Aluminum-based structural member, method for manufacturing the same, and terminal device

Abstract

This invention provides an aluminum-based structural component, its manufacturing method, and a terminal device. The aluminum-based structural component includes an aluminum-based composite material and a metal component connected to the aluminum-based composite material. The metal component includes an embedded portion embedded in the aluminum-based composite material and an extended portion protruding from the aluminum-based composite material. The aluminum-based structural component of this invention can be welded to the metal connecting parts of the terminal device via the metal component, thereby improving the welding strength between the two.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aluminum-based materials, specifically to an aluminum-based structural component, its preparation method, and terminal equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Metal alloys are common metallic materials with a wide range of applications. For example, they can be used as decorative materials (DECO materials) for the exterior of electronic products such as mobile phones. When applying them, it is usually necessary to weld the metal alloy to the metal connecting parts on the electronic product to connect the metal alloy material to the electronic product. However, in related technologies, there are common problems such as low welding strength between metal alloy materials and metal connecting parts on electronic products, which urgently need to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides an aluminum-based structural component, its preparation method, and a terminal device, which can improve the connection strength between the aluminum-based structural component and the metal connecting parts, effectively overcoming the defects of the prior art.

[0004] In one aspect, the present invention provides an aluminum-based structural component, comprising an aluminum-based composite material and a metal component connected to the aluminum-based composite material, the metal component comprising an inset portion embedded in the aluminum-based composite material and an extension portion extending out of the aluminum-based composite material.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the metal part is made of steel; and / or, the metal part is a metal part with a welding strength to steel greater than or equal to 700 MPa.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner surface of the metal part is provided with recesses and / or protrusions.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the surface of the metal part is provided with a pit, the depth and the width at the widest point of the pit are each independently 1 μm to 0.9 mm; when the surface of the metal part is provided with a protrusion structure, the height and the width at the widest point of the protrusion structure are each independently 1 μm to 0.9 mm.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the aluminum-based composite material includes a main body and extensions connected to opposite ends of the main body, the metal parts being connected to the main body and located between the extensions connected to opposite ends of the main body; and / or, the aluminum-based structural member includes a plurality of the metal parts.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the aluminum-based composite material has an elastic modulus greater than or equal to 100 GPa, a yield strength greater than or equal to 600 MPa, and an elongation greater than or equal to 5%.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the aluminum-based composite material includes an aluminum substrate and silicon carbide present in the aluminum substrate.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the average particle size of the silicon carbide is less than or equal to 13 μm; and / or, the mass percentage of the silicon carbide in the aluminum-based composite material is 2%-30%.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the aluminum substrate comprises the following components in weight percentage: Zn 10.0%–12.0%, Mg 2.5%–4%, Cu 1%–3%, Ti 0.06%–1.5%, Re 0.05%–0.2%, Fe less than or equal to 0.05%, Si less than or equal to 0.05%, element M less than or equal to 0.15%, and the balance being Al, wherein element M is an element other than Zn, Mg, Cu, Ti, RE, Fe, Si, and Al.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing the above-mentioned aluminum-based structural component, comprising the following steps: molding a metal component with a powder material for forming an aluminum-based composite material to obtain a molded body; wherein the molded body includes the metal component and a molded matrix formed from the powder material, the inner portion of the metal component is embedded in the molded matrix, and the outer portion of the metal component extends out of the molded matrix; and heat-treating the molded body to obtain the aluminum-based structural component.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the molding process includes: isostatically pressing the metal part and the powder material to obtain the molded body.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the molding process includes: performing metal injection molding on the metal part and the powder material to obtain the molded body.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat treatment includes: performing a first heat treatment on the molded body at a solution temperature, followed by a second heat treatment at an aging temperature; wherein the solution temperature is 460-485°C, the first heat treatment lasts for 1-2 hours, the aging temperature is 110-140°C, and the second heat treatment lasts for 6-40 hours.

[0017] In another aspect, the present invention provides a terminal device comprising the above-described aluminum-based structural component or an aluminum-based structural component prepared according to the above-described method for preparing the aluminum-based structural component.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device further includes a connector, wherein the metal part of the aluminum-based structural component is welded to the connector, and the welding strength between the metal part and the connector is greater than or equal to 700 MPa.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device includes a first module and a second module connected to the first module via the connector, wherein the aluminum-based structural component is located between the first module and the second module.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, both the first module and the second module are display modules.

[0021] In this invention, the aluminum-based structural component is an aluminum-based composite material, and the metal component connected to the aluminum-based composite material is a metal component. The metal component includes an embedded portion embedded in the aluminum-based composite material and an extended portion extending out of the aluminum-based composite material. The extended portion can be connected to metal connecting parts (such as steel parts on the hinge of electronic products like foldable phones) to improve the connection strength between the two. At the same time, since the base material is aluminum alloy, it also has the property of low density, which is beneficial to reduce the weight of the aluminum-based structural component and the terminal device using the aluminum-based structural component. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an aluminum-based structural component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Aluminum-based composite material; 11. Main body; 12. Extension; 2. Metal part; 21. Embedded part; 22. Extended part. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below. The specific embodiments listed below are merely descriptions of the principles and features of the present invention, and the examples are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] Metal alloys are common metallic materials with a wide range of applications. For example, they can be used as decorative materials (DECO materials) for the exterior of electronic products such as mobile phones. When applying them, it is usually necessary to weld the metal alloy to the metal connecting parts on the electronic product to connect the metal alloy material to the electronic product. However, in related technologies, there are common problems such as low welding strength between metal alloy materials and metal connecting parts on electronic products, which urgently need to be solved.

[0026] For example, the hinge material for foldable phones commonly includes 6013 aluminum alloy and TC4 titanium alloy. 6013 aluminum alloy has a density of 2.7 g / cm³. 3The elastic modulus is 68-70 GPa, and the yield strength is 370-400 MPa. When the DECO material of the hinge exterior is aluminum alloy, most of the material inside the hinge is MIM steel (metal injection molding (MIM) steel). However, the bonding strength between steel and aluminum in welding is relatively poor, generally not exceeding 200 MPa, which is far from meeting the product requirements. At the same time, because the yield strength and elastic modulus of the DECO when it is aluminum alloy are relatively small, it also has defects such as poor bending performance and drop resistance. As for TC4 titanium alloy, the DECO material of the hinge exterior of foldable phones is generally 3D printed TC4 titanium alloy, with a density of 4.4-4.5 g / cm³. 3 With an elastic modulus of 110 GPa and a yield strength of ≥800 MPa, when the DECO material on the outer surface of the shaft is titanium alloy, most of the material inside the shaft is MIM steel. However, the bonding strength between steel and titanium in welding is relatively poor, generally not exceeding 200 MPa, which is far from meeting the product requirements. At the same time, since the DECO is made of titanium alloy, its density is more than 40% higher than that of aluminum, and there is also a heavy weight curve, which is not conducive to the current requirements for weight reduction in electronic products such as mobile phones.

[0027] Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are composite materials that use metals or alloys as the matrix and fibers, whiskers, particles, etc., as reinforcements. They mainly include MMCs with high-performance reinforcing fibers, whiskers, particles, etc., reactive self-reinforcing composites within a metal matrix, and laminated MMCs. These MMCs retain the properties of the metal itself while also possessing the comprehensive properties of composite materials. Through optimized combinations of different metal matrices and reinforcing materials, composite materials with different properties can be obtained, such as various special properties and excellent overall performance. MMCs can be classified according to the type of matrix material, mainly including aluminum-based, magnesium-based, zinc-based, copper-based, and intermetallic compound-based composites.

[0028] Aluminum matrix composites refer to a class of metal matrix composites whose matrix material is aluminum and aluminum alloys. Their reinforcements are usually ceramic materials (such as SiC, Al2O3, B4C, TiB2) or fiber materials. They are one of the most widely used metal matrix composites. For example, the aluminum alloy matrix itself has good plasticity and toughness, as well as advantages such as ease of processing, engineering reliability and low price, which creates conditions for its engineering applications. To meet the requirements of low density, mechanical compatibility, chemical compatibility, thermal stability, high elastic modulus, high compressive or tensile strength, good processing performance and low cost of aluminum matrix composites, non-metallic inorganic reinforcements can be introduced into them. The reinforcement materials used are, for example, ceramic particles, ceramic fibers or carbon fibers.

[0029] Therefore, aluminum-based composite materials are expected to be used as exterior decorative materials, such as DECO material for the hinge surface of foldable phones.

[0030] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide an aluminum-based structural component, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the aluminum-based structural component includes an aluminum-based composite material 1 (or aluminum-based metal matrix composite (AMMC)) and a metal component 2 connected to the aluminum-based composite material 1. The metal component 2 includes an embedded portion 21 embedded in the aluminum-based composite material 1 and an extended portion 22 extending out of the aluminum-based composite material 1.

[0031] According to the inventor's research, the above-mentioned aluminum-based structural component uses aluminum-based composite material 1 as the base and embeds metal part 2 on aluminum-based composite material 1. At the same time, the metal part 2 has an extension portion 22 that is not embedded in aluminum-based composite material 1. The extension portion 22 of the metal part 2 is made of metal and can be connected to the metal connecting parts of terminal devices such as electronic products through the extension portion 22 of the metal part 2. The metal part 2 (extension portion 22) on aluminum-based composite material 1 and the metal connecting parts on the terminal devices are both made of metal. Welding the metal part 2 and the metal connecting parts, which are both made of metal, can significantly improve the welding strength of the two, thereby improving the connection strength between the thiol-based structural component and the metal connecting parts. At the same time, the aluminum-based structural component, with aluminum-based composite material 1 as the base, also has advantages such as low density and light weight, which is beneficial to the weight reduction requirements of products using this aluminum-based structural component.

[0032] The aluminum-based structural component in this invention can be an exterior aluminum-based structural component (exterior decorative material). The aluminum-based composite material 1 is the main body 11 of the aluminum-based structural component. When used as a connecting component for the exterior component to a terminal device, the metal part 2 is located on the side of the aluminum-based composite material 1 facing the connecting component of the terminal device. The surface of the aluminum-based composite material 1 facing away from the connecting component of the terminal device is the exterior surface of the aluminum-based structural component. For example, this aluminum-based structural component can be applied to the hinge exterior component (hinge exterior DECO material) of foldable electronic products such as foldable phones. The metal part 2 of the aluminum-based structural component is connected to the hinge of the foldable electronic product, specifically by welding. The connection strength (welding strength) between the two can be greater than or equal to 700 MPa, specifically 700 MPa to 900 MPa.

[0033] Specifically, the aluminum-based composite material 1 can be welded to the hinge of electronic products such as foldable phones (specifically, it can be welded to metal connecting parts (such as steel components) on the hinge) to improve the welding strength between the two. Simultaneously, the outer surface of the aluminum-based structural component serves as the appearance surface of the hinge in the electronic product. Compared to existing decorative materials such as aluminum alloys and titanium alloys, the aluminum-based structural component of this invention has significantly increased welding strength with the hinge of electronic products, while also possessing properties such as density and weight that are essentially equivalent to aluminum alloys, thus facilitating the weight reduction requirements of electronic products.

[0034] Specifically, the aforementioned metal part 2 can be a metal part with a welding strength to steel greater than or equal to 700 MPa, and the welding strength between the two can be specifically 700 MPa to 900 MPa. This is more conducive to improving the connection strength between the aluminum-based composite material 1 and the steel connecting parts. The steel can specifically be MIM formed steel (MIM steel), such as MIM formed 1800 MPa steel (i.e., its yield strength is 1800 MPa).

[0035] For example, in the case of hinges for electronic products such as foldable phones, the metal connecting parts used to connect with the external structural components are usually made of steel (specifically, MIM-formed steel, such as MIM-formed 1800MPa steel). In this embodiment of the invention, the metal part 2 on the aluminum-based structural component has a high welding strength (greater than or equal to 700MPa) with the steel, making the aluminum-based structural component more suitable as a hinge external component for electronic products such as foldable phones. Compared to existing hinge external components for foldable phones and other electronic products (titanium alloy or aluminum alloy, whose welding strength with the steel components of the hinge is usually no more than 200MPa), this embodiment of the invention can significantly improve the connection strength between the aluminum-based structural component and the hinge (the connection strength between the metal part 2 of the aluminum-based structural component and the steel components of the hinge is greater than or equal to 700MPa).

[0036] In this embodiment of the invention, the welding strength (e.g., the welding strength between the metal part 2 and the steel) can be measured according to standards such as GB / T1040.5-2008 or GB / T 228.1-2021.

[0037] In some embodiments, the metal part 2 can be made of steel, that is, the metal part 2 can be a steel part, for example, the metal part 2 can be a small block of steel, which is more conducive to the adaptation of the steel shaft. Since the two are made of the same type of material (both are steel), the welding strength of the two can be significantly improved.

[0038] Specifically, the material of metal part 2 may include MIM steel, specifically MIM steel with Co, Ni and Mo as the main alloying components.

[0039] Continue to refer to Figure 1The aluminum-based composite material 1 includes a main body 11 and extensions 12 connected to opposite ends of the aluminum-based composite material 1. A metal part 2 is connected to the main body 11 and located between the extensions 12 connected to opposite ends of the aluminum-based composite material 1. The aluminum-based composite material 1 has extensions 12 at opposite ends in a first direction, that is, the aluminum-based composite material 1 includes two extensions 12. One extension 12 is connected to one end of the main body 11 in the first direction, and the other extension 12 is connected to the other end of the main body 11 in the first direction. The metal part 2 is connected to the main body 11 and located between the two extensions 12. For any extension 12, one end of the extension 12 is connected to the main body 11, and the other end extends outward in a second direction in a direction away from the main body 11. The first direction and the second direction intersect, and they can be substantially perpendicular. For example, the first direction is parallel to the length direction of the main body 11 (which is also the length direction of the aluminum-based composite material 1 or the aluminum-based structural component), and the second direction is the thickness direction of the main body 11.

[0040] Generally, the aluminum-based composite material 1 can be integrally formed from the main body 11 and the extension 12. Specifically, the aluminum-based composite material 1 can be formed into a preset shape by CNC machining, so that it has the main body 11 and the extension 12.

[0041] In this embodiment of the invention, the metal part 2 can be formed by metal injection molding or CNC machining, and its shape can be circular, cylindrical or other regular or irregular, such as a three-dimensional complex structure, but is not limited thereto.

[0042] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The aluminum-based structural component may include multiple metal parts 2, which are distributed between two extensions 12. The spacing between any two metal parts 2 may be equal to or unequal to the spacing between any two other metal parts 2, and can be set as needed.

[0043] Specifically, when connecting aluminum-based structural components to terminal devices such as electronic products, each metal part 2 is connected to a metal connecting component on the terminal device. The number of metal connecting components can be the same as the number of metal parts 2, and they correspond one-to-one, meaning one metal part 2 is welded to one metal connecting component. For example, when using an aluminum-based structural component as a hinge appearance part, each metal part 2 is connected to the hinge, specifically by welding to a connecting component (such as a steel component) on the hinge. The number of connecting components on the hinge is the same as the number of metal parts 2 on the aluminum-based structural component, with one connecting component connecting one metal part 2.

[0044] In addition, the surface of the metal part 2 may be provided with recesses and / or protrusions. Specifically, recesses and / or protrusions may be provided on the surface of the inlay portion 21 of the metal part 2. For example, recesses and / or protrusions may be provided on the peripheral surface (circumferential portion) of the inlay portion 21. The inlay portion 21 is embedded in the aluminum-based composite material 1. By providing recesses and / or protrusions on the surface of the inlay portion 21, the contact area between the inlay portion 21 and the aluminum-based composite material 1 can be increased, thereby enhancing the mechanical bonding force between the metal part 2 and the aluminum-based composite material 1.

[0045] Generally, the surface of the metal part 2 (embedded part 21) is distributed with multiple pits and / or multiple protrusions. These pits and / or protrusions can be evenly distributed on the surface around the embedded part 21, which is more conducive to enhancing the bonding force between the metal part 2 and the aluminum-based composite material 1.

[0046] Specifically, when the surface of the metal part 2 is provided with a pit, the size of the pit can be from the micrometer level to the millimeter level, that is, the depth of the pit can be from the micrometer level to the millimeter level, and the width of the widest part of the pit (or the maximum width of the pit) can be from the micrometer level to the millimeter level.

[0047] In some embodiments, the depth of any pit can be 0.1 μm to 0.9 mm, for example, a range of 0.1 μm, 0.5 μm, 1 μm, 10 μm, 30 μm, 50 μm, 80 μm, 0.1 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm, or any two of these.

[0048] In some embodiments, for any pit, the width at its widest point can be 0.1 μm to 0.9 mm, for example, a range of 0.1 μm, 0.5 μm, 1 μm, 10 μm, 30 μm, 50 μm, 80 μm, 0.1 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm, or any two of these.

[0049] Furthermore, when the surface of the metal part 2 is provided with a raised structure, the size of the raised structure can be from the micrometer level to the millimeter level. That is, the width of the widest part of the raised portion (or the maximum width of the raised portion) is from the micrometer level to the millimeter level, and the height (or length) of the raised portion is from the micrometer level to the millimeter level.

[0050] In some embodiments, the height of any protrusion structure can be 0.1 μm to 0.9 mm, for example, a range of 0.1 μm, 0.5 μm, 1 μm, 10 μm, 30 μm, 50 μm, 80 μm, 0.1 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm, or any two of these.

[0051] In some embodiments, for any protrusion structure, the width at its widest point can be 0.1 μm to 0.9 mm, for example, a range of 0.1 μm, 0.5 μm, 1 μm, 10 μm, 30 μm, 50 μm, 80 μm, 0.1 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm, or any combination thereof.

[0052] In some embodiments, the aluminum-based composite material 1 has an elastic modulus greater than or equal to 100 GPa, a yield strength greater than or equal to 600 MPa, and an elongation greater than or equal to 5%. The aluminum-based composite material 1 has a large elastic modulus and yield strength, which is beneficial for further improving the bending performance and drop resistance of aluminum-based structural components.

[0053] In the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the elastic modulus, yield strength, elongation and other characteristics of the material can be tested with reference to the tensile testing method of metallic materials in GB / T-228.1-2010 standard.

[0054] In this embodiment of the invention, the elastic modulus, yield strength and elongation of the aluminum matrix composite material 1 can be controlled by conventional methods in the art, for example by introducing corresponding reinforcing materials to control these characteristics of the aluminum matrix composite material 1.

[0055] In some embodiments, the aluminum-based composite material 1 includes an aluminum substrate and silicon carbide (SiC) present in the aluminum substrate, which is beneficial for enhancing the elastic modulus of the aluminum-based composite material 1. The aluminum substrate may include an aluminum substrate and / or an aluminum alloy substrate, and the silicon carbide in the aluminum substrate may be present in particulate form, i.e., the aluminum substrate may include silicon carbide particles.

[0056] In some embodiments, the average particle size of silicon carbide can be less than or equal to 13 μm. In this way, the particle size of silicon carbide particles in aluminum-based composite material 1 is small, which can avoid problems such as tearing of the aluminum alloy matrix by larger silicon carbide particles, thereby further improving the elastic modulus and strength of aluminum-based materials.

[0057] Specifically, the average particle size of silicon carbide can be the particle size D50 of silicon carbide particles, which can be measured by conventional methods in the art.

[0058] In some embodiments, the mass percentage of silicon carbide in the aluminum-based composite material 1 (i.e., the ratio of the mass of silicon carbide to the total mass of the aluminum-based composite material 1) can be 2%-30%, for example, a range consisting of 2%, 5%, 10%, 14%, 16%, 20%, 23%, 26%, 30%, or any two of these. Thus, the mass percentage of silicon carbide in the aluminum-based composite material 1 is not less than 2%, which is beneficial to improving the elastic modulus of the aluminum-based composite material 1. At the same time, the mass percentage of silicon carbide in the aluminum-based composite material 1 is not more than 30%, which can further improve the elongation of the aluminum-based composite material 1.

[0059] In practice, after obtaining the aluminum-based structural component, an aluminum-based composite material 1 sample can be taken from the aluminum-based structural component. The aluminum substrate in the aluminum-based composite material 1 sample can be dissolved by a dissolution method. Then, the powder is collected and measured to determine the ratio of the mass of silicon carbide to the total mass of the aluminum-based composite material 1 sample, which is the mass percentage of silicon carbide particles in the aluminum-based composite material 1.

[0060] In some embodiments, the aluminum substrate comprises the following components by mass percentage: Zn 10.0%–12.0%, Mg 2.5%–4%, Cu 1%–3%, Ti 0.06%–1.5%, Re 0.05%–0.2%, Fe ≤0.05%, Si ≤0.05%, the total amount of element M ≤0.15%, and the balance being Al. Element M is any element other than Zn, Mg, Cu, Ti, Re, Fe, Si, and Al. Element M generally includes one or more of elements such as Cr, Mo, Si, P, and Zr. The mass percentage of each element M in the aluminum substrate is less than or equal to 0.05%.

[0061] Specifically, the aluminum substrate may be a high-strength aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the aluminum substrate may include 6013 aluminum alloy and / or 7055 aluminum alloy.

[0062] In this embodiment of the invention, silicon carbide can be doped into the aluminum substrate using conventional methods in the art, such as introducing additives (e.g., reinforcements) to form an aluminum-based composite material 1, without any particular limitation. The process of doping silicon carbide into the aluminum substrate does not substantially affect the content or other characteristics of other elements in the aluminum substrate.

[0063] This invention also provides a method for preparing the above-mentioned aluminum-based structural component, comprising the following steps: molding a metal part 2 with powder material used to form an aluminum-based composite material 1 to obtain a molded body; and heat-treating the molded body to obtain the aluminum-based structural component. The molded body includes a metal part 2 and a molded substrate formed from the powder material, wherein the inner portion 21 of the metal part 2 is embedded in the molded substrate, and the outer extension portion 22 of the metal part 2 extends out of the molded substrate.

[0064] Generally, heat treatment may include: performing a first heat treatment on the molded body at a solution temperature, followed by a second heat treatment at an aging temperature. Specifically, by performing the first heat treatment on the molded body at a solution temperature to form a precursor of aluminum-based composite material 1, and then performing the second heat treatment at an aging temperature to improve the strength and hardness of the precursor of aluminum-based composite material 1, aluminum-based composite material 1 is formed, and an aluminum-based structural component is obtained.

[0065] In some embodiments, the solution temperature can be 460 to 485°C, for example, a range of 460°C, 465°C, 470°C, 475°C, 480°C, 485°C or any two thereof, and the time of the first heat treatment (i.e., the holding time at the solution temperature) can be 1 to 2 hours, for example, a range of 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours or any two thereof.

[0066] In some embodiments, the aging temperature can be 110–140°C, for example, a range consisting of 110°C, 115°C, 120°C, 125°C, 130°C, 135°C, 140°C, or any two of these. The duration of the second heat treatment (i.e., the holding time at the aging temperature) can be 6–40 h, for example, a range consisting of 6 h, 8 h, 10 h, 15 h, 20 h, 25 h, 30 h, 35 h, 40 h, or any two of these.

[0067] In practice, after the heat treatment is completed (i.e. after the second heat treatment), the obtained structural component precursor can be processed by a CNC machine tool to form an aluminum-based structural component of a preset shape. The CNC processes involved are all conventional operations in this field and are not particularly restricted.

[0068] In the above preparation process, the powder material is formed into a molding matrix through molding treatment, so that the metal part 2 and the molding matrix form an embedded structure (the inner part 21 of the metal part 2 is embedded in the molding matrix), and the two have initial bonding force. In the embodiments of the present invention, the above molding treatment can be performed by powder metallurgy isostatic pressing (isostatic pressing molding) or metal injection molding (MIM molding) insert method to connect the metal part 2 and the aluminum-based composite material 1 to obtain an aluminum-based structural part.

[0069] In one embodiment, the molding process may include: isostatically pressing the metal part 2 with the powder material used to form the aluminum-based composite material 1 to obtain a molded body. That is, through isostatic pressing, the powder material forms a molded matrix, and the metal part 2 and the molded matrix form an interlocking structure, with a certain bonding force between them.

[0070] The embodiments of the present invention can be performed by conventional isostatic pressing, and there are no particular limitations on this.

[0071] Specifically, when the molding process is carried out by isostatic pressing, the above preparation process may include: placing the powder material used to form the aluminum-based composite material 1 in a mold, specifically, the powder material can be laid in the mold, then adding the metal part 2 to the powder material and fixing the metal part 2 through the mold (the inner part 21 of the metal part 2 is embedded in the powder material) to obtain the first material to be molded; and performing isostatic pressing on the first material to be molded to obtain the molded body.

[0072] Generally, in the first material to be formed, there are gaps between the powder particles, and air is contained in these gaps. In practice, the first material to be formed can be degassed first to remove the air from the powder before isostatic pressing. In this embodiment of the invention, the first material to be formed can be degassed using conventional degasing methods, and there are no particular limitations on this.

[0073] After isostatic pressing, the resulting molded body is subjected to heat treatment. As mentioned above, the heat treatment process may include: performing a first heat treatment on the molded body at a solution temperature, followed by a second heat treatment at an aging temperature to obtain an aluminum-based structural part. In some embodiments, the solution temperature may be 460°C to 480°C, for example, 470°C, and the first heat treatment time may be 1-2 hours; the aging temperature may be 110°C to 130°C, and the second heat treatment time may be 6-40 hours.

[0074] In specific implementation, a mold with a preset shape (e.g., a mold with a preset DECO shape) can be prepared as needed. Then, the powder material is laid in the mold, and the metal part 2 (e.g., a block profile steel) is placed into the powder material in the mold. The inner part 21 of the metal part 2 is embedded in the powder material. The metal part 2 is fixed on the side of the mold. It can be covered with an aluminum sheet mold. After degassing, it isostatic pressing is performed. The resulting molded body is heat treated (first heat treatment at the solution temperature, then second heat treatment at the aging temperature). The obtained structural part precursor is then processed into an aluminum-based structural part with a preset shape using CNT.

[0075] In one embodiment, the preparation method of the above-mentioned aluminum-based composite material 1 may include the following steps:

[0076] Step S101: Metal part 2 is a MIM steel (steel part) with CoNiMo as the main alloy component and a preset shape, specifically a steel block;

[0077] Step S102: Prepare a mold with a preset DECO shape, and put the powder material (or aluminum-based composite material 1 powder) used to form the aluminum-based composite material 1 into the mold; wherein, the aluminum-based composite material 1 uses 7055 aluminum alloy as the base material (i.e., the aluminum base material is 7055 aluminum alloy), and is doped with SiC particles, the particle size D50 of the SiC particles is ≤15 micrometers, and the weight percentage content of SiC particles doped (i.e., the mass percentage content of SiC particles in the aluminum-based composite material 1) is 2%-30%, specifically 16%;

[0078] Step S103: Place the metal part 2 from step one into the powder material from step two, fix the metal part 2 on the mold side, embed the inner part 21 of the metal part 2 into the powder material, and extend the outer part 22 of the metal part 2 out of the powder material to obtain the first material to be formed.

[0079] Step S104: The first material to be formed in step three is subjected to degassing treatment, isostatic pressing and other processes, so that the powder material forms a molding matrix, the metal part 2 and the molding matrix form an inlaid structure, and there is a certain bonding force between the two to obtain a molded body;

[0080] Step S105: The above-mentioned molded body is subjected to heat treatment, wherein the body is held at the solution temperature (460-480℃) for 1-2 hours, and then held at the aging temperature (110℃~130℃) for 6-40 hours to obtain the precursor of the structural part;

[0081] Step S106: Perform CNC machining on the above-mentioned structural component precursor, and simultaneously machine the aluminum-based composite material part 1 and the metal part 2 to obtain an aluminum-based structural component (i.e., the required component) with a preset shape.

[0082] The metal part 2 (specifically, a steel block) is embedded in the aluminum-based composite material 1 through the preparation process including steps S101 to S106 above to obtain an aluminum-based structural component. The aluminum-based structural component can be welded to the connecting parts of the terminal device through the extension 22 of the metal part 2. For example, it can be welded to the steel parts made of MIM steel on the hinge of a folding mobile phone. The welding strength can be greater than 700 MPa. At the same time, the aluminum-based structural component uses the aluminum-based composite material 1 as the base material, which has advantages such as low density compared to titanium alloys. For example, it can reduce the weight by about 36% compared to titanium alloys. At the same time, the modulus and strength of the aluminum-based composite material 1 doped with silicon carbide particles are close to those of titanium alloys, and it also has good bending performance and bending resistance.

[0083] In another embodiment, the difference from the embodiment in which aluminum-based structural parts are prepared by steps S101 to S106 is that the peripheral surface (peripheral portion) of the inlay portion 21 of the metal part 2 is provided with pits or protrusions. The other conditions are basically the same as those in the above embodiment. In comparison, setting pits or protrusions on the peripheral surface of the inlay portion 21 of the metal part 2 can further improve the bonding force between the metal part 2 and the aluminum-based composite material 1.

[0084] In another embodiment, the molding process includes: metal injection molding the metal part 2 with powder material used to form the aluminum-based composite material 1 to obtain a molded body. That is, through metal injection molding, the powder material forms a molded matrix, so that the metal part 2 and the molded matrix form an interlocking structure, and the two have initial bonding force.

[0085] Specifically, the molding process using metal injection molding includes: placing the metal part 2 in powder material (the embedded part 21 of the metal part 2 is embedded in the powder material) and then performing a sintering process to obtain a molded body. The sintering process densifies the powder material, forming a molding matrix, so that the metal part 2 and the molding matrix form an inlaid structure with a certain bonding force, thus obtaining the molded body.

[0086] Specifically, the sintering temperature can be 550–570℃, for example 560℃, and the time can be 1.5h–2.5h, for example 2h.

[0087] Generally, during metal injection molding, the powder material (or feedstock) may contain binders and other additives. After metal injection molding, the resulting molded body also contains binders and other additives. In this case, the molded body can be degreased (or debinded) to remove the binders and other additives before sintering. The binder used can be any conventional polymer binder used in metal injection molding; there are no particular limitations.

[0088] The degreasing process in this embodiment of the invention can be performed according to conventional procedures in the art. Specifically, the degreasing conditions can be adjusted according to the adhesives and other additives used, as long as the adhesives and other additives can be discharged. For example, the degreasing temperature can be 110-130°C, such as 120°C, and the degreasing time can be 1.5-2.5 hours, such as 2 hours.

[0089] After metal injection molding is completed, the resulting molded body is subjected to heat treatment. As mentioned above, the heat treatment process may include: performing a first heat treatment on the molded body at a solution temperature and then performing a second heat treatment at an aging temperature to obtain an aluminum-based structural part. In some embodiments, the solution temperature may be 465-485°C, the first heat treatment time may be 1-2 hours, the aging temperature may be 120°C-140°C, and the second heat treatment time may be 8-40 hours.

[0090] In practice, the metal part 2 can be placed into a metal injection molding die (MIM die), and then powder material can be filled into it (that is, the powder material is injected into the die). The obtained second material to be molded is subjected to degreasing and sintering treatment in sequence to obtain a molded body. The molded body is then subjected to heat treatment (first heat treatment at the solution temperature, and then second heat treatment at the aging temperature). The obtained structural part precursor is then processed into an aluminum-based structural part of a preset shape using CNT.

[0091] In one embodiment, the preparation method of the above-mentioned aluminum-based composite material 1 may include the following steps:

[0092] Step S201: Metal part 2 is a MIM steel (steel part) with CoNiMo as the main alloy component and a preset shape, specifically a steel block;

[0093] Step S202: Prepare the feed (i.e., powder material containing polymer binder) for aluminum-based composite material 1. The feed consists of polymer binder and raw materials for forming aluminum-based composite material 1, with the raw materials for forming aluminum-based composite material 1 as the main component. The raw materials for forming aluminum-based composite material 1 meet the following requirements: aluminum-based composite material 1 uses high-strength aluminum alloy as the base material, which is doped with SiC particles. The particle size D50 of the SiC particles is ≤13 micrometers. The weight percentage content of SiC particles doped (i.e., the mass percentage content of SiC particles in aluminum-based composite material 1) is 2%-30%, specifically 14%.

[0094] Step S203: Prepare a metal injection molding die, place the metal part 2 into the metal injection molding die; then inject the powder material into the die to obtain the second material to be molded;

[0095] Step S204: The second material to be formed is subjected to degreasing and sintering processes to form a molding matrix from the powder material, and the metal part 2 and the molding matrix form an inlaid structure with a certain bonding force between them to obtain a molded body.

[0096] Step S205: The above-mentioned molded body is subjected to heat treatment, wherein the body is held at the solution temperature (465-485℃) for 1-2 hours, and then held at the aging temperature (120℃~140℃) for 8-40 hours to obtain the precursor of the structural part.

[0097] Step S206: Perform CNC machining on the above-mentioned structural component precursor, and simultaneously machine the aluminum-based composite material part 1 and the metal part 2 to obtain an aluminum-based structural component (i.e., the required component) with a preset shape.

[0098] In another embodiment, the difference from the embodiment in which aluminum-based structural parts are prepared by steps S201 to S206 is that the peripheral surface (peripheral portion) of the inlay portion 21 of the metal part 2 is provided with pits or protrusions. The other conditions are basically the same as those in the above embodiment. In comparison, the pits or protrusions on the peripheral surface of the inlay portion 21 of the metal part 2 can further improve the mechanical bonding force between the metal part 2 and the aluminum-based composite material 1.

[0099] The metal part 2 (specifically, a steel block) is embedded in the aluminum-based composite material 1 through the preparation process including steps S201 to S206 above to obtain an aluminum-based structural component. The aluminum-based structural component can be welded to the connecting parts of the terminal device through the extension 22 of the metal part 2. For example, it can be welded to the steel parts made of MIM steel on the hinge of a folding mobile phone. The welding strength can be greater than 700 MPa. At the same time, the aluminum-based structural component uses the aluminum-based composite material 1 as the base material, which has advantages such as low density compared to titanium alloys. For example, it can reduce the weight by about 36% compared to titanium alloys. At the same time, the modulus and strength of the aluminum-based composite material 1 doped with silicon carbide particles are close to those of titanium alloys, and it also has good bending performance and bending resistance.

[0100] In another embodiment, the difference from the embodiment in which aluminum-based structural parts are prepared by steps S101 to S106 is that the peripheral surface (peripheral portion) of the inlay portion 21 of the metal part 2 is provided with pits or protrusions. The other conditions are basically the same as those in the above embodiment. In comparison, setting pits or protrusions on the peripheral surface of the inlay portion 21 of the metal part 2 can further improve the bonding force between the metal part 2 and the aluminum-based composite material 1.

[0101] This invention also provides a terminal device, including the aforementioned aluminum-based structural component.

[0102] Specifically, the terminal equipment also includes a connector, and the metal part 2 of the aluminum-based structural component is connected to the connector. The metal part 2 and the connector can be welded. The connection strength (welding strength) between the metal part 2 and the connector is greater than or equal to 700MPa, specifically 700MPa to 900MPa.

[0103] Specifically, the connector can be a metal connector, and its material can be steel, such as MIM formed steel, like MIM formed 1800MPa steel.

[0104] Specifically, the terminal device includes a first module and a second module connected to the first module via a connector. An aluminum-based structural component is located between the first and second modules. A pivot is provided between the first and second modules, and both the first and second modules are connected to the pivot. The first module can rotate relative to the second module via the pivot. The connector is located on the pivot and can be, for example, a steel component on the pivot. The metal part 2 of the aluminum-based structural component is located on the side of the aluminum-based composite material 1 facing the pivot. The extension 22 of the metal part 2 is welded to the connector on the pivot. The side of the aluminum-based structural component facing away from the pivot (which is also the side of the aluminum-based composite material 1 facing away from the pivot) serves as the exterior surface, making the aluminum-based structural component the exterior component of the pivot of the terminal device.

[0105] Generally, the shaft can be a steel shaft (or steel spindle), meaning its material is steel. Specifically, this shaft can be a MIM-formed steel spindle, such as MIM-formed 1800MPa steel (i.e., its yield strength is 1800MPa). It has advantages such as high strength and good wear resistance, and MIM forming has low cost. Correspondingly, the parts on the shaft used for welding to the appearance structural parts (such as the aluminum-based structural parts mentioned above) are steel parts, and their material can also be MIM-formed steel, such as MIM-formed 1800MPa steel.

[0106] Specifically, the first module and the second module can both be display modules, which can be conventional display modules in the field, such as display panels for electronic products such as mobile phones and tablets.

[0107] Specifically, the terminal device can be a foldable electronic product, such as a foldable mobile phone, foldable tablet or foldable PC, and the connector is a component on the hinge of the foldable electronic product (specifically a steel component), and the hinge is, for example, a steel shaft (i.e. its material is steel).

[0108] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aluminum-based structural member, characterized by, The invention includes an aluminum-based composite material and a metal component connected to the aluminum-based composite material, the metal component including an inset portion embedded in the aluminum-based composite material and an extension portion extending out of the aluminum-based composite material.

2. The aluminum-based structural component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal part is made of steel; And / or, the metal part is a metal part with a welding strength to steel greater than or equal to 700 MPa.

3. The aluminum-based structural member of claim 1, wherein The inner surface of the metal part is provided with pits and / or protrusions.

4. The aluminum-based structural component according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the surface of the metal part is provided with a pit, the depth of the pit and the width at its widest point are each independently 1μm to 0.9mm; When the surface of the metal part is provided with a raised structure, the height of the raised structure and the width at its widest point are each independently 1μm to 0.9mm.

5. The aluminum-based structural component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aluminum-based composite material includes a main body and extensions connected to opposite ends of the main body. The metal part is connected to the main body and located between the extensions connected to opposite ends of the main body. And / or, the aluminum-based structural component includes a plurality of the metal components.

6. The aluminum-based constructional member according to claim 1, characterized by The aluminum-based composite material has an elastic modulus greater than or equal to 100 GPa, a yield strength greater than or equal to 600 MPa, and an elongation greater than or equal to 5%.

7. The aluminum-based constructional member according to claim 1, characterized by The aluminum-based composite material includes an aluminum substrate and silicon carbide present in the aluminum substrate.

8. The aluminum-based structural component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The average particle size of the silicon carbide is less than or equal to 13 μm; And / or, the silicon carbide content in the aluminum-based composite material is 2%-30% by mass.

9. The aluminum-based structural member of claim 7 or 8, wherein The aluminum substrate comprises the following components in weight percentage: Zn 10.0%–12.0%, Mg 2.5%–4%, Cu 1%–3%, Ti 0.06%–1.5%, Re 0.05%–0.2%, Fe less than or equal to 0.05%, Si less than or equal to 0.05%, element M less than or equal to 0.15%, and the balance being Al. Element M is an element other than Zn, Mg, Cu, Ti, Re, Fe, Si, and Al.

10. A method of producing an aluminum-based structural member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by, The process includes the following steps: molding a metal part with a powder material for forming an aluminum-based composite material to obtain a molded body; wherein the molded body includes the metal part and a molded matrix formed from the powder material, the inner portion of the metal part is embedded in the molded matrix, and the outer portion of the metal part extends out of the molded matrix; and heat-treating the molded body to obtain an aluminum-based structural part.

11. The method of producing an aluminum-based structural member according to claim 10, wherein The molding process includes: isostatic pressing the metal part and the powder material to obtain the molded body.

12. The method of producing an aluminum-based structural member according to claim 10, wherein The molding process includes: performing metal injection molding on the metal part and the powder material to obtain the molded body.

13. The method of producing an aluminum-based structural member according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The heat treatment includes: performing a first heat treatment on the molded body at a solution temperature, followed by a second heat treatment at an aging temperature; wherein the solution temperature is 460–485°C, the first heat treatment lasts for 1–2 hours, the aging temperature is 110–140°C, and the second heat treatment lasts for 6–40 hours.

14. A terminal device, comprising: Includes aluminum-based structural components as described in any one of claims 1-9 or aluminum-based structural components prepared according to the method for preparing aluminum-based structural components as described in any one of claims 10-13.

15. The terminal device according to claim 14, characterized by The terminal device also includes a connector, wherein the metal part of the aluminum-based structural component is welded to the connector, and the welding strength between the metal part and the connector is greater than or equal to 700 MPa.

16. The terminal device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by The terminal device includes a first module and a second module connected to the first module via the connector, with the aluminum-based structural component located between the first module and the second module.

17. The terminal device of claim 16, wherein, Both the first module and the second module are display modules.

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