Composite reinforced frame forming device

Abstract

The composite reinforced frame forming device comprises a mold base, a rigid supporting body and a vacuum bag film, vertical edge supports are arranged on the periphery of the top face of the mold base, and a containing cavity is formed by the vertical edge supports and the top face of the mold base; the rigid supporting body is detachably connected into the containing cavity, and the two ends of the rigid supporting body are connected with the vertical edge supports. The vacuum bag film covers the rigid supporting body and the vertical edge supports, and pressure equalizing plates are arranged between the vacuum bag film and the rigid supporting body and between the vacuum bag film and the vertical edge supports. The forming device comprises a base with a vertical edge support, when a product is formed, a composite material is laid, a rigid supporting body is placed on the base of the mold, a pressure equalizing plate is placed, a vacuum bag film covers the rigid supporting body, and then the product can be formed by adopting an autoclave forming process. The number of mold parts is small, and the mold manufacturing cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of composite frame forming, and in particular to a composite reinforced frame forming device. Background Art

[0002] With the advancement of composite material manufacturing technology, composite products have gradually evolved from simple small parts to complex large parts, and from secondary load-bearing components to primary load-bearing components. As product strength requirements increase, composite frame designs require that the ribs and skin be integrally molded, without separation. Traditionally, these frames have been manufactured using RTM injection molding.

[0003] RTM molding involves a long manufacturing cycle, from preform placement, mold closing, glue injection and curing to demolding the final product. Furthermore, RTM mold manufacturing costs are high, as multiple components, including the upper mold, lower mold, and core mold, are involved. Due to the influence of glue injection pressure, the service life of RTM molds is shorter than that of autoclave molds, resulting in higher mold manufacturing and maintenance costs. Furthermore, due to inherent shortcomings of the RTM process, the mechanical properties of the product are lower than those of autoclave molds. To meet design requirements, more expensive materials or thicker layups are required, indirectly increasing product manufacturing costs and increasing part weight.

[0004] How to provide a molding device, how to reduce the number of mold parts and ensure the molding quality of the product is our research direction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a composite reinforced frame forming device to solve the problem of large number of parts in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application is implemented using the following technical solutions:

[0007] A composite reinforced frame forming device, comprising:

[0008] A mold base, wherein the outer periphery of the top surface of the mold base is provided with a vertical edge support, and the vertical edge support and the top surface of the mold base form an accommodating cavity;

[0009] A rigid support body, wherein the rigid support body is detachably connected to the accommodating cavity, and both ends of the rigid support body are connected to the vertical side support;

[0010] The vacuum bag film covers the rigid support body and the vertical edge support, and pressure equalizing plates are provided between the vacuum bag film and the rigid support body, and between the vacuum bag film and the vertical edge support.

[0011] Furthermore, a curing soft film is connected to the outer periphery of the rigid support body.

[0012] Furthermore, the cured soft film is adhered to the rigid support.

[0013] Furthermore, a side of the pressure equalizing plate close to the vacuum bag film is connected with an air-permeable felt;

[0014] The height of the air-permeable felt is greater than the height of the pressure equalizing plate.

[0015] Furthermore, a side of the pressure equalizing plate away from the vacuum bag film is connected with an isolation film;

[0016] The height dimension of the isolation membrane is greater than the height dimension of the pressure equalizing plate.

[0017] Furthermore, a triangular area is formed between the rigid support body and the top surface of the mold base;

[0018] The triangular area is connected with triangular twist strips.

[0019] Furthermore, the number of the rigid support bodies is one or more;

[0020] When there are multiple rigid support bodies, there is a forming gap between two adjacent rigid support bodies.

[0021] Furthermore, the mold base and the vertical side support are connected by screws.

[0022] Furthermore, a countersunk hole is provided on the bottom surface of the mold base, and the head of the screw is located in the countersunk hole.

[0023] Furthermore, the working surfaces of the vertical edge support and the mold base are coated with a release agent layer.

[0024] According to the above technical solution, the embodiments of the present application have at least the following effects:

[0025] The molding device of the present application includes a base with vertical edge supports. When the product is molded, the composite material is laid, the rigid support body is placed on the mold base, the equalizing plate is placed, and the vacuum bag film is covered. Then, the product can be molded using an autoclave molding process. Compared with the upper mold body and half of the inner core mold of the traditional RTM molding mold, the number of mold parts is reduced, reducing the mold manufacturing cost.

[0026] The molding device of the present application can adopt the autoclave molding process to form the product. Compared with the RTM process, the performance of the product can be guaranteed without using more expensive materials or thickening the layers, and the manufacturing cost is lower. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a reinforced frame of the present application;

[0028] Figure 2It is a schematic diagram of another reinforced frame of the present application;

[0029] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the reinforced frame ply structure;

[0030] Figure 4 It is a structural diagram of the mold base and vertical edge support;

[0031] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the connection between a rigid support and a curing soft film;

[0032] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another connection between a rigid support and a cured soft film;

[0033] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rib triangle area;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the ribs and skin after mold closing;

[0035] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Schematic diagram of different states;

[0036] Figure 10 It is an overall schematic diagram of the molding device.

[0037] Among them: 1. Panel, 2. Vertical edge, 3. Longitudinal reinforcement, 4. Panel ply, 5. Longitudinal reinforcement ply, 6. Mold base, 7. Vertical edge support, 8. Rigid support body, 9. Curing soft film, 11. Triangle area; 12. Isolation film, 13. Pressure equalizing plate, 14. Breathable felt, 15. Vacuum bag film, 16. Sealing strip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In order to make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects achieved by this application easy to understand, this application is further explained below in conjunction with specific implementation methods.

[0039] It should be noted that in the description of this application, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and do not require that this application must be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they should not be understood as limiting this application. The terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", and "down" used in the description of this application refer to directions in the accompanying drawings, and the terms "inside" and "outside" refer to directions toward or away from the geometric center of a specific component, respectively.

[0040] In order to ensure the design requirements for the weight and strength of the composite frame, control the product manufacturing cost, and break through the technical barrier that the reinforced frame cannot be formed in an autoclave, this application provides a composite reinforced frame forming device, which eliminates the upper mold body and half of the inner core mold of the RTM forming mold, reducing the mold manufacturing cost; simplifies the forming process of the preform in the RTM molding scheme, and shortens the manufacturing cycle of the parts.

[0041] A composite reinforced frame forming device includes a mold base 6, a rigid support body 8 and a vacuum bag film 15. The outer periphery of the top surface of the mold base 6 is provided with a vertical edge support 7, and the vertical edge support 7 and the top surface of the mold base 6 form a accommodating cavity; the rigid support body 8 is detachably connected in the accommodating cavity, and both ends of the rigid support body 8 are connected to the vertical edge support 7; the vacuum bag film 15 covers the rigid support body 8 and the vertical edge support 7, and an equalizing plate 13 is provided between the vacuum bag film 15 and the rigid support body 8, and between the vacuum bag film 15 and the vertical edge support 7.

[0042] When the present application is in use, first, a preformed structure of a reinforced frame is prepared on the top surface of the mold base 6 or a composite material layer and reinforcement ribs are directly laid. The vertical side support 7 of the mold base 6 ensures the boundaries of the molding area and provides the necessary support frame. Composite materials are laid on multiple surfaces of the rigid support body 8 except the top surface, and the rigid support body 8 with the composite materials laid is installed in the accommodating cavity. The two ends of the rigid support body 8 are connected to the vertical side support 7 to ensure the stability and uniform force of the entire structure. Next, an equalizing plate 13 is placed on the outer side of the rigid support body 8 and the vertical side support 7. The function of the equalizing plate 13 is to ensure that the pressure can be evenly distributed when vacuuming to avoid structural defects caused by local overpressure or underpressure, such as fiber wrinkles or uneven resin distribution. Then, the vacuum bag film 15 is laid and covered on the rigid support body 8 and the vertical side support 7 to form a closed chamber. By connecting a vacuum pump, the air in the vacuum bag is evacuated to form a negative pressure environment. The entire device is sent to a high temperature for curing treatment to complete the molding of the composite material component.

[0043] The molding device of the present application includes a base with vertical edge support. When the product is molded, the composite material is laid, the rigid support body is placed on the mold base, the equalizing plate is placed and the vacuum bag film is covered, and then the product can be molded using an autoclave molding process. Compared with the upper mold body and half of the inner core mold of the traditional RTM molding mold, the number of mold parts is small, which reduces the mold manufacturing cost.

[0044] The present application is described below through some specific embodiments.

[0045] Typical longitudinal and transverse composite reinforced frame structures such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it includes a panel 1, a vertical edge 2, and a longitudinal reinforcement 3, wherein the end of the longitudinal reinforcement 3 is integrally connected to the vertical edge 2. The forming device of the present application can form Figure 1and Figure 2 Composite reinforced frame shown.

[0046] Molding device such as Figure 2-10 As shown, it includes a mold base 6, a rigid support body 8 and a vacuum bag film 15. The outer periphery of the top surface of the mold base 6 is provided with a vertical edge support 7, and the vertical edge support 7 and the top surface of the mold base 6 form a receiving cavity.

[0047] Furthermore, the mold base 6 and the vertical side supports 7 are connected by screws. Countersunk holes are located on the bottom surface of the mold base 6, and the heads of the screws are located in these holes. This screw connection between the mold base and the vertical side supports ensures a strong, stable, and removable structure. The countersunk holes on the bottom conceal the screw heads, ensuring a smooth working surface.

[0048] The rigid support body 8 is detachably connected to the accommodating cavity, and both ends of the rigid support body 8 are connected to the vertical edge support 7. The design of the rigid support body not only provides the necessary support during the molding process but also facilitates disassembly, which facilitates the reuse and maintenance of the mold and improves production flexibility.

[0049] Furthermore, a curing soft film 9 is connected to the outer periphery of the rigid support 8 and adhered to the rigid support 8. The soft film adhered to the rigid support can provide additional surface finish and shape control during the curing process, further improving the dimensional accuracy and appearance quality of the product.

[0050] More specifically, Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 5 、 Figure 6 As shown, in order to reduce the number of forming molds, the use of rigid support members 8 can produce products with odd or even frames. When arranging, it is necessary to have a forming gap between two adjacent rigid support members 8 to meet the forming requirements of frame parts. Figure 1 For the parts shown, place the rigid support 8 in the middle. At this point, you only need to stick the curing soft film 9 in the width direction of the rigid support 8. Figure 2 For the parts shown, place the rigid support member 8 in the first or third frame, or in the second or fourth frame. At this point, apply a curing soft film 9 along the width and length of the rigid support member 8. This curing soft film 9 ensures that the composite material or preform between the vertical edge support 7 and the rigid support member 8 is cured and pressure is transferred through the curing soft film.

[0051] A pressure equalizing plate 13 is installed between the vacuum bagging film 15 and the rigid support body 8, and between the vacuum bagging film 15 and the vertical leg support 7. A breathable felt 14 is connected to the side of the pressure equalizing plate 13 closest to the vacuum bagging film 15; the height of the breathable felt 14 is greater than the height of the pressure equalizing plate 13. An isolation film 12 is connected to the side of the pressure equalizing plate 13 away from the vacuum bagging film 15; the height of the isolation film 12 is greater than the height of the pressure equalizing plate 13.

[0052] The use of vacuum bagging and vacuuming, combined with a pressure plate, ensures uniform resin distribution during the curing process, preventing air bubbles and uneven fiber formation, and improving the mechanical properties and surface quality of the part. The careful design of the breathable felt and isolation film—the former is higher than the pressure plate to facilitate gas discharge, while the latter is higher than the pressure plate to prevent contamination or adhesion caused by resin overflow contacting the pressure plate—optimizes degassing and isolation, ensuring a favorable molding environment.

[0053] The molding idea of ​​the present application is: apply a release agent on the molding die, lay the layer prepreg on the frame panel and the rib molding die respectively, and pre-draw to shape. Position the rib preform on the frame panel, fill the triangular twist strips in the gap between the rib preform and the frame panel, lay the remaining prepreg in the U-shaped groove formed by the rib mold, and complete the manufacture of the final part preform. Various auxiliary materials are placed on the surface of the part in sequence, and sealed with sealing strips to make bags. The mold is sent to the autoclave for curing, and the auxiliary materials are removed after cooling, the rib mold is dismantled, the part is removed from the mold, and the waste edge cutting, non-destructive testing, quality testing, etc. of the part are carried out, and the final qualified products are stored in the warehouse.

[0054] Specifically, during use, remove the screws securing the mold base 6 and vertical edge supports 7, and remove the cured soft film 9 from the rigid support 8. Clean any dirt from the mold surface and apply a release agent. Reinstall the vertical edge supports 7 onto the mold base 6. Replace the cured soft film 9 onto the rigid support 8. Prepare a cutting plan based on the panel layup 4 and longitudinal reinforcement layup 5, and cut the prepreg for the layup.

[0055] The prepreg is applied to the mold base 6 and the vertical supports 7, using the placement allowance lines on the vertical supports 7 to position the edges of the sheet. The prepreg is applied to the rib forming mold, using the placement allowance lines on the rigid support 8 to position the edges of the sheet. The rib forming mold is flipped 180°, and the rib preform is pressed onto the frame panel using a rubber hammer and bagging.

[0056] A dedicated strand forming mold is used to create triangular strands, which are then inserted into the triangular area 8 formed by the ribs and faceplate. A wedge is used to completely insert the strands into the triangular area, avoiding unfilled gaps in the sharp corners. The remaining longitudinal reinforcement layer 5 is then laid onto the faceplate 1, where the rib forming mold is not located, completing the composite frame preform.

[0057] A non-porous isolation film is placed on the inner surface of the frame without a rigid support 8, followed by a pressure equalizing plate 13. A isolation film 12 is placed on the inner surface of the pressure equalizing plate 13, and a breathable felt 14 and vacuum bagging film 15 are placed on the outer surface. A vacuum seal is achieved using sealing strips 16. The mold is then placed in an autoclave, and the part is cured according to the specified curing schedule.

[0058] After curing is complete, remove the auxiliary materials on the surface, remove the rigid support 8 and the vertical edge support 7, and completely remove the part from the mold. Protect the corner area before transferring.

[0059] Compared to the RTM injection molding process, this solution reduces the number of frame molding molds by half, simplifying the upper and lower panel molds to just the lower panel mold, reducing mold costs by approximately 50%. It also avoids interference between the molding molds for frame positions 1 and 2, and between the frame molding mold and the upper panel mold during RTM molding, improving manufacturing efficiency by approximately 30%.

[0060] In this application, since the cured soft film has a certain elasticity, when manufacturing complex parts, by changing the structure and size of the cured soft film, the soft mold can be pre-released during the demolding stage, and then the rigid support body can be removed, avoiding the demolding interference problem between steel molds and improving the adaptability of the process.

[0061] It is understood from common technical knowledge that the present application may be implemented by other embodiments that do not deviate from its spirit or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above are merely illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be exclusive. All modifications that come within the scope of this application or are equivalent to the scope of this application are intended to be included in this application.

Claims

1. A composite reinforced frame forming device, characterized in that: include: A mold base (6), wherein a vertical edge support (7) is provided on the outer periphery of the top surface of the mold base (6), and the vertical edge support (7) and the top surface of the mold base (6) form a receiving cavity; A rigid support body (8), wherein the rigid support body (8) is detachably connected to the accommodating cavity, and both ends of the rigid support body (8) are connected to the vertical edge support (7); A vacuum bag film (15) covers the rigid support body (8) and the vertical edge support (7), and a pressure equalizing plate (13) is provided between the vacuum bag film (15) and the rigid support body (8), and between the vacuum bag film (15) and the vertical edge support (7).

2. The composite reinforced frame forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer periphery of the rigid support body (8) is connected with a curing soft film (9).

3. The composite reinforced frame forming device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cured soft film (9) is adhered to the rigid support (8).

4. The composite reinforced frame forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A side of the pressure equalizing plate (13) close to the vacuum bag film (15) is connected to a breathable felt (14); The height dimension of the air-permeable felt (14) is greater than the height dimension of the pressure equalizing plate (13).

5. The composite reinforced frame forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A side of the pressure equalizing plate (13) away from the vacuum bag film (15) is connected to an isolation film (12); The height dimension of the isolation membrane (12) is greater than the height dimension of the pressure equalizing plate (13).

6. The composite reinforced frame forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A triangular area (11) is formed between the rigid support body (8) and the top surface of the mold base (6); The triangular area (11) is connected with a triangular twist strip.

7. The composite reinforced frame forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the rigid support body (8) is one or more; When the number of the rigid support bodies (8) is plural, there is a forming gap between two adjacent rigid support bodies (8).

8. The composite reinforced frame forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mold base (6) and the vertical edge support (7) are connected via screws.

9. The composite reinforced frame forming device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the mold base (6) is provided with a countersunk hole, and the head of the screw is located in the countersunk hole.

10. The composite reinforced frame forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The working surfaces of the vertical edge support (7) and the mold base (6) are both coated with a release agent layer.

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