Dual-mode amplitude-frequency-adjustable fiber bundle transverse filament spreading device

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of fiber spreading of fiber prepreg tapes, in particular to a dual-mode amplitude-frequency-adjustable fiber bundle transverse fiber spreading device which comprises a frame assembly, a static fiber spreading roller set, a dynamic fiber spreading roller set, a driving system, an amplitude adjusting unit and a frequency control unit. Efficient diffusion of the fiber bundles is achieved through independent amplitude-frequency regulation and control, and different process requirements of materials such as carbon fibers and glass fibers are met. On the basis of accurate regulation and control of vibration parameters (frequency and amplitude) and a roller dual-mode (rotating / fixing) switching mechanism, the transverse diffusion effect of the fiber bundle is enhanced by improving a normal load in a fixed mode, a friction interface is optimized in a rotating mode to reduce mechanical wear, and the width of the carbon fiber bundle is expanded to 3-5 times of the original size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of fiber prepreg spreading, and in particular to a dual-mode amplitude-frequency adjustable fiber bundle transverse spreading device. Background Art

[0002] In the manufacture of fiber-reinforced composites, uniform diffusion of fiber bundles is a key step in ensuring the consistency of the material's mechanical properties. Traditional mechanical diffusion technologies mostly rely on static rollers or a single vibration mode, which has problems such as low diffusion efficiency, high fiber damage rate, and insufficient width control accuracy. For example, fixed rollers are prone to fiber breakage or fuzzing due to excessive friction, while vibration devices with a single amplitude or frequency are difficult to adapt to different fiber finenesses or process requirements. In addition, existing equipment lacks a dynamic adjustment mechanism and cannot flexibly balance tension and lateral separation force during the diffusion process, resulting in uneven or excessively loose fiber bundles. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is: how to solve the defects in the background technology and provide a fiber diffusion device that can accurately control vibration parameters (such as frequency and amplitude) and has both low friction and high stability, so as to achieve efficient and uniform lateral expansion of fiber bundles and adapt to the production needs of diversified composite materials.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a dual-mode adjustable amplitude and frequency fiber bundle transverse yarn spreading device, including a frame assembly, a static yarn spreading roller group, a dynamic yarn spreading roller group, a drive system, an amplitude adjustment unit and a frequency control unit; the static yarn spreading roller group includes a yarn guide roller 12 and multiple static rollers 6, and the yarn guide roller 12 and the multiple static rollers 6 can rotate around their own axes. During use, each roller of the multiple static rollers 6 can rotate or not rotate according to the opening and closing of the brake system thereon (existing technology, not described in detail in the present invention) The multiple static rollers 6 are arranged in a row, namely a static row. Both ends of the multiple static rollers 6 are fixed to the frame assembly through the first bearing, thereby reducing the friction of the static roller rotation. The two ends of the guide shaft 13 of the yarn guide roller 12 (which guides the yarn path, ensures stable yarn transportation, and avoids winding or breaking, and already exists in the prior art) are fixed to the frame assembly. The yarn guide roller 12 and the yarn guide shaft 13 are connected through a fourth bearing (the fourth bearing is used to reduce the friction when the yarn guide roller rotates); the dynamic yarn spreading roller group includes two parallel fiber diffusion plates 7 And multiple dynamic rollers 5, multiple dynamic rollers 5 are arranged in a row, namely the dynamic row, which is lower than the static row in horizontal height. Both ends of the multiple dynamic rollers 5 are fixed to two fiber diffusion plates through second bearings respectively. After passing through the yarn guide roller 12, the carbon fiber tow becomes wavy and passes through all the static rollers and dynamic rollers in sequence. The static rollers and dynamic rollers are at different horizontal heights in order to form a wavy transmission track. The drive system includes an eccentric cam 4 and an L-shaped rocker 8. The rocker 8 includes vertical rods and horizontal rods perpendicular to each other. There are multiple eccentric cams 4, including one being used. The eccentric cam and the spare eccentric cam, each eccentric cam has a different eccentric distance, and all the eccentric cams constitute an amplitude adjustment unit. The wheel axle of the eccentric cam in use is fixed on the frame assembly. The outer ring of the wheel of the eccentric cam in use is always in contact with the vertical rod of the rocker arm 8. The cross rod of the rocker arm 8 is parallel to the moving roller and fixedly connected to the two fiber diffusion plates. The two ends of the cross rod of the rocker arm 8 are rotatably connected to the frame assembly. The frequency control unit includes a variable frequency motor and a reducer installed on the frame assembly. The variable frequency motor is connected to the reducer, and the reducer is connected to the eccentric cam.

[0005] The frame assembly includes a column 1 fixed to the ground, a roller group mounting plate 2 and a cam fixing plate 3. There are four columns 1 and two roller group mounting plates 2. Each roller group mounting plate is fixedly connected to two different columns. The two roller group mounting plates are rectangular plates and are parallel. The cam fixing plate 3 is fixed to a column, and the eccentric cam in use is rotatably connected and installed on the cam fixing plate 3.

[0006] The length of each dynamic roller is smaller than the length of each static roller. Both ends of the yarn guide roller 12 and the multiple static rollers 6 are respectively fixed on a roller group mounting plate through a first bearing. The projections of the two roller group mounting plates on any horizontal plane are outside the projections of the two fiber diffusion plates on the horizontal plane. The fiber diffusion plates are wavy plates, and the gaps in the wavy plates correspond to the positions of the static rollers. The two ends of the cross bar of the rocker arm 8 are rotatably connected to the roller group mounting plate through a third bearing 10.

[0007] There are 6 static rollers and 4 dynamic rollers.

[0008] One end of the rotating shaft of the eccentric cam in use is rotatably connected and fixed on the cam fixing plate 3.

[0009] The outer ring of each eccentric cam wheel has a groove, and the vertical rod of the rocker arm 8 leans against the groove.

[0010] The eccentric cams are at least 5 eccentric cams with different eccentric distances, and the eccentric distance of each eccentric cam is in the range of 4-20 mm.

[0011] Each moving roller and each static roller is equipped with an independent brake device. During operation, the brake device is controlled. When the brake device is used, the corresponding moving roller and / or static roller cannot rotate.

[0012] The rotating shaft of the eccentric cam is connected to the vertical rod of the rocker arm 8 via a constraint spring, ensuring that the vertical rod of the rocker arm (8) always keeps in contact with the eccentric cam in use.

[0013] During use, the introduced carbon fiber filaments first pass through the yarn guide roller, and then wind through the static roller and the dynamic roller in an "S" shape.

[0014] When the moving and stationary rollers are set to rotate (unbraked), there is no slip between the carbon fiber filaments and the rollers, and the frictional resistance generated is negligible (due to bearing action). Therefore, the exit tension of the carbon fiber filaments is almost equal to the initial tension. The carbon fiber filaments are primarily spread laterally by the normal force generated on the moving and stationary rollers by the reciprocating motion of the moving rollers (driven by the rocker). When braked, the sliding of the carbon fiber filaments on the moving and stationary rollers generates frictional resistance, causing the exit tension of the carbon fiber filaments to exceed the initial tension. When the lateral forces exerted on the carbon fiber filaments by each other exceed the frictional forces acting on the fiber bundle (the maximum friction between the moving and stationary rollers and the fibers is less than the force exerted on the carbon fiber filaments to spread out), the carbon fiber filaments will spread laterally on the rollers. The lower the friction coefficient between the rollers and the carbon fiber filaments, the easier it is to spread laterally. When using fixed rollers (braked), the accumulated tension exerted on the carbon fiber filaments creates a greater normal force component than when using rotating rollers (rotating), further widening the filaments laterally. In order to achieve the closest expansion effect, the brake system of some rollers can be controlled to open or the rollers can be partially braked (that is, they can rotate but the rotation speed is limited), ultimately achieving the designed lateral expansion.

[0015] The reciprocating motion of the fiber diffuser (driven by the rocker arm) drives the reciprocating motion of the active roller, generating periodic tension fluctuations in the carbon fiber filaments. As the rollers move outward (relatively, away from their initial position), the carbon fiber filaments are locally stretched, reducing lateral interfiber friction and promoting filament separation. When the rollers return to their original positions, the tension in the fiber bundle is temporarily released, allowing the filaments to further spread laterally due to inertia. This repetitive reciprocating motion causes the fiber bundle to undergo a continuous "stretch-relax" cycle, gradually breaking down interfiber adhesion and ultimately achieving a lateral spread width 3–5 times its original value.

[0016] The amplitude is adjusted by replacing eccentric cams with different eccentric distances (4-20 mm), and the vibration frequency is controlled by combining the servo motor speed regulation (1-20Hz) to adapt to different fiber fineness and process requirements.

[0017] The dynamic roller and static roller can be switched between fixed and rotating modes. In fixed mode, diffusion is enhanced by increasing the normal force, while in rotating mode, friction loss is reduced to balance efficiency and equipment life.

[0018] The constraint spring (one end of which is connected to the sand guide shaft and the other end is connected to the rocker arm vertical rod) and the eccentric cam (the groove on the outer ring of the wheel) ensure the stability of the reciprocating motion and correct the fiber path in real time to avoid deviation or distortion.

[0019] Through dynamic adjustment of vibration parameters and low-friction design, the present invention can expand the fiber bundle width to 3-5 times the original size, while reducing the damage rate (<5%), significantly improving diffusion uniformity and production efficiency, and is suitable for the manufacture of high-precision fiber-reinforced composite materials. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the local structure of the present invention; Figure 3 A top view of the present invention; Figure 4 is a side view of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention in use; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a fiber diffuser plate of the present invention; Among them, 1. Column; 2. Roller group mounting plate; 3. Cam fixing plate; 4. Eccentric cam; 5. Moving roller; 6. Static roller; 7. Fiber diffusion plate; 8. Rocker; 9. Pin; 10. Third bearing; 11. Aluminum alloy angle code; 12. Yarn guide roller; 13. Sand guide shaft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The fiber bundle transverse spreading device of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment is used to explain the technical solution of the present invention, but does not constitute a limitation to the scope of the claims.

[0022] As attached Figure 1 To the attached Figure 3 As shown, the main body of the device is composed of a frame assembly, a static wire spreading roller group, a dynamic wire spreading roller group, a driving system, an amplitude adjustment unit and a frequency control unit.

[0023] The column is made of high-strength aluminum alloy, the surface is anodized to improve wear resistance, and an aluminum alloy angle code 11 is provided at the bottom to improve the stability of the device.

[0024] The static spreading roller assembly consists of a guide roller and six stainless steel mirror-finished driven rollers (dynamic rollers, with a very smooth surface) arranged along the fiber feed direction. Guide roller 12 is a U-shaped grooved wheel with an outer diameter of 40 mm and a width of 12 mm. Its practical groove structure, 7 mm deep and 8 mm wide, precisely embeds the carbon fiber filaments, effectively preventing them from shifting during sliding, ensuring operational stability. It also distributes forces and reduces localized wear. The guide roller has an inner diameter of 8 mm and is axially secured to the lead screw by a nut. Made of stainless steel, the guide roller rotates flexibly via internal bearings and rolling elements, receiving the fiber bundle and ensuring its centering into the subsequent spreading area. The remaining six static rollers 6 are arranged on the same horizontal plane and secured to the roller assembly mounting plate 2 via stepped shafts and electromagnetic clutches. Their surface roughness Ra ≤ 0.05 μm is intended to minimize frictional damage to the fibers. The dynamic fiber spreading roller assembly consists of four 25 mm diameter dynamic rollers 5 (the dynamic rollers are the same type as the static rollers, but 60 mm shorter than the static rollers) that reciprocate laterally. These rollers are bolted to a fiber diffuser plate 7, which drives the dynamic rollers in a simple harmonic motion (similar to a sine curve). The vertical arm of an L-shaped rocker 8 is located in the arc-shaped side groove of the eccentric cam 4 (the groove in the outer ring of the eccentric cam wheel), transmitting the eccentric cam's rotation to the fiber diffuser plate 7 through the lever principle. The horizontal arm of the rocker 8 is fixed to the fiber diffuser plate 7 via a pin 9. A third bearing 10 is installed where the rocker 8 passes through the roller assembly mounting plate 2 to reduce wear between the rocker 8 and the roller mounting plate during reciprocation and ensure motion stability. With each rotation of the eccentric cam 4, the rocker 8 drives the fiber diffuser plate 7 through a complete reciprocating cycle.

[0025] The drive system consists of a servo motor, an eccentric cam, and a driver. The servo motor drives the eccentric cam 4 through a coupling. The eccentricity can be set to 4 mm, 8 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, or 20 mm, corresponding to an amplitude range of 4-20 mm. The driver controls the speed by varying the frequency of the pulse signal, achieving continuously adjustable vibration frequency within a range of 1-20 Hz. The eccentric cam is made of hardened steel and chrome-plated to ensure long-term wear resistance. The moving and static rollers are switched between fixed and rotating modes using an electromagnetic clutch. In fixed mode, the rollers are locked to bearings, sliding in contact with the carbon fiber filaments to increase normal force. In rotating mode, the moving and static rollers rotate freely with the movement of the carbon fiber filaments, reducing friction losses. The clutch response time is less than 0.1 second, enabling fast switching. During operation, the carbon fiber filaments are drawn from the guide rollers, first passing through the guide rollers 12, and then circulating in an S-shaped pattern through the static and moving rollers, ensuring a centered path with no slack. An appropriate eccentric cam 4 (e.g., 4 mm amplitude) is selected based on the fiber type and target spreading width, and the motor speed is set to the target frequency (e.g., 15 Hz) via the driver. An electromagnetic clutch switches the dynamic roller 5 between fixed and rotating modes. In fixed mode, the fiber bundle exit tension is increased from the initial 3 N to 5.4 N (1.8 times) to enhance lateral separation force. In rotating mode, the tension remains at the initial value to reduce frictional heat accumulation. After the DC motor is activated, the eccentric cam 4 drives the rocker 8 in lateral reciprocating motion, causing the dynamic roller 5 to vibrate, forcing the fiber bundle to spread laterally.

[0026] Experiments show that under an amplitude of 16 mm and a frequency of 12 Hz, carbon fibers (initial width 6.5 mm) can be expanded to 26.5 mm (expansion ratio 4.1 times), with a standard deviation of diffusion uniformity of 0.25 mm, significantly superior to conventional devices (expansion ratio ≤ 3 times, deviation > 1 mm). In terms of damage control, the fiber breakage rate is <3% in the rotating mode and <5% in the fixed mode, significantly lower than the average breakage rate (>8%) of conventional fiber spreading devices. By replacing the eccentric cam 4 and adjusting the frequency, the device can be adapted to various types of fibers, including carbon fibers (6K / 12K), glass fibers (S2), and aramid fibers. The diffusion width adjustment ranges are 6-28 mm (maximum expansion ratio 4.3 times), 8-25 mm (maximum expansion ratio 4.1 times), and 6-15 mm (maximum expansion ratio 5 times), respectively.

[0027] This device utilizes dynamic vibration parameter control, a low-friction stainless steel mirror, and a dual-mode switching design to achieve efficient fiber bundle expansion (3-5 times the width) while simultaneously maintaining low damage (breakage rate <5%) and high-precision control (deviation <±0.3 mm). This fiber spreading device combines low damage and precise control with a simple structure, easy maintenance, and space-saving design, making it suitable for the production of high-performance composite materials.

Claims

1. A dual-mode, amplitude-frequency adjustable fiber bundle transverse spreading device, characterized by: The invention comprises a frame assembly, a static yarn spreading roller group, a dynamic yarn spreading roller group, a driving system, an amplitude adjustment unit and a frequency control unit; the static yarn spreading roller group comprises a yarn guide roller (12) and a plurality of static rollers (6), the yarn guide roller (12) and the plurality of static rollers (6) rotate around their own axes, the plurality of static rollers (6) are arranged in a row, namely a static row, both ends of the plurality of static rollers (6) are respectively fixed to the frame assembly through a first bearing, the two ends of the yarn guide shaft (13) of the yarn guide roller (12) are fixed to the frame assembly, and the yarn guide roller (12) and the yarn guide shaft (13) are connected through a fourth bearing; the dynamic yarn spreading roller group comprises two parallel arranged fiber diffusion plates (7) and a plurality of dynamic rollers (5), the plurality of dynamic rollers (5) are arranged in a row, namely a dynamic row, the dynamic row is lower than the static row in horizontal height, and both ends of the plurality of dynamic rollers (5) are respectively fixed to the two fiber diffusion plates through a second bearing. On the upper part, the carbon fiber bundle passes through the yarn guide roller (12) in a wave-like manner and passes through all the static rollers and the dynamic rollers in sequence. The driving system includes an eccentric cam (4) and an L-shaped rocker (8). The rocker (8) includes a vertical rod and a horizontal rod perpendicular to each other. There are multiple eccentric cams (4), including an eccentric cam in use and a spare eccentric cam. Each eccentric cam has a different eccentric distance. All eccentric cams constitute an amplitude adjustment unit. The wheel axle of the eccentric cam in use is fixed on the frame assembly. The outer ring of the wheel of the eccentric cam in use is always in contact with the vertical rod of the rocker (8). The horizontal rod of the rocker (8) is parallel to the dynamic roller and fixedly connected to the two fiber diffusion plates. The two ends of the horizontal rod of the rocker (8) are rotatably connected to the frame assembly. The frequency control unit includes a variable frequency motor and a reducer installed on the frame assembly. The variable frequency motor is connected to the reducer, and the reducer is connected to the eccentric cam.

2. The dual-mode adjustable amplitude-frequency fiber bundle transverse spreading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame assembly comprises a column (1) fixed on the ground, a roller assembly mounting plate (2) and a cam fixing plate (3), wherein the columns (1) are four, the roller assembly mounting plate (2) are two, each roller assembly mounting plate is fixedly connected to two different columns, the two roller assembly mounting plates are rectangular plates and are parallel, the cam fixing plate (3) is fixed to one column, and the eccentric cam in use is rotatably connected and mounted on the cam fixing plate (3).

3. A dual-mode adjustable amplitude-frequency fiber bundle transverse spreading device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The length of each moving roller is smaller than the length of each static roller. Both ends of the yarn guide roller (12) and the plurality of static rollers (6) are fixed to a roller assembly mounting plate through a first bearing. The projections of the two roller assembly mounting plates on any horizontal plane are outside the projections of the two fiber diffusion plates on the horizontal plane. The fiber diffusion plates are wavy plates. The gaps in the wavy plates correspond to the positions of the static rollers. Both ends of the crossbar of the rocker arm (8) are rotatably connected to the roller assembly mounting plate through a third bearing (10).

4. A dual-mode, amplitude-adjustable fiber bundle transverse spreading device according to claim 3, characterized in that: There are 6 static rollers and 4 dynamic rollers.

5. A dual-mode adjustable amplitude-frequency fiber bundle transverse spreading device according to claim 2, characterized in that: One end of the rotating shaft of the eccentric cam in use is rotatably connected and fixed on the cam fixing plate (3).

6. A dual-mode, amplitude-adjustable fiber bundle transverse spreading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer ring of each eccentric cam wheel has a groove, and the vertical rod of the rocker arm (8) rests in the groove.

7. A dual-mode, amplitude-adjustable fiber bundle transverse spreading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The eccentric cams are at least 5 eccentric cams with different eccentric distances, and the eccentric distance of each eccentric cam is in the range of 4-20 mm.

8. A dual-mode, amplitude-adjustable fiber bundle transverse spreading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each moving roller and each static roller is equipped with an independent brake device. During operation, the brake device is controlled. When the brake device is used, the corresponding moving roller and / or static roller cannot rotate.

9. A dual-mode, amplitude-adjustable fiber bundle transverse spreading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating shaft of the eccentric cam and the vertical rod of the rocker arm (8) are connected via a constraint spring, ensuring that the vertical rod of the rocker arm (8) always maintains contact with the eccentric cam in use.

Images