A closed inner cavity self-heating fiber winding forming tool

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of fiber composite material tank winding molding, and provides a closed-cavity self-heating fiber winding molding tooling, including: a central rotating shaft, a heating assembly, and a detachable molding surface composed of multiple molding panels; wherein a heating element is attached to the inner surface of the molding panel; a conductive slip ring is provided at the end of the central rotating shaft to conduct electrical energy to the heating element; a temperature monitoring device collects the temperature of each molding panel in real time. This tooling achieves in-situ curing of the composite material under rotation by conducting electrical energy to the heating element through the conductive slip ring, and the temperature monitoring device can monitor and adjust the temperature in real time to ensure a uniform and stable temperature field; at the same time, the segmented and detachable design facilitates demolding after curing. This utility model solves the self-heating problem of fiber winding molding tooling with a closed cavity, and can significantly improve the molding efficiency and molding quality of composite material tank parts, and has good application prospects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fiber composite material tank part winding molding, specifically to a closed-cavity self-heating fiber winding molding tooling. Background Technology

[0002] In the aerospace field, composite materials, due to their high specific strength, high specific modulus, and corrosion resistance, have become core materials for manufacturing critical aircraft structural components. In the fabrication of composite tank-like parts, heating and curing are required after fiber winding. While traditional curing methods such as autoclaves, curing ovens, and drying ovens can ensure the quality of composite molding, they suffer from problems such as high equipment investment, high energy consumption, long production cycles, and limited batch sizes. Therefore, molds with self-heating functions are gradually becoming core equipment in the industry. Through integrated internal heating elements, they achieve rapid heating and precise temperature control, effectively improving the efficiency and quality of composite molding. In the winding process of composite tank-like parts, self-heating molds are typically designed as segmented, enclosed cavities that adapt to the shape of the tank. This design not only precisely fits the complex shape of the tank-like parts but also facilitates segmented disassembly during demolding, thereby avoiding damage to the molded composite component.

[0003] However, during the winding process, the self-heating mold, due to its enclosed structure, makes it difficult to transmit electricity and signals under rotational curing conditions. Using conventional heating methods often requires extremely complex structures, increasing the complexity and manufacturing cost of the mold system, introducing additional potential failure points, and reducing the long-term reliability of the system. Therefore, a closed-cavity self-heating fiber winding tooling is needed to solve these technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention addresses the technical problem that self-heating winding molding dies in the prior art cannot achieve stable heating of segmented dies in a rotating state, and discloses a closed-cavity self-heating fiber winding molding tooling.

[0005] The embodiments of this utility model are achieved through the following technical solutions: A closed-cavity self-heating fiber winding molding tool includes: a central rotating shaft, a heating element, and a detachable molding surface composed of multiple molding panels spliced ​​together; Each of the molded panels has a heating element attached to its inner surface; a conductive slip ring is provided at one end of the central rotating shaft, and the conductive slip ring is used to conduct electrical energy to the multiple heating elements.

[0006] The central rotating shaft is a hollow shaft with a power supply line inside. The power supply line is electrically connected to the conductive slip ring, and the other end of the power supply line is electrically connected to a conductive copper ring. The conductive copper ring is electrically connected to a graphite brush, and the graphite brush is electrically connected to the heating element through a quick-connect connector.

[0007] The enclosed internal cavity self-heating fiber winding molding tooling also integrates a temperature monitoring device, which includes a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is electrically connected to a photoelectric transceiver, and the photoelectric transceiver is optically connected to an optical fiber slip ring.

[0008] Preferably, both the photoelectric transceiver and the graphite brush are fixedly mounted on the support frame.

[0009] Preferably, the fiber optic slip ring is disposed at the other end of the central rotating shaft.

[0010] Preferably, a slot is provided inside the molded panel on the side near the outer surface of the molded panel, and the temperature sensor is selected as a thermocouple, which is installed in the slot.

[0011] Preferably, the molded panel has an internal insulation layer, which is attached to the side of the heating element away from the outer surface of the molded panel.

[0012] The technical solution of this utility model embodiment has at least the following advantages and beneficial effects: 1. This utility model utilizes a conductive slip ring to achieve stable power supply to the heating component during rotation, ensuring continuous and uninterrupted power transmission when the segmented mold rotates, meeting the dynamic operation requirements of the tooling. Simultaneously, this utility model employs several molding panels spliced ​​together to form a detachable molding surface, allowing for convenient segmented disassembly of the mold after curing, significantly improving demolding efficiency and operational convenience. Furthermore, this utility model utilizes heating elements to heat the molding panels, ensuring close contact with the curved surface of the segmented mold, good heating uniformity, low energy consumption, and precise temperature control. It also ensures stable operation during tooling rotation and disassembly, convenient maintenance, and guarantees efficient and reliable tooling operation.

[0013] 2. This utility model integrates a temperature monitoring device inside the tooling, which can collect temperature data of each molding panel in real time, thereby realizing dynamic adjustment of heating power and ensuring a stable and uniform temperature field throughout the molding process. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the closed-cavity self-heating fiber winding molding tool provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of part B in the middle.

[0016] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A magnified view of part A in the middle.

[0017] Icons: 1-Central pivot, 2-Formed panel, 3-Support frame, 4-Carbon nanotube heating element, 5-Conductive slip ring, 6-Power supply line, 7-Conductive copper ring, 8-Graphite brush, 9-Fiber optic slip ring, 10-Insulation layer, 11-Quick connector. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0019] Example 1 like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides a closed-cavity self-heating fiber winding molding fixture, including: a central rotating shaft 1, a heating component, and a detachable molding surface composed of multiple molding panels 2 spliced ​​together; wherein, a support frame 3 is sleeved on the central rotating shaft 1, and the support frame 3 is used to support the detachable molding surface; the molding panels 2 are heated by heating elements, and in this embodiment, carbon nanotube heating elements 4 are selected as heating elements, and carbon nanotube heating elements 4 are attached to the inner surface of each molding panel 2, and a heat insulation layer 10 is attached to the inner surface of the carbon nanotube heating elements 4; a conductive slip ring 5 is provided at one end of the central rotating shaft 1, and the conductive slip ring 5 is used to conduct electrical energy to the carbon nanotube heating elements 4.

[0020] The central shaft 1 is a hollow shaft. The power supply line 6 is arranged inside the central shaft 1, and multiple conductive copper rings 7 and graphite brushes 8 corresponding to each conductive copper ring 7 are fixedly installed on the outside. The conductive copper rings 7 are fixedly installed on the outer circumference of the central shaft 1 and are close to the support frame 3. The graphite brushes 8 are attached to the conductive annular surface of the conductive copper rings 7, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the two.

[0021] The conductive slip ring 5 is electrically connected to multiple conductive copper rings 7 located on the outer periphery of the central rotating shaft 1 via a power supply line 6. One conductive copper ring 7 is electrically connected to a graphite brush 8, and one graphite brush 8 is electrically connected to a carbon nanotube heating plate 4.

[0022] The enclosed internal cavity self-heating fiber winding molding tooling also includes a temperature monitoring device, which includes a temperature sensor, a photoelectric transceiver, and a fiber optic slip ring. The temperature sensor is electrically connected to the photoelectric transceiver, and the photoelectric transceiver is optically connected to the fiber optic slip ring 9.

[0023] In this embodiment, a thermocouple is selected as the temperature sensor. A slot is provided inside the molded panel 2 on the side near the outer surface of the molded panel 2, and the thermocouple is installed in the slot. In this embodiment, the photoelectric transceiver and the graphite brush 7 are both fixedly installed on the support frame 3, and the fiber optic slip ring 9 is set on the other end of the central rotating shaft 1.

[0024] In this embodiment, the carbon nanotube heating element 4 is electrically connected to the graphite brush 8 via a quick-connect connector 11.

[0025] Its specific working principle is as follows: When the tooling starts to perform fiber winding molding, the central rotating shaft 1 drives the support frame 3 and the detachable molding surface to rotate synchronously. The conductive slip ring 5 continuously and stably transmits electrical energy to the conductive copper ring 7 through the power supply line 6. Then, the graphite brush 8, which is electrically connected to the conductive copper ring 7, picks up the electrical energy and supplies power to the carbon nanotube heating sheet 4 attached to the inner surface of each molding panel 2, so that the carbon nanotube heating sheet 4 can quickly generate heat to heat the molding panel 2. At the same time, the heat insulation layer 10 set on the surface of the carbon nanotube heating sheet 4 can effectively reduce heat loss and ensure heating efficiency and temperature stability.

[0026] During the heating process, thermocouples installed in each molding panel 2 monitor the temperature changes in each area in real time and convert the temperature data into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the photoelectric transceiver. The photoelectric transceiver converts the electrical signals into optical signals, which are then transmitted to the external control system via the fiber optic slip ring 9. Based on the received temperature data, the operator can intuitively understand the temperature distribution inside the entire fixture and promptly judge the working status of the heating components. The operator can control the heating power of each carbon nanotube heating element 4 by adjusting the power supply voltage of each conductive copper ring, thereby dynamically adjusting the temperature of each molding panel 2 in real time, thus achieving precise control and effective monitoring of the fiber winding molding process. After the fiber has cured, the power is first disconnected, allowing the fixture to cool naturally to a safe temperature. Then, the positioning bushings at both ends of the detachable molding surface of the central rotating shaft 1 are removed, and the central rotating shaft 1 is pulled out. The operator can then reach into the fixture to remove the screws connecting each molding panel 3 to the support frame 3, and then remove the bolts connecting the various parts of the support frame 3, separating the various parts of the support frame 3 from each molding panel 2. Finally, each molding panel 2 and each part of the support frame 3 are pulled out to complete the demolding.

[0027] In summary, this invention utilizes a conductive slip ring for rotational power supply and employs a detachable heating and forming panel and support frame, which can precisely fit the complex shape of tank-like composite materials. It enables in-situ rotational curing of fibers, reduces the manufacturing cost of the original heating mold, and improves the quality and efficiency of fiber forming.

[0028] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A closed internal cavity self-heating fiber winding forming tool, characterized in that, include: The central pivot, heating element, and detachable molded surface composed of multiple molded panels; A support frame is fitted onto the central rotating shaft, and the support frame is used to support the detachable molded surface; A heating element is attached to the inner surface of each of the molded panels. A conductive slip ring is provided at one end of the central rotating shaft, and the conductive slip ring is used to conduct electrical energy to the multiple heating elements.

2. The closed inner cavity self-heating fiber winding forming tooling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The central rotating shaft is a hollow shaft, and a power supply line is arranged inside the central rotating shaft; a conductive copper ring and a graphite brush are fixedly installed on the outside of the central rotating shaft; The conductive slip ring is electrically connected to the conductive copper ring through the power supply line, the conductive copper ring is electrically connected to the graphite brush, and the graphite brush is electrically connected to the heating element through a quick-connect connector.

3. The closed internal cavity self-heating fiber winding forming tool of claim 2, wherein: The graphite brush is fixedly installed on the support frame; the conductive copper ring is fixedly disposed on the outer circumference of the central rotating shaft and close to the support frame.

4. The closed-cavity self-heating fiber winding molding tooling according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a temperature monitoring device, which comprises a temperature sensor, an optoelectronic transceiver, and an optical fiber slip ring; the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the optoelectronic transceiver, and the optoelectronic transceiver is optically connected to the optical fiber slip ring.

5. The closed internal cavity self-heating fiber winding forming tooling according to claim 4, characterized in that: The temperature sensor is a thermocouple. A slot is provided on the inner surface of the molded panel. The slot is located inside the molded panel and close to the outer surface of the molded panel. The thermocouple is installed in the slot.

6. The closed internal cavity self-heating fiber winding forming tooling according to claim 4, characterized in that: The optoelectronic transceiver is fixedly installed on the support frame.

7. The closed internal cavity self-heating fiber winding forming tooling according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fiber optic slip ring is located at one end of the central rotating shaft away from the conductive slip ring.

8. The closed internal cavity self-heating fiber winding forming tool of claim 1, wherein: The molded panel also includes a heat insulation layer, which is attached to the side of the heating element away from the outer surface of the molded panel.

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