Hydraulic system of pulse type superplastic forming equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of superplastic forming equipment, in particular to a hydraulic system of pulse type superplastic forming equipment, which comprises a prepressing module, a forming module and a master control module, the pre-pressing module comprises a heating device and a plurality of hydraulic oil cylinders; the heating device is divided into an upper part and a lower part, the upper part and the lower part of the heating device are respectively connected with an upper die and a lower die of a superplastic forming die, and the fixed end of the hydraulic oil cylinder is arranged on the lower part of the heating device; the telescopic end of the hydraulic oil cylinder is connected with the upper part of the heating device; the hydraulic oil cylinder serves as an execution unit of the pre-pressing module; and pressure is applied to the raw materials in the mold, and pre-pressure is provided for the heating stage of superplastic forming. According to the hydraulic system provided by the utility model, accurate and stable pressure control of the whole process from pre-pressing to forming to pressure maintaining is realized, so that stable pressure of parts in the whole process from heating to forming to pressure maintaining is ensured, the size and shape precision is improved, and higher yield of superplastic formed parts is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of superplastic forming equipment technology, and in particular to a hydraulic system for a pulsed superplastic forming equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Superplastic forming of sheet metal is a process in which sheet metal is heated to a high temperature and then pressure-formed in a mold.

[0003] Currently, traditional integrated heating and hydraulic equipment is used for superplastic forming of metal sheets, but its complex process leads to low actual productivity. To improve efficiency, pulsed superplastic forming equipment has emerged. This equipment separates the hydraulic press from the heating device, allowing heating and forming processes to be performed separately, thus improving the utilization rate of the hydraulic press and overall efficiency. However, the new equipment also brings problems: the superplastic forming heating stage requires pre-pressure, but the multiple movable heating devices in the pulsed superplastic forming equipment make it difficult to set up the pipeline for the fixed pre-pressure device, and may even affect the normal operation of the equipment; at the same time, the superplastic forming process requires stable and precise pressure throughout, making the coordination between the pre-pressure device and the forming hydraulic device crucial for stability.

[0004] Therefore, how to better design the hydraulic system of the pulsating superplastic forming equipment to solve the above problems is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a hydraulic system for a pulsating superplastic forming equipment, which realizes pressure exchange during the pre-compression, forming, and holding periods, ensuring stable pressure on the parts from heating to forming and then to holding, thereby solving the problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a hydraulic system for a pulsating superplastic forming equipment, comprising: a pre-compression module, a forming module, and a main control module;

[0007] The pre-compression module is installed on the mobile shuttle car; the pre-compression module and the forming module are wirelessly connected to the main control module respectively.

[0008] The pre-compression module includes a heating device and multiple hydraulic cylinders; the hydraulic cylinders are equipped with a cooling device.

[0009] The heating device is divided into upper and lower parts. The upper and lower parts of the heating device are respectively connected to the upper and lower molds of the mold used for superplastic forming. The fixed end of the hydraulic cylinder is installed on the lower part of the heating device; the telescopic end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the upper part of the heating device.

[0010] Furthermore, the cooling device includes a cooling water pipe wound around the surface of the hydraulic cylinder; the cooling water pipe is connected to a cooling water tank; the cooling water tank is mounted on a mobile shuttle.

[0011] Furthermore, the connection between the hydraulic cylinder and the heating device is provided with a connector; the upper and lower parts of the heating device are provided with multiple T-slot structures; the connector is snapped into the T-slot structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the pre-compression module also includes a control console, a receiving oil tank, a hydraulic pump, a servo drive motor, an output hydraulic oil pipe, and a return hydraulic oil pipe;

[0013] The control console and the oil tank are mounted on a mobile shuttle car, and the oil tank has an oil inlet at its upper part.

[0014] The hydraulic pump is connected to the oil tank, and the servo drive motor is located on the upper part of the oil tank and connected to the hydraulic pump; the servo drive motor drives the hydraulic pump to operate.

[0015] One end of the output hydraulic oil pipe is connected to the hydraulic pump, and the other end is connected to the inflow end of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0016] One end of the return hydraulic oil pipe is connected to the bottom of the receiving oil tank, and the other end is connected to the outflow end of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0017] Furthermore, the pre-pressure module also includes an electromagnetic throttle valve and a liquid pressure sensor connected in sequence to the output hydraulic oil pipe;

[0018] The electromagnetic throttle valve is electrically connected to a liquid pressure sensor; the liquid pressure sensor is used to monitor the pressure of the hydraulic oil inside the output hydraulic oil pipe and feed it back to the electromagnetic throttle valve.

[0019] Furthermore, the pre-pressure module also includes an electromagnetic relief valve; one end of the electromagnetic relief valve is connected to the output hydraulic oil pipe, and the other end is connected to the receiving oil tank through an oil pipe.

[0020] Furthermore, the forming module includes a hydraulic press, a lifting device, and a hydraulic station;

[0021] The lifting device is located directly below the hydraulic press. When the pre-compression module is transported to the lifting device, the lifting device lifts the heating device on the pre-compression module together with the moving shuttle. The hydraulic press then applies downward pressure to the mold used for superplastic forming in the heating device.

[0022] Furthermore, the central control module includes a host computer, a PLC, and a wireless connection transmitter;

[0023] The host computer is connected to the PLC, and the PLC is connected to both the pre-compression module and the forming module via a wireless transmitter.

[0024] Beneficial effects:

[0025] The hydraulic system provided by this utility model provides precise and stable pressure control throughout the entire process from pre-pressing to forming and then to holding pressure. This ensures stable pressure on the parts throughout the entire process from heating to forming and then to holding pressure, improves dimensional and shape accuracy, and ensures a higher yield of superplastic molded parts.

[0026] The hydraulic system provided by this invention is highly compatible with superplastic forming processes. It provides appropriate pre-pressure during high-temperature heating to facilitate the diffusion and sliding of metal atoms, thus meeting the diverse forming requirements of parts. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the hydraulic system of a pulsed superplastic forming equipment disclosed in this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic system pre-compression module structure of a pulsed superplastic forming equipment disclosed in this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic system forming module structure of a pulsed superplastic forming equipment disclosed in this utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic cylinder part of a pulsed superplastic forming equipment disclosed in this utility model.

[0031] Marked in the attached diagram:

[0032] 1. Pre-compression module; 11. Control console; 12. Oil tank; 13. Moving shuttle; 14. Servo drive motor; 15. Output hydraulic oil pipe; 16. Return hydraulic oil pipe; 17. Hydraulic cylinder; 18. Solenoid relief valve; 19. Solenoid throttle valve; 110. Solenoid directional valve; 111. Liquid pressure sensor; 112. Filter;

[0033] 2. Forming module; 21. Hydraulic press; 22. Lifting device; 23. Hydraulic station;

[0034] 3. Main control module; 4. Cooling water pipe; 5. Connector; 6. T-slot. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0036] refer to Figure 1 —4, a hydraulic system for a pulsed superplastic forming equipment, comprising: a pre-compression module 1, a forming module 2, and a main control module 3. The pre-compression module 1 is mounted on a mobile shuttle 13; the pre-compression module 1 and the forming module 2 are wirelessly connected to the main control module 3 respectively; the pre-compression module 1 applies pre-pressure to the heating device.

[0037] Forming module 2 provides the forming pressure during the forming stage; overall control module 3 is used for overall control.

[0038] The pre-compression module 1 includes a heating device and multiple hydraulic cylinders 17; the hydraulic cylinders 17 are equipped with cooling devices.

[0039] The heating device is divided into upper and lower parts. The upper and lower parts of the heating device are connected to the upper and lower molds of the mold used for superplastic forming, respectively. The fixed end of the hydraulic cylinder 17 is installed on the lower part of the heating device; the telescopic end of the hydraulic cylinder 17 is connected to the upper part of the heating device.

[0040] Specifically, the hydraulic cylinder 17 includes six hydraulic cylinders, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the heating device. The hydraulic cylinder 17 serves as the execution unit of the pre-pressure module 1. The hydraulic cylinder 17 drives the upper part of the heating device to move, thereby driving the upper mold of the mold used for superplastic forming to approach the lower mold. Pressure is applied to the raw material in the mold to provide pre-pressure for the heating stage of superplastic forming.

[0041] The hydraulic cylinder ensures the uniform application of pre-pressure during the heating stage, so that the billet is evenly compressed during the heating process, preventing local deformation or stress concentration.

[0042] Furthermore, the cooling device includes a cooling water pipe 4 wound around the surface of the hydraulic cylinder 17; the cooling water pipe 4 is connected to a cooling water tank; the cooling water tank is mounted on the mobile shuttle 13. In actual operation, the rise in hydraulic oil temperature will affect its performance. A cooling coil can be added inside the oil tank 12, and a circulating pump will continuously circulate cooling water in the cooling coil to remove the heat from the hydraulic oil.

[0043] Furthermore, a connector 5 is provided at the connection point between the hydraulic cylinder 17 and the heating device; correspondingly, the upper and lower parts of the heating device are provided with multiple T-slot structures 6; the connector 5 is located at both ends of the hydraulic cylinder 17, and is engaged within the T-slot structures 6 to connect the hydraulic cylinder 17 to the upper and lower parts of the heating device. The connector 5 and the hydraulic cylinder 17 can be fixedly connected or hinged; when installing the hydraulic cylinder 17, the force application point of the hydraulic cylinder 17 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the connector 5 engaged within the T-slot structures 6 according to the specific dimensions of the mold and the pre-pressing requirements. Adjusting the force application point of the hydraulic cylinder to the most reasonable position for mold stress ensures that the blank is evenly pressurized during the pre-pressing process.

[0044] Furthermore, the pre-compression module 1 also includes a control console 11, an oil tank 12, a hydraulic pump, a servo drive motor 14, an output hydraulic oil pipe 15, and a return hydraulic oil pipe 16.

[0045] The control console 11 and the oil tank 12 are mounted on the mobile shuttle 13. Specifically, the control console 11 includes a housing, a controller, and a wireless connection receiver, which are used to control the hydraulic action of the pre-compression module 1; collect information and feed it back to the host computer of the main control module 3, which can control the action of the pre-compression module 1.

[0046] The oil tank 12 is used to provide hydraulic oil capacity for the hydraulic system of the pre-compression module 1. An oil inlet is provided at the top of the oil tank 12.

[0047] The hydraulic pump is connected to the oil tank 12, and the servo drive motor 14 is located on the upper part of the oil tank 12 and is connected to the hydraulic pump for transmission; the servo drive motor 14 drives the hydraulic pump to run. The servo drive motor 14 precisely adjusts the speed of the hydraulic pump according to the system requirements, thereby providing a suitable flow rate of hydraulic oil to meet the pressure requirements under different pre-pressure conditions.

[0048] One end of the output hydraulic oil pipe 15 is connected to the hydraulic pump, and the other end is connected to the inflow end of the hydraulic cylinder 17.

[0049] One end of the return hydraulic oil pipe 16 is connected to the bottom of the receiving oil tank 12, and the other end is connected to the outflow end of the hydraulic cylinder 17.

[0050] Furthermore, the pre-pressure module 1 also includes an electromagnetic throttle valve 19, a liquid pressure sensor 111, and a filter 112 connected in sequence to the output hydraulic oil pipe 15;

[0051] The electromagnetic throttle valve 19 is electrically connected to the liquid pressure sensor 111; the liquid pressure sensor 111 is used to monitor the pressure of the hydraulic oil inside the output hydraulic oil pipe 15 in real time and feed it back to the electromagnetic throttle valve 19 to adjust the hydraulic oil flow in real time.

[0052] Furthermore, the preload module 1 also includes an electromagnetic relief valve 18; one end of the electromagnetic relief valve 18 is connected to the output hydraulic oil pipe 15, and the other end is connected to the receiving oil tank 12 through an oil pipe. The electromagnetic relief valve 18 is electrically connected to the servo drive motor 14 and is used to control the flow rate of the output hydraulic oil pipe 15. When the hydraulic cylinder 17 reaches the full load state, the electromagnetic relief valve 18 is activated, outputting excess hydraulic oil and feeding back to the servo drive motor 14 to stop its operation.

[0053] Furthermore, the pre-pressure module 1 also includes an electromagnetic directional valve 110; the electromagnetic directional valve 110 is connected to the hydraulic cylinder 17 via an oil pipe and is used to control the flow direction of the hydraulic oil, thereby controlling the action of the hydraulic cylinder 17.

[0054] Overall, the electromagnetic relief valve 18, filter 112, electromagnetic throttle valve 19, liquid pressure sensor 111, and electromagnetic directional valve 110 on the output hydraulic oil pipe 15 work together to achieve precise control of the hydraulic oil. The electromagnetic relief valve 18 overflows excess hydraulic oil when the hydraulic cylinder 17 is fully loaded and feeds back to the servo drive motor 14, protecting system safety; the filter 112 ensures the cleanliness of the hydraulic oil, preventing impurities from damaging system components; the electromagnetic throttle valve 19 adjusts the flow rate in real time based on feedback from the liquid pressure sensor 111, ensuring stable output pressure; and the electromagnetic directional valve 110 controls the flow direction of the hydraulic oil, enabling precise movement of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0055] Furthermore, the forming module 2 includes a hydraulic press 21, a lifting device 22, and a hydraulic station 23. The hydraulic press 21 serves as the main pressure source in the forming stage, and its selection and parameter settings are determined according to the requirements of the superplastic forming process. It can provide sufficient forming pressure to ensure that the blank is formed smoothly in the mold. The hydraulic station 23 provides stable hydraulic power to the hydraulic press 21.

[0056] The lifting device 22 provides a stable support platform for the moving shuttle 13 and heating device during the forming stage. The lifting device consists of a lifting cylinder, a lifting platform, and a support frame. The lifting cylinder is mounted on the support frame, and the lifting platform is connected to the piston rod of the lifting cylinder. The lifting cylinder drives the lifting platform to move up and down.

[0057] Specifically, the lifting device 22 is positioned directly below the hydraulic press 21. When the pre-compression module 1 is transported to the lifting device 22, the lifting device 22 lifts the heating device on the pre-compression module 1 together with the moving shuttle 13. Then, the hydraulic press 21 applies downward pressure to the mold used for superplastic forming in the heating device. After forming, the hydraulic press 21 first unloads, and when the hydraulic press 21 has finished unloading, the lifting device 22 returns to its initial position.

[0058] Furthermore, the central control module 3 includes a host computer, a PLC, and a wireless transmitter. The host computer is connected to the PLC, and the PLC is simultaneously connected to both the pre-compression module 1 and the forming module 2 via the wireless transmitter. The PLC, acting as an intermediate control unit, receives instructions from the host computer and converts them into specific control signals for the forming module 2 and the pre-compression module 1. Simultaneously, the PLC can also collect and process sensor signals from the system, enabling automated control and fault diagnosis of the equipment. Operators can input control commands on the host computer to coordinate the operation of the pre-compression module 1 and the forming module 2, achieving centralized control and management of the entire hydraulic system.

[0059] The specific working principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0060] 1. First, load the billet into the mold, then place the entire mold into the heating device, run the pulsed superplastic forming equipment, and start the pre-compression module 1 to apply pre-pressure to the heating device. It should be noted that the start of the pre-compression module 1 can be controlled by inputting control from the host computer via the main control module 3 or by manually operating the control console 11.

[0061] 2. When the pressure of the pre-compression module 1 reaches the pre-compression condition, the heating device is started to heat. After the heating device heats the mold and blank to the forming temperature, the moving shuttle 13 is run to transport the heating device to the forming module 2 station, i.e., the hydraulic press 21.

[0062] 3. The lifting device 22 is started via the host computer of the main control module 3, the moving shuttle 13 and the heating device are fixed, and then the hydraulic press 21 is started. It should be noted that when the hydraulic press 21 generates actual pressure on the heating device, the main control module 3 controls the pressure output of the pre-pressure module 1 through the real-time pressure output of the hydraulic press 21. As the pressure output of the hydraulic press 21 increases, the pressure output of the pre-pressure module 1 decreases accordingly, until the output pressure of the pre-pressure module 1 decreases to 0. At this time, the hydraulic press 21 applies pressure alone to enter the forming stage. During the forming process, the hydraulic press 21 precisely controls the forming pressure and loading speed according to the forming process requirements of the part, so that the blank gradually deforms in the mold cavity, fills the cavity, and finally forms the part of the required shape.

[0063] 4. When the forming stage ends, the hydraulic press 21 is lifted upwards and the applied pressure is gradually reduced. When the pressure reaches the pre-pressure, the pre-pressure module 1 begins to increase the pressure until it reaches the holding pressure. At the same time, the hydraulic press 21 continues to rise and the pressure decreases to 0. At this time, the pre-pressure module 1 controls the applied pressure independently and enters the holding pressure stage. The lifting device 22 is controlled to lower the moving shuttle 13 and the heating device. The moving shuttle 13 leaves the forming module 2 station.

[0064] Precise and stable pressure control throughout the entire process, from pre-compression to forming and then to pressure holding, ensures stable pressure on the parts throughout the entire process from heating to forming and then to pressure holding, improves dimensional and shape accuracy, and ensures a higher yield of superplastic molded parts.

[0065] 5. After the pressure holding period is completed, the pre-pressure module 1 is unloaded, and then the mold and the formed parts are unloaded. This completes one workflow cycle.

[0066] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0067] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0068] The specific embodiments of this utility model described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made based on the technical concept of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A hydraulic system for a pulsating superplastic forming equipment, characterized in that, include: Pre-compression module (1), forming module (2) and main control module (3); The pre-compression module (1) is installed on the mobile shuttle (13); the pre-compression module (1) and the forming module (2) are wirelessly connected to the main control module (3) respectively; The pre-compression module (1) includes a heating device and multiple hydraulic cylinders (17); the hydraulic cylinders (17) are equipped with cooling devices; The heating device is divided into upper and lower parts. The upper and lower parts of the heating device are respectively connected to the upper and lower molds of the mold used for superplastic forming. The fixed end of the hydraulic cylinder (17) is installed on the lower part of the heating device. The telescopic end of the hydraulic cylinder (17) is connected to the upper part of the heating device.

2. The hydraulic system of the pulsating superplastic forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling device includes a cooling water pipe (4) wound around the surface of the hydraulic cylinder (17); the cooling water pipe (4) is connected to a cooling water tank; the cooling water tank is installed on a mobile shuttle (13).

3. The hydraulic system of the pulsating superplastic forming equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connection between the hydraulic cylinder (17) and the heating device is provided with a connector (5); the upper and lower parts of the heating device are provided with multiple T-slot structures (6); the connector (5) is snapped into the T-slot structure (6).

4. The hydraulic system of the pulsating superplastic forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pre-pressure module (1) also includes a control console (11), an oil tank (12), a hydraulic pump, a servo drive motor (14), an output hydraulic oil pipe (15), and a return hydraulic oil pipe (16). The control console (11) and the oil tank (12) are mounted on the mobile shuttle (13), and the oil tank (12) has an oil inlet on its upper part. The hydraulic pump is connected to the oil tank (12), and the servo drive motor (14) is located on the upper part of the oil tank (12) and connected to the hydraulic pump; the hydraulic pump is driven to run by the servo drive motor (14); One end of the output hydraulic oil pipe (15) is connected to the hydraulic pump, and the other end is connected to the inflow end of the hydraulic cylinder (17). One end of the return hydraulic oil pipe (16) is connected to the oil tank (12), and the other end is connected to the outlet end of the hydraulic cylinder (17).

5. The hydraulic system of the pulsating superplastic forming equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pre-pressure module (1) also includes an electromagnetic throttle valve (19) and a liquid pressure sensor (111) connected in sequence to the output hydraulic oil pipe (15). The electromagnetic throttle valve (19) is electrically connected to the liquid pressure sensor (111); the liquid pressure sensor (111) is used to monitor the pressure of the hydraulic oil inside the output hydraulic oil pipe (15) and feed it back to the electromagnetic throttle valve (19).

6. The hydraulic system of the pulsating superplastic forming equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: The pre-pressure module (1) also includes an electromagnetic relief valve (18); one end of the electromagnetic relief valve (18) is connected to the output hydraulic oil pipe (15), and the other end is connected to the oil tank (12) through an oil pipe.

7. The hydraulic system of the pulsating superplastic forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The forming module (2) includes a hydraulic press (21), a lifting device (22), and a hydraulic station (23); The lifting device (22) is located directly below the hydraulic press (21). When the pre-press module (1) is transported to the lifting device (22), the lifting device (22) lifts the heating device on the pre-press module (1) together with the moving shuttle (13). The hydraulic press (21) applies downward pressure to the mold used for superplastic forming in the heating device.

8. The hydraulic system of the pulsating superplastic forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main control module (3) includes a host computer, a PLC and a wireless connection transmitter; The host computer is connected to the PLC, and the PLC is connected to both the pre-compression module (1) and the forming module (2) via a wireless connection transmitter.

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