Composite component and method for its production

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2015273806-A1
Application number	US-201514666785-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Mar 24, 2015
Priority date	Mar 26, 2014
Publication date	Oct 1, 2015
Grant date	—

Abstract

A composite component and its method of production are disclosed. The method includes preparing a layer structure with a support layer precursor layers on each sides of a layer of thermoplastic elastomer having gaps therein. The layer structure is heated in order to render the layer of thermoplastic elastomer plastic. The layer of thermoplastic elastomer is compressed between the support layer precursor layers for form the composite component.

First claim

1 - 13 . (canceled)

14 . A method for producing a composite component comprising:
preparing a layer structure having a pair of precursor support layers and a layer of thermoplastic elastomer interposed between the pair of support layers such that intermediate spaces are formed in the layer structure; heating the layer structure in order to render the layer of thermoplastic elastomer into a plastic state; and compressing the layer of thermoplastic elastomer between the pair of precursor support layers to form the composite component.

15 . The method according to claim 14 , further comprises compressing the layer structure in a mold in order to evacuate the intermediate spaces and compact the precursor support layer into the composite component.

16 . The method according to claim 14 , wherein at least one of the precursor support layer comprises a layer of fiber material.

17 . The method according to claim 16 , wherein an amount of the fiber material in the at least one precursor support layer comprises at least one-half by volume.

18 . The method according to claim 16 , wherein an amount of the fiber material in the at least one precursor support layer comprises at least one-half by mass.

19 . The method according to claim 16 , further comprising impregnating the precursor support layers with a resin.

20 . The method according to claim 19 , wherein impregnating the precursor support layer is initiated prior to compressing the layer of thermoplastic elastomer.

21 . The method according to claim 19 , wherein compressing the layer of thermoplastic elastomer and impregnating the precursor support layer overlap in time.

22 . The method according to claim 19 , wherein at least one of the precursor support layers is supplied with the resin through gaps formed in the layer of thermoplastic elastomer.

23 . The method according to claim 14 , wherein the layer of thermoplastic elastomer is prefabricated prior to placement between the precursor support layers.

24 . The method according to claim 14 , wherein the layer of thermoplastic elastomer is constructed on one of the precursor support layers.

25 . The method according to claim 14 , wherein the layer of thermoplastic elastomer is selected from the group consisting of a fabric, a lay, a fleece, a perforated film, a particle structure and combinations thereof.

26 . A composite component comprising at least two support layers and a layer of thermoplastic elastomer arranged therebetween and connected in a materially joined manner to form the composite component.

27 . The composite component according to claim 26 , wherein the support layers comprise a layer of fiber material.

Assignees

• Gm Global Tech Operations Inc

Inventors

• Jacob Tino
• Lungershausen Dirk

Classifications

• B32B27/12

  next to a fibrous or filamentary layer · CPC title

• B32B2250/40

  Symmetrical or sandwich layers, e.g. ABA, ABCBA, ABCCBA · CPC title

• B32B2250/03

  3 layers · CPC title

• B32B27/38 Primary

  comprising epoxy resins · CPC title

• B29C70/48

  and impregnating the reinforcements in the closed mould, e.g. resin transfer moulding [RTM] {, e.g. by vacuum} · CPC title