A forming apparatus and method for aircraft fuel tank reinforcing ribs

Abstract

This application provides a forming apparatus and method for aircraft fuel tank reinforcing ribs. The apparatus includes: a forming box having a forming cavity and a placement cavity, the forming cavity for forming the reinforcing rib and the placement cavity for placing raw material rods; an induction heater disposed on one side of the forming box for heating the raw material rods; an extrusion device located above the forming box and movably connected to the forming box for extruding the raw material rods until they are formed into reinforcing ribs within the forming cavity; and a control mechanism for regulating the extrusion pressure and speed of the extrusion device and the power of the induction heater to ensure the forming quality of the reinforcing ribs. This invention ensures the forming quality of the reinforcing ribs by dynamically regulating the extension pressure and speed of the electric telescopic rod and the power of the induction heater.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of parts forming technology, specifically relating to a forming apparatus and method for aircraft fuel tank reinforcing ribs. Background Technology

[0002] like Figure 4 As shown, the reinforcing ribs 18 in the relative technology are generally welded in pairs to the side wall of the aircraft fuel tank to tighten the fuel tank and enhance its rigidity. The raw material for this part is a metal rod, and its overall outline is approximately semi-circular with a large curvature.

[0003] Because of its large curvature, the reinforcing rib part 18 is prone to exceeding the tensile strength of the material during the pressure molding process, which can damage the part. It can also cause large springback deformation, resulting in substandard part forming quality or even scrapping. Therefore, this invention proposes a forming device and forming method for aircraft fuel tank reinforcing rib parts. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Purpose of the invention: To solve the prominent problems that during the pressure molding process, the tensile strength of the material is easily exceeded, which can damage the parts. At the same time, large springback deformation can also occur, resulting in substandard part forming quality or even scrap.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a forming apparatus for aircraft fuel tank reinforcing ribs, the apparatus comprising:

[0006] A molding box has a molding cavity and a placement cavity, the molding cavity being connected to the placement cavity, the molding cavity being used to mold reinforcing ribs, and the placement cavity being used to place raw material bars;

[0007] An induction heater is disposed on one side of the forming box, and the induction heater is used to heat the raw material bar;

[0008] An extrusion device is located above the forming box and is movably connected to the forming box. The extrusion device is used to extrude the raw material bar until the raw material bar is formed into a reinforcing rib in the forming cavity.

[0009] A control mechanism is used to regulate the extrusion pressure and speed of the extrusion device, as well as the power of the induction heater, to ensure the forming quality of the reinforcing ribs.

[0010] Preferably, the extrusion device includes:

[0011] A limiting post, one end of which is connected to the molding box;

[0012] The top plate is connected to the other end of the limiting post;

[0013] An electric telescopic rod, one end of which is connected to the top plate;

[0014] A sliding plate, the two ends of which are connected to the limiting posts, the sliding plate being able to slide along the limiting posts, and the middle part of the upper surface of the sliding plate being connected to the other end of the electric telescopic rod;

[0015] A fixing plate, one end of which is connected to the middle of the lower surface of the sliding plate;

[0016] A semi-circular plate is connected to the other end of the fixed plate; wherein, driven by the electric telescopic rod, the semi-circular plate can move downward to squeeze the raw material rod until the raw material rod is formed into a reinforcing rib part in the forming cavity.

[0017] Preferably, the molding box further has a cutting groove; the device further includes:

[0018] A cutter is connected to the sliding plate; wherein, driven by the electric telescopic rod, the cutter can move downward to cut the raw material bar and enter the cutting groove.

[0019] Preferably, the control mechanism includes:

[0020] The control module is electrically connected to the electric telescopic rod and the induction heater; the control module is used to regulate the extension pressure and extension speed of the electric telescopic rod, as well as the power of the induction heater, to ensure the forming quality of the reinforcing rib.

[0021] The detection module is connected to the control module. The detection module is used to detect the temperature of the raw material bar, the downward pressure of the semi-circular plate on the raw material bar, and the downward speed of the semi-circular plate on the raw material bar.

[0022] The processing module includes an evaluation unit and a judgment unit.

[0023] Preferably, the detection module includes:

[0024] The pressing speed detection unit has a laser speed sensor, which is installed on the top plate and is used to detect the pressing speed of the semi-circular plate on the raw material bar.

[0025] The pressure detection unit has a pressure sensor, which is disposed on the arc surface of the semicircular plate and is used to detect the downward pressure exerted by the semicircular plate on the raw material bar.

[0026] A temperature detection unit, having a temperature sensor, is disposed on the arc surface of the semi-circular plate, and is used to detect the temperature of the raw material rod.

[0027] Preferably, the molding box further has a slot perpendicular to the cutting groove, through which the raw material bar can pass into the placement cavity.

[0028] Preferably, the device further includes:

[0029] A magnetic block is disposed on the arc surface of the semicircular plate;

[0030] When the semicircular plate is pressed and formed, it rises and magnetically pulls out the formed reinforcing ribs through two magnetic blocks embedded in the bottom side wall.

[0031] Secondly, this application also provides a method for forming aircraft fuel tank reinforcing ribs, the method comprising:

[0032] Step 1: Pass the raw material bar through the induction heater to heat it up, and then insert the raw material bar horizontally into the placement chamber through the slot.

[0033] Step 2: After one end of the raw material bar is pressed against the side wall of the placement cavity, the electric telescopic rod is lowered. The electric telescopic rod lowers and drives the cutter and the semi-circular plate to descend through the sliding plate. Because the bottom of the cutter is lower than the bottom of the semi-circular plate, the cutter will first enter the cutting groove and cut the raw material bar in the placement cavity along the cutter when it descends. Then the semi-circular plate continues to descend and presses the cut raw material bar in the placement cavity into the molding cavity, so as to form a semi-circular reinforcing rib.

[0034] Preferably, step 2 includes:

[0035] During the semi-circular plate pressing process, the temperature, pressure and pressing speed of the raw material bar cut below the semi-circular plate are detected by the temperature detection unit, pressure detection unit and pressing speed detection unit, forming temperature T, pressure W and pressing speed V, and then transmitted to the evaluation unit for evaluation.

[0036] If at least one of the values ​​of temperature T, pressure W, and downward pressure speed V exceeds the range of the first preset threshold, the value is adjusted until it falls within the range of the first preset threshold.

[0037] The temperature T, pressure W, and pressing speed V are summarized to form detection condition information. A data model is constructed and optimized and trained. Regression analysis is performed on the obtained temperature T, pressure W, and pressing speed V using analysis software to obtain the influence of temperature T, pressure W, and pressing speed V on the forming quality of the reinforcing rib. The temperature influence factor At, pressure influence factor Aw, and pressing speed influence factor Av are output.

[0038] The evaluation unit acquires temperature T, pressure W, and depressurization rate V, and performs dimensionless processing on them, then correlates them to form a control coefficient CX. The correlation model is as follows:

[0039]

[0040] Where At represents the temperature influence factor; Aw represents the pressure influence factor; Av represents the downward pressure speed influence factor; GCZ represents the stiffener influence coefficient; Q represents the cross-sectional radius of the raw material bar; and R represents the radius of the semi-circular plate.

[0041] The obtained control coefficient CX is transmitted to the judgment unit and compared with the second preset threshold. If the control coefficient CX is not within the range of the second preset threshold, a corresponding control command is generated to regulate the elongation pressure and elongation speed of the electric telescopic rod, as well as the temperature of the raw material rod, until the control coefficient CX is within the second preset threshold, thereby ensuring the forming quality of the reinforcing rib.

[0042] This application has the following technical effects:

[0043] This invention dynamically controls the elongation pressure and speed of the electric telescopic rod, as well as the power of the induction heater, to ensure the forming quality of the reinforcing ribs. It is also simple to operate, has high forming efficiency, and is easy to promote. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a forming device for an aircraft fuel tank reinforcing rib type part proposed in this invention.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a forming device for aircraft fuel tank reinforcing ribs, as proposed in this invention.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the semi-circular plate proposed in this invention;

[0047] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the reinforcing rib component structure proposed in this invention;

[0048] The components include: 1. Top plate; 2. Electric telescopic rod; 3. Sliding plate; 4. Fixed plate; 5. Limiting post; 6. Semicircular plate; 7. Cutter; 8. Raw material bar; 9. Induction heater; 10. Cutting groove; 11. Forming box; 12. Forming cavity; 13. Laser speed sensor; 14. Slot; 15. Pressure sensor; 16. Temperature sensor; 17. Magnetic block; 18. Reinforcing rib parts; 19. Placement cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0049] This application provides a forming device for aircraft fuel tank reinforcing ribs, including a forming box. The forming box has a placement cavity on its upper side and a forming cavity on its bottom side. Two limiting posts are fixedly connected to the upper side of the forming box. A top plate is fixedly connected to the upper ends of the two limiting posts. An electric telescopic rod is fixedly connected to the bottom side wall of the top plate. A sliding plate is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the electric telescopic rod. The sliding plate is slidably connected to the two limiting posts. A fixing plate is fixedly connected to the bottom side wall of the sliding plate. A semi-circular plate is fixedly connected to the bottom side of the fixing plate. The shape of the semi-circular plate matches the shape of the forming cavity. A pressure sensor and a temperature sensor are provided on the bottom side wall of the semi-circular plate. A laser velocity sensor is provided on the bottom side wall of the top plate to measure the downward pressure speed of the sliding plate. An induction heater is fixedly connected to the side wall of the forming box. A slot is formed on the side wall of the placement cavity. The axis of the slot is collinear with the axis of the induction heating coil of the induction heater. A cutting device is provided on one side of the placement cavity.

[0050] Preferably, the cutting device includes a cutting groove, which is opened on the upper side of the forming box. The cutting groove and the slot are connected in a cross shape. The top side of the cutting groove is connected to the placement cavity. A vertically arranged cutter is fixedly connected to the bottom side wall of the sliding plate. The shape of the cutter is adapted to the shape of the cutting groove, and the cutter is located directly above the cutting groove.

[0051] Preferably, two magnetic blocks are embedded in the bottom sidewall of the semicircular plate.

[0052] Preferably, it also includes a control mechanism for regulating the extension pressure and speed of the electric telescopic rod, as well as the power of the induction heater, to ensure the forming quality of the reinforcing rib.

[0053] Preferably, the control mechanism includes a control module, a detection module, and a processing module;

[0054] The control module is electrically connected to the electric telescopic rod and the induction heater;

[0055] The detection module includes a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the raw material bar in the molding cavity, a pressure detection unit for detecting the downward pressure of the semi-circular plate on the raw material bar in the molding cavity, and a downward pressure speed detection unit for detecting the downward pressure speed of the semi-circular plate on the raw material bar in the molding cavity.

[0056] The processing module includes an evaluation unit and a judgment unit.

[0057] Preferably, the temperature detection unit is a temperature sensor, the pressure detection unit is a pressure sensor, and the downward pressure speed detection unit is a laser speed sensor.

[0058] Please see Figures 1-4 In this embodiment of the invention, a forming device for aircraft fuel tank reinforcing ribs is provided, comprising a forming box 11, a placement cavity 19 on the upper side of the forming box 11, a forming cavity 12 on the bottom side of the placement cavity 19, two limiting posts 5 fixedly connected to the upper side of the forming box 11, a top plate 1 fixedly connected to the upper end of the two limiting posts 5, an electric telescopic rod 2 fixedly connected to the bottom side wall of the top plate 1, a sliding plate 3 fixedly connected to the bottom end of the electric telescopic rod 2, the sliding plate 3 slidingly connected to the two limiting posts 5, and a fixing plate 4 fixedly connected to the bottom side wall of the sliding plate 3. A semi-circular plate 6 is fixedly connected to the bottom side of the fixed plate 4. The shape of the semi-circular plate 6 is adapted to the shape of the molding cavity 12. A pressure sensor 15 and a temperature sensor 16 are provided on the bottom side wall of the semi-circular plate 6. A laser speed sensor 13 is provided on the bottom side wall of the top plate 1. The laser speed sensor 13 is used to measure the downward pressing speed of the sliding plate 3. An induction heater 9 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the molding box 11. A slot 14 is opened on the side wall of the placement cavity 19. The axis of the slot 14 is collinear with the axis of the induction heating coil of the induction heater 9. A cutting device is provided on one side of the placement cavity 19.

[0059] Specifically, the cutting device includes a cutting groove 10, which is opened on the upper side of the forming box 11. The cutting groove 10 and the slot 14 are connected in a cross shape. The top side of the cutting groove 10 is connected to the placement cavity 19. A vertically arranged cutter 7 is fixedly connected to the bottom side wall of the sliding plate 3. The shape of the cutter 7 is adapted to the shape of the cutting groove 10, and the cutter 7 is located directly above the cutting groove 10.

[0060] The invention also includes a control mechanism for regulating the extension pressure and extension speed of the electric telescopic rod 2, as well as the power of the induction heater 9, to ensure the forming quality of the reinforcing rib.

[0061] The control mechanism includes a control module, a detection module, and a processing module;

[0062] The control module is electrically connected to the electric telescopic pole 2 and the induction heater 9;

[0063] The detection module includes a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the raw material rod 8 in the molding cavity 12, a pressure detection unit for detecting the downward pressure of the semi-circular plate 6 on the raw material rod 8 in the molding cavity 12, and a downward pressing speed detection unit for detecting the downward pressing speed of the semi-circular plate 6 on the raw material rod 8 in the molding cavity 12. The temperature detection unit is a temperature sensor 16, the pressure detection unit is a pressure sensor 15, and the downward pressing speed detection unit is a laser velocity sensor 13.

[0064] The processing module includes an evaluation unit and a judgment unit.

[0065] In other embodiments of this application, a method for forming aircraft fuel tank reinforcing ribs is also provided, and a forming apparatus for aircraft fuel tank reinforcing ribs according to any one of the above claims is provided, specifically including the following steps:

[0066] S1, firstly, the raw material rod 8 is passed through the induction heater 9 to heat the raw material rod 8, and then the raw material rod 8 is horizontally inserted into the placement cavity 19 through the slot 14.

[0067] S2, after one end of the raw material bar 8 abuts against the side wall of the placement cavity 19, the electric telescopic rod 2 is activated to descend. The descent of the electric telescopic rod 2 can drive the cutter 7 and the semi-circular plate 6 to descend through the sliding plate 3. Because the bottom of the cutter 7 is lower than the bottom of the semi-circular plate 6, when the cutter 7 descends, it will first enter the cutting groove 10 and cut the raw material bar 8 in the placement cavity 19 along the cutter 7. Then the semi-circular plate 6 continues to descend. The semi-circular plate 6 presses the cut raw material bar 8 in the placement cavity 19 into the forming cavity 12, so as to form a semi-circular reinforcing rib part 18.

[0068] S3, during the pressing and forming process of the semi-circular plate 6, the temperature, pressure, and pressing speed of the raw material bar 8 cut below the semi-circular plate 6 can be detected by the temperature detection unit, pressure detection unit, and pressing speed detection unit in the detection module, forming temperature T, pressure W, and pressing speed V, and transmitting them to the evaluation unit for evaluation. If at least one of them exceeds the range of the corresponding first preset threshold, the value exceeding the range is adjusted until it is within the range; wherein, the range of the first preset threshold is obtained based on experience;

[0069] S4. The obtained temperature T, pressure W, and pressing speed V are summarized to form detection condition information. A data model is constructed and optimized and trained. The obtained temperature T, pressure W, and pressing speed V are analyzed by analysis software to obtain the influence of temperature T, pressure W, and pressing speed V on the forming quality of the reinforcing rib. The temperature influence factor At, pressure influence factor Aw, and pressing speed influence factor Av are output.

[0070] S5, the evaluation unit obtains temperature T, pressure W, and depressurization rate V, and performs dimensionless processing on them, then correlates them to form a control coefficient CX. The correlation model is as follows:

[0071]

[0072] Where At represents the temperature influence factor, 0.24≤At≤0.81; Aw represents the pressure influence factor, 0.51≤Aw≤0.64; Av represents the downward pressure speed influence factor, 0.47≤Av≤0.91; GCS represents the stiffener influence coefficient; Q represents the cross-sectional radius of the raw material bar 8; and R represents the radius of the semi-circular plate 6.

[0073] S6, the acquired control coefficient CX is transmitted to the judgment unit and compared with a preset second threshold. If the control coefficient CX is not within the range of the second preset threshold, a corresponding control command is generated to regulate the elongation pressure and elongation speed of the electric telescopic rod 2, as well as the power of the induction heater 9, until the control coefficient CX is within the second preset threshold, thereby ensuring the forming quality of the reinforcing rib. The range of the second preset threshold is obtained from multiple tests based on the comparison of forming quality.

[0074] When the semicircular plate 6 is pressed and formed, it can magnetically pull out the formed reinforcing rib part 18 through the two magnetic blocks 17 embedded on the bottom side wall.

Claims

1. A forming apparatus for aircraft fuel tank reinforcing ribs, characterized in that, The device includes: A molding box has a molding cavity and a placement cavity, the molding cavity being connected to the placement cavity, the molding cavity being used to mold reinforcing ribs, and the placement cavity being used to place raw material bars; An induction heater is disposed on one side of the forming box, and the induction heater is used to heat the raw material bar; An extrusion device is located above the forming box and is movably connected to the forming box. The extrusion device is used to extrude the raw material bar until the raw material bar is formed into a reinforcing rib in the forming cavity. A control mechanism is used to regulate the extrusion pressure and speed of the extrusion device, as well as the power of the induction heater, to ensure the forming quality of the reinforcing ribs; The control mechanism includes: The control module is electrically connected to the electric telescopic rod and the induction heater; the control module is used to regulate the extension pressure and extension speed of the electric telescopic rod, as well as the power of the induction heater, to ensure the forming quality of the reinforcing rib. The detection module is connected to the control module. The detection module is used to detect the temperature of the raw material bar, the downward pressure of the semi-circular plate on the raw material bar, and the downward speed of the semi-circular plate on the raw material bar, to form temperature T, pressure W, and downward speed V, and transmit them to the evaluation unit for evaluation. The processing module includes an evaluation unit and a judgment unit; The temperature T, pressure W, and pressing speed V are summarized to form detection condition information. A data model is constructed and optimized and trained. Regression analysis is performed on the obtained temperature T, pressure W, and pressing speed V using analysis software to obtain the influence of temperature T, pressure W, and pressing speed V on the forming quality of the reinforcing rib. The temperature influence factor At, pressure influence factor Aw, and pressing speed influence factor Av are output. The evaluation unit acquires temperature T, pressure W, and depressurization rate V, and performs dimensionless processing on them, then correlates them to form a control coefficient CX. The correlation model is as follows: Where At represents the temperature influence factor; Aw represents the pressure influence factor; Av represents the downward pressure speed influence factor; GCZ represents the stiffener influence coefficient; Q represents the cross-sectional radius of the raw material bar; and R represents the radius of the semi-circular plate. The obtained control coefficient CX is transmitted to the judgment unit and compared with the second preset threshold. If the control coefficient CX is not within the range of the second preset threshold, a corresponding control command is generated to regulate the elongation pressure and elongation speed of the electric telescopic rod, as well as the temperature of the raw material rod, until the control coefficient CX is within the second preset threshold, thereby ensuring the forming quality of the reinforcing rib.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extrusion device includes: A limiting post, one end of which is connected to the molding box; The top plate is connected to the other end of the limiting post; An electric telescopic rod, one end of which is connected to the top plate; A sliding plate, the two ends of which are connected to the limiting posts, the sliding plate being able to slide along the limiting posts, and the middle part of the upper surface of the sliding plate being connected to the other end of the electric telescopic rod; A fixing plate, one end of which is connected to the middle of the lower surface of the sliding plate; A semi-circular plate is connected to the other end of the fixed plate; wherein, driven by the electric telescopic rod, the semi-circular plate can move downward to squeeze the raw material rod until the raw material rod is formed into a reinforcing rib part in the forming cavity.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The molding box also has a cutting groove; the device further includes: A cutter is connected to the sliding plate; wherein, driven by the electric telescopic rod, the cutter can move downward to cut the raw material bar and enter the cutting groove.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The detection module includes: a pressing speed detection unit with a laser speed sensor, the laser speed sensor being disposed on the top plate, the laser speed sensor being used to detect the pressing speed of the semi-circular plate on the raw material bar; The pressure detection unit has a pressure sensor, which is disposed on the arc surface of the semicircular plate and is used to detect the downward pressure exerted by the semicircular plate on the raw material bar. A temperature detection unit, which includes a temperature sensor, is disposed on the arc surface of the semi-circular plate and is used to detect the temperature of the raw material bar.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The molding box also has a slot perpendicular to the cutting groove, through which the raw material bar can pass into the placement cavity.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The device further includes: A magnetic block is disposed on the arc surface of the semicircular plate; When the semicircular plate is pressed and formed, it rises and magnetically pulls out the formed reinforcing ribs through two magnetic blocks embedded in the bottom side wall.

7. A forming method for aircraft fuel tank reinforcing ribs, characterized in that, The method includes: Step 1: Pass the raw material bar through the induction heater to heat it up, and then insert the raw material bar horizontally into the placement chamber through the slot. Step 2: After one end of the raw material bar is pressed against the side wall of the placement cavity, the electric telescopic rod is lowered. The electric telescopic rod lowers and drives the cutter and the semi-circular plate to lower through the sliding plate. Because the bottom of the cutter is lower than the bottom of the semi-circular plate, the cutter will first enter the cutting groove and cut the raw material bar in the placement cavity along the cutter when it descends. Then the semi-circular plate continues to descend and presses the cut raw material bar in the placement cavity into the molding cavity, so as to form a semi-circular reinforcing rib. During the semi-circular plate pressing process, the temperature, pressure and pressing speed of the raw material bar cut below the semi-circular plate are detected by the temperature detection unit, pressure detection unit and pressing speed detection unit, forming temperature T, pressure W and pressing speed V, and then transmitted to the evaluation unit for evaluation. If at least one of the values ​​of temperature T, pressure W, and downward pressure speed V exceeds the range of the first preset threshold, the value is adjusted until it falls within the range of the first preset threshold. The temperature T, pressure W, and pressing speed V are summarized to form detection condition information. A data model is constructed and optimized and trained. Regression analysis is performed on the obtained temperature T, pressure W, and pressing speed V using analysis software to obtain the influence of temperature T, pressure W, and pressing speed V on the forming quality of the reinforcing rib. The temperature influence factor At, pressure influence factor Aw, and pressing speed influence factor Av are output. The evaluation unit acquires temperature T, pressure W, and depressurization rate V, and performs dimensionless processing on them, then correlates them to form a control coefficient CX. The correlation model is as follows: Where At represents the temperature influence factor; Aw represents the pressure influence factor; Av represents the downward pressure speed influence factor; GCZ represents the stiffener influence coefficient; Q represents the cross-sectional radius of the raw material bar; and R represents the radius of the semi-circular plate. The obtained control coefficient CX is transmitted to the judgment unit and compared with the second preset threshold. If the control coefficient CX is not within the range of the second preset threshold, a corresponding control command is generated to regulate the elongation pressure and elongation speed of the electric telescopic rod, as well as the temperature of the raw material rod, until the control coefficient CX is within the second preset threshold, thereby ensuring the forming quality of the reinforcing rib.

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