Automatic laying machine for fairing

Abstract

The utility model discloses an automatic laying machine for a fairing, and belongs to the technical field of automatic laying machines, a laying head of the automatic laying machine for the fairing is used for installing and conveying composite material pre-impregnated narrow bands / tows, and a numerical control rotating table of the automatic laying machine is used for installing, clamping and fixing a fairing mold and accurately controlling rotation of the fairing mold. Therefore, the prepreg narrow band / tow can be laid on the fairing mold according to a set track. According to the automatic layer laying equipment, the laying productivity can be greatly improved, the layer laying labor amount can be greatly reduced, waste materials are reduced through an accurate cutting and recycling system, the material utilization rate is improved, the precision and consistency of laying are ensured through a precise numerical control linkage control system of the numerical control rotating table and the multi-axis linkage mechanical arm, and the production efficiency is improved. The manufacturing quality of the fairing is improved, dependence on manpower is reduced due to application of the automatic layer laying equipment, errors and waste caused by human factors are reduced, and therefore the production cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automatic layup machine technology, and in particular to an automatic fairing layup machine. Background Technology

[0002] Automated composite material layup machines are widely used in aerospace, automotive, wind power, and many other fields. In the aerospace field, aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 extensively use composite material components manufactured by automated layup machines, which can reduce fuselage weight and improve fuel efficiency. With the increase in automation, the layup direction and speed can be flexibly varied to meet the requirements of component manufacturing; at the same time, with the help of advanced technologies such as machine vision and laser projection, more precise layup positioning and quality monitoring are achieved.

[0003] Despite significant technological advancements, automated layup machines still struggle to achieve complete precision for components with extremely complex shapes and large curvature variations, necessitating manual layup or other auxiliary processes to ensure quality. Existing technologies, such as patent 201911256834.8 (an automated layup machine) which addresses the unreliability of layup equipment for thermoplastic resin-based composite materials, and CN102240772B (a fiber layup precision control method and device) which solves the problem of uneven layup thickness caused by uneven mold surfaces or vibrations during the layup process, fail to solve the problem of smooth layup for complex components with large curvatures, particularly for curved surfaces with continuously varying curvature, such as fairings. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing an automatic fairing layup machine. This automatic fairing layup machine and its control system combine high-precision mechanical control, advanced materials technology, and complex automated molding technology using CAD / CAM. Its processing accuracy is higher and its operation is more stable compared to other automated composite material equipment, and it has broad applicability to various types of composite material fairing products.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model adopts the following technical solution: an automatic fairing layup machine, comprising a CNC rotary worktable, a fairing mold, a layup head, and a multi-axis linkage robotic arm. The CNC rotary worktable and the multi-axis linkage robotic arm are mounted on a work platform. A protective cover is provided around the circumference of the layup head. An automatic layup system, a cutting device, a heating device, and a compaction device are installed on the layup head. The automatic layup system is used for installing and conveying composite prepreg narrow strips / tows. The multi-axis linkage robotic arm is linked with the CNC rotary worktable.

[0006] Furthermore, the CNC rotary table is used to mount and fix the fairing mold and precisely control the rotation position of the fairing mold to ensure that the prepreg narrow strip / tow can be laid on the fairing mold according to the set trajectory;

[0007] Furthermore, the multi-axis linkage robotic arm precisely controls the position of the laying head to ensure that the prepreg narrow strip / tow can be accurately laid on the fairing mold along the set trajectory;

[0008] Furthermore, the automatic layup system includes a feeding device, a limiting guide wheel, a pre-compression roller, a compaction device, a tensioning wheel, an encoder, and a recycling device, used to export and lay up prepreg narrow strips / tows, and to recycle backing material;

[0009] Furthermore, during the laying process, the cutting device cuts the prepreg narrow strip / filament bundle in a set direction to ensure that the laid material is consistent with the shape of the fairing mold;

[0010] Furthermore, the heating device heats the pre-impregnated narrow strip / tow before laying to improve its viscosity;

[0011] Furthermore, the compaction device compacts the material after it is laid out, ensuring that the material adheres tightly to the mold.

[0012] Furthermore, the CNC rotary table is driven by a high-precision servo motor to achieve precise control of its rotational position.

[0013] Furthermore, the multi-axis linkage robotic arm is a six-axis robotic arm with high flexibility and precision to adapt to fairing molds of different shapes and sizes.

[0014] Furthermore, the surfaces of the feed rollers and pre-press rollers of the automatic layup system are covered with an anti-sticking material to reduce material adhesion during the layup process.

[0015] Furthermore, the cutting device employs laser cutting technology, which can quickly and accurately cut pre-impregnated narrow strips / tows.

[0016] Furthermore, the heating temperature of the heating device can be adjusted according to the material type of the pre-impregnated narrow strip / tow to achieve the best adhesion effect.

[0017] Furthermore, the surface of the compaction device is covered with an elastic material to ensure that the material is compacted without damaging the laid carbon fiber strip.

[0018] This invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. The implementation of this patent can significantly improve the laying productivity and reduce the workload of layer laying; 2. The precise cutting and recycling system of this patent reduces the generation of waste and improves the utilization rate of materials; 3. The CNC rotary table and multi-axis linkage robotic arm of this patent, along with the precise CNC linkage control system, ensure the accuracy and consistency of laying and improve the manufacturing quality of the fairing; 4. The application of this patent reduces the dependence on manual labor, reduces errors and waste caused by human factors, and thus reduces production costs. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic fairing layup machine proposed in this utility model. Figure 1 .

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic fairing layup machine proposed in this utility model. Figure 2 .

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the laying head structure of the automatic fairing layup machine proposed in this utility model.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a close-up view of the laying head of the automatic fairing layup machine proposed in this utility model.

[0023] Legend:

[0024] 1. Workbench; 2. CNC rotary workbench; 3. Fairing mold; 4. Laying head; 5. Multi-axis linkage robotic arm; 6. Protective cover; 7. Feeding device; 8. Prepreg narrow strip / tow; 9. Cutting device; 10. Limiting guide wheel; 11. Heating device; 12. Pre-compression roller; 13. Lay carbon fiber strip; 14. Compaction device; 15. Backing material; 16. Tensioning wheel; 17. Encoder; 18. Recycling device. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0026] like Figure 1-3As shown, one embodiment of this utility model is provided: an automatic fairing layup machine, including a CNC rotary worktable 2, a fairing mold 3, a layup head 4, and a multi-axis linkage robotic arm 5. The CNC rotary worktable 2 and the multi-axis linkage robotic arm 5 are installed on the work platform 1. The pre-impregnated narrow strip / tow 8 is laid onto the surface of the fairing mold 3 along a set trajectory by the layup head 4 and the automatic layup system. The laid carbon fiber 13 is tightly bonded and solidified on the fairing mold 3 by the heating device 11 and the compaction device 14, and the backing material 15 is recycled.

[0027] Furthermore, the laying head 4 is provided with a protective cover 6 around its circumference for protection. The laying head 4 is equipped with an automatic lay-up system, a cutting device 9, a heating device 11, and a compaction device 14. The laying head 4 is used to install and transport the prepreg narrow strip / filament 8 of composite materials, and can perform functions such as cutting, heating, and compacting the prepreg narrow strip / filament 8.

[0028] Furthermore, the CNC rotary table 2 is used to mount and fix the fairing mold 3 and precisely control the rotation position of the fairing mold 3 to ensure that the prepreg narrow strip / tow 8 can be laid on the fairing mold 3 according to the set trajectory.

[0029] Furthermore, the multi-axis linkage robotic arm 5 precisely controls the position of the laying head 4 to ensure that the prepreg narrow strip / tow 8 can be accurately laid on the fairing mold 3 according to the set trajectory.

[0030] Furthermore, the automatic layup system includes a feeding device 7, a limiting guide wheel 10, a pre-compression roller 12, a tensioning wheel 16, an encoder 17, and a recycling device 18, used to deliver and lay up the prepreg narrow strip / tow 8, and to recycle the backing material 15.

[0031] Furthermore, during the laying process, the cutting device 9 cuts the prepreg narrow strip / filament bundle 8 in a set direction to ensure that the laid material is consistent with the shape of the fairing mold 3.

[0032] Furthermore, the heating device 11 and the compaction device 14 heat the pre-impregnated narrow strip / tow 8 before laying to improve its viscosity, and compact the material after laying to ensure that the material adheres tightly to the mold.

[0033] Furthermore, the CNC rotary table 2 is driven by a high-precision servo motor to achieve precise control of the rotation position. The multi-axis linkage robotic arm 5 is a six-axis robotic arm with high flexibility and precision to adapt to fairing molds 3 of different shapes and sizes. The surface of the guide roller and pre-pressing roller 12 of the automatic layup system feeding device 7 is covered with anti-stick material to reduce material adhesion during the layup process. The cutting device 9 adopts laser cutting technology, which can quickly and accurately cut the prepreg narrow strip / tow 8. The heating device 11 preheats the prepreg narrow strip / tow 8. The compaction device 14 compacts the material after layup. The heating temperature of the heating device 11 can be adjusted according to the material type of the prepreg narrow strip / tow 8 to achieve the best adhesion effect. The surface of the compaction device 14 is covered with an elastic material to ensure that the material is not damaged during the compaction process.

[0034] Working Principle: Preparation Stage: The prepreg narrow strip / tow 8 of composite material is installed in the layup head 4. According to the design drawings of the fairing, the layup path and cutting instructions are generated by CAD / CAM software. Laying Stage: According to the generated layup path, the CNC rotary table 2 and the multi-axis linkage robotic arm 5 precisely control the rotation position of the fairing mold 3 and the movement trajectory of the layup head 4. During the laying process, the prepreg narrow strip / tow 8 is discharged from the feeding device 7 of the automatic layup system and passes through the cutting device 9, tensioning wheel (equipped with tension sensor) 16, and limit guide wheel 10 to reach the heating device 11. Furthermore, the heating device 11 heats the prepreg narrow strip / tow 8 to improve its properties. The pre-laid carbon fiber strip 13, after being heated, is laid onto the fairing mold 3 under the action of the pre-compression roller 12. Then, the compaction device 14 compacts the pre-laid carbon fiber strip 13 laid on the mold for a second time. The backing material 15 of the pre-impregnated narrow strip / tow 8 after use continues to be transported downwards through the limit guide wheel 10, tension wheel (equipped with tension sensor) 16, and encoder 17 to the recycling device 18 for recycling. During the entire laying process of the laying head 4, all modules work together in coordination to maintain the stability of the transmission speed, tension, compressive strength and temperature of the pre-impregnated narrow strip / tow 8 during the laying operation. When the laying head 4 moves to the set cutting position, the cutting device 9 cuts the pre-impregnated narrow strip / tow 8 according to the instruction.

[0035] During the cutting process, the return roller continuously recycles the backing material to reduce waste and avoid secondary route operations.

[0036] After completing the above operations, the placement head 4 continues to place and cut along the set path, repeating the above operations until the entire fairing is laid up. During the placement process, the equipment continuously monitors and verifies the placement quality through sensors and detection systems to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the placement.

[0037] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic fairing layup machine, comprising a CNC rotary worktable (2), a fairing mold (3), a layup head (4), and a multi-axis linkage robotic arm (5), wherein the CNC rotary worktable (2) and the multi-axis linkage robotic arm (5) are mounted on a work platform (1), characterized in that: The laying head (4) is provided with a protective cover (6) around its circumference. An automatic lay-up system, a cutting device (9), a heating device (11) and a compaction device (14) are installed on the laying head (4). The automatic lay-up system is used to install and transport composite prepreg narrow strips / tows (8). The multi-axis linkage robotic arm (5) is linked with the CNC rotary table (2). Furthermore, the CNC rotary table (2) is used to mount and fix the fairing mold (3) and precisely control the rotation position of the fairing mold (3) to ensure that the prepreg narrow strip / tow (8) can be laid on the fairing mold (3) according to the set trajectory; Furthermore, the multi-axis linkage robotic arm (5) precisely controls the position of the laying head (4) to ensure that the prepreg narrow strip / tow (8) can be accurately laid on the fairing mold (3) according to the set trajectory; Furthermore, the automatic layup system includes a feeding device (7), a limiting guide wheel (10), a pre-compression roller (12), a tensioning roller (16), an encoder (17), and a recycling device (18) for feeding out and laying up prepreg narrow strips / tows (8) and recycling backing material (15). Furthermore, during the laying process, the cutting device (9) cuts the prepreg narrow strip / filament bundle (8) in a set direction to ensure that the laid material is consistent with the shape of the fairing mold (3); Furthermore, the heating device (11) heats the prepreg narrow strip / tow (8) before laying to improve its viscosity; Furthermore, the compaction device (14) compacts the material after it is laid out to ensure that the material is tightly attached to the mold.

2. The automatic fairing layup machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The CNC rotary table (2) is driven by a high-precision servo motor to achieve precise control of the rotation position.

3. The automatic fairing layup machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-axis linkage robotic arm (5) is a six-axis robotic arm.

4. The automatic fairing layup machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the feed device (7) and pre-press roller (12) of the automatic layup system is covered with an anti-sticking material.

5. The automatic fairing layup machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cutting device (9) uses laser cutting technology.

6. The automatic fairing layup machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating temperature of the heating device can be adjusted according to the material type of the prepreg narrow strip / tow (8).

7. The automatic fairing layup machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the compaction device (14) is covered with an elastic material.

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