Device and method for preparing through-hole metal-based composite foam material

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of foam metal manufacturing, and provides a through hole metal-based composite foam material preparation device and method.The device comprises a lower die base, a powder feeding mechanism, a powder pressing mechanism, a plurality of metal pipes and a pipe pressing mechanism, an opening is formed in one side of the lower die base, and the other side of the lower die base is closed; the powder feeding mechanism is arranged on one side of the lower die base and used for filling the lower die base with powder. The powder pressing mechanism is arranged opposite to the lower die base and used for pressing powder in the lower die base. A plurality of through holes are formed in the powder pressing part, a plurality of metal pipes are inserted into the corresponding through holes respectively, and the pipe pressing mechanism is arranged opposite to the lower die holder and used for pressing and fixing all the metal pipes in powder. According to the powder compacting device, the powder can be compacted, meanwhile, it is guaranteed that the metal pipe cannot deform, fibers do not need to be wound around the metal pipe, the overall performance cannot be affected, and therefore the structural strength is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of manufacturing of metallic foams, and particularly to a device and a method for preparing a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material. Background Art

[0002] Metallic foam is a composite material integrating functions and structures, which can give full play to the comprehensive performance advantages of metals and porous materials. On the one hand, metallic foam has the remarkable advantages of metallic materials themselves, such as good strength and toughness, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, weldability, recyclability, etc. On the other hand, the presence of a three-dimensional porous structure can endow metallic foam with a series of new structural and functional characteristics different from traditional dense materials, such as low relative density, high specific strength, high specific surface area, and excellent impact energy absorption, sound absorption, heat insulation, heat dissipation, and filtration and separation performance, etc. The excellent comprehensive performance of metallic foam materials makes them become key supporting materials in important military, industrial, agricultural, and medical fields such as aerospace, automobile manufacturing, national defense, energy and chemical industry, construction industry, and biomedicine.

[0003] A through-hole novel metal matrix composite foam material and a preparation method thereof with a publication number of CN113618063A disclose that the composite foam material includes metal tubes for forming a metal tube array and powders filled in the gaps between the metal tubes. The preparation method is as follows: fixing the metal tubes into a metal tube array with fibers, alternately stacking the powders and the metal tube array framework and filling them into a mold, and pressing them into shape; repeating the above steps at least twice to obtain a preform green body; vacuum sintering the preform green body and keeping it warm to obtain a through-hole novel metal matrix composite foam material.

[0004] However, there are many problems in the existing technical solutions. Firstly, there is a certain operation difficulty when winding the tubes with fibers. Secondly, there must be errors when arranging the metal tubes into a fixed metal tube array with fibers, resulting in inconsistent gaps between the tubes. And when pressing the preform after filling the powders and the metal tubes, it is necessary to balance the pressure control of the deformation of the metal tubes and the compaction degree of the powders. Moreover, the fiber winding connection of the metal tubes will affect the overall structural performance, thereby reducing the structural strength. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a device and a method for preparing a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material, which reduces the operation difficulty, avoids directly pressing the metal tubes, enables the powders to be compacted while ensuring that the metal tubes do not deform, and moreover, there is no need to wind the metal tubes with fibers, which will not affect the overall performance, thereby improving the structural strength.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is realized as follows: In the first aspect, the present invention provides a device for preparing a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material, including a lower die base, a powder feeding mechanism, a powder pressing mechanism, a plurality of metal tubes, and a tube pressing mechanism. Among them,

[0007] One side of the lower die base is provided with an opening, and the other side is closed;

[0008] The powder feeding mechanism is arranged on one side of the lower die base. The powder feeding mechanism is provided with a powder feeding end that can move linearly horizontally along the opening side of the lower die base for filling powder into the lower die base;

[0009] The powder pressing mechanism is arranged opposite to the lower die base. The powder pressing mechanism is provided with a powder pressing part that can move linearly vertically along the opening side of the lower die base for pressing the powder in the lower die base;

[0010] A plurality of through holes are formed in the powder pressing part, and the plurality of metal tubes are respectively inserted into the corresponding through holes;

[0011] The tube pressing mechanism is arranged opposite to the lower die base. The tube pressing mechanism is provided with a plurality of positioning parts that can move linearly vertically along the opening side of the lower die base, and the positioning parts are respectively arranged corresponding to the respective through holes and have matching sizes for pressing and fixing each metal tube in the powder.

[0012] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, it further includes a base and a bracket. Among them,

[0013] A positioning groove is formed at the center of the base, and the lower die base is embedded in the positioning groove;

[0014] The bracket is fixed on the base, and both the powder pressing mechanism and the tube pressing mechanism are fixed on the bracket and are arranged opposite to the lower die base.

[0015] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, the powder pressing mechanism further includes at least two connecting components and at least two first pushing members. Among them,

[0016] At least two first pushing members are all fixed on the bracket and are arranged at intervals. The piston end of the first pushing member penetrates through the bracket and extends towards one side of the lower die base;

[0017] The powder pressing part is arranged opposite to the lower die base, and the cross-sectional shape of the powder pressing part matches the inner contour cross-sectional shape of the lower die base;

[0018] At least two connecting components are respectively arranged on both sides of the powder pressing part, and the positions of each connecting component correspond to the positions of the piston ends of the corresponding first pushing members for detachably connecting the piston ends of the first pushing members to the powder pressing part.

[0019] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, each of the connecting components includes a connecting member and at least two locking members. Among them,

[0020] The connecting piece is fixed on the outside of the powder pressing part, and is in the same plane as the top surface of the powder pressing part. When the powder pressing part completely extends into the lower die base, there is a gap between the connecting piece and the top surface of the lower die base;

[0021] A perforation is provided on one side of the connecting piece close to the first pushing piece, and the piston end of the first pushing piece penetrates and extends outside the perforation;

[0022] At least two locking pieces are all threadedly connected to the piston end of the first pushing piece, and are arranged on both sides of the connecting piece and are in contact with the surface of the connecting piece, so that the piston end of the first pushing piece is fixed to the powder pressing part.

[0023] On the basis of the above technical solution, preferably, the pipe pressing mechanism includes an upper die set, a plurality of second pressing heads, a second pushing piece, a fixing piece and a plurality of guiding pieces, wherein,

[0024] The second pushing piece is fixed on the bracket and is in the same straight line position as two opposite first pushing pieces. The piston end of the second pushing piece penetrates the bracket and extends toward one side of the lower die base;

[0025] The fixing piece is fixed to the piston end of the second pushing piece, and the length of the fixing piece is less than the distance between the piston ends of two opposite first pushing pieces;

[0026] A plurality of guiding pieces are all arranged on the side of the fixing piece away from the lower die base, and one end of the guiding piece away from the lower die base penetrates and extends outside the bracket;

[0027] The upper die set is detachably connected to the side of the fixing piece away from the second pushing piece by bolts;

[0028] A plurality of second pressing heads are arranged on the side of the upper die set away from the fixing piece, and the shapes and positions of the second pressing heads respectively match the positions and shapes of the corresponding metal pipes below. In the initial position, the plurality of second pressing heads are respectively located in the through holes corresponding to the powder pressing part, and the second pressing heads serve as the positioning parts of the pipe pressing mechanism.

[0029] On the basis of the above technical solution, preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the through hole is one of a circle, a rectangle, a triangle, an ellipse, a polygon or an irregular shape, and the positions and shapes of the through holes match the positions and shapes of the corresponding metal pipes.

[0030] On the basis of the above technical solution, preferably, the powder feeding mechanism includes a mounting piece, a third pushing piece and a powder feeding assembly, wherein,

[0031] The mounting piece is fixed on the base, is located on one side of the lower die base, and is located between two opposite first pushing pieces;

[0032] The third pushing member is fixedly installed on the fixing member, and the piston end of the third pushing member penetrates through the installation member and extends toward one side of the lower die base;

[0033] The powder feeding assembly is fixed on the piston end of the third pushing member, and the powder feeding end of the powder feeding assembly is correspondingly arranged with the opening side of the lower die base for filling powder into the lower die base.

[0034] On the basis of the above technical solutions, preferably, the powder feeding assembly includes a housing, a mounting frame, a fourth pushing member and an adjusting member, wherein,

[0035] The housing is fixedly connected to the piston end of the third pushing member and is vertically arranged. A blanking port is formed on one side of the housing close to the opening of the lower die base. The width of the blanking port matches the width of the lower die base, and the cross-sectional shape of the side of the housing close to the opening of the lower die base is arranged in an isosceles trapezoid shape. The housing is filled with powder;

[0036] The mounting frame is fixed in the housing and is arranged in a hollow manner;

[0037] The fourth pushing member is fixed on the mounting frame and is perpendicular to the blanking port;

[0038] The cross-sectional shape of the adjusting member is triangular, and the top end is fixed on the piston end of the fourth pushing member. The two sides of the adjusting member are respectively abutted against the inner walls of the blanking port. The width of the adjusting member matches the width of the blanking port for adjusting the powder feeding amount of the blanking port.

[0039] On the basis of the above technical solutions, preferably, it further includes a plurality of vibrating members, and the plurality of vibrating members are respectively arranged on each side surface of the lower die base for oscillating the powder after being fed into the lower die base.

[0040] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a method for preparing a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material, which is realized by using the through-hole metal matrix composite foam material preparation device as described above, and includes the following sub-steps:

[0041] S1, the third pushing member drives the powder feeding assembly to move toward the opening side of the lower die base, so that the fourth pushing member pushes the adjusting member to move to open the blanking port, and feeds a set thickness of powder into the lower die base;

[0042] S2, the first pushing member drives the powder pressing part to move toward the lower die base, moves the powder pressing part into the lower die base, and abuts against the surface of the powder;

[0043] S3, ultrasonically clean all metal tubes with a cleaning agent, dry them with a vacuum drying oven, and insert all metal tubes into the corresponding through-holes respectively;

[0044] S4, the second pushing member drives each second pressing head of the upper die set to move toward the lower die base, and presses all metal tubes to the bottom of the powder for fixing;

[0045] S5. Raise the powder pressing part and the second pressing head to the initial position, and convey through the powder feeding assembly to the position between the inner wall of the lower die holder and the metal tube, vibrate the powder by the vibrating part to make it evenly laid, drive the powder pressing part to descend to compact the added powder, repeat multiple times until reaching the vertical height of the metal tube and then stop to obtain a preform green compact;

[0046] S6. Vacuum sinter and keep warm the preform green compact, and after cooling, obtain a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material.

[0047] The device and method for preparing a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material of the present invention have the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0048] (1) By using a matching lower die holder, powder pressing part and positioning part to press the metal tube and powder, directly pressing the metal tube is avoided, so that the powder can be compacted while ensuring that the metal tube does not deform, and there is no need to use fibers to wind and fix the metal tube, reducing the operation difficulty. At the same time, there are no fibers in the overall structure after subsequent sintering, which will not affect the overall performance, thereby improving the preparation efficiency and the strength of the material structure;

[0049] (2) By replacing different lower die holder, powder pressing part and positioning part structures, changing the shape and position of the through holes in the powder pressing part to realize different pore structures of the metal matrix composite foam material, the shape and position of the through holes in the metal matrix composite foam material can be accurately controlled, meeting different preparation requirements and improving the applicability;

[0050] (3) By arranging the vibrating part to oscillate the powder fed into the lower die holder, through vibration, the powder materials can be arranged more closely together, reducing the porosity, thereby further improving the strength and performance of the final product. Description of the Drawings

[0051] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0052] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a device for preparing a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 2 It is a side view of a device for preparing a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 3For the preparation device of a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material of the present invention Figure 2 Partial enlarged schematic view at A in

[0055] Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the connection between the metal tube and the powder pressing part of the preparation device of a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material of the present invention

[0056] Figure 5 Another perspective three-dimensional view of the preparation device of a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material of the present invention

[0057] Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of the powder feeding assembly of the preparation device of a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material of the present invention

[0058] Figure 7 Three-dimensional view of the powder pressing part of the square through-hole of the preparation device of a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material of the present invention

[0059] Figure 8 Three-dimensional view of the powder pressing part of the triangular through-hole of the preparation device of a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material of the present invention

[0060] Figure 9 Three-dimensional view of the powder pressing part of the combined through-holes of various different shapes of the preparation device of a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material of the present invention

[0061] Figure 10 Three-dimensional view of the powder pressing part of the straight groove-shaped through-hole of the preparation device of a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material of the present invention

[0062] Figure 11 Flow chart of a preparation method of a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material of the present invention Detailed implementation manners

[0063] Next, in combination with the embodiments of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0064] Such as Figures 1-6As shown in the figure, a device for preparing a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material of the present invention includes a lower die base 1, a powder feeding mechanism 2, a powder pressing mechanism 3, a plurality of metal tubes 4, and a tube pressing mechanism 5. Among them, one side of the lower die base 1 is provided with an opening, and the other side is closed; the powder feeding mechanism 2 is arranged on one side of the lower die base 1, and the powder feeding mechanism 2 is provided with a powder feeding end that can move linearly in the horizontal direction along the opening side of the lower die base 1 for filling powder into the lower die base 1; the powder pressing mechanism 3 is arranged opposite to the lower die base 1, and the powder pressing mechanism 3 is provided with a powder pressing part 31 that can move linearly in the vertical direction along the opening side of the lower die base 1 for pressing the powder in the lower die base 1; a plurality of through holes 300 are formed in the powder pressing part 31, and the plurality of metal tubes 4 are respectively inserted into the corresponding through holes 300; the tube pressing mechanism 5 is arranged opposite to the lower die base 1, and the tube pressing mechanism 5 is provided with a plurality of positioning parts that can move linearly in the vertical direction along the opening side of the lower die base 1, and the positioning parts are respectively arranged corresponding to the corresponding through holes 300 and have matching sizes for pressing and fixing each metal tube 4 in the powder.

[0065] It should be noted that the lower die base 1 serves as the basic support for the entire preparation process. One side of the lower die base 1 is provided with an opening to facilitate the filling of powder and the insertion of the metal tubes 4, while the other side is closed to ensure the stability during the preparation process and the compaction effect of the powder; the powder feeding mechanism 2 is arranged on one side of the opening of the lower die base 1, and the powder feeding mechanism 2 is provided with a powder feeding end that can move linearly in the horizontal direction along the opening side of the lower die base 1, so that the powder can be evenly and continuously spread in the lower die base 1, providing a uniform powder layer for the subsequent pressing process; the powder pressing mechanism 3 is arranged on the opening side of the lower die base 1, and the powder pressing mechanism 3 is provided with a powder pressing part 31 that can move linearly in the vertical direction. The powder pressing part 31 not only compresses the powder but also has a plurality of through holes 300, and the plurality of through holes 300 provide precise positioning for the insertion of the metal tubes 4; the plurality of metal tubes 4 are respectively inserted into the through holes 300 of the powder pressing part 31, and the metal tubes 4 will be fixed in the powder during the subsequent pressing process to form the reinforcing phase in the metal matrix composite foam material; the tube pressing mechanism 5 is arranged on the opening side of the lower die base 1, and the tube pressing mechanism 5 is provided with a plurality of positioning parts that can move linearly in the vertical direction. The positioning parts correspond one by one to the through holes 300 of the powder pressing part 31 and have matching sizes to ensure that the metal tubes 4 can be accurately fixed in the powder during the pressing process.

[0066] It can be understood that the powder feeding mechanism 2 spreads the powder in the lower die base 1; then, the metal tubes 4 are inserted into the through holes 300 of the powder pressing part 31; then, the powder pressing mechanism 3 and the tube pressing mechanism 5 work simultaneously. The powder pressing part 31 compresses the powder, and at the same time, the positioning part fixes the metal tubes 4 in the powder; reciprocate the powder spreading and compressing until reaching the top of the metal tubes 4 and stop. Finally, through subsequent sintering and cooling, a metal matrix composite foam material with through holes can be obtained.

[0067] According to the present embodiment, a matching lower die base 1, powder pressing part 31 and positioning part are used for powder pressing, avoiding direct pressing on the metal tube 4, enabling the powder to be compacted while ensuring that the metal tube 4 does not deform, and there is no need to use fibers to wind and fix the metal tube 4, reducing the operation difficulty. At the same time, there are no fibers in the overall structure after subsequent sintering, which will not affect the overall performance, thereby improving the preparation efficiency and the strength of the material structure.

[0068] This embodiment further includes a base 61 and a bracket 62. Among them, a positioning groove 600 is provided at the center of the base 61, and the lower die base 1 is embedded in the positioning groove 600; the bracket 62 is fixed on the base 61, and both the powder pressing mechanism 3 and the tube pressing mechanism 5 are fixed on the bracket 62 and are arranged opposite to the lower die base 1.

[0069] It should be noted that the lower die base 1 is embedded in the positioning groove 600, which not only ensures the stability of the lower die base 1 during the preparation process but also facilitates the positioning and installation of the lower die base 1; at the same time, the lower die base 1 with different inner dimensions and the matching powder pressing part 31 can be replaced according to actual needs to meet different preparation size requirements.

[0070] In this embodiment, the powder pressing mechanism 3 includes a powder pressing part 31, at least two connecting components 32 and at least two first pushing parts 33. Among them, at least two first pushing parts 33 are all fixed on the bracket 62 and are arranged at intervals. The piston end of the first pushing part 33 penetrates the bracket 62 and extends towards one side of the lower die base 1; the powder pressing part 31 is arranged opposite to the lower die base 1, and the cross-sectional shape of the powder pressing part 31 matches the inner contour cross-sectional shape of the lower die base 1. The powder pressing part 31 serves as the powder pressing part of the powder pressing mechanism 3; at least two connecting components 32 are respectively arranged on both sides of the powder pressing part 31, and the positions of each connecting component 32 correspond to the positions of the piston ends of the corresponding first pushing parts 33, so as to detachably connect the piston ends of the first pushing parts 33 with the powder pressing part 31.

[0071] It should be noted that at least two first pushing parts 33 are arranged at intervals. This layout facilitates providing an installation space for the tube pressing mechanism 5 arranged in the middle to avoid movement interference. The cross-sectional shape of the powder pressing part 31 matches the inner contour cross-sectional shape of the lower die base 1, which can minimize the voids and errors during the compaction process and improve the density and uniformity of the prepared material. By providing the connecting components 32, the piston ends of the first pushing parts 33 can be detachably connected with the powder pressing part 31, facilitating the replacement and maintenance of the powder pressing part 31 and improving the flexibility and applicability of the preparation device.

[0072] In this embodiment, each of the connection components 32 includes a connecting piece 321 and at least two locking pieces 322. Among them, the connecting piece 321 is fixed on the outside of the powder pressing part 31 and is in the same plane as the top surface of the powder pressing part 31. When the powder pressing part 31 completely extends into the lower die base 1, there is a gap between the connecting piece 321 and the top surface of the lower die base 1; a perforation is formed on one side of the connecting piece 321 close to the first pushing piece 33, and the piston end of the first pushing piece 33 penetrates and extends outside the perforation; at least two locking pieces 322 are all threadedly connected to the piston end of the first pushing piece 33, are arranged on both sides of the connecting piece 321, and are in contact with the surface of the connecting piece 321, so that the piston end of the first pushing piece 33 is fixed to the powder pressing part 31.

[0073] It should be noted that the connecting piece 321 is fixed on the outside of the powder pressing part 31 and is in the same plane as the top surface of the powder pressing part 31, ensuring that when the powder pressing part 31 completely extends into the lower die base 1, there is enough gap between the connecting piece 321 and the top surface of the lower die base 1, thus avoiding interference or collision, not only protecting the connecting piece 321 and the lower die base 1, but also ensuring the smooth progress of the powder pressing process; at least two locking pieces 322 are threadedly connected to the piston end of the first pushing piece 33 and are arranged on both sides of the connecting piece 321; the locking pieces 322 are in close contact with the surface of the connecting piece 321, thus realizing the firm fixation between the piston end of the first pushing piece 33 and the powder pressing part 31. The fixing method is not only simple and fast, but also reliable, ensuring that no loosening or displacement occurs during the powder pressing process.

[0074] The tube pressing mechanism 5 in this embodiment includes an upper die set 51, several second punches 52, a second pushing piece 53, a fixing piece 54 and several guiding pieces 55. Among them, the second pushing piece 53 is fixed on the support 62 and is in the same straight line position as two opposite first pushing pieces 33. The piston end of the second pushing piece 53 penetrates the support 62 and extends toward one side of the lower die base 1; the fixing piece 54 is fixed on the piston end of the second pushing piece 53, and the length of the fixing piece 54 is less than the distance between the piston ends of two opposite first pushing pieces 33; several guiding pieces 55 are all arranged on the side of the fixing piece 54 away from the lower die base 1, and one end of the guiding piece 55 away from the lower die base 1 penetrates and extends outside the support 62; the upper die set 51 is detachably connected to the side of the fixing piece 54 away from the second pushing piece 53 by bolts; several second punches 52 are arranged on the side of the upper die set 51 away from the fixing piece 54, and the shapes and positions of the second punches 52 respectively match the positions and shapes of the corresponding metal tubes 4 below. In the initial position, the several second punches 52 are respectively located in the through holes 300 corresponding to the powder pressing part 31, and the second punches 52 serve as the positioning parts of the tube pressing mechanism 5.

[0075] It should be noted that the upper module 51 is detachably connected to the side of the fixing member 54 away from the second pushing member 53 by bolts, which facilitates the replacement and maintenance of the upper module 51 and improves adaptability; the second punch 52 is completely matched with the position and shape of the corresponding metal tube 4 below, which not only improves the accuracy of the tube pressing process, but also effectively avoids deformation or dislocation of the metal tube 4 during the pressing process. In the initial position, the second punch 52 is respectively located in the through holes 300 corresponding to the powder pressing part 31, reducing the occupied space of the device; moreover, the length of the fixing member 54 is less than the distance between the piston ends of the two opposite first pushing members 33, ensuring that the tube pressing mechanism 5 will not interfere with the powder pressing mechanism 3 during operation; the guiding member 55 guides the movement trajectories of the upper module 51 and the second punch 52 during the tube pressing process to ensure that they can accurately reach the predetermined positions; at the same time, the guiding member 55 also plays a certain supporting and stabilizing role.

[0076] As Figure 4 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, the cross-sectional shape of the through holes 300 in this embodiment is one of a circle, a rectangle, a triangle, an ellipse, a polygon or an irregular shape, and the positions and shapes of the through holes 300 match the positions and shapes of the corresponding metal tubes 4.

[0077] It should be noted that the shapes of the metal tubes 4 include round tubes, polygons and irregular shapes; the arrangement modes of the metal tubes 4 include equidistant arrays, arithmetic arrays, gradient arrays and other regular or irregular arrays, and the positions and shapes of the through holes 300 in the powder pressing part 31 are the same as the positions and shapes of the metal tubes 4 and the shapes of the second punches 52 at the same positions.

[0078] It can be understood that the matrix metal elements of the metal tubes 4 include one or more of aluminum, magnesium, iron, titanium, copper, nickel, manganese, molybdenum, tungsten, zirconium, tantalum, tin, cobalt, chromium, niobium, vanadium, zinc metal elements, and the matrix metal elements of the powder include one or more of aluminum, magnesium, iron, titanium, copper, nickel, manganese, molybdenum, tungsten, zirconium, tantalum, tin, cobalt, chromium, niobium, vanadium, zinc metal elements;

[0079] Specifically, in this embodiment, it is preferred that the matrix elements of the metal tubes 4 and the elements of the selected powder can have good reactions and changes during sintering to meet the requirements; for example, when an aluminum tube and aluminum-magnesium powder are sintered, the magnesium powder will diffuse onto the aluminum tube to form an Al(Mg) solid solution, thereby enhancing the strength of the entire structure.

[0080] The metal tube 4 in this embodiment is one or more of alloy metal tubes and elemental metal tubes; the powder is one or more of metal powders and non-metal powders, the metal powder is one or more of elemental metal powders and alloy powders, the metal elements of the metal powder include one or more of aluminum, magnesium, iron, titanium, copper, nickel, manganese, molybdenum, tungsten, zirconium, tantalum, tin, cobalt, chromium, niobium, vanadium, and zinc, and the non-metal elements in the elemental non-metal powder are common non-metal elements in the periodic table, including one or more of boron, carbon, and silicon.

[0081] The powder feeding mechanism 2 in this embodiment includes a mounting member 21, a third pushing member 22, and a powder feeding assembly 23. Among them, the mounting member 21 is fixed on the base 61, located on one side of the lower die holder 1, and between two opposite first pushing members 33; the third pushing member 22 is fixed on the mounting member 21, and the piston end of the third pushing member 22 penetrates the mounting member 21 and extends toward one side of the lower die holder 1; the powder feeding assembly 23 is fixed on the piston end of the third pushing member 22, and the powder feeding end of the powder feeding assembly 23 is correspondingly arranged with the opening side of the lower die holder 1 for filling powder into the lower die holder 1.

[0082] It should be noted that the mounting member 21 is arranged between two opposite first pushing members 33, which ensures that the powder feeding mechanism 2 will not interfere with the powder pressing mechanism 3 during operation, and at the same time is convenient for cooperating with the tube pressing mechanism 5 and the powder pressing mechanism 3. The powder feeding assembly 23 can be driven by the third pushing member 22 to accurately move along the vertical direction to the opening side of the lower die holder 1, so as to achieve the purpose of continuously spreading the powder material into the lower die holder 1.

[0083] The powder feeding assembly 23 in this embodiment includes a housing 231, a mounting frame 232, a fourth pushing member 233, and an adjusting member 234. Among them, the housing 231 is fixedly connected to the piston end of the third pushing member 22 and is vertically arranged. A material discharging port 200 is opened on one side of the housing 231 close to the opening of the lower die holder 1. The width of the material discharging port 200 matches the width of the lower die holder 1, and the cross-sectional shape of the side of the housing 231 close to the opening of the lower die holder 1 is arranged in an isosceles trapezoid shape. The housing 231 contains powder; the mounting frame 232 is fixed in the housing 231 and is hollow; the fourth pushing member 233 is fixed on the mounting frame 232 and is perpendicular to the material discharging port 200; the cross-sectional shape of the adjusting member 234 is triangular, and the top end is fixed on the piston end of the fourth pushing member 233, and both sides of the adjusting member 234 are respectively abutted against the inner walls of the material discharging port 200. The width of the adjusting member 234 matches the width of the material discharging port 200 for adjusting the powder feeding amount of the material discharging port 200.

[0084] It should be noted that the width of the blanking port 200 matches the width of the lower die base 1 to ensure that the powder can be evenly spread over the entire width of the lower die base 1. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the side of the housing 231 close to the opening of the lower die base 1 is arranged in an isosceles trapezoid, which is conducive to the uniform distribution of the powder during the blanking process. A cover body is provided outside the fourth pushing member 233 to prevent the powder from affecting the use of the fourth pushing member 233. The cross-sectional shape of the adjusting member 234 is triangular, so that the adjusting member 234 can move along the width direction of the blanking port 200 under the drive of the fourth pushing member 233. Since the two sides of the triangle are gradually changing, the effective opening width of the blanking port 200 can be changed, thereby realizing the precise adjustment of the powder feeding amount.

[0085] It can be understood that a feeding pipe is installed at the top of the housing 231, and the powder supply end of the external powder conveying device is connected to the feeding pipe for filling the housing 231 with powder.

[0086] This embodiment further includes a plurality of vibrating members 7, and the plurality of vibrating members 7 are respectively arranged on the side surfaces of the lower die base 1 for oscillating the powder after it is fed into the lower die base 1.

[0087] It should be noted that the vibrating members 7 are respectively arranged on the side surfaces of the lower die base 1, ensuring that when the powder material is vibrated, it can be evenly oscillated in all directions, and the powder material can be arranged more closely together, reducing the porosity, thereby improving the filling density.

[0088] The first pushing member 33, the second pushing member 53, the third pushing member 22 and the fourth pushing member 233 in this embodiment can be one of a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, an electric push rod or a linear module.

[0089] As Figure 11 shown, in the second aspect, the present invention further provides a method for preparing a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material, which is realized by using the through-hole metal matrix composite foam material preparation device as described above, and includes the following sub-steps:

[0090] S1, the third pushing member 22 drives the powder feeding assembly 23 to move towards the opening side of the lower die base 1, so that the fourth pushing member 233 pushes the adjusting member 234 to move and open the blanking port 100, and feeds a set thickness of powder into the lower die base 1;

[0091] S2, the first pushing member 33 drives the powder pressing part 31 to move towards the lower die base 1, moves the powder pressing part 31 into the lower die base 1, and abuts against the surface of the powder;

[0092] S3, ultrasonically clean all the metal tubes 4 with a cleaning agent and dry them with a vacuum drying oven, and insert all the metal tubes 4 into the corresponding through-holes 300 respectively;

[0093] S4. The second driving member 53 drives each second pressing head 52 of the upper module 51 to move towards the lower die base 1, pressing all the metal tubes 4 to the bottom of the powder for fixation.

[0094] S5. Raise the powder pressing part 31 and the second pressing head 52 to the initial positions, and convey the powder through the powder feeding assembly 23 to the position between the inner side wall of the lower die base 1 and the metal tube 4. Then, the vibrating member 7 vibrates the powder to evenly lay it, and the powder pressing part 31 is driven to descend to compact the added powder. Repeat this process multiple times until reaching the vertical height of the metal tube 4 and then stop to obtain a preform green compact.

[0095] S6. Vacuum sinter and keep warm the preform green compact, and after cooling, obtain a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material.

[0096] In another embodiment, a plurality of positioning grooves corresponding to the positions and sizes of the metal tubes 4 are formed in the inner bottom wall of the lower die base 1 for positioning the initial positions of the metal tubes 4 and preventing the powder from entering the metal tubes 4. Before step S1, insert the plurality of metal tubes 4 into the corresponding positioning grooves respectively to initially position the insertion positions of the metal tubes 4. Then, convey the powder through the powder feeding assembly 23 to the position between the inner side wall of the lower die base 1 and the metal tubes 4. The vibrating member 7 vibrates the powder to evenly lay it, and the powder pressing part 31 is driven to descend to compact the added powder. Repeat this process multiple times until reaching the vertical height of the metal tubes 4 and then stop to obtain a preform green compact. Vacuum sinter and keep warm the preform green compact, and after cooling, obtain a through-hole metal matrix composite foam material.

[0097] It should be noted that during the powder laying and pressing process, the third driving member 22 is used to push the powder feeding assembly 23 to move to the position between the inner side wall of the lower die base 1 and the outermost metal tube 4 close to it. Then, the powder feeding assembly 23 fills the powder into the lower die base 1, and the vibrating member 7 vibrates to evenly lay the powder, which can avoid the powder entering the metal tubes 4 during the powder feeding process. At the same time, when the powder is laid to the upper part of the metal tubes 4, since the fed powder is relatively close to the upper ends of the metal tubes 4, the powder will enter the metal tubes 4 during the vibration of the vibrating member 7. At this time, in this embodiment, to avoid the powder vibrating and falling into the metal tubes 4, when the vibrating member 7 vibrates, the first driving member 33 and the second driving member 53 can be started. The first driving member 33 drives the powder pressing part 31 to move towards the lower die base 1 and maintain a certain spatial distance from the just-fed powder. Then, the second driving member 53 drives each second pressing head 52 of the upper module 51 to move towards the lower module 1, so that the second pressing head 52 passes through the through-hole 300 and contacts the upper ends of the metal tubes 4 to seal the upper ends of the metal tubes 4. After vibration, reset the second pressing head 52.

[0098] The mechanism for preparing the novel metal matrix composite foam with through holes by the preparation method of this embodiment is as follows: Firstly, the metal tube with a hollow through-hole structure provides the main porosity. In addition, during the sintering process, due to the mutual diffusion of elements, supersaturation solubility is reached in some powder regions first, and intermetallic compounds begin to form, which is accompanied by the release of heat. This increases the diffusion rate of elements and accelerates sintering. In the subsequent process, the elements continue to diffuse, causing the intermetallic compounds to gradually disappear. Eventually, the non-matrix elements are dissolved in the matrix elements, leaving pores in their original positions. And sintering necks are formed by diffusion at the interfaces between powders and between the powder and the metal tube, achieving metallurgical bonding at the atomic scale.

[0099] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for preparing a through-hole metal-based composite foam material, characterized in that: It comprises a lower die base (1), a powder feeding mechanism (2), a powder pressing mechanism (3), a plurality of metal tubes (4) and a tube pressing mechanism (5), wherein: The lower die base (1) is provided with an opening on one side and a closed arrangement on the other side; The powder feeding mechanism (2) is arranged on one side of the lower die base (1), and the powder feeding mechanism (2) is provided with a powder feeding end which can move laterally and linearly along the opening side of the lower die base (1) and is used for filling powder into the lower die base (1); The powder pressing mechanism (3) is arranged opposite to the lower die seat (1), and a powder pressing portion (31) is provided on the powder pressing mechanism (3) which can move linearly in the vertical direction of the opening side of the lower die seat (1) and is used for pressing the powder in the lower die seat (1); A plurality of through holes (300) are provided on the powder pressing part (31), and a plurality of metal tubes (4) are respectively inserted into corresponding through holes (300); The tube pressing mechanism (5) is arranged opposite to the lower die seat (1), and is provided with a plurality of positioning parts which can move linearly in the vertical direction along the opening side of the lower die seat (1). The positioning parts are respectively arranged corresponding to the corresponding through holes (300) and have matching sizes, so as to press and fix each metal tube (4) in the powder.

2. The device for preparing a through-hole metal-based composite foam material according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a base (61) and a bracket (62), wherein: A positioning groove (600) is provided at the center of the base (61), and the lower mold base (1) is embedded in the positioning groove (600); The bracket (62) is fixed on the base (61), and the powder pressing mechanism (3) and the tube pressing mechanism (5) are both fixed on the bracket (62).

3. The device for preparing a through-hole metal-based composite foam material according to claim 2, characterized in that: The powder pressing mechanism (3) further comprises at least two connecting components (32) and at least two first pushing members (33), wherein: At least two first pushing members (33) are fixed on the bracket (62) and are arranged at intervals, and the piston end of the first pushing member (33) passes through the bracket (62) and extends toward one side of the lower die base (1); The powder pressing portion (31) is arranged opposite to the lower die seat (1), and the cross-sectional shape of the powder pressing portion (31) matches the inner contour cross-sectional shape of the lower die seat (1); At least two connecting assemblies (32) are arranged on both sides of the powder pressing part (31), and the position of each connecting assembly (32) is arranged corresponding to the position of the piston end of the corresponding first pushing member (33), so as to enable the piston end of the first pushing member (33) to be detachably connected to the powder pressing part (31).

4. The device for preparing a through-hole metal-based composite foam material according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each of the connecting assemblies (32) comprises a connecting member (321) and at least two locking members (322), wherein: The connecting piece (321) is fixed on the outside of the powder pressing part (31) and is in the same plane as the top surface of the powder pressing part (31). When the powder pressing part (31) is fully inserted into the lower die seat (1), a gap is left between the connecting piece (321) and the top surface of the lower die seat (1); A through hole is formed on one side of the connecting member (321) close to the first pushing member (33), and a piston end of the first pushing member (33) passes through and extends to the outside of the through hole; At least two locking members (322) are both threadedly connected to the piston end of the first pushing member (33), and are respectively arranged on both sides of the connecting member (321) and abut against the surface of the connecting member (321), so that the piston end of the first pushing member (33) is fixed to the powder pressing part (31).

5. The device for preparing a through-hole metal-based composite foam material according to claim 4, characterized in that: The tube pressing mechanism (5) comprises an upper die set (51), a plurality of second pressing heads (52), a second pushing member (53), a fixing member (54) and a plurality of guiding members (55), wherein: The second pushing member (53) is fixed on the bracket (62) and is in the same straight line position as the two opposite first pushing members (33); the piston end of the second pushing member (53) passes through the bracket (62) and extends toward one side of the lower die base (1); The fixing member (54) is fixed to the piston end of the second pushing member (53), and the length of the fixing member (54) is smaller than the distance between the piston ends of the two opposite first pushing members (33); A plurality of guide members (55) are arranged on a side of the fixing member (54) away from the lower die base (1), and one end of the guide member (55) away from the lower die base (1) penetrates and extends to the outside of the bracket (62); The upper mold assembly (51) is detachably connected to a side of the fixing member (54) away from the second pushing member (53) by means of bolts; A plurality of second pressing heads (52) are arranged on a side of the upper die set (51) away from the fixing member (54), and the shape and position of each second pressing head (52) respectively match the position and shape of the corresponding metal tube (4) below. In the initial position, the plurality of second pressing heads (52) are respectively located in the through holes (300) corresponding to the powder pressing part (31), and the second pressing heads (52) serve as the positioning part of the tube pressing mechanism (5).

6. The device for preparing a through-hole metal-based composite foam material according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-sectional shape of the through hole (300) is one of a circular, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, polygonal or irregular shape, and the position and shape of each through hole (300) matches the position and shape of the corresponding metal tube (4).

7. The device for preparing a through-hole metal-based composite foam material according to claim 2, characterized in that: The powder feeding mechanism (2) comprises a mounting member (21), a third pushing member (22) and a powder feeding assembly (23), wherein: The mounting member (21) is fixed on the base (61) and is located on one side of the lower mold base (1) and between two opposite first push members (33); The third pushing member (22) is fixed on the mounting member (21), and the piston end of the third pushing member (22) passes through the mounting member (21) and extends toward one side of the lower die base (1); The powder delivery assembly (23) is fixed on the piston end of the third pusher (22), and the powder delivery end of the powder delivery assembly (23) is arranged corresponding to the opening side of the lower die base (1) for filling powder into the lower die base (1).

8. The device for preparing a through-hole metal-based composite foam material according to claim 7, characterized in that: The powder delivery assembly (23) comprises a housing (231), a mounting frame (232), a fourth pusher (233) and an adjustment member (234), wherein: The shell (231) is fixedly connected to the piston end of the third pusher (22) and is arranged vertically. A feeding port (200) is provided on one side of the shell (231) close to the opening of the lower die base (1). The width of the feeding port (200) matches the width of the lower die base (1). The cross-sectional shape of one side of the shell (231) close to the opening of the lower die base (1) is an isosceles trapezoid. Powder is contained in the shell (231). The mounting frame (232) is fixed in the housing (231) and is hollowed out; The fourth pushing member (233) is fixed on the mounting frame (232), and the fourth pushing member (233) is vertically arranged with respect to the discharge port (200); The cross-sectional shape of the adjusting member (234) is triangular, and the top end is fixed on the piston end of the fourth push member (233), and the two sides of the adjusting member (234) are respectively in contact with the inner wall of the discharge port (200), and the width of the adjusting member (234) matches the width of the discharge port (200) and is used to adjust the amount of powder delivered by the discharge port (200).

9. The device for preparing a through-hole metal-based composite foam material according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also comprises a plurality of vibrating members (7), which are arranged on each side surface of the lower die base (1) and are used to vibrate the powder after being fed into the lower die base (1).

10. A method for preparing a through-hole metal-based composite foam material, implemented by using the through-hole metal-based composite foam material preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: It includes the following sub-steps: S1, the third pusher (22) drives the powder feeding assembly (23) to move toward the opening side of the lower die base (1), so that the fourth pusher (233) pushes the adjustment member (234) to move and open the feed opening (100), and feeds powder of a set thickness into the lower die base (1); S2, the first pushing member (33) drives the powder pressing part (31) to move toward the lower die base (1), moves the powder pressing part (31) into the lower die base (1), and contacts the powder surface; S3, ultrasonically cleaning all metal tubes (4) with a cleaning agent, drying them in a vacuum drying oven, and inserting all metal tubes (4) into corresponding through holes (300) respectively; S4, the second pusher (53) drives each second pressing head (52) of the upper die set (51) to move toward the lower die base (1), pressing all the metal tubes (4) to the bottom of the powder for fixing; S5, the powder pressing part (31) and the second pressing head (52) are raised to the initial position, and the powder is conveyed to the position between the inner wall of the lower die base (1) and the metal tube (4) through the powder feeding assembly (23), the vibrating member (7) vibrates the powder to make it evenly spread, and the powder pressing part (31) is driven down to compact the added powder, and the process is repeated multiple times until the vertical height of the metal tube (4) is reached and the preform is obtained; S6, vacuum sintering the preform and keeping it warm, and after cooling, obtaining a through-hole metal-based composite foam material.

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