Low stress automatic clamping device and method for a weakly stiff array composite tube member

Abstract

The application provides a weak rigidity array composite pipe component low stress automatic clamping device and method, relates to the array composite pipe clamping technical field, and includes a clamping body, a expansion device, a height adjusting device, a film pressure sensor and a control system, the clamping body is provided with a supporting surface, the height adjusting device is connected to the clamping body, the height adjusting device is used to adjust the height of the clamping device, the expansion device can be inserted into the array composite pipe to be clamped, the expansion device includes a fixed mandrel, a moving block and a telescopic expansion sleeve, the moving block is connected with a power device, the moving block and the power device are externally sleeved with the telescopic expansion sleeve, the telescopic expansion sleeve is in contact with the array composite pipe to be clamped, the telescopic expansion sleeve expansion amount is adjusted by controlling the output of the power device, the film pressure sensor is arranged on the outside of the telescopic expansion sleeve and is used to feedback the expansion force size.The application automatically realizes the clamping function and the height adjusting function, simplifies the clamping process, reduces manual operation, and is convenient, efficient and easy to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of arrayed composite tube clamping technology, and more particularly to a low-stress automatic clamping device and method for low-stiffness arrayed composite tube components. Background Technology

[0002] Arrayed composite tubes are a typical honeycomb structure, composed of closely packed, two-dimensional cylindrical composite tubes. Arrayed composite tube sandwich structures are considered low-stiffness and difficult to machine. Due to their low density, high axial height, excellent thermal stability, and corrosion resistance, composite tubes are widely used in various industrial product manufacturing fields such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and satellite launch.

[0003] Arrayed composite tubes provide structural support while reducing component weight. In actual manufacturing, high precision and surface roughness are required for the surface profile of the arrayed composite tubes, necessitating machining to achieve the desired shape.

[0004] The reliability, stability, and efficiency of the clamping device are prerequisites for achieving high-quality machining of arrayed composite tubes. During actual machining, adjacent arrayed composite tubes are connected by an adhesive layer, and the composite tubes are prone to normal phase deformation, resulting in non-parallel axes and significant errors in the distance between adjacent axes. During machining, the position of some arrayed composite tubes needs to be restricted by an internal expansion device. However, when the expansion device is fixed in position, it introduces significant clamping stress, affecting the accuracy of the machined surface. Clamping is done manually. When many arrayed composite tubes require expansion clamping, it consumes a significant amount of clamping time and is cumbersome. In the initial machining stage, the expansion device needs to be applied to the higher parts of the arrayed composite tube. As the arrayed composite tube is further processed, its height decreases, and the clamping height of the expansion device should also decrease. Previously, this method involved manually changing expansion devices of different sizes, which was time-consuming, increased labor costs, and reduced machining efficiency. Therefore, there is a need for a low-stress automatic clamping device and method for low-stiffness arrayed composite tube components to improve clamping efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In response to the aforementioned technical problems, a low-stress automatic clamping device and method for weak stiffness arrayed composite tube components are provided.

[0006] The technical means employed in this invention are as follows:

[0007] A low-stiffness arrayed composite tube component with low-stress automatic clamping device includes a clamping body, an expansion device for automatic clamping, a height adjustment device with adjustable clamping height, a thin-film pressure sensor, and a control system. The clamping body is provided with a support surface for placing the arrayed composite tube to be clamped. The height adjustment device is connected to the clamping body and is used to adjust the height of the clamping device. The expansion device can extend into the arrayed composite tube to be clamped. The expansion device includes a fixed mandrel, a moving block, and a telescopic expansion sleeve. The moving block is connected to a power device. The telescopic expansion sleeve is sleeved outside the moving block and the power device. The telescopic expansion sleeve contacts the arrayed composite tube to be clamped. The telescopic expansion amount is adjusted by controlling the output of the power device. The thin-film pressure sensor is located on the outside of the telescopic expansion sleeve and is connected to the control system for providing feedback on the magnitude of the clamping force.

[0008] Furthermore, the movable block includes an upper conical block and a lower conical block, and the fixed mandrel base is connected to the lower conical block by bolts. The small ends of the upper and lower conical blocks face the power device. The power device includes an annular electromagnetic chuck, which can attract the upper and lower conical blocks to complete the clamping function. The main body material of the telescopic expansion sleeve is a rigid non-magnetic material.

[0009] Furthermore, both the upper and lower conical blocks have a preset taper to ensure that each conical block does not self-lock with the telescopic expansion sleeve. The inclined surfaces of the upper and lower conical blocks are provided with lubrication grooves, and the lubrication method is grease lubrication.

[0010] Furthermore, a rubber sleeve is provided on the outside of the telescopic sleeve, and the thickness of the rubber sleeve is the same as the thickness of the thin-film pressure sensor.

[0011] Furthermore, a spring is provided between the telescopic expansion sleeve and the rubber outer sleeve.

[0012] Furthermore, the upper end of the fixed mandrel is threaded and connected to the chuck plate. The chuck plate is used to limit the position of the upper cone block, so that the upper cone block is always located on the fixed mandrel, and its position is always between the chuck plate and the telescopic expansion sleeve.

[0013] Furthermore, a laser displacement sensor is mounted on the lower end of the fixed mandrel, and the laser displacement sensor is connected to the control system.

[0014] Furthermore, the surface roughness of the inner ring of the upper and lower conical blocks is required to be no higher than Ra1.6, the surface roughness of the unthreaded part of the fixed mandrel is required to be no higher than Ra1.6, and the fixed mandrel and the upper conical block, and the fixed mandrel and the lower conical block are clearance fits.

[0015] Furthermore, the height adjustment device includes a lead screw motor and a motor fixing device. The output end of the lead screw motor is connected to a fixed spindle. The motor fixing device has a wire hole near the bottom, through which the wires and conduits of the lead screw motor and the annular pressure sensor can be led out. The motor fixing device includes a motor fixing sleeve and a motor fixing end cover, which are connected by threads.

[0016] Furthermore, the motor fixing sleeve has a threaded hole in the middle for fixing to the lead screw motor. A through hole is provided at the upper end of the motor fixing sleeve for the lead screw motor spindle to extend out. The outer diameter of the upper shaft of the motor fixing device is the same as the inner diameter of the fixing mandrel, both are sufficiently smooth, and there is a clearance fit between them.

[0017] The present invention also provides an adjustment method based on the array composite tube clamping device, comprising the following steps:

[0018] Step 1: Place the array composite tube blank to be processed on the support surface of the clamping body. When placing it, make sure that all the expansion devices are located inside the corresponding composite tube.

[0019] Step 2: After the position of the tensioning device is determined, fix the device base with screws;

[0020] Step 3: Adjust the tensioning height of the tensioning device by controlling the lead screw motor through the control signal sent by the control system;

[0021] Step 4: The control system sends a control signal to control the magnitude of the current in the annular electromagnetic chuck, thereby controlling the magnitude of the electromagnetic chuck's attraction force and realizing the tensioning function of the tensioning device.

[0022] Step 5: The membrane pressure sensor feeds back the information of the tension force to the control system. The control system compares the information with the set value of the tension force and controls the magnitude of the electromagnetic chuck current to keep the tension force of the tensioning device stable at the set value.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0024] This invention can automatically perform clamping and height adjustment functions during the clamping process of array composite tubes, simplifying the clamping process, reducing manual operation, and making it convenient and efficient to use. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an array composite tube blank.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the array composite tube clamping device with automatic clamping function of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a partial schematic diagram of the upper part of the array composite tube clamping device with automatic clamping function of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is an assembly diagram of the array composite tube clamping device with automatic clamping function of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the machining curved surface clamping device of the array composite tube clamping device with automatic clamping function of the present invention.

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Motor fixing end cover, 2. Motor fixing sleeve, 3. Array composite tube, 4. Thin film pressure sensor, 5. Rubber jacket, 6. Clamping plate, 7. Fixing mandrel, 8. Upper cone block, 9. Spring, 10. Telescopic expansion sleeve, 11. Annular electromagnetic chuck, 12. Lower cone block, 13. Laser displacement sensor, 14. Lead screw motor, 15. Wire hole, 16. Clamp body. Detailed Implementation

[0032] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0035] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0037] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0038] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0039] like Figures 1-5 As shown in the figure, this invention discloses a low-stress automatic clamping device for a weak-stiffness arrayed composite tube component. The device includes a clamping body 16, an expansion device capable of automatic clamping, a height adjustment device with adjustable clamping height, a thin-film pressure sensor, and a control system. The clamping body has a support surface for placing the arrayed composite tube 3 to be clamped. The height adjustment device is connected to the clamping body and is used to adjust the height of the clamping device. The expansion device can extend into the arrayed composite tube to be clamped. The expansion device includes a fixed mandrel 7, a moving block, and a telescopic expansion sleeve 10. The moving block is connected to a power device, and the telescopic expansion sleeve is sleeved outside the moving block and the power device. The telescopic expansion sleeve contacts the arrayed composite tube to be clamped. The telescopic expansion amount is adjusted by controlling the output of the power device. The thin-film pressure sensor 4 is located on the outside of the telescopic expansion sleeve and is connected to the control system to provide feedback on the magnitude of the clamping force. The thin-film pressure sensor can measure the clamping force during the expansion process of the expansion sleeve and further feed it back to the control system.

[0040] Furthermore, the movable block includes an upper conical block 8 and a lower conical block 12. The fixed mandrel base is bolted to the lower conical block, thus fixing the fixed mandrel to the lower conical block. The small ends of the upper and lower conical blocks face the power device, which includes an annular electromagnetic chuck 11. The annular electromagnetic chuck can attract the upper and lower conical blocks, thereby completing the clamping function. The main body material of the telescopic expansion sleeve is a rigid non-magnetic material.

[0041] Furthermore, the upper and lower conical blocks of the tensioning device are made of iron or other magnetic materials. Both the upper and lower conical blocks have a preset taper to ensure that they do not self-lock with the telescopic expansion sleeve. The inclined surfaces of the upper and lower conical blocks are provided with lubrication grooves, and the lubrication method is grease lubrication. The annular electromagnetic chuck is placed inside the telescopic expansion sleeve, and the groove height for the annular electromagnetic chuck inside the telescopic expansion sleeve is sufficiently high so that the annular electromagnetic chuck remains within the groove during the tensioning process.

[0042] Furthermore, a rubber sleeve 5 is provided on the outside of the telescopic sleeve, and the thickness of the rubber sleeve is the same as the thickness of the thin film pressure sensor.

[0043] Furthermore, a spring 9 is provided between the telescopic expansion sleeve and the rubber outer sleeve. The telescopic expansion sleeve is surrounded by two springs, which can realize the contraction function of the tensioning device when the annular electromagnetic chuck has no adsorption force. The inner diameter of the annular electromagnetic chuck is consistent with the outer diameter of the fixed spindle, the inner wall is sufficiently smooth, and the inner diameter of the electromagnetic chuck and the outer diameter of the spindle are in clearance fit.

[0044] Furthermore, the upper end of the fixed mandrel is threaded and connected to the chuck plate 6. The chuck plate is used to limit the position of the upper cone block, ensuring that the upper cone block is always located on the fixed mandrel, and its position is always between the chuck plate and the telescopic expansion sleeve.

[0045] Furthermore, a laser displacement sensor 13 is mounted on the lower end of the fixed mandrel, and the laser displacement sensor is connected to the control system. The laser displacement sensor mounted on the lower end of the fixed mandrel can measure the height of the extension of the upper part of the tensioning device and feed the information back to the control system, thereby improving control accuracy.

[0046] Furthermore, the surface roughness of the inner ring of the upper and lower conical blocks is required to be no higher than Ra1.6, the surface roughness of the unthreaded part of the fixed mandrel is required to be no higher than Ra1.6, and the fixed mandrel and the upper conical block, and the fixed mandrel and the lower conical block are clearance fits.

[0047] Furthermore, the height adjustment device includes a lead screw motor 14 and a motor fixing device. The output end of the lead screw motor is connected to a fixed spindle. The motor fixing device has a wire hole 15 near the bottom, through which the wires and conduits of the lead screw motor and the annular pressure sensor can be led out. The motor fixing device includes a motor fixing sleeve 2 and a motor fixing end cover 1, which are connected by threads.

[0048] Furthermore, the motor fixing sleeve has a threaded hole in the middle for fixing to the lead screw motor. A through hole is provided at the upper end of the motor fixing sleeve for the lead screw motor spindle to extend out. The outer diameter of the upper shaft of the motor fixing device is consistent with the inner diameter of the fixing mandrel; both are sufficiently smooth and have a clearance fit. Four through holes are provided at the bottom of the motor fixing end cover; the diameter of the through holes is 1-2 mm larger than the major diameter of the bolts, to meet the clamping position changes caused by the deviation of the inner diameter of the arrayed composite tube during actual processing.

[0049] The present invention also provides an adjustment method based on the array composite tube clamping device, comprising the following steps:

[0050] Step 1: Place the array composite tube blank to be processed on the support surface of the clamping body. When placing it, ensure that all expansion joints are located inside the corresponding composite tube.

[0051] Step 2: After the position of the tensioning device is determined, fix the device base with screws.

[0052] Step 3: The control system sends a control signal to the lead screw motor to adjust the tensioning height of the tensioning device. Without affecting the machining process, the height of the tensioning device should be as close as possible to the machining position of the array composite tube; typically, the clamping height should be 1mm-2mm lower than the unmachined surface after machining. In particular, when machining curved surfaces, the control system calculates the length the lead screw motor in the associated tensioning device should extend based on the curvature of the surface to be machined. Then, the control system sends a control signal to the lead screw motor to adjust the tensioning height of the tensioning device.

[0053] Step 4: The control system sends a control signal to control the magnitude of the current in the annular electromagnetic chuck, thereby controlling the magnitude of the electromagnetic chuck's attraction force and realizing the tightening function of the tightening device.

[0054] Specifically, when the annular electromagnetic chuck exerts an attractive force, it attracts the upper and lower conical blocks of the device, causing relative movement among them. Since the lower conical block is fixed, the annular electromagnetic chuck moves downwards. Due to gravity and the attractive force between the annular electromagnetic chuck and the upper conical block, the upper chuck also moves downwards. This relative movement causes the telescopic expansion sleeve to move outwards, achieving the tightening of the expansion device.

[0055] Step 4: The membrane pressure sensor feeds back the information on the magnitude of the tension force to the control system. The control system compares the information with the set value of the tension force and controls the magnitude of the electromagnetic chuck current to keep the tension force of the tensioning device stable at the set value.

[0056] 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; and these 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.

Claims

1. A low-stress automatic clamping device for weak stiffness arrayed composite tube components, characterized in that, The device includes a clamping body, an expansion device for automatic clamping, a height adjustment device with adjustable clamping height, a diaphragm pressure sensor, and a control system. The clamping body has a support surface for placing the arrayed composite tube to be clamped. The height adjustment device is connected to the clamping body and is used to adjust the height of the clamping device. The expansion device can extend into the arrayed composite tube to be clamped. The expansion device includes a fixed mandrel, a moving block, and a telescopic expansion sleeve. The moving block is connected to a power device. The telescopic expansion sleeve is sleeved outside the moving block and the power device. The telescopic expansion sleeve contacts the arrayed composite tube to be clamped. The telescopic expansion amount is adjusted by controlling the output of the power device. The diaphragm pressure sensor is located on the outside of the telescopic expansion sleeve and is connected to the control system for providing feedback on the magnitude of the clamping force. The movable block includes an upper cone block and a lower cone block. The base portion of the fixed mandrel is connected to the lower cone block by bolts. The small ends of the upper and lower cone blocks face the power device. The power device includes an annular electromagnetic chuck. The annular electromagnetic chuck can attract the upper and lower cone blocks to complete the clamping function. The main body material of the telescopic expansion sleeve is a rigid non-magnetic material. The height adjustment device includes a lead screw motor and a motor fixing device. The output end of the lead screw motor is connected to a fixed spindle. The motor fixing device has a wire hole near the bottom, through which the wires and conduits of the lead screw motor and the annular pressure sensor can be led out. The motor fixing device includes a motor fixing sleeve and a motor fixing end cover, which are connected by threads.

2. The low-stress automatic clamping device for weak stiffness arrayed composite tube components according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the upper and lower cone blocks have a preset taper to ensure that each cone block does not self-lock with the telescopic expansion sleeve. The inclined surfaces of the upper and lower cone blocks are provided with lubrication grooves, and the lubrication method is grease lubrication.

3. The low-stress automatic clamping device for weak stiffness arrayed composite tube components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic sleeve is provided with a rubber jacket on its outer side, and the thickness of the rubber jacket is the same as the thickness of the thin film pressure sensor.

4. The low-stress automatic clamping device for weak stiffness arrayed composite tube components according to claim 3, characterized in that, A spring is provided between the telescopic expansion sleeve and the rubber outer sleeve.

5. The low-stress automatic clamping device for weak-stiffness arrayed composite tube components according to claim 1, characterized in that, A laser displacement sensor is mounted on the lower end of the fixed mandrel, and the laser displacement sensor is connected to the control system.

6. The low-stress automatic clamping device for weak stiffness arrayed composite tube components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner ring surface roughness of the upper and lower cone blocks is required to be no higher than Ra1.6, and the outer surface roughness of the unthreaded part of the fixed mandrel is required to be no higher than Ra1.

6. The fixed mandrel and the upper cone block, and the fixed mandrel and the lower cone block are clearance fits.

7. The low-stress automatic clamping device for weak stiffness arrayed composite tube components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The motor fixing sleeve has a threaded hole in the middle for fixing to the lead screw motor; the upper end of the motor fixing sleeve has a through hole for the lead screw motor spindle to extend out; the outer diameter of the upper shaft of the motor fixing device is the same as the inner diameter of the fixing mandrel, both are sufficiently smooth and have a clearance fit.

8. An adjustment method for a low-stress automatic clamping device for a weak-stiffness arrayed composite tube component as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Place the array composite tube blank to be processed on the support surface of the clamping body. When placing it, make sure that all the expansion devices are located inside the corresponding composite tube. Step 2: After the position of the tensioning device is determined, fix the device base with screws; Step 3: Adjust the tensioning height of the tensioning device by controlling the lead screw motor through the control signal sent by the control system; Step 4: The control system sends a control signal to control the magnitude of the current in the annular electromagnetic chuck, thereby controlling the magnitude of the electromagnetic chuck's attraction force and realizing the tensioning function of the tensioning device. Step 5: The membrane pressure sensor feeds back the information of the tension force to the control system. The control system compares the information with the set value of the tension force and controls the magnitude of the electromagnetic chuck current to keep the tension force of the tensioning device stable at the set value.

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