguilles 114 portées par la planche 110 sont munies de barbes, crochets ou fourches. Elles pénètrent dans la texture fibreuse des strates constitutives de la plaque P pour y prélever des fibres qui sont déplacées transversalement par rapport aux strates (direction Z), et lient les strates entre elles.Needles 114 carried by board 110 are provided with barbs, hooks or forks. They penetrate into the fibrous texture of the layers constituting the plate P to collect fibers that are displaced transversely to the strata (Z direction), and bind the layers together.

Une passe d'aiguilletage est réalisée après qu'une nouvelle strate fibreuse a été ajoutée en faisant avancer la plaque P au moyen des rouleaux presseurs 16, 18 de manière à ce que l'intégralité de la surface de la plaque soit décrite par les aiguilles. L'avance de la plaque peut être continue ou non. Dans ce dernier cas, un arrêt ou uns ralentissement de la plaque est commandé pendant la pénétration des aiguilles.A needling pass is made after a new fibrous layer has been added by advancing the plate P by means of the pressure rollers 16, 18 so that the entire surface of the plate is described by the needles. . The advance of the plate can be continuous or not. In the latter case, a stop or slowing down of the plate is controlled during the penetration of the needles.

Les vérins 106 sont commandés pour déplacer le plateau 100, de sorte que la distance entre le plateau 100 et une extrémité de fin de course des aiguilles 114 peut être variée.The cylinders 106 are controlled to move the tray 100, so that the distance between the tray 100 and an end-of-travel end of the needles 114 can be varied.

La profondeur de pénétration des aiguilles 114 dans la plaque P s'étend sur plusieurs épaisseurs de strates. Des trous 101 sont formés dans le plateau 100 au regard des aiguilles 114 pour que celles-ci puissent y pénétrer lors de l'aiguilletage des premières strates.The penetration depth of the needles 114 in the plate P extends over several thicknesses of layers. Holes 101 are formed in the plate 100 facing the needles 114 so that they can enter there during the needling of the first layers.

Des dispositifs du type de celui décrit ci-avant sont bien connus en soi. On pourra se référer notamment au document US 4 790 052 déjà cité.Devices of the type described above are well known per se. We can refer in particular to the document US 4,790,052 already cited.

Conformément à l'invention, un ou plusieurs capteurs d'effort sont disposés de manière à fournir un signal représentatif de l'effort exercé lors de la pénétration des aiguilles dans la plaque P.According to the invention, one or more force sensors are arranged to provide a signal representative of the force exerted during the penetration of the needles into the plate P.

Bien que la mesure des efforts puisse être réalisée au niveau de la planche à aiguilles, elle est effectuée, pour plus de commodité et afin de ne pas être affectée par les accélérations et vibrations imposées à la planche à aiguilles, au niveau du plateau 100.Although the measurement of the efforts can be carried out at the level of the needle board, it is carried out, for convenience and in order not to be affected by the accelerations and vibrations imposed on the needle board, at the level of the plate 100.

Dans l'exemple illustré par les figures 1 et 2, des capteur d'effort 108 sont interposés entre les tiges des vérins 106 et le plateau 100. Les capteurs 108 peuvent être, de façon classique, des capteurs à jauges de contrainte, par exemple de type piézoélectrique, montées en pont. Les signaux électriques des capteurs 108 sont recueillis par un circuit 109 (figure 1). Le circuit 109 est un circuit de commande qui, notamment, fournit des signaux de commande aux systèmes d'entraînement 16, 18 et aux vérins 106.In the example illustrated by the Figures 1 and 2 , force sensors 108 are interposed between the rods of the cylinders 106 and the plate 100. The sensors 108 may be, conventionally, strain gauge sensors, for example of the piezoelectric type, mounted in bridge. The electrical signals of the sensors 108 are collected by a circuit 109 ( figure 1 ). The circuit 109 is a control circuit which, in particular, provides control signals to the drive systems 16, 18 and the jacks 106.

Les signaux fournis par les capteurs 108 représentent l'effort instantané de pénétration des aiguilles. Les signaux reçus des différents capteurs peuvent être sommés ou moyennés pour fournir un signal moyen f' permettant d'élaborer une valeur f représentative de l'effort de pénétration instantané.The signals provided by the sensors 108 represent the instantaneous force of penetration of the needles. The signals received from the different sensors can be summed or averaged to provide an average signal f 'for developing a value f representative of the instantaneous penetration force.

Lorsque les aiguilles sont à l'extérieur de la plaque, un signal moyen non nul f'o peut être fourni par les signaux des capteurs, en raison d'efforts résiduels s'exerçant sur la plaque, par exemple dûs à des frottements entre la plaque et un débourreur (non représenté) appliqué sur celle-ci. L'effort f'o est mesuré par exemple au moment du passage au point mort ou efforts résiduels (volontaires ou non) dûs aux frottements débourreur-préforme haut. La valeur f représentative de l'effort de pénétration ou effort d'aiguilletage instantané proprement dit est alors égale à f'-f'o.When the needles are outside the plate, a non-zero average signal f ' o can be provided by the signals of the sensors, due to residual forces exerted on the plate, for example due to friction between the plate and a stripper (not shown) applied to it. The effort f'o is measured for example at the moment of the transition to neutral or residual efforts (voluntary or not) due to friction débourreur-preform high. The value f representative of the penetration force or instant needling effort itself is then equal to f'-f ' o .

Une grandeur F représentative de l'effort d'aiguilletage au cours de chaque pénétration des aiguilles peut être obtenue en prenant le maximum de l'effort instantané f mesuré lors de cette pénétration.A magnitude F representative of the needling force during each penetration of the needles can be obtained by taking the maximum of the instantaneous force f measured during this penetration.

A cet effet, la valeur f est échantillonnée par le circuit 109 et la grandeur F retenue est la valeur de l'échantillon d'amplitude maximale mesurée lors de chaque course des aiguilles. Le début de chaque cycle de pénétration des aiguilles peut être fixé au passage au point mort haut en leur course. Celui-ci est détecté au moyen d'un capteur 116, par exemple de type inductif ou optique coopérant par exemple avec un profil de came 113 ayant une position angulaire correspondant au point mort haut et entraîné en rotation avec la manivelle d'un des systèmes d'entraînement 112 de la planche à aiguilles. Les signaux du capteur 116 sont reçus et traités par le circuit 109.For this purpose, the value f is sampled by the circuit 109 and the quantity F retained is the value of the maximum amplitude sample measured during each stroke of the hands. The beginning of each needle penetration cycle can be set at the top dead center in their travel. This is detected by means of a sensor 116, for example of inductive or optical type cooperating for example with a cam profile 113 having an angular position corresponding to the top dead center and rotated with the crank of one of the systems. 112 of the needle board. The signals from the sensor 116 are received and processed by the circuit 109.

En variante, on élabore de préférence une grandeur E représentative de l'énergie de pénétration des aiguilles, laquelle peut être corrélée avec la quantité de fibres transférées en Z. Cette grandeur E est obtenue par intégration dans le temps, au moyen du circuit 109, de la mesure instantanée f de l'effort de pénétration.As a variant, a quantity E representative of the penetration energy of the needles, which may be correlated with the quantity of fibers transferred in Z, is preferably developed. This quantity E is obtained by integration over time, by means of the circuit 109. the instantaneous measurement of penetration effort.

Cette intégration de la valeur f est réalisée sur une période prédéfinie, par exemple la durée séparant le passage des aiguilles au point mort haut du passage des aiguilles au point mort bas de leur course.This integration of the value f is carried out over a predefined period, for example the time separating the passage of the needles to the top dead center of the passage of the needles at the bottom dead point of their stroke.

La détection du passage au point mort bas peut être réalisée de la même manière que la détection du passage au point mort haut.Detection of the bottom dead center can be done in the same way as the detection of the top dead center.

Il est possible de démarrer l'intégration de la valeur f non pas au passage au point mort haut, mais au moment de la pénétration des aiguilles dans la plaque fibreuse. Pour détecter ce moment, on peut mesurer la position instantanée de la face supérieure de la plaque fibreuse. En effet, la durée d'un cycle entre deux passages successifs au point mors haut étant connue par détection de ces passages, la course des aiguilles étant constante et connue, la connaissance de la position de la face supérieure de la plaque fibreuse, entre les points morts haut et bas, permet de déterminer à quel moment de ce cycle les aiguilles pénètrent dans la plaque fibreuse.It is possible to start the integration of the value f not at the passage to the top dead center, but at the time of the penetration of the needles into the fibrous plate. To detect this moment, it is possible to measure the instantaneous position of the upper face of the fibrous plate. Indeed, the duration of a cycle between two successive passes at the upper jaw point is known by detection of these passages, the stroke of the needles being constant and known, the knowledge of the position of the upper face of the fibrous plate, between the dead spots up and down, allows to determine at what moment of this cycle the needles penetrate in the fibrous plate.

Des moyens mécaniques sous forme de palpeurs permettent de mesurer la position de la face supérieure de la plaque fibreuse, comme décrit dans le document déjà cité EP 0 695 823 .Mechanical means in the form of probes make it possible to measure the position of the upper face of the fibrous plate, as described in the document already cited. EP 0 695 823 .

On peut aussi avantageusement utiliser des moyens de mesure optique sans contact tel qu'un ensemble émetteur/récepteur laser 118, comme décrit dans la demande de brevet FR 01 02 869 de la déposante. L'émetteur, qui occupe une position fixe par rapport au bâti 104, dirige un faisceau laser vers la surface de la plaque fibreuse. Le faisceau laser, de préférence non collimaté est réfléchi et l'analyse du trajet du faisceau entre émetteur et récepteur permet de fournir l'information de position désirée. L'émetteur-récepteur 118, qui est relié au circuit 109, peut être placé au niveau du poste d'aiguilletage, le faisceau laser traversant un orifice formé dans la planche à aiguilles 110.It is also advantageous to use non-contact optical measurement means such as a laser emitter / receiver unit 118, as described in the patent application. FR 01 02 869 of the applicant. The transmitter, which occupies a fixed position relative to the frame 104, directs a laser beam towards the surface of the fibrous plate. The laser beam, preferably not collimated, is reflected and beam path analysis between transmitter and receiver provides the desired position information. The transceiver 118, which is connected to the circuit 109, can be placed at the needling station, the laser beam passing through an orifice formed in the needle board 110.

Le mode de réalisation de la figure 3 se distingue de celui de la figure 2 en ce que le plateau 100 du poste d'aiguilletage repose sur des embases 103 portées par des colonnes du bâti 104 par l'intermédiaire de vérins 106, au nombre de quatre dans cet exemple.The embodiment of the figure 3 is different from that of the figure 2 in that the plate 100 of the needling station rests on bases 103 carried by columns of the frame 104 via cylinders 106, four in number in this example.

Les capteurs d'effort 108 sont ici interposés entre les embases 103 et les cylindres des vérins 106. Une disposition similaire des capteurs pourrait être adoptée pour le mode de réalisation des figures 1 et 2.The force sensors 108 are here interposed between the bases 103 and the cylinders of the cylinders 106. A similar provision sensors could be adopted for the embodiment of the Figures 1 and 2 .

Par rapport à l'installation des figures 1 et 2, celle de la figure 3 peut convenir pour l'aiguilletage de plaques P de plus petites largeurs.Compared to the installation of Figures 1 and 2 , that of the figure 3 may be suitable for needling P-plates of smaller widths.

Un processus d'aiguilletage selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention sera maintenant décrit en référence à la figure 4.A needling process according to one embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the figure 4 .

Eventuellement après aiguilletage de quelques strates initiales superposées (étape 40), une nouvelle strate est ajoutée (étape 41) et un pas de descente est imposé au plateau (étape 42).Optionally after needling a few initial layers superimposed (step 40), a new layer is added (step 41) and a step of descent is imposed on the plateau (step 42).

Le pas de descente est prédéterminé. Pendant le processus d'aiguilletage, le pas de descente imposé au plateau après chaque passe d'aiguilletage d'une strate et superposition d'une nouvelle strate peut être constant ou varier de façon préétablie, comme décrit dans les documents précités US 4 790 052 et EP 0 736 115 .The step of descent is predetermined. During the needling process, the step of descent imposed on the plate after each needling pass of a stratum and superposition of a new stratum may be constant or vary in a preestablished manner, as described in the aforementioned documents. US 4,790,052 and EP 0 736 115 .

Pendant l'aiguilletage d'une nouvelle strate superposée, l'effort d'aiguilletage F induit par la pénétration des aiguilles dans la structure fibreuse ou l'énergie de pénétration E des aiguilles sont évalués au moyen des capteurs 106 et du circuit 109 (étape 43).During the needling of a new superimposed stratum, the needling force F induced by the penetration of the needles into the fibrous structure or the penetration energy E of the needles are evaluated by means of the sensors 106 and the circuit 109 (step 43).

La grandeur d'effort F ou d'énergie E évaluée peut être celle déterminée à chaque pénétration des aiguilles, ou l'on peut effectuer une moyenne de mesures d'effort réalisées lors de quelques pénétrations d'aiguilles successives.The magnitude of effort F or energy E evaluated can be that determined at each penetration of the needles, or an average of effort measurements can be made during a few penetrations of successive needles.

Dans la description faite ci-après de différentes réalisations d'un processus d'aiguilletage, on envisagera l'évaluation de l'énergie E de pénétration des aiguilles, à laquelle on peut corréler la quantité de fibres transférées en Z. Ces processus pourraient, de façon similaire, être mis en oeuvre avec mesure de l'effort d'aiguilletage qui traduit l'efficacité réelle des aiguilles.In the following description of different embodiments of a needling process, consideration will be given to the evaluation of the needle penetration energy E, to which the amount of fibers transferred to Z can be correlated. These processes could, similarly, be implemented with measurement of the needling effort which reflects the actual effectiveness of the needles.

Dans le mode de réalisation de la figure 4, si la passe d'aiguilletage en cours n'est pas terminée (test 44), l'énergie de pénétration évaluée E est comparée à des valeurs de seuil minimum Emin et maximum Emax. Si E est comprise dans la plage [Emin, Emax] (test 45), on retourne à l'étape 43. Si la passe d'aiguilletage est terminée au test 44, (ce qui peut être détecté par un capteur de fin de course de la plaque P), on retourne à l'étape 41.In the embodiment of the figure 4 if the current needling pass is not completed (test 44), the estimated penetration energy E is compared with minimum threshold values E min and maximum E max . If E is in the range [E min , E max ] (test 45), go back to step 43. If the needling pass is complete at test 44, (which can be detected by an end sensor run of the plate P), we return to step 41.

Si le test 45 est négatif, un signal d'alarme est produit (étape 46) indiquant que l'effort d'aiguilletage, donc l'efficacité des aiguilles, ne se trouve plus dans la plage de tolérance prédéterminée. Cela peut être dû par exemple à une usure ou une casse d'aiguilles, à un défaut de positionnement de table, ou encore à une évolution non conforme du produit aiguilleté ou des strates constituant la plaque P.If the test 45 is negative, an alarm signal is generated (step 46) indicating that the needling effort, thus the efficiency of the needles, is no longer within the predetermined tolerance range. This may be due for example to wear or needle breakage, to a table positioning defect, or to a non-compliant change in the needled product or layers constituting the plate P.

Les valeurs Emin et Emax sont déterminées expérimentalement en fonction notamment des caractéristiques d'aiguilletage souhaitées, notamment du taux de fibres en Z. Les valeurs Emin et Emax peuvent être fixes, ou être variables, au fur et à mesure de la constitution de la plaque P, pour suivre une loi de variation prédéterminée. Ainsi, par exemple, l'énergie de pénétration, donc le taux de fibres en Z, pourra être plus importante dans des parties de la plaque où un transfert plus grand de fibres en Z est souhaité pour accroître la résistance au délaminage.The values E min and E max are determined experimentally as a function, in particular, of the desired needling characteristics, in particular of the Z-fiber ratio. The values E min and E max may be fixed, or be variable, as and when the constitution of the plate P, to follow a predetermined law of variation. Thus, for example, the penetration energy, and thus the Z-fiber content, may be greater in portions of the plate where greater Z-fiber transfer is desired to increase the delamination resistance.

Le processus de la figure 4 permet, grâce à la mesure en continu de l'énergie de pénétration, de vérifier que l'aiguilletage se déroule avec une efficacité réelle correspondant à celle souhaitée.The process of figure 4 Thanks to the continuous measurement of the penetration energy, it is possible to check that the needling is taking place with a real efficiency corresponding to that desired.

Un processus d'aiguilletage selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention sera maintenant décrit en référence à la figure 5.A needling process according to another embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the figure 5 .

Ce processus comprend des étapes 50 à 53 d'aiguilletage de strates initiales, d'ajout d'une nouvelle strate, de réalisation d'un pas de descente prédéterminé ainsi que d'aiguilletage et mesure d'énergie de pénétration, analogues aux étapes 40 à 43 du processus de la figure 4.This process comprises steps 50 to 53 of needling initial strata, adding a new stratum, achieving a predetermined descent step and needling and measuring penetration energy, similar to the steps 40 at 43 from the process of figure 4 .

L'énergie évaluée E est comparée avec des valeurs minimale E'min et maximale E'max prédéterminées, dans la mesure où la passe d'aiguilletage en cours n'est pas terminée (test 54).The evaluated energy E is compared with predetermined minimum values E ' min and maximum E' max , insofar as the current needling pass is not completed (test 54).

Lorsque l'énergie évaluée devient supérieure au seuil E'max (test 55), un incrément de descente Δh est imposé au plateau 100 (étape 56). Cela peut être réalisé pendant l'aiguilletage de la dernière strate empilée, dès que le dépassement est détecté, ou à la fin de l'aiguilletage de la strate, l'incrément Δh se superposant au pas de descente prédéterminé. Après l'étape 55, on revient à l'étape 53. Si, au test 54, la passe d'aiguilletage en cours est terminée, on revient à l'étape 51 d'ajout d'une nouvelle strate.When the evaluated energy becomes greater than the threshold E ' max (test 55), a decrease increment Δh is imposed on the plate 100 (step 56). This can be done during the needling of the last stacked layer, as soon as the overshoot is detected, or at the end of the needling of the stratum, the increment Δh superimposing on the predetermined step of descent. After step 55, return to step 53. If, at test 54, the needling pass in progress is over, it returns to step 51 to add a new layer.

Lorsque le test 55 est négatif, on compare l'énergie évaluée E au seuil E'min. Si l'énergie évaluée est inférieure au seuil E'min (test 57), un incrément de montée Δ'h, par exemple opposé à Δh, est imposé au plateau 100 (étape 58), de façon immédiate où à la fin de la passe d'aiguilletage en cours, l'incrément Δ'h se superposant au pas de descente prédéterminé. Après l'étape 58, on passe à l'étape 53.When the test 55 is negative, the evaluated energy E is compared with the threshold E ' min . If the evaluated energy is below the threshold E ' min (test 57), a rise increment Δ'h, for example opposite to Δh, is imposed on the plate 100 (step 58), immediately or at the end of the needling pass in progress, the increment Δ'h superimposed on the predetermined step of descent. After step 58, proceed to step 53.

Les seuils E'min et E'max peuvent être déterminés expérimentalement et ne sont pas nécessairement égaux à ceux du processus de la figure 4. Ils peuvent être fixes ou variables de façon prédéterminée au fur et à mesure de la constitution de la plaque aiguilletée.The thresholds E ' min and E' max can be determined experimentally and are not necessarily equal to those of the process of the figure 4 . They may be fixed or variable in a predetermined manner as the constitution of the needled plate.

Les incréments Δh et Δ'h représentent par exemple de un à quelques % d'un pas de descente moyen.The increments Δh and Δ'h represent for example from one to a few% of a mean descent step.

On notera que les incréments Δh et Δ'h peuvent être variables, par exemple en fonction de l'amplitude du franchissement des seuils E'min et E'max.It will be noted that the increments Δh and Δ'h may be variable, for example as a function of the amplitude of crossing the thresholds E ' min and E' max .

Le processus de la figure 5 permet, grâce à la mesure en continu de l'effort d'aiguilletage, de corriger, le cas échéant, la valeur prédéterminée du pas de descente, ou une loi prédéterminée de variation du pas de descente, de manière que l'efficacité des aiguilles reste conforme à ce qui est attendu.The process of figure 5 allows, thanks to the continuous measurement of the needling force, correct, if necessary, the predetermined value of the descent step, or a predetermined law of variation of the descent step, so that the effectiveness of the needles remains consistent with what is expected.

La figure 6 montre les étapes d'un processus d'aiguilletage selon lequel la descente du plateau est commandée en fonction seulement de l'énergie d'aiguilletage évaluée.The figure 6 shows the steps of a needling process according to which the descent of the plate is controlled according to only the needling energy evaluated.

Après aiguilletage de strates initiales (étape 60), une nouvelle strate est ajoutée (étape 61), l'aiguilletage est démarré et l'énergie de pénétration des aiguilles E est évaluée (étape 62), comme à l'étape 43 de la figure 4. Dans la mesure où la passe d'aiguilletage en cours n'est pas terminée (test 64), l'énergie évaluée E est comparée à des valeurs de seuil minimum E"min et maximum E"max. Si l'énergie E est inférieure à E"min (test 65), on commande un pas élémentaire p, de montée du plateau (étape 66) et l'on retourne à l'étape 62. Si le test 64 est positif, on retourne à l'étape 61. Si l'énergie E n'est pas inférieure à E"min, on la compare à E"max (test 67). Si l'énergie E est supérieure à E"max, on commande un pas élémentaire p2 de descente du plateau (étape 67), et on retourne à l'étape 62. Si l'énergie E n'est pas supérieure à E"max, on retourne à l'étape 62.After needling of initial layers (step 60), a new layer is added (step 61), the needling is started and the penetration energy of the needles E is evaluated (step 62), as in step 43 of the figure 4 . Insofar as the current needling pass is not completed (test 64), the evaluated energy E is compared with minimum threshold values E " min and maximum E" max . If the energy E is less than E " min (test 65), an elementary pitch p is stepped, the plateau is raised (step 66) and step 62 is returned. If the test 64 is positive, returns to step 61. If the energy E is not less than E " min , it is compared to E" max (test 67). greater than E " max , an elementary pitch p 2 of descent of the plate (step 67) is controlled, and it returns to step 62. If the energy E is not greater than E" max , it returns to step 62.

Les valeurs E"min et E"max peuvent être prédéfinies expérimentalement, en fonction des caractéristiques d'aiguilletage souhaitées. Elle peuvent être fixes, ou être variables, au fur et à mesure de la constitution de la plaque fibreuse, pour suivre une loi de variation prédéterminée.The values E " min and E" max may be predefined experimentally, depending on the desired needling characteristics. It can be fixed, or be variable, as and when the formation of the fibrous plate, to follow a predetermined law of variation.

Les pas de montée p1 et de descente p2 peuvent être égaux ou non entre eux. Leur valeur peut être fixe, ou variable, de façon prédéterminée par exemple en fonction de l'amplitude de l'écart entre E et E"min ou entre E et E"max.The rise steps p 1 and descent p 2 may be equal or not between them. Their value may be fixed, or variable, in a predetermined manner for example as a function of the amplitude of the difference between E and E " min or between E and E" max .

Bien entendu, les processus des figures 4 à 5 s'interrompent après réalisation de la dernière passe d'aiguilletage, la plaque P ayant atteint l'épaisseur souhaitée.Of course, the processes of Figures 4 to 5 are interrupted after completion of the last needling pass, the plate P having reached the desired thickness.

La mesure d'effort d'aiguilletage peut être implantée non seulement dans des dispositifs d'aiguilletage rectilignes, mais aussi dans des dispositifs d'aiguilletage circulaires.The needling force measurement can be implemented not only in straight needling devices, but also in circular needling devices.

Ainsi, les figures 7 et 8 illustrent un dispositif d'aiguilletage avec un plateau circulaire 200. Des strates annulaires sont empilées et aiguilletées sur le plateau 200 pour former une préforme fibreuse aiguilletée ou disque P de forme annulaire. De façon en soi connue, les strates peuvent être formées par des anneaux ou des secteurs d'anneaux juxtaposés, qui sont découpés dans une texture fibreuse dimensionnelle, par exemple un tissu, une nappe unidirectionnelle ou multidirectionnelle, un feutre, ... Les strates peuvent aussi être formées par des spires enroulées à plat, telles que des spires de tissu hélicoïdal, ou des spires formées à partir de tresses déformées, ou encore des spires formées à partir d'une texture bidimensionnelle déformable. On pourra se référer par exemple aux documents US 6 009 605 , US 5 662 855 et WO 98/44182 : La préforme annulaire P peut constituer notamment une préforme de disque de frein en matériau composite.Thus, Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a needling device with a circular plate 200. Annular layers are stacked and needled on the plate 200 to form a needled fibrous preform or ring-shaped disk P. In a manner known per se, the layers may be formed by rings or sectors of juxtaposed rings, which are cut in a dimensional fiber texture, for example a fabric, a unidirectional or multidirectional sheet, a felt, ... The strata may also be formed by coils wound flat, such as turns of helical fabric, or turns formed from deformed braids, or turns formed from a two-dimensional deformable texture. For example, documents may be referred to US 6,009,605 , US 5,662,855 and WO 98/44182 : The annular preform P may constitute in particular a brake disk preform of composite material.

Le disque P est entraîné en rotation et passe dans un poste d'aiguilletage comprenant une planche à aiguilles 210 qui surplombe un secteur du plateau 200 (dont l'emplacement est délimité par des traits mixtes sur la figure 8). La planche 210 est animée d'un mouvement de translation alternatif vertical au moyen d'un dispositif d'entraînement 212 de type bielle-manivelle.The disk P is rotated and passes to a needling station comprising a needle board 210 which overhangs a sector of the plate 200 (the location of which is delimited by mixed lines on the figure 8 ). The board 210 is driven by a vertical reciprocating translation movement by means of a drive device 212 of the crank-handle type.

Les aiguilles 214 portées par la planche 212 sont munies de barbes, crochets ou fourches pour prélever des fibres dans les strates empilées et les transférer à travers celles-ci lorsqu'elles pénètrent dans le disque P.The needles 214 carried by the board 212 are provided with barbs, hooks or forks to collect fibers in the stacked layers and transfer them through them when they enter the disk P.

L'entraînement du disque P en rotation peut être réalisé au moyen de rouleaux coniques tels que 22, le plateau 200 étant fixe et étant muni de trous 201 au regard des aiguilles 214. En variante, l'entraînement du disque P peut être réalisé en faisant tourner le plateau 200. Dans ce dernier cas, le plateau 200 est muni d'un revêtement dans lequel les aiguilles peuvent pénétrer sans être endommagées. Le transfert de fibres en Z dans ce revêtement solidarise le disque P avec le plateau et facilite donc son entraînement en rotation.The drive of the disk P in rotation can be achieved by means of conical rollers such as 22, the plate 200 being fixed and being provided with holes 201 with respect to the needles 214. As a variant, the driving of the disk P can be achieved by In the latter case, the plate 200 is provided with a coating in which the needles can penetrate without being damaged. The Z-fiber transfer in this coating secures the disk P with the plate and thus facilitates its rotation drive.

Le plateau 200 est articulé sur un support 202 qui repose sur un bâti 204 par l'intermédiaire de vérins 206, au nombre de trois dans l'exemple illustré (voir figure 8).The plate 200 is articulated on a support 202 which rests on a frame 204 by means of cylinders 206, three in number in the illustrated example (see figure 8 ).

Un ou plusieurs capteurs d'effort 208, au nombre de deux dans l'exemple illustré, sont interposés entre le support 202 et le plateau 200.One or more force sensors 208, two in number in the example shown, are interposed between the support 202 and the plate 200.

Comme le montre la figure 7, l'articulation 203 du plateau 200 sur le support 204 est située dans une zone de la circonférence du plateau 200 opposée à la zone où se trouve le poste d'aiguilletage 20. Quant aux capteurs 208, ils sont situés sous le plateau 200 de part et d'autre du poste d'aiguilletage 20, en des emplacements éloignés de l'articulation 203. Cette disposition de l'articulation 203 et des capteurs 208 permet d'optimiser la mesure de l'effort d'aiguilletage qui s'exerce au niveau du poste d'aiguilletage 20.As shown in figure 7 , the hinge 203 of the plate 200 on the support 204 is located in an area of the circumference of the plate 200 opposite the zone where the needling station 20 is located. As for the sensors 208, they are located under the plate 200 of on both sides of the needling station 20, at locations remote from the articulation 203. This arrangement of the articulation 203 and the sensors 208 makes it possible to optimize the measurement of the needling force exerted at the needling station 20.

Les signaux des capteurs 208 sont recueillis par un circuit de commande qui commande en particulier la rotation du disque P et les vérins 206 pour déplacer le plateau verticalement lors du processus d'aiguilletage.The signals of the sensors 208 are collected by a control circuit which controls in particular the rotation of the disk P and the cylinders 206 to move the plate vertically during the needling process.

Les signaux des capteurs 208, représentatifs de l'efficacité des aiguilles lorsqu'elles pénètrent dans le disque P, ainsi que la mesure éventuelle de la position de la face supérieure du disque P, sont utilisés pour le contrôle ou la commande en temps réel de l'aiguilletage, suivant des processus tels que ceux décrits en référence aux figures 4 à 6.The signals of the sensors 208, representative of the efficiency of the needles when they enter the disk P, as well as the possible measurement of the position of the upper face of the disk P, are used for the control or the real-time control of the needling, following processes such as those described with reference to the Figures 4 to 6 .

Claims (16)

  1. A method of making a needled fiber structure of the type comprising stacking fiber plies on a platen, needling the plies together as the stack is built up by means of needles that are driven with reciprocating motion in a direction that extends transversely relative to the plies, and varying the distance between the platen and an end-of-stroke position of the needles while building up the stack so as to obtain a desired distribution of needling characteristics through the thickness of the fiber structure, the method being characterized in that the instantaneous force (f) exerted during needle penetration is measured and a magnitude representing needling force (F) or penetration energy (E) is evaluated on the basis of the instantaneous force, and the evaluated magnitude (F; E) is verified for compliance with at least one predetermined condition.
  2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the needle penetration energy is evaluated by integrating the measured instantaneous force value (f).
  3. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that integration is performed over the duration between the needles penetrating into the fiber structure and the needles reaching the bottom dead-center point of their stroke.
  4. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the evaluated magnitude (F) is the maximum measured value of the instantaneous force (f).
  5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the evaluated magnitude is verified for remaining substantially constant.
  6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the evaluated magnitude is verified for substantially following a predetermined variation relationship.
  7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the distance between the platen and an end-of-stroke position of the needles is varied as a function of the value of the valuated magnitude (F; E).
  8. A method according to claim 7, characterized in that the distance between the platen and an end-of-stroke position of the needles is varied in predetermined manner during the needling process, and, where appropriate, an additional modification of said distance is superposed whenever the evaluated magnitude (F; E) does not satisfy the predetermined condition.
  9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the instantaneous force (f) is measured via the platen.
  10. Needling apparatus comprising a platen (100; 200) on which fiber plies can be stacked, a plurality of needles carried by a support above the platen, means for driving the needle support to impart reciprocating motion to the needles in a direction that extends transversely relative to the platen, and means (108; 208) for varying the distance between the platen and an end-of-stroke position of the needles, the apparatus being characterized in that at least one force sensor (106; 206) is provided suitable for providing a signal representative of the instantaneous force (f) exerted during penetration of the needles into the fiber plies stacked on the platen.
  11. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that it includes means (109) for determining a maximum value (F) of the instantaneous force (f) during needle penetration.
  12. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that it includes means (109) for evaluating a magnitude representative of needle penetration energy by integrating the instantaneous force (f).
  13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that at least one force sensor (106) is interposed between the platen (100) and a support structure.
  14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the platen (200) is hinged at one of its edges and rests on at least one force sensor (206) at a location that is remote from its hinge (203).
  15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that it includes means for detecting passage of the needles through at least one of the ends of their stroke.
  16. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that it includes means for measuring the position of the top surface of the stacked fiber plies on the platen.
EP20020780839 2001-06-05 2002-06-05 Real time control method for needle-bonding fibrous structures and needle-bonding device for carrying out said method Expired - Lifetime EP1392906B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0107299 2001-06-05
FR0107299A FR2825382B1 (en) 2001-06-05 2001-06-05 METHOD FOR REAL-TIME CHECKING THE NEEDLE OF FIBROUS STRUCTURES AND NEEDLE DEVICE FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION
PCT/FR2002/001903 WO2003000978A1 (en) 2001-06-05 2002-06-05 Real time control method for needle-bonding fibrous structures and needle-bonding device for carrying out said method

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1392906A1 EP1392906A1 (en) 2004-03-03
EP1392906B1 true EP1392906B1 (en) 2010-02-17

Family

ID=8863939

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20020780839 Expired - Lifetime EP1392906B1 (en) 2001-06-05 2002-06-05 Real time control method for needle-bonding fibrous structures and needle-bonding device for carrying out said method

Country Status (16)

Country Link
US (1) US6360412B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1392906B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4195373B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100842960B1 (en)
CN (1) CN100340706C (en)
AT (1) ATE458080T1 (en)
BR (1) BR0210185A (en)
CA (1) CA2449666C (en)
DE (1) DE60235356D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2825382B1 (en)
HU (1) HUP0400137A2 (en)
IL (2) IL158769A0 (en)
MX (1) MXPA03010950A (en)
RU (1) RU2289644C2 (en)
UA (1) UA76147C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2003000978A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6568050B2 (en) * 2001-02-26 2003-05-27 Messier-Bugatti Method and installation for advancing a needled fiber plate
AT411272B (en) * 2001-10-23 2003-11-25 Fehrer Textilmasch DEVICE FOR NEEDING A FLEECE
US7993477B2 (en) 2002-11-01 2011-08-09 Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. Method and apparatus for Z-direction fiber insertion of discrete fibers for reinforcement of composite laminates
GB0310354D0 (en) * 2003-05-07 2003-06-11 Viktor Achter Ltd Process to manufacture high opacity knitted fabric the fabric produced thereby and use of the fabric in vehicles
FR2862987B1 (en) * 2003-11-28 2006-09-22 Saint Gobain Vetrotex GLASS MAT NEEDLED
FR2880635B1 (en) * 2004-11-24 2007-04-06 Asselin Soc Par Actions Simpli NEEDLE HEADER WITH ADJUSTABLE HEAD HEIGHT
US7430790B1 (en) * 2005-04-26 2008-10-07 Don Bowles Felting machine
FR2896518B1 (en) * 2006-01-20 2009-02-27 Asselin Thibeau Soc Par Action METHOD AND MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE FOCATION OF A NEEDLE MAKER
US8673188B2 (en) * 2006-02-14 2014-03-18 Goodrich Corporation Carbon-carbon parts and methods for making same
CN103354849B (en) * 2011-02-08 2016-10-26 恒天(奥地利)控股有限公司 The method and apparatus being used for consolidating the fabric width of conveying continuously
FR3007043B1 (en) * 2013-06-13 2015-07-03 Messier Bugatti Dowty NEEDLE DRIVE DEVICE FOR A FIBROUS HELICOIDAL TABLET NEEDLED
FR3007428B1 (en) * 2013-06-20 2015-10-16 Messier Bugatti Dowty TABLE AND METHOD FOR NEEDLING A TEXTILE STRUCTURE FORMED FROM AN ANNIBLE FIBROUS PREFORM WITH RADIAL OFFSET OF THE NEEDLE HEAD
EP3000923A1 (en) * 2014-03-13 2016-03-30 Oskar Dilo Maschinenfabrik KG Needleboard
US9856592B2 (en) 2016-03-15 2018-01-02 Goodrich Corporation Methods and systems for forming a fibrous preform
CN105755679B (en) * 2016-04-25 2017-10-10 天津工大航泰复合材料有限公司 A kind of portable pneumatic acupuncture rifle
CN105881567A (en) * 2016-06-23 2016-08-24 四川巨浪智能设备有限公司 Sheet grasping hand
FR3064284B1 (en) * 2017-03-27 2019-04-19 Airbus Safran Launchers Sas INSTALLATION AND METHOD FOR NEEDLEING A FIBROUS PREFORM WITH CONTROL OF CONTACT PRESSURE OF THE DEBOUREUR
CN108844841A (en) * 2018-06-29 2018-11-20 东华大学 The detection device of the pricker degree of wear and the detection method for using the detection device
CN111041711A (en) * 2019-12-31 2020-04-21 艾达索高新材料芜湖有限公司 On-line felt forming method for recycled fibers
CN114086324B (en) * 2021-11-12 2022-12-02 上海大学 Controllable electric needling forming device

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3909891A (en) * 1972-01-18 1975-10-07 Dilo Kg Oskar Needling Apparatus
US4790052A (en) * 1983-12-28 1988-12-13 Societe Europeenne De Propulsion Process for manufacturing homogeneously needled three-dimensional structures of fibrous material
AT392297B (en) * 1987-10-01 1991-02-25 Fehrer Textilmasch NEEDLE DEVICE FOR MAKING A PATTERNED FELT
US5636420A (en) * 1992-11-23 1997-06-10 Asselin Needling machine and needling method related thereto
US5515585A (en) * 1994-07-25 1996-05-14 The Bf Goodrich Company Process for forming needled fibrous structures using determined transport depth
US6029327A (en) * 1994-07-25 2000-02-29 The B.F. Goodrich Company Process for forming fibrous structures with predetermined Z-fiber distributions
FR2726013B1 (en) * 1994-10-20 1997-01-17 Carbone Ind PROCESS FOR PRODUCING A FIBROUS SUBSTRATE BY SUPERIMPOSING FIBROUS LAYERS AND SUBSTRATE THUS OBTAINED
EP0767265B1 (en) * 1995-10-04 2000-12-20 The B.F. Goodrich Company Laminar fibrous structure having Z-fibers that penetrate a constant number of layers

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BR0210185A (en) 2004-04-27
CA2449666C (en) 2008-08-19
WO2003000978A1 (en) 2003-01-03
US6360412B1 (en) 2002-03-26
CN1513071A (en) 2004-07-14
FR2825382A1 (en) 2002-12-06
IL158769A0 (en) 2004-05-12
DE60235356D1 (en) 2010-04-01
EP1392906A1 (en) 2004-03-03
IL158769A (en) 2009-02-11
FR2825382B1 (en) 2003-09-12
RU2289644C2 (en) 2006-12-20
JP2004530807A (en) 2004-10-07
ATE458080T1 (en) 2010-03-15
CN100340706C (en) 2007-10-03
UA76147C2 (en) 2006-07-17
KR100842960B1 (en) 2008-07-01
MXPA03010950A (en) 2004-02-27
RU2003134536A (en) 2005-02-27
KR20040025681A (en) 2004-03-24
HUP0400137A2 (en) 2005-05-30
JP4195373B2 (en) 2008-12-10
CA2449666A1 (en) 2003-01-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1392906B1 (en) Real time control method for needle-bonding fibrous structures and needle-bonding device for carrying out said method
EP2067757B1 (en) Method of manufacturing parts from a composite material with carbon fibre reinforcements
WO2003100148A1 (en) Method and system for the manufacture of annular fibrous preforms
EP0371948A1 (en) Process and apparatus for the production of non-woven textiles
CN103075967B (en) Anchor chain or mooring cable monocycle or five rings length measuring method and measurement mechanism
EP1397546A1 (en) Circular needling loom with smooth table
EP2828644B1 (en) Method and device for the nondestructive testing of the material integrity of a composite part, in particular in the hollows thereof
EP1373623B1 (en) Needle-punching machine equipped with a penetration measuring device
EP1811072A1 (en) Process and means for controlling a needle machine
EP2813610B1 (en) A drive device using needles to drive a helical fiber sheet for needling
EP0796363B1 (en) Needle loom with a sliding shank
EP2936139B1 (en) Auto-calibration method for ultrasonic control of a composite structure during fabrication
EP3382079B1 (en) Installation and method for needling a fibrous preform with control of the contact pressure of the stripper
JP2004526878A5 (en)
EP1373622B1 (en) Method and control device for advancing a needle punched fibrous sheet
EP3427006B1 (en) Device for contactless three-dimensional inspection of a hollow part with an inner surface of revolution, and corresponding method
US6374469B1 (en) Needling machine provided with a device for measuring penetration
EP1408148B1 (en) Process and installation for producing a nonwoven having good tensile strength properties
WO2002068747A1 (en) Method and control device for advancing a needle punched fibrous sheet
FR2555210A1 (en) Method for determining the end of compaction with vibratory compaction machines

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20031125

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: MARJOLLET, THIERRY

Inventor name: JEAN, ROBERT

Inventor name: DUVAL, RENAUD

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AT DE ES FR GB IT

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT DE ES FR GB IT

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60235356

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20100401

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100528

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100217

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20101118

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100217

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 60235356

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: MESSIER-BUGATTI-DOWTY, FR

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: MESSIER-BUGATTI, VELIZY VILLACOUBLAY, FR

Effective date: 20120726

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 60235356

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: CBDL PATENTANWAELTE, DE

Effective date: 20120726

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 15

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: CD

Owner name: MESSIER-BUGATTI-DOWTY, FR

Effective date: 20170518

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 16

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20210519

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20210519

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20210519

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 60235356

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20220604

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20220604