Method and device for the production of tubular structural components

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for the production of a tubular structural component. A tubular moulding tool having an inner mould surface which is shaped corresponding to an outer surface of the structural component is provided. A support surface of an expandable support which is formed such that in an unexpanded state, it fills the moulding tool, leaving an expansion spacing of the support surface to the mould surface, is covered with a tubular fibre-woven fabric. After the support has been arranged in the moulding tool, the fibre-woven fabric is pressed against the mould surface by expanding the support and is infiltrated by a curable matrix. From another point of view, a device is provided for the production of a tubular structural component.

1 . A method for producing a tubular structural component, comprising the steps of:
 providing a tubular moulding tool which has an inner mould surface shaped corresponding to an outer surface of the structural component;   covering with a tubular fibre-woven fabric a support surface of an expandable support which is formed such that in an unexpanded state, it fills the moulding tool while leaving an expansion spacing of the support surface to the mould surface;   arranging the support in the moulding tool;   pressing the fibre-woven fabric against the mould surface by expanding the support with radial expansion of the fibre-woven fabric; and   infiltrating the fibre-woven fabric with a curable matrix.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the support surface is covered such that fibres of a fibre layer of the fibre-woven fabric run diagonally around the support. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein after the support has been covered, the tubular fibre-woven fabric has a greater length than the structural component. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the support comprises a pressure membrane, the support being expanded by the production of a pressure differential between an inner region of the support and an intermediate region between the pressure membrane and the moulding tool. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein to produce the pressure differential, the pressure in the inner region of the support is increased above atmospheric pressure. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein to produce the pressure differential, the pressure in the intermediate region is reduced below atmospheric pressure. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein furthermore a step of arranging a reinforcing element between the support surface and the fibre-woven fabric is provided. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein furthermore a step of guiding the reinforcing element, during the expansion of the support, in a radial direction of the moulding tool is provided. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the reinforcing element is arranged between the support surface and the fibre-woven fabric as a pre-impregnated or non-impregnated semi-finished fibre product. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the reinforcing element is arranged between the support surface and the fibre-woven fabric as a pre-cured semi-finished fibre product. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the reinforcing element is arranged in a correspondingly configured recess in the support surface. 
     
     
         12 . Method according to  claim 7 , wherein furthermore a placeholder is arranged in a cavity between the reinforcing element and the tubular fibre-woven fabric. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the placeholder has a membrane sheath and furthermore a step of expanding the placeholder by increasing a pressure in the membrane sheath is provided. 
     
     
         14 . A device for producing a tubular structural component, comprising:
 a tubular moulding tool which has an inner mould surface shaped corresponding to an outer surface of the structural component;   an expandable support which is formed such that, in an unexpanded state, it fills the moulding tool while leaving an expansion spacing between a support surface of the support and the mould surface, the expansion spacing amounting to 1 to 10 cm;   a means for expanding the support such that when the support surface is covered with a tubular fibre-woven fabric and when the support is arranged in the moulding tool, the support surface radially expands the fibre-woven fabric and presses it against the mould surface; and   a means for infiltrating the fibre-woven fabric with a curable matrix.   
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein the support comprises a pressure membrane, the expansion means being configured to produce a pressure differential between an inner region of the support and an intermediate region between the pressure membrane and the moulding tool. 
     
     
         16 . The device according to  claim 15 , wherein the expansion means comprises a compressor for increasing a pressure in the inner region of the support above atmospheric pressure. 
     
     
         17 . The device according to  claim 15 , wherein the expansion means comprises a vacuum pump for reducing a pressure in the intermediate region below atmospheric pressure. 
     
     
         18 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein the support comprises a recess for inserting a reinforcing element. 
     
     
         19 . The device according to  claim 18 , wherein furthermore a means for guiding the reinforcing element, during the expanding of the support, in a radial direction of the moulding tool is provided. 
     
     
         20 . The device according to  claim 19 , wherein the guiding means comprises at least one guide cover for fitting to at least one end of the moulding tool and/or of the support, the guide cover having a guide slot running in a radial direction of the tubular moulding tool for guiding the reinforcing element.