A core mold shaft feeding system and a feeding method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of composite material technology and discloses a mandrel feeding system and method. The mandrel feeding system includes: a base with a first guide rail; a slide table slidably connected to the first guide rail; a slide table with a second guide rail; a first slider slidably connected to the second guide rail; a first bracket mounted on the first slider; a first lifting structure mounted on the first bracket; a first support seat mounted on the first lifting structure; the first lifting structure driving the first support seat to rise and fall; a mandrel placed on the first support seat; a first clamping and rotating mechanism fixedly mounted; and a second clamping and rotating mechanism slidably connected to a second support table. The first and second clamping and rotating mechanisms are adapted to clamp the two ends of the mandrel respectively. This application can realize automatic feeding, automatic centering, and automatic clamping of the mandrel. After the composite material preform is loaded on the mandrel, needle punching operation can be performed after the mandrel is fed, significantly reducing labor intensity and improving the manufacturing efficiency of composite materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of composite material technology, and specifically to a mandrel shaft feeding system and feeding method. Background Technology

[0002] High-performance fiber-reinforced composites, as an important achievement of modern materials engineering, consist of a core structure composed of high-performance fiber reinforcement and a matrix material. With their significantly high specific strength, excellent impact resistance, and ablation resistance, high-performance fiber-reinforced composites have broad development prospects in fields such as automotive and aerospace.

[0003] Although the existing feeding device can feed the mandrel shaft for manufacturing composite materials, it still requires manual lifting of the mandrel shaft into the feeding area to the clamping mechanism and manual insertion of the clamping device. The above operation not only increases labor intensity, but also significantly reduces the manufacturing efficiency of composite materials. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides an improved mandrel feeding system and feeding method to solve the problem that although the existing feeding device can feed the mandrel for manufacturing composite materials, it still requires manual lifting of the mandrel entering the feeding area to the clamping mechanism and manual insertion of the clamping device. The above operation not only increases labor intensity, but also significantly reduces the manufacturing efficiency of composite materials.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a mandrel shaft feeding system, comprising: The base is provided with a first guide rail along the Y-axis direction, the Y-axis is located in a horizontal plane, and the Y-axis is perpendicular to the axis of the core mold shaft that is installed in place; A slide table is slidably connected to the first guide rail, and the slide table is adapted to move along the Y-axis direction; a second guide rail is provided on the slide table along the X-axis direction, the X-axis is located in a horizontal plane, and the X-axis is perpendicular to the Y-axis; A first slider is slidably connected to the second guide rail, and the first slider is adapted to move along the X-axis direction; A first bracket is mounted on the first slider; The first lifting structure is mounted on the first bracket; A first support seat is disposed on the first lifting structure; the first lifting structure is adapted to drive the first support seat to move up and down along the Z-axis; the Z-axis is perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Y-axis; the first support seat, the first lifting structure, the first bracket, and the first slider are all arranged in two spaced-apart units; the core mold shaft is adapted to be placed on the two first support seats; The first clamping and rotating mechanism is fixedly mounted on the first support platform; the rotation center of the first clamping and rotating mechanism is in the same straight line as the axis of the core mold shaft that is installed in place. The second clamping rotary mechanism is slidably connected to the second support platform along the X-axis. The second clamping rotary mechanism and the first clamping rotary mechanism are positioned opposite each other across the base, with their rotation centers on the same straight line. The first and second clamping rotary mechanisms are adapted to clamp the two ends of the mandrel shaft respectively, and the first clamping rotary mechanism is also adapted to drive the mandrel shaft to rotate. Beneficial effects: By adopting the above technical solution, this application can achieve automatic feeding, automatic centering and alignment, and automatic clamping of the mandrel shaft. After the composite material preform is supported on the mandrel shaft, needle punching operations can be performed after feeding, significantly reducing labor intensity and improving the manufacturing efficiency of composite materials.

[0006] Optionally, it also includes: A connecting platform is located above the slide table, and the connecting platform connects to two first brackets; the two first lifting structures are adapted to lift and lower synchronously. Two spaced-apart second brackets are disposed on the connecting platform; Two second lifting structures are respectively installed on two second brackets; the two second lifting structures are suitable for synchronous lifting. Two second support seats are respectively disposed on two second lifting structures; the second lifting structures are adapted to drive the second support seats to rise and fall along the Z-axis direction, thereby assisting in supporting the mandrel shaft when the second support seats are raised. Beneficial effects: This application adopts the above technical solution, using the second support seats to provide auxiliary support for the mandrel shaft, reducing vibration during the needle punching operation and ensuring the molding performance and quality of the composite material preform.

[0007] Optionally, both the first and second support seats are provided with roller structures, and the mandrel shaft is adapted to be placed on the roller structures. Beneficial effects: This application adopts the above technical solution, which, through the roller structure, provides stable support for the mandrel shaft while ensuring that the mandrel shaft can rotate freely during the needle punching process.

[0008] Optionally, it also includes: A spacing adjustment component connects two second brackets; second sliders at the bottom ends of the two second brackets are slidably connected to a third guide rail on the connecting platform; the third guide rail is arranged along the X-axis; the spacing adjustment component is adapted to increase the spacing between the two second brackets when the length of the composite material preform on the mandrel shaft is greater than a first preset value; and to decrease the spacing between the two second brackets when the length of the composite material preform on the mandrel shaft is less than the second preset value. Beneficial effects: This application adopts the above technical solution to adjust the spacing between the two second brackets in a timely manner, meeting the production needs of composite material preforms of different lengths.

[0009] Optionally, the spacing adjustment component includes: The connecting rod has a first lead screw structure and a second lead screw structure at both ends. The first lead screw structure is threadedly connected to a second bracket; the second lead screw structure is threadedly connected to another second bracket. A first power component is disposed on the connecting platform and is connected to the connecting rod. The first power component is adapted to increase the distance between the two second brackets when driving the connecting rod to rotate in the forward direction, and to decrease the distance between the two second brackets when driving the connecting rod to rotate in the reverse direction.

[0010] Optionally, the first clamping and rotating mechanism drives the core mold shaft to rotate via a second power component. Beneficial effect: This application adopts the above technical solution, achieving precise control of the rotational angular velocity and rotational speed of the core mold shaft through the second power component.

[0011] Optionally, a fourth guide rail along the X-axis is provided on the second support platform, and a third slider is provided at the bottom end of the second clamping and rotating mechanism, the third slider being slidably connected to the fourth guide rail. Beneficial effect: This application adopts the above technical solution to meet the clamping requirements for mandrel shafts of different lengths.

[0012] Optionally, the first and second clamping rotary mechanisms are respectively provided with three-jaw grippers, which are adapted to clamp the core mold shaft.

[0013] Optionally, both the first lifting structure and the second lifting structure are cylinders adapted to extend and retract along the Z-axis direction.

[0014] Secondly, the present invention also provides a mandrel feeding method, which utilizes the aforementioned mandrel feeding system and includes: Use an overhead crane or forklift to place the core mold shaft on the first support seat located at the loading station; The slide moves along the Y-axis, transferring the core mold shaft to the needle punching station; The first lifting structure drives the core mold shaft to rise along the Z-axis until the core mold shaft and the rotation center of the first clamping rotary mechanism are on the same straight line; The first slider moves along the X-axis until one end of the core mold shaft is inserted into the first clamping and rotating mechanism, which clamps one end of the core mold shaft. The second clamping and rotating mechanism moves along the X-axis until the other end of the core mold shaft is inserted into the second clamping and rotating mechanism, and the second clamping and rotating mechanism clamps the other end of the core mold shaft. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific 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 from these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the mandrel shaft feeding system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a top view of the mandrel feeding system provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the second clamping and rotating mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Base; 2. First guide rail; 3. Core mold shaft; 4. Slide table; 5. First slider; 6. First bracket; 7. First lifting structure; 8. First support seat; 9. First clamping and rotating mechanism; 10. First support platform; 11. Second clamping and rotating mechanism; 12. Second support platform; 13. Connecting platform; 14. Second bracket; 15. Second lifting structure; 16. Second support seat; 17. Spacing adjustment component; 18. Fourth guide rail; 19. Third slider. Detailed Implementation

[0018] 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, not all embodiments. 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.

[0019] In existing needle-punching processes for composite preforms, the mandrel shaft drives the preform to rotate, typically relying on fixation at both ends to withstand the impact force during needle punching. As needle punching continues, under prolonged and high-frequency needle punching, the middle section of the mandrel shaft and other areas subjected to needle punching stress are prone to bending deformation. Although this deformation is not significant, it results in varying needle punching depths during each needle punching of the composite preform, severely impacting the molding quality. Furthermore, the instantaneous impact of needle punching also causes vibration of the mandrel shaft, leading to uneven needle punching depth and density, which also significantly affects the final molding performance and quality of the composite preform. For these reasons, this application proposes an improved mandrel shaft feeding system and method.

[0020] like Figures 1 to 3 One specific embodiment of the mandrel loading system shown includes: a base 1, a slide 4, a first slider 5, a first bracket 6, a first lifting structure 7, a first support 8, a first clamping and rotating mechanism 9, and a second clamping and rotating mechanism 11. The mandrel loading system described in this application can be used for the composite molding of aerospace composite materials. The base 1 is suitable for fixing on the ground.

[0021] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the base 1 is provided with a first guide rail 2 along the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis is located in a horizontal plane and is perpendicular to the axis of the mandrel shaft 3. The mandrel shaft 3 is adapted to carry the composite material preform. The slide table 4 is slidably connected to the first guide rail 2 and is adapted to move along the Y-axis direction. A second guide rail along the X-axis direction is provided on the slide table 4. The X-axis is located in a horizontal plane and is perpendicular to the Y-axis. The first slider 5 is slidably connected to the second guide rail and is adapted to move along the X-axis direction. The first bracket 6 is disposed on the first slider 5. The first lifting structure 7 is disposed on the first bracket 6. The first support seat 8 is disposed on the first lifting structure 7. The first lifting structure 7 is adapted to drive the first support seat 8 to rise and fall along the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis is perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Y-axis. The first support seat 8, the first lifting structure 7, the first bracket 6, and the first slider 5 are all spaced apart. The mandrel shaft 3 is adapted to be placed on the two first support seats 8. The first clamping and rotating mechanism 9 is fixedly mounted on the first support platform 10; the rotation center of the first clamping and rotating mechanism 9 is collinear with the axis of the installed mandrel shaft 3. The second clamping and rotating mechanism 11 is slidably connected to the second support platform 12 along the X-axis; the second clamping and rotating mechanism 11 and the first clamping and rotating mechanism 9 are positioned opposite each other across the base 1, and the rotation center of the second clamping and rotating mechanism 11 is collinear with the rotation center of the first clamping and rotating mechanism 9; the first clamping and rotating mechanism 9 and the second clamping and rotating mechanism 11 are adapted to clamp the two ends of the mandrel shaft 3 respectively, and the first clamping and rotating mechanism 9 is also adapted to drive the mandrel shaft 3 to rotate. The first support platform 10 and the second support platform 12 can both be mounted on the frame.

[0022] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the mandrel feeding system of this application further includes: a connecting platform 13, two spaced-apart second brackets 14, two second lifting structures 15, and two second support seats 16. The connecting platform 13 is located above the slide table 4, and the connecting platform 13 connects to the two first brackets 6; the two first lifting structures 7 are adapted to lift and lower synchronously. The two spaced-apart second brackets 14 are disposed on the connecting platform 13. The two second lifting structures 15 are respectively disposed on the two second brackets 14; the two second lifting structures 15 are adapted to lift and lower synchronously. The two second support seats 16 are respectively disposed on the two second lifting structures 15; the second lifting structures 15 are adapted to drive the second support seats 16 to lift and lower along the Z-axis direction, thereby assisting in supporting the mandrel shaft 3 when driving the second support seats 16 to rise.

[0023] Furthermore, both the first support base 8 and the second support base 16 are provided with roller structures, and the mandrel shaft 3 is adapted to be placed on the roller structures. The roller structure consists of a pair of rollers arranged close together, with the mandrel shaft 3 located above the circumferential surfaces of the pair of rollers. When the mandrel shaft 3 rotates, it drives the pair of rollers to rotate relative to each other through rolling friction, while allowing the mandrel shaft 3 to rotate freely. Through the two rollers in contact with the mandrel shaft 3, during the needle punching process, the rotation of the mandrel shaft 3 drives the rollers to rotate synchronously. The above-mentioned rolling support method can effectively disperse the needle punching force, evenly distributing the force originally concentrated at both ends of the mandrel shaft 3 to the middle and other stress-bearing parts of the mandrel shaft 3, greatly reducing the risk of bending deformation of the mandrel shaft 3 due to uneven force. Even under long-term and high-frequency needle punching operations, the mandrel shaft 3 can maintain good rigidity and stability, avoiding different needle punching depths of the composite material preform each time due to deformation of the mandrel shaft 3, ensuring that the needle punching depth of each part of the composite material preform is consistent during the molding process, and effectively improving the molding accuracy and quality of the composite material preform. The roller can be a rubber roller. To address vibration issues, the roller is in close contact with the mandrel shaft 3, acting as a damper to absorb and buffer the instantaneous impact force generated by needle punching, significantly reducing the vibration amplitude of the mandrel shaft 3. This not only ensures the consistency of needle punching depth but also allows the fiber bundles within the composite material preform to be needle punched evenly, avoiding uneven density and thus improving the overall mechanical properties and final molding quality of the composite material preform.

[0024] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the mandrel feeding system of this application further includes a spacing adjustment component 17. The spacing adjustment component 17 connects two second brackets 14; second sliders at the bottom ends of the two second brackets 14 are slidably connected to a third guide rail on the connecting platform 13; the third guide rail is arranged along the X-axis direction; the spacing adjustment component 17 is adapted to increase the spacing between the two second brackets 14 when the length of the composite material preform on the mandrel 3 is greater than a first preset value; and to decrease the spacing between the two second brackets 14 when the length of the composite material preform on the mandrel 3 is less than a second preset value. The first preset value is greater than the second preset value.

[0025] Specifically, the spacing adjustment assembly 17 includes a connecting rod and a first power component. The connecting rod has a first lead screw structure and a second lead screw structure at both ends. The first lead screw structure is threadedly connected to one second bracket 14; the second lead screw structure is threadedly connected to the other second bracket 14. The first power component is mounted on the connecting platform 13 and connected to the connecting rod. The first power component is adapted to increase the spacing between the two second brackets 14 when driving the connecting rod to rotate forward, and to decrease the spacing between the two second brackets 14 when driving the connecting rod to rotate in the reverse direction. The first power component can be a motor.

[0026] Specifically, the first clamping and rotating mechanism 9 drives the core mold shaft 3 to rotate via a second power component. The second power component can be a motor.

[0027] For details, please refer to Figure 3 As shown, a fourth guide rail 18 along the X-axis is provided on the second support platform 12, and a third slider 19 is provided at the bottom end of the second clamping and rotating mechanism 11. The third slider 19 is slidably connected to the fourth guide rail 18.

[0028] Specifically, the first clamping rotary mechanism 9 and the second clamping rotary mechanism 11 are respectively provided with three-jaw grippers, which are adapted to clamp the core mold shaft 3.

[0029] Furthermore, a sensor is provided on the second clamping rotary mechanism 11. When the mandrel shaft 3 is located in the second clamping rotary mechanism 11, the sensor is triggered, and the three-jaw grippers of the second clamping rotary mechanism 11 close, completing the clamping of the mandrel shaft 3. Alternatively, a sensor can be provided on the first clamping rotary mechanism 9. When the mandrel shaft 3 is located in the first clamping rotary mechanism 9, the sensor is triggered, and the three-jaw grippers of the first clamping rotary mechanism 9 close, completing the clamping of the mandrel shaft 3.

[0030] Specifically, both the first lifting structure 7 and the second lifting structure 15 are cylinders suitable for extension and retraction along the Z-axis direction.

[0031] The mandrel feeding system described in this application can realize automatic feeding, automatic centering and alignment, and automatic clamping and gripping of mandrels.

[0032] refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this application also proposes a mandrel feeding method, which uses the aforementioned mandrel feeding system and includes the following steps: S1. Use an overhead crane or forklift to place the core mold shaft 3 on the first support seat 8 located at the loading station.

[0033] S2, the slide table 4 moves along the Y-axis to move the core mold shaft 3 to the needle punching station.

[0034] S3. The first lifting structure 7 drives the core mold shaft 3 to rise along the Z-axis until the core mold shaft 3 and the rotation center of the first clamping rotary mechanism 9 are on the same straight line.

[0035] S4. The first slider 5 moves along the X-axis until one end of the core mold shaft 3 is inserted into the first clamping and rotating mechanism 9, which clamps one end of the core mold shaft 3. Specifically, the three-jaw chuck clamps the core mold shaft 3.

[0036] S5. The second clamping and rotating mechanism 11 moves along the X-axis until the other end of the core mold shaft 3 is inserted into the second clamping and rotating mechanism 11, and the second clamping and rotating mechanism 11 clamps the other end of the core mold shaft 3.

[0037] The mandrel feeding method described in this application, after step S5, further includes the following steps: S6. The first lifting structure 7 lowers the first support seat 8; after the distance between the two second support seats 16 with roller structures is adjusted appropriately, they assist in supporting the mandrel shaft 3. During the needle punching operation, the rotation of the mandrel shaft 3 drives the rollers to rotate synchronously, dispersing the needle punching impact force in the form of rolling contact, reducing the risk of bending deformation of the mandrel shaft 3; the rollers are in close contact with the mandrel shaft 3, absorbing and buffering the instantaneous impact force, suppressing vibration, and ensuring the uniformity of needle punching depth and density of the composite material preform.

[0038] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by this application.

Claims

1. A mandrel shaft feeding system, characterized in that, include: The base (1) is provided with a first guide rail (2) along the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis is located on a horizontal plane and is perpendicular to the axis of the core mold shaft (3) that is installed in place. A slide (4) is slidably connected to the first guide rail (2), and the slide (4) is adapted to move along the Y-axis direction; a second guide rail along the X-axis direction is provided on the slide (4), the X-axis is located in the horizontal plane, and the X-axis is perpendicular to the Y-axis; The first slider (5) is slidably connected to the second guide rail, and the first slider (5) is adapted to move along the X-axis direction; The first bracket (6) is mounted on the first slider (5); The first lifting structure (7) is mounted on the first bracket (6); The first support base (8) is disposed on the first lifting structure (7); the first lifting structure (7) is adapted to drive the first support base (8) to rise and fall along the Z-axis direction; the Z-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis; the first support base (8), the first lifting structure (7), the first bracket (6) and the first slider (5) are two spaced apart; the core mold shaft (3) is adapted to be placed on the two first support bases (8); The first clamping rotary mechanism (9) is fixedly mounted on the first support platform (10); the rotation center of the first clamping rotary mechanism (9) and the axis of the installed core mold shaft (3) are on the same straight line; The second clamping rotary mechanism (11) is slidably connected to the second support platform (12) along the X-axis direction; the second clamping rotary mechanism (11) and the first clamping rotary mechanism (9) are arranged opposite to each other across the base (1) and the rotation center of the second clamping rotary mechanism (11) and the rotation center of the first clamping rotary mechanism (9) are located on the same straight line; the first clamping rotary mechanism (9) and the second clamping rotary mechanism (11) are adapted to clamp the two ends of the core mold shaft (3) respectively, and the first clamping rotary mechanism (9) is adapted to drive the core mold shaft (3) to rotate; Also includes: A connecting platform (13) is located above the slide (4), and the connecting platform (13) connects two first brackets (6); the two first lifting structures (7) are adapted to lift synchronously; Two spaced-apart second brackets (14) are disposed on the connecting platform (13); Two second lifting structures (15) are respectively installed on two second brackets (14); the two second lifting structures (15) are suitable for synchronous lifting; Two second support seats (16) are respectively set on two second lifting structures (15); the second lifting structure (15) is adapted to drive the second support seat (16) to rise and fall along the Z-axis direction, and when driving the second support seat (16) to rise, it assists in supporting the core mold shaft (3). Also includes: A spacing adjustment component (17) connects two second brackets (14); the bottom ends of the two second brackets (14) are provided with second sliders that are slidably connected to a third guide rail provided on the connecting platform (13); the third guide rail is set along the X-axis direction; the spacing adjustment component (17) is adapted to increase the spacing between the two second brackets (14) when the length of the composite material preform on the core mold shaft (3) is greater than the first preset value; and to decrease the spacing between the two second brackets (14) when the length of the composite material preform on the core mold shaft (3) is less than the second preset value.

2. The mandrel shaft feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first support base (8) and the second support base (16) are provided with roller structures, and the core mold shaft (3) is adapted to be placed on the roller structures.

3. The mandrel feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spacing adjustment component (17) includes: The connecting rod has a first lead screw structure and a second lead screw structure at both ends. The first lead screw structure is threadedly connected to a second bracket (14); the second lead screw structure is threadedly connected to another second bracket (14). A first power component is disposed on the connecting platform (13). The first power component is connected to the connecting rod. The first power component is adapted to increase the distance between the two second brackets (14) when driving the connecting rod to rotate in the forward direction; and to decrease the distance between the two second brackets (14) when driving the connecting rod to rotate in the reverse direction.

4. The mandrel shaft feeding system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first clamping and rotating mechanism (9) drives the core mold shaft (3) to rotate through the second power component.

5. The mandrel shaft feeding system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, A fourth guide rail (18) along the X-axis is provided on the second support platform (12), and a third slider (19) is provided at the bottom end of the second clamping rotary mechanism (11). The third slider (19) is slidably connected to the fourth guide rail (18).

6. The mandrel shaft feeding system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Three-jaw grippers are provided on the first clamping rotary mechanism (9) and the second clamping rotary mechanism (11), respectively, and the three-jaw grippers are adapted to clamp the core mold shaft (3).

7. The mandrel feeding system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Both the first lifting structure (7) and the second lifting structure (15) are cylinders suitable for extension and retraction along the Z-axis.

8. A method for feeding a mandrel shaft, using the mandrel shaft feeding system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, include: Use an overhead crane or forklift to place the core mold shaft (3) on the first support seat (8) located at the loading station; The slide (4) moves along the Y-axis to move the core mold shaft (3) to the needle punching station; The first lifting structure (7) drives the core mold shaft (3) to rise along the Z-axis until the core mold shaft (3) and the rotation center of the first clamping rotary mechanism (9) are on the same straight line; The first slider (5) moves along the X-axis until one end of the core mold shaft (3) is inserted into the first clamping rotary mechanism (9), and the first clamping rotary mechanism (9) clamps one end of the core mold shaft (3); The second clamping and rotating mechanism (11) moves along the X-axis until the other end of the core mold shaft (3) is inserted into the second clamping and rotating mechanism (11), and the second clamping and rotating mechanism (11) clamps the other end of the core mold shaft (3).

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