Device for impregnating fibers with a defined fiber volume content
The disclosure relates to an apparatus for impregnating fibers ( 1 ) with a matrix material, including a unit for soaking the fibers with the matrix material. A unit for setting the fiber content by volume ( 100 ) includes at least one opening ( 107 ) through which the soaked fibers ( 1 ) are guided. Each opening ( 107 ) includes a minimum opening cross section ( 111 ) dimensioned such that matrix material is removed such that the desired fiber content by volume is achieved. The disclosure furthermore relates to a method for impregnating fibers in the apparatus.
1 . An apparatus for impregnating fibers with a matrix material, comprising a unit for soaking the fibers with the matrix material, and a unit for setting fiber volume content which comprises at least one opening through which soaked fibers are guided wherein each opening at a minimum opening cross section thereof is dimensioned such that such an amount of the matrix material is removed such that a desired fiber volume content is achieved and the unit for setting the fiber volume content comprises an upper part and a lower part and the opening is configured in each case partially in the lower part and partially in the upper part, wherein the unit for soaking the fibers comprises a bath for receiving the matrix material and wherein the unit for setting the fiber volume content is designed and positioned such that said unit for setting the fiber volume content is submerged in the bath on a first side on which the fibers are fed and a second side on which the fibers exit from the unit for setting the fiber volume content lies outside the bath, wherein the unit for setting the fiber volume content has a nozzle with the opening having the minimum opening cross section, said nozzle protruding into the matrix material, and a duct which adjoins the nozzle and through which the soaked fibers are guided and which terminates outside the matrix material, wherein the duct has a cross-sectional face such that the soaked fibers do not contact the wall of the duct.
2 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the nozzle and the duct are designed in two parts, a lower part in which the fibers can be placed and a cover for closing the lower part.
3 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises a lower part of the apparatus for impregnating in which the bath is received, and a lid for closing, wherein when the lid is fitted, in each case one gap is configured between the lid and the lower part on sides through which the fibers are guided into the apparatus and exit from the apparatus.
4 . The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the lower part of the apparatus for impregnating has a face that is inclined in the direction of the bath, the matrix material dripping from the fibers being able to run back into the bath by way of said inclined face.
5 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a drip unit is included, the drip unit having at least one wiper having a wiping edge the soaked fibers being guided by the wiping edge during operation.
6 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein an inflow and an outflow for a flushing gas are included.
7 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a connection for a supply of matrix materials is included.