Fiber placement head A-axis driving system for laying carbon fiber composite material

Abstract

The invention discloses a fiber placement head A-axis driving system for laying a carbon fiber composite material, and relates to the technical field of carbon fiber placement machines, the fiber placement head A-axis driving system comprises A-axis gears, driving gears and a lubricating part which are arranged on a body, the pair of driving gears is arranged on the two sides of the A-axis gear respectively and engaged with the A-axis gear, and the lubricating part is arranged on the body. The pair of driving gears are driven by the two servo motors respectively, the lubricating part comprises a rotating pipe fitting, a lubricating gear and a releasing assembly, the rotating pipe fitting is rotationally connected to the body, the lubricating gear is fixedly installed at the end of the rotating pipe fitting, a containing cavity used for storing lubricating oil is formed in the lubricating gear, and the releasing assembly is arranged in the containing cavity. The containing cavity and the release assembly in the tooth gap are integrated in the lubricating gear, quantitative release of lubricating oil is achieved through gear rotating extrusion, the lubricating part is integrally and compactly designed, a large-size oil cavity is not needed, the lubricating part is matched with the narrow installation space of the fiber placement head, the oil outlet hole can be disconnected in the non-working state, and oil spilling is effectively prevented in cooperation with a sealing structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of carbon fiber layup machine technology, specifically to an A-axis drive system for a layup head used for laying carbon fiber composite materials. Background Technology

[0002] In the carbon fiber layup process, the fiber placement machine is the core equipment for achieving precise carbon fiber layup and ensuring the quality of the formed workpiece. Among them, the fiber placement head is a key component that directly contacts the carbon fiber and completes the layup action. Its rotational accuracy directly determines the flatness of the carbon fiber layup, the uniformity of tension, and the final forming accuracy of the workpiece. Therefore, extremely high requirements are placed on the rotational accuracy of the fiber placement head.

[0003] To achieve high-precision rotational drive for the fiber placement head, various drive schemes have been proposed in the prior art. Among them, the invention patent with publication number CN120461903A, a multi-axis linkage automatic fiber placement system, uses two pinions asynchronously driving a meshing large gear to achieve rotational drive of the fiber placement head. This drive method, through the coordinated action of the two pinions, can improve the rotational stability and accuracy of the fiber placement head to a certain extent, adapting to the process requirements of carbon fiber placement.

[0004] However, the aforementioned double pinion-large gear transmission structure faces key technical challenges in lubrication and maintenance during practical applications. Firstly, considering the extremely limited installation space of the filament-laying head and the need to prevent lubricating oil leakage from contaminating the carbon fiber workpiece during operation, the transmission components in the aforementioned patent cannot employ a stable oil-immersion lubrication method. Oil-immersion lubrication requires a large-volume oil chamber, which occupies valuable installation space around the filament-laying head. Furthermore, sealing the oil chamber is extremely difficult. To solve these lubrication problems, the aforementioned existing patents use an additional lubrication gear and periodically inject lubricating oil into the lubrication gear via an external oil pump to lubricate the double pinion-large gear transmission structure. However, this lubrication method has significant drawbacks: the oil output fluctuates with changes in the oil pressure inside the lubrication gear, making it prone to over- or under-injection of lubricating oil. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an A-axis drive system for a fiber layup head for carbon fiber composite material laying, so as to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an A-axis drive system for a carbon fiber composite material layup head, comprising an A-axis gear, a drive gear, and a lubrication unit mounted on a main body. A pair of drive gears are respectively mounted on both sides of the A-axis gear and mesh with it. The pair of drive gears are respectively driven by two servo motors. The lubrication unit includes a rotating tube, a lubrication gear, and a release assembly. The rotating tube is rotatably connected to the main body. The lubrication gear is fixedly mounted at the end of the rotating tube. The lubrication gear has a cavity for storing lubricating oil inside. Several release assemblies are disposed inside the lubrication gear. The trigger port of the release assembly is located at the tooth gap of the lubrication gear. During the rotation of the lubrication gear, the trigger port of the release assembly and the A-axis gear are squeezed to quantitatively discharge the lubricating oil in the cavity.

[0007] Preferably, the release assembly includes an outer casing, a trigger head, a fixed plate, a guide plate, and a flow channel. The trigger head, the guide plate, and the fixed plate are fixedly connected by bolts. The trigger head has an oil outlet hole at its center, the guide plate has a storage groove at its center, and the guide plate has a liquid inlet hole on its outer circumference.

[0008] Preferably, one end of the liquid inlet extends to the outer circumferential surface of the guide plate, and the other end is connected to the storage tank.

[0009] Preferably, the trigger head has a protruding state and a retracted state. In the protruding state, the oil outlet and the receiving cavity are disconnected. In the retracted state, the oil outlet is connected to the receiving cavity.

[0010] Preferably, the release assembly further includes a spiral plug, an elastic element, and a flow channel groove. The spiral plug is installed at one end of the outer sleeve near the receiving cavity. The spiral plug has a connecting hole, one end of which is connected to the inner cavity of the outer sleeve, and the other end is connected to the receiving cavity. The flow channel groove is formed on the inner wall of the outer sleeve.

[0011] Preferably, the system further includes ball bearings disposed within the receiving cavity.

[0012] Preferably, it also includes a self-sealing groove, which is formed on the spiral plug and is coaxial with the connecting hole.

[0013] Preferably, it also includes a top plug, which is installed at the protruding end of the trigger head.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes a grease lubrication pump for supplying oil to the lubrication section.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the present invention provides an A-axis drive system for a carbon fiber composite material laying head. By integrating a receiving cavity and a release component at the tooth gap in the lubrication gear, the lubricating oil is quantitatively released by the rotation and extrusion of the gear. Its integrated and compact lubrication part design eliminates the need for a large-volume oil cavity, adapts to the narrow installation space of the laying head, and can disconnect the oil outlet in the non-working state. Combined with the sealing structure, it effectively prevents oil spillage. The ball bearings built into the receiving cavity can smoothly transmit oil and provide a stable lubrication effect. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the A-axis gear, drive gear, and lubrication unit of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the lubrication part of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 Appendix of the present invention Figure 2 A magnified view of the release component at point A in the protruding state;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the release component of the present invention when it is pressed against the A-axis gear;

[0021] Figure 5 Appendix of the present invention Figure 4 A magnified view of the release component at point B in the retracted state;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the release component of the present invention under prolonged compression with the A-axis gear;

[0023] Figure 7 Appendix of the present invention Figure 6 Point C in the middle is a schematic diagram of the self-sealing groove after it has self-sealed;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the main body and the filament placement head of the present invention.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Body; 2. A-axis gear; 3. Drive gear; 4. Lubrication part; 41. Rotating tube; 42. Lubrication gear; 43. Receiving cavity; 51. Outer sleeve; 52. Trigger head; 53. Top plug; 54. Guide plate; 55. Liquid inlet; 56. Storage tank; 57. Fixing plate; 571. Bolt; 58. Elastic element; 59. Spiral plug; 591. Connecting hole; 592. Self-sealing groove; 511. Flow channel groove; 521. Oil outlet; 6. Wire laying head; 7. Ball bearing. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Please see Figure 1-7 This invention provides an A-axis drive system for a carbon fiber composite material layup head, comprising an A-axis gear 2, a drive gear 3, and a lubrication unit 4 mounted on a body 1. A pair of drive gears 3 are respectively mounted on both sides of the A-axis gear 2 and mesh with it. The pair of drive gears 3 are respectively driven by two servo motors. The A-axis gear 2 is fixedly connected to the layup head 6. The lubrication unit 4 includes a rotating tube 41, a lubrication gear 42, and a release assembly. The rotating tube 41 is rotatably connected to the body 1. The lubrication gear 42 is fixedly mounted at the end of the rotating tube 41. The lubrication gear 42 has a cavity 43 for storing lubricating oil inside. Several release assemblies are disposed inside the lubrication gear 42. The trigger port of the release assembly is located at the tooth gap of the lubrication gear 42. During the rotation of the lubrication gear 42, the trigger port of the release assembly and the A-axis gear 2 are squeezed to discharge a measured amount of lubricating oil from the cavity 43.

[0028] Based on a gear transmission structure driven by dual servo motors, this invention integrates a quantitative trigger-type lubrication unit 4. During transmission, lubricating oil is released on demand and precisely through mechanical extrusion. At the same time, thanks to its compact structural design, it can fit the narrow installation space between the filament-laying head 6 and the body 1, thus solving the technical pain points of traditional lubrication methods, such as fluctuating oil output, easy leakage, and space occupation.

[0029] During operation, when the lubricating gear 42 rotates with the A-axis gear 2, the trigger port of the release component mechanically squeezes the A-axis gear 2, triggering the internal structure of the component to achieve quantitative discharge of lubricating oil in the accommodating cavity 43, which is precisely dripped onto the meshing surfaces of the A-axis gear 2, the lubricating gear 42, and the drive gear 3, thus completing real-time dynamic lubrication.

[0030] The release component is built into the lubrication gear 42, and the trigger port is located at the tooth gap. The mechanical extrusion between the A-axis gear 2 and the release component is used as the sole trigger condition for oil release. The extrusion stroke and force are fixed, so that the oil output is constant each time it is triggered, which solves the problem of oil output fluctuation in the existing technology from the root. At the same time, the release component is designed to be linked to the on and off states, so that the oil release action is synchronized with the gear meshing, realizing on-demand, real-time and quantitative lubrication, ensuring the smoothness of gear transmission and maintaining the rotational accuracy of the A-axis gear 2.

[0031] In the embodiments of the present invention, please refer to Figure 2-5 The release assembly includes an outer sleeve 51, a trigger head 52, a fixed plate 57, a guide plate 54, and a flow channel 511. The trigger head 52, the guide plate 54, and the fixed plate 57 are fixedly connected by bolts 571. The trigger head 52 has an oil outlet hole 521 at its center, the guide plate 54 has a storage groove 56 at its center, and the guide plate 54 has a liquid inlet hole 55 on its outer circumference. One end of the liquid inlet hole 55 extends to the outer circumferential surface of the guide plate 54, and the other end connects to the storage groove 56. The trigger head 52 has a protruding state and a retracted state. In the protruding state, the oil outlet hole 521 is disconnected from the receiving cavity 43. In the retracted state, the oil outlet hole 521 is connected to the receiving cavity 43.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the trigger head 52 is in a protruding state and its protruding end plug 53 is not under external pressure. The elastic element 58 remains in a natural state. At this time, one end of the liquid inlet hole 55 is blocked by the inner wall of the outer sleeve 51. Therefore, the oil outlet hole 521 of the trigger head 52 is completely disconnected from the accommodating cavity 43, and the lubricating oil cannot flow out from the accommodating cavity 43, thus structurally preventing the problem of oil spillage in non-working state.

[0033] like Figure 5 As shown, when the lubrication gear 42 is under compression and rotates to the point where the release assembly contacts the A-axis gear 2, the A-axis gear 2 generates a compressive force on the trigger head 52, pushing the trigger head 52 to retract to the retracted state. The elastic element 58 is compressed, and at this time, the oil outlet 521 of the trigger head 52 is connected to the accommodating cavity 43 to realize oil discharge.

[0034] As the lubrication gear 42 continues to rotate, after the release component disengages from the A-axis gear 2, the reset force of the elastic element 58 pushes the trigger head 52 back to the protruding state, the oil outlet 521 and the receiving cavity 43 disconnect again, the oil release action stops immediately, and the single quantitative lubrication is completed.

[0035] The lubricating oil in the accommodating cavity 43 enters the storage tank 56 through the connecting hole 591 of the spiral plug 59, the flow channel groove 511 of the inner wall of the outer sleeve 51, and the liquid inlet hole 55 of the guide plate 54 in sequence, and is finally discharged quantitatively through the oil outlet hole 521 to complete the lubrication of the meshing surface.

[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the release assembly further includes a spiral plug 59, an elastic element 58, and a flow channel 511. The spiral plug 59 is installed at one end of the outer sleeve 51 near the receiving cavity 43. A connecting hole 591 is provided on the spiral plug 59. One end of the connecting hole 591 is connected to the inner cavity of the outer sleeve 51, and the other end is connected to the receiving cavity 43. The flow channel 511 is formed on the inner wall of the outer sleeve 51.

[0037] In the retracted state, as shown in the attached image. Figure 5 As shown, at this time, the elastic element 58 is in a compressed state, and a flow channel is formed through the accommodating cavity 43, the connecting hole 591, the flow channel groove 511, the liquid inlet hole 55, the storage tank 56, and the oil outlet hole 521, so that the lubricating oil can be discharged in a quantitative manner through the channel.

[0038] Furthermore, the quantitative discharge of lubricating oil in this invention is not achieved by gravity, but by the movement of the trigger head 52, the fixed plate 57, and the guide plate 54 to form oil pressure boosting. Combined with the innovative bidirectional oil discharge design, precise oil release is achieved. This design ensures that the amount of lubricating oil discharged is completely unaffected by the amount of lubricating oil remaining in the accommodating cavity 43, with minimal fluctuation in the amount of oil discharged. At the same time, it can effectively prevent oil circuit blockage and achieve real-time quantitative lubrication of the meshing surfaces.

[0039] When the trigger head 52 initially moves the fixed plate 57 and the guide plate 54, the inlet hole 55 and the flow channel 511 are disconnected, and there is no oil outlet channel in the pressurization chamber. Under high pressure, most of the lubricating oil will flow back to the receiving chamber 43 through the connecting hole 591 on the spiral plug 59, achieving initial adjustment of the chamber oil pressure and avoiding excessive local oil pressure that could cause lubricating oil to splash. During this process, during the oil pressure boosting, most of the lubricating oil flows back to the receiving chamber 43 at high speed through the connecting hole 591. The high-speed oil flow will affect the oil passage. This creates a flushing effect, preventing blockages and achieving self-cleaning of the oil circuit. When the trigger head 52, fixed plate 57, and guide plate 54 move to the preset stroke, the liquid inlet hole 55 of the guide plate 54 is precisely connected to the flow channel groove 511 on the inner wall of the outer sleeve 51. At this time, the pressurized cavity forms a unique oil outlet channel. Driven by the remaining oil pressure, a portion of the lubricating oil will enter the storage tank 56 of the guide plate 54 along the flow channel groove 511 and the liquid inlet hole 55, and then be quantitatively discharged to the gear meshing surface through the oil outlet hole 521 in the center of the trigger head 52, completing a single precise lubrication.

[0040] The bidirectional oil discharge design refers to a two-way flow path where, after hydraulic pressurization, most of the lubricating oil flows back to the receiving cavity 43, and a small portion is discharged to the meshing surface. These two paths work together to ensure that the oil output is unaffected by the remaining oil volume in the receiving cavity 43. In traditional gravity-type oil discharge or direct hydraulic injection methods, the oil output fluctuates significantly depending on the remaining lubricating oil volume and oil level in the receiving cavity 43. This invention, through hydraulic pressurization and bidirectional oil discharge, transforms the control factors for the oil output into the movement stroke of the trigger head 52 and the inlet hole 55, as well as the flow... The connecting cross-sectional area of ​​the channel 511 and the connecting cross-sectional area of ​​the channel are both fixed parameters of the mechanical structure and are not affected by the remaining amount of lubricating oil in the accommodating cavity 43 or the oil level. Regardless of whether the lubricating oil in the accommodating cavity 43 is full or has a small amount remaining, the moving stroke of the trigger head 52 is constant, the connecting cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet hole 55 and the channel 511 is constant, and the amount of oil discharged after the oil pressure is increased is always constant. This truly achieves precise quantitative measurement of the oil output, and the fluctuation of the oil output is controlled within a very small range, completely solving the problem of excessive or insufficient oil injection in the existing technology.

[0041] Through the bidirectional oil discharge design, the cavity oil pressure between the fixed plate 57 and the spiral plug 59 can be quickly balanced, avoiding leakage and splashing of lubricating oil from the sealing gap due to excessive cavity oil pressure; at the same time, a small amount of lubricating oil will be discharged only when the inlet hole 55 and the flow channel groove 511 are precisely connected, which ensures lubrication needs while minimizing the outflow of lubricating oil.

[0042] In another embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a ball bearing 7 disposed within the receiving cavity 43.

[0043] The ball bearings 7 installed in the accommodating cavity 43 rotate with the lubrication gear 42, which can effectively agitate the lubricating oil, increase the fluidity of the lubricating oil, and ensure the smooth transmission of oil.

[0044] In another embodiment of the present invention, please refer to Figure 7 It also includes a self-sealing groove 592, which is formed on the spiral plug 59, and the self-sealing groove 592 and the connecting hole 591 are coaxial.

[0045] The self-sealing groove 592 serves to collect lubricating oil. When there is little lubricating oil remaining in the accommodating cavity 43, the lubricating oil is collected through the self-sealing groove 592. During operation, after the filament laying head 6 stays at a specific angle for a long time, the oil passage is in a long-term open state, and the lubricating oil will continuously move out. However, this invention can achieve self-sealing of the oil passage during the long-term open state, preventing excessive flow of lubricating oil and further improving the accuracy of oil release. The self-sealing groove 592 and the ball bearing 7 are compatible. During the long-term open state, the ball bearing 7 will fall to the lowest point under the action of gravity, blocking the self-sealing groove 592.

[0046] In embodiments of the present invention, a top plug 53 is also included, which is installed at the protruding end of the trigger head 52.

[0047] The top plug 53 is recessed and embedded in the preset mounting position of the protruding end of the trigger head 52. After installation, it forms an integrated structure with the protruding end of the trigger head 52. It will not protrude from the surface of the trigger head 52 and affect the extrusion contact with the A-axis gear 2, and it can stably act on the oil outlet hole 521 in the center of the trigger head 52, ensuring that the diameter of the oil outlet hole 521 remains unchanged during long-term extrusion.

[0048] In embodiments of the present invention, a grease lubrication pump is also included, which is used to supply oil to the lubrication section 4. It is used in conjunction with the quantitative oil release characteristics of the release component. The grease lubrication pump only needs to perform routine oil replenishment as needed, eliminating the need for high-frequency, high-flow-rate oil supply. This reduces the workload of the oil pump and avoids excessive oil pressure in the accommodating cavity 43 due to over-injection, further ensuring the quantitative accuracy of the oil release by the release component and preventing lubricating oil leakage.

[0049] The foregoing has only described certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A-axis drive system for a carbon fiber composite material layup head, comprising an A-axis gear (2), a drive gear (3), and a lubrication unit (4) mounted on a body (1), wherein a pair of drive gears (3) are respectively mounted on both sides of the A-axis gear (2) and mesh with it, the pair of drive gears (3) are respectively driven by two servo motors, and the A-axis gear (2) is fixedly connected to the layup head (6), characterized in that: The lubrication unit (4) includes a rotating tube (41), a lubrication gear (42), and a release assembly. The rotating tube (41) is rotatably connected to the main body (1). The lubrication gear (42) is fixedly installed at the end of the rotating tube (41). The lubrication gear (42) has a accommodating cavity (43) for storing lubricating oil inside. Several release assemblies are disposed inside the lubrication gear (42). The trigger port of the release assembly is disposed at the tooth gap of the lubrication gear (42). During the rotation of the lubrication gear (42), the trigger port of the release assembly and the A-axis gear (2) are squeezed to discharge the lubricating oil in the accommodating cavity (43) in a measured amount.

2. The A-axis drive system for a carbon fiber composite material layup head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The release assembly includes an outer sleeve (51), a trigger head (52), a fixed plate (57), a guide plate (54), and a flow channel (511). The trigger head (52), the guide plate (54), and the fixed plate (57) are fixedly connected by bolts (571). The trigger head (52) has an oil outlet hole (521) in the center. The guide plate (54) has a storage groove (56) in the center. The guide plate (54) has an inlet hole (55) on its outer circle.

3. The A-axis drive system for a carbon fiber composite material layup head according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the liquid inlet (55) extends to the outer circumferential surface of the guide plate (54), and the other end is connected to the storage tank (56).

4. The A-axis drive system for a carbon fiber composite material layup head according to claim 3, characterized in that, The trigger head (52) has a protruding state and a retracted state. In the protruding state, the oil outlet (521) and the accommodating cavity (43) are disconnected. In the retracted state, the oil outlet (521) is connected to the accommodating cavity (43).

5. The A-axis drive system for a carbon fiber composite material layup head according to claim 2, characterized in that, The release assembly also includes a spiral plug (59), an elastic element (58), and a flow channel groove (511). The spiral plug (59) is installed on one end of the outer sleeve (51) near the receiving cavity (43). A connecting hole (591) is provided on the spiral plug (59). One end of the connecting hole (591) is connected to the inner cavity of the outer sleeve (51), and the other end is connected to the receiving cavity (43). The flow channel groove (511) is provided on the inner wall of the outer sleeve (51).

6. The A-axis drive system for a carbon fiber composite material layup head according to claim 5, characterized in that, The system also includes a ball bearing (7) disposed within a receiving cavity (43).

7. The A-axis drive system for a carbon fiber composite material layup head according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a self-sealing groove (592), which is formed on the spiral plug (59), and the self-sealing groove (592) and the connecting hole (591) are coaxial.

8. The A-axis drive system for a carbon fiber composite material layup head according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a top plug (53), which is mounted on the protruding end of the trigger head (52).

9. The A-axis drive system for a carbon fiber composite material layup head according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a grease lubrication pump, which is used to supply oil to the lubrication part (4).

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