An automated method and apparatus for manufacturing a honeycomb sandwich composite structure

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of honeycomb sandwich composite structure manufacturing, and provides a kind of automatic manufacturing method and equipment of honeycomb sandwich composite structure.The automatic manufacturing method and equipment of honeycomb sandwich composite structure provided by the application install the honeycomb structure module corresponding to the honeycomb plate on the plane laying platform, as the flat plate inner skin structure laying tool, lay the inner skin on the flat plate inner skin structure laying tool, make the inner skin solidification can form corresponding matching shape and combination to cooperate, in the forming step, move the inner skin to the combination, make the inner skin, honeycomb plate and outer skin form a preform; in the process of transferring the preform to the forming mold by the actuator, the actuator bends the preform according to the preset shape to realize the deformation of the preform from the flat plate to the curved surface configuration, that is, the whole honeycomb sandwich structure deforms in the air, so as to improve the production efficiency and improve the quality and reliability of the honeycomb sandwich composite structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of honeycomb sandwich composite structure manufacturing technology, and particularly relates to an automated manufacturing method and equipment for honeycomb sandwich composite structures. Background Technology

[0002] Honeycomb sandwich structures mainly consist of an inner skin, an outer skin, and a honeycomb structure. Due to the complexity of the honeycomb structure's geometry, most honeycomb sandwich composite material manufacturing currently employs manual lay-up to ensure effective compaction at the bottom corners. The outer skin is laid relatively neatly, with a more complete sheet structure. Because of the honeycomb structure, manual cutting is required to ensure proper laying and compaction, and to prevent wrinkles. The basic process flow is as follows: lay the outer skin on the outer skin mold; lay the honeycomb structure-specific structural adhesive film and vacuum compact it; lay the honeycomb structure and vacuum compact it; lay the structural adhesive film; lay the inner skin; vacuum bag sealing; and autoclave forming.

[0003] Honeycomb sandwich composite structures, with their high structural stiffness and efficient utilization, have been widely used in non-load-bearing structures such as aircraft body panels. Currently, the manufacturing of honeycomb sandwich composite structures is primarily done manually, which restricts its development due to low production efficiency, poor product quality consistency, and difficulty in controlling the production process. With the development of automated placement technology, a series of problems encountered in the manufacturing of honeycomb sandwich composite structures have the potential to be solved. However, the non-compression-resistant nature of honeycomb structures, as well as the complex characteristics of their overall and local curvature, limit the application of automated placement technology.

[0004] The main disadvantages of honeycomb sandwich structure composite materials based on hand-laid molding are as follows:

[0005] 1) The quality of hand-laid molding is mainly determined by human factors. The quality consistency of hand-laid molding is poor. Due to the presence of cuts and overlaps, the cut positions and overlap lengths cannot be made consistent, resulting in poor product quality.

[0006] 2) Manual laying is inefficient, especially the complexity of laying the inner skin, which exacerbates the inefficiency of laying.

[0007] 3) The structural efficiency of the material cannot be fully utilized. When laying the inner skin, the need to cut and overlap greatly reduces the structural efficiency of the material at that location. Therefore, it is necessary to compensate by increasing the number of layers, which increases the structural weight.

[0008] 4) During the curing process, traditional honeycomb structures may slip to a certain extent due to uneven stress, resulting in inaccurate positioning of the honeycomb structure and poor structural reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to overcome at least one of the shortcomings of the prior art and to provide an automated manufacturing method and equipment for honeycomb sandwich composite structures, so as to improve production efficiency and the quality and reliability of honeycomb sandwich composite structures.

[0010] The technical solution of the present invention is: an automated manufacturing method for a honeycomb sandwich composite structure, including an outer skin laying step, an inner skin laying step, a honeycomb shaping and assembly step, and a molding step;

[0011] The outer skin laying step includes: laying the outer skin on the outer skin laying fixture;

[0012] The honeycomb shaping and assembly steps include: setting a shaping film at the bottom of the honeycomb material, processing the honeycomb material into a honeycomb panel of a preset shape, and assembling the honeycomb panel onto the outer skin to form an assembly;

[0013] The inner skin laying step includes: installing a honeycomb structure module corresponding to the honeycomb panel on a flat laying platform as a flat inner skin structure laying fixture, and laying the inner skin on the flat inner skin structure laying fixture.

[0014] The molding step includes: moving the inner skin onto the assembly, so that the inner skin, honeycomb panel and outer skin are formed into a preform; transferring the preform to the molding mold through an actuator, and during the transfer process, the actuator bends the preform into a preset shape to achieve the deformation of the preform from a flat plate to a curved surface configuration; the curved surface configuration preform is transferred to the molding mold and then solidified.

[0015] Optionally, before the outer skin laying step, a transfer film is first laid on the surface of the outer skin laying fixture, and then the outer skin is laid on the transfer film.

[0016] Optionally, in the honeycomb shaping and assembly step, a ring of adhesive film is pasted at the bottom edge of the honeycomb material as a shaping film. The shaping film spans the edge of the honeycomb, and the adhesive film is cured to complete the shaping of the honeycomb panel.

[0017] Optionally, after the honeycomb panel is shaped, it is machined using machining equipment, then cleaned and dehumidified.

[0018] Optionally, assembling the honeycomb panel onto the outer skin includes:

[0019] A laser projector is used to project and position the adhesive film and honeycomb layer.

[0020] According to the projected positioning position, the adhesive film is pasted and pressed onto the outer skin. The adhesive film should be larger than the actual outline.

[0021] The honeycomb panels are laid according to the projected positioning position and then vacuum compacted.

[0022] Another layer of adhesive film is laid on the honeycomb panel and vacuum-pressed.

[0023] Optionally, the inner skin laying step includes:

[0024] First, a honeycomb structure module is installed on the flat laying platform as a laying fixture for the flat inner skin structure. Then, the transfer film is laid on the flat inner skin structure laying fixture.

[0025] An automatic fiber-laying machine is used to lay the inner skin; the inner skin is sealed in a vacuum bag and then hot-pressed in an autoclave.

[0026] Optionally, the steps of forming the inner skin, honeycomb panel, and outer skin into a preform include:

[0027] A robotic arm is used to grasp an actuator with a vacuum suction cup function. The actuator includes a central fixed grasping mechanism and a pre-shaped body grasping and deformation mechanism. The central fixed grasping mechanism is used to ensure precise positioning of the pre-shaped body. The pre-shaped body grasping and deformation mechanism is used for overall deformation control of the pre-shaped body. The inner skin is adsorbed by the actuator and then transferred to the assembly formed by the outer skin and honeycomb panel. It is then pressed down to form the pre-shaped body. The actuator is then removed, and the pre-shaped body is solidified.

[0028] Optionally, an actuator is used to grasp the assembled preform in a flat state. Then, by controlling the position of the grasping point on the actuator, the preform is deformed from a flat surface to a curved surface. The curved surface preform is then transferred to a molding die for solidification.

[0029] The present invention also provides an automated manufacturing equipment for a honeycomb sandwich composite structure, which adopts the above-mentioned automated manufacturing method for a honeycomb sandwich composite structure, including an outer skin laying fixture and a flat inner skin structure laying fixture, wherein the flat inner skin structure laying fixture includes a planar laying platform for installing honeycomb structure modules.

[0030] The automated manufacturing equipment also includes an actuator for moving the inner skin to the honeycomb panel and the outer skin to form a preform. Furthermore, during the process of transferring the solidified preform to the forming mold, the actuator bends the preform according to a preset shape to achieve the deformation of the preform from a flat plate to a curved surface.

[0031] Optionally, the actuator includes a main frame with a deformable gripping component. The deformable gripping component includes a lifting component, a rotating component, and a vacuum suction component. The lifting component is connected to the main frame, one end of the rotating component is connected to the lifting component, and the vacuum suction component is connected to the other end of the rotating component.

[0032] This invention provides an automated manufacturing method and equipment for a honeycomb sandwich composite structure. A honeycomb structure module corresponding to the honeycomb panel is installed on a planar laying platform as a flat inner skin structure laying fixture. The inner skin is laid on the flat inner skin structure laying fixture, allowing it to solidify and form a corresponding mating shape to fit with the assembly. The structure is reliable and precisely positioned, with high material structural efficiency, eliminating the need for compensation by adding layers and avoiding increased structural weight. In the molding step, the inner skin is moved onto the assembly, forming a preform from the inner skin, honeycomb panel, and outer skin. The preform is then transferred to a molding mold via an actuator. During the transfer, the actuator bends the preform according to a preset shape to achieve deformation from a flat surface to a curved surface configuration, i.e., the entire honeycomb sandwich structure (preform) deforms in mid-air. After the curved preform is transferred to the molding mold, it is solidified to improve production efficiency and the quality and reliability of the honeycomb sandwich composite structure. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the inner skin laying step in an automated manufacturing method for a honeycomb sandwich composite structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the actuator in an automated manufacturing method for a honeycomb sandwich composite structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of an actuator in an automated manufacturing method for a honeycomb sandwich composite structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction between the actuator and the forming mold in an automated manufacturing method for a honeycomb sandwich composite structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0039] It should be noted that the terms "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to direct setup or connection, or indirect setup or connection through centered components or centered structures.

[0040] Furthermore, in embodiments of this invention, terms such as "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" are used to indicate orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or in a conventional placement or usage state. These terms are merely for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the structures, features, devices, or elements referred to must have a specific orientation or positional relationship, nor that they must be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0041] The various specific technical features and embodiments described in the detailed embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. For example, different implementation methods can be formed by combining different specific technical features / embodiments. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the various specific technical features / embodiments in this invention will not be described separately.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown in the figure, an automated manufacturing method for a honeycomb sandwich composite structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes an outer skin laying step, an inner skin laying step, a honeycomb shaping and assembly step, and a molding step.

[0043] The outer skin laying step includes: laying the outer skin on the outer skin laying fixture, wherein the laying surface of the outer skin laying fixture can be flat, and the outer skin can be laid flat.

[0044] The honeycomb shaping and assembly steps include: setting a shaping film at the bottom of the honeycomb material, processing the honeycomb material into a honeycomb panel of a preset shape, and assembling the honeycomb panel onto the outer skin to form an assembly;

[0045] The inner skin laying step includes: installing a honeycomb structure module 320 corresponding to the honeycomb panel on a flat laying platform 320 as a flat inner skin structure laying fixture; laying the inner skin on the flat inner skin structure laying fixture, so that the inner skin can be cured to form a corresponding mating shape and assembly for mating; the structure is reliable and the position is accurate; the material has high structural efficiency; there is no need to compensate by increasing the number of layers, thus avoiding increasing the structural weight.

[0046] The molding step includes: moving the inner skin onto the assembly, so that the inner skin, honeycomb panel and outer skin are formed into a preform; transferring the preform to the molding mold 200 through the actuator 100, and during the transfer process, the actuator 100 bends the preform into a preset shape to achieve the deformation of the preform from a flat plate to a curved surface configuration, and the curved surface configuration preform is transferred to the molding mold 200 and then solidified.

[0047] Optionally, before the outer skin laying step, a transfer film is first laid on the surface of the outer skin laying fixture, and then the outer skin is laid on the transfer film.

[0048] Optionally, in the honeycomb shaping and assembly step, a ring of adhesive film is pasted at the bottom edge of the honeycomb material as a shaping film. The shaping film spans the edge of the honeycomb, and the adhesive film is cured to complete the shaping of the honeycomb panel.

[0049] Optionally, after the honeycomb panel is shaped, it is machined using machining equipment, then cleaned and dehumidified. The dehumidification process can be carried out at 100°C for 30 minutes using a baking device.

[0050] Optionally, assembling the honeycomb panel onto the outer skin includes:

[0051] A laser projector is used to project and position the adhesive film and honeycomb layer.

[0052] According to the projected positioning position, the adhesive film is pasted and pressed onto the outer skin. The adhesive film should be larger than the actual outline.

[0053] The honeycomb panels are laid according to the projected positioning position and then vacuum compacted.

[0054] Another layer of adhesive film is laid on the honeycomb panel and vacuum-pressed.

[0055] Optionally, the inner skin laying step includes:

[0056] First, a honeycomb structure module 320 is installed on the flat laying platform 320 as a flat inner skin structure laying fixture, and then a transfer film is laid on the flat inner skin structure laying fixture.

[0057] An automatic fiber-laying machine is used to lay the inner skin; the inner skin is sealed in a vacuum bag and then hot-pressed in an autoclave.

[0058] Optionally, the steps of forming the inner skin, honeycomb panel, and outer skin into a preform include:

[0059] A robotic arm is used to grasp an actuator 100 with a vacuum suction cup function. The actuator 100 includes a central fixed grasping mechanism and a pre-shaped body grasping and deformation mechanism. The central fixed grasping mechanism is used to ensure accurate positioning of the pre-shaped body. The pre-shaped body grasping and deformation mechanism is used for overall deformation control of the pre-shaped body. The inner skin is adsorbed by the actuator 100 and then transferred to the assembly formed by the outer skin and honeycomb panel. It is then pressed down to form the pre-shaped body. The actuator 100 is removed and the pre-shaped body is solidified.

[0060] Optionally, the actuator 100 grabs the assembled preform in a flat state, and then, by controlling the position of the grabbing point on the actuator 100, the preform is deformed from a flat surface to a curved surface. The curved surface preform is then transferred to the molding mold 200 for solidification and molding.

[0061] Please refer to the following process for details:

[0062] The outer skin is laid automatically during the outer skin laying process. The outer skin structure is relatively flat and is suitable for automatic laying. The basic process flow of outer skin laying is as follows: (a) Lay a transfer film on the surface of the outer skin laying fixture to prevent the material layer from sticking to the fixture and facilitate transfer; (b) Lay the outer skin using automatic laying equipment; the machine head can be set to launch arrows during laying.

[0063] In the honeycomb shaping and assembly process, the honeycomb panel is shaped, machined with high precision, and prepared before assembly. To improve the assembly accuracy of the honeycomb and inner and outer skins, and to reduce the slippage and deformation of the honeycomb panel during the curing process, the specific process flow can be referred to as follows: (a) A ring of adhesive film is pasted on the bottom edge of the honeycomb material, spanning the edge of the honeycomb, so that the adhesive film can generate a certain rigidity after curing, which is convenient for machining. Then, a certain pressure (0.05-0.1MPa) is applied by vacuum bag method, and the adhesive film is cured under certain temperature and time to complete the shaping of the honeycomb panel; (b) The honeycomb panel is machined with high precision using a high-speed milling machine (speed > 10000 rpm) and special tools, and the small honeycomb structure that already exists on the material body is processed into a larger shape; (c) After machining, it is cleaned with an air gun and dehumidified at 100℃ for 30 minutes.

[0064] The process of assembling the honeycomb panel onto the outer skin to form an assembly, namely the laying and fixing of the honeycomb panel, is as follows: (a) Using a laser projector to accurately project and position the adhesive film and the honeycomb laying position; (b) According to the projection position, the adhesive film is pasted on the skin and vacuum-pressed, and the adhesive film pasted should be about 2-3mm larger than the actual outline; (c) The machined honeycomb structure is laid according to the laser projection position and vacuum-pressed; (d) The adhesive film is laid on the honeycomb and vacuum-pressed.

[0065] The process flow for laying the inner skin can be referred to as follows: (a) Install the honeycomb structure module 320 on the flat laying platform 320 as a tooling for laying the flat inner skin structure; (b) Lay the transfer film for the transfer of the inner skin; (c) Use an automatic fiber placement machine to complete the laying of the inner skin; (d) Use a vacuum bag for sealing, and then put it into a hot autoclave for hot compaction to ensure the integrity of the inner skin preform and avoid the loosening of the structure during the transfer process. Hot compaction requires the application of a certain temperature and pressure.

[0066] The forming step involves assembling the inner skin, outer skin, and honeycomb panel. A robotic arm grasps an actuator 100 equipped with a vacuum suction cup and capable of transferring and bending the pre-shaped body. The actuator 100 has a grasping and positioning mechanism 110 for cooperation with the robotic arm. The grasping and positioning mechanism 110 includes not only a positioning mechanism but also electrical and vacuum quick-connect interfaces. The robotic arm grasps the actuator 100 through the grasping and positioning mechanism 110 and connects to the electrical and vacuum systems. The actuator 100 has a main frame 120 and a deformable grasping component 130. The deformable grasping component 130 includes a lifting component 131 (electric cylinder), a vacuum suction component 133 (vacuum suction cup), and a rotating component 132 (movable joint). The electric cylinder allows for precise control, driving the vacuum suction cup to move up and down, achieving overall deformation control of the pre-shaped body. The movable joint ensures the adhesion effect between the vacuum suction cup and the pre-shaped body. The inner skin is adsorbed through this mechanism and then transferred to the combined structure of the outer skin and honeycomb. It is then precisely positioned and pressed down by the mutual positioning relationship between the actuator 100 and the tooling.

[0067] The actuator 100 may also include a central fixed gripping mechanism, which includes an upper fixed mechanism 141 and a vacuum suction cup 142, to ensure accurate positioning of the pre-shaped body. Its structure is fixed and is not affected by the deformation of the pre-shaped body.

[0068] In practical applications, the entire honeycomb sandwich structure deforms in mid-air. A deformation actuator 100 with a vacuum suction cup function grasps the assembled preform (honeycomb preform structure) in a flat state. Then, the position of the grasping point is controlled by the lifting component 131 (electric cylinder), the vacuum suction component 133 (vacuum suction cup), and the rotating component 132 (movable joint), realizing the transformation of the preform flat plate into a curved surface configuration.

[0069] The preform with the curved surface is then transferred to the molding mold 200. The molding mold 200 has a preset curved surface. The preform is sealed in a vacuum bag and then cured in an autoclave under certain temperature and pressure. The pressure can be 0.2-0.3 MPa to maintain the stability of the honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure is not easily crushed and has good structural reliability.

[0070] The present invention also provides an automated manufacturing equipment for a honeycomb sandwich composite structure, which adopts the above-mentioned automated manufacturing method for a honeycomb sandwich composite structure, including an outer skin laying fixture and a flat inner skin structure laying fixture. The flat inner skin structure laying fixture includes a planar laying platform 320 for installing honeycomb structure modules 320.

[0071] The automated manufacturing equipment also includes an actuator 100 for moving the inner skin to the honeycomb panel and the outer skin to form a preform. Furthermore, during the process of transferring the solidified preform to the forming mold 200, the actuator 100 bends the preform according to a preset shape to achieve the deformation of the preform from a flat plate to a curved surface.

[0072] Optionally, the actuator 100 includes a main frame 120, the main frame 120 having a deformable gripping component 130, the deformable gripping component 130 including a lifting component 131, a rotating component 132 and a vacuum suction component 133, the lifting component 131 being connected to the main frame 120, one end of the rotating component 132 being connected to the lifting component 131, and the vacuum suction component 133 being connected to the other end of the rotating component 132.

[0073] The main frame 120 also has a fixed gripping component, which includes an upper fixing mechanism 141 and a vacuum suction cup 142. The fixed gripping component is located in the middle of the main frame 120, and multiple sets of deformable gripping components 130 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fixed gripping component.

[0074] The present invention provides an automated manufacturing method for a honeycomb sandwich composite structure, which employs an automated laying technology for preform laying. This technology can greatly improve production efficiency, enhance product quality consistency, and prevent quality accidents. It uses modular combination universal molds, resulting in lower laying tooling costs. It also employs a preform deformation device to deform a low-curvature preform from a flat honeycomb preform, which can reduce the cost and difficulty of laying curved honeycomb preforms.

[0075] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated manufacturing method for a honeycomb sandwich composite structure, characterized in that, This includes the outer skin laying process, the inner skin laying process, the honeycomb shaping and assembly process, and the molding process; The outer skin laying step includes: laying the outer skin on the outer skin laying fixture; the outer skin laying process is as follows: (a) laying a transfer film on the surface of the outer skin laying fixture; (b) laying the outer skin using an automatic laying equipment; the machine head is set to launch the arrow during laying; The honeycomb shaping and assembly steps include: setting a shaping film at the bottom of the honeycomb material, processing the honeycomb material into a honeycomb panel of a preset shape, and assembling the honeycomb panel onto the outer skin to form an assembly; The inner skin laying step includes: installing a honeycomb structure module corresponding to the honeycomb panel on a flat laying platform as a flat inner skin structure laying fixture, and laying the inner skin on the flat inner skin structure laying fixture; The molding step includes: transferring the inner skin onto the assembly, so that the inner skin, honeycomb panel and outer skin are formed into a preform, the preform being a honeycomb sandwich structure; transferring the preform to the molding mold via an actuator, and during the transfer process, the entire honeycomb sandwich structure deforms in the air, the actuator bends the preform into a preset shape to achieve the deformation of the preform from a flat plate to a curved surface, and the curved surface preform is transferred to the molding mold and then solidified; In the honeycomb shaping and assembly process, a ring of adhesive film is pasted around the bottom edge of the honeycomb material, spanning the edge of the honeycomb. A pressure of 0.05-0.1 MPa is applied using a vacuum bag to complete the curing of the adhesive film. The step of assembling the honeycomb panel onto the outer skin to form an assembly includes: (a) using a laser projector to project and position the adhesive film and the honeycomb placement; (b) pasting the adhesive film onto the skin according to the projected position, with the adhesive film pasted 2-3 mm larger than the actual outline; and (c) laying the machined honeycomb structure according to the laser projection position and vacuum compacting it. In the forming step, the inner skin, outer skin, and honeycomb panel are assembled using a robotic arm that grips an actuator with a vacuum suction cup function, capable of transferring and bending the pre-shaped body. The actuator includes a main frame with deformable gripping components. These components include a lifting element, a rotating element, and a vacuum suction element. The lifting element is connected to the main frame, one end of the rotating element is connected to the lifting element, and the vacuum suction element is connected to the other end of the rotating element. The main frame also has fixed gripping components, including an upper fixing mechanism and a vacuum suction cup. The fixed gripping components are located in the middle of the main frame, and multiple sets of deformable gripping components are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fixed gripping components. The position of the gripping point is controlled by the lifting element, vacuum suction element, and rotating element, enabling the pre-shaped flat surface to transform into a curved surface configuration.

2. The automated manufacturing method for a honeycomb sandwich composite structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner skin laying steps include: An automatic fiber-laying machine is used to lay the inner skin; the inner skin is sealed in a vacuum bag and then hot-pressed in an autoclave.

3. An automated manufacturing equipment for a honeycomb sandwich composite structure, characterized in that, An automated manufacturing method for a honeycomb sandwich composite structure according to any one of claims 1 to 2 includes an outer skin laying fixture and a flat inner skin structure laying fixture, wherein the flat inner skin structure laying fixture includes a planar laying platform for installing honeycomb structure modules; The automated manufacturing equipment also includes an actuator for moving the inner skin to the honeycomb panel and the outer skin to form a preform. Furthermore, during the process of transferring the solidified preform to the forming mold, the actuator bends the preform according to a preset shape to achieve the deformation of the preform from a flat plate to a curved surface.

4. The automated manufacturing equipment for a honeycomb sandwich composite structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The actuator includes a main frame with a deformable gripping component. The deformable gripping component includes a lifting component, a rotating component, and a vacuum suction component. The lifting component is connected to the main frame, one end of the rotating component is connected to the lifting component, and the vacuum suction component is connected to the other end of the rotating component.

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