A device and method for inhibiting the accumulation of deformation of an aluminum alloy composite mixed material

Abstract

The application discloses a device and method for inhibiting the deformation of an aluminum alloy composite mixed part caused by accumulated glue, comprising a forming tool and a sealing assembly, an aluminum alloy skin is arranged in the forming tool, the forming tool and the aluminum alloy skin are connected respectively, and a cavity between the forming tool and the aluminum alloy skin is sealed; the sealing assembly is further connected with a vacuum assembly for vacuum extraction; meanwhile, the application also discloses a method for inhibiting deformation based on the device, wherein the cavity between the aluminum alloy skin and the forming tool is extracted into vacuum through a vacuum pump; the aluminum alloy skin is deformed through vacuum extrusion, and then the cavity between the aluminum alloy skin and the forming tool is removed, so that the cause of the deformation caused by the accumulated glue is eliminated from the root, and the forming quality of the aluminum alloy composite mixed part is improved; meanwhile, in the method for realizing deformation by using atmospheric pressure, the extrusion force has the advantages of uniform distribution, high consistency of the direction of the pressure and high adjustability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of composite material preparation technology, specifically to a device and method for suppressing glue buildup deformation in aluminum alloy composite parts. Background Technology

[0002] Aluminum alloy skin-composite prepreg hybrid parts are formed by bonding high-strength, ductile aluminum alloy skin and multi-layer composite prepreg under specific curing temperature and pressure. These hybrid parts combine the advantages of both materials. Compared to pure aluminum alloy parts, hybrid parts are lighter and have better fatigue resistance. Compared to pure composite prepreg parts, hybrid parts have better processing performance and impact resistance.

[0003] In existing technologies, the above-mentioned hybrid parts are generally manufactured by molding tooling and thermoforming curing. However, in engineering practice, it has been found that during the molding process, the molding resin is very easy to accumulate on the aluminum alloy surface, which leads to glue buildup and deformation, affecting the overall shape tolerance of the hybrid part and causing the part to be scrapped. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this application is to provide a device and method for suppressing the deformation caused by glue buildup in aluminum alloy composite parts, aiming to solve the defects of the prior art that are prone to glue buildup deformation.

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

[0006] A device for suppressing the deformation of aluminum alloy composite parts due to glue buildup, comprising forming fixtures;

[0007] A sealing assembly is connected to the molding tooling and the aluminum alloy skin respectively, and seals the cavity between the molding tooling and the aluminum alloy skin.

[0008] A vacuum assembly, which is connected to the sealing assembly, forms a vacuum environment within the cavity.

[0009] Optionally, the sealing assembly includes a sealing strip arranged along the edge of the mixture to be molded, with the molding tooling and the mixture to be molded connected to its two sides respectively.

[0010] Optionally, the sealing tape is an adhesive tape or a sealing strip; the sealing tape is long and narrow or ring-shaped and adapted to the shape of the composite material.

[0011] Optionally, the sealing assembly also includes an air guide strip disposed between the molding tooling and the aluminum alloy skin, which connects the cavity between the molding tooling and the aluminum alloy skin to the external environment.

[0012] Optionally, the vacuum assembly includes a vacuum tube and a vacuum pump connected to each other, and the air guide strip is provided with air guide holes adapted to the vacuum tube.

[0013] Accordingly, this application also discloses a method for suppressing the deformation of aluminum alloy composite parts by adhesive buildup, comprising the following steps:

[0014] The forming fixture is equipped with an aluminum alloy skin and several air guide strips;

[0015] Install sealing components on the aluminum alloy skin;

[0016] Connect the vacuum assembly to the sealing assembly, and use the vacuum assembly to create a vacuum.

[0017] The composite prepreg is laid in the forming tooling to form a semi-finished product of aluminum alloy composite material;

[0018] The semi-finished product of aluminum alloy composite material is cured and molded.

[0019] Optionally, the forming fixture is equipped with an aluminum alloy skin and several air guide strips, and also includes the following steps:

[0020] Based on the structure of the aluminum alloy composite component, mark the clean edge line on the aluminum alloy skin;

[0021] The air guide strip laying area is defined within the forming tooling by combining the clean edge line and the edge line of the aluminum alloy skin;

[0022] Air guide strips are laid within the air guide strip laying area;

[0023] The aluminum alloy skin is laid inside the forming tooling based on the principle of edge overlap.

[0024] Optionally, the spacing between the corresponding clear edge line and the edge line of the aluminum alloy skin is 3-5cm.

[0025] Optionally, a sealing assembly may be installed on the aluminum alloy skin, including the following steps:

[0026] A sealing assembly is laid along the edge line of the aluminum alloy skin; along the laying direction, one side of the sealing assembly is connected to the forming tooling, and the other side is connected to the aluminum alloy skin.

[0027] Check that the sealing assembly adheres and seals all edges of the aluminum alloy skin.

[0028] Optionally, connecting the vacuum assembly and the sealing assembly, and drawing a vacuum through the vacuum assembly, includes the following steps:

[0029] Connect the vacuum tube and the vacuum pump;

[0030] Connect the air inlet of the vacuum tube to the air guide hole on the air guide strip;

[0031] Start the vacuum pump to draw a vacuum until the aluminum alloy skin within the clean edge line is deformed and completely fits the forming tooling.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0033] This application includes a molding fixture and a sealing assembly. An aluminum alloy skin is disposed inside the molding fixture. The sealing assembly is connected to both the molding fixture and the aluminum alloy skin to seal the cavity between the molding fixture and the aluminum alloy skin. The sealing assembly is also connected to a vacuum assembly for evacuating a vacuum.

[0034] This application also discloses a method for suppressing deformation based on the above-mentioned device. First, an air guide strip is set in the forming fixture. Then, an aluminum alloy skin and a sealing component are set. The cavity between the aluminum alloy skin and the forming fixture is evacuated by a vacuum component. Finally, the composite prepreg is laid in the forming fixture to form a semi-finished product of the aluminum alloy composite mixture. The semi-finished product of the aluminum alloy composite mixture is cured and formed by thermoforming.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the related device described in this application has a simple structure, which not only reduces the cost of the entire device, but also simplifies the operation steps and processes of the equipment, which is conducive to improving molding efficiency.

[0036] In engineering practice, it has been found that the root cause of glue accumulation deformation is that no matter how precise the installation of the aluminum alloy skin is, there is always a cavity between the molding tooling and the aluminum alloy skin, and the cavity increases as the size of the aluminum alloy skin increases; the molding resin will enter the cavity during the molding process, thus forming glue accumulation deformation.

[0037] For the reasons mentioned above, this application uses a vacuum method to create a pressure difference on both sides of the aluminum alloy skin, thereby using a larger atmospheric pressure to squeeze the aluminum alloy skin towards the forming tooling side, thereby removing the cavity between the aluminum alloy skin and the forming tooling, eliminating the cause of glue accumulation and deformation from the root, and thus improving the forming quality of aluminum alloy composite parts.

[0038] Compared with existing technologies, since the atmosphere is ubiquitous, the entire aluminum alloy skin will be subjected to corresponding compression after the pressure difference is formed, thus avoiding processing dead corners. At the same time, due to the high uniformity of the force, different points of the aluminum alloy skin can achieve synchronous extrusion deformation, avoiding pulling between different areas of the aluminum alloy skin, which is conducive to improving processing quality.

[0039] Compared to mechanical extrusion and other processing methods, vacuum extrusion applies a gentler force to aluminum alloy skin and does not cause pressure or scratches on the aluminum alloy skin, which helps to improve the protection of the aluminum alloy skin and thus improve the quality of aluminum alloy composite parts.

[0040] Finally, during the processing, the pressure on the aluminum alloy skin can be adjusted by regulating the vacuum level, thus making the entire processing process more controllable and improving processing quality. Furthermore, after the aluminum alloy skin is bonded to the forming fixture, no matter how much the vacuum level is increased, the forces on both sides of the aluminum alloy skin can cancel each other out. Therefore, processing can be carried out at the maximum vacuum level, thereby improving the fit between the aluminum alloy skin and the forming fixture, and further eliminating cavities that cause glue buildup and deformation, thus improving processing quality. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a device for suppressing the deformation of aluminum alloy composite parts by adhesive buildup, provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0042] Figure 2 A flowchart of a method for suppressing the deformation of aluminum alloy composite parts by adhesive buildup, provided for embodiments of this application;

[0043] Reference numerals: 1-forming tooling, 2-sealing strip, 3-air guide strip, 4-vacuum tube, 5-vacuum pump, 6-air guide hole, 7-aluminum alloy skin, 8-composite prepreg.

[0044] 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

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Implementation Method 1

[0050] Reference Figure 1 This embodiment discloses a device for suppressing the deformation of aluminum alloy composite parts due to glue buildup, including a molding fixture 1, wherein the molding fixture 1 is provided with a molding cavity having the same shape as the aluminum alloy composite part.

[0051] The device for suppressing the deformation of aluminum alloy composite parts by adhesive buildup also includes a sealing component and a vacuum component. The sealing component includes a sealing strip 2. The sealing strip 2 can be selected as a heat-resistant adhesive tape or a heat-resistant sealing strip as needed. The sealing strip 2 is long or ring-shaped. If the sealing strip 2 is ring-shaped, its shape is the same as the outline of the aluminum alloy skin after it is unfolded, thereby ensuring that the sealing strip can completely seal the edge of the aluminum alloy skin.

[0052] The sealing assembly also includes an air guide strip 3, which is a commonly used air guide assembly in the prior art, preferably a heat-resistant air guide strip 3, and the air guide strip 3 is also provided with an air guide hole 6;

[0053] The vacuum assembly includes a vacuum tube 4 and a vacuum pump 5. One end of the vacuum tube 4 is connected to the vacuum pump 5, and the other end is connected to the air guide hole 6 provided on the air guide strip 3. The air guide hole 6 is connected to the cavity between the forming tooling 1 and the aluminum alloy skin.

[0054] Compared with the prior art, the device described in this application has a simple structure, which not only reduces the cost of the entire device, but also simplifies the operation steps and processes of the equipment, thus improving molding efficiency.

[0055] Meanwhile, the air guide strip 3 not only connects the cavity between the forming tooling 1 and the aluminum alloy skin to the external environment, but also forms multiple airflow outlets between the cavity between the forming tooling 1 and the aluminum alloy skin. This not only improves the efficiency of vacuuming, but also ensures the uniformity of airflow and guarantees the synchronous deformation of different parts of the aluminum alloy.

[0056] Implementation Method 2

[0057] Reference Figure 2 This embodiment, as another optional embodiment of this application, discloses a method for suppressing the deformation of aluminum alloy composite parts due to glue buildup, comprising the following steps:

[0058] S1. An aluminum alloy skin and several air guide strips are provided on the forming tooling;

[0059] S11. Draw the clear edge line on the aluminum alloy skin according to the structure of the aluminum alloy composite parts;

[0060] First, clean the molding cavity of the molding tooling to remove debris and ensure molding quality;

[0061] Prepare an aluminum alloy skin for making aluminum alloy composite parts. It should be noted that the size of the aluminum alloy skin should be larger than the size of the aluminum alloy composite parts to leave enough adjustment margin for subsequent processing and ensure processing quality.

[0062] Draw the corresponding outline on the prepared aluminum alloy skin according to the dimensions of the aluminum alloy composite part. The outline is the net edge line.

[0063] The distance between the clean edge line and the corresponding edge line of the aluminum alloy skin is 3-5cm;

[0064] Since the aluminum alloy skin will deform during subsequent processing, the setting of the clean edge line not only allows for sufficient allowance for the entire processing, but also ensures that the effective aluminum alloy skin used to form the aluminum alloy composite part undergoes sufficient deformation, thereby improving processing quality; and the 3-5cm processing allowance can reduce the amount of aluminum alloy used while ensuring the above technical effects, thus reducing costs.

[0065] S12. Combine the clean edge line with the edge line of the aluminum alloy skin to define the air guide strip laying area in the forming tooling.

[0066] Based on the dimensions of the clean edge line, draw the corresponding outline on the forming surface of the forming tool; at the same time, measure the dimensions of the aluminum alloy skin used to make the aluminum alloy composite parts and draw the corresponding outline on the forming surface of the forming tool.

[0067] Since the net edge line is smaller than the outline line, a ring with the same shape as the aluminum alloy skin will be formed between the two outline lines. The ring area is the air guide strip laying area.

[0068] S13. Lay air guide strips in the air guide strip laying area;

[0069] Air guide strips are laid in the aforementioned air guide strip laying area. It should be noted that two or four air guide strips can be set, the specific number of which is determined according to actual needs. At the same time, the position of the air guide strips is also determined according to actual needs, as long as they are within the aforementioned air guide strip laying area. However, in order to improve the molding quality, it is better to set the air guide strips in the outer area of ​​the air guide strip laying area to ensure that the area near the net edge line of the aluminum alloy skin is fully deformed.

[0070] S14. Based on the principle of edge overlap, the aluminum alloy skin is laid in the forming fixture;

[0071] The aluminum alloy skin is laid in the forming cavity of the forming tool; during laying, it is necessary to ensure that each edge line of the aluminum alloy skin corresponds to and overlaps with the outline line drawn through the edge of the aluminum alloy skin in step S12.

[0072] Using the above-mentioned methods can greatly improve the laying accuracy and efficiency of aluminum alloy skin, and ensure the alignment of the air guide strip with the aluminum alloy skin.

[0073] S2. Install sealing components on the aluminum alloy skin;

[0074] After the aluminum alloy skin is installed, the sealing strips on each side are laid along the edge of the aluminum alloy skin in one go. If the sealing strip is a long strip, it is laid in one go. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that one side of the sealing strip is connected to the forming tooling and the other side is connected to the aluminum alloy skin along the laying direction. This will close the transition area between the aluminum alloy skin and the forming tooling in the middle area of ​​the sealing strip.

[0075] If the sealing strip is a ring structure, then the sealing strip is directly bonded, and it must also be ensured that the transition area between the aluminum alloy skin and the forming tooling is closed in the middle area of ​​the sealing strip.

[0076] After encapsulation, it is necessary to check the adhesion and sealing of all edge areas of the aluminum alloy skin to avoid air leakage.

[0077] S3. Connect the vacuum assembly to the sealing assembly, and draw a vacuum through the vacuum assembly;

[0078] The assembly of the entire device can be completed by inserting the vacuum tube and vacuum pump assembly into the air vent.

[0079] After the equipment is assembled, a vacuum pump is used to extract the cavity between the aluminum alloy skin and the forming tooling into a vacuum state. During the vacuuming process, the deformation of the aluminum alloy skin is observed until the aluminum alloy skin within the net edge line is completely deformed and fits the forming tooling.

[0080] S4. Lay the composite prepreg in the forming tooling to form a semi-finished product of aluminum alloy composite material;

[0081] S5. Curing and molding the semi-finished aluminum alloy composite parts.

[0082] Compared with the prior art, this application creates a pressure difference on both sides of the aluminum alloy skin by vacuuming, thereby using a larger atmospheric pressure to squeeze one side of the aluminum alloy skin box forming tooling, thereby removing the cavity between the aluminum alloy skin and the forming tooling, eliminating the cause of glue accumulation and deformation from the root, and thus improving the forming quality of aluminum alloy composite parts.

[0083] Since the atmosphere is everywhere, the entire aluminum alloy skin will be subjected to corresponding compression after the pressure difference is formed, thereby avoiding the occurrence of processing dead corners. At the same time, due to the high uniformity of the force, different points of the aluminum alloy skin can achieve synchronous compression deformation, avoiding the pulling caused by asynchronous deformation between different areas of the aluminum alloy skin, which is conducive to improving processing quality.

[0084] Compared to mechanical extrusion and other processing methods, vacuum extrusion applies a gentler force to aluminum alloy skin and does not cause pressure or scratches on the aluminum alloy skin, which helps to improve the protection of the aluminum alloy skin and thus improve the quality of aluminum alloy composite parts.

[0085] Finally, during the processing, the pressure on the aluminum alloy skin can be adjusted by regulating the vacuum level, thus making the entire processing process more controllable and improving processing quality. Furthermore, after the aluminum alloy skin is bonded to the forming fixture, no matter how much the vacuum level is increased, the forces on both sides of the aluminum alloy skin can cancel each other out. Therefore, processing can be carried out at the maximum vacuum level, thereby improving the fit between the aluminum alloy skin and the forming fixture, and further eliminating cavities that cause glue buildup and deformation, thus improving processing quality.

[0086] 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 device for suppressing the deformation of aluminum alloy composite parts due to glue buildup, characterized in that, Including forming tooling (1); A sealing assembly is connected to the molding tooling (1) and the aluminum alloy skin respectively, and seals the cavity between the molding tooling (1) and the aluminum alloy skin. The sealing assembly includes a sealing strip (2) arranged along the edge of the mixed part to be formed, with the forming tooling (1) and the mixed part to be formed connected to its two sides respectively; The sealing assembly also includes an air guide strip (3), which is disposed between the molding tooling (1) and the aluminum alloy skin to connect the cavity between the molding tooling (1) and the aluminum alloy skin with the external environment. A vacuum assembly, which is connected to the sealing assembly, forms a vacuum environment within the cavity; The vacuum assembly includes a vacuum tube (4) and a vacuum pump (5) connected to each other, and the air guide strip (3) is provided with an air guide hole (6) adapted to the vacuum tube (4).

2. The device for suppressing glue buildup and deformation in aluminum alloy composite parts according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing strip (2) is an adhesive tape or a sealing strip; the sealing strip (2) is a long strip or a ring that matches the shape of the composite material.

3. A method for suppressing the deformation of aluminum alloy composite parts by adhesive buildup according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The forming fixture is equipped with an aluminum alloy skin and several air guide strips; Install sealing components on the aluminum alloy skin; Connect the vacuum assembly to the sealing assembly, and use the vacuum assembly to create a vacuum. The composite prepreg is laid in the forming tooling to form a semi-finished product of aluminum alloy composite material; The semi-finished product of aluminum alloy composite material is cured and molded.

4. The method for suppressing adhesive buildup deformation in aluminum alloy composite parts according to claim 3, characterized in that, The forming fixture is equipped with an aluminum alloy skin and several air guide strips, and the process also includes the following steps: Based on the structure of the aluminum alloy composite component, mark the clean edge line on the aluminum alloy skin; The air guide strip laying area is defined within the forming tooling by combining the clean edge line and the edge line of the aluminum alloy skin; Air guide strips are laid within the air guide strip laying area; The aluminum alloy skin is laid inside the forming tooling based on the principle of edge overlap.

5. The method for suppressing adhesive buildup and deformation in aluminum alloy composite parts according to claim 4, characterized in that, The spacing between the corresponding net edge line and the edge line of the aluminum alloy skin is 3-5cm.

6. The method for suppressing adhesive buildup deformation in aluminum alloy composite parts according to claim 3, characterized in that, The installation of the sealing assembly on the aluminum alloy skin includes the following steps: A sealing assembly is laid along the edge line of the aluminum alloy skin; along the laying direction, one side of the sealing assembly is connected to the forming tooling, and the other side is connected to the aluminum alloy skin. Check that the sealing assembly adheres and seals all edges of the aluminum alloy skin.

7. The method for suppressing adhesive buildup deformation in aluminum alloy composite parts according to claim 3, characterized in that, The process of connecting the vacuum assembly and the sealing assembly, and creating a vacuum through the vacuum assembly, includes the following steps: Connect the vacuum tube and the vacuum pump; Connect the air inlet of the vacuum tube to the air guide hole on the air guide strip; Start the vacuum pump to draw a vacuum until the aluminum alloy skin within the clean edge line is deformed and completely fits the forming tooling.

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