A preform preparation device and a preparation method

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical fields of composite preform manufacturing, and discloses a preform preparation device and a preparation method, the preform preparation device comprises: a guide array is arranged by a plurality of guide rods; a weaving module lays fibers in the gap of the guide array according to a designed path to weave a preform; a first hole plate is provided with a first guide hole for penetrating the guide rods; the first hole plate keeps the guide array vertical and compacts the preform; a second hole plate is provided with a second guide hole for penetrating the guide rods; the second hole plate keeps the guide array vertical; and the first hole plate and the second hole plate are slidingly connected to a guide column. The first hole plate and the second hole plate can be independently controlled to be lifted or lowered, so that the guide array is kept in a stable state in the vertical direction, and the fiber volume fraction and the densification degree of the preform are adjusted through the compaction operation, the weaving efficiency and the structure design capability of the large-thickness three-dimensional preform are significantly improved, and the process stability and the forming quality of the preform are significantly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of composite material preform manufacturing technology, specifically to a preform preparation apparatus and preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] Materials are the most fundamental link in the entire industrial chain, providing basic support for the industry. Precast components made from composite materials have advantages such as high specific strength, high specific stiffness, good impact resistance, and strong ablation resistance; therefore, composite precast components are widely used in aerospace, rail transportation, industrial machinery, healthcare, and sports and leisure applications.

[0003] With the rapid development of industries such as defense, military, and aerospace, there are increasing demands for digitalization, large-scale production, and densification of composite material preforms. Dense composite material preforms are beneficial for the stable performance of composite materials. Existing composite material preform manufacturing technologies not only require significant manual intervention but also struggle to achieve stable shaping of the guide array during the weaving process, significantly reducing the forming efficiency and quality of composite material preforms. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a preform preparation device and preparation method to solve the problems of existing composite material preform manufacturing technology, which not only requires a lot of manual intervention, but also makes it difficult to achieve stable shaping of the guide array during the weaving process, significantly reducing the forming efficiency and forming quality of composite material preforms.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a preform preparation apparatus, comprising: A guide array is composed of multiple guide rods arranged in a vertical direction; The weaving module is adapted to lay fibers in the gaps of the guide array according to a designed path to weave a preform; A first perforated plate is horizontally arranged, and a first guide hole is provided on the first perforated plate to facilitate the simultaneous insertion of multiple guide rods; the diameter of the first guide hole is larger than the diameter of the guide rod; the first perforated plate is adapted to maintain the vertical state of the guide array and to compact the woven preform. The second perforated plate is horizontally arranged and has a second guide hole suitable for simultaneously passing through multiple guide rods; the diameter of the second guide hole is larger than the diameter of the guide rod; the second perforated plate is located below the first perforated plate; the second perforated plate is adapted to maintain the vertical state of the guide array; Multiple guide posts are vertically positioned at the edges of the first and second perforated plates; the first and second perforated plates are slidably connected to the multiple guide posts. Beneficial effects: This application employs the above technical solution, which, through independent control of the independently movable first and second perforated plates, maintains the guide array in a stable vertical state. It also allows for convenient adjustment of the weaving position and space of the preform. Through compaction operations, it facilitates adjustment of the fiber volume fraction and densification degree of the preform, significantly improving the weaving efficiency and structural design capabilities of thick three-dimensional preforms, and significantly enhancing the process stability and forming quality of the preform.

[0006] Optionally, it also includes: A first power structure is connected to the first orifice plate, and the first power structure is adapted to drive the first orifice plate to rise and fall. The second power structure is connected to the second orifice plate and is adapted to drive the second orifice plate to rise and fall.

[0007] Optionally, both the first power structure and the second power structure are motor sets.

[0008] Optionally, the top of the guide array is fixed by a guide constraint piece, which is fixedly connected to the guide constraint plate. Beneficial effect: This application adopts the above technical solution to ensure the stability of the guide array.

[0009] Optionally, the weaving module includes: A yarn tube frame is used to fix and install fiber tubes on which fibers are wound. The third power structure is fixed on the connecting plate and is connected to the yarn tube frame. The third power structure is adapted to drive the yarn tube frame to rotate. The guide wheel is rotatably connected to the connecting plate; Knitting needles are mounted on the connecting plate; A yarn feeding pair is disposed on the connecting plate, and the yarn feeding pair is located above the knitting needle; The weaving module is adapted to feed fibers from a rotating fiber bobbin, which are guided by guide rollers to a feeding pair, then transported by the feeding pair to the weaving needles. Finally, the weaving needles lay the fibers in the gaps of the guide array according to the designed path to weave the preform. Beneficial effects: This application adopts the above technical solution, using a feeding pair, which can reduce fiber damage during fiber transport and improve the forming quality of the preform.

[0010] Optionally, the guide rod is a steel rod, a carbon rod, or a tungsten steel rod.

[0011] Optionally, the fiber feeding rollers include a driving roller and a driven roller adapted to clamp and feed the fibers.

[0012] Optionally, the fiber is carbon fiber or silicon carbide fiber.

[0013] Secondly, the present invention also provides a method for preparing a preform, using the aforementioned preform preparation apparatus, comprising: S1. The first and second perforated plates slide independently up and down along the guide post, so that all the first guide holes of the first perforated plate slide on the corresponding guide rods, and all the second guide holes of the second perforated plate slide on the corresponding guide rods. S2. Raise the first perforated plate, disengage it from the guide array, and allow the first perforated plate to provide space for the weaving module to weave. S3. The weaving module moves above the guide array and lays the fibers in the gaps of the guide array according to the design path to weave a preform; the weaving module moves away from above the guide array to make room for the first perforated plate to descend. S4. Lower the first perforated plate to compact the woven preform. S5. Repeat steps S2-S4 until the compacted preform reaches the set thickness. S6. Lower the second perforated plate to make room for weaving; S7. Repeat steps S5-S6 until the compacted preform reaches the designed thickness. Beneficial effects: This application adopts the above technical solution, which, through independent control of the lifting and lowering first and second perforated plates, maintains the guide array in a stable state in the vertical direction. It also allows for convenient adjustment of the weaving position and space of the preform. The compaction operation facilitates adjustment of the fiber volume fraction and densification degree of the preform, significantly improving the weaving efficiency and structural design capability of thick three-dimensional preforms, and significantly improving the process stability and forming quality of the preform. Furthermore, step S1 stabilizes the verticality of the guide array, ensuring the smooth progress of the subsequent compaction process.

[0014] Optionally, it also includes: S0. Design the structural parameters of the preform and select the fiber material type according to the performance requirements of the composite material. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the preform preparation device provided in the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the weaving platform provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the weaving module provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. First perforated plate; 2. Braiding module; 3. First power structure; 4. Second power structure; 5. Braiding platform; 6. Second perforated plate; 7. Guide array; 8. Guide constraint plate; 9. Guide constraint plate; 10. Weaving needle; 11. Yarn feeding pair; 12. Guide roller; 13. Third power structure; 14. Yarn bobbin holder; 15. Connecting plate; 16. Guide column. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. 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.

[0019] In the process of flexible guided three-dimensional weaving, fiber tension can easily cause deformation at the top of the guide array, resulting in more manual intervention during the weaving process and longer forming time. For the above reasons, this application proposes a preform preparation device and preparation method.

[0020] like Figures 1 to 3 One specific embodiment of the preform preparation device shown includes: a guide array 7, a braiding module 2, a first perforated plate 1, a second perforated plate 6, and multiple guide posts 16. The preform described in this application is a thick three-dimensional preform, belonging to fiber-reinforced composite materials.

[0021] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the bottom of the guide array 7 is fixed to a horizontally positioned base. The guide array 7 is composed of multiple guide rods arranged vertically; specifically, the guide rods are steel rods, carbon rods, or tungsten steel rods, etc. The structure of the guide array 7 is determined according to the process parameters of the preform. The weaving module 2 is adapted to actively convey fibers into the gaps of the guide array 7 according to the designed path to weave the preform; specifically, the fibers are carbon fibers or silicon carbide fibers, etc.; the fibers can be rayon or natural silk. The first perforated plate 1 is horizontally positioned and has first guide holes suitable for simultaneously threading multiple guide rods; that is, the first perforated plate 1 processes the first guide holes according to the design parameters of the guide array 7. The diameter of the first guide hole is larger than the diameter of the guide rod; further, the diameter of the first guide hole is slightly larger than the diameter of the guide rod. The first perforated plate 1 is adapted to maintain the vertical state of the guide array 7 and to compact the woven preform. The second perforated plate 6 is horizontally positioned and has second guide holes suitable for simultaneously passing through multiple guide rods; that is, the second perforated plate 6 is machined with second guide holes according to the design parameters of the guide array 7. The diameter of the second guide hole is larger than the diameter of the guide rod, and further, the diameter of the second guide hole is slightly larger than the diameter of the guide rod. The second perforated plate 6 is located below the first perforated plate 1; the geometric centers of the first perforated plate 1 and the second perforated plate 6 are located on the same vertical line. The second perforated plate 6 is suitable for maintaining the vertical state of the guide array 7; multiple guide posts 16 are arranged vertically at the edges of the first perforated plate 1 and the second perforated plate 6, and the guide posts 16 can be four dispersedly arranged; the first perforated plate 1 and the second perforated plate 6 are slidably connected to the multiple guide posts 16. The first perforated plate 1 and the second perforated plate 6 can fit together, and the first guide hole corresponds one-to-one with the second guide hole. This application uses guide posts 16 to ensure that the geometric centers of the first perforated plate 1 and the second perforated plate 6 are located on the same vertical line, ensuring that the guide array 7 can smoothly pass through the first perforated plate 1 and the second perforated plate 6.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the preform preparation apparatus of this application further includes: a first power structure 3 and a second power structure 4. The first power structure 3 is connected to the first perforated plate 1 and is adapted to drive the first perforated plate 1 to rise and fall. The second power structure 4 is connected to the second perforated plate 6 and is adapted to drive the second perforated plate 6 to rise and fall. Specifically, both the first power structure 3 and the second power structure 4 are motor sets. The motor set can be a linear motor that synchronously delivers power, arranged at both ends of the first perforated plate 1 or the second perforated plate 6.

[0023] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the top of the guide array 7 is fixed by guide constraint pieces 8, which are fixedly connected to the guide constraint plate 9. The guide constraint pieces 8 and the guide constraint plate 9 constitute a guide array weaving mechanism; the guide array 7 and the guide array weaving mechanism constitute a weaving platform 5. The guide constraint pieces 8 are adapted to be inserted into the gaps of the guide array 7 and are attached to the guide array 7 piece by piece; and the arrangement spacing of the guide constraint pieces 8 is the same as the gaps of the guide array 7, using the guide constraint pieces 8 to fix the top of the guide array 7 in two mutually perpendicular directions on the horizontal plane.

[0024] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the knitting module 2 includes: a yarn bobbin frame 14, a third power structure 13, guide rollers 12, knitting needles 10, and a yarn feeding pair 11; the third power structure 13 can be a motor suitable for outputting rotational power. A fiber bobbin with wound fibers is fixedly mounted on the yarn bobbin frame 14. The third power structure 13 is fixed to a connecting plate 15 and connected to the yarn bobbin frame 14, and is suitable for driving the yarn bobbin frame 14 to rotate. The guide rollers 12 are rotatably connected to the connecting plate 15. The knitting needles 10 are disposed on the connecting plate 15. The yarn feeding pair 11 is disposed on the connecting plate 15 and is located above the knitting needles 10. The weaving module 2 is adapted to deliver fibers from a rotating fiber cylinder, which are guided by the guide wheel 12 to the feeding roller 11, and then transported by the feeding roller 11 to the weaving needle 10. Finally, the weaving needle 10 lays the fibers in the gaps of the guide array 7 according to the designed path to weave the preform.

[0025] Specifically, the fiber feeding rollers 11 include a driving roller and a driven roller adapted to clamp and feed fibers.

[0026] This application also provides a method for preparing a preform, using the aforementioned preform preparation apparatus, comprising the following steps: S1. The first perforated plate 1 and the second perforated plate 6 are independently slid up and down along the guide post 16, so that all the first guide holes of the first perforated plate 1 slide on the corresponding guide rods, and all the second guide holes of the second perforated plate 6 slide on the corresponding guide rods. The above operation stabilizes the verticality of the guide array 7 in the vertical direction, ensuring the smooth progress of the subsequent compaction process.

[0027] S2. Raise the first perforated plate 1, disengage it from the guide array 7, and allow the weaving module 2 space to weave.

[0028] S3. The weaving module 2 moves above the guide array 7 and lays the fibers in the gaps of the guide array 7 according to the designed path, weaving a preform. The weaving module 2 then moves away from the guide array 7, allowing space for the first perforated plate 1 to descend. During weaving, the second perforated plate 6 can be located in the middle area of ​​the guide array 7 to ensure the verticality of the guide array 7. The movement speed of the weaving module 2 should match the feeding speed of the yarn feeding rollers 11. After each layer is woven, the weaving module 2 returns to its initial position.

[0029] S4. Lower the first perforated plate 1 to compact the woven preform.

[0030] S5. Repeat steps S2-S4 until the compacted precast body reaches the set thickness.

[0031] S6. Lower the second perforated plate 6 to make room for weaving.

[0032] S7. Repeat steps S5-S6 until the compacted precast body reaches the designed thickness.

[0033] The preform preparation method described in this application further includes the following steps: S0. Design the structural parameters of the preform and select the fiber material type according to the performance requirements of the composite material, and pre-wrap the selected type of fiber onto the fiber tube, and fix the fiber tube on the yarn tube frame 14. Step S0 is performed before step S1.

[0034] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A preform production apparatus characterized by comprising: include: The guide array (7) is composed of multiple guide rods arranged in a vertical direction; The weaving module (2) is adapted to lay fibers in the gaps of the guide array (7) according to the design path to weave the preform; The first perforated plate (1) is horizontally arranged, and a first guide hole is provided on the first perforated plate (1) to allow multiple guide rods to pass through simultaneously; the diameter of the first guide hole is larger than the diameter of the guide rod; the first perforated plate (1) is adapted to maintain the vertical state of the guide array (7) and to compact the woven preform; The second perforated plate (6) is horizontally arranged, and a second guide hole is provided on the second perforated plate (6) to allow multiple guide rods to pass through simultaneously; the diameter of the second guide hole is larger than the diameter of the guide rod; the second perforated plate (6) is located below the first perforated plate (1); the second perforated plate (6) is adapted to maintain the vertical state of the guide array (7); Multiple guide posts (16) are vertically arranged at the edges of the first perforated plate (1) and the second perforated plate (6); the first perforated plate (1) and the second perforated plate (6) are slidably connected to the multiple guide posts (16).

2. The preform preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The first power structure (3) is connected to the first orifice plate (1), and the first power structure (3) is adapted to drive the first orifice plate (1) to rise and fall; The second power structure (4) is connected to the second orifice plate (6), and the second power structure (4) is adapted to drive the second orifice plate (6) to rise and fall.

3. The preform preparation apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the first power structure (3) and the second power structure (4) are motor sets.

4. The preform preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The top of the guide array (7) is fixed by a guide constraint piece (8), which is fixedly connected to the guide constraint plate (9).

5. The preform preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The weaving module (2) includes: Yarn tube frame (14), on which fiber tubes with wound fibers are fixedly installed; The third power structure (13) is fixed on the connecting plate (15) and is connected to the yarn tube frame (14). The third power structure (13) is adapted to drive the yarn tube frame (14) to rotate. The guide wheel (12) is rotatably connected to the connecting plate (15); A knitting needle (10) is disposed on the connecting plate (15); The yarn feeding rollers (11) are disposed on the connecting plate (15) and the yarn feeding rollers (11) are located above the knitting needles (10); The weaving module (2) is adapted to deliver fibers from a rotating fiber tube, which are guided by a guide wheel (12) to a wire feeding pair (11), and then transported by the wire feeding pair (11) to the weaving needle (10). Finally, the weaving needle (10) lays the fibers in the gaps of the guide array (7) according to the design path to weave the preform.

6. The preform preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The guide rod is made of steel, carbon, or tungsten steel.

7. The preform preparation apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fiber feeding rollers (11) include: a driving roller and a driven roller adapted to clamp and feed fibers.

8. The preform preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The fiber is either carbon fiber or silicon carbide fiber.

9. A method for preparing a preform, using the preform preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, include: S1. Independently slide the first hole plate (1) and the second hole plate (6) up and down along the guide post (16) so that all the first guide holes of the first hole plate (1) slide on the corresponding guide rods, and all the second guide holes of the second hole plate (6) slide on the corresponding guide rods. S2. Raise the first perforated plate (1) to disengage from the guide array (7), and the first perforated plate (1) makes room for the weaving module (2) to weave. S3. The weaving module (2) moves above the guide array (7) and lays the fibers in the gaps of the guide array (7) according to the design path to weave a preform; the weaving module (2) moves away from the guide array (7) to make room for the first perforated plate (1) to descend. S4. Lower the first perforated plate (1) to compact the woven preform. S5. Repeat steps S2-S4 until the compacted preform reaches the set thickness. S6. Lower the second perforated plate (6) to make room for weaving; S7. Repeat steps S5-S6 until the compacted precast body reaches the designed thickness.

10. The method for preparing a preform according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: S0. Design the structural parameters of the preform and select the fiber material type according to the performance requirements of the composite material.

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