Aircraft composite and metal co-extrusion forming device

Abstract

This invention provides a co-extrusion molding apparatus for aerospace composite materials and metals, including a base plate and a top plate, with a support column between the base plate and the top plate. A lower die is fixedly mounted on the base plate, and an upper die is connected to the bottom of the top plate. Both the lower die and the upper die have a first feed channel, a second feed channel, and a discharge channel. The first and second feed channels are connected to the discharge channel through a bonding cavity. The first feed channel is used for the composite material to enter the bonding cavity, the second feed channel is used for the metal material to enter the bonding cavity, and the discharge channel is used to output the molded material. This invention, with its first and second feed channels, can respectively feed composite materials and metal materials into the bonding cavity. Under the action of the feeding extrusion device, the composite materials and metal materials bond together, and the molded material is output from the discharge channel, realizing the co-extrusion molding of composite materials and metal materials and improving the interfacial bonding performance between the composite materials and metal materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aerospace materials technology, specifically relating to an aerospace composite material and metal co-extrusion molding apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In the aerospace industry, lightweight, high-strength structural components are crucial for improving aircraft performance. Composite materials, with their superior properties such as high specific strength and high specific stiffness, are increasingly widely used in the aerospace field. However, single composite materials or metals often cannot meet the comprehensive performance requirements of complex aerospace components. Composite components, formed by combining composite materials and metals, can fully leverage the advantages of both materials, combining the lightweight and high strength of composite materials with the good toughness and bonding properties of metals. They have enormous application potential in key components such as wings and fuselage frames.

[0003] Co-extrusion molding technology, as a highly efficient material forming method, can achieve integrated molding of two or more materials, reducing subsequent joining processes and improving production efficiency and component integrity. However, currently, there is no mature and dedicated equipment for co-extrusion molding of aerospace composite materials and metals, which cannot well meet the high precision and high performance requirements of the aerospace field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an aerospace composite material and metal co-extrusion molding device to address the shortcomings of the prior art. This co-extrusion molding device realizes the co-extrusion molding of composite materials and metal materials, improves the interfacial bonding performance of composite materials and metal materials, and can be widely applied.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: an aerospace composite material and metal co-extrusion molding device, characterized in that it includes a bottom plate and a top plate, a support column is provided between the bottom plate and the top plate, a lower mold is fixedly installed on the bottom plate, and an upper mold is connected to the bottom end of the top plate through a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is used to push the upper mold to fit with the lower mold, and the hydraulic cylinder can drive the upper mold to rise and fall for maintenance.

[0006] The mating surfaces of the lower mold and the upper mold are provided with a first feeding channel, a second feeding channel, and a discharge channel. The first feeding channel, the second feeding channel, and the discharge channel are connected through a joint cavity. The first feeding channel is used for composite materials to enter the joint cavity, the second feeding channel is used for metal materials to enter the joint cavity, and the discharge channel is used for outputting the molded material from the joint cavity.

[0007] The discharge channel has a rectangular cross-section, and the area of ​​the rectangle is smaller than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the outlet ends of the first and second feed channels.

[0008] When the upper mold and the lower mold are fitted together, the two first feed channels combine to form a flow channel for the composite material to enter the bonding cavity, the two second feed channels combine to form a flow channel for the metal material to enter the bonding cavity, the two bonding cavities also form the total bonding cavity, and the two discharge channels form the total discharge channel.

[0009] Composite materials and metal materials are compressed and bonded in the main bonding cavity, and the molded material is output from the main discharge channel.

[0010] The lower mold is equipped with feeding and extrusion devices on both sides. The composite material and metal material are fed into the bonding cavity through the feeding and extrusion devices, and the material in the bonding cavity is continuously extruded. Finally, the molded material is output from the discharge channel.

[0011] Preferably, guide posts are vertically fixed at the four corners of the top surface of the lower mold, and guide cylinders are vertically fixed at the four corners of the bottom surface of the upper mold. The guide posts and guide cylinders are slidably connected in a one-to-one correspondence. Through the cooperation of the guide cylinders and guide posts, the lower mold and the upper mold are precisely combined.

[0012] Preferably, the feeding extrusion device includes a feeding extrusion motor and a feeding platform. A feeding frame is threadedly connected to the output shaft of the feeding extrusion motor. An extrusion column is fixedly installed on the side of the feeding frame near the lower die. The diameter of the extrusion column is equal to the inner diameter of the first feeding channel and the second feeding channel. Guide rods are fixedly connected to both sides of the output shaft of the feeding extrusion motor. The guide rods are slidably connected to the feeding frame.

[0013] The output shaft of the feeding extrusion motor drives the feeding frame to move along the guide rod, pushing the extrusion column into the first feeding channel and the second feeding channel, extruding the material in the first feeding channel and the second feeding channel, so that it enters the bonding cavity for bonding, and finally outputs the molded material from the discharge channel.

[0014] Preferably, the feeding platform is provided with a feeding trough, which is flush with the first and second feeding channels. The extrusion column is slidably connected to the feeding trough. A robotic arm places metal materials and composite materials on the corresponding feeding platforms, and then the feeding extrusion device feeds the materials on the feeding platforms into the first and second feeding channels. The robotic arm adopts an automated robotic arm from the prior art.

[0015] Preferably, an electric heating element is provided at the feed end of the first feed channel. The electric heating element is in close contact with the outer wall of the first feed channel, and heats the composite material inside the first feed channel for extrusion. The heat generated by the electric heating element is conducted along the mold to the channel wall, thereby heating the composite material inside the channel and achieving material heating.

[0016] Preferably, an induction heater is fixedly installed between the second feed channel and the feed platform. The induction heater is connected to a ceramic support. The induction heater heats the metal material, and the feeding extrusion device feeds the heated metal material into the second feed channel. The induction heater is a heating coil, which achieves efficient heating of the metal material.

[0017] Preferably, the hydraulic cylinder is connected to a synchronization valve, and the output shaft end of the hydraulic cylinder is fixedly connected to a pressing rod via a flange. The pressing rod is fixedly connected to the upper die, and the pressing rod is a stepped shaft solid structure with good stability.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. The present invention is provided with a first feed channel and a second feed channel, which can respectively feed composite material and metal material into the bonding cavity. Under the action of the feeding extrusion device, the composite material and metal material are bonded together, and finally the molding material is output from the discharge channel, realizing the co-extrusion molding of composite material and metal material, and improving the interfacial bonding performance of composite material and metal material.

[0019] 2. This invention is equipped with an upper mold and a lower mold. Multiple sets of hydraulic cylinders make the upper mold and the lower mold tightly connected. Through the cooperation of guide cylinders and guide columns, the lower mold and the upper mold are precisely connected. After extrusion molding is completed, the upper mold and the lower mold can be easily inspected and repaired.

[0020] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the lower mold in this invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the upper mold in this invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding extrusion device in this invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of the feeding extrusion device in this invention.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1—Base plate; 2—Top plate; 201—Hydraulic cylinder; 202—Synchronization valve; 203—Extrusion rod; 3—Support column; 4—Lower mold; 401—Guide pillar; 5—Upper mold; 501—Guide cylinder; 6—First feed channel; 601—Electric heating element; 7—Second feed channel; 701—Induction heater; 8—Discharge channel; 9—Combination cavity; 10—Feeding extrusion device; 1001—Feeding extrusion motor; 1002—Feeding platform; 1003—Feeding rack; 1004—Extrusion column; 1005—Guide rod; 1006—Feed chute. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0029] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0030] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the present invention provides an aerospace composite material and metal co-extrusion molding apparatus, including a base plate 1 and a top plate 2, with a support column 3 provided between the base plate 1 and the top plate 2. A lower mold 4 is fixedly installed on the base plate 1, and an upper mold 5 is connected to the bottom end of the top plate 2 through a hydraulic cylinder 201. The hydraulic cylinder 201 is used to push the upper mold 5 to fit with the lower mold 4, and the hydraulic cylinder 201 can drive the upper mold 5 to rise and fall for maintenance.

[0031] The mating surfaces of the lower mold 4 and the upper mold 5 are provided with a first feeding channel 6, a second feeding channel 7, and a discharge channel 8. The first feeding channel 6, the second feeding channel 7, and the discharge channel 8 are connected through a connecting cavity 9. The first feeding channel 6 is used for composite materials to enter the connecting cavity 9, the second feeding channel 7 is used for metal materials to enter the connecting cavity 9, and the discharge channel 8 is used for outputting the molded material from the connecting cavity 9.

[0032] The first feed channel 6 has an inlet diameter of 80mm and an outlet cross-section of semi-elliptical shape with an area compression ratio of 3:1. The compaction of the composite material is achieved by shrinking the pore size.

[0033] The inlet diameter of the second feed channel 7 is 80mm, and the outlet cross-section is semi-elliptical with an area compression ratio of 2.4:1.

[0034] The discharge channel 8 has a rectangular cross-section, and the area of ​​the rectangle is smaller than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the outlet ends of the first feed channel 6 and the second feed channel 7.

[0035] The inlet ends of the first feed channel 6 and the second feed channel 7 are perpendicular to the outlet channel 8, and the outlet ends of the first feed channel 6 and the second feed channel 7 are set as 90-degree arc segments.

[0036] When the upper mold 5 and the lower mold 4 are fitted together, the two first feed channels 6 combine to form a flow channel for the composite material to enter the bonding cavity 9, the two second feed channels 7 combine to form a flow channel for the metal material to enter the bonding cavity 9, the two bonding cavities 9 also form a total bonding cavity, and the two discharge channels 8 form a total discharge channel.

[0037] Composite materials and metal materials are compressed and bonded in the main bonding cavity, and the molded material is output from the main discharge channel.

[0038] The lower mold 4 is provided with feeding extrusion devices 10 on both sides. The feeding extrusion devices 10 feed the composite material and metal material into the bonding cavity 9 and continuously extrude the material in the bonding cavity 9. Finally, the molded material is output from the discharge channel 8.

[0039] In this embodiment, guide posts 401 are vertically fixed at the four corners of the top surface of the lower mold 4, and guide cylinders 501 are vertically fixed at the four corners of the bottom surface of the upper mold 5. The guide posts 401 and guide cylinders 501 are slidably connected in a one-to-one correspondence. Through the cooperation of guide cylinders 501 and guide posts 401, the lower mold 4 and the upper mold 5 are precisely combined.

[0040] In this embodiment, the feeding extrusion device 10 includes a feeding extrusion motor 1001 and a feeding platform 1002. A feeding frame 1003 is threadedly connected to the output shaft of the feeding extrusion motor 1001. An extrusion column 1004 is fixedly installed on the side of the feeding frame 1003 near the lower die 4. The diameter of the extrusion column 1004 is equal to the inner diameter of the first feeding channel 6 and the second feeding channel 7. Guide rods 1005 are fixedly connected to both sides of the output shaft of the feeding extrusion motor 1001. The guide rods 1005 are slidably connected to the feeding frame 1003.

[0041] The output shaft of the feeding extrusion motor 1001 drives the feeding frame 1003 to move along the guide rod 1005, pushing the extrusion column 1004 to insert into the first feeding channel 6 and the second feeding channel 7, extruding the material in the first feeding channel 6 and the second feeding channel 7, so that it enters the bonding cavity 9 for bonding, and finally outputs the molded material from the discharge channel 8.

[0042] In this embodiment, a feeding trough 1006 is provided on the feeding platform 1002. The feeding trough 1006 is flush with the first feeding channel 6 and the second feeding channel 7. The extrusion column 1004 is slidably connected to the feeding trough 1006. A robotic arm places metal materials and composite materials on the corresponding feeding platform 1002, and then the feeding extrusion device 10 feeds the materials on the feeding platform 1002 into the first feeding channel 6 and the second feeding channel 7. The robotic arm adopts an automated robotic arm in the prior art.

[0043] In this embodiment, an electric heating element 601 is provided at the feed end of the first feed channel 6. The electric heating element 601 is in close contact with the outer wall of the first feed channel 6, and heats the composite material inside the first feed channel 6 for extrusion. The heat generated by the electric heating element 601 is conducted along the mold to the channel wall, thereby heating the composite material inside the channel and achieving material heating.

[0044] In this embodiment, an induction heater 701 is fixedly installed between the second feed channel 7 and the feed platform 1002. The induction heater 701 is connected to a ceramic support. The metal material is heated by the induction heater 701, and the feeding extrusion device 10 feeds the heated metal material into the second feed channel 7. The induction heater 701 is a heating coil, which realizes efficient heating of the metal material.

[0045] In this embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder 201 is connected to a synchronization valve 202, which is model ST-4W with a nominal diameter of 20mm. The output shaft end of the hydraulic cylinder 201 is fixedly connected to a pressing rod 203 via a flange. The pressing rod 203 is fixedly connected to the upper mold 5. The pressing rod 203 is a solid stepped shaft structure with good stability.

[0046] In use, the hydraulic cylinder 201 is used to push the upper mold 5 to fit with the lower mold 4. The hydraulic cylinder 201 can drive the upper mold 5 to descend, so that the upper mold 5 and the lower mold 4 fit tightly together.

[0047] When the upper mold 5 and the lower mold 4 are fitted together, the two first feed channels 6 combine to form a flow channel for the composite material to enter the bonding cavity 9, the two second feed channels 7 combine to form a flow channel for the metal material to enter the bonding cavity 9, the two bonding cavities 9 also form a total bonding cavity, and the two discharge channels 8 form a total discharge channel.

[0048] The robotic arm places metal and composite materials onto the corresponding feed table 1002.

[0049] The metal material is heated by the induction heater 701, and the feeding extrusion device 10 feeds the heated metal material into the second feeding channel 7.

[0050] Then the feeding extrusion device 10 feeds the material on the feeding table 1002 into the first feeding channel 6 and the second feeding channel 7.

[0051] The composite material in the first feed channel 6 is heated by the electric heating element 601 for extrusion. After heating is completed...

[0052] The robotic arm continuously feeds material onto the feeding platform 1002, and the feeding extrusion device 10 continuously feeds material into the first feeding channel 6 and the second feeding channel 7.

[0053] The first feed channel 6 and the second feed channel 7 are filled with material. The feeding extrusion device 10 continues to feed material into the first feed channel 6 and the second feed channel 7, which can continuously push the material in the first feed channel 6 and the second feed channel 7 into the main joint cavity, and can continuously extrude the material in the first feed channel 6 and the second feed channel 7.

[0054] Composite materials and metal materials are compressed and bonded in the main bonding cavity, and the molded material is output from the main discharge channel.

[0055] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention in any way. Any simple modifications, alterations, and equivalent changes made to the above embodiments based on the inventive essence shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A co-extrusion molding apparatus for aerospace composite materials and metals, characterized in that, It includes a base plate (1) and a top plate (2), with a support column (3) provided between the base plate (1) and the top plate (2). A lower mold (4) is fixedly installed on the base plate (1), and an upper mold (5) is connected to the bottom end of the top plate (2) through a hydraulic cylinder (201). The hydraulic cylinder (201) is used to push the upper mold (5) to fit with the lower mold (4). The mating surfaces of the lower mold (4) and the upper mold (5) are provided with a first feeding channel (6), a second feeding channel (7), and a discharge channel (8). The first feeding channel (6), the second feeding channel (7), and the discharge channel (8) are connected through a connecting cavity (9). The first feeding channel (6) is used for composite materials to enter the connecting cavity (9), the second feeding channel (7) is used for metal materials to enter the connecting cavity (9), and the discharge channel (8) is used for the molding material to be output from the connecting cavity (9). The lower die (4) is provided with feeding extrusion devices (10) on both sides.

2. The aerospace composite material and metal co-extrusion molding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Guide columns (401) are vertically fixed at the four corners of the top surface of the lower mold (4), and guide cylinders (501) are vertically fixed at the four corners of the bottom surface of the upper mold (5). The guide columns (401) and guide cylinders (501) are slidably connected in a one-to-one correspondence.

3. The aerospace composite material and metal co-extrusion molding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding extrusion device (10) includes a feeding extrusion motor (1001) and a feeding platform (1002). A feeding frame (1003) is threadedly connected to the output shaft of the feeding extrusion motor (1001). An extrusion column (1004) is fixedly installed on the side of the feeding frame (1003) near the lower die (4). The diameter of the extrusion column (1004) is equal to the inner diameter of the first feeding channel (6) and the second feeding channel (7). Guide rods (1005) are fixedly connected to both sides of the output shaft of the feeding extrusion motor (1001). The guide rods (1005) are slidably connected to the feeding frame (1003).

4. The aerospace composite material and metal co-extrusion molding apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The feeding platform (1002) is provided with a feeding trough (1006), which is flush with the first feeding channel (6) and the second feeding channel (7). The extrusion column (1004) is slidably connected to the feeding trough (1006).

5. The aerospace composite material and metal co-extrusion molding apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, An electric heating element (601) is provided at the feed end of the first feed channel (6), and the electric heating element (601) is in close contact with the outer wall of the first feed channel (6).

6. The aerospace composite material and metal co-extrusion molding apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, An induction heater (701) is fixedly installed between the second feed channel (7) and the feed table (1002), and the induction heater (701) is connected to a ceramic support.

7. The aerospace composite material and metal co-extrusion molding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydraulic cylinder (201) is connected to a synchronizing valve (202), and the output shaft end of the hydraulic cylinder (201) is fixedly connected to a pressing rod (203) via a flange. The pressing rod (203) is fixedly connected to the upper mold (5).

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