A layup device and method for a composite material component

Abstract

The application discloses a layering device and method for a composite material component, comprising a forming tool, the forming tool is provided with a forming cavity, and a first alignment line is arranged in the forming cavity; a second alignment line is arranged on each layer of prepreg to be laid; the positioning device further comprises a projection device for projecting a third alignment line; in use, first, full layer prepreg is laid in the forming cavity; then, the third alignment line is projected in the forming cavity through the projection assembly, and the third alignment line is completely coincident with the first alignment line; then, each layer of layerless prepreg is laid based on the principle that the third alignment line is coincident with the second alignment line; the second alignment line is indirectly aligned with the first alignment line by taking the first alignment line as a reference and the third alignment line as a bridge, and since the first alignment line is unchanged, all the layerless prepregs are installed according to a unified standard, so that the defect of poor layering precision of layerless prepreg is completely solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of composite material component processing technology, specifically to a layup apparatus and layup method for composite material components. Background Technology

[0002] Composite materials are widely used in aircraft due to their advantages such as high specific strength, high specific modulus, good fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance. The vast majority of aircraft composite material components are formed by laying and curing multiple layers of prepreg. However, some composite material components, due to different structural design strength requirements, contain not only full-lay prepreg but also prepreg with missing layers (perforated layers). The positioning accuracy of the layups in composite material components is generally around ±2.5 mm. For the laying of prepreg with missing layers (perforated layers), laser projection is generally used to assist in the layup process.

[0003] However, for irregular and thick composite components (with many layups), the laser projection deviates as the amount of prepreg lost during the layup increases, which can easily exceed the positioning accuracy required for composite layup. This deviation is even greater for V-shaped (or U-shaped) composite components, resulting in poor layup accuracy of the prepreg lost during the layup process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this application is to provide a layup device and layup method for composite material components, aiming to solve the defects of poor layup accuracy of prepreg in the prior art.

[0005] The present invention achieves the above objectives through the following technical solutions;

[0006] A layup apparatus for composite material components includes a molding fixture having a molding cavity.

[0007] A first alignment line is disposed within the molding cavity;

[0008] The second alignment line is set on each layer of prepreg to be laid;

[0009] A projection assembly for projecting a third alignment line that overlaps with the first alignment line into the molding cavity.

[0010] Optionally, the first alignment line is the central axis of the molding cavity.

[0011] Optionally, the first alignment line is arranged along the length of the molding cavity.

[0012] Optionally, the second alignment line is the centerline of each prepreg layer.

[0013] Optionally, the second alignment line is arranged along the length of the prepreg.

[0014] Accordingly, this application also discloses a positioning method based on the above-mentioned composite material component layup positioning device, including the following steps:

[0015] A full-layup prepreg is laid inside the molding cavity;

[0016] A third alignment line is projected into the molding cavity by a projection component;

[0017] Each layer of prepreg is sequentially laid in the molding cavity according to the second alignment line and the third alignment line.

[0018] Optionally, according to the second alignment line and the third alignment line, each layer of prepreg is sequentially laid in the molding cavity, including the following steps:

[0019] Place the prepreg material with the missing layer inside the molding cavity;

[0020] Adjust the position of the prepreg to make the second alignment line completely coincide with the third alignment line, and bond the area of ​​the prepreg with the second alignment line drawn on it to the full lay-up prepreg.

[0021] Starting from the second alignment line, lay the prepreg layer on both sides of the second alignment line.

[0022] Repeat the above steps to lay each layer of prepreg in sequence.

[0023] Optionally, the step of projecting the third alignment line into the molding cavity via the projection assembly further includes projecting the end face line of the prepreg layer, wherein the end face projection line is perpendicular to the third alignment line.

[0024] Optionally, according to the second alignment line and the third alignment line, each layer of prepreg is sequentially laid in the molding cavity, including the following steps:

[0025] Place the prepreg material with the missing layer inside the molding cavity;

[0026] Adjust the position of the prepreg to make the second alignment line completely coincide with the third alignment line, while ensuring that the prepreg is located between or overlaps with the two end face projection lines.

[0027] The area with the second alignment line drawn on the prepreg is bonded to the full lay-up prepreg.

[0028] Starting from the second alignment line, lay the prepreg layer on both sides of the second alignment line.

[0029] Repeat the above steps to lay each layer of prepreg in sequence.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0031] This application includes a molding fixture, which has a molding cavity and a first alignment line in the molding cavity; a second alignment line is also provided on each layer of prepreg to be laid; the positioning device also includes a projection device for projecting a third alignment line.

[0032] Accordingly, this application also discloses a layup method for the above-mentioned layup apparatus, wherein firstly, a full layup prepreg is laid in the molding cavity; then, a third alignment line is projected in the molding cavity through a projection component, the third alignment line being completely coincident with the first alignment line; then, each layer of prepreg is laid based on the principle that the third alignment line coincides with the second alignment line.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, this application provides a first alignment line and a second alignment line on the molding cavity and each layer of prepreg, respectively. Since the structure of the molding cavity remains unchanged, the first alignment line can serve as a reference line to ensure that the comparison standard remains unchanged.

[0034] Because of the laying of the bottom layer of full-lay prepreg, some of the first alignment lines will be obscured, leading to misalignment between the first and second alignment lines. At this point, the first alignment is reproduced by projecting a third alignment line, and the projected third alignment line and the second alignment line are exactly on the same side of the missing layer prepreg. Therefore, workers can quickly locate the missing layer prepreg by rapidly aligning the second and third alignment lines. In the above operation, the first alignment layer serves as a reference, and due to the inconvenient structure of the molding cavity, this reference remains stable and unique under all conditions, improving positioning accuracy. Secondly, the third alignment line serves to reproduce and migrate the first alignment line. Through the third alignment line, each second alignment line can indirectly establish a connection with the first alignment line, thereby ensuring that all missing layers of prepreg are installed according to a unified standard, thus completely solving the defect of poor layup accuracy.

[0035] Secondly, in the existing technology, each prepreg layer is aligned only with the third alignment line during the installation process. There is no connection between adjacent prepreg layers. Therefore, the installation error of the previous prepreg layer will not accumulate to the next prepreg layer, which fundamentally eliminates the accumulation of errors. Moreover, the staff can quickly find and correct the error in the laying process of a single prepreg layer, which further improves the laying error of multiple prepreg layers.

[0036] Finally, during the positioning process, the alignment of different layers of prepreg can be achieved by aligning the three alignment lines. At the same time, the first alignment line does not need to be aligned, and the third alignment line does not need to be adjusted after overlapping with the first alignment line. Therefore, during the entire laying process, only the second alignment line needs to be aligned with the third alignment line, which greatly simplifies the operation method and helps to improve the laying efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a layup apparatus for composite material components provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0038] Figure 2 A flowchart of a layup method for composite material components is provided in this application;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a projection effect diagram of implementation method 2;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a projection effect diagram of implementation method 3;

[0041] Reference numerals: 1-forming tooling, 2-forming cavity, 3-first alignment line, 4-second alignment line, 5-loose prepreg, 6-projection assembly, 7-third alignment line, 8-end face projection.

[0042] The purpose, features, and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0045] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0046] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0047] Implementation Method 1

[0048] Reference Figure 1 This embodiment is an optional embodiment of this application, which discloses a layup device for composite material components, including a molding tool 1, a molding cavity 2 is provided on the molding tool 1, a first alignment line 3 is provided at the bottom of the molding cavity 2, the first alignment line 3 is arranged along the length direction of the molding cavity 2, and the first alignment line 3 is the central axis of the molding cavity 2, that is, the first alignment line 3 is located at the bottom of the imaging cavity.

[0049] The reason for setting the first alignment line 3 in the above-mentioned area is that, due to the different structures constructed, the sizes of different prepregs 5 are different. However, no matter how the size of the prepregs 5 changes, the bottom of the molding cavity 2 is the area where all prepregs 5 will be laid, thereby avoiding the problem of a certain prepreg 5 lacking a reference.

[0050] Secondly, according to the above settings, the first alignment line 3 is located at the bottom of the forming cavity 2. During the operation, the worker can achieve a level view with the first alignment line 3. If the first alignment line 3 is set on the side of the forming cavity 2, the worker's line of sight will be in a side view during the operation, which is very easy to cause alignment deviation due to the deviation of the line of sight, which is conducive to improving the laying accuracy.

[0051] A second alignment line 4 is also provided on each prepreg 5 to be laid. The second alignment line 4 is set along the length direction of the prepreg 5 and is the central axis of the prepreg 5.

[0052] Setting the second alignment line 4 as the centerline ensures the symmetry of the prepreg layer laying and improves the laying quality; at the same time, it works in conjunction with the first alignment line 3 to ensure the consistency of each reference standard.

[0053] The layup apparatus further includes a projection component 6, which is a laser projector; the projection component 6 is used to project a third alignment line 7 that overlaps with the first alignment line 3 into the molding cavity 2.

[0054] Implementation Method 2

[0055] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 This embodiment, as an optional embodiment of this application, discloses a layup method for composite material components, including the following steps:

[0056] S1. Lay a full-layup prepreg in the molding cavity;

[0057] First, the molding cavity is cleaned, and then the full lay-up prepreg, which serves as the bottom layer, is laid in the molding cavity, and the full lay-up prepreg is aligned with the first alignment line.

[0058] S2. Project a third alignment line into the molding cavity using a projection assembly;

[0059] Open the projection component and project a third alignment line into the molding cavity, ensuring that the third alignment line completely coincides with the first alignment line.

[0060] S3. Lay each layer of prepreg in sequence in the molding cavity according to the second alignment line and the third alignment line;

[0061] Remove the backing paper from the bottom of the prepreg and place the prepreg to be laid into the molding cavity. By moving the position of the prepreg, make the second alignment line completely coincide with the third alignment line.

[0062] To ensure that the second alignment line coincides with the third alignment line, move the full-layout prepreg side of the prepreg box.

[0063] The area on the prepreg with the second alignment line drawn on it is bonded to the full lay-up prepreg.

[0064] Starting from the second alignment line, the prepreg is extended and extruded to both sides of the second alignment line to complete the laying of the entire prepreg.

[0065] Repeat the above steps to lay each layer of prepreg in sequence.

[0066] In the above-mentioned laying method, the area marked with the second alignment line on the prepreg is laid first. This ensures that the alignment of the second and third alignment lines is fixed, preventing the prepreg from shifting during subsequent laying and causing rework, thus improving work efficiency. Secondly, the progressive laying method ensures that each area of ​​the prepreg is accurately laid, improving laying quality. At the same time, the progressive laying method can also effectively improve the error tolerance during the laying process.

[0067] Implementation Method 3

[0068] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 This embodiment, as an optional embodiment of this application, discloses a layup method for composite material components, including the following steps:

[0069] S1. Lay a full-layup prepreg in the molding cavity;

[0070] First, the molding cavity is cleaned, and then the full lay-up prepreg, which serves as the bottom layer, is laid in the molding cavity, and the full lay-up prepreg is aligned with the first alignment line.

[0071] S2. Project a third alignment line into the molding cavity using a projection assembly;

[0072] Open the projection component and project a third alignment line into the molding cavity, ensuring that the third alignment line completely coincides with the first alignment line.

[0073] Projecting the end face line projection of the prepreg into the forming cavity, the end face line projection 8 is set in a direction perpendicular to the third alignment line; there are two end face line projections 8, which are placed on both sides of the third alignment line.

[0074] The distance between the two end face projections 8 is not less than the length of the corresponding missing layer of prepreg;

[0075] S3. Lay each layer of prepreg in sequence in the molding cavity according to the second alignment line and the third alignment line;

[0076] Remove the backing paper from the bottom of the prepreg and place the prepreg to be laid into the molding cavity. By moving the position of the prepreg, make the second alignment line completely coincide with the third alignment line.

[0077] To ensure that the second alignment line coincides with the third alignment line, move the full-layout prepreg side of the prepreg box.

[0078] When the prepreg with a missing layer is above the full lay-up prepreg, observe whether the two ends of the prepreg with a missing layer are located between or coincide with the projections of the two end face lines. If the conditions are met, the area on the prepreg with the second alignment line drawn on it is bonded to the full lay-up prepreg.

[0079] If not satisfied, move it left or right along the direction of the third alignment line to adjust its installation position; during the above adjustment process, the second alignment line and the third alignment line are always in a state of overlap. After the adjustment is completed, the area on the prepreg with the second alignment line drawn on it is bonded to the full lay-up prepreg.

[0080] Starting from the second alignment line, the prepreg is extended and extruded to both sides of the second alignment line to complete the laying of the entire prepreg.

[0081] Repeat the above steps to complete the laying of each layer of prepreg. It should be noted that when laying one layer of prepreg, if the next layer of prepreg is still between the projections of the two end face lines, the projection of the end face lines does not need to be switched; otherwise, the projection of the end face lines should be adjusted.

[0082] By projecting the end face line, the laying area of ​​the prepreg can be further defined, thereby improving the laying quality.

[0083] Compared with the prior art, this application provides a first alignment line and a second alignment line on the molding cavity and each layer of prepreg, respectively. Since the structure of the molding cavity remains unchanged, the first alignment line can serve as a reference line to ensure that the comparison standard remains unchanged.

[0084] Because of the laying of the bottom layer of full-lay prepreg, some of the first alignment lines will be obscured, leading to misalignment between the first and second alignment lines. At this point, the first alignment is reproduced by projecting a third alignment line, and the projected third alignment line and the second alignment line are exactly on the same side of the missing layer prepreg. Therefore, workers can quickly locate the missing layer prepreg by rapidly aligning the second and third alignment lines. In the above operation, the first alignment layer serves as a reference, and due to the inconvenient structure of the molding cavity, this reference remains stable and unique under all conditions, improving positioning accuracy. Secondly, the third alignment line serves to reproduce and migrate the first alignment line. Through the third alignment line, each second alignment line can indirectly establish a connection with the first alignment line, thereby ensuring that all missing layers of prepreg are installed according to a unified standard, thus completely solving the defect of poor layup accuracy.

[0085] Secondly, in the existing technology, each prepreg layer is aligned only with the third alignment line during the installation process. There is no connection between adjacent prepreg layers. Therefore, the installation error of the previous prepreg layer will not accumulate to the next prepreg layer, which fundamentally eliminates the accumulation of errors. Moreover, the staff can quickly find and correct the error in the laying process of a single prepreg layer, which further improves the laying error of multiple prepreg layers.

[0086] Finally, during the positioning process, the alignment of different layers of prepreg can be achieved by aligning the three alignment lines. At the same time, the first alignment line does not need to be aligned, and the third alignment line does not need to be adjusted after overlapping with the first alignment line. Therefore, during the entire laying process, only the second alignment line needs to be aligned with the third alignment line, which greatly simplifies the operation method and helps to improve the laying efficiency.

[0087] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A layup apparatus for composite material components, characterized in that, It includes a molding fixture (1), on which a molding cavity (2) is provided; The first alignment line (3) is disposed within the molding cavity (2); the first alignment line (3) is the central axis of the molding cavity (2); The second alignment line (4) is set on each of the prepreg layers (5) to be laid; the second alignment line (4) is the central axis of each prepreg layer (5); Projection assembly (6) is used to project a third alignment line (7) that overlaps with the first alignment line (3) into the molding cavity (2).

2. The layup apparatus for composite material components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first alignment line (3) is arranged along the length direction of the forming cavity (2).

3. A layup apparatus for composite material components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second alignment line (4) is arranged along the length of the prepreg (5).

4. A layup method for a layup apparatus for composite material components according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: A full-layup prepreg is laid inside the molding cavity; A third alignment line is projected into the molding cavity by a projection component; Each layer of prepreg is sequentially laid in the molding cavity according to the second alignment line and the third alignment line.

5. A layup method for composite material components according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of sequentially laying each layer of prepreg in the molding cavity according to the second alignment line and the third alignment line includes the following steps: Place the prepreg material with the missing layer inside the molding cavity; Adjust the position of the prepreg to make the second alignment line completely coincide with the third alignment line, and bond the area of ​​the prepreg with the second alignment line drawn on it to the full lay-up prepreg. Starting from the second alignment line, lay the prepreg layer on both sides of the second alignment line. Repeat the above steps to lay each layer of prepreg in sequence.

6. A layup method for composite material components according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of projecting the third alignment line into the molding cavity through the projection component further includes the projection of the end face line of the lost layer prepreg, wherein the end face line projection is perpendicular to the third alignment line.

7. A layup method for composite material components according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step of sequentially laying each layer of prepreg in the molding cavity according to the second alignment line and the third alignment line includes the following steps: Place the prepreg material with the missing layer inside the molding cavity; Ensure that the second alignment line on the prepreg is completely aligned with the third alignment line, and that the prepreg is located between or overlaps with the projections of the two end face lines. The area with the second alignment line drawn on the prepreg is bonded to the full lay-up prepreg. Starting from the second alignment line, lay the prepreg layer on both sides of the second alignment line. Repeat the above steps to lay each layer of prepreg in sequence.

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