Fiber tow thermoplastic resin impregnation device

Abstract

The utility model provides a fiber tow thermoplastic resin dipping device, which relates to the composite material preparation field, and comprises a heating bottom plate, a heating side plate, a glass cover plate, a guide pipe assembly and a winding pipe assembly, the glass cover plate and the heating bottom plate are oppositely arranged, and the guide pipe assembly and the winding pipe assembly are arranged between the heating bottom plate and the glass cover plate. The two ends of the winding pipe assembly are each provided with a guide pipe assembly, a first inlet guide block and a second inlet guide block are arranged at the two ends of the winding pipe assembly, and the space between the heating bottom plate and the glass cover plate is blocked by the first inlet guide block and the second inlet guide block. Therefore, the infiltration efficiency of the resin on the fibers can be enhanced, and the fibers are infiltrated in the process that the fibers pass through the mold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of composite material preparation, and in particular to a device for impregnating fiber bundles with thermoplastic resin. Background Technology

[0002] Prepreg tape, a composite material formed by impregnating fiber materials with resin, exhibits superior toughness, excellent damage tolerance, and fatigue resistance compared to continuous fiber reinforced thermosetting composites. It also possesses outstanding advantages such as weldability and recyclability. Therefore, it shows extremely broad development prospects in key fields such as national defense, aerospace, and rail transportation.

[0003] Currently, common methods for preparing continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite prepreg tapes include solution impregnation, melt impregnation, in-situ impregnation, powder impregnation, film lamination, and fiber blending. Among these, melt impregnation, with its simple process, ease of operation, and low environmental pollution, holds great potential for market promotion and practical application. The key step in melt impregnation lies in the composite formation of the fiber and thermoplastic resin matrix within an impregnation mold. The unique internal structure of the mold forces the resin into the fiber, achieving thorough impregnation.

[0004] In the field of thermoplastic prepreg production, industrial production commonly utilizes melt impregnation equipment to achieve large-scale continuous production. Its process is characterized by a fiber spreading width typically ranging from 800-1500 mm, and a resin melting rate consistently maintained at 5-8 kg / h. This production model relies on an automated unwinding-impregnation-rewinding system, achieving a daily capacity of 2-3 tons. However, to ensure process stability, the single feed rate must be maintained at over 200 kg. In stark contrast, prepreg research conducted by research institutions in a laboratory environment exhibits several differences: firstly, raw material consumption is generally controlled at 50-200 g to accommodate multiple parallel experiments; secondly, equipment operating costs need to be significantly reduced, reaching 1 / 20 to 1 / 50 of the cost of industrial production lines (approximately 200-500 RMB per batch); and thirdly, the equipment must be capable of rapid parameter switching (e.g., temperature adjustment response time less than 5 minutes). However, existing industrial equipment faces technical challenges such as minimum material feeding threshold (greater than 50 kg) and excessively high energy consumption (greater than 80 kW·h / batch), making it difficult to meet the needs of miniaturized and flexible fabrication in scientific research scenarios. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art, and to solve the problem of insufficient resin impregnation in the preparation of prepreg tape by large fiber bundles.

[0006] The technical solution is as follows:

[0007] A thermoplastic resin impregnation apparatus for fiber tows, comprising:

[0008] The heating base plate, heating side plates, and glass cover plate are arranged opposite to the heating base plate. The two long sides of the glass cover plate are respectively connected to the two long sides of the heating base plate through the two heating side plates.

[0009] The guide tube assembly and the winding tube assembly are disposed between the heating base plate and the glass cover plate and are disposed on the heating base plate. The winding tube assembly is arranged along the axial direction of the heating base plate, and a set of guide tube assemblies are respectively disposed at both ends of the winding tube assembly.

[0010] A first inlet guide block and a second inlet guide block are disposed on one side of the two heating side plates and mounted on the heating base plate. The first inlet guide block and the second inlet guide block are used to seal the space between the heating base plate and one end of the glass cover plate.

[0011] The first outlet guide block and the second outlet guide block are located on the other side of the two heating side plates and are installed on the heating base plate. The first inlet guide block and the second inlet guide block are used to block the space between the heating base plate and the other end of the glass cover plate.

[0012] Optionally, the guide tube assembly includes two hollow tubes, and the hollow tubes of the guide tube assembly are arranged in a row;

[0013] The winding tube assembly includes at least three hollow tubes, which are arranged in a row on the heating base plate. The line connecting the centers of the hollow tubes in the winding tube assembly is the line of symmetry between the two hollow tubes in the guide tube assembly.

[0014] When the fiber bundle is installed in the space enclosed by the heating base plate, the two heating side plates and the heating base, the fiber bundle winds around the winding tube assembly through the gap between the two hollow tubes of the guide tube assembly at the inlet end, and the fiber bundle extends outward from the gap between the two hollow tubes of the guide tube assembly at the outlet end through the winding tube assembly.

[0015] In this process, the fiber bundles wind around the sidewalls of each hollow tube in a wavy pattern from the inlet end to the outlet end on the winding tube assembly.

[0016] Optionally, trapezoidal ramps are provided on the first inlet guide block and the first outlet guide block;

[0017] The trapezoidal ramp groove of the first inlet guide block is set on the connection surface with the second inlet guide block;

[0018] The trapezoidal ramp groove of the first outlet guide block is set on the connection surface with the second outlet guide block;

[0019] From the inlet direction to the outlet direction, the parallel long sides and parallel short sides of the trapezoidal ramp are set sequentially.

[0020] Optionally, the entrance edges of the connecting surfaces of the first and second entrance guide blocks are respectively provided with rounded corners;

[0021] The inlet edges of the connecting surfaces of the first and second outlet guide blocks are respectively rounded.

[0022] Optionally, heating rod grooves are provided on the opposite sides of the two heating side plates.

[0023] Optionally, at least one heating rod groove is provided on the heating base plate.

[0024] Optionally, a resin inlet is provided on one of the two heating side plates, and a temperature measuring hole is provided on the other heating side plate.

[0025] Optionally, gaskets are provided at both ends of the hollow tube of the guide tube assembly and the hollow tube of the winding tube assembly.

[0026] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by this utility model embodiment include at least the following:

[0027] The fiber channel inlet features a rounded corner structure to effectively prevent fiber damage during mold passage, ensuring smooth fiber entry. The outlet also employs a rounded corner structure to prevent fiber damage at the exit. The device outlet and interlocking hollow tubes allow for one-sided extrusion of the molten resin entering the fiber channel, resulting in better wetting. The fiber channel contains a hollow tube mold; the fiber passes tangentially along the tube edge, experiencing one-sided extrusion each time it passes, achieving double-sided wetting. The fiber channel outlet is designed with a trapezoidal ramp structure, applying pressure to the resin-coated fiber surface, promoting further penetration of the resin into the fiber, thus significantly improving wetting efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is an overall exploded view of the device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0030] Figure 2This is an exploded view of a single component of the device provided in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first inlet guide block of the device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the working surface of the device provided in this embodiment of the present invention during use.

[0034] Icon labels:

[0035] 1. Heating base plate; 2. Heating side plate; 3. Glass cover plate; 4. Guide tube assembly; 5. Winding tube assembly; 61. First inlet guide block; 62. Second inlet guide block; 63. First outlet guide block; 64. Second outlet guide block; 7. Heating rod groove; 8. Trapezoidal ramp groove. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "an," "a," or "the" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0038] It should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", and "back" used in this utility model are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, to solve the existing technical problems, this embodiment provides a fiber tow thermoplastic resin impregnation device, including: a heating base plate 1, a heating side plate 2, a glass cover plate 3, a guide tube assembly 4, a winding tube assembly 5, a first inlet guide block 61, a second inlet guide block 62, a first outlet guide block 63, and a second outlet guide block 64. The glass cover plate 3 is arranged opposite to the heating base plate 1, and the two long sides of the glass cover plate 3 are respectively connected to the two long sides of the heating base plate 1 through the two heating side plates 2. The guide tube assembly 4 and the winding tube assembly 5 are arranged between the heating base plate 1 and the glass cover plate 3 and are arranged on the heating base plate 1. The winding tube assembly 5 is arranged along... The heating base plate 1 is arranged in the axial direction. A set of guide tube assemblies 4 are respectively provided at both ends of the winding tube assembly 5. The first inlet guide block 61 and the second inlet guide block 62 are provided on one side of the two heating side plates 2 and installed on the heating base plate 1. The first inlet guide block 61 and the second inlet guide block 62 are used to block the space between one end of the heating base plate 1 and the glass cover plate 3. The first outlet guide block 63 and the second outlet guide block 64 are provided on the other side of the two heating side plates 2 and installed on the heating base plate 1. The first inlet guide block 61 and the second inlet guide block 62 are used to block the space between the other end of the heating base plate 1 and the glass cover plate 3.

[0040] The guide tube assembly 4 includes two hollow tubes, which are arranged in a row.

[0041] The winding tube assembly 5 includes at least three hollow tubes. The hollow tubes in the winding tube assembly 5 are arranged in a row evenly on the heating base plate 1. The line connecting the centers of the hollow tubes in the winding tube assembly 5 is the line of symmetry between the two hollow tubes of the guide tube assembly 4. When the fiber bundle is installed in the space enclosed by the heating base plate 1, the two heating side plates 2 and the heating base, the fiber bundle winds around the winding tube assembly 5 through the gap between the two hollow tubes of the guide tube assembly 4 at the inlet end. The fiber bundle extends outward from the gap between the two hollow tubes of the guide tube assembly 4 at the outlet end through the winding tube assembly 5. Gaskets are respectively provided at both ends of the hollow tubes of the guide tube assembly 4 and the hollow tubes of the winding tube assembly 5.

[0042] In this process, the fiber bundles are wound around the sidewalls of each hollow tube in a wavy pattern from the inlet end to the outlet end on the winding tube assembly 5.

[0043] In one specific implementation, trapezoidal ramp grooves 8 are provided on the first inlet guide block 61 and the first outlet guide block 63;

[0044] The trapezoidal ramp groove 8 of the first inlet guide block 61 is provided on the connection surface with the second inlet guide block 62;

[0045] The trapezoidal ramp groove 8 of the first outlet guide block 63 is set on the connection surface with the second outlet guide block 64;

[0046] From the inlet direction to the outlet direction, the parallel long side and parallel short side of the trapezoidal ramp 8 are set sequentially.

[0047] In one specific embodiment, the entrance edges of the connecting surfaces of the first entrance guide block 61 and the second entrance guide block 62 are respectively provided with rounded corners;

[0048] The inlet edges of the connecting surfaces of the first outlet guide block 63 and the second outlet guide block 64 are respectively provided with rounded corners.

[0049] Heating rod grooves 7 are respectively provided on the opposite sides of the two heating side plates 2, and at least one heating rod groove 7 is provided on the heating base plate 1. A resin inlet is provided on either of the two heating side plates 2, and a temperature measuring hole is provided on the other heating side plate 2.

[0050] The specific structure in this embodiment is as follows: the device and heating base plate 1, first inlet guide block 61, second inlet guide block 62, and symmetrically connected first outlet guide block 63 and second outlet guide block 64; it also includes two heating side plates 2, glass cover plate 3, hollow tubes (each guide tube assembly 4 consists of 2 hollow tubes, there are two guide tube assemblies 4, and the winding tube assembly 5 consists of multiple hollow tubes, such as 4, 5, 7 or 9) and gaskets.

[0051] The heating base plate 1 is provided with at least one heating rod groove 7, preferably two heating rod grooves 7, and the heating base plate 1 supports the provision of bolt holes.

[0052] The first inlet guide block 61 is provided with a countersunk hole, and the heating side plate 2 is provided with a resin inlet.

[0053] The connection between any two components in this application supports the use of countersunk bolts to ensure the surface flatness of the entire device. In subsequent use, this application can use fiberglass heating tape wrapped around the device for preheating, so the heating method is not limited to just using heating rods.

[0054] The fiber channel inlet is composed of a first inlet guide block 61 and a second inlet guide block 62. Two hollow tubes meshing near the inlet support the introduction of material, while the hollow tubes meshing near the outlet widen the fiber channel due to fiber impregnation. The fiber channel inlet and outlet are rounded. Hollow tubes meshing vertically at both the inlet and outlet of the fiber channel compress the resin with molten flow on both sides, thereby enhancing the resin impregnation efficiency.

[0055] The trapezoidal slopes compress the fiber bundles at the end to improve the impregnation effect.

[0056] Example 1: First, the heating base plate, two heating side plates, guide tube assembly, winding tube assembly, first inlet guide block, second inlet guide block, first outlet guide block, second outlet guide block, and hollow tube are assembled together using bolts. The heating side plates, first inlet guide block, second inlet guide block, first outlet guide block, and second outlet guide block are connected to the base plate via countersunk holes. The glass cover plate is assembled to the heating side plates using bolts and washers. Simultaneously, resin is injected through the heating side plates, and a custom-sized heating rod is inserted into the heating groove of the mold. A thermocouple temperature sensor is installed in the temperature measuring hole of the mold. Fiber is introduced through the inlet.

[0057] Turn on the heating rod to preheat the mold and observe the temperature. When the temperature rises to the set temperature, observe that the added resin has melted completely, and at the same time, the fibers are pulled through the built-in hollow tube in the direction of movement. After passing through the mold, it is cooled under natural conditions to ensure the smooth production of fiber prepreg.

[0058] Example 2: First, the heating base plate, two heating side plates, guide tube assembly, winding tube assembly, first inlet guide block, second inlet guide block, first outlet guide block, second outlet guide block, and hollow tube are assembled together with bolts. The heating side plates, first inlet guide block, second inlet guide block, first outlet guide block, and second outlet guide block are connected to the base plate by countersunk holes. The glass cover plate is assembled with the heating side plates with bolts and washers. Thermocouple temperature sensors are installed in the temperature measuring holes of the mold. Glass fiber heating tape is wound onto the surface of the mold to heat the mold.

[0059] Open the glass fiber heating tape preheating mold and observe the temperature. When the temperature rises to the set temperature, add resin through the perforated side plate. Observe that the resin reaches a molten state, and simultaneously guide the fiber through the built-in hollow tube in the direction of movement. After passing through the mold, it is cooled naturally. This allows for the smooth production of fiber prepreg.

[0060] The fiber channel inlet features a rounded corner structure to effectively prevent fiber damage during mold passage, ensuring smooth fiber entry. The outlet also employs a rounded corner structure to prevent fiber damage at the exit. The device outlet and interlocking hollow tubes allow for one-sided extrusion of the molten resin entering the fiber channel, resulting in better wetting. The fiber channel contains a hollow tube mold; the fiber passes tangentially along the tube edge, experiencing one-sided extrusion each time it passes, achieving double-sided wetting. The fiber channel outlet is designed with a trapezoidal ramp structure, applying pressure to the resin-coated fiber surface, promoting further penetration of the resin into the fiber, thus significantly improving wetting efficiency.

[0061] The resin is introduced into the device through the side plate containing the resin inlet. It is heated and melted simultaneously by the heating plates of the side plate and the bottom plate, so that the resin is heated evenly throughout the device. The fibers are repeatedly cut through the hollow tube mold for impregnation, which further improves the uniformity of fiber impregnation.

[0062] The mold has a heating rod groove inside and a thermocouple temperature measuring hole on its surface. During use, heating can be achieved by inserting the heating rod and combining it with the thermocouple temperature sensor. This allows for precise control of the temperature inside the mold, keeping the resin in a molten and flowing state, effectively reducing the resin viscosity, and thus significantly improving the resin's wetting efficiency on the fibers.

[0063] Silicone gaskets are placed at the top and bottom of the hollow tube, and at the bolt connections between the glass cover and the side plate. This ensures a firm connection between the mold and the base plate, prevents the molten resin inside the device from leaking out, and ensures complete impregnation.

[0064] The thermoplastic resin fiber impregnation device of this invention can effectively solve the problem of uneven impregnation during the production of fiber prepreg tape in the prior art. It has the characteristics of simple structure, convenient operation and strong applicability, and is especially suitable for laboratory and industrial production environments.

[0065] The thermoplastic resin blending device of this invention can effectively solve the problem of uneven and insufficient resin mixing in the prior art. It has the characteristics of simple structure, convenient operation and strong applicability.

[0066] The following points need to be explained:

[0067] (1) The accompanying drawings of this utility model embodiment only involve the structure involved in this utility model embodiment. Other structures can refer to the general design.

[0068] (2) For clarity, the thickness of layers or regions is enlarged or reduced in the drawings used to describe embodiments of the present invention, i.e., these drawings are not drawn to scale. It is understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region or substrate is referred to as being “above” or “below” another element, the element may be “directly” located “above” or “below” the other element or there may be intermediate elements.

[0069] (3) Where there is no conflict, the embodiments of this utility model and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0070] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. The protection scope of this utility model shall be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A device for impregnating fiber bundles with thermoplastic resin, characterized in that, include: The heating base plate, heating side plates, and glass cover plate are arranged opposite to the heating base plate. The two long sides of the glass cover plate are respectively connected to the two long sides of the heating base plate through the two heating side plates. The guide tube assembly and the winding tube assembly are disposed between the heating base plate and the glass cover plate and are disposed on the heating base plate. The winding tube assembly is arranged along the axial direction of the heating base plate, and a set of guide tube assemblies are respectively disposed at both ends of the winding tube assembly. A first inlet guide block and a second inlet guide block are disposed on one side of the two heating side plates and mounted on the heating base plate. The first inlet guide block and the second inlet guide block are used to seal the space between the heating base plate and one end of the glass cover plate. The first outlet guide block and the second outlet guide block are located on the other side of the two heating side plates and are installed on the heating base plate. The first inlet guide block and the second inlet guide block are used to block the space between the heating base plate and the other end of the glass cover plate.

2. The thermoplastic resin impregnation apparatus for fiber bundles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide tube assembly includes two hollow tubes, which are arranged in a row. The winding tube assembly includes at least three hollow tubes, which are arranged in a row on the heating base plate. The line connecting the centers of the hollow tubes in the winding tube assembly is the line of symmetry between the two hollow tubes in the guide tube assembly. When the fiber bundle is installed in the space enclosed by the heating base plate, the two heating side plates and the heating base, the fiber bundle winds around the winding tube assembly through the gap between the two hollow tubes of the guide tube assembly at the inlet end, and the fiber bundle extends outward from the gap between the two hollow tubes of the guide tube assembly at the outlet end through the winding tube assembly. In this assembly, the two hollow tubes of the guide tube assembly mesh with each other, and the fiber bundles wind around the sidewalls of each hollow tube in a wavy path from the inlet end to the outlet end on the winding tube assembly.

3. The thermoplastic resin impregnation apparatus for fiber bundles according to claim 2, characterized in that, Trapezoidal ramps are provided on the first inlet guide block and the first outlet guide block; The trapezoidal ramp groove of the first inlet guide block is set on the connection surface with the second inlet guide block; The trapezoidal ramp groove of the first outlet guide block is set on the connection surface with the second outlet guide block; From the inlet direction to the outlet direction, the parallel long sides and parallel short sides of the trapezoidal ramp are set sequentially.

4. The thermoplastic resin impregnation apparatus for fiber bundles according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inlet edges of the connecting surfaces of the first and second inlet guide blocks are respectively provided with rounded corners; The inlet edges of the connecting surfaces of the first and second outlet guide blocks are respectively rounded.

5. The thermoplastic resin impregnation apparatus for fiber bundles according to claim 4, characterized in that, Heating rod grooves are respectively provided on the opposite sides of the two heating side plates.

6. The thermoplastic resin impregnation apparatus for fiber bundles according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one heating rod groove is provided on the heating base plate.

7. The thermoplastic resin impregnation apparatus for fiber bundles according to claim 6, characterized in that, A resin inlet is provided on one of the two heating side plates, and a temperature measuring hole is provided on the other heating side plate.

8. The fiber tow thermoplastic resin impregnation apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, Gaskets are provided at both ends of the hollow tube of the guide tube assembly and the hollow tube of the winding tube assembly.

Images