Machine folding textile blank used to make fiber-reinforced composite for aerospace- or automobile applications, includes jaws for holding and folding, with edge-introduction tool

摘要

The machine makes an edge return fold (12) in a textile blank (14). The main clamp (20, 22) grips a non-folded section of the blank (16) in a clamping gap (24) running along the blank profile. The section (12) to be folded, projects out from the clamp. There is a further gap (32) next to the clamping gap. This edge gap (32) runs along the blank. Its gap width is small compared with its length. The projecting blank edge section (12), is introduced into the edge gap (32) using the folding-tools (26, 36). A portion of the edge near the clamp is introduced first, then more distant portions are introduced successively. The main clamp has two jaws (20, 22) with forming surfaces for the clamped section (16). They define the clamping gap. The edge gap includes a forming surface (30) on one clamp jaw (22). A second edge jaw (26) completes the other side of the edge gap (32). The edge gap width is adjustable by moving this jaw. The folding-tools include the folding-sheet (36) which carries the section to be folded into the edge jaws. This runs over the entire length of the blank profile (14). When the sheet moves transversely, the entire length of the blank section is folded simultaneously. In a variant, a folding-sheet of reduced length first moves in, then along the jaws, to complete folding of the entire length. The sheet may alternatively have an edge angled with respect to the longitudinal direction. In this variant it runs along the gap to introduce and fold the edge of the blank. The operation may be repeated, after first laying a second blank on the folded first blank. The second blank is then folded similarly, in-situ. The jaw (20) is a molding core. An independent claim IS INCLUDED FOR the corresponding folding method.