A vacuum forming equipment

Abstract

This invention discloses a vacuum forming device, including a base, an upper mold, and a lower mold. The lower mold is mounted on the base, and a heating and heat preservation device is provided at the lower mold and the base. A cooling component is provided on the side wall of the lower mold at the top of the heating and heat preservation device. A feed port is provided on the side wall of the lower mold. A top plate is slidably mounted on the lower mold, and an upper mold that cooperates with the lower mold is mounted on the top plate. A sealing component for sealing the upper mold is provided between the top of the lower mold and the top plate. This invention can be used for the production of large-volume high-purity aluminum materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aluminum forming technology, and more specifically to a vacuum forming equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Vacuum forming equipment plays a crucial role in the production of high-purity aluminum. High-purity aluminum possesses unique physical and chemical properties, making it widely and indispensable in numerous high-tech fields, such as electronics and aerospace. However, traditional vacuum forming equipment used in high-purity aluminum production has many shortcomings.

[0003] The 6N high-purity aluminum produced by existing technology is too small to meet the requirements for direct processing of larger structural parts. Therefore, we need to manufacture a machine that can use high-purity aluminum fragments to produce large-volume high-purity aluminum parts.

[0004] Existing vacuum forming equipment suffers from structural deformation due to heat. For example, the guide structure may deform due to thermal expansion and contraction, making it difficult for the upper mold to rise and fall, and reducing the equipment's lifespan. Regarding material handling, high-purity aluminum products require high purity and precise dimensions. Traditional equipment methods are prone to scratches and impacts, damaging the surface and internal structure, affecting yield and performance. Furthermore, manual operation is cumbersome and time-consuming, making it difficult to meet market demands. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides a vacuum forming device.

[0006] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A vacuum forming apparatus includes a base, an upper mold, and a lower mold. The lower mold is mounted on the base. A heating and heat preservation device is provided at the lower mold and the base. A cooling component is provided on the side wall of the lower mold at the top of the heating and heat preservation device. A feed port is provided on the side wall of the lower mold. A top plate is slidably mounted on the lower mold. An upper mold that cooperates with the lower mold is mounted on the top plate. A sealing component for sealing the upper mold is provided between the top of the lower mold and the top plate.

[0008] Preferably, the heating and heat preservation device includes an upper heating and heat preservation device and a lower heating and heat preservation device. The upper heating and heat preservation device is equipped with several temperature probes for monitoring the temperature of the lower mold. Both the upper heating and heat preservation device and the lower heating and heat preservation device are snap-fit ​​type. The lower heating and heat preservation device is provided at the junction of the base and the lower mold. The upper heating and heat preservation device is connected to the top of the lower heating and heat preservation device.

[0009] Preferably, the cooling component is an annular water-cooled heat exchanger.

[0010] Preferably, the lower mold is provided with a support base at the top, guide sleeves are provided at the four corners of the support base, and a guide shaft that cooperates with the guide sleeves is provided on the top plate.

[0011] Preferably, a limiting ring is provided at the bottom of the guide shaft, and a sleeve is detachably installed on the guide shaft at the limiting ring.

[0012] Preferably, the base is provided with a guide pin, and the lower mold is provided with a pin hole that mates with the guide pin.

[0013] Preferably, the sealing assembly is a metal bellows, the top end of which is welded to the support base via a first flange; the bottom end of which is installed on the top of the lower mold via a second flange; a metal sealing ring gasket and a first graphite gasket are provided between the second flange and the top of the lower mold, with the first graphite gasket located around the metal sealing ring gasket.

[0014] Preferably, a second graphite washer is provided between the lower mold and the base.

[0015] Preferably, a heat insulation plate is provided at the bottom of the base.

[0016] Preferably, a support frame for supporting the lower mold is movably placed at the base.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: high-purity aluminum fragments can be processed by this equipment to produce large-volume high-purity aluminum blanks; the addition of a water-cooling component at the lower mold reduces the positional displacement of the guide sleeve caused by thermal expansion of the support base, making the lifting and lowering of the upper mold smoother; after the lower mold is raised, it is supported by a support frame, and then the finished product is ejected by the upper mold, making unloading convenient and quick; the invention achieves good heat preservation and pressure retention performance through a good sealing design. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0019] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 It is the front view of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view along direction A.

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A.

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B.

[0024] Figure 6 This is an isometric view of the material being cut during the process of this invention.

[0025] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of point A.

[0026] In the attached diagram: 1. Base; 2. Insulation plate; 3. Lower mold; 4. Lower heating and insulation device; 5. Upper heating and insulation device; 6. Screw; 7. Guide pin; 8. Upper mold; 9. Annular water-cooled heat exchanger; 10. Inlet; 11. Metal bellows; 12. Top plate; 13. First flange; 14. Second flange; 15. Metal sealing ring gasket; 16. First graphite gasket; 17. Second graphite gasket; 18. Temperature probe; 19. Support frame; 20. Sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0028] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component.

[0029] For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as “up,” “down,” “left,” and “right” may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature shown in the figure relative to another element or feature. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, spatial terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is inverted, an element described as being “down” of other elements or features would be positioned “up” of those other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary term “down” can encompass both up and down orientations.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0031] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings: A vacuum forming device of the present invention includes a base 1, an upper mold 8, and a lower mold 3. A heat insulation plate 2 is provided at the bottom of the base 1, and a support frame 19 for supporting the lower mold 3 is movably placed on the base 1. The lower mold 3 is installed on the base 1 by screws 6. A heating and heat preservation device is provided at the lower mold 3 and the base 1. An annular water-cooled heat exchanger 9 is provided on the side wall of the lower mold 3 at the top of the heating and heat preservation device. The annular water-cooled heat exchanger can reduce the heat conduction of the heating and heat preservation device to the support seat, thereby reducing the thermal deformation of the support seat and making the lifting and lowering of the upper mold 8 smoother. A feed port 10 is provided on the side wall of the lower mold 3. The feed port 10 is first used for feeding material. After feeding is completed, a vacuum pump is connected through a pipeline to evacuate the lower mold 3. A top plate 12 is slidably installed on the lower mold 3. The upper mold 8 that cooperates with the lower mold 3 is installed on the top plate 12. A sealing component for sealing the upper mold 8 is provided between the top of the lower mold 3 and the top plate 12.

[0032] The heating and heat preservation device includes an upper heating and heat preservation device 5 and a lower heating and heat preservation device 4. The upper heating and heat preservation device 5 is equipped with several temperature probes 18 for monitoring the temperature of the lower mold 3. Both the upper heating and heat preservation device 5 and the lower heating and heat preservation device 4 are snap-fit ​​type for easy installation and disassembly. The lower heating and heat preservation device 4 is provided at the junction of the base 1 and the lower mold 3, and the upper heating and heat preservation device 5 is connected to the top of the lower heating and heat preservation device 4.

[0033] The lower mold 3 is provided with a support base at its top, and guide sleeves are provided at the four corners of the support base. The top plate 12 is provided with a guide shaft that cooperates with the guide sleeves.

[0034] A limit ring is provided at the bottom of the guide shaft, and a sleeve 20 is detachably installed on the guide shaft at the limit ring. The sleeve 20 is composed of two semi-cylinders that are fastened together, and the two semi-cylinders are locked together by a locking block and a locking groove.

[0035] The base 1 is provided with a guide pin 7, and the lower mold 3 is provided with a pin hole that cooperates with the guide pin 7. When the lower mold 3 is placed on the base 1, the guide pin 7 and the pin hole play a guiding role.

[0036] The sealing assembly is a metal bellows 11. The top end of the metal bellows 11 is welded to the support base via a first flange 13. The bottom end of the metal bellows 11 is installed on the top end of the lower mold 3 via a second flange 14. A metal sealing ring gasket 15 and a first graphite gasket 16 are provided between the second flange 14 and the top end of the lower mold 3 to achieve double sealing. The first graphite gasket 16 is located around the metal sealing ring gasket 15. The metal sealing ring gasket 15 can block impurities and prevent the powder of the graphite gasket from entering the lower mold 3.

[0037] A second graphite gasket 17 is provided between the lower mold 3 and the base 1 for sealing between the lower mold 3 and the base 1.

[0038] The top plate 12 of this equipment needs to be used in conjunction with a press. The top plate 12 is connected to the movable end of the press, so that the press can drive the upper mold 8 or the upper mold 8 and the lower mold 3 to perform lifting and lowering actions.

[0039] During vacuum forming, high-purity aluminum fragments are added through the feed port 10. After the feeding is completed, the feed port 10 is connected to the vacuum pump through a pipeline to maintain a vacuum environment inside the lower mold 3 during the forming process. Then, the heating and heat preservation device is started to heat the lower mold 3. The temperature of the lower mold 3 is monitored through the temperature probe 18 to ensure the required temperature conditions inside the lower mold 3. At the same time, the press is controlled to press down the upper mold 8, so that the raw material is formed under high temperature, high pressure and vacuum environment.

[0040] After the raw material forming process is completed, a sleeve 20 is installed at the limiting ring of the guide shaft. Then, the lower heating and heat preservation device 4 is removed to expose the connecting screws 6 between the lower mold 3 and the base 1. The screws 6 connecting the lower mold 3 and the base 1 are then removed. The press is raised, and the press drives the upper mold 8 and the lower mold 3 to rise to the predetermined height. The support frame 19 is then moved to the lower mold 3 to support it. The press is then lowered, and the formed material is ejected from the upper mold 8 onto the base 1 for unloading.

[0041] During the molding process, the lower heating and insulation device 4 needs to be installed on the lower mold 3 and removed during material unloading. The sleeve 20 does not need to be installed. During material unloading, the lower heating and insulation device 4 needs to be removed and the upper sleeve 20 needs to be installed. Installing the sleeve 20 can effectively reduce the lifting range of the press, which not only saves the cost of the press but also saves the installation space required for extra-long presses.

[0042] During the molding process, the cooling components are activated to reduce heat transfer between the heating and insulation devices and the support base, preventing deformation of the support base and guide sleeve that could make it difficult to lift or lower the upper mold 8 or damage the equipment.

[0043] Since the lower mold 3 is not heated uniformly after heating, meaning the temperature of the lower mold 3 from the top of the upper heating and insulation device 5 decreases as it moves away from the upper heating and insulation device 5, the inner diameter of the lower mold from the top of the upper heating and insulation device 5 to the top of the lower mold 3 needs to gradually increase from the top of the upper heating and insulation device 5 to the top of the lower mold 3. Specifically:

[0044] Deformation amount = coefficient of thermal expansion * temperature difference * diameter

[0045] Example 1: The inner diameter of the lower mold is 205mm, and the coefficient of thermal expansion is 1.33*10. -5The temperature range is 20-600℃. Using the aforementioned formula, the deformation amount = 1.33 * 10 -5 * (600-20) * 205 = 1.58 mm. Based on the obtained deformation, the inner diameter of the lower mold at the upper heating and heat preservation device is 205 mm. The inner diameter of the lower mold starts to increase from the top of the upper heating and heat preservation device until the inner diameter at the top of the lower mold increases to 206.58 mm.

[0046] Example 2: The inner diameter of the lower mold is 405mm, and the coefficient of thermal expansion is 1.33*10. -5 The temperature range is 20-600℃. Using the aforementioned formula, the deformation amount = 1.33 * 10 -5 * (600-20) * 205 = 3.12 mm. According to the obtained deformation, the inner diameter of the lower mold at the upper heating and heat preservation device is 405 mm. The inner diameter of the lower mold starts to increase from the top of the upper heating and heat preservation device until the inner diameter at the top of the lower mold increases to 408.12 mm.

[0047] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vacuum forming apparatus, comprising a base (1), an upper mold (8), and a lower mold (3), characterized in that: The base (1) is equipped with a lower mold (3), and a support seat is provided on the top of the lower mold (3). Guide sleeves are provided at the four corners of the support seat. A guide shaft that cooperates with the guide sleeve is provided on the top plate (12). A heating and heat preservation device is provided at the lower mold (3) and the base (1). An annular water-cooled heat exchanger (9) is provided on the side wall of the lower mold (3) at the top of the heating and heat preservation device. The annular water-cooled heat exchanger (9) can reduce the heat conduction of the heating and heat preservation device to the support seat, thereby reducing the heat deformation of the support seat and making the upper mold rise and fall more smoothly. The side wall of the lower mold (3) is provided with a feed port (10). Aluminum fragments are added through the feed port. After the feeding is completed, the feed port is connected to the vacuum pump through a pipeline to make the equipment forming process A vacuum environment is maintained inside the lower mold; a top plate (12) is slidably installed on the lower mold (3), and an upper mold (8) that cooperates with the lower mold (3) is installed on the top plate (12). A metal bellows (11) for sealing the upper mold (8) is provided between the top of the lower mold (3) and the top plate (12). The top end of the metal bellows (11) is welded to the support seat through the first flange (13); the bottom end of the metal bellows (11) is installed on the top of the lower mold (3) through the second flange (14). A metal sealing ring gasket (15) and a first graphite gasket (16) are provided between the second flange (14) and the top of the lower mold (3). The first graphite gasket (16) is located around the metal sealing ring gasket (15). After the raw material forming work is completed, a sleeve (20) is installed at the limiting ring of the guide shaft. Then, the connecting screws (6) of the lower heating and heat preservation device (4) that expose the lower mold (3) and the base (1) are removed. Then, the screws (6) connecting the lower mold (3) and the base (1) are removed. The press is raised and the upper mold (8) and the lower mold (3) are raised to the predetermined height. The support frame (19) is moved to the lower mold (3) to support the lower mold (3). Then, the press is lowered and the formed material is ejected to the base (1) through the upper mold (8) for unloading.

2. The vacuum forming equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The heating and heat preservation device includes an upper heating and heat preservation device (5) and a lower heating and heat preservation device (4). The upper heating and heat preservation device (5) is equipped with several temperature probes (18) for monitoring the temperature of the lower mold (3). The upper heating and heat preservation device (5) and the lower heating and heat preservation device (4) are both snap-fit ​​type. The lower heating and heat preservation device (4) is provided at the junction of the base (1) and the lower mold (3). The upper heating and heat preservation device (5) is connected to the top of the lower heating and heat preservation device (4).

3. The vacuum forming equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A limit ring is provided at the bottom of the guide shaft, and a sleeve (20) is detachably installed on the guide shaft at the limit ring.

4. The vacuum forming equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The base (1) is provided with a guide pin (7), and the lower mold (3) is provided with a pin hole that cooperates with the guide pin (7).

5. The vacuum forming equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A second graphite gasket (17) is provided between the lower mold (3) and the base (1).

6. The vacuum forming equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The base (1) has a heat insulation plate (2) at its bottom.

7. The vacuum forming equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A support frame (19) for supporting the lower mold (3) is movably placed at the base (1).

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