Continuous automatic preparation device and preparation method of fiber premix

Abstract

The application provides a kind of fiber premix continuous automation preparation device and preparation method, comprising: glue dispensing system, for the mixing and quantitative supply of material;Impregnation device, for the material supplied by the glue dispensing system and for the infiltration of fiber, the feed end of the impregnation device is connected with the discharge end of the glue dispensing system;Material taking and carding system, for taking out the infiltrated fiber from the impregnation device and carrying out carding treatment;Transfer platform, for taking the fiber material treated by the material taking and carding system;Control system, respectively connected with the glue dispensing system, the impregnation device and the material taking and carding system, to control the automatic execution of the above actions of each system.The application realizes the whole-process continuous automation preparation of fiber premix, solves the discontinuity of traditional manual production process, and the limitation that existing similar devices cannot adapt to liquid glue, greatly improves the production efficiency and capacity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fiber premix preparation apparatus and preparation method, specifically to a continuous automated preparation apparatus and preparation method for fiber premix. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber premix is ​​one of the typical and commonly used semi-finished materials for preparing composite materials. It is widely used in many fields such as automobiles, new energy and aerospace. In particular, short-cut fiber premix is ​​used extensively in solid rocket motor nozzle ablation-resistant components, which play a good role in ablation resistance and heat protection.

[0003] Currently, fiber premixes used in ablation-resistant components of engine nozzles are mainly produced manually by mixing adhesive with fibers, manually tearing them apart, and then heating them in an oven. This method causes significant environmental pollution, involves discontinuous operations, is labor-intensive, and produces fiber premixes with inconsistent quality. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a device capable of continuous and automated production of fiber premixes.

[0004] A search of patent and non-patent literature revealed the following patent documents related to the continuous automated preparation of fiber premixes: Chinese patent document CN108819288A, published on November 16, 2018, entitled "Apparatus and Method for Preparing Oriented Short-Cut Carbon Fiber Thermoplastic Resin-Based Prepreg," discloses an apparatus and method for preparing oriented short-cut carbon fiber thermoplastic resin-based prepreg. The resin film described in this document is in sheet form and adheres to the short-cut fibers passing through a vibrating screen, forming a liquid resin adhesive system. Therefore, this apparatus cannot meet the requirements for automated continuous production.

[0005] For example, Chinese patent document CN112720916A, published on April 30, 2021, entitled "An Impregnation Apparatus and Method for Preparing Chopped Fiber Premix," discloses an apparatus for impregnating fibers. This document only describes a method for impregnating chopped fibers with resin; the fiber premix still requires manual transfer and cannot be produced continuously.

[0006] Based on this, it is desirable to obtain an apparatus suitable for liquid resin adhesives that can continuously and automatically prepare fiber premixes for use in ablation-resistant components of solid rocket motor nozzles or other heat-resistant products, thereby improving production efficiency, enhancing the quality stability of the premixes, and reducing the workload of operators and improving the working environment. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a continuous automated preparation device and method for fiber premixes.

[0008] A continuous automated preparation apparatus for fiber premixes according to the present invention includes: The mixing system is used for mixing and metering materials. An impregnation device is used to receive the material supplied by the adhesive mixing system and to impregnate the fibers. The feed end of the impregnation device is connected to the discharge end of the adhesive mixing system. The material handling and combing system is used to remove the impregnated fibers from the impregnation device and perform combing processing; The transfer platform is used to receive the fiber material processed by the material handling and combing system. The control system is electrically connected to the glue mixing system, the impregnation device, and the material taking and combing system, respectively, and controls each system to automatically perform the above actions.

[0009] Preferably, the adhesive dispensing system includes: Storage bins are used for temporary storage of materials; A mixing tank is used to mix multiple materials. Its body has a double-layered hollow structure, and the cavity is provided with an inlet and an outlet that are connected to an external constant temperature medium source. A planetary rotary stirrer is installed inside the mixing tank. A filling tank, used to temporarily store mixed materials and complete the final supply, is set on a weighing platform and is equipped with a pressurization port; Connecting pipes between the various containers; The control valve and metering pump are installed on the connecting pipeline and are electrically connected to the control system.

[0010] Preferably, both the storage tank and the mixing tank are equipped with level gauges, each level gauge comprising two independent level sensors, one upper and one lower, which are electrically connected to the control system.

[0011] Preferably, the impregnation apparatus comprises: An impregnation platform, the inner side of which is used to place the fibers to be impregnated, the impregnation platform is provided with a feed inlet and a discharge outlet, the feed inlet being connected to the discharge end of the adhesive dispensing system; An automatic lid-opening device is installed on one side of the immersion platform; An automatic locking mechanism is installed on a support base on the opposite side of the rotating shaft of the automatic lid opening device; A visual inspection device is installed above the discharge port of the impregnation platform. After detecting that the mixture has flowed out of the impregnation platform, the discharge port is immediately closed. The automatic lid opening device, the automatic locking mechanism, and the visual inspection device are all electrically connected to the control system.

[0012] Preferably, the material handling and combing system includes: A gantry frame is installed on the outside of the impregnation device; A material handling robot is installed on the crossbeam of the gantry frame and is used to grasp and transfer fibers; A material placement rack is used to receive the fibers placed by the material handling robot. A material comber, installed on the material laying rack, is used to comb the fibers; A weighing platform is located below the material placement rack; Both the material handling robot and the material sorter are electrically connected to the control system.

[0013] Preferably, the material laying rack includes multiple parallel partitions, with a spacing of 10~100mm between adjacent partitions.

[0014] Preferably, the inner side of the support frame is provided with a sliding track groove, and the material comber is installed in the sliding track groove and can move along the sliding track groove.

[0015] Preferably, the material handling and combing system further includes a material handling telescopic device installed inside the support frame for transferring the combed fibers to the transfer platform.

[0016] Preferably, the weighing platform is electrically connected to the control system and is used to verify the weight of the transferred material based on the weight difference before and after material handling.

[0017] A continuous automated preparation method for fiber premix provided by the present invention includes the following steps: Step S1: The adhesive mixing system completes the material mixing and supplies a quantitative mixture to the impregnation device; Step S2: The fibers are impregnated with the mixture in the impregnation device; Step S3: After impregnation, the material handling robot grabs the fibers onto the material laying rack; Step S4: The material comber combs and loosens the fibers; Step S5: Transfer the combed fiber material to the transfer platform and dry it to obtain the fiber premix.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. The device of the present invention has clear functions for each component and smooth connection, which can realize the continuous and automated preparation of fiber premix, solve the problem of discontinuity in manual production, and greatly improve the production cycle and the stability of premix quality.

[0019] 2. This invention realizes the continuous and automated preparation of fiber premixes throughout the entire process, which solves the limitations of traditional manual production processes being intermittent and existing similar devices being unable to adapt to liquid adhesives, thus greatly improving production efficiency and capacity.

[0020] 3. This invention achieves precise control over the entire process of premix preparation by controlling the temperature and measuring precisely during the glue mixing stage, combined with visual closed-loop control of the impregnation process and automatic weight verification after combing, thus ensuring the performance stability of the produced fiber premix.

[0021] 4. This invention replaces the traditional manual high-intensity operations such as dispensing, loosening, and transferring materials with fully automated operations, which greatly reduces the workload of operators, reduces the health risks caused by the volatilization of adhesive during manual operations, and improves the production environment. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the continuous automated fiber premix preparation device in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative connections, layout positions, and structure of the adhesive dispensing system in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the layout and structure of the impregnation device in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the material handling and combing system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. These embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but do not limit the invention in any way. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several changes and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention. These all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides an apparatus for continuous automated preparation of fiber premix, including: a glue mixing system 1, an impregnation device 2, a material handling and combing system 3, a transfer platform 5, and a control system 4. The sub-components are described in further detail below.

[0026] The adhesive mixing system 1 includes a storage tank 1-1, a mixing tank 1-2, a filling tank 1-3, and pipelines 8, control valves, and metering pumps 7 that connect to each tank.

[0027] Storage tank 1-1 is used to temporarily store material 1-6, which is stored by an external storage device and connected to the inlet 1-1-5 of storage tank 1-1 via connecting pipe 8-1. Connecting pipe 8-1 connects other types of material 1-6-1 to the inlet 1-2-4 of mixing tank 1-2. Both storage tank 1-1 and mixing tank 1-2 include a manual filling port 1-1-1, several discharge ports 1-1-2, a discharge port 1-1-3, and a level gauge 1-1-4. Manual filling port 1-1-1 is used to add material in emergencies. Level gauge 1-1-4 includes two independent level gauges, upper and lower. The sensors on the level gauges are directly connected to control system 4 to automatically control the remaining material level in storage tank 1-1 and mixing tank 1-2. Each discharge port 1-1-2 is connected to the mixing tank 1-2 and the filling tank 1-3 via connecting pipe 8-1, and a metering pump 7-1 is installed between the connecting pipes 8-1 to control the amount of material flowing out.

[0028] The mixing tank 1-2 is equipped with a planetary rotary agitator 1-2-3, which is powered by compressed air to mix different materials. The mixing tank 1-2 consists of a lid 1-2-1 and a body 1-2-2. The body 1-2-2 has a sandwiched hollow structure. A constant-temperature heating medium flows inside the cavity of the body 1-2-2. The heating medium is provided by an external heating device, flows in through inlet 1-2-5, fills the cavity of the body, and flows out through outlet 1-2-6, ensuring the temperature consistency of the mixed materials in the mixing tank 1-2.

[0029] The filling tank 1-3 is placed on the high-precision weighing platform 1-3-1. The connecting pipe 8-1 is connected from the discharge port 1-1-2 of the aforementioned material tank to the inlet port 1-3-2. The external pressurizing device pressurizes the filling tank 1-3 through the pressurizing port 1-3-3, so that the mixture in the tank flows into the impregnation device 2 through the connecting pipe 8-1.

[0030] Control valves are distributed between the inlet (1-1-5, 1-2-4, 1-3-2) and outlet (1-1-2) of the connecting pipeline 8 and the storage tank 1-1, mixing tank 1-2, and filling tank 1-3. Under the action of the control system 4, the injection and outflow of materials are intermittently controlled.

[0031] The immersion apparatus 2 includes an immersion platform 2-1, an automatic lid opening device 2-2, a vision inspection device 2-3, and an automatic locking mechanism 2-4.

[0032] The impregnation platform 2-1 has a concave structure, with the fibers placed inside the concave shape. Several inlets and outlets are distributed within the impregnation platform 2-1. The mixture obtained from the adhesive mixing system 1 is injected into the concave platform through the inlets. Under the control system 4, the automatic opening device 2-2 opens and closes, and the automatic locking mechanism 2-4 relaxes and locks, completing the fiber impregnation process.

[0033] A vision inspection device 2-3 is installed above the discharge port of the impregnation platform 2-1. Upon detecting that the mixed material has flowed out of the impregnation platform, it immediately closes the discharge port. An automatic locking mechanism 2-4 is installed on the upper surface of the support base 2-5 opposite the rotating shaft of the automatic lid-opening device 2-2, and is powered by external compressed air. The support base 2-5 provides overall structural support for the impregnation platform 2-1.

[0034] The material handling and sorting system 3 includes a gantry 3-1, a material handling robot 3-2, a material laying rack 3-3, a weighing platform 3-4, and a material sorter 3-5.

[0035] The gantry frame 3-1 is installed on the outside of the impregnation platform 2-1, and has a "∏" shaped structure. A material handling robot 3-2 is installed on the inside of the upper crossbeam. The material handling robot 3-2 has 6 degrees of freedom, can move horizontally along the upper crossbeam of the gantry frame 3-1, automatically extend and retract vertically, horizontally, and rotate 360°, and automatically grab the fibers that have been impregnated on the "concave" inner side of the impregnation platform 2-1 and place them on the material laying rack 3-3.

[0036] The material laying rack 3-3 has an overall "mountain" shaped topology, with the support edges of the "mountain" spaced 10-100mm apart. A support frame 3-7, shaped like a "¬", is installed on the outer side of the material laying rack 3-3. The inner side of the support frame 3-7 has a sliding track groove, on which a material comber 3-5 is installed. The comber 3-5 has 5 degrees of freedom, allowing it to extend and retract along the telescopic arm, shake up and down, and slide along the sliding track groove inside the support frame 3-7. The front-end comber separates and fluffs the impregnated fibers.

[0037] The weighing platform 3-4 is located entirely below the material placement rack 3-3. A material handling telescopic device 3-6 is also installed inside the support frame 3-7. The combed, fluffed fibers, impregnated with the mixed liquor, are removed by the material handling telescopic device 3-6 and placed on the transfer platform 5. Under the control system 4, the weighing platform 3-4 automatically verifies the weight of the transferred material based on the weight difference before and after material handling.

[0038] Work process: Step S1: Under the control of the control system, the mixing system completes the mixing of 80kg of mixture in the mixing tank and injects 3.5kg into the filling tank.

[0039] Step S2: Under the pressure of compressed air, the injection tank injects a fixed amount of 3 kg of mixed liquid into the impregnation platform, and impregnates a fixed amount of 2 kg of fiber that has been placed in advance on the concave inner side of the impregnation platform.

[0040] Step S3: After the visual inspection device detects that all the glue has been dispensed from the glue outlet of the impregnation platform, the automatic cover opening device opens, and the material handling robot grabs the material and places it on the material laying rack.

[0041] Step S4: The material comber moves to comb and loosen the fibers impregnated with the mixed material.

[0042] Step S5: The material is transferred to the transfer platform by the material handling telescopic device, and after being dried by the external drying equipment, the fiber premix is ​​obtained.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0044] Specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essence of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

Claims

1. A continuous automated preparation device for fiber premix, characterized in that, include: The mixing system is used for mixing and metering materials. An impregnation device is used to receive the material supplied by the adhesive mixing system and to impregnate the fibers. The feed end of the impregnation device is connected to the discharge end of the adhesive mixing system. The material handling and combing system is used to remove the impregnated fibers from the impregnation device and perform combing processing; The transfer platform is used to receive the fiber material processed by the material handling and combing system. The control system is electrically connected to the glue mixing system, the impregnation device, and the material taking and combing system, respectively, and controls each system to automatically perform the above actions.

2. The continuous automated preparation device for fiber premix according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adhesive dispensing system includes: Storage bins are used for temporary storage of materials; A mixing tank is used to mix multiple materials. Its body has a double-layered hollow structure, and the cavity is provided with an inlet and an outlet that are connected to an external constant temperature medium source. A planetary rotary stirrer is installed inside the mixing tank. A filling tank, used to temporarily store mixed materials and complete the final supply, is set on a weighing platform and is equipped with a pressurization port; Connecting pipes between the various containers; The control valve and metering pump are installed on the connecting pipeline and are electrically connected to the control system.

3. The continuous automated preparation device for fiber premix according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the storage tank and the mixing tank are equipped with level gauges, each level gauge containing two independent level sensors, which are electrically connected to the control system.

4. The continuous automated preparation device for fiber premix according to claim 1, characterized in that, The impregnation apparatus includes: An impregnation platform, the inner side of which is used to place the fibers to be impregnated, the impregnation platform is provided with a feed inlet and a discharge outlet, the feed inlet being connected to the discharge end of the adhesive dispensing system; An automatic lid-opening device is installed on one side of the immersion platform; An automatic locking mechanism is installed on a support base on the opposite side of the rotating shaft of the automatic lid opening device; A visual inspection device is installed above the discharge port of the impregnation platform. After detecting that the mixture has flowed out of the impregnation platform, the discharge port is immediately closed. The automatic lid opening device, the automatic locking mechanism, and the visual inspection device are all electrically connected to the control system.

5. The continuous automated preparation device for fiber premix according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material handling and combing system includes: A gantry frame is installed on the outside of the impregnation device; A material handling robot is installed on the crossbeam of the gantry frame and is used to grasp and transfer fibers; A material placement rack is used to receive the fibers placed by the material handling robot. A material comber, installed on the material laying rack, is used to comb the fibers; A weighing platform is located below the material placement rack; Both the material handling robot and the material sorter are electrically connected to the control system.

6. The continuous automated preparation device for fiber premix according to claim 5, characterized in that, The material placement rack includes multiple parallel partitions, with a spacing of 10~100mm between adjacent partitions.

7. The continuous automated preparation device for fiber premix according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner side of the support frame is provided with a sliding track groove, and the material comber is installed in the sliding track groove and can move along the sliding track groove.

8. The continuous automated preparation device for fiber premix according to claim 5, characterized in that, The material handling and combing system also includes a material handling telescopic device, which is installed inside the support frame and is used to transfer the combed fibers to the transfer platform.

9. The continuous automated preparation device for fiber premix according to claim 5, characterized in that, The weighing platform is electrically connected to the control system and is used to verify the weight of the transferred material based on the weight difference before and after material handling.

10. A continuous automated preparation method for fiber premix, applied to the continuous automated preparation apparatus for fiber premix as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step S1: The adhesive mixing system completes the material mixing and supplies a quantitative mixture to the impregnation device; Step S2: The fibers are impregnated with the mixture in the impregnation device; Step S3: After impregnation, the material handling robot grabs the fibers onto the material laying rack; Step S4: The material comber combs and loosens the fibers; Step S5: Transfer the combed fiber material to the transfer platform and dry it to obtain the fiber premix.

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