Method for reinforcing a fibre composite component and a vacuum mat and arrangement for producing a reinforced fibre composite component

Abstract

In a method for reinforcing a fibre composite component for aviation and space flight, a vacuum mat is configured with at least one receiving portion for reproducibly receiving at least one reinforcing element. The at least one reinforcing element is introduced into the at least one receiving portion of the vacuum mat. The vacuum mat with at least one introduced reinforcing element is applied reproducibly in a sealed manner to the fibre composite component to be reinforced to form a mould portion and at least the formed mould portion is cured to connect the at least one reinforcing element to the fibre composite component. The vacuum mat is then removed from the reinforced fibre composite component so that the vacuum mat can be reused.

1 . A vacuum mat for the production of a reinforced fibre composite component for aviation and space flight, comprising:
 at least one receiving portion for receiving at least one reinforcing element, wherein the at least one receiving portion has a recess for receiving the reinforcing element and at least one incision joined to the recess for removal from the mould;   a peripherally arranged, self-sealing portion for sealing the vacuum mat from the atmosphere when positioned against an associated contact surface; and   at least one contact portion for cooperating with an associated vacuum mat transportation means.   
     
     
         2 . The vacuum mat according to  claim 1 , wherein the recess is provided with at least one incision in the extension of its longitudinal direction for removal from the mould. 
     
     
         3 . The vacuum mat according to  claim 1 , wherein the sealing portion is configured in the form of a V-shaped sunk key. 
     
     
         4 . The vacuum mat according to  claim 1 , wherein the vacuum mat is provided with at least one closable air supply means. 
     
     
         5 . The vacuum mat according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one contact portion is arranged on the at least one receiving portion. 
     
     
         6 . The vacuum mat according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one contact portion is configured with a corresponding rigidity for cooperating with a vacuum gripper of the vacuum mat transportation means. 
     
     
         7 . The vacuum mat according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one contact portion is configured with a corresponding magnetisable component for cooperating with a magnetic and/or electromagnetic gripper of the vacuum mat transportation means. 
     
     
         8 . The vacuum mat according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one contact portion is configured with a corresponding engaging element for cooperating with a mechanical gripper of the vacuum mat transportation means. 
     
     
         9 . The vacuum mat according to  claim 1 , wherein the vacuum mat is configured as a reusable silicone vacuum bag. 
     
     
         10 . An arrangement for the production of a reinforced fibre composite component for aviation and space flight, comprising:
 a base plate for supporting the fibre composite component to be reinforced;   a vacuum mat; and   a vacuum mat transportation means with at least one gripper means for cooperating with corresponding contact portions on the vacuum mat to transport the vacuum mat with at least one introduced reinforcing element into a predetermined position relative to the fibre composite component to be reinforced;   wherein the base plate and the vacuum mat transportation means have mutually corresponding centring means for a reproducible positioning of the vacuum mat relative to the fibre composite component to be reinforced and the base plate and the vacuum mat have mutually corresponding sealing means for an encircling sealing of the vacuum mat from the atmosphere, the vacuum mat being configured according to  claim 1 .   
     
     
         11 . The arrangement according to  claim 10 , wherein for detecting the reproducibly deposited vacuum mat, the arrangement has an indicating means which is coupled with an associated control means for controlling the vacuum mat transportation means.