An aerogel film processing apparatus

Abstract

This invention provides an aerogel processing device, including a support frame and a film supply assembly, a feeding device, a negative pressure mechanism, a first traction device, a hot pressing device, a cooling device, a second traction device, and a winding device mounted on the support frame. The film supply assembly is used to transport upper and lower hot pressing films. The feeding device is used to hold aerogel powder and lay it between the upper and lower hot pressing films through the discharge port. The negative pressure mechanism is used to generate negative pressure to make the aerogel powder densely arranged in a single layer on the lower hot pressing film. The first traction device includes two release films arranged vertically and vertically, and corresponding drive mechanisms. It pulls the upper and lower hot pressing films with aerogel powder laid in the middle forward into the hot pressing device. The hot pressing device heats and pressurizes the upper and lower hot pressing films, causing them to adhere and coat the aerogel surface to form an aerogel film. This equipment has a simple structure and is easy to operate, greatly simplifying the continuous production of aerogel films.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aerogel membrane processing technology, and more specifically to an aerogel membrane processing device. Background Technology

[0002] Silica aerogel is a material with a unique three-dimensional network structure. Its pore size is smaller than the mean free path of air molecules, effectively blocking heat conduction, convection, and radiation. In recent years, silica aerogel has been widely used in building insulation and aerospace exploration due to these properties. However, existing aerogel processing methods are generally complex and difficult to master, with low processing efficiency, low levels of automation and CNC, and inconsistent product quality. When higher performance requirements are placed on the products, traditional processing lines cannot optimize the design or combine them with other materials to meet the required performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the problems existing in the background technology, the present invention provides an aerogel membrane processing equipment with a simple structure and high efficiency in producing aerogel membranes.

[0004] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0005] An aerogel processing device includes a support frame and a film supply assembly, a feeding device, a negative pressure mechanism, a first traction device, a hot pressing device, a cooling device, a second traction device, and a winding device sequentially arranged after the hot pressing device. The film supply assembly is used to transport upper and lower hot pressing films. The feeding device includes a hopper for holding aerogel powder, and the hopper has a discharge port. The aerogel powder is laid on the lower hot pressing film through the discharge port, and the upper hot pressing film is laid on the aerogel powder. The negative pressure mechanism is located outside the hopper discharge port and below the lower hot pressing film, with its suction port facing the lower hot pressing film, to generate negative pressure so that the aerogel powder is densely arranged in a single layer on the lower hot pressing film. The first traction device includes two release films arranged vertically and horizontally, and a separator... A corresponding driving mechanism is used. Two layers of hot-pressed film with aerogel powder in the middle are sandwiched between the upper and lower release films. The driving mechanism drives the corresponding release films to move forward, thereby moving the upper and lower layers of hot-pressed film with aerogel powder in the middle forward. The hot-pressing device is provided with a hot-pressing channel. A part of the upper and lower release films is sandwiched in the hot-pressing channel. The upper and lower layers of hot-pressed film with aerogel powder in the middle enter the hot-pressing channel under the drive of the upper and lower release films. The hot-pressing device heats and presses, so that the upper and lower layers of hot-pressed film are heated and bonded to cover the aerogel surface to form an aerogel film. The cooling device cools the aerogel film. The second traction device is used to pull the aerogel film out of the cooling device. The winding device is used to roll the aerogel film into a roll.

[0006] The principle and beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0007] The feeding device delivers the aerogel powder from the hopper to the middle of the lower hot-press film. The aerogel powder is laid between the upper and lower hot-press films. The negative pressure mechanism adsorbs it onto the surface of the lower hot-press film to form a uniform single-layer structure. The first and second traction devices drive the upper and lower hot-press films with aerogel powder in the middle forward and into the hot-pressing device. The hot-press film is heated and melted. The upper and lower hot-press films are pressed and bonded to the surface of the aerogel to form an aerogel film. Then, it is cooled and solidified by the cooling device. Finally, the prepared aerogel film is wound onto the winding device by the second traction device.

[0008] The aerogel processing equipment of the present invention has a simple structure, low cost, is easy to use, and has a high degree of automation. It integrates feeding, winding and recycling. It can complete the continuous production of aerogel membranes using hot-pressed film and aerogel powder by heating, pressurizing and cooling. The structure of the aerogel membrane can be designed, optimized and adjusted according to the performance requirements, and combined with other functional materials, such as adding activated carbon, graphene oxide or cellulose to the feeding device.

[0009] The aerogel membrane prepared by this invention is a single-layer flat aerogel membrane. The combination of negative pressure mechanism and release film makes the prepared aerogel membrane have a regular shape, a smooth outer surface, and no texture, bubbles, or wrinkles. After stacking multiple layers, it is pressed into shape and cut into aerogel boards of different thicknesses. According to calculations, its thermal conductivity can be 0.025W / m·K, which is much lower than most existing thermal insulation materials. It is also lightweight, cost-effective, easy to store and access, and can be flexibly applied to various fields with different precision requirements such as automotive batteries, architectural coatings, and aerospace.

[0010] Furthermore, the film supply assembly includes two unwinding rollers placed one above the other, with the upper and lower layers of hot-pressed film respectively loaded on the two unwinding rollers.

[0011] The advantage of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that the unwinding roller structure is simple.

[0012] Furthermore, the discharge port is equipped with a height-adjustable scraper, and the inner side of the discharge port of the hopper is equipped with a feeding screw.

[0013] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that the feeding screw rotates to output the aerogel powder from the discharge port, and the height of the scraper can be adjusted as needed to adjust the discharge amount so that the aerogel powder forms a uniform layered arrangement on the lower hot press film.

[0014] Furthermore, both release films are loops connected end to end, and each drive mechanism includes two track bushings arranged at the front and rear. Each release film is respectively fitted onto the corresponding front and rear track bushings and rotates cyclically under the drive of the track bushings.

[0015] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that the track bushing is used to pull the upper and lower release films and the upper and lower heat-pressed films to attach and detach them, and the release film is not easily deformed by heat and can be recycled repeatedly.

[0016] Furthermore, the hot pressing device includes two heating plates arranged vertically and vertically, and at least one set of pressure rollers located between the two heating plates. Each set of pressure rollers is arranged vertically and vertically, forming the hot pressing channel in the middle.

[0017] The advantages of adopting the above-mentioned further solution are that the hot pressing device has a simple structure, can be heated and pressurized simultaneously, and has high hot pressing efficiency.

[0018] Furthermore, the release film is made of polyester or polyamide.

[0019] Furthermore, the material of the heat-pressed film is polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl fluoride.

[0020] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that the negative pressure mechanism can prevent the lightweight aerogel powder from scattering and make it densely arranged in a single layer between the upper and lower hot-pressed films.

[0021] Furthermore, the cyclone separator is located next to the support frame to collect aerogel powder that flies during processing. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the aerogel membrane processing equipment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding device of the aerogel membrane processing equipment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the aerogel membrane before and after processing, where (a) is the arrangement before processing and (b) is the coating after processing.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the finished product structure formed by stacking and pressing the aerogel membrane according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the hot pressing device of the aerogel film processing equipment of the present invention.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Feeding device; 2. Track bushing; 3. Support frame; 4. Negative pressure mechanism; 5. Hot pressing device; 6. Cooling device; 7. Second traction device; 8. Winding device; 9. Release film; 10. Hot pressing film; 11. Aerogel powder; 12. Feeding screw; 13. Scraper; 14. Hopper; 15. Heating plate; 16. Pressure roller shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The principles and features of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The examples given are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0029] The following will combine Figures 1 to 4 The aerogel processing equipment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0030] Figure 1 The aerogel processing apparatus of the present invention is shown. The apparatus includes a support frame 3 and a film supply assembly, a feeding device 1, a negative pressure mechanism 4, a first traction device, a hot pressing device 5, a cooling device 6, a second traction device 7, and a winding device 8 arranged sequentially after the hot pressing device 5.

[0031] The membrane supply assembly is used to transport the upper and lower layers of hot-pressed film 10. The feeding device 1 includes a hopper 14 for holding aerogel powder 11. The hopper 14 has a discharge port, through which the aerogel powder 11 is laid on the lower layer of hot-pressed film 10. The upper layer of hot-pressed film 10 is laid on the aerogel powder 11. The negative pressure mechanism 4 is located outside the discharge port of the hopper and below the lower layer of hot-pressed film 10. Its air intake faces the lower layer of hot-pressed film 10 and is used to generate negative pressure so that the aerogel powder 11 is densely arranged in a single layer on the lower layer of hot-pressed film 10. The first traction device includes two release films 9 arranged vertically and vertically, and corresponding drive mechanisms. The upper and lower layers of hot-pressed film 10 with aerogel powder 11 laid in the middle are sandwiched between the upper and lower release films 9. Between the two release films 9, the driving mechanism drives the corresponding release films 9 to move forward, thereby moving the upper and lower hot-pressed films 10 with aerogel powder 11 in the middle forward. The hot-pressing device 5 is provided with a hot-pressing channel. A part of the upper and lower release films 9 is sandwiched in the hot-pressing channel. The upper and lower hot-pressed films 10 with aerogel powder 11 in the middle enter the hot-pressing channel under the drive of the upper and lower release films 9. The hot-pressing device 5 heats and presses, so that the upper and lower hot-pressed films 10 are heated and bonded to cover the aerogel surface to form an aerogel film. The cooling device 6 cools the aerogel film. The second traction device 7 is used to pull the aerogel film out of the cooling device 6. The winding device 8 is used to roll the aerogel film into a roll.

[0032] The working principle and usage method of the processing equipment of the present invention are as follows:

[0033] In use, the hot pressing device 5 is first turned on to preheat it. When the hot pressing device 5 reaches the set temperature, the first traction device and the second traction device 7 are turned on. After the entire production line moves at a uniform speed and smoothly, the cooling device 6 is turned on. The feeding device 1 sends the aerogel powder 11 in the hopper 14 to the middle of the lower hot pressing film 10. The aerogel powder 11 is laid between the upper hot pressing film 10 and the lower hot pressing film 10. The negative pressure mechanism 4 adsorbs the aerogel powder 11 laid between the upper hot pressing film 10 and the lower hot pressing film 10 onto the surface of the lower hot pressing film 10 to form a uniform single-layer structure. The first traction device and the second traction device 7 drive the upper and lower hot pressing films 10 with the aerogel powder 11 in the middle to move forward and enter the hot pressing device 5. The hot pressing film 10 is heated and melts. The upper and lower hot pressing films 10 are pressed and bonded to the aerogel surface to form an aerogel film. Then, it is cooled and solidified by the cooling equipment. Finally, the prepared aerogel film is rolled onto the winding device 8 by the second traction device 7. Schematic diagrams of the aerogel membrane before and after processing are shown below. Figure 3 As shown.

[0034] The aerogel processing equipment of the present invention has a simple structure, low cost, is easy to use, and has a high degree of automation. It integrates feeding, winding and recycling. It can complete the continuous production of aerogel membrane using only heating, pressurizing and cooling, using hot pressing film 10 and aerogel powder 11. The structure of the aerogel membrane can be designed, optimized and adjusted according to the performance requirements, and combined with other functional materials, such as adding activated carbon, graphene oxide or cellulose to the feeding device 1.

[0035] The aerogel membrane prepared by this invention is a single-layer, flat aerogel membrane with a regular shape, a smooth outer surface, and no texture, bubbles, or wrinkles. Multiple layers of this membrane are stacked, pressed, and then cut to obtain aerogel sheets of different thicknesses. A schematic diagram of the finished product structure formed by stacking and pressing the aerogel membrane is shown below. Figure 4 As shown in the figure. According to calculations, its thermal conductivity can be 0.025 W / m·K, which is much lower than most existing thermal insulation materials. It is also lightweight, cost-effective, easy to store, and can be flexibly applied to various fields with different precision requirements, such as automotive batteries, architectural coatings, and aerospace.

[0036] Preferably, the film supply assembly includes two unwinding rollers placed one above the other, with the upper and lower layers of hot-pressed film 10 respectively loaded on the two unwinding rollers.

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the feeding device 1 is shown. Preferably, the discharge port is equipped with a height-adjustable scraper 13, and the inner side of the discharge port of the hopper 14 is equipped with a feeding screw 12. The feeding screw 12 rotates to output the aerogel powder 11 from the discharge port, maintaining a uniform discharge rate to prevent clogging. The height of the scraper 13 can be adjusted as needed to regulate the discharge amount, so that the aerogel powder 11 forms a uniform layered arrangement on the lower hot-press film 10. The aerogel powder 11 preferably has a diameter of 5 to 50 micrometers.

[0038] Preferably, both release films 9 are loops connected end to end. Each drive mechanism includes two track bushings 2 arranged front and rear. The bushings support and drive the track to move. Each release film 9 is respectively fitted onto the corresponding front and rear track bushings 2 and rotates cyclically under the drive of the track bushings 2. The track bushings 2 are used to pull the upper and lower release films 9 to adhere to and detach from the upper and lower hot-press films 10, and drive the upper and lower hot-press films 10 with aerogel powder 11 in the middle to move forward to complete the continuous production of aerogel films. The smooth release film 9 can make the prepared aerogel film regular in shape, with a flat outer surface, and the release film 9 is not easily deformed by heat and can be reused repeatedly.

[0039] Figure 5A schematic diagram of the hot pressing device 5 is shown. Preferably, the hot pressing device 5 includes two heating plates 15 arranged vertically and vertically, and at least one set of pressure rollers 16 located between the two heating plates 15. Each set of pressure rollers 16 is arranged vertically, forming a hot pressing channel in the middle. The pressure rollers 16 can be rubber rollers with a metal core and an outer layer of vulcanized rubber. Simultaneous heating and pressurization occur, and the heat generated by the hot pressing device 5 is transferred to the upper and lower hot pressing films 10 through the upper and lower release films 9. When the upper and lower hot pressing films 10 become sticky due to heat and coat the surface of the aerogel powder 11, they quickly adhere and solidify, forming an aerogel film. The heating temperature is controlled at 140–180°C, and the pressure is controlled at 6–10 MPa, preferably around 160°C and around 8 MPa.

[0040] Preferably, the cooling device 6 uses circulating cooling water to cool the aerogel film, with the temperature controlled between 0 and 10°C, preferably around 5°C, so that the shaped aerogel film can be quickly cooled and solidified to facilitate subsequent winding and storage.

[0041] In some preferred embodiments, the release film 9 can be made of polyester or polyamide, such as PET, nylon, etc.

[0042] In some preferred embodiments, the material of the heat-pressed film 10 can be a high-performance polymer material that melts upon heating, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl fluoride.

[0043] In some preferred embodiments, the aerogel membrane processing equipment further includes a negative pressure mechanism 4, which is located outside the discharge port of the hopper 14 and below the lower hot-pressed membrane 10. The negative pressure mechanism 4 generates negative pressure to prevent the aerogel powder 11 from dispersing and to ensure its dense, monolayer arrangement between the upper and lower hot-pressed membranes 10. The pressure is controlled between -4 and -8 MPa. In a preferred embodiment, the negative pressure device is a negative pressure fan.

[0044] The negative pressure device, in conjunction with the release film 9, ensures that the aerogel film products are of uniform quality, without texture, bubbles, or wrinkles. The aerogel film prepared by this equipment is a single-layer, flat aerogel film. After stacking multiple layers, it is pressed, cut, and segmented to obtain aerogel boards of different thicknesses. Based on the volume fraction, its thermal conductivity can be calculated to be 0.025 W / Km, which is far lower than most existing thermal insulation materials. It is also lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to store, making it suitable for flexible applications in various fields with different precision requirements, such as automotive batteries, architectural coatings, and aerospace.

[0045] In some preferred embodiments, the second traction device 7 is an electric constant speed rotating shaft, with a rotation speed consistent with that of the track axle sleeve 2.

[0046] Preferably, the cyclone separator is located next to the support frame 3 to collect the aerogel powder 11 that flies during the processing.

[0047] Preferably, the winding device 8 is a winding roller.

[0048] Preferably, the support frame 3 is used to support the entire processing equipment and keep it on the same longitudinal axis and horizontal height to ensure that the equipment operates smoothly and the produced aerogel membrane is of uniform quality and without obvious defects.

[0049] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aerogel film processing apparatus, characterized by, include Support frame (3), and a support frame (3) mounted on the support frame (3); A membrane supply assembly for conveying two layers of hot-pressed film (10); The feeding device (1) includes a hopper (14) for holding aerogel powder (11). The hopper (14) is provided with a discharge port. The aerogel powder (11) is laid on the lower heat-pressed film (10) through the discharge port, and the upper heat-pressed film (10) is laid on the aerogel powder (11). The negative pressure mechanism (4) is located outside the discharge port of the hopper (14) and below the lower hot-press film (10). Its air intake faces the lower hot-press film (10) and is used to generate negative pressure so that the aerogel powder (11) is densely arranged in a single layer on the lower hot-press film (10). The first traction device includes two release films (9) arranged vertically and vertically, and corresponding drive mechanisms. The upper and lower hot-press films (10) with aerogel powder (11) in the middle are sandwiched between the two release films (9). The drive mechanisms drive the corresponding release films (9) to move forward so as to move the upper and lower hot-press films (10) with aerogel powder (11) in the middle forward. The hot pressing device (5) is provided with a hot pressing channel. Parts of the upper and lower release films (9) are sandwiched in the hot pressing channel. The upper and lower hot pressing films (10) with aerogel powder (11) in the middle enter the hot pressing channel under the action of the upper and lower release films (9). The hot pressing device (5) heats and presses the upper and lower hot pressing films (10) so that they are heated and bonded to the surface of the aerogel to form an aerogel film. A cooling device (6) is installed after the hot pressing device (5) to cool the aerogel membrane; A second traction device (7) and a winding device (8) are sequentially arranged downstream of the cooling device (6) to pull the aerogel membrane out of the cooling device (6) and to wind it into a roll, respectively.

2. The aerogel film processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The film supply assembly includes two unwinding rollers placed one above the other, with the upper and lower layers of hot-pressed film (10) respectively loaded on the two unwinding rollers.

3. The aerogel film processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The discharge port is equipped with a height-adjustable scraper (13), and the inner side of the discharge port of the hopper (14) is equipped with a feeding screw (12).

4. The aerogel film processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein, Both release films (9) are loops connected end to end. Each drive mechanism includes two track bushings (2) arranged in front and behind. Each release film (9) is respectively sleeved on the corresponding front and rear track bushings (2) and rotates cyclically under the drive of the track bushings (2).

5. The aerogel film processing apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The hot pressing device (5) includes two heating plates (15) arranged vertically and vertically and at least one set of pressure rollers (16) located between the two heating plates (15). Each set of pressure rollers (16) is arranged vertically and vertically, forming the hot pressing channel in the middle.

6. The aerogel film processing apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The release film (9) is made of polyester or polyamide.

7. The aerogel film processing apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The material of the hot-pressed film (10) is polyethylene, polypropylene or polyvinyl fluoride.

8. The aerogel film processing apparatus of any one of claims 1-7, wherein, It also includes a cyclone separator, which is located next to the support frame (3) for collecting aerogel powder (11) that flies during the processing.

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