A fiber tow pretreatment system
By using a fiber bundle pretreatment system, resin particles are attached to the impregnation tank and a flow channel is formed by heating the treatment device, which solves the problem of insufficient impregnation of fiber bundles and improves the resin wetting effect and the quality of the prepreg.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHONGFU SHENYING (SHANGHAI) TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
In the process of preparing prepreg, especially for high-grammage fabrics, insufficient impregnation of the fiber bundles with resin makes it difficult for the resin to penetrate into the fiber bundles, thus affecting the quality of the prepreg.
A fiber bundle pretreatment system is used. The impregnation tank contains liquid and resin particles, which are then placed in an impregnation solution. The resin particles adhere to the fiber bundle. The treatment device heats and dries the liquid, transforming the resin particles into target resin particles and forming a flow channel so that the resin can better enter the fiber bundle during the subsequent impregnation process.
It improved the resin wetting effect, reduced porosity, and ensured the quality of the prepreg. Experiments showed that the porosity was reduced by more than 6%.
Smart Images
Figure CN120645343B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of composite material preparation technology, and in particular to a fiber bundle pretreatment system. Background Technology
[0002] Prepregs are compositions of resin matrix and reinforcement made by impregnating continuous fibers or fabrics with a resin matrix. High-performance composite materials made from prepregs are widely used in aerospace, industrial manufacturing, sporting goods, and other fields. However, in the preparation of prepregs, especially for high-weight fabrics requiring a large amount of fiber, there is a problem of insufficient resin impregnation of the fiber bundles. The resin has difficulty penetrating into the interior of the fiber bundles, affecting the quality of the finished prepreg. Summary of the Invention
[0003] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, the present invention provides a fiber bundle pretreatment system that can improve the resin impregnation effect.
[0004] According to some embodiments, the present invention provides a fiber tow pretreatment system, comprising: An impregnation tank is filled with an impregnation solution, which includes liquid and resin particles. The impregnation tank is used to impregnate fiber bundles with the impregnation solution, and the fiber bundles impregnated with the impregnation solution are coated with the resin particles. The processing device is located downstream of the impregnation tank along the travel direction of the fiber bundle. The processing device is used to dry the liquid on the impregnated fiber bundle and can transform the resin particles attached to the fiber bundle into target resin particles, with each target resin particle located between adjacent fiber filaments so that adjacent fiber filaments are spaced apart to form a flow channel.
[0005] In some embodiments of the present invention, the boiling point of the liquid is lower than the melting point of the resin particles, the resin particles are thermoplastic resin particles, and the processing apparatus includes: A drying oven, wherein the heating temperature of the drying oven is higher than the boiling point of the liquid, is used to dry the liquid on the fiber bundle; A melting furnace is located downstream of the drying furnace along the direction of travel of the fiber bundle. The heating temperature of the melting furnace is lower than the melting point of the resin particles, and it is used to partially melt each of the resin particles to bond them to the fiber bundle. A setting furnace is located downstream of the melting furnace along the direction of travel of the fiber bundle. The setting furnace has a heating temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the resin particles and is used to transform each of the resin particles melted in the melting furnace into the target resin particles.
[0006] In some embodiments of the present invention, the shaping furnace includes: A setting furnace body, the setting furnace body being used to gradually harden each of the resin particles melted in the melting furnace to a target state; A shaping assembly, comprising at least one set of pressure rollers for pressing the resin particles in the target state to deform the resin particles in the target state into the target resin particles.
[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, the fiber bundle pretreatment system further includes: At least one spreading roller is disposed within the impregnation tank and is used to spread the fiber bundle so that the resin particles enter between adjacent fibers.
[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the yarn spreading roller includes a body and a plurality of arc-shaped protrusions and a plurality of arc-shaped grooves disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the body. The plurality of arc-shaped protrusions are distributed sequentially along the axial direction of the body, and each arc-shaped groove is located between adjacent arc-shaped protrusions. Adjacent arc-shaped protrusions and arc-shaped grooves are smoothly connected. Each arc-shaped protrusion and each arc-shaped groove extends circumferentially along the body to surround the body.
[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one spreading roller includes a first spreading roller, a second spreading roller, and a third spreading roller. The first spreading roller, the second spreading roller, and the third spreading roller are arranged sequentially at intervals along the traveling direction of the fiber bundle. Along the traveling direction of the fiber bundle, the arcuate protrusion of the first spreading roller is opposite to the arcuate groove of the second spreading roller, the arcuate groove of the second spreading roller is opposite to the arcuate protrusion of the third spreading roller, the arcuate groove of the first spreading roller is opposite to the arcuate protrusion of the second spreading roller, and the arcuate protrusion of the second spreading roller is opposite to the arcuate groove of the third spreading roller.
[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the fiber bundle pretreatment system further includes: A stirring device is installed on the bottom wall of the impregnation tank. The stirring device is used to stir the impregnation liquid so that the resin particles are evenly dispersed in the liquid.
[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the fiber bundle pretreatment system further includes: The first yarn separating device is located upstream of the impregnation tank, along the direction of travel of the fiber bundle. The second yarn separating device is disposed between the impregnation tank and the processing device.
[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the fiber bundle pretreatment system further includes: At least one guide roller is disposed between the first yarn separating device and the impregnation tank. The height of each guide roller is higher than the height of the opening of the impregnation tank. The guide roller is used to guide the direction of the fiber bundle.
[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the fiber bundle pretreatment system further includes: A draining roller is disposed between the impregnation tank and the second yarn separating device. The draining roller is used to drain excess impregnation liquid from the fiber bundle impregnated by the impregnation liquid. A guide plate is disposed in the impregnation tank and located below the draining roller. The guide plate is used to guide the impregnation liquid drained by the draining roller into the impregnation tank.
[0014] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention may include the following beneficial effects: This invention provides a fiber tow pretreatment system. An impregnation tank containing an impregnation solution comprising liquid and resin particles is used. As the fiber tow passes through the impregnation tank, the resin particles adhere to it. The fiber tow with the attached resin particles is then heated by a treatment device. This device dries the liquid on the impregnated fiber tow and transforms the resin particles attached to the fiber tow into target resin particles. These target resin particles form a flow channel between adjacent fiber filaments. Therefore, during subsequent resin impregnation for prepreg preparation, the resin can better penetrate the fiber tow through the flow channel, improving the resin wetting effect and ensuring the quality of the prepreg.
[0015] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a fiber bundle pretreatment system according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of multiple yarn-spreading rollers according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a fiber bundle including target resin particles, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0018] Figure label: 10. Fiber bundle; 20. Target resin particles; 30. Flow channel; 100. Yarn frame; 200. Yarn arrangement board; 310. First yarn separating device; 320. Second yarn separating device; 400. Guide roller; 500, Impregnation tank; 510, Yarn spreading roller; 5110, First yarn spreading roller; 5120, Second yarn spreading roller; 5130, Third yarn spreading roller; 520, Body; 530, Arc-shaped protrusion; 540, Arc-shaped groove; 550, Dewatering roller; 560, Guide plate; 570, Agitator; 600. Processing device; 610. Drying oven; 620. Melting furnace; 630. Shaping furnace; 6310. Shaping assembly; 700. Loom. Detailed Implementation
[0019] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention.
[0020] Prepreg is a composition of resin matrix and reinforcement made by impregnating continuous fibers or fabrics with a resin matrix. High-performance composite materials made from prepreg are widely used in aerospace, industrial manufacturing, sporting goods, and other fields. Prepreg is obtained by impregnating continuous fibers with resin and then curing them. However, during the impregnation of fiber bundles with resin, especially for high-grammage fabrics, a large number of fibers need to be stacked together for impregnation, which can lead to insufficient impregnation. The resin cannot penetrate into the fiber bundle, affecting the quality of the prepreg and consequently the appearance, mechanical properties, and durability of the fiber-reinforced resin finished product.
[0021] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a fiber tow pretreatment system. The system involves filling an impregnation tank with an impregnation solution comprising liquid and resin particles. As the fiber tow passes through the impregnation tank, the resin particles adhere to it. The fiber tow with the attached resin particles is then heated by a treatment device. This device dries the liquid on the impregnated fiber tow and transforms the resin particles attached to the fiber tow into target resin particles. These target resin particles form a flow channel between adjacent fiber filaments. Therefore, during subsequent resin impregnation for prepreg preparation, the resin can better penetrate the fiber tow through the flow channel, improving the resin wetting effect and ensuring the quality of the prepreg.
[0022] The fiber bundle pretreatment system provided according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0023] It should be noted that the direction of fiber bundle movement does not refer to the specific extension direction of the fiber at a particular device, but rather to the overall movement direction of the fiber bundle. Figure 1 The positive x-axis is the direction of travel of the fiber bundle 10, and the y-axis is the vertical direction. The movement of the fiber bundle 10 is achieved by the traction of the traction device (not shown in the figure). Figure 2 The coordinate axes in the diagram are only used to indicate orientation, and... Figure 1 The x-axis and y-axis directions can be the same or different; in addition, the fiber bundle 10 in this invention refers to a fiber aggregate formed by multiple continuous monofilaments arranged in parallel or lightly bonded together. It has a loose structure, weak bonding force between monofilaments, no obvious twisting, and is easy to disperse. For example, it is a carbon fiber bundle, a glass fiber bundle, etc.
[0024] This invention provides a fiber tow pretreatment system, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the apparatus includes an impregnation tank 500 and a processing device 600. The impregnation tank 500 contains an impregnation liquid, which includes liquid and resin particles. The resin particles are insoluble in the liquid in which they are impregnated. The liquid is used to disperse the resin particles in the liquid. When the fiber bundle 10 passes through the impregnation liquid in the impregnation tank 500, the resin particles adhere to the fiber bundle 10. Here, adhesion means that the resin particles are sandwiched between adjacent fiber filaments and on the surface of the fiber bundle 10. The processing device 600 is located downstream of the impregnation tank 500. When the fiber bundle 10 with resin particles attached enters the processing device 600, the processing device 600 can dry the liquid on the impregnated fiber bundle 10 and can transform the resin particles attached to the fiber bundle 10 into target resin particles 20. Each target resin particle 20 is bonded between adjacent fiber filaments so that adjacent fiber filaments are spaced apart to form a guide channel 30.
[0025] Understandably, the resin particles can be thermoplastic resin particles or thermosetting resin particles, and the liquid can be water, methanol, ethanol, etc. The heating temperature of the processing device 600 can be adjusted accordingly for different types of resin particles and liquids. The size range of the resin particles is 10-20 micrometers, where the size refers to the length of the longest side. The shape of the resin particles can be cuboid, sphere, or irregular shape. The resin particles are randomly distributed among the fiber filaments, and the target resin particles 20 are resin particles that have been processed into resin particles that meet the required elasticity, hardness, shape, and other requirements according to the needs.
[0026] In this embodiment, by filling the impregnation tank 500 with an impregnation solution including liquid and resin particles, the resin particles can adhere to the fiber bundle 10 when it passes through the impregnation tank 500. The fiber bundle 10 with the resin particles is then heated by the processing device 600. The processing device 600 can dry the liquid on the impregnated fiber bundle 10 and can transform the resin particles attached to the fiber bundle 10 into target resin particles 20. The target resin particles 20 form a flow channel 30 between adjacent fibers. In the subsequent impregnation of resin for the preparation of prepreg, the resin can better enter the interior of the fiber bundle 10 through the flow channel 30, improving the resin wetting effect, reducing porosity, and ensuring the quality of the prepreg. Experimental verification shows that the fiber prepreg treated by the fiber bundle pretreatment system provided by this invention has a porosity reduction of more than 6% compared to untreated fibers used directly in the prepreg.
[0027] In one embodiment, reference continues Figure 1 and Figure 3 Along the direction of fiber bundle 10, the processing device 600 includes a drying furnace 610, a melting furnace 620 and a setting furnace 630 arranged sequentially in the direction of fiber travel. The heating methods of the drying furnace 610, the melting furnace 620 and the setting furnace 630 are, for example, fuel heating (gas, liquid, solid) and electric heating (resistance, induction), etc., which are not limited here.
[0028] The impregnated fiber bundles 10 first arrive at the drying oven 610. Since the boiling point of the liquid is lower than the melting point of the resin particles, the heating temperature of the drying oven 610 is set higher than the boiling point of the liquid, for example, 20-50°C higher. The liquid on the fiber bundles 10 boils in the drying oven 610, changing from a liquid state to a gaseous state, and the fiber bundles 10 are dried. The dried fiber bundles 10 then enter the melting furnace 620. The heating temperature of the melting furnace 620 is lower than the melting point of the resin particles, for example, slightly lower than the melting point of the thermoplastic resin particles, 10-50°C. The heating temperature of the melting furnace 620 must be maintained. The surfaces of each resin particle melt, but not all of them. The molten resin particle surfaces are sticky and can adhere to the fiber filaments, ensuring the stability of the fixed resin particles. The fiber bundle 10 with the resin particles attached enters the setting furnace 630. The heating temperature of the setting furnace 630 is higher than the glass transition temperature of the resin particles, for example, 20-100°C higher than the glass transition temperature of thermoplastic resin particles. The setting furnace 630 can transform the molten resin particles into target resin particles 20. The target resin particles 20 change in morphology compared to the resin particles, such as shape and elasticity.
[0029] It should be noted that thermoplastic resins undergo the following changes as temperature increases: Initially, at low temperatures, they are in a glassy state, with the molecular chains frozen, making the material hard and brittle. As the temperature rises, the molecular chains begin to move, the interaction forces weaken, and the material becomes soft and elastic, at which point it is in a highly elastic state. After the temperature reaches a certain level, the molecular chains move freely, and the material exhibits a flowing state, called a viscous flow state. This process is reversible; that is, glassy thermoplastic resins can change to a highly elastic or viscous flow state when heated, and can return to the glassy state after cooling. The critical temperature at which thermoplastic resins transition from the glassy state to the highly elastic state is called the glass transition temperature (Tg).
[0030] With this design, after the fiber bundle 10 with attached thermoplastic resin particles is processed by the drying furnace 610, melting furnace 620 and setting furnace 630, the target resin particles 20 can better adhere to the fiber filaments, separating the fiber filaments in the fiber bundle 10 to form the guiding channel 30. Subsequently, the fiber bundle 10 with attached target resin particles 20 is woven by the loom 700 to prepare the reinforcement in the prepreg. Then, the resin is impregnated, which can improve the impregnation effect and ensure the quality of the finished product.
[0031] In another embodiment, the resin particles are thermosetting resin particles. Thermosetting resins undergo the following changes as temperature increases: when the temperature rises above the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the thermosetting resin, the resin particles begin to soften, the molecular chain segments become more mobile, and the particles gradually lose their original shape, possibly exhibiting slight melting or adhesion; when the temperature continues to rise above the crosslinking threshold, the resin becomes solidified, at which point the resin molecules are completely crosslinked into a three-dimensional network structure, becoming a hard solid. Therefore, when the resin particles are thermosetting resin particles, the temperatures of the melting furnace 620 and the setting furnace 630 of the processing apparatus 600 should be set slightly higher than the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the thermosetting resin and lower than its curing temperature, for example, 5-30°C higher than the glass transition temperature and lower than the curing temperature. At this point, the surface of the resin particles melts and adheres to the fiber filaments, and then the particles are set in the setting furnace 630.
[0032] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the setting furnace 630 includes a setting furnace body and a setting component 6310 disposed in the setting furnace body. The setting furnace body is used to gradually harden each resin particle after it has been melted in the melting furnace 620 to a target state. The target state is a state in which the elasticity and hardness of the resin particles are within a target range, that is, from a surface viscous flow state to a highly elastic state. The setting component 6310 includes at least one set of pressure rollers. Each set of pressure rollers may include two upper and lower pressure rollers in the y-axis direction. The pressure rollers may be configured to have a heating function. The heating temperature is equal to the temperature of the setting furnace 630. The pressure rollers are used to roll the resin particles in the target state so that the resin particles in the target state are deformed into target resin particles 20.
[0033] By setting pressure rollers in the setting furnace 630, the thickness of the fiber bundle 10 can be ensured to be uniform, which is convenient for subsequent weaving on the loom 700. In addition, the pressure rollers can shape the resin particles, ensuring that the resin particles and fiber filaments fit better, controlling the porosity between the fiber filaments within a suitable range, and avoiding the defect of resin richness when the prepreg is made due to excessive porosity.
[0034] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, since the fiber bundle 10 is always in a forward state, the length of each furnace can be set according to the required reaction time. Specifically, the length of the drying furnace 610 is determined according to the time it takes for the liquid in the fiber bundle 10 to completely vaporize and the fiber's moving speed. The length of the melting furnace 620 is determined according to the time it takes for the resin particles to melt on the surface at a set temperature and the fiber's moving speed. The length of the setting furnace 630 is determined according to the time it takes for the resin particles to transform into a highly elastic state at a set temperature and the fiber's moving speed. For example, if the moving speed of the carbon fiber bundle 10 is 10-15 m / h, the lengths of the drying furnace 610, melting furnace 620, and setting furnace 630 are 1.5 m, 0.5 m, and 4 m, respectively. Those skilled in the art can set these parameters according to actual conditions to ensure sufficient reaction at each stage.
[0035] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, at least one spreading roller 510 is provided in the impregnation tank 500. The spreading roller 510 is used to spread the fiber bundle 10 so that the resin particles can enter between adjacent fibers. By setting the spreading roller 510, not only can the fiber bundle 10 be limited, but the fiber bundle 10 can also be spread in the impregnation liquid, ensuring that the resin particles enter between adjacent fibers.
[0036] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the yarn spreading roller 510 includes a body 520 and a plurality of arc-shaped protrusions 530 and a plurality of arc-shaped grooves 540 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the body 520. Figure 2The y-axis direction is the axial direction of the yarn spreading roller 510. Multiple arc-shaped protrusions 530 are arranged sequentially along the y-axis direction. Each arc-shaped groove 540 is located between adjacent arc-shaped protrusions 530, and adjacent arc-shaped protrusions 530 and arc-shaped grooves 540 are smoothly connected. Each arc-shaped protrusion 530 and each arc-shaped groove 540 extends circumferentially along the body 520 to surround the body 520. That is, the axially extending arc-shaped protrusions 530 are approximately spherical or rugby ball-shaped structures.
[0037] In this embodiment, the arc-shaped protrusion 530 and the arc-shaped groove 540 of the yarn guide roller have the same shape, both being a quarter-circle arc. In other embodiments, the shapes of the arc-shaped protrusion 530 and the arc-shaped groove 540 may also be different. For example, the arc-shaped protrusion 530 may be longer in the axial direction of the body 520, while the arc-shaped groove 540 may be shorter in the axial direction of the body 520.
[0038] By setting the arc-shaped protrusion 530, the fiber bundle 10 can be dispersed when passing through the surface of the arc-shaped protrusion 530, ensuring that the resin particles can enter between the fiber filaments, while the arc-shaped groove 540 smoothly connected to the arc-shaped protrusion 530 can prevent the fiber filaments from being cut.
[0039] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, at least one yarn spreading roller 510 includes a first yarn spreading roller 5110, a second yarn spreading roller 5120, and a third yarn spreading roller 5130. The first yarn spreading roller 5110, the second yarn spreading roller 5120, and the third yarn spreading roller 5130 are arranged sequentially at intervals and parallel to each other along the traveling direction of the fiber bundle 10. Along the traveling direction of the fiber bundle 10, the arc-shaped protrusion 530 of the first yarn spreading roller 5110 is opposite to the arc-shaped groove 540 of the second yarn spreading roller 5120, the arc-shaped groove 540 of the second yarn spreading roller 5120 is opposite to the arc-shaped protrusion 530 of the third yarn spreading roller 5130, the arc-shaped groove 540 of the first yarn spreading roller 5110 is opposite to the arc-shaped protrusion 530 of the second yarn spreading roller 5120, and the arc-shaped protrusion 530 of the second yarn spreading roller 5120 is opposite to the arc-shaped groove 540 of the third yarn spreading roller 5130.
[0040] With this design, when the multiple fiber bundles 10 pass through the first spreading roller 5110, the second spreading roller 5120, and the third spreading roller 5130, each fiber bundle is distributed in the arc-shaped protrusion 530 and the arc-shaped groove 540 along the axial direction of the body 520, respectively. Some fiber bundles 10 are spread out at the arc-shaped protrusion 530 of the first spreading roller 5110, then gathered at the arc-shaped groove 540 of the second spreading roller 5120, and then spread out again at the arc-shaped protrusion 530 of the third spreading roller 5130. Similarly, another part of the fiber bundles 10 are gathered at the arc-shaped groove 540 of the first spreading roller 5110, then spread out at the arc-shaped protrusion 530 of the second spreading roller 5120, and then gathered again at the arc-shaped groove 540 of the third spreading roller 5130. The convex-concave arrangement of multiple spreading rollers 510 not only ensures that resin particles can fully enter the fiber bundle 10, but also limits the fiber bundle 10 in the axial direction, preventing the mixing of fibers from different bundles and reducing the possibility of fiber entanglement.
[0041] In one embodiment, the shapes of the first yarn spreading roller 5110 and the third yarn spreading roller 5130 can be different. For example, the arc of the arc groove 540 of the first yarn spreading roller 5110 is greater than the arc of the arc groove 540 of the third yarn spreading roller 5130. In this way, the fiber bundle 10 can be spread to different degrees, ensuring that resin particles of different sizes can enter the interior of the fiber bundle 10.
[0042] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the fiber tow pretreatment system also includes a stirring device 570, which is disposed on the bottom wall of the impregnation tank 500. The stirring device 570 is used to stir the impregnation liquid so that the resin particles are uniformly dispersed in the liquid. The stirring device 570 is configured, for example, as multiple coaxial blades that are driven by a motor to rotate and achieve stirring. A certain distance needs to be maintained between the stirring device 570 and the spreading roller 510 to avoid the stirring device 570 damaging the fiber tow 10.
[0043] In this embodiment, by setting a stirring device 570, it is possible to ensure that the resin particles do not settle at the bottom of the impregnation tank 500, but are dispersed in the liquid, thereby ensuring the amount of resin particles entering between the fiber filaments.
[0044] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1As shown, surfactants can be added to the liquid. Surfactants can effectively prevent resin particles from agglomerating through charge repulsion or steric hindrance. The ratio between the mass of the resin particles and the mass of the liquid is in the range of 0.05-0.2. The fiber bundle pretreatment system also includes a replenishment device. A first sensor and a second sensor are installed in the impregnation tank 500. Both the first and second sensors are electrically connected to the replenishment device. The first sensor is used to detect the density of resin particles in the impregnation liquid. When the first sensor detects that the resin particles in the impregnation liquid are lower than a first set threshold, the replenishment device can replenish resin particles to the impregnation liquid in a timely manner. The second sensor is used to detect the liquid level. When the second sensor detects that the liquid level in the impregnation tank 500 is lower than a second set threshold, the replenishment device can replenish liquid to the impregnation liquid in a timely manner. The second set threshold is, for example, the vertical distance between the bottom of the impregnation tank 500 and the top of the spreading roller 510.
[0045] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the fiber bundle pretreatment system also includes a first yarn splitting device 310 and a second yarn splitting device 320. Along the traveling direction of the fiber bundle 10, the first yarn splitting device 310 is located on the upstream side of the impregnation tank 500 and can limit the fiber bundle 10 to ensure the position of the fiber bundle 10 on the spreading roller 510. The second yarn splitting device 320 is located between the impregnation tank 500 and the treatment device 600 and spreads the fiber bundle 10 before heating to ensure that the fiber filaments or resin particles are heated evenly.
[0046] It is understandable that the first yarn separating device 310 and the second yarn separating device 320 can be any yarn separating device, such as a yarn separating comb or a yarn separating plate, that can sort and limit the fiber bundle 10. No limitation is made here.
[0047] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the fiber bundle pretreatment system also includes at least one guide roller 400. In this embodiment, two guide rollers 400 are provided. Both guide rollers 400 are located between the first yarn separating device 310 and the impregnation tank 500. The height of each guide roller 400 is higher than the height of the opening of the impregnation tank 500. The guide rollers 400 are used to guide the direction of the fiber bundle 10.
[0048] By setting the height of each guide roller 400 to be higher than the height of the opening of the impregnation tank 500, friction between the fiber bundle 10 and the opening of the impregnation tank 500 is avoided during the movement of the fiber bundle 10, thus preventing wear of the fiber bundle 10.
[0049] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1As shown, the fiber bundle pretreatment system also includes a draining roller 550 and a guide plate 560. The draining roller 550 is disposed between the impregnation tank 500 and the second yarn separating device 320. The draining roller 550 includes an upper roller and a lower roller arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction. The upper roller and the lower roller are made of rubber, for example. The lower roller is fixedly disposed, and the height of the upper roller is adjustable in the vertical direction. After the fiber bundle 10 leaves the impregnation tank 500, it passes between the upper roller and the lower roller. Different pressures are applied to the fiber bundle 10 by adjusting the height of the upper roller. Force, for example, the pressure within a unit width is controlled at 30-60 kg / m to ensure sufficient extrusion of liquid without breaking the fibers; excess impregnation liquid on the fiber bundle 10 impregnated by the pressure between the upper and lower rollers is drained by the pressure between the upper and lower rollers to avoid excessive impregnation liquid making it difficult to dry; the guide plate 560 is set on the opening of the impregnation tank 500 and located below the draining roller 550. The guide plate 560 is used to guide the impregnation liquid drained by the draining roller 550 into the impregnation tank 500 for reuse, saving raw material costs.
[0050] In one implementation, the cross-section of the guide plate 560 is set to an arc shape, and a filter screen is installed inside. With this design, the drained impregnation liquid can be collected at the bottom of the guide plate 560, avoiding leakage or splashing out of the guide plate 560 and thus avoiding waste. The filter screen can filter out impurities and ensure the impregnation effect of the impregnation liquid.
[0051] In one embodiment, the processing procedure of the above-mentioned fiber bundle pretreatment system is as follows: First, the fiber bundles 10 on the yarn frame 100 are split and passed through the yarn spreading plate 200 and the first yarn splitting device 310. After passing through the upper part of the two guide rollers 400, they enter the impregnation tank 500 and pass through the lower end of the first yarn spreading roller 5110, the upper end of the second yarn spreading roller 5120, and the lower end of the third yarn spreading roller 5130 in sequence. The multiple fiber bundles 10 pass through the multiple arc-shaped protrusions 530 or multiple arc-shaped grooves 540 of the first yarn spreading roller 5110, the second yarn spreading roller 5120, and the third yarn spreading roller 5130 respectively. Then, they pass out from the draining roller 550, pass through the second yarn splitting device 320, and pass through the drying furnace 610, the melting furnace 620, and the setting furnace 630 in sequence. After passing through the setting component 6310 in the setting furnace 630, they finally reach the loom 700.
[0052] Then, the traction device is started, and the fiber bundle 10 begins to move. After being limited by the first yarn separating device 310 and the two guide rollers 400, it is impregnated in the impregnation tank 500 under the action of the first yarn spreading roller 5110, the second yarn spreading roller 5120 and the third yarn spreading roller 5130. The resin particles are attached to the fiber bundle 10. The excess impregnation liquid is then drained by the draining roller 550. After being combed by the second yarn separating device 320, it enters the drying oven 610. The fiber bundle 10 is dried. The dried fiber bundle 10 enters the melting furnace 620. The surface of each resin particle melts and adheres to the fiber. The fiber bundle 10 with the resin particles adhered enters the setting furnace 630. The setting furnace 630 can transform the melted resin particles into a high-elastic state. Then, the pressure roller of the setting component 6310 presses the resin particles in the target state to deform the resin particles in the target state into target resin particles 20. After being treated in the setting furnace 630, the fiber bundle 10 has a smooth surface, and the target resin particles 20 are firmly bonded and of appropriate size. It then enters the loom 700 for weaving, and the pretreatment process is completed.
[0053] In this invention, the fiber bundle 10 is pretreated before manufacturing the prepreg, so that the resin particles and fiber filaments are connected to form a flow channel 30. This porous structure allows the resin to better penetrate into the fiber bundle 10 during the subsequent impregnation process, playing a role in interface toughening and ensuring the appearance, mechanical properties and durability of the prepreg.
[0054] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.
[0055] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.
[0056] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.
[0057] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This invention is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A fiber bundle pretreatment system, characterized in that, The fiber bundle pretreatment system includes: An impregnation tank is filled with an impregnation solution, which includes liquid and resin particles. The impregnation tank is used to impregnate fiber bundles with the impregnation solution, and the fiber bundles impregnated with the impregnation solution are coated with the resin particles. The processing device is disposed downstream of the impregnation tank along the travel direction of the fiber bundle. The processing device is used to dry the liquid on the impregnated fiber bundle and can transform the resin particles attached to the fiber bundle into target resin particles. Each target resin particle is located between adjacent fibers so that adjacent fibers form a flow channel, so that the resin can enter the interior of the fiber bundle through the flow channel during subsequent impregnation of resin to prepare prepreg. The resin particles are thermoplastic resin particles, and the processing device includes: A melting furnace is located downstream of the drying furnace along the direction of travel of the fiber bundle. The heating temperature of the melting furnace is lower than the melting point of the resin particles, and it is used to partially melt each of the resin particles to bond them to the fiber bundle. A setting furnace is located downstream of the melting furnace along the direction of travel of the fiber bundle. The heating temperature of the setting furnace is higher than the glass transition temperature of the resin particles, and it is used to transform each of the resin particles melted in the melting furnace into the target resin particles. The shaping furnace includes: A setting furnace body, the setting furnace body being used to gradually harden each of the resin particles melted in the melting furnace to a target state; A shaping assembly, comprising at least one set of pressure rollers for rolling the resin particles in the target state to deform the resin particles in the target state into the target resin particles; The fiber bundle pretreatment system also includes: At least one spreading roller is disposed within the impregnation tank and is used to spread the fiber bundle so that the resin particles enter between adjacent fibers.
2. The fiber bundle pretreatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The boiling point of the liquid is lower than the melting point of the resin particles, and the processing apparatus further includes: The drying oven, with a heating temperature higher than the boiling point of the liquid, is used to dry the liquid on the fiber bundle.
3. The fiber bundle pretreatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The yarn spreading roller includes a body and a plurality of arc-shaped protrusions and a plurality of arc-shaped grooves disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the body. The plurality of arc-shaped protrusions are distributed sequentially along the axial direction of the body, and each arc-shaped groove is located between adjacent arc-shaped protrusions. Adjacent arc-shaped protrusions and arc-shaped grooves are smoothly connected. Each arc-shaped protrusion and each arc-shaped groove extends circumferentially along the body to surround the body.
4. The fiber bundle pretreatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one spreading roller includes a first spreading roller, a second spreading roller, and a third spreading roller. The first spreading roller, the second spreading roller, and the third spreading roller are arranged sequentially at intervals along the traveling direction of the fiber bundle. Along the traveling direction of the fiber bundle, the arc-shaped protrusion of the first spreading roller is opposite to the arc-shaped groove of the second spreading roller, the arc-shaped groove of the second spreading roller is opposite to the arc-shaped protrusion of the third spreading roller, the arc-shaped groove of the first spreading roller is opposite to the arc-shaped protrusion of the second spreading roller, and the arc-shaped protrusion of the second spreading roller is opposite to the arc-shaped groove of the third spreading roller.
5. The fiber bundle pretreatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fiber bundle pretreatment system also includes: A stirring device is installed on the bottom wall of the impregnation tank. The stirring device is used to stir the impregnation liquid so that the resin particles are evenly dispersed in the liquid.
6. The fiber tow pretreatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The fiber bundle pretreatment system also includes: The first yarn separating device is located upstream of the impregnation tank, along the direction of travel of the fiber bundle. The second yarn separating device is disposed between the impregnation tank and the processing device.
7. The fiber bundle pretreatment system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fiber bundle pretreatment system also includes: At least one guide roller is disposed between the first yarn separating device and the impregnation tank. The height of each guide roller is higher than the height of the opening of the impregnation tank. The guide roller is used to guide the direction of the fiber bundle.
8. The fiber bundle pretreatment system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fiber bundle pretreatment system also includes: A draining roller is disposed between the impregnation tank and the second yarn separating device. The draining roller is used to drain excess impregnation liquid from the fiber bundle impregnated by the impregnation liquid. A guide plate is disposed in the impregnation tank and located below the draining roller. The guide plate is used to guide the impregnation liquid drained by the draining roller into the impregnation tank.