Method and device for the production of tubular structural components

Abstract

A method for producing a tubular structural component and device for production thereof are disclosed. A tubular moulding tool has an inner mould surface shaped corresponding to an outer surface of the structural component. A support surface of an expandable support, formed corresponding to the moulding tool shape such that in an unexpanded state the support fills the moulding tool while the support surface and the mould surface run parallel leaving an expansion spacing of the support surface to the mould surface, is covered with a tubular non-crimp fibre fabric, such that fibres of a fibre layer of the non-crimp fibre fabric run diagonally around the support. After the support has been arranged in the moulding tool, the non-crimp fibre fabric is pressed against the mould surface by expanding the support with radial expansion of the non-crimp fibre fabric. The non-crimp fibre fabric is infiltrated by a curable matrix.

1 . A device for producing a tubular structural component, the device 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; and   an expansion device configured to expand the support such that when the support surface is covered with a tubular non-crimp fibre fabric and when the support is arranged in the moulding tool, the support surface radially expands the non-crimp fibre fabric and presses it against the mould surface;   wherein the non-crimp fibre fabric is configured to be infiltrated with a curable matrix.   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the support comprises a pressure membrane, the expansion device 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. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the expansion device comprises a compressor for increasing a pressure in the inner region of the support above atmospheric pressure. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the expansion device comprises a vacuum pump for reducing a pressure in the intermediate region below atmospheric pressure. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the support comprises a recess for inserting a reinforcing element. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 5 , further comprising a guide for guiding the reinforcing element, during the expanding of the support, in a radial direction of the moulding tools. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the guide 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.