The invention relates to a device for manufacturing a composite component and to a method for manufacturing a composite component using such a device.

Devices for manufacturing a composite component are known.

Such devices comprise tools onto or into which preforms comprising fibre material and matrix material can be placed for curing the preform to manufacture the composite component from the cured preform. Prior to the curing of the preform, the preform can be placed onto a surface or between multiple surfaces of a tool. Since the preform has a low stiffness prior to the curing of the preform, the flat surfaces of the preform can adapt the shape of the surface or surfaces of the tool.

During the curing of the preform the stiffness of the preform increases and the flat surfaces of the preform more or less maintain their shape from before the curing of the preform, since the tool keeps the flat surfaces of the preform in their shape during the curing of the preform. However, a portion of the matrix material can accumulate along the edges of the preform before the curing of the preform is completed such that the cured preform comprises cured matrix material along its edges, such as sprue lines. The cured matrix material along the edges of the cured preform requires additional manufacturing steps, such as trimming and sealing of the edges of the cured preform.

It is desirable that the shape of the edges of the preform after the curing of the preform are relatively closed to the desired shape of the edges of the manufactured composite component such that additional manufacturing steps, such as trimming and sealing of the edges of the cured preform, can be avoided or at least be kept at a minimum.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device for manufacturing a composite component with which the overall manufacturing effort can be reduced in a reliable manner.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the object is solved by a device comprising the features of claim l. The device is configured for manufacturing a composite component. The device comprises a tool with a first section forming a first confinement surface and a second section forming a second confinement surface. The first section and the second section are movable relative to each other into and out of a fastening configuration. The device comprises a closing mechanism with a closing section forming a third confinement surface. The closing mechanism is directly or indirectly connected to the tool. When the first and second sections are arranged in the fastening configuration, the first confinement surface and the second confinement surface face one another, and the first section, the second section and the closing mechanism are arranged such that a cavity is formed between the first section, the second section and the closing mechanism. The closing section is transferable from an open configuration into a closed configuration. When the closing section is in the open configuration, the volume of the cavity is larger than the volume of the cavity when the closing section is in the closed configuration. When the closing section is in the closed configuration, the third confinement surface extends along a plane, which is arranged perpendicular to each of the first and second confinement surfaces. When the closing mechanism is heated from a first temperature to a second temperature, the closing section transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at a predefined temperature.

The device is configured for manufacturing the composite component. Preferably, the composite component is a stringer, such as a t-stringer. However, the present invention is not restricted to stringers. Preferably, the composite component comprises fibres (fibre material), which are embedded in a matrix (matrix material), especially in a cured matrix. Hence, the composite component can be a fibre reinforced component. The fibres can be carbon fibres or glass fibres and the composite component can be a carbon fibre or glass fibre reinforced component, especially a carbon fibre or glass fibre reinforced polymer component. The matrix can be a thermosetting polymer, such as an epoxy resin. Alternatively, the matrix can be a thermoplastic polymer.

The device comprises the tool with the first section forming the first confinement surface and the second section forming the second confinement surface. The first confinement surface and the second confinement surface may each be planar, such that a preform can be placed between the first confinement surface and the second confinement surface and can be kept in a planar shape during the curing of the preform. When the first and second sections are arranged in the fastening configuration, the first confinement surface and the second confinement surface both face the cavity such that the cavity is partly confined by the first confinement surface and the second confinement surface. The first section and the second section are movable relative to each other into and out of the fastening configuration. When the first section and the second section are not in the fastening configuration, a preform can be provided. The preform can be placed between the first section and the second section, in particular between the first confinement surface and the second confinement surface. Subsequently, the first section and the second section can be moved into the fastening configuration such that the preform is fastened between the first confinement surface and the second confinement surface. The movement of the first section and the second sections can be actuated by an actuating means. Further, it is preferred that the device comprises a clamping mechanism, which acts on the first section and the second section when the first section and the second section are arranged in the fastening configuration to keep the first section and the second section in the fastening configuration against a pressure exerted from the closing section in the closed configuration against the first section and the second section.

The device comprises the closing mechanism with the closing section forming the third confinement surface. Especially, when the closing section is in the closed configuration, the third confinement surface faces the cavity such that the cavity is partly confined by the third confinement surface. The third confinement surface may be planar, such that when the closing section is in the closed configuration and a section of the preform is arranged in the cavity, the third confinement surface may provide a planar barrier. In particular, the third confinement surface may provide the planar barrier when the closing section is in the closed configuration. During curing of the preform, the matrix of the preform may flow against the planar barrier to form a planar edge of the cured preform. Further, the planar barrier may be pressed against the edge of the preform during the curing of the preform to form a planar edge of the cured preform. Especially a planar edge of the cured preform may reduce the effort after the curing of the preform to manufacture the final composite component.

The closing mechanism is directly or indirectly connected to the tool. The direct or indirect connection of the closing mechanism to the tool ensures that the closing mechanism is at least indirectly connected to the tool and the closing section is transferable from the open configuration into the closed configuration with a clearly defined arrangement of the closing section with respect to the tool.

When the first and second sections are arranged in the fastening configuration, the first confinement surface and the second confinement surface face one another such that a preform can be placed between the first confinement surface and the second confinement surface for curing the preform. Preferably, the first confinement surface and the second confinement surface are each planar, such the preform which is placed between the first confinement surface and the second confinement surface during curing the preform can comprise two planar sides of the preform after curing the preform. Preferably, the first confinement surface and the second confinement surface are arranged parallel to each other. The parallel arrangement of the first confinement surface and the second confinement surface ensure that two opposing sides of the preform are arranged parallel to each other after curing the preform.

When the first and second sections are arranged in the fastening configuration, the first section, the second section and the closing mechanism are arranged such that the cavity is formed between the first section, the second section and the closing mechanism. Preferably, each of the first confinement surface, the second confinement surface, and the third confinement surface faces the cavity such that the cavity is at least partially confined by the first confinement surface, the second confinement surface, and the third confinement surface. Further confinement surfaces may be provided, which also face the cavity and confine the cavity together with the first confinement surface, the second confinement surface, and the third confinement surface. At least a section of the preform, preferably the whole preform, may be arranged in at least a section of the cavity for curing the preform. A further section of the cavity may form a channel, preferably at least when the closing section is in the open configuration. Therefore, the cavity may form two sections, a first section of the cavity and a second section of the cavity. At least the section of the preform may be arranged in the first section of the cavity and the second section of the cavity may form the channel. It is preferred that when the closing section is in the open configuration, the whole preform is arranged in the first section of the cavity and the second section of the cavity forms the channel. Further, it is preferred that when the closing section is in the closed configuration, the cavity only comprises the first section of the cavity and that the second section of the cavity is closed, especially due to the closed configuration of the closing section. In any case, the whole preform may be arranged in the cavity, especially in the first section of the cavity, such that when the closing section is in the closed configuration, the cavity is completely filled with the preform.

The closing section is transferable from the open configuration into the closed configuration. The transferability of the closing section from the open configuration into the closed configuration ensures that the closing section can be brought from the open configuration into the closed configuration. Therefore, the closing section can change its configuration between an open configuration and a closed configuration. For example, the closing section can bring itself from the open configuration into the closed configuration due to a temperature dependent deformation of the closing section itself. Alternatively, the closing section can be brought from the open configuration into the closed configuration by a further section of the closing mechanism due to a temperature dependent actuation of the movement of the closing section by the further section of the closing mechanism. For example, the further section of the closing mechanism may be a deformable section, which actuates the movement of the closing section due to a temperature dependent deformation of the deformable section. Preferably, the closing section is also transferable from the closed configuration into the open configuration. If the closing section is also transferable from the closed configuration into the open configuration, the closing section can be reused for curing multiple preforms one after the other.

When the closing section is in the open configuration, the volume of the cavity is larger than the volume of the cavity when the closing section is in the closed configuration. Therefore, the volume of the cavity depends on the configuration of the closing section. A reduction of the volume due to a change of the configuration of the closing section from the open configuration to the closed configuration ensures that when the closing section is in the closed configuration less volume is provided for the preform compared to the situation in which the closing section is in the open configuration. Preferably, the preform is cured when the closing section is in the closed configuration and due to the volume reduction of the cavity when the closing section is in the closed configuration compared to the situation when the closing section is in the open configuration, less volume is provided for the matrix material of the preform to flow into at elevated temperatures. In particular, less volume along the edge or the edges of the preform is provided for the matrix material of the preform to flow into at elevated temperatures.

When the closing section is in the closed configuration, the third confinement surface extends along a plane, which is arranged perpendicular to each of the first and second confinement surfaces. Due to the extension of the third confinement surface along the plane, which is arranged perpendicular to each of the first and second confinement surfaces, the edge of the cured preform may be arranged perpendicular to two opposing sides of the preform. The perpendicular arrangement of the edge of the cured preform to the two opposing sides of the preform may reduce the effort after the curing of the preform to manufacture the final composite component.

When the closing mechanism is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. Therefore, the configuration of the closing section changes from the open configuration into the closed configuration depending on the temperature of the closing mechanism. Hence, the configuration of the closing section changes from the open configuration into the closed configuration in a reliable manner. Preferably, the second temperature is higher than the first temperature. For example, the first temperature is no °C and the second temperature is 120 °C. Preferably, the predefined temperature is higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature. Further, it is preferred that the predefined temperature is below the gel temperature of the matrix material of the preform. It is even more preferred that the predefined temperature is below the curing temperature at which the preform is cured. In particular, it is preferred that the closing section starts to transfer from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature such that the closing section is transferred to the closed configuration when the closing mechanism reaches the second temperature. The transfer of the closing section from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature ensures that the transfer takes place at a temperature which is sufficiently low such that the transfer takes place before the curing of the preform is completed and the matrix material’s viscosity is low enough such that the preform is still plastically deformable. The completion of the transfer from the open configuration into the closed configuration before the curing of the preform is completed ensures that the preform, especially the matrix material of the preform, can be formed into a desired shape, in particular by the third confinement surface acting on the edge of the preform in the closed configuration of the closing section, before the curing of the preform is completed.

In summary, a device for manufacturing a composite component is provided with which the overall manufacturing effort can be reduced in a reliable manner.

According to a preferred embodiment of the device, the closing section is deformable, wherein, when the closing mechanism is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section deforms such that the closing section transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. The temperature dependent deformation of the closing section at the predefined temperature ensures that the closing section transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration when the closing mechanism is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature. The transfer of the closing section from the open configuration into the closed configuration may be caused by the temperature dependent deformation of the closing section and, therefore, no further components are needed to bring the closing section from the open configuration into the closed configuration.

According to a preferred embodiment of the device, the closing section comprises a shape memory polymer. The shape memory polymer may deform from a deformed configuration into an undeformed configuration when the closing mechanism is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature such that the closing section transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature.

According to a preferred embodiment of the device, the closing section comprises a shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy may deform from a deformed configuration into an undeformed configuration when the closing mechanism is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature such that the closing section transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature.

According to a preferred embodiment of the device, the closing section comprises a bimetal. The bimetal may be formed of a first metallic strip and a second metallic strip. The first metallic strip may be formed of a first metal and the second metallic strip may be formed of a second metal. The first metal can have a coefficient of thermal expansion, which is higher than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the second metal. Preferably, the first metal is copper or brass. In addition, it is preferred that the second metal is steel. The bimetal may deform from a deformed configuration into an undeformed configuration when the closing mechanism is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature such that the closing section transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature.

According to a preferred embodiment of the device, the closing section is movable relative to the tool, wherein, when the closing mechanism is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section moves relative to the tool such that the closing section transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. In case the closing section moves relative to the tool such that the closing section transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature when the closing mechanism is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section does not need to be deformed for the transfer of the closing section from the open configuration into the closed configuration. Further, the closing section, especially the third confinement surface, can form a negative form for the edge of the preform, wherein the negative form is not deformed when the closing section transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration. The negative form can have a predefined shape such that the edge of the cured preform has a desired shape.

According to a preferred embodiment of the device, the closing section comprises a magnetic material. Due to the magnetic material of the closing section, the closing section can be brought from the open configuration into the closed configuration by the further section of the closing mechanism due to a temperature dependent actuation of the movement of the closing section by the further section of the closing mechanism. For the temperature dependent actuation of the movement of the closing section, the further section of the closing mechanism may also comprise a magnetic material such that the magnetic material of the further section can act magnetically on the magnetic material of the closing section such that the closing section transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration.

It is preferred that the closing mechanism comprises a preloading element, such as a spring, and a holding element. Preferably, the closing section is preloaded, especially spring-loaded, by the preloading element in the open configuration such that the closing section can be brought from the open configuration into the closed configuration by the preloading element. The holding element can be brought from an activated configuration into a deactivated configuration. Preferably, the holding element transfers from the activated configuration into the deactivated configuration when the closing mechanism is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature. The closing section can be held in the open configuration by the holding element against the action of the preloading element on the closing section when the holding element is in the activated configuration. The preloading element acts on the closing section such that when the holding element is in the deactivated configuration, the preloading of the closing section by the preloading element brings the closing section from the open configuration into the closed configuration. According to a preferred embodiment of the device, when the closing section is in the open configuration, a section of the cavity forms a channel, which is partially confined by the third confinement surface and extends parallel to the plane on the side of the plane facing the closing section. The channel can be used to infuse the fibre material of the preform with matrix material of the preform before the preform is cured. Preferably, a matrix source, especially a resin source, is provided. The channel can be connected to the matrix source such that the channel can be used to transfer matric material from the matrix source via the channel and into the fibre material. It is particularly preferred to apply release agent to the inner walls of the channel before matrix material is transferred through the channel such that the device can be used for manufacturing several composite components one after the other.

According to a preferred embodiment of the device, the third confinement surface is formed by a mechanically reinforced section of the closing section. The mechanically reinforced section of the closing section, which forms the third confinement surface, ensures that the third confinement surface can act on the preform, especially on an edge of the preform, with a high pressure in an even manner without the mechanically reinforced section deforming. Hence, the mechanically reinforced section of the closing section can act during curing of the preform as a caul plate on top of the preform, especially on the edge of the preform. Therefore, the mechanically reinforced section ensures that a preform with a high viscosity matrix can be deformed by the third confinement surface prior to curing the preform to give the edge of the cured preform a desired shape.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the object is also solved by a method comprising the features of claim to. The method is suitable for manufacturing a composite component using a device according to the first aspect of the invention. The method comprises providing a preform. Further, the method comprises moving the first section and the second section relative to each other into the fastening configuration such that the first confinement surface and the second confinement surface face one another and at least a section of the preform is arranged in the cavity formed between the first section, the second section and the closing mechanism. In addition, the method comprises heating the closing mechanism from the first temperature to the second temperature such that the closing section transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature such that the third confinement surface of the closing section extends along the plane, which is arranged perpendicular to each of the first and second confinement surfaces. According to a preferred embodiment of the method, the preform comprises pre-preg material. In case the preform comprises pre-preg material, a method can be provided, which ensures clean processing. Further, a method can be provided with a defined fibre to matrix volume fraction.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method, the preform comprises fibre material for resin infusion. In case the preform comprises fibre material for resin infusion, resin can be infused into the fibre material before curing the preform. Further, a method can be provided to manufacture a composite component for individual applications, since complex structures of the composite component can be achieved with resin infusion.

The features, technical effects and/or advantages described in connection with the first aspect of the invention also apply to the second aspect of the invention at least in an analogous manner, so that no corresponding repetition is made here. Even though the method steps are described in a certain order, the present invention is not restricted to this order. Rather, the individual method steps can be carried out in any meaningful sequence.

Further features, advantages and application possibilities of the present invention may be derived from the following description of exemplary embodiments and/or the figures. Thereby, all described and/or visually depicted features for themselves and/or in any combination may form an advantageous subject matter and/or features of the present invention independent of their combination in the individual claims or their dependencies. Furthermore, in the figures, same reference signs may indicate same or similar objects.

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a device for manufacturing a composite component, wherein a closing section of a closing mechanism of the device is shown in an open configuration in Figure l a) and in a closed configuration in Figure l b).

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of the device for manufacturing a composite component, wherein a closing section of a closing mechanism of the device is shown in an open configuration in Figure 2 a) and in a closed configuration in Figure 2 b).

Figure 3 schematically illustrates a third embodiment of the device for manufacturing a composite component, wherein a closing section of a closing mechanism of the device is shown in an open configuration in Figure 3 a) and in a closed configuration in Figure 3 b).

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a fourth embodiment of the device for manufacturing a composite component, wherein a closing section of a closing mechanism of the device is shown in an open configuration.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates a fifth embodiment of the device for manufacturing a composite component, wherein a closing section of a closing mechanism of the device is shown in an open configuration.

Figure 6 schematically illustrates a sixth embodiment of the device for manufacturing a composite component, wherein a closing section of a closing mechanism of the device is shown in an open configuration in Figure 6 a) and in a closed configuration in Figure 6 b).

Figure 7 schematically illustrates a seventh embodiment of the device for manufacturing a composite component, wherein a closing section of a closing mechanism of the device is shown in an open configuration.

Figure 8 schematically illustrates an eighth embodiment of the device for manufacturing a composite component, wherein a closing section of a closing mechanism of the device is shown in a closed configuration.

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a device 1 for manufacturing a composite component. A preform 3, which may comprise pre-preg material or dry fibre material that is due to be infused or resin infused fibre material, is shown in Figure 1 a) and Figure 1 b) before a suitable temperature treatment to cure the matrix material of the preform 3 to form the composite component. The device 1 comprises a tool 5 and a closing mechanism 7, wherein the closing mechanism 7 is directly connected to the tool 5.

The tool 5 comprises a first section 9 and a second section 11. The first section 9 and the second section 11 are movable relative to each other into and out of a fastening configuration. The fastening configuration is shown in Figure 1 a) and Figure 1 b). The first section 9 forms a first confinement surface 29 and the second section 11 forms a second confinement surface 31. When the first section 9 and the second section 11 are arranged in the fastening configuration as shown in Figure l a) and Figure l b), the first confinement surface 29 and the second confinement surface 31 face one another.

Further, when the first section 9 and the second section 11 are arranged in the fastening configuration, the first section 9, the second section 11 and the closing mechanism 7 are arranged such that a cavity 13 is formed between the first section 9, the second section 11 and the closing mechanism 7. In Figure 1 a) and Figure 1 b) a section of the preform 3 is arranged in the cavity 13.

In addition, the closing mechanism 7 comprises a closing section 15 forming a third confinement surface 25. The closing section 15 is connected via a connecting means 17 to the first section 9. The closing section 15 is transferable from an open configuration shown in Figure la) into a closed configuration shown in Figure lb). When the closing section 15 is in the open configuration, the volume of the cavity 13 is larger than the volume of the cavity 13 when the closing section 15 is in the closed configuration. When the closing section 15 is in the closed configuration, the third confinement surface 25 extends along a plane 19. The plane 19 is arranged perpendicular to each of the first and second confinement surfaces 29,

31·

The closing mechanism 7 can be heated from the first temperature to the second temperature. When the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at a predefined temperature. In particular, the closing section 15 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is deformable. When the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section 15 deforms such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. The deformation of the closing section 15 such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration is made possible by the embodiment shown in Figure 1, since the closing section 15 comprises a shape memory polymer. However, the closing section 15 may also comprise a shape memory alloy or a bimetal such that, when the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section 15 deforms such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. When the closing section 15 is in the open configuration, a section of the cavity 13 forms a channel 21 between the preform 3, the first section 9, the second section 11, and the closing section 15. The channel 21 extends parallel to the plane 19 on the side of the plane 19 facing the closing section 15. In case the preform 3 comprises fibre material for resin infusion, the channel 21 can be used to transfer resin from a resin source via the channel 21 and into the fibre material.

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of the device 1 for manufacturing a composite component. The features, technical effects and/or advantages described in connection with the first embodiment of the device 1 and the preform 3 shown in Figure 1 also apply to the second embodiment of the device 1 shown in Figure 2 at least in an analogous manner, so that no corresponding repetition is made here.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates a third embodiment of the device 1 for manufacturing a composite component. A preform 3, which may comprise pre-preg material or resin infused fibre material, is shown in Figure 3 a) and Figure 3 b) before the preform 3 is heat treated to cure the matrix material of the preform 3 to form the composite component. The device 1 comprises the tool 5 and the closing mechanism 7, wherein the closing mechanism 7 is directly connected to the tool 5.

Similar to the embodiments shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the tool 5 comprises the first section 9 and the second section 11. The first section 9 and the second section 11 are movable relative to each other into and out of a fastening configuration. The fastening configuration is shown in Figure 3 a) and Figure 3 b). The first section 9 forms a first confinement surface 29 and the second section 11 forms a second confinement surface 31. When the first section 9 and the second section 11 are arranged in the fastening configuration as shown in Figure 3 a) and Figure 3 b), the first confinement surface 29 and the second confinement surface 31 face one another.

Further, when the first section 9 and the second section 11 are arranged in the fastening configuration, the first section 9, the second section 11 and the closing mechanism 7 are arranged such that a cavity 13 is formed between the first section 9, the second section 11 and the closing mechanism 7. In Figure 3 a) and Figure 3 b) a section of the preform 3 is arranged in the cavity 13. In addition, the closing mechanism 7 comprises a closing section 15 and a deformable section 23. The closing section 15 forms a third confinement surface 25 and a fourth confinement surface 27. The third confinement surface 25 extends transversely, especially perpendicular, to the fourth confinement surface 27. The deformable section 23 is connected via the connecting means 17 to the first section 9. The closing section 15 is transferable from the open configuration shown in Figure 3 a) into the closed configuration shown in Figure 3 b). When the closing section 15 is in the open configuration, the volume of the cavity 13 is larger than the volume of the cavity 13 when the closing section 15 is in the closed configuration. When the closing section 15 is in the closed configuration, the third confinement surface 25 extends along the plane 19. The plane 19 is arranged perpendicular to each of the first and second confinement surfaces 29, 31.

The closing mechanism 7 can be heated from the first temperature to the second temperature. When the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. In particular, the deformable section 23 of the embodiment shown in Figure 3 a) and Figure 3 b) is deformable. When the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the deformable section 23 deforms such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. The deformation of the deformable section 23 such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration is made possible by the embodiment shown in Figure 3, since the deformable section 23 comprises a shape memory polymer. However, the deformable section 23 may also comprise a shape memory alloy or a bimetal such that, when the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the deformable section 23 deforms such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the closing section 15 is movable relative to the tool 5, wherein, when the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section 15 moves relative to the tool 5 such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. In this particular embodiment, the temperature dependent deformation of the deformable section 23 actuates the movement of the closing section 15 relative to the tool 5. However, other actuating means than the deformable section 23 can be provided to actuate the movement of the closing section 15 relative to the tool 5 such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. For example, the closing section 15 may comprise a magnetic material. Due to the magnetic material of the closing section 15, the closing section 15 can be brought from the open configuration into the closed configuration by a further section, which may be the deformable section 23, of the closing mechanism 7 due to a temperature dependent actuation of the movement of the closing section 15 by the further section of the closing mechanism 7. For the temperature dependent actuation of the movement of the closing section 15, the further section of the closing mechanism 7 may also comprise a magnetic material such that the magnetic material of the further section can act magnetically on the magnetic material of the closing section 15 such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration.

When the closing section 15 is in the open configuration, a section of the cavity 13 forms a channel 21 between the preform 3, the first section 9, the second section 11, and the closing mechanism 7. The channel 21 extends parallel to the plane 19 at least partially on the side of the plane 19 facing the closing section 15. In case the preform 3 comprises fibre material for resin infusion, the channel 21 can be used to transfer resin from a resin source via the channel 21 and into the fibre material.

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a fourth embodiment of the device 1 for manufacturing a composite component. The preform 3, which may comprise pre-preg material or resin infused fibre material, is shown in Figure 4 before the preform 3 is heat treated to cure the matrix material of the preform 3 to form the composite component. The device 1 comprises the tool 5 and the closing mechanism 7, wherein the closing mechanism 7 is directly connected to the tool 5.

Similar to the previous embodiments, the tool 5 comprises the first section 9 and the second section 11. The first section 9 and the second section 11 are movable relative to each other into and out of a fastening configuration. The fastening configuration is shown in Figure 4. The first section 9 forms a first confinement surface 29 and the second section 11 forms a second confinement surface 31. When the first section 9 and the second section 11 are arranged in the fastening configuration, the first confinement surface 29 and the second confinement surface 31 face one another. Further, when the first section 9 and the second section 11 are arranged in the fastening configuration, the first section 9, the second section 11 and the closing mechanism 7 are arranged such that a cavity 13 is formed between the first section 9, the second section 11 and the closing mechanism 7. In Figure 4 a section of the preform 3 is arranged in the cavity 13.

In addition, the closing mechanism 7 comprises a closing section 15. The closing section 15 is connected to the first section 9. The closing section 15 is transferable from an open configuration shown in Figure 4 into a closed configuration by expanding in the direction of the double arrow shown in Figure 4. When the closing section 15 is in the open configuration, the volume of the cavity 13 is larger than the volume of the cavity 13 when the closing section 15 is in the closed configuration. In this embodiment of the device 1, the third confinement surface 25 of the closing section 15 extends along the plane 19 in the open configuration as well as in the closed configuration. The plane 19 is arranged perpendicular to each of the first and second confinement surfaces 29, 31.

The closing mechanism 7 can be heated from the first temperature to the second temperature. When the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at a predefined temperature by expanding in the direction of the double arrow shown in Figure 4.

In particular, the closing section 15 of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 is deformable. When the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section 15 deforms such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. The deformation of the closing section 15 such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration is made possible by the embodiment of the device 1 shown in Figure 4, since the closing section 15 comprises a material, especially a rubber material, which expands due to a temperature increase such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. Further, the closing section 15 may comprise a shape memoiy polymer, a shape memory alloy or a bimetal such that, when the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section 15 deforms such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration shown in Figure 4 into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. When the closing section 15 is in the open configuration as shown in Figure 4, a section of the cavity 13 forms a channel 21 between the preform 3, the first section 9, the second section 11, and the closing section 15. The channel 21 extends parallel to the plane 19 on the side of the plane 19 facing the closing section 15. In case the preform 3 comprises fibre material for resin infusion, the channel 21 can be used to transfer resin from a resin source via the channel 21 and into the fibre material.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates a fifth embodiment of the device 1 for manufacturing a composite component. Most of the features, technical effects and/ or advantages described in connection with the fourth embodiment of the device 1 and the preform 3 shown in Figure 4 also apply to the fifth embodiment of the device 1 shown in Figure 5 at least in an analogous manner, so that no corresponding repetition is made here.

In addition, the closing mechanism 7 in Figure 5 comprises the closing section 15 and the deformable section 23. The deformable section 23 may be connected to the first section 9 and may extend from first section 9 to the closing section 15. When the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the deformable section 23 deforms such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration shown in Figure 5 into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. Therefore, the closing section 15 is movable relative to the tool 5. When the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section 15 moves relative to the tool 5 such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. The temperature dependent deformation of the deformable section 23 actuates the movement of the closing section 15 relative to the tool 5. However, as discussed with regard to previous embodiments of the device 1, other actuating means than the deformable section 23 can be provided to actuate the movement of the closing section 15 relative to the tool 5 such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. To provide the deformation of the deformable section 23 such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration, the deformable section 23 may comprise a shape memory polymer. The deformable section 23 may also comprise a shape memory alloy or a bimetal such that, when the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the deformable section 23 deforms such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. When the closing section 15 is in the open configuration, a section of the cavity 13 forms a channel 21 between the preform 3, the first section 9, the second section 11, and the closing section 15. The channel 21 extends parallel to the plane 19 on the side of the plane 19 facing the closing section 15. In case the preform 3 comprises fibre material for resin infusion, the channel 21 can be used to transfer resin from a resin source via the channel 21 and into the fibre material.

Figure 6 schematically illustrates a sixth embodiment of the device 1 for manufacturing a composite component. The device 1 comprises the tool 5 and the closing mechanism 7, wherein the closing mechanism 7 is indirectly connected to the tool 5 via a connecting means not shown in Figure 6. The tool 5 comprises a first section 9 and a second section 11. The first section 9 and the second section 11 are movable relative to each other into and out of the fastening configuration. The fastening configuration is shown in Figure 6 a) and Figure 6 b). The first section 9 forms the first confinement surface 29 and the second section 11 forms the second confinement surface 31. When the first section 9 and the second section 11 are arranged in the fastening configuration, the first confinement surface 29 and the second confinement surface 31 face one another.

When the first section 9 and the second section 11 are arranged in the fastening configuration, the first section 9, the second section 11 and the closing section 15 of the closing mechanism 7 are arranged such that a cavity 13 is formed between the first section 9, the second section 11 and the closing section 15. A section of a preform 3 may be arranged in the cavity 13, such that the preform 3 extends to the plane 19 on the side of the plane 19 facing away from the closing section 15.

The closing section 15 of the closing mechanism 7 forms a third confinement surface 25. The third confinement surface 25 may be formed by a mechanically reinforced section of the closing section 15. The closing section 15 is transferable from an open configuration shown in Figure 6 a) into a closed configuration shown in Figure 6 b). When the closing section 15 is in the open configuration, the volume of the cavity 13 is larger than the volume of the cavity 13 when the closing section 15 is in the closed configuration. When the closing section 15 is in the closed configuration, the third confinement surface 25 extends along the plane 19. The plane 19 is arranged perpendicular to each of the first and second confinement surfaces 29,

31· When the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at a predefined temperature. In particular, the closing section 15 of the embodiment shown in Figure 6 is deformable. When the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section 15 deforms such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. The deformation of the closing section 15 such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration is made possible by the embodiment shown in Figure 6, since the closing section 15 comprises a material, especially a rubber material, which expands due to a temperature increase such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. Further, the closing section 15 may be formed of a pressurized tube such that, when the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section 15 deforms, especially expands in the plane of Figure 6, such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature.

It is preferred that the device 1 comprises a clamping mechanism, which acts on the first section 9 and the second section 11 when the first section 9 and the second section 11 are arranged in the fastening configuration to keep the first section 9 and the second section 11 in the fastening configuration against a pressure exerted from the closing section 15 in the closed configuration against the first section 9 and the second section 11.

When the closing section 15 is in the open configuration as shown in Figure 6 a), a section of the cavity 13 forms a channel 21 between the first section 9, the second section 11, and the closing section 15. The channel 21 extends parallel to the plane 19 on the side of the plane 19 facing the closing section 15. The channel 21 can be used to transfer resin from a resin source via the channel 21 and into fibre material of a preform.

Figure 7 schematically illustrates a seventh embodiment of the device 1 for manufacturing a composite component. A preform 3, which may comprise pre-preg material or resin infused fibre material, is shown in Figure 7 before a suitable temperature treatment to cure the matrix material of the preform 3 to form the composite component. The device 1 comprises the tool 5 and the closing mechanism 7, wherein the closing mechanism 7 is indirectly connected to the tool 5. The tool 5 comprises a first section 9, a second section 11, and a third section 33. The first section 9, the second section 11, and the third section 33 are movable relative to each other into and out of a fastening configuration. The first section 9 forms a first confinement surface 29 and the second section 11 forms a second confinement surface 31. When the first section 9 and the second section 11 are arranged in the fastening configuration, the first confinement surface 29 and the second confinement surface 31 face one another. In addition, the first section 9, the second section 11, and the third section 33 each form a further confinement surface 35. The further confinement surface 35 of the first section 9 and the further confinement surface 35 of the third section 33 face one another. In addition, the further confinement surface 35 of the second section 11 and the further confinement surface 35 of the third section 33 face one another. In principle, Figure 7 shows the fastening configuration. However, due to presentation reasons, the first section 9 and the second section 11 are each shown to be slightly spaced apart from the preform 3. A first cover ply 37 is arranged between the preform 3 and the first section 9. A second cover ply 39 is arranged between the preform 3 and the second section 11. The first cover ply 37 and the second cover ply 39 each provide a barrier to avoid a direct contact between the preform 3 and the first section 9 as well as between the preform 3 and the second section 11. Each of the barriers can help to avoid fibres of the preform 3 being clamped in an uncontrolled manner when the first section 9 and the second section 11 are brought into the fastening configuration. Further, each of the barriers can provide a guide for the resin while the preform 3 is heated for curing of the resin to achieve a near net shape of the composite component, especially of the surface of the composite component.

When the first section 9, the second section 11, and the third section 33 are arranged in the fastening configuration, the first section 9, the second section 11, the third section 33, and the closing mechanism 7 are arranged such that a cavity 13 is formed between the first section 9, the second section 11, the third section 33, and the closing mechanism 7. In Figure 7 the preform 3 is arranged in the cavity 13.

Moreover, Figure 7 shows a bag 41. The bag 41 can be connected to the third section 33 of the tool 5 to form a fluid-tight connection between the bag 41 and the third section 33. The fluid- tight connection can ensure that due to an under pressure or vacuum in the cavity 13 and the atmospheric pressure in the surrounding of the bag 41, resin can be infused through the channel 21 into the cavity 13. For this purpose, the bag 41 and the third section 33 together enclose the preform 3, the tool 5, the closing mechanism 7, the first cover ply 37, and the second cover ply 39.

The closing mechanism 7 comprises the closing section 15 forming the third confinement surface 25. The closing section 15 is connected via the bag 41 to the tool 5. In addition, a connecting means can be provided, which connects the closing section 15 to the tool 5. The closing section 15 is transferable from an open configuration shown in Figure 7 into a closed configuration. When the closing section 15 is in the open configuration, the volume of the cavity 13 is larger than the volume of the cavity 13 when the closing section 15 is in the closed configuration. When the closing section 15 is in the closed configuration, the third confinement surface 25 extends along the plane 19. The plane 19 is arranged perpendicular to each of the first and second confinement surfaces 29, 31.

When the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at a predefined temperature. In particular, the closing section 15 of the embodiment shown in Figure 7 is deformable. Preferably, two end sections 43 of the closing section 15 are deformable in opposite directions as indicated by the arrows in Figure 7. When the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section 15 deforms such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature.

The closing mechanism 7 may comprise an actuator means, which is not shown in Figure 7. The actuator means may act on the closing section 15 such that the two end sections 43 of the closing section 15 are deformed in opposite directions as indicated by the arrows in Figure 7 such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration when the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature. Therefore, the actuator means may be a thermally activated actuator means. Alternatively, the closing section 15 can comprise a shape memoiy polymer, a shape memory alloy or a bimetal such that, when the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section 15 deforms such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature.

When the closing section 15 is in the open configuration as shown in Figure 7, a section of the cavity 13 forms a channel 21. The channel 21 is arranged between the preform 3 and the closing section 15 and is partially confined by the closing section 15. The channel 21 extends parallel to the plane 19 on the side of the plane 19 facing the closing section 15. In case the preform 3 comprises fibre material for resin infusion, the channel 21 can be used to transfer resin from a resin source via the channel 21 and into the fibre material. Preferably, the two end sections 43 of the closing section 15 are deformable in opposite directions as indicated by the arrows in Figure 7 such that at least a section of the channel 21 is closable such that the remaining section of the channel 21 is enclosed by the closing section 15 and separated from the remaining section of the cavity 13. Therefore, a gap 45, which enabled the feeding of the resin into the fibres of the preform 3, can be closed. Further, the force required to close the gap 45 can be provided by the actuator means.

Figure 8 schematically illustrates an eighth embodiment of the device 1 for manufacturing a composite component. The device 1 comprises the tool 5 and the closing mechanism 7, wherein the closing mechanism 7 is directly connected to the tool 5. Similar to the previous embodiments, the tool 5 comprises the first section 9 and the second section 11. The first section 9 and the second section 11 are movable relative to each other into and out of a fastening configuration. The fastening configuration is shown in Figure 8. The first section 9 forms a first confinement surface 29 and the second section 11 forms a second confinement surface 31. When the first section 9 and the second section 11 are arranged in the fastening configuration as shown in Figure 8, the first confinement surface 29 and the second confinement surface 31 face one another.

Further, when the first section 9 and the second section 11 are arranged in the fastening configuration, the first section 9, the second section 11 and the closing mechanism 7 are arranged such that the cavity 13 is formed between the first section 9, the second section 11 and the closing mechanism 7. The preform 3 is arranged in the cavity 13.

The closing mechanism 7 comprises a closing section 15 and a deformable section, which is not shown in Figure 8. The deformable section is connected via a connecting means not shown in Figure 8 to the tool 5, especially to the first section 9 of the tool 5. The closing section 15 is movable from the open configuration into the closed configuration shown in Figure 8 and from the closed configuration into the open configuration in the direction of the double arrow in Figure 8. When the closing section 15 is in the open configuration, the volume of the cavity 13 is larger than the volume of the cavity 13 when the closing section 15 is in the closed configuration. When the closing section 15 is in the open configuration and when the closing section 15 is in the closed configuration, the third confinement surface 25 extends along the plane 19. The plane 19 is arranged perpendicular to each of the first and second confinement surfaces 29, 31.

When the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. In particular, the deformable section of the embodiment shown in Figure 8 is deformable. When the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the deformable section deforms such that the closing section 15 is actuated to move from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. The deformation of the deformable section such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration is made possible by the embodiment shown in Figure 8, since the deformable section comprises a material, especially a rubber material, which expands due to a temperature increase such that the closing section 15 is actuated to move, especially to glide parallel to the plane 19, from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. However, the deformable section may also comprise a shape memory polymer, a shape memory alloy or a bimetal such that, when the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the deformable section deforms such that the closing section 15 is actuated to move from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the closing section 15 is movable relative to the tool 5, wherein, when the closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature, the closing section 15 moves relative to the tool 5 such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. In this particular embodiment, the temperature dependent deformation of the deformable section actuates the movement of the closing section 15 relative to the tool 5. However, other actuating means than the deformable section can be provided to actuate the movement of the closing section 15 relative to the tool 5 such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature. For example, the closing section 15 may comprise a magnetic material. Due to the magnetic material of the closing section 15, the closing section 15 can be brought from the open configuration into the closed configuration by the further section, which may be the deformable section, of the closing mechanism 7 due to a temperature dependent actuation of the movement of the closing section 15 by the further section of the closing mechanism 7. For the temperature dependent actuation of the movement of the closing section 15, the further section of the closing mechanism 7 may also comprise a magnetic material such that the magnetic material of the further section can act magnetically on the magnetic material of the closing section 15 such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration.

When the closing section 15 is in the open configuration, i.e. moved to the left compared to the arrangement in Figure 8, a section of the cavity 13 forms a channel 21 between the preform 3, preferably the first section 9, the second section 11, and the closing mechanism 7. The channel 21 extends parallel to the plane 19 on the side of the plane 19 facing the closing section 15. In case the preform 3 comprises fibre material for resin infusion, the channel 21 can be used to transfer resin from a resin source via the channel 21 and into the fibre material.

Each of the embodiments of the device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 8 can be used in a method for manufacturing the composite component. First, the preform 3 is provided. Second, the first section 9 and the second section 11 are actuated to move relative to each other into the fastening configuration. In the fastening configuration, the first confinement surface 29 and the second confinement surface 31 face one another and a section of the preform 3 is arranged in the cavity 13. The closing mechanism 7 is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature such that the closing section 15 transfers from the open configuration into the closed configuration at the predefined temperature such that the third confinement surface 25 of the closing section 15 extends along the plane 19, which is arranged perpendicular to each of the first and second confinement surfaces 29, 31. The preform 3 may comprise pre-preg material and maybe clamped between the first and second confinement surfaces 29, 31 such that the preform 3 is compressed between the first and second confinement surfaces 29, 31. Once the closing section 15 is in the closed configuration, the third confinement surface 25 extends along the plane 19. The preform 3 may also comprise fibre material for resin infusion. In this case, the channel 21 can be used to transfer resin from a resin source via the channel 21 and into the fibre material.

It is additionally pointed out that "comprising" does not rule out other elements, and "a" or "an" does not rule out a multiplicity. It is also pointed out that features that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplaiy embodiments may also be disclosed as in combination with other features of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be regarded as restrictive.