Composite material loop chain forming equipment with yarn temporary storage function and method

Abstract

The invention provides composite material loop chain forming equipment with a yarn temporary storage function and a method, and relates to the technical field of composite material product forming and manufacturing. The problem that in the prior art, manufacturing of an integrated, notch-free and fiber-continuous composite material loop chain cannot be achieved is solved. The yarn feeding device comprises a main rack, a rotary driving mechanism, a plurality of friction wheels, a yarn feeding ring, a transverse moving driving mechanism, a yarn guiding temporary storage mechanism, a clamp and a radial tension belt, the rotary driving mechanism, the friction wheels, the transverse moving driving mechanism and the clamp are all installed on the main rack, the friction wheels are located on the same plane, and the axes of the friction wheels are parallel to one another; the yarn supply ring is installed in the middle of the friction wheels, the periphery of the yarn supply ring is connected with the friction wheels, the rotation driving mechanism can drive the friction wheels to rotate, and the transverse movement driving mechanism can drive the yarn guiding temporary storage mechanism to axially move relative to the yarn supply ring. The method is mainly used for preparing the composite material loop chain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of composite material product molding and manufacturing technology, and in particular to a composite material ring chain molding equipment and method with yarn temporary storage function. Background Technology

[0002] On large ships, mooring locks are crucial deck equipment for securing vessels. Traditional mooring locks are mostly made of metal materials (such as high-strength alloy steel), and their chains are typically manufactured through welding or forging. These metal mooring locks have the following inherent drawbacks: 1. Heavy weight: The high-strength metal chain links are very heavy, which increases the overall load and operating cost of the ship, especially in shipboard applications where weight control is extremely demanding.

[0003] 2. Susceptible to corrosion: When exposed to high-salt and high-humidity marine environments for a long time, the metal chain links are prone to electrochemical corrosion, resulting in reduced strength and shortened lifespan, requiring frequent maintenance and replacement, and incurring high maintenance costs.

[0004] 3. Risk of stress concentration: The interfaces of traditional chain links (such as welds or forging joints) are often weak points in the structure, which are prone to stress concentration. When subjected to the huge impact loads brought by the take-off and landing of carrier-based aircraft, there is a risk of fatigue fracture.

[0005] To address these issues, the industry has begun exploring the use of composite materials (such as carbon fiber and glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin) to manufacture mooring locks. Composite materials possess excellent properties such as lightweight, high strength, fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance, making them an ideal alternative to metals. However, manufacturing composite chain links, especially forming closed-loop chain structures, faces significant challenges in existing technologies. Common manufacturing methods, such as compression molding or segmented connection, suffer from the following problems: 1. Compression molding: It is difficult to achieve complex chain structures with interlocking links, and demolding is difficult.

[0006] 2. Laying out and molding: It is difficult to operate due to the limitations of product size, and the production efficiency is low.

[0007] 3. Segmented Connection: If individual chain links are manufactured separately and then mechanically or adhesively assembled, structural gaps or interfaces will be formed at the joints. These connection points disrupt the continuity of the fibers, becoming new sources of stress concentration, severely weakening the overall strength and reliability of the chain links, and failing to meet the requirements of high-safety applications.

[0008] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for an innovative molding equipment and method that can realize the manufacturing of integral, gap-free, fiber-continuous composite material ring chains to fully leverage the performance advantages of composite materials. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the primary objective of this invention is to provide a composite material ring chain forming device and method with a yarn storage function. The forming device utilizes a yarn supply ring with an opening to pass through adjacent odd-numbered chain links and then winds and forms even-numbered chain links between adjacent odd-numbered chain links, thereby achieving continuous winding and forming of the composite material ring chain. This ensures that the final product is an integral structure without structural gaps. The forming method achieves the manufacturing of an integral chain link with interlocking links and continuous fibers through a step-by-step winding process of odd-numbered and even-numbered chain links.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a composite material ring chain forming device, comprising a main frame, a rotary drive mechanism, multiple friction wheels, a yarn supply ring, a transverse drive mechanism, a yarn guiding and temporary storage mechanism, a clamp, and a radial tension belt. The rotary drive mechanism, multiple friction wheels, transverse drive mechanism, and clamp are all mounted on the main frame. The multiple friction wheels are located on the same plane and their axes are parallel to each other. The yarn supply ring is installed in the middle of the multiple friction wheels and its outer periphery is connected to the multiple friction wheels. The rotary drive mechanism can drive the friction wheels to rotate. The transverse drive mechanism can drive the yarn guiding and temporary storage mechanism to move axially relative to the yarn supply ring. The radial tension belt is detachably connected to the yarn supply ring. The yarn supply ring is shaped like a circumferential U-shaped groove for storing yarn. The opening of the circumferential U-shaped groove faces outward. The yarn supply ring has an opening and is elastic, allowing the size of the opening to be adjusted by elastic deformation. The yarn guiding and temporary storage mechanism includes a mounting frame and a pair of elastic frustums. The pair of elastic frustums are connected to the mounting frame, and the mounting frame is connected to the transverse drive mechanism. The pair of elastic frustums are disposed inside the yarn supply ring with their top surfaces facing each other. A gap is provided between the top surfaces of the pair of elastic frustums, and the width of the gap is smaller than the yarn diameter. The clamp includes a fixed end and a movable end, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the yarn supply ring axial direction, and are used to fix the external winding mold inside the yarn supply ring. The radial tension band is used to wrap around and fix the yarn surface after the yarn supply ring stores the yarn, so as to provide radial pressure to the yarn.

[0011] Furthermore, the main frame includes a workbench and a support frame connected vertically. The top surface of the workbench is vertically provided with a fixed plate and multiple columns. The top of each column is provided with a flat plate. The rotary drive mechanism and multiple friction wheels are mounted on the fixed plate. The clamp is mounted on the top surface of the workbench, and the transverse drive mechanism is mounted on the bottom surface of the flat plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the rotary drive mechanism includes a motor and a transmission belt, with the output shaft of the motor connected to a friction wheel via the transmission belt.

[0013] Furthermore, the two sides of the circumferential U-shaped groove are the transmission side and the yarn feeding side, respectively, and the height of the transmission side is higher than the height of the yarn feeding side.

[0014] Furthermore, the friction wheel is provided with a groove in the circumference, and the groove is connected to the transmission side.

[0015] Furthermore, the friction wheels are four arranged in a square at the four corners.

[0016] Furthermore, the elastic frustum is made of rubber or polyurethane.

[0017] Furthermore, the mounting bracket is equipped with a spacing adjustment module, which is connected to a pair of elastic frustums and can adjust the gap width between the top surfaces of the pair of elastic frustums.

[0018] Furthermore, the pitch adjustment module is a lead screw module.

[0019] A method for forming composite material ring chains, using the aforementioned composite material ring chain forming equipment, wherein the composite material ring chain comprises an odd-numbered chain link and an even-numbered chain link connected sequentially, and the forming method specifically includes the following steps: Step 1: Pre-fabricate odd-numbered chain links. Using molding equipment, wind and cure to produce the required number of odd-numbered chain links. Step 2: Using a winding die, interlock the odd-numbered chain links with the winding die links one by one, and connect them sequentially to initially form a chain structure; Step 3: Use a clamp to install and fix a winding mold, enlarge the opening, pass one end of the opening through the odd-numbered chain links on both sides of the fixed winding mold, and then close the opening; Step 4: Yarn storage. Fix one end of the resin-impregnated yarn in the circumferential U-shaped groove of the yarn supply ring. Start the rotary drive mechanism to drive the friction wheel to rotate in one direction. The friction wheel then drives the yarn supply ring to rotate to store yarn. When the amount of yarn wound reaches the preset value, turn off the rotary drive mechanism, cut the yarn, and complete the winding and yarn storage. Step 5: After passing the radial tension band through the odd-numbered chain links on both sides of the fixed winding mold, it is wrapped around and fixed to form a closed loop structure, which is then fixed to the yarn surface in the circumferential U-shaped groove to provide tension during yarn winding. Step 6: Fix the cut yarn end on the yarn supply ring to the winding mold, start the rotary drive mechanism to drive the friction wheel to rotate in the opposite direction to that in Step 4, and control the yarn guide storage mechanism to move axially relative to the yarn supply ring through the transverse drive mechanism to adjust the forming position of the yarn on the winding mold. Step 7: After all the yarn on the yarn supply ring is wound onto the winding mold, turn off the rotary drive mechanism and the transverse drive mechanism, untie the closed loop structure formed by the radial tension band and pull it out, widen the opening, remove the yarn supply ring from the odd-numbered chain links on both sides of the fixed winding mold, and then remove the winding mold from the fixture to complete the winding of an even-numbered chain link. Step 8: Repeat steps 3 to 7 above until all even-numbered chain links are wound and formed; Step 9: Curing and demolding the even-numbered chain links to obtain the composite material chain.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the composite material ring chain molding equipment and method with yarn temporary storage function described in this invention are: 1. This invention features a yarn supply ring with an opening. The opening is expanded elastically, allowing yarn to pass through a pair of adjacent odd-numbered chain links. An even-numbered chain link winding mold is installed between these links. A clamp is used to fix the even-numbered chain link winding mold inside the yarn supply ring. The outer circumference of the yarn supply ring is frictionally connected to multiple friction wheels for power transmission. First, the yarn supply ring is wound and stored according to the required yarn length for even-numbered chain link formation. Once a preset value is reached, the yarn is cut. The cut end of the yarn on the yarn supply ring is fixed to the even-numbered chain link winding mold. A rotational drive mechanism drives the friction wheels, thereby causing the yarn supply ring to rotate relative to the even-numbered chain link winding mold, achieving winding formation. During this process, a transverse drive mechanism drives a yarn guiding and temporary storage mechanism to move axially relative to the yarn supply ring, precisely guiding the yarn and adjusting its winding position, ultimately achieving the winding formation of the even-numbered chain links. The molding equipment and method described in this invention directly complete the fiber-level connection between odd-numbered and even-numbered chain links, realizing the molding and preparation of composite material chain links. This maximizes the continuity of the load-bearing fibers, eliminates any weak interfaces caused by welding, gluing, or mechanical connection, fundamentally eliminates stress concentration, and greatly improves the overall strength, fatigue resistance, and reliability of the product. This allows the lightweight, high-strength, and corrosion-resistant properties of the composite material to be perfectly reflected in the final product.

[0021] 2. This invention designs a unique molding method of "preparing separately first and then integrating and winding as a whole". First, the odd number of chain links is formed using existing equipment. The use of technically mature existing equipment to prepare odd number of chain links ensures the manufacturing efficiency of the basic chain links. Then, the molding equipment described in this invention is used to form even number of chain links between adjacent odd number chain links, completing the high-value-added integration and connection step. This division of labor mode is reasonable and efficient, and is very suitable for the industrial production of high-performance composite material chain links.

[0022] 3. This invention creatively proposes a yarn guiding and temporary storage mechanism. Through a dynamic cycle of "relaxation-temporary storage-tensioning-release," it cleverly eliminates yarn slack caused by oversupply, thereby allowing the equipment to use larger diameter yarn supply rings, expanding the equipment's process adaptability, and ensuring precise yarn guidance and stable winding even in the manufacturing of oversized products. This structural design is based on a profound understanding of the "two-stage" tension change mechanism of the winding process, enabling precise intervention during the yarn slack stage. Through elastic temporary storage, it achieves intelligent tension compensation, fundamentally preventing yarn runaway. This endows the equipment with high robustness in handling products of different specifications, demonstrating a high degree of engineering practicality and innovative depth. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a composite material ring chain molding device according to the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a composite material ring chain molding device according to the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the workbench described in this invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the workbench described in this invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the transverse drive mechanism and the yarn guiding temporary storage mechanism described in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the upper half of a composite material ring chain molding device according to the present invention; Figure 7 For the present invention Figure 6 The main view; Figure 8 For the present invention Figure 7 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the clamp described in this invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the rotary drive mechanism described in this invention; Figure 11 This is a front view of the yarn guiding and temporary storage mechanism described in this invention; Figure 12 This is a left view of the yarn supply ring described in this invention; Figure 13A cross-sectional view of the yarn supply ring described in this invention; Figure 14 For the present invention Figure 13 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the odd-numbered chain link and even-numbered chain link winding mold after assembly according to the present invention; Figure 16 This is a front view of the winding mold described in this invention; Figure 17 This is a top view of the winding mold described in this invention; Figure 18 This is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the two stages of the periodic change described in this invention. In the diagram: 1-Main frame; 2-Rotary drive mechanism; 3-Friction wheel; 4-Yarn supply ring; 5-Transverse drive mechanism; 6-Yarn guiding and temporary storage mechanism; 7-Clamp; 8-Radial tension belt; 11-Workbench; 12-Support frame; 13-Fixed plate; 14-Column; 15-Plate 1; 21-Motor; 22-Transmission belt; 31-Groove; 41-Opening; 42-Transmission side; 43-Yarn feeding side; 61-Elastic disc; 71-Fixed end; 72-Moving end; E represents the location of the yarn exit point when the distance between the yarn exit point and the yarn drop point is the largest in each winding cycle. That is, the location of the yarn drop point when the yarn exit point is above the winding die and the yarn to be wound is parallel to the center plane of the winding die in the length direction. F represents the position of the yarn exit point when the distance between the yarn exit point and the yarn drop point is the smallest in each winding cycle. That is, the position of the yarn exit point when it is located below the winding die and the yarn to be wound is parallel to the center plane of the winding die along its length. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, and the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments.

[0025] I. Detailed Implementation Method 1, see [link / reference] Figure 1-18This embodiment describes a composite material chain forming device, comprising a main frame 1, a rotary drive mechanism 2, multiple friction wheels 3, a yarn supply ring 4, a transverse drive mechanism 5, a yarn guiding and temporary storage mechanism 6, a clamp 7, and a radial tension belt 8. The rotary drive mechanism 2, multiple friction wheels 3, transverse drive mechanism 5, and clamp 7 are all mounted on the main frame 1. The multiple friction wheels 3 are located on the same plane and their axes are parallel to each other. The yarn supply ring 4 is installed in the middle of the multiple friction wheels 3 and its outer periphery is connected to the multiple friction wheels 3. The rotary drive mechanism 2 can drive the friction wheels 3 to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The transverse drive mechanism 5 can drive the yarn guiding and temporary storage mechanism 6 to move axially relative to the yarn supply ring 4. The radial tension belt 8 is detachably connected to the yarn supply ring 4. The yarn supply ring 4 is shaped like a circumferential U-shaped groove, used to store and provide a fixed amount of continuous fiber yarn required for forming during the winding process of even-numbered ring chains. The opening of the circumferential U-shaped groove faces outward. The yarn supply ring 4 has an opening 41 and is elastic, which can adjust the size of the opening 41 by elastic deformation. When it is necessary to thread it with an odd-numbered ring chain, the opening is enlarged, one end of the opening is passed through the odd-numbered ring chain, and then the opening is closed to restore the ring structure for storing and supplying yarn.

[0026] The yarn guiding and temporary storage mechanism 6 includes a mounting frame and a pair of elastic frustums 61. The pair of elastic frustums 61 are connected to the mounting frame, which is connected to the transverse drive mechanism 5. The pair of elastic frustums 61 are disposed inside the yarn supply ring 4, with their top surfaces facing each other. A gap is provided between the top surfaces of the pair of elastic frustums 61, the width of which is smaller than the yarn diameter. The gap between the top surfaces of the pair of elastic frustums 61 is adjusted by the drive mechanism 5 to achieve precise control of the yarn winding position and control its winding path on the even-numbered ring chain winding die. When the theoretical yarn drop length of the yarn supply ring 4 temporarily exceeds the die consumption, the yarn will slack. At this time, the slack yarn segment will naturally droop and embed into the gap between the pair of elastic frustums 61, and be temporarily "stored". When rotated to a certain position, the yarn segment between the yarn supply ring 4 and the yarn guide storage mechanism 6 is tightened again. When the tension is sufficient to overcome the friction between the yarn and the gap between the pair of elastic frustums 61, the stored yarn will be forced to slide out between the pair of elastic frustums 61 and continue to be tensioned and fed to the mold for winding.

[0027] The yarn guiding and temporary storage mechanism 6 cleverly eliminates the yarn slack caused by oversupply through a dynamic cycle of "relaxation-temporary storage-tensioning-release". This allows the equipment to use yarn supply rings 4 with larger diameters, expanding the equipment's process adaptability and ensuring that even in the manufacturing of oversized products (referring to large-sized products), where the supply volume for forming large-sized products is large and the diameter of the yarn supply ring is correspondingly increased, resulting in a longer slack yarn segment, precise yarn guidance and stable winding can still be achieved.

[0028] The clamp 7 includes a fixed end 71 and a movable end 72, which are respectively disposed on both axial sides of the yarn supply ring 4, and are used to fix the external winding mold inside the yarn supply ring 4. (See attached figure) Figure 9 and 15 Due to the limitations of the chain structure, the space in which the yarn supply ring 4 can pass through the odd-numbered chain is limited. After the yarn supply ring 4 passes through a pair of adjacent odd-numbered chain rings, the distance between the yarn supply ring 4 and the winding mold of the even-numbered chain rings is relatively close. Therefore, after the winding mold is fixed by the clamp 7, it will be located in the lower part of the yarn supply ring 4, and the axis of the yarn supply ring 4 will coincide with the center plane of the winding mold along the length direction. The pair of elastic frustums 61 are located above the winding mold of the even-numbered chain rings.

[0029] The radial tension band 8 is used to wrap around and secure the yarn surface after the yarn supply ring 4 stores the yarn, providing radial pressure to the yarn. The radial tension band 8 is made of elastic materials such as rubber or polyurethane and is tightly fitted to the yarn surface with an interference fit, applying continuous radial pressure to the yarn passing underneath. This prevents the yarn from falling off due to gravity and becoming loose, which would affect the winding effect. The "wrapping and securing" refers to tying the ends of the radial tension band 8 together to form a closed loop structure after wrapping it around the yarn surface once.

[0030] The main frame 1 includes a workbench 11 and a support frame 12 connected vertically. The top surface of the workbench 11 is vertically provided with a fixed plate 13 and multiple columns 14. The top of the column 14 is provided with a flat plate 15. The rotary drive mechanism 2 and multiple friction wheels 3 are all mounted on the fixed plate 13. The clamp 7 is mounted on the top surface of the workbench 11. The transverse drive mechanism 5 is mounted on the bottom surface of the flat plate 15. The workbench 11 has a notch for accommodating the chain structure formed by the interlocking and sequential connection of odd-numbered chain links and even-numbered chain winding molds.

[0031] The rotary drive mechanism 2 includes a motor 21 and a transmission belt 22. The output shaft of the motor 21 is connected to the friction wheel 3 through the transmission belt 22.

[0032] The two sides of the circumferential U-shaped groove are the transmission side 42 and the yarn feeding side 43, respectively, and the height of the transmission side 42 is higher than the height of the yarn feeding side 43.

[0033] The friction wheel 3 is provided with a groove 31 around its circumference. The groove 31 is connected to the transmission side 42, which elastically compresses the yarn supply ring 4, so that the transmission side 42 is engaged in the groove 31 of the friction wheel 3, and reliable transmission is achieved through friction.

[0034] The friction wheels 3 are four in a square arrangement at the four corners.

[0035] The elastic frustum 61 is made of wear-resistant, high-friction damping materials such as rubber or polyurethane.

[0036] The mounting bracket is equipped with a spacing adjustment module, which is connected to a pair of elastic frustums 61 and can adjust the gap width between the top surfaces of the pair of elastic frustums 61.

[0037] The spacing adjustment module is a lead screw module. By adjusting the gap width between the top surfaces of a pair of elastic frustums 61, the friction between the elastic frustums 61 and the yarn can be adjusted.

[0038] The winding process requires the yarn to be constantly taut during winding to ensure tight winding quality. The composite material ring chain forming equipment described in this invention involves two periodically changing stages when winding an even-numbered ring chain mold. The yarn release point on the yarn supply ring 4 is called the yarn exit point, and the yarn consumption point on the winding mold is called the yarn drop point. The yarn between the yarn exit point and the yarn drop point is called the yarn to be wound. Taking the counterclockwise rotation of the yarn supply ring 4 as an example, the two stages are as follows: Phase 1 (the yarn to be wound is gradually stretched, and the yarn tension stabilizes): See Appendix Figure 18 During the process of the yarn exit point moving from point F to point E, the yarn exit point of the yarn supply ring 4 gradually moves away from the yarn drop point on the winding die, and the distance between the two gradually increases, gradually pulling the yarn out of the yarn supply ring 4 and causing the yarn to be wound to be gradually stretched. During this stage, the yarn to be wound is always in a stable tension state, which meets the process requirements of winding. Second stage (the distance between the yarn exit point and the yarn exit point decreases, and the yarn tension relaxes): See appendix Figure 18 When the yarn exit point moves to the maximum distance E between the yarn exit point and the yarn drop point, the yarn to be wound between the yarn exit point and the yarn drop point is at its maximum value. After that, as the yarn exit point moves from point E to point F, the distance between the yarn exit point and the yarn drop point gradually decreases and becomes less than the length of the yarn to be wound between them. However, at this time, the yarn has been pulled out from the yarn supply ring 4, and the radial tension band 10 cannot tension the yarn. Therefore, the yarn to be wound will be in a loose and unstable state, making it impossible to control the yarn axially. Ultimately, this results in the yarn not being able to be accurately wound on the mold surface, and may even cause fiber disorder, which seriously affects the product quality.

[0039] The core function of the yarn guiding and temporary storage mechanism 6, in addition to guiding, also includes its role in the second stage described above. It uses friction to receive and temporarily store excess yarn through the gap between the top surfaces of a pair of elastic frustums 61, ensuring that the yarn segment between this mechanism and the even-numbered chain winding die remains taut, thus guaranteeing precise winding. When the die continues to wind and consume yarn, the yarn needs to overcome friction to be pulled out from the gap, thus keeping the yarn taut at all times. The yarn guiding and temporary storage mechanism 6 also allows the yarn segment between the yarn supply ring 4 and the yarn guiding and temporary storage mechanism 6 to be temporarily in a relaxed state, preventing the generation of tension for further yarn extraction. As the yarn supply ring 4 continues to rotate without effectively releasing yarn to the mold, the cumulative yarn consumption by the mold will gradually "catch up" and exceed the excess relaxation released by the yarn supply ring 4. When the mechanism releases the temporarily stored yarn, the entire yarn path will return to a globally tensioned state, and the system will smoothly transition back to the first stage.

[0040] A method for forming composite material ring chains, using the aforementioned composite material ring chain forming equipment, wherein the composite material ring chain comprises an odd-numbered chain link and an even-numbered chain link connected in sequence, and the forming method specifically includes the following steps: Step 1: Pre-fabricate odd-numbered chain links. Using molding equipment, wind and cure to produce the required number of odd-numbered chain links. The molding equipment is existing technology, such as a conventional composite material winding machine. Its working method is existing technology, specifically: after impregnating continuous fibers with resin, wind them onto a mandrel of a single odd-numbered chain link, then cure and demold to obtain an independent, cured odd-numbered chain link. Repeat this process to independently manufacture the required number of individual odd-numbered chain links (such as the 1st, 3rd, 5th... links).

[0041] Step 2: Using a winding die, interlock the odd-numbered chain links with the winding die links one by one, and connect them sequentially to initially form a chain structure; Step 3: Use clamp 7 to install and fix a winding mold, enlarge the opening 41, pass one end of the opening 41 through the odd-numbered chain links on both sides of the fixed winding mold, and then close the opening 41. Step 4: Yarn storage. Fix one end of the resin-impregnated yarn in the circumferential U-shaped groove of the yarn supply ring 4. Start the rotary drive mechanism 2 to drive the friction wheel 3 to rotate in one direction. The friction wheel 3 then drives the yarn supply ring 4 to rotate to store yarn. When the amount of yarn wound reaches the preset value, turn off the rotary drive mechanism 2, cut the yarn, and complete the winding and yarn storage. Step 5: After passing the radial tension band 8 through the odd-numbered chain links on both sides of the fixed winding mold, it is wrapped around and fixed to form a closed loop structure, and fixed to the yarn surface in the circumferential U-shaped groove to provide tension during yarn winding. Step 6: Fix the cut yarn end on the yarn supply ring 4 to the winding mold, start the rotary drive mechanism 2 to drive the friction wheel 3 to rotate in the opposite direction to that in step 4, and control the yarn guide storage mechanism 6 to move axially relative to the yarn supply ring 4 through the transverse drive mechanism 5 to adjust the forming position of the yarn on the winding mold. Step 7: After all the yarn on the yarn supply ring 4 is wound onto the winding mold, turn off the rotary drive mechanism 2 and the transverse drive mechanism 5, untie the closed loop structure formed by the radial tension band 8 and pull it out, enlarge the opening 41, remove the yarn supply ring 4 from the odd-numbered chain links on both sides of the fixed winding mold, and then remove the winding mold from the clamp 7 to complete the winding of an even-numbered chain link. Step 8: Repeat steps 3 to 7 above until all even-numbered chain links are wound and formed; Step 9: Curing and demolding the even-numbered chain links to obtain the composite material chain.

[0042] The molding method described in this invention balances manufacturing efficiency and performance. The method adopts a unique process of "preparing separately first and then integrating and winding as a whole". First, the odd number of chain links is formed using existing equipment. The use of technically mature existing equipment to prepare odd number of chain links ensures the manufacturing efficiency of the basic chain links. Then, the molding equipment described in this invention is used to form even number of chain links between adjacent odd number chain links, completing the high-value-added integration and connection step. This division of labor is reasonable and efficient, and is very suitable for the industrial production of high-performance composite material chain links.

[0043] The molding method described in this invention enables the molding of integral, gapless composite material ring chains using specialized equipment, and is particularly suitable for manufacturing mooring equipment for marine vessels that requires lightweight, high strength, and high durability, such as mooring chains.

[0044] The embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the invention. These embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to the specific implementations described. Many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the invention.

Claims

1. A composite material ring chain molding device, characterized in that, The device includes a main frame (1), a rotary drive mechanism (2), multiple friction wheels (3), a yarn supply ring (4), a transverse drive mechanism (5), a yarn guide storage mechanism (6), a clamp (7), and a radial tension belt (8). The rotary drive mechanism (2), multiple friction wheels (3), transverse drive mechanism (5), and clamp (7) are all mounted on the main frame (1). The multiple friction wheels (3) are located on the same plane and their axes are parallel to each other. The yarn supply ring (4) is installed in the middle of the multiple friction wheels (3) and its outer circumference is connected to the multiple friction wheels (3). The rotary drive mechanism (2) can drive the friction wheels (3) to rotate. The transverse drive mechanism (5) can drive the yarn guide storage mechanism (6) to move axially relative to the yarn supply ring (4). The radial tension belt (8) is detachably connected to the yarn supply ring (4). The yarn supply ring (4) is shaped as a circumferential U-shaped groove for storing yarn. The opening of the circumferential U-shaped groove faces outward. The yarn supply ring (4) has an opening (41) and is elastic, so that the size of the opening (41) can be adjusted by elastic deformation. The yarn guiding and temporary storage mechanism (6) includes a mounting frame and a pair of elastic frustums (61). The pair of elastic frustums (61) are connected to the mounting frame, and the mounting frame is connected to the transverse drive mechanism (5). The pair of elastic frustums (61) are arranged inside the yarn supply ring (4) with their top surfaces facing each other. A gap is provided between the top surfaces of the pair of elastic frustums (61), and the width of the gap is smaller than the yarn diameter. The clamp (7) includes a fixed end (71) and a movable end (72), which are respectively arranged on both sides of the yarn supply ring (4) to fix the external winding mold inside the yarn supply ring (4).

2. The composite material ring chain forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main frame (1) includes a workbench (11) and a support frame (12) connected vertically. The top surface of the workbench (11) is vertically provided with a fixed plate (13) and multiple columns (14). The top of the column (14) is provided with a flat plate (15). The rotary drive mechanism (2) and multiple friction wheels (3) are all installed on the fixed plate (13). The clamp (7) is installed on the top surface of the workbench (11). The transverse drive mechanism (5) is installed on the bottom surface of the flat plate (15).

3. The composite material ring chain forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotary drive mechanism (2) includes a motor (21) and a transmission belt (22), and the output shaft of the motor (21) is connected to the friction wheel (3) through the transmission belt (22).

4. The composite material ring chain forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two sides of the circumferential U-shaped groove are the transmission side (42) and the yarn feeding side (43), respectively, and the height of the transmission side (42) is higher than the height of the yarn feeding side (43).

5. A composite material ring chain forming device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The friction wheel (3) has a groove (31) in the circumferential direction, and the groove (31) is connected to the transmission side (42).

6. The composite material ring chain molding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The friction wheels (3) are four arranged in a square at the four corners.

7. The composite material ring chain forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic frustum (61) is made of rubber or polyurethane.

8. The composite material ring chain forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting frame is equipped with a spacing adjustment module, which is connected to a pair of elastic frustums (61) and can adjust the gap width between the top surfaces of the pair of elastic frustums (61).

9. A composite material ring chain forming device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pitch adjustment module is a lead screw module.

10. A method for forming composite material ring chains, characterized in that, Using the composite material link chain forming apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-9, the composite material link chain comprises an odd-numbered chain link and an even-numbered chain link connected in sequence, and the forming method specifically includes the following steps: Step 1: Pre-fabricate odd-numbered chain links. Using molding equipment, wind and cure to produce the required number of odd-numbered chain links. Step 2: Using a winding die, interlock the odd-numbered chain links with the winding die links one by one, and connect them sequentially to initially form a chain structure; Step 3: Use clamp (7) to install and fix a winding mold, enlarge the opening (41), pass one end of the opening (41) through the odd-numbered chain links on both sides of the fixed winding mold, and then close the opening (41). Step 4: yarn storage. Fix one end of the resin-impregnated yarn in the circumferential U-shaped groove of the yarn supply ring (4). Start the rotary drive mechanism (2) to drive the friction wheel (3) to rotate in one direction. The friction wheel (3) then drives the yarn supply ring (4) to rotate to store yarn. When the amount of yarn wound reaches the preset value, turn off the rotary drive mechanism (2), cut the yarn, and complete the winding and yarn storage. Step 5: After passing the radial tension band (8) through the odd-numbered chain links on both sides of the fixed winding mold, it is wrapped around and fixed to form a closed loop structure, and fixed on the yarn surface in the circumferential U-shaped groove to provide tension when the yarn is wound. Step 6: Fix the cut yarn end on the yarn supply ring (4) to the winding mold, start the rotary drive mechanism (2) to drive the friction wheel (3) to rotate in the opposite direction to step 4, and control the yarn guide storage mechanism (6) to move axially relative to the yarn supply ring (4) through the transverse drive mechanism (5) to adjust the forming position of the yarn on the winding mold. Step 7: After all the yarn on the yarn supply ring (4) is wound onto the winding mold, turn off the rotary drive mechanism (2) and the transverse drive mechanism (5), untie the closed loop structure formed by the radial tension band (8) and pull it out, enlarge the opening (41), remove the yarn supply ring (4) from the odd-numbered chain links on both sides of the fixed winding mold, and then remove the winding mold from the clamp (7) to complete the winding of an even-numbered chain link. Step 8: Repeat steps 3 to 7 above until all even-numbered chain links are wound and formed; Step 9: Curing and demolding the even-numbered chain links to obtain the composite material chain.

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