Application Device And Method For Dispensing A Formed Fibre Composite Strand

Abstract

A mobile application device for dispensing a formed fibre composite strand has: a coupling unit for detachably fastening the application device to the handling device for moving the application device; a preforming unit for continuously forming an unprocessed fibre strand into a formed fibre strand with a formed fibre cross section settable by the preforming unit; an impregnating unit for continuously developing the formed fibre strand into a fibre composite strand by impregnation with a matrix material; and a postforming unit for continuously pressing the fibre composite strand to and through the dispensing unit and having a drive unit and an adjustable dispensing unit for continuously forming a fibre composite strand into a formed fibre composite strand with a dispensing cross section settable by the dispensing unit and for dispensing the same such that the formed fibre cross section is at least 70% congruent with the dispensing cross section.

Claims

1. An application device for a handling device and for dispensing a formed fibre composite strand, comprising: a coupling unit by which the application device is detachably fastenable to the handling device, such that the application device is movable in space by the handling device; a preforming unit; an impregnating unit; and a postforming unit having a drive unit and having an adjustable dispensing unit; wherein the preforming unit is configured to continuously form an unprocessed fibre strand, having a multiplicity of endless fibres, into a formed fibre strand with a formed fibre cross section settable by the preforming unit; wherein the impregnating unit is configured to continuously develop the formed fibre strand, into a fibre composite strand by impregnation with an incompletely cross-linked matrix material; wherein the drive unit of the postforming unit is configured to continuously press the fibre composite strand, to and through the dispensing unit; wherein the dispensing unit is configured to continuously form the fibre composite strand, into a formed fibre composite strand with a dispensing cross section settable by the dispensing unit, and to dispense same; and wherein the preforming unit and the dispensing unit are set such that the formed fibre cross section is at least 70% congruent with the dispensing cross section.

2. The application device according to claim 1, wherein the preforming unit has a first tool receptacle and a first forming tool held in an exchangeable manner by the first tool receptacle, and wherein the formed fibre cross section is determined by the first forming tool.

3. The application device according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing unit has a second tool receptacle and a second forming tool held in an exchangeable manner by the second tool receptacle, and wherein the dispensing cross section is determined by the second forming tool.

4. The application device according to claim 3, wherein the first forming tool and the second forming tool are determined and/or configured relative to one another such that the formed fibre cross section is at least 70% congruent with the dispensing cross section.

5. The application device according to claim 1, wherein the preforming unit has multiple adjustable preforming tool parts for forming the formed fibre strand, and wherein the preforming unit is controllable for the adjustment of the preforming tool parts in order to form the formed fibre strand with a formed fibre cross section set in a controlled manner.

6. The application device according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing unit has multiple adjustable dispensing forming tool parts for forming the formed fibre composite strand, and wherein the dispensing unit is controllable for the adjustment of the dispensing forming tool parts in order to form the formed fibre composite strand with a dispensing cross section set in a controlled manner.

7. The application device according to claim 1, wherein the application device has an applicator control unit configured to control the preforming unit and/or the dispensing unit such that the formed fibre cross section is at least 70% congruent with the dispensing cross section.

8. The application device according to claim 1, wherein the application device has a curing unit for curing the formed fibre composite strand, or has a solidification unit for solidifying the formed fibre composite strand.

9. The application device according to claim 8, wherein the curing unit comprises a warming unit for warming the formed fibre composite strand.

10. A system for dispensing a formed fibre composite strand, comprising: an application device according to claim 1, a handling device configured to move an associated receiving unit in space in a controlled manner, and a system control unit for controlling the handling device; wherein the coupling unit is fastened to the receiving unit such that the application device is connected to the handling device and is fully supported by the handling device.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the applicator control unit is assigned to the system control unit, is controlled by the system control unit and/or is constituted by the system control unit.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein the system control unit is configured to control the drive unit and/or the dispensing unit by the applicator control unit.

13. The system according to claim 10, wherein the system has an exposure unit configured to direct light onto the formed fibre composite strand such that the formed fibre composite strand cures.

14. A method for dispensing a formed fibre composite strand by an application device which, by an associated coupling unit, is detachably fastenable to a handling device, such that the application device is movable in space by the handling device, wherein the method comprises: a) continuously forming an unprocessed fibre strand, the unprocessed fibre strand being fed continuously to a preforming unit of the application device and having a multiplicity of endless fibres, into a formed fibre strand with a formed fibre cross section settable by the preforming unit; b) continuously impregnating the formed fibre strand with an incompletely cross-linked matrix material, by an impregnating unit of the application device, to realize a fibre composite strand, wherein the formed fibre strand is fed continuously to the impregnating unit; c) continuously pressing the fibre composite strand, is the fibre composite strand being fed continuously to a drive unit of the application device from the impregnating unit, to and through a dispensing unit of the application device by the drive unit; and d) continuously forming the fibre composite strand, is the fibre composite strand being pressed continuously through the dispensing unit, into a formed fibre composite strand by the dispensing unit with a dispensing cross section settable by the dispensing unit, and dispensing the formed fibre composite strand, wherein the preforming unit and the dispensing unit are set such that the formed fibre cross section is at least 70% congruent with the dispensing cross section.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the preforming unit has multiple adjustable preforming tool parts for forming the formed fibre strand, the preforming unit is controllable for the adjustment of the preforming tool in order to form the formed fibre strand with a formed fibre cross section set in a controlled manner, the dispensing unit has multiple adjustable dispensing forming tool for forming the formed fibre composite strand, the dispensing unit is controllable for the adjustment of the dispensing forming tool parts in order to form the formed fibre composite strand with a dispensing cross section set in a controlled manner, and the preforming unit and/or the dispensing unit are/is controlled such that the formed fibre cross section is at least 70% congruent with the dispensing cross section.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the application device is fastened by the coupling unit to a receiving unit such that the application device is connected to the handling device and is fully supported by the handling device, and wherein the application device is, by the handling device, guided through space such that the dispensing unit is guided along a dispensing path while the application device continuously dispenses the formed fibre composite strand, such that the fibres in the formed fibre composite strand extend at least substantially without bends and/or without loops along the dispensing path.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Further features, advantages and/or possible uses of the present invention will emerge from the following description of the exemplary embodiments and/or from the figures. Here, all of the features described and/or illustrated in the figures, individually and/or in any desired combination, constitute a subject of the invention, even independently of their combination in the individual claims and/or the back-references thereof. Furthermore, in the figures, the same reference designations are used for identical or similar objects.

[0049] FIG. 1 shows the schematic construction of a first advantageous embodiment of the application device 2.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows an advantageous embodiment of the handling device 4, with an application device 2 detachably fastened thereto, in a schematic view.

[0051] FIGS. 3a, 3b, 5a, 5b each show advantageous embodiments of a passage cross section of an advantageous embodiment of the preforming unit.

[0052] FIGS. 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b each show an advantageous embodiment of a passage cross section of an advantageous embodiment of the dispensing unit.

[0053] FIG. 7 shows a second advantageous embodiment of the application device in a schematic view.

[0054] FIG. 8 shows a third advantageous embodiment of the application device in a schematic view.

[0055] FIG. 9 shows a fourth advantageous embodiment of the application device in a schematic view.

[0056] FIG. 10 shows an advantageous embodiment of a schematic flow diagram of the method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] FIG. 1 illustrates a first advantageous embodiment of the application device 2 in a schematic view. The application device 2 has a coupling unit 8, a preforming unit 10, an impregnating unit 12 and a postforming unit 14. The abovementioned units are directly or indirectly mechanically coupled or connected to one another, such that the application device 2 is preferably designed as a mobile application device 2. A region of the application device 2 is advantageously bordered by the dashed line.

[0058] The preforming unit 10, the impregnating unit 12 and the postforming unit 14 are advantageously arranged directly in series, and are in each case mechanically connected to one another in series. It is furthermore possible for the abovementioned units to be connected by means of a common frame (not illustrated).

[0059] The application device 2 has a coupling unit 8. It may likewise be connected to the other units and/or to the frame. By means of the coupling unit 8, the application device 2 is detachably fastened or fastenable to a handling device 4, as is schematically illustrated for example in FIG. 2. If the application device 2 is fastened by means of the coupling unit 8 to the handling device 4, the application device 2 can be moved into space by the handling device 4. In particular, said application device can be moved freely in space.

[0060] The application device 2 serves for dispensing a formed fibre composite strand 6. The formed fibre composite strand 6 has a matrix material into which fibres are introduced. A formed fibre composite strand 6 of said type serves for constituting at least a part of a fibre composite component 58. Fibre composite components 58 are in practice not uncommonly subjected to high forces and/or subject to high demands with regard to the geometrical shape thereof and/or with regard to as low a weight as possible. Thus, if a formed fibre composite strand 6 is now used for producing a fibre composite component 58 with a geometrically complex form, wherein it is the intention for the fibre composite component 58 to be produced to be subjected to particularly high forces, it is of great interest for the fibres in the fibre composite strand 6 to be arranged in a predictable distribution and/or quantity.

[0061] To ensure the above-stated requirements in a particularly advantageous manner, the application device 2 has the preforming unit 10, the impregnating unit 12 and the postforming unit 14, wherein the postforming unit 14 in turn has a drive unit 16 and a settable dispensing unit 18.

[0062] Here, the preforming unit 10 is designed to continuously form an unprocessed fibre strand 20, which is fed continuously to the preforming unit 10 and which has a multiplicity of endless fibres 22, into a formed fibre strand 24 with a formed fibre cross section 26 settable by the preforming unit 10. The preforming unit 10 is therefore preferably designed as a settable preforming unit 10. The endless fibres 22 may be unrolled from fibre rolls 32. Said fibre rolls 32 may be held by the application device 2. It is however also possible for the fibre rolls 32 to not be assigned to the application device 2. In this case, the fibre rolls 32 may for example be arranged in a stationary manner or on the handling device 4. In this case, the endless fibres 22 may be guided from the handling device 4 to the application device 2 or to the associated preforming unit 10.

[0063] The endless fibres 22 are preferably carbon fibres, glass fibres or aramid fibres. For the endless fibres 22, hybrid fibres are however also conceivable, which have multiple different fibre types, such as for example carbon fibres and glass fibres. Endless fibres 22 are furthermore characterized by a mean fibre length of greater than 80 mm, greater than 120 mm or greater than 200 mm. During the operation of the application device 2, the unprocessed fibre strand 20 is fed in uninterrupted or continuous fashion to the preforming unit 10 from the multiplicity of endless fibres 22. Here, provision may be made for the unprocessed fibre strand 20 to be pulled through the preforming unit 10.

[0064] The preforming unit 10 is furthermore designed to form the formed fibre strand 24 from the unprocessed fibre strand 20, such that the formed fibre strand 24 has a formed fibre cross section 26. For this purpose, the preforming unit 10 may have a passage cross section 34 as is schematically illustrated in FIG. 3a or 5a. If the unprocessed fibre strand 20 with the multiplicity of endless fibres 22 is now guided through the preforming unit 10, the preforming unit 10 forms the unprocessed fibre strand, for example by radial compression and/or diverting of the endless fibres 22, such that the formed fibre strand 24 that is created, as schematically illustrated for example in FIG. 3b or 5b, has a formed fibre cross section 26. The formed fibre strand 24 thus likewise has the multiplicity of endless fibres 22, but these are now compressed, and/or arranged in a changed manner relative to one another in the radial direction, such that the desired formed fibre cross section 26 is realized.

[0065] Furthermore, the preforming unit 10 is designed to be settable, such that the preforming unit 10 is designed to form the formed fibre strand 24 with a formed fibre cross section 26 settable by the preforming unit 10. For this purpose, a first exchangeable forming tool may be used for the preforming unit 10. Through the selection of the first forming tool, the desired formed fibre cross section 26 can be set. This is because, through the selection of the first forming tool, it is for example possible for the passage cross section 34 to be set. FIG. 5a illustrates, for example, a different passage cross section 34 for the preforming unit 10 than FIG. 3a. These different passage cross sections 34 can thus be provided by different first forming tools for the preforming unit 10. If, for example, it is sought to use a first forming tool with the passage cross section 34 illustrated in FIG. 5a, then, during the operation of the application device 2, it is advantageous if a relatively large multiplicity of endless fibres 22 is used, such that the formed fibre strand 24 with the desired formed fibre cross section 26 can be formed from the corresponding unprocessed fibre strand 20, as is schematically illustrated in FIG. 5b.

[0066] Instead of using a first forming tool for the preforming unit 10 for setting the formed fibre cross section 26, provision may be made for the preforming unit 10 to have multiple adjustable preforming tool parts for forming the formed fibre strand 24. The preforming tool parts may preferably be adjustable such that, depending on the setting, a different passage cross section 34 can be realized. Thus, the preforming tool parts may for example be adjusted such that they form a passage cross section 34 as shown in FIG. 3a or in FIG. 5a. Furthermore, the preforming unit 10 is preferably controllable for the adjustment of the preforming tool parts in order to form the formed fibre strand 24 with the formed fibre cross section 26 now set in a controlled manner.

[0067] During the operation of the application device 2, the formed fibre strand 24 is fed continuously from the preforming unit 10 to the impregnating unit 12. The impregnating unit 12 is designed to impregnate the continuously fed formed fibre strand 24 with an incompletely cross-linked matrix material, such that a fibre composite strand 28 is continuously created. In the design variant of the application device 2 illustrated in FIG. 1, provision is made for the formed fibre strand 24 to be continuously formed into the fibre composite strand 28 by means of injection impregnation with the incompletely cross-linked matrix material. Here, the incompletely cross-linked matrix material may be sprayed or injected onto the formed fibre strand 24. This offers the advantage that the fibre composite strand 28 that is created at least substantially has a similar fibre composite cross section to the formed fibre strand 24.

[0068] Instead of the impregnating unit 12 as is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1, the impregnating unit 12 may also be designed differently. FIG. 7 schematically illustrates, for example, the at least substantially identical application device 2, wherein the impregnating unit 12 is however designed to guide the formed fibre strand 24 continuously through a trough-like vessel with the incompletely cross-linked matrix material, in order to realize the impregnation and thus create the fibre composite strand 28.

[0069] Both for the injection impregnating unit 12 as is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 and for the design variant of the impregnating unit 12 as is schematically illustrated in FIG. 7, use is made of a flowable incompletely cross-linked matrix material. This is for example an incompletely cross-linked thermosetting matrix material.

[0070] The application device 2, such as is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1, furthermore has the postforming unit 14. The postforming unit 14 comprises a drive unit 16 and a settable dispensing unit 18. The drive unit 16 is designed to continuously press the fibre composite strand 28, which is fed continuously from the impregnating unit 12, to and through the dispensing unit 18. Furthermore, the drive unit 16 is preferably designed to pull the fibre composite strand 28 from the impregnating unit 12 to the drive unit 16. Corresponding tensile forces therefore also act, oppositely to the process direction, on the unprocessed fibre strand 20 and on the endless fibres 22. In other words, the drive unit 16 may be designed to convey the different sub-sections or strands 20, 24, 28.

[0071] The dispensing unit 18 is designed to continuously form the fibre composite strand 28, which is pressed continuously through the dispensing unit 18, into the formed fibre composite strand 6, and to dispense same. The dispensing unit 18 in this case preferably has a passage cross section 36. This is schematically illustrated in FIG. 4a or 6a. In one exemplary embodiment, the passage cross section 36 of the dispensing unit 18 at least substantially corresponds to the passage cross section 34 of the preforming unit 10.

[0072] Furthermore, the dispensing unit 18 is of settable design, such that the dispensing unit 18 is designed to form the formed fibre composite strand 6 with a dispensing cross section 30 settable by the dispensing unit 18. For this purpose, a first, exchangeable forming tool may be used for the dispensing unit 18. Through the selection of the first forming tool, the desired dispensing cross section 30 can be set. Instead of using a first forming tool for the dispensing unit 18 for setting the dispensing cross section 30, provision may be made for the dispensing unit 18 to have multiple adjustable dispensing forming tool parts for forming the formed fibre composite strand 6. The dispensing forming tool parts may preferably be adjustable such that a different passage cross section 36 can be realized depending on the setting.

[0073] If the fibre composite strand 28 is now pressed continuously through the dispensing unit 28, the formed fibre composite strand 6 created in the process will have a dispensing cross section 30 as is schematically shown in FIG. 4b or 6b. The fibre composite strand 6 has the endless fibres 22 and the matrix material 38. These completely fill the passage cross section 36. Since the endless fibres 22 have been previously formed into the unprocessed fibre strand 20 by means of the preforming unit 10, wherein the preforming unit 10 has a passage cross section 34 similar or even identical to the passage cross section 36 of the dispensing unit 18, the advantageous effect is achieved that the distribution of the endless fibres 22 over the dispensing cross section 30 is identical or similar to the distribution of the endless fibres 22 in relation to the unprocessed fibre strand 20. Provision is therefore made for the preforming unit 10 and the dispensing unit 18 to be set such that the formed fibre cross section 26 is at least 70% congruent with the dispensing cross section 30. This offers the advantage that the arrangement of the endless fibres 22 over the formed fibre cross section 26 exhibits only little change in relation to the corresponding distribution of the endless fibres 22 in the dispensing cross section 30.

[0074] By means of the application device 2, it can be ensured that a formed fibre composite strand 6 is provided which has an advantageous and/or at least substantially predeterminable distribution of fibres over the associated cross section. If a formed fibre composite strand 6 of said type is used for producing a fibre composite component 58, then the fibre composite component 58 can have geometrically complex shape sections which are simultaneously particularly dimensionally stable and/or capable of bearing load. This is because, based on the advantageous distribution of the fibres 22 in the formed fibre composite strand 6, a corresponding situation can also apply to the fibre composite component 58 to be produced, such that the fibres arranged in a particularly advantageously distributed manner therein ensure the transmission of acting forces in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0075] For the application device 2, provision may furthermore be made for the latter to have a curing unit. The curing unit may serve for curing the formed fibre composite strand 6. In one advantageous embodiment, the application device 2 has, for this purpose, a heating unit which constitutes at least a part of the curing unit. The heating unit may also constitute the entire curing unit. The heating unit is designed for warming the formed fibre composite strand 6. Accordingly, the heating unit may for example be assigned to the postforming unit 14. When the formed fibre composite strand 6 exits the application unit 2, then the formed fibre composite strand 6 may have been warmed in advance by means of the heating unit, which then leads to the curing of the formed fibre composite strand 6, in particular during the depositing of the formed fibre composite strand 6. This applies in particular if the incompletely cross-linked matrix material used for producing the fibre composite strand 28 is configured as a thermosetting matrix material.

[0076] Alternatively or in addition, the curing unit of the application device 2 may have an exposure unit 40. The exposure unit 40 is designed to divert light with a wavelength spectrum onto the formed fibre composite strand 6, such that the formed fibre composite strand 6 cures. The light spectrum is preferably selected such that the matrix material of the formed fibre composite strand 6 cures. The light is particularly preferably light from the ultraviolet spectrum. Thus, for the exposure unit, use may be made of a UV laser 44 which outputs UV light. This UV light can then be diverted onto the formed fibre composite strand 6. Here, the diverting of the light may be performed by virtue of said light being directed in targeted fashion onto the dispensed formed fibre composite strand 6. This may be realized preferably by means of a diverting mirror 42 of the exposure unit 40. The UV laser 44 for generating the UV light may likewise be assigned to the exposure unit 40. A corresponding laser beam 46 is directed from the UV laser 44 firstly onto a mirror 42 and then onto the formed fibre composite strand 6.

[0077] It is basically possible for the exposure unit 40 to be coupled to the application device 2. This is however not necessarily the case. Accordingly, the exposure unit 40 may be arranged in static fashion or may be assigned to the handling device 4. The advantageous embodiments, advantageous features and/or effects discussed above then apply analogously.

[0078] It has been discussed above that, for the impregnation, use may preferably be made of an incompletely cross-linked thermosetting matrix material. The use of a thermosetting matrix material is however not to be regarded as limiting. This is because the incompletely cross-linked matrix material may particularly preferably be configured as a thermoplastic matrix material. FIG. 8 illustrates the above-discussed application device 2, as has been discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1, wherein, however, the impregnating unit 12 is designed for impregnating the fibres with an incompletely cross-linked thermoplastic matrix material. For this purpose, the impregnating unit 12 may have a warming unit 48 and a cooling unit 50. The warming unit 48 may be designed to warm the thermoplastic matrix material such that it is flowable and can thus serve for impregnating the formed fibre strand with the thermoplastic matrix material. When this has taken place, the formed fibre strand impregnated with the thermoplastic matrix material can be cooled, such that the fibre composite strand 28 is then created.

[0079] A further design variant of the impregnating unit 12, which is likewise designed for impregnating the formed fibre strand 24 with thermoplastic matrix material, is illustrated schematically in FIG. 9. This involves a trough-like vessel 52 into which thermoplastic matrix material 38 is introduced. Furthermore, the impregnating unit 12 is designed to warm the thermoplastic matrix material 38 in the trough-like vessel 52 such that said material is flowable. As discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 7, the formed fibre strand 24 is guided through the trough-like vessel 52 with the matrix material 38, such that the impregnation takes place here.

[0080] A further warming unit 54 may furthermore be provided for the dispensing unit 14. The further warming unit 54 may be formed integrally with the postforming unit 14. The further warming unit 54 is preferably designed to warm the fibre composite strand pressed through the dispensing unit 18, such that said fibre composite strand adopts the desired formed fibre cross section 26, and thus the formed fibre composite strand 6 can be created and dispensed.

[0081] Furthermore, the application device 2 may be assigned a further cooling unit for cooling the fibre composite strand 28 passing from the impregnating unit 12. Furthermore, the application device 2 may be assigned a further cooling unit for cooling the formed fibre composite strand 6. The or each cooling unit may be designed as an air blower unit which is designed to direct cooling air onto the formed fibre composite strand 6 or onto the fibre composite strand 28. Other cooling units, which are operated for example with a liquid coolant, such as oil, are however basically also conceivable. Thus, each cooling unit may have a heat exchanger which is connected to a cooling circuit. Thus, one of the cooling units can be designed for cooling the fibre composite strand 28, in particular such that the associated thermoplastic matrix material solidifies. Furthermore, the other cooling unit may be designed for cooling the formed fibre composite strand 6, in particular such that the associated thermoplastic matrix material solidifies.

[0082] Reference is finally made once again to FIG. 2, which illustrates an advantageous embodiment of the system 56. The system 56 serves for producing a fibre composite component 58. The system 56 has a handling device 4. The handling device 4 may for example be designed as a robot. Furthermore, the system 56 has an application device 2. Said application device 2 may be designed correspondingly to one of the embodiments discussed above. Reference is therefore preferably made to the explanations above. The application device 2 is fastened by means of its associated coupling unit 8 to a receiving unit 60 of the handling device 4. The receiving unit 60 is preferably designed as an end section on the arm of the handling device 4. If the handling device 4 is designed as a robot arm, the receiving unit 60 may thus be formed on the arm end of the robot arm. The handling device 4 is designed to move the associated receiving unit 60 in space in a controlled manner. Furthermore, the application device 2 is fully supported by the handling device 4. During the operation of the system 56, it is thus possible for a formed fibre composite strand 6 to be dispensed by the application device 2, which formed fibre composite strand then constitutes a section of the fibre composite component 58 to be produced. Since the application device 2 is freely movable in space by means of the handling device 4, multiple sections of the fibre composite component 58 to be produced can be produced in succession by means of the application device 2, such that ultimately the entire fibre composite component 58 is created. The system 56 may be designed, and/or the associated system control unit may be configured, for this purpose. By virtue of the fact that the application device 2 is freely movable in space, it is also possible to produce fibre composite components 58 with a complex geometrical structure.

[0083] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the method for dispensing a fibre composite strand 6 by means of an application device 2, wherein the application device 2 is detachably fastenable by means of an associated coupling unit 8 to a handling device 4, such that the application device 2 is movable in space by the handling device 4.

[0084] In a first step a) of the method, provision is made for continuous formation of an unprocessed fibre strand 20, which is fed continuously to a preforming unit 10 of the application device 2 and which has a multiplicity of endless fibres 22, into a formed fibre strand 24 with a formed fibre cross section 26 settable by the preforming unit 10. In a second step b) of the method, provision is made for continuous impregnation of the formed fibre strand 24 with an incompletely cross-linked matrix material 38, by means of an impregnating unit 12 of the application device 2, to realize a fibre composite strand 28, wherein the formed fibre strand 24 is fed continuously to the impregnating unit 12. In a third step c), provision is made for continuous pressing of the fibre composite strand 28, which is fed continuously to a drive unit 14 of the application device 2 from the impregnating unit 12, to and through a dispensing unit 18 of the application device 2 by means of the drive unit 16. In a fourth step d) of the method, provision is made for continuous forming of the fibre composite strand 28, which is pressed continuously through the dispensing unit 18, into a formed fibre composite strand 6 by means of the dispensing unit 18 with a dispensing cross section 30 settable by the dispensing unit 18, and dispensing of same, wherein the preforming unit 10 and the dispensing unit 18 can be set such that the formed fibre cross section 26 is at least 70% congruent with the dispensing cross section 30.

[0085] It is additionally pointed out that having does not rule out other elements or steps, and a or an does not rule out a multiplicity. It is furthermore pointed out that features that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments may also be used in combination with other features of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference designations in the claims are not to be regarded as limiting.

[0086] While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s) is disclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications, substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the exemplary embodiment(s). In addition, in this disclosure, the terms comprise or comprising do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms a or one do not exclude a plural number, and the term or means either or both. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from which it claims benefit or priority.