A multi-stage conformal heating device and processing system for composite manufacturing

Abstract

The application relates to a multi-stage conformal heating device and a processing system for composite manufacturing. Based on the process principle of progressive forming-laser cladding composite manufacturing, a multi-stage conformal heating device capable of dealing with the uneven heating of plates or workpieces under the conditions of large curved surfaces, irregularities and surface changes in the composite manufacturing process is designed. The device can realize accurate heating of complex-shaped plates or workpieces during composite manufacturing, so that the components after composite manufacturing have excellent overall mechanical properties. The multi-stage conformal heating device can promote the plates or workpieces to complete the progressive forming and laser cladding in the most idealized temperature, or realize the temperature difference deformation control of the plates or workpieces during the composite manufacturing process.

Description

A multi-stage conformal heating device and processing system for composite manufacturing Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of metal processing, and more specifically to a multi-stage conformal heating device for composite manufacturing. Background Technology

[0002] Progressive forming of sheet metal is a moldless flexible forming technology. It employs a "layered manufacturing" approach, eliminating the need for custom molds and instead using simple supports and fixtures. Through a spherical tool head, it extrudes and forms layers of metal sheet according to a pre-programmed trajectory, enabling the creation of complex curved surfaces in localized areas. This saves on mold development costs, shortens production cycles, and is suitable for producing small batches of complex components with diverse requirements. Currently, this technology is increasingly being applied in aerospace and medical fields. Laser cladding is a newly emerging surface strengthening technology. It involves adding a cladding material to the substrate surface and using a laser beam to fuse a thin layer with the substrate surface, forming an alloy layer of a certain thickness. This improves the material's surface properties, including wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and fatigue resistance. Compared to traditional surface strengthening processes, laser cladding improves the performance of engineering components while reducing production costs. Therefore, the integrated manufacturing technology combining progressive forming and laser cladding will play a crucial role in future technological applications.

[0003] However, using composite manufacturing technology in a normal temperature environment can lead to loss of dimensional accuracy and large-scale deformation of the sheet or workpiece after processing. It can also cause microstructure degradation and poor mechanical properties, resulting in residual stress and deformation and cracking of the sheet due to uneven heating and cooling during processing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To achieve flexible forming and surface quality enhancement of sheet metal or workpieces under different temperature environments, this invention provides a multi-stage conformal heating device and system for composite manufacturing, mainly possessing the following functions: 1. It can perform conformal preheating treatment of sheet metal or workpieces to complete progressive forming or laser cladding; 2. It can achieve coordinated temperature control of different areas of sheet metal or workpieces during composite manufacturing, so as to process the sheet metal or workpieces under the optimal temperature environment, solving the problem of residual stress caused by uneven heating and cooling during sheet metal or workpiece processing, which leads to quality degradation; 3. Multiple sets of this invention can be equipped simultaneously. After the sheet metal or workpiece is processed, the workpiece is removed from the fixed position of the fixture, the elastic force generated by the contact between the flexible contact heating tool head and the workpiece surface disappears, and the stroke of the spring support system and the flexible contact heating tool head returns to zero. When processing different workpieces, the spring characteristics are used to achieve automatic contact and clamping between the tool head and the workpiece surface, eliminating the need for manual replacement and meeting the requirements of automated production.

[0005] To achieve the above functions, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] This invention proposes a multi-stage conformal heating device for composite manufacturing, comprising multiple flexible contact heating toolheads and a driving device. The driving device adjusts the height of the flexible contact heating toolheads. Each flexible contact heating toolhead includes a flexible heating block, a telescopic hinge frame, side frames, a top rod, a connecting rod, and a spring. The two ends of the telescopic hinge frame are connected to the two side frames via pins. The flexible heating block is connected to the top of the two side frames, and the bottoms of the two side frames are connected by springs. Each side frame is hinged to a connecting rod, and the other end of each connecting rod is hinged to the same top rod. The flexible heating block is connected to an electrically controlled heating unit. This invention allows for the adjustment of the heating area of ​​the flexible heating block through the telescopic hinge frame, side frames, top rod, and connecting rod, thereby adapting to the processing of different sheet materials.

[0007] As a further technical solution, the driving device includes a hydraulic system and elastic components. The end of the push rod of the hydraulic system is provided with a detachable threaded disc, and multiple elastic components are arranged in parallel on the detachable threaded disc. Each elastic component is connected to a flexible contact heating tool head.

[0008] As a further technical solution, the elastic component includes a housing, a lower limiting device, a compression spring, and an upper limiting device; the compression spring is threadedly connected to the lower part of the upper limiting device and the top of the lower limiting device to form a limiting assembly; the limiting assembly is inserted into the housing from below to complete a clearance fit, and the upper limiting device is connected to the push rod.

[0009] As a further technical solution, the electrically controlled heating unit is installed on the lower limit device.

[0010] As a further technical solution, the upper limit device is a stepped rod, and is connected to the top rod of the flexible contact heating tool head by a thread.

[0011] As a further technical solution, the outer shell is connected to the detachable threaded disc by bolts, and a hole is provided on its top for the upper limit device to pass through.

[0012] As a further technical solution, the flexible heating block includes two fixed supports arranged opposite to each other, each fixed support having a row of outer tubes fixed on it, each outer tube having a heating resistor installed inside it, and the outer tubes on the two fixed supports being arranged alternately.

[0013] As a further technical solution, a driving device can drive multiple flexible contact heating tool heads arranged in parallel.

[0014] As a further technical solution, a limiting post is provided on each of the two opposing surfaces of the side frame.

[0015] Secondly, the present invention also provides a processing system, including the aforementioned multi-stage conformal heating device for composite manufacturing.

[0016] As a further technical solution, the processing system also includes a progressive forming tool head and a laser cladding tool head. The sheet material to be processed is supported by the multi-stage conformal heating device. The progressive forming tool head and the laser cladding tool head cooperate with the multi-stage conformal heating device to process the sheet material.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0018] 1. In this invention, when the top rod presses the two connecting rods upward under the action of external force, the included angle between the two connecting rods increases, thereby driving the two side frames to move to both sides, which in turn pulls the two fixed supports of the flexible heating block to move to both sides, thereby increasing the heating area of ​​the plate. When the processed plate is removed, the two side frames move towards each other under the action of springs. When they reach the position where the two limit posts collide, the two side frames stop moving and achieve reset. The purpose of setting the telescopic hinge frame is to make the movement of the two side frames more stable. This device can realize the conformal preheating treatment of the plate or workpiece to complete the forming of the plate or workpiece.

[0019] This invention is based on the process principle of progressive forming-laser cladding composite manufacturing, which enables conformal heating of the surface of large curved, irregular, and multi-variable plates or workpieces during the composite manufacturing process, thereby solving the problem of quality degradation caused by residual stress due to uneven heating and cooling during the composite manufacturing process.

[0020] 2. This invention utilizes a hydraulic system—elastic components—a multi-stage vertical displacement device for a flexible contact heating tool head. Through an electronic control unit, the system works in tandem to ensure the flexible contact heating tool head makes contact with the sheet metal or workpiece surface. It mainly operates in two scenarios: ① When the equidistant vertical distance between the formed parts varies little and a large working stroke is not required, the hydraulic system stops working. The spring tool head uses the adjustable and shape-adaptive working characteristics of the spring force to perform contact electric heating on the sheet metal. After the sheet metal is heated, it is removed from the processing position, the spring force disappears, the electronic heating unit stops supplying power to the flexible heating block, and the multi-stage conformal heating device returns to zero. When processing different sheet metals, the spring rebound characteristic achieves automatic contact clamping, eliminating the need for manual replacement and meeting the requirements of automated production. ② When the equidistant vertical distance between the formed parts varies greatly and exceeds the vertical action distance between the elastic components and the flexible contact heating tool head, the hydraulic system comes into play. By controlling the stroke of the hydraulic cylinder, the spring tool head is transported to the working position and uses the adjustable and shape-adaptive working characteristics of the spring force to perform contact electric heating on the sheet metal. Once the sheet material is heated, it is removed from the processing position, the elasticity disappears, the electrically controlled heating unit stops supplying power to the flexible heating block, heating ends, and the multi-stage conformal heating device returns to zero. When processing different sheet materials, the spring rebound characteristic is used to achieve automatic contact clamping, eliminating the need for manual replacement and meeting the requirements of automated production.

[0021] 3. The flexible contact heating tool head utilizes its mechanism. The surface of the workpiece contacts the spring-loaded tool head, compressing downwards to generate force. The push rod within the flexible contact heating tool head generates an upward thrust, causing the long telescopic hinge frame to expand outwards. The spring in the heating tool head stretches from its initial relaxed position, pulling the flexible heating block along with it, increasing the heating area and ensuring a complete fit between the heating block and the workpiece for heating. The telescopic structure of the heating block, formed by the telescopic hinge frame, prevents twisting or bending during operation, making the process safer. After heating is complete, the workpiece is removed from the processing position, creating a gap between the workpiece surface and the flexible contact heating tool head. The spring force disappears, the electrical heating unit stops supplying power to the flexible heating block, heating ends, the spring in the flexible contact heating tool head returns to zero, and the device returns to its initial position, completing the work cycle. Figure description:

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall operation of a multi-stage conformal heating device for composite manufacturing;

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the elastic component in Figure 1;

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the overall flexible contact heating tool head;

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the flexible heating module;

[0026] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the flexible heating module in a partially inserted state;

[0027] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the flexible heating module in its fully inserted state;

[0028] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary support device for the flexible contact heating tool head;

[0029] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a multi-stage conformal heating device applied to a large curvature spherical plate.

[0030] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a multi-stage conformal heating device applied to a stepped plate.

[0031] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a multi-stage conformal heating device applied to a large curved sheet material;

[0032] In Figure 1: 1—Laser cladding robotic arm, 2—Laser cladding head, 3—Sheet metal, 4—Clamp, 5—Hydraulic system, 6—Removable threaded disc, 7—Lower limit device, 8—Compression spring with threads at both ends, 9—Electrically controlled heating unit, 10—Sensing wire, 11—Nut, 12—Bolt, 13—Elastic component housing, 14—Upper limit device, 15—Flexible contact heating tool head, 16—Retractable progressive forming tool head, 17—Servo motor, 18—Progressive forming robotic arm; 15-1—Screw, 15-2—Flexible heating block, 15-2-1 Fixed bracket, 15-2-2 Outer tube, 15-2-3 Heating resistor, 15-3—Telescopic hinge frame, 15-4—Pin, 15-5—Side frame, 15-6—Top rod, 15-7—Connecting rod, 15-8—Spring with ear, 15-9—Limiting post. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1-7. The specific structure is as follows: The present invention provides a multi-stage conformal heating device for composite manufacturing. By using a multi-stage conformal heating device, the temperature of the sheet material is controlled during the composite manufacturing process, solving the problem of quality degradation caused by residual stress due to uneven heating and cooling of continuous, multi-varying, large curved sheet materials during composite manufacturing. Specifically, it includes four main parts: an elastic component, a flexible contact heating tool head, a hydraulic system, and a central control unit.

[0034] The elastic component includes multiple parallel hydraulic systems 5. A detachable threaded disc 6 is provided at the end of the push rod of each hydraulic system 5. Multiple elastic components are arranged in parallel on the detachable threaded disc 6 to support the plate 3 (see Figure 2 for details). Each elastic component has the same structure, including a bolt 12, a nut 11, a lower limit device 7, a compression spring 8 with threads at both ends, an electrically controlled heating unit 9, an upper limit device 14, and a flexible contact heating tool head 15. The detachable threaded disc 6 is assembled by being threadedly connected to the push rod in the hydraulic system 5. The compression spring 8 with threads at both ends is threadedly connected to the lower part of the upper limit device 14 and the top of the lower limit device 7 to form a limit assembly. Threaded holes are provided at the center of the upper limit device 14 and the lower limit device 7 to achieve threaded connection between the spring and the device. The assembled limit assembly is inserted from below the elastic component housing 13 to achieve a clearance fit with the elastic component housing. The entire assembly is bolted to the detachable threaded disc 6 for final assembly. Then, the upper limit device 14 is connected to the flexible contact heating tool head 15.

[0035] It should be noted that in this embodiment, three elastic components are provided on the detachable threaded disc 6. However, in other embodiments, the number of elastic components is not limited to three, and can be four, five, etc., as needed.

[0036] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the hydraulic system 5 is provided with six components. However, in other embodiments, the number of elastic components is not limited to six. Three, four, five, seven, etc. can be provided as needed. The specific number can be selected according to the area of ​​the plate.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the above-mentioned flexible contact heating tool head 15 includes a screw 15-1, a flexible heating block 15-2, a telescopic hinge frame 15-3, a pin 15-4, a side frame 15-5, a top rod 15-6, a connecting rod 15-7, a spring with an ear 15-8, and a limiting post 15-9.

[0038] The telescopic hinge frame 15-3 is connected to the two side frames 15-5 at both ends by pins 15-4. A flexible heating block 15-2 is connected to the top of the two side frames 15-5. The bottom of the two side frames 15-5 is connected by two springs 8. Each side frame 15-5 is hinged to a connecting rod 15-7. The other end of the two connecting rods 15-7 is hinged to the top rod 15-6. A limiting post 15-9 is provided on the opposite surface of the two side frames 15-5. When the two side frames 15-5 move towards each other with the limiting post 15-9 under the action of the lug spring 15-8, the two side frames 15-5 stop moving when they collide with each other.

[0039] Furthermore, the aforementioned limiting post 9 is screwed into the side frame 5 by threads, the lug spring 8 is hung in the groove of the side frame 5, and the flexible heating block 2 is screwed into the side frame 5 by screws to complete the final assembly.

[0040] Furthermore, the flexible heating block includes two opposing fixed supports 15-2-1, each fixed support 15-2-1 having a row of outer sleeves 15-2-2 fixed on it, and each outer sleeve housing a heating resistor 15-2-3. The outer sleeves 15-2-2 on the two fixed supports are arranged alternately. Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the flexible heating block in a partially inserted state; Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the flexible heating block in a fully inserted state. One fixed support 15-2-1 is connected to one of the side frames 15-5 by bolts or screws, and the other fixed support 15-2-1 is connected to another... One side frame 15-5 is connected by bolts or screws; when the top rod 15-6 presses the two connecting rods upward under the action of external force, the included angle of the two connecting rods increases, which in turn drives the two side frames 15-5 to move to both sides, thereby pulling the two fixed brackets of the flexible heating block to move to both sides, thereby increasing the heating area. When the processed plate is removed, the two side frames 15-5 move towards each other under the action of the lug spring 15-8. When they move to the position where the two limit posts 15-9 collide, the two side frames 15-5 stop moving; the purpose of setting the telescopic hinge frame 15-3 is to make the movement of the two side frames more stable.

[0041] The aforementioned hydraulic system includes command elements (programmers), comparators, electronic controllers, proportional valves, hydraulic cylinders, and detection feedback elements. Since hydraulic systems that enable telescopic functions are common systems, they will not be described in detail here.

[0042] Furthermore, the central control unit consists of a main control module, a temperature data acquisition module, a temperature data monitoring module, and a display unit module, etc., to realize functions such as heating surface temperature data monitoring, heating surface status estimation, online fault diagnosis, heating safety control and alarm, and information storage. Since the central control unit is basically the same as the existing control system, it will not be described in detail here.

[0043] In this embodiment, a multi-level control system is formed by setting up a hydraulic system, an elastic component, and a flexible contact heating tool head. The working ranges of the hydraulic system, the elastic component, and the flexible contact heating tool head can be adjusted individually or collaboratively. Specifically, the hydraulic system controller uses a program module to drive the solenoid valve to open under the signal feedback of the central control unit, and the hydraulic cylinder then realizes the up-and-down reciprocating motion; under the action of the top column load, the elastic component realizes the up-and-down reciprocating motion of the upper limit device (with a threaded hole in the middle) through the different compression degrees of the threaded compression springs at both ends; the telescopic hinge frame in the flexible contact heating tool head can realize adaptive extension and retraction, and the flexible heating block expands under the action of the telescopic structure composed of the telescopic hinge frame to achieve contact with the plate.

[0044] When the equidistant vertical distance between the formed parts changes little and a large working stroke is not required, the hydraulic system stops working. The sheet metal or workpiece comes into contact with the flexible contact heating tool head and compresses downwards, generating a force that compresses the spring in the elastic component and stretches the spring in the flexible contact heating tool head. The spring forces generated by the elastic component and the flexible contact heating tool head act together on the surface of the sheet metal. When the flexible contact heating tool head contacts the surface of the sheet metal, a signal is generated and fed back to the electronic heating unit. The electronic heating unit generates current and voltage of different power according to the preset program module, which acts on the flexible heating block to complete the heating. After heating is completed, the sheet metal is removed from the processing position, a gap is created between the sheet metal surface and the flexible contact heating tool head, the spring force disappears, the electronic heating unit stops supplying power to the flexible heating block, the springs in the elastic component and the flexible contact heating tool head return to zero, and the device returns to the initial position.

[0045] When the equidistant vertical distance between the formed parts varies significantly and exceeds the vertical interaction distance between the elastic component and the flexible contact heating tool head, the hydraulic system comes into play. The main control unit of the device feeds a signal back to the controller in the hydraulic system, and uses program module data to drive the solenoid valve to open. The hydraulic cylinder then moves upward, transporting the elastic component and the flexible contact heating tool head to the appropriate processing position via a detachable threaded disc. After being transported to the appropriate processing position, the sheet metal comes into contact with the spring tool head and compresses downward, generating a force that compresses the spring in the elastic component and stretches the spring in the flexible contact heating tool head. The spring forces generated by the elastic component and the flexible contact heating tool head act together on the surface of the sheet metal. When the flexible contact heating tool head contacts the surface of the sheet metal, a signal is generated and fed back to the electronic heating unit. The electronic heating unit generates current and voltage of different power according to the preset program module, which acts on the flexible heating block to complete the heating. Once heating is complete, the sheet material is removed from the processing position, creating a gap between the sheet material surface and the flexible contact heating tool head. The spring force disappears, the electric heating unit stops supplying power to the flexible heating block, the elastic component and the spring in the flexible contact heating tool head return to zero, the device's main control unit feeds a signal back to the controller in the hydraulic system, and uses the program module data to drive the electric relief valve to open, the hydraulic system is unloaded, and the device returns to its initial position.

[0046] The flexible contact heating tool head utilizes its mechanism to adjust the size of the flexible heating block based on the force generated by its interaction with the material surface. Specifically, when the material surface contacts the flexible contact heating tool head and compresses downwards, a force is generated. The push rod within the tool head generates an upward thrust, causing the long telescopic hinge frame to expand outwards. The spring within the tool head stretches from its initial relaxed position, pulling the flexible heating block along with it, thus increasing the heating area and ensuring a complete fit between the heating block and the material for heating. The telescopic structure of the heating block, formed by the telescopic hinge frame, prevents twisting or bending during operation, making the process safer. After heating is complete, the material is removed from the processing position, creating a gap between the material surface and the tool head. The spring force disappears, the electrical heating unit stops supplying power to the flexible heating block, the spring in the tool head returns to zero, and the device returns to its initial position, completing the work cycle.

[0047] Implementation Case 1:

[0048] As shown in Figure 1, the processing of the planar sheet material by the above-mentioned multi-stage conformal heating device is as follows:

[0049] 1. Select a suitable clamp 4 according to the shape of the sheet material to be processed, and fix the sheet material 3 by clamping the plate of clamp 4;

[0050] 2. Since the equidistant vertical distance of the formed parts changes little and a large working stroke is not required, the hydraulic system 5 does not need to be started and can be stopped.

[0051] 3. After the clamp 4 pressure plate fixes the plate 3, the surface of the plate 3 comes into contact with the flexible contact heating tool head and is compressed downwards, generating a force that compresses the threaded compression spring 8 at both ends of the elastic component and stretches the lug spring 15-8 in the flexible contact heating tool head. The spring force generated by the elastic component and the flexible contact heating tool head acts together on the surface of the plate. When the flexible contact heating tool head contacts the surface of the plate, it generates a signal and feeds it back to the temperature data acquisition module of the main control unit. At the same time, it sends a heating command to the controller in the electric heating unit 9. The temperature data monitoring module in the main control unit collects the heating data and feeds it back to the main control unit and the electric heating unit 9. The electric heating unit 9 generates current and voltage of different powers according to the preset program module and acts on the flexible heating block 15-2 to complete the heating.

[0052] 4. After heating is complete, the sheet material is removed from the processing position, creating a gap between the sheet surface and the flexible contact heating tool head, and the spring force disappears. The central control unit sends a signal to the electric heating unit 9 to stop supplying power to the flexible heating block, and heating stops. The temperature data acquisition module completes the acquisition and processing of heating data. The spring in the elastic component and the flexible contact heating tool head returns to zero, the device returns to its initial position, and the operation ends.

[0053] 5. When processing different plates or workpieces, the flexible contact heating tool head automatically contacts and clamps the plate or workpiece surface by utilizing the spring rebound characteristics, eliminating the need for manual replacement and meeting the requirements of automated production.

[0054] Implementation Case 2:

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, this embodiment provides a processing method for a large curvature spherical plate using a multi-stage conformal heating device, as follows:

[0056] 1. Select the appropriate clamps according to the shape of the sheet material to be processed, and fix the sheet material with the clamp pressure plate;

[0057] 2. Because the equidistant vertical distance of the formed parts varies greatly and exceeds the vertical working distance between the elastic component and the flexible contact heating tool head, the system control unit sends a command to the hydraulic system 5. The hydraulic cylinder drives the detachable threaded disc 6 to move upward, and stops after reaching the appropriate working distance between the elastic component and the flexible contact heating tool head.

[0058] 3. Since the vertical distance between the middle positions of the plates varies little and a large working stroke is not required, the hydraulic system 5 does not need to be started;

[0059] 4. After the clamping plate fixes the sheet material, the surface of the sheet material comes into contact with the flexible contact heating tool head and is compressed downwards, generating a force that compresses the threaded compression springs 8 at both ends of the elastic component and stretches the lug springs 15-8 in the flexible contact heating tool head. The spring force generated by the elastic component and the flexible contact heating tool head acts together on the surface of the sheet material. When the flexible contact heating tool head contacts the surface of the sheet material, it generates a signal and feeds it back to the temperature data acquisition module of the central control unit. At the same time, it sends a heating command to the controller in the electric heating unit 9. The temperature data monitoring module in the central control unit collects the heating data and feeds it back to the central control unit and the electric heating unit 9. The electric heating unit 9 generates current and voltage of different powers according to the preset program module, which acts on the flexible heating block 9 to complete the heating.

[0060] 5. After heating is complete, the sheet material is removed from the processing position, creating a gap between the sheet surface and the flexible contact heating tool head, and the spring force disappears. The central control unit sends a signal to the electric heating unit 9 to stop supplying power to the flexible heating block, and heating stops. The temperature data acquisition module completes the acquisition and processing of heating data. The spring in the elastic component and the flexible contact heating tool head returns to zero, and the device returns to its initial position. The system central control unit sends an unloading command to the hydraulic system 5, the hydraulic cylinder resets, and the operation ends.

[0061] 6. When processing different plates or workpieces, the flexible contact heating tool head automatically contacts and clamps the plate or workpiece surface by utilizing the spring rebound characteristics, eliminating the need for manual replacement and meeting the requirements of automated production.

[0062] Implementation Case 3:

[0063] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, this embodiment provides a method for applying a multi-stage conformal heating device to stepped or large curved sheet materials, as detailed below:

[0064] 1. Select the appropriate clamps according to the shape of the sheet material to be processed, and fix the sheet material with the clamp pressure plate;

[0065] 2. Since the interval between the formed parts exceeds the vertical working distance between the elastic component and the flexible contact heating tool head, the system control unit sends a command to the hydraulic system 5. The hydraulic cylinder drives the detachable threaded disc 6 to move upward, and stops after reaching the appropriate working distance between the elastic component and the flexible contact heating tool head.

[0066] 3. When the elastic component and the flexible contact heating tool head enter the appropriate working range, the processed surface of the sheet metal comes into contact with the flexible contact heating tool head and compresses downwards, generating a force. This compresses the threaded compression springs 8 at both ends of the elastic component and stretches the lug springs 15-8 in the flexible contact heating tool head. The spring forces generated by the elastic component and the flexible contact heating tool head work together on the surface of the sheet metal. When the flexible contact heating tool head contacts the surface of the sheet metal, it generates a feedback signal and acts on the electrically controlled heating unit 9. The electrically controlled heating unit 9 generates current and voltage of different power according to the preset program module, which acts on the two flexible heating blocks 15-2 to complete the heating.

[0067] 4. After heating is complete, the sheet material is removed from the processing position, creating a gap between the sheet material surface and the flexible contact heating tool head. The spring force disappears, and the central control unit sends a signal to the electric heating unit 9 to stop supplying power to the flexible heating block, thus stopping heating. The temperature data acquisition module completes the acquisition and processing of heating data. The spring in the elastic component and the flexible contact heating tool head returns to zero, the device returns to its initial position, and the system central control unit sends an unloading command to the hydraulic system 5, resetting the hydraulic cylinder and ending the operation.

[0068] 5. When processing different plates or workpieces, the flexible contact heating tool head automatically contacts and clamps the plate or workpiece surface by utilizing the spring rebound characteristics, eliminating the need for manual replacement and meeting the requirements of automated production.

[0069] This device solves the problems of insufficient forming limits and low dimensional accuracy of sheet metal during flexible forming at room temperature, and the problem of thermal deformation caused by large temperature differences in the processing area during laser cladding. The multi-stage conformal heating device mainly consists of an elastic component, a flexible contact heating tool head, a hydraulic system, and a central control unit module. The elastic component and flexible contact heating tool head utilize their structural characteristics to precisely contact the sheet metal surface for heating. For sheet metal or workpieces with large equidistant deformation exceeding the working stroke of the elastic component and flexible contact heating tool head, the large working stroke of the hydraulic system can compensate for the small stroke of the elastic component and flexible contact heating tool head. Multiple sets of the multi-stage conformal heating device can be equipped simultaneously. After the sheet metal or workpiece is processed, it is removed from the fixture, the force generated by the contact between the flexible contact heating tool head and the sheet metal surface disappears, and the stroke of the elastic component and flexible contact heating tool head returns to zero. When processing different sheet metals, the spring return characteristic is used to achieve automatic contact and clamping between the tool head and the sheet metal surface, eliminating the need for manual replacement and meeting the requirements of automated production.

Claims

1. A multi-stage conformal heating device for composite manufacturing, characterized in that, The device includes multiple flexible contact heating toolheads and a driving device, wherein the driving device adjusts the height of the flexible contact heating toolheads. Each flexible contact heating toolhead comprises a flexible heating block, a telescopic hinge frame, side frames, a top rod, connecting rods, and springs. The two ends of the telescopic hinge frame are connected to two side frames via pins. Flexible heating blocks are connected to the tops of the two side frames, and the bottoms of the two side frames are connected by springs. Each side frame is hinged to a connecting rod, and the other ends of the two connecting rods are hinged to the same top rod. The flexible heating block is connected to an electrically controlled heating unit. The driving device includes a hydraulic system and elastic components. The top rod end of the hydraulic system is provided with a detachable threaded disc, and multiple parallel elastic components are arranged on the detachable threaded disc. Each elastic component is connected to a flexible contact heating toolhead. Each elastic component includes a housing and a lower limit device. The device comprises a compression spring and an upper limit device; the compression spring is threadedly connected to the lower part of the upper limit device and the top of the lower limit device to form a limit assembly; the limit assembly is inserted into the outer shell from below to complete a clearance fit, and the upper limit device is connected to the push rod of the flexible contact heating tool head; the flexible heating block includes two oppositely arranged fixed supports, each fixed support has a row of outer sleeves fixed on it, each outer sleeve has a heating resistor installed inside, and the outer sleeves on the two fixed supports are arranged alternately; the surface of the plate to be processed contacts the flexible contact heating tool head and compresses downward to generate a force, the push rod in the flexible contact heating tool head generates an upward pushing force, presses the two connecting rods, the included angle of the two connecting rods increases, thereby driving the two side frames to move to both sides, thereby pulling the two fixed supports of the flexible heating block to move to both sides, thereby increasing the heating area.

2. The multi-stage conformal heating device for composite manufacturing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electrically controlled heating unit is installed on the lower limit device.

3. The multi-stage conformal heating device for composite manufacturing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The upper limit device is a rod, and it is connected to the top rod of the flexible contact heating tool head by a thread.

4. The multi-stage conformal heating device for composite manufacturing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing is bolted to the detachable threaded disc, and a hole is provided on its top for the upper limit device to pass through.

5. The multi-stage conformal heating device for composite manufacturing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A limiting post is provided on each of the two opposing surfaces of the side frame.

6. A processing system, characterized in that, Includes the multi-stage conformal heating device for composite manufacturing as described in any one of claims 1-5.

7. The processing system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a progressive forming tool head and a laser cladding tool head. The sheet material to be processed is supported by the multi-stage conformal heating device. The progressive forming tool head and the laser cladding tool head work together with the multi-stage conformal heating device to process the sheet material.

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