A continuous impregnation device for carbon-carbon composites
By introducing a combination of baffles and deflectors into the continuous impregnation device for carbon-carbon composite materials, and combining it with a V-shaped clamping mechanism, the problems of low impregnation efficiency and poor adaptability are solved, achieving a highly efficient and uniform impregnation effect that is suitable for complex precast structures.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WUXI DINGQIAO NEW ENERGY TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing continuous impregnation devices for carbon-carbon composite materials have low impregnation efficiency when processing complex preforms, making it difficult to break through the surface tension barrier of the impregnation liquid and resulting in poor adaptability.
A combination of spoilers and deflectors is used to create a complex flow field, which, combined with a V-shaped clamping mechanism, enables efficient impregnation of the preform.
It improves impregnation efficiency, enhances adaptability to complex precast structures, achieves efficient and uniform impregnation results, and reduces the intensity of manual operation.
Smart Images

Figure CN224575966U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of carbon-carbon composite material processing equipment, and in particular a continuous impregnation device for carbon-carbon composite materials. Background Technology
[0002] Carbon-carbon composites possess excellent properties such as high strength, low density, and high thermal conductivity, and are widely used in aerospace, energy, and automotive fields. Liquid-phase impregnation is one of the important processes for preparing carbon-carbon composites. However, for preforms with complex internal pore structures, weak turbulence makes it difficult to break through the surface tension barrier of the impregnation liquid, resulting in reduced impregnation efficiency and poor adaptability to preforms with complex structures.
[0003] A search revealed Chinese patent document (authorization announcement number CN217704203U), which discloses a continuous impregnation device for carbon-carbon composite materials. The device includes a base and a main body inclinedly mounted on the base. The main body comprises a shell and multiple impregnation cylinders disposed within the shell. The shell is fixed to the base and has multiple cavities corresponding to each impregnation cylinder. Each impregnation cylinder is disposed within its corresponding cavity, and a protective pad is provided between the impregnation cylinder and the cavity. Both ends of each impregnation cylinder are open and fixed with sealing caps. Each impregnation cylinder has an independent vacuum port at its higher end and an independent liquid inlet / outlet at its lower end. The vacuum port is located above the liquid level. This invention enables continuous impregnation of carbon-carbon composite preforms, better adapting to processing cycles and facilitating the loading and unloading of preforms. The device meets basic usage requirements; however, weak turbulence makes it difficult to break the surface tension barrier of the impregnation liquid, reducing impregnation efficiency and resulting in poor adaptability to complex preform structures. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a continuous impregnation device for carbon-carbon composite materials to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a continuous impregnation device for carbon-carbon composite materials, comprising an impregnation tank for holding a continuous impregnation liquid for carbon-carbon composite materials, wherein a waterproof motor for driving is installed on the vertical inner wall of the impregnation tank; The output shaft of the waterproof motor is connected to a rotating shaft via a coupling. Multiple agitators for stirring the impregnation liquid are installed on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft. A hollow frame is welded to the vertical inner wall of the impregnation tank. A rotating column is rotatably connected inside the hollow frame. A spring is connected to the outer periphery of the rotating column. The other end of the spring is connected to the inner wall of the hollow frame. A baffle column is installed at the end of the rotating column. Two baffles for changing the flow direction of the impregnation liquid are connected to the outer periphery of the baffle column. A limiting post for blocking the baffles is welded to the vertical inner wall of the impregnation tank.
[0006] Preferably, the two sides of the impregnation tank are connected to arc-shaped baffles to prevent the impregnation liquid from splashing out, and the top of the impregnation tank is equipped with an adjustment mounting plate.
[0007] Preferably, a mounting bracket for support is mounted on the top of the mounting base plate, a drive motor is mounted on the side of the mounting bracket, and a rotating disk is rotatably mounted inside the mounting bracket.
[0008] Preferably, the output shaft of the drive motor is connected to the side of the rotating disk via a coupling, and multiple rotating shafts are rotatably connected inside the rotating disk, with U-shaped frames installed on the outer periphery of each of the multiple rotating shafts.
[0009] Preferably, a hollow column for limiting the position is welded to the side of the U-shaped frame, and a compression spring is connected inside the hollow column. One end of the compression spring is connected to a movable disk.
[0010] Preferably, both sides of the movable disk are connected to connecting posts, and one end of each connecting post is equipped with a pull handle for pulling the connecting post.
[0011] Preferably, the other end of the connecting column and the side of the U-shaped frame are both equipped with V-shaped clamps for holding carbon-carbon composite materials.
[0012] Compared with the prior art, the technical effects and advantages of this utility model are as follows: This continuous impregnation device for carbon-carbon composite materials benefits from the structure of the baffle plate. The horizontal circulation formed by the rotation of the baffle plate and the vertical turbulence generated by the reciprocating oscillation of the baffle plate interact to form a complex flow field in the impregnation liquid. This can quickly scour the surface and internal pores of the preform. Especially for complex structural areas such as fiber cross nodes, it can promote the impregnation liquid to break through the surface tension constraint and deeply fill the area. Compared with the weak turbulence capability of traditional continuous impregnation devices for carbon-carbon composite materials, this structure can break the surface tension barrier of the impregnation liquid, improve impregnation efficiency, and has strong adaptability to complex structural preforms.
[0013] This continuous impregnation device for carbon-carbon composite materials achieves efficient continuous production thanks to the V-shaped clamp structure and the adaptive clamping mechanism driven by compression springs. The rotating disk drives the U-shaped frame to circulate, allowing the preforms to complete the impregnation, unloading, and loading processes sequentially, shortening the operation time per batch. The V-shaped clamps adaptively clamp preforms of different sizes using the elastic force of the compression springs, ensuring clamping stability (no slippage under vibration conditions) and preventing material damage, significantly reducing the intensity of manual operation and adapting to the needs of large-scale production. Attached Figure Description
[0014] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This utility model Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 5 This utility model Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B in the middle.
[0016] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: In the diagram: 1. Immersion tank; 101. Arc-shaped baffle; 102. Mounting base plate; 103. Mounting frame; 104. Rotating disc; 105. Drive motor; 106. Rotating shaft; 2. U-shaped frame; 201. Hollow column; 202. Compression spring; 203. Moving disc; 204. Pull handle; 205. Connecting column; 206. V-shaped clamp; 3. Waterproof motor; 301. Rotating shaft; 302. Actuating plate; 303. Hollow frame; 304. Spring spring; 305. Rotating column; 306. Baffle column; 307. Baffle plate; 308. Limiting column. Detailed Implementation
[0017] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid confusion with the present invention.
[0018] The connection method can be any existing method, such as bonding, welding, or bolting, depending on the actual needs.
[0019] like Figures 1 to 5 The apparatus shown is a continuous impregnation device for carbon-carbon composite materials, including an impregnation tank 1 containing a continuous impregnation liquid for carbon-carbon composite materials, and a waterproof motor 3 for driving is installed on the vertical inner wall of the impregnation tank 1. The output shaft of the waterproof motor 3 is connected to a rotating shaft 301 via a coupling. Multiple agitator plates 302 for stirring the impregnation liquid are installed on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 301. A hollow frame 303 is welded to the vertical inner wall of the impregnation tank 1. A rotating column 305 is rotatably connected inside the hollow frame 303. A spring 304 is connected to the outer periphery of the rotating column 305. The other end of the spring 304 is connected to the inner wall of the hollow frame 303. A turbulence column 306 is installed at the end of the rotating column 305. Two turbulence plates 307 for changing the flow direction of the impregnation liquid are connected to the outer periphery of the turbulence column 306. A limiting column 308 for blocking the turbulence plates 307 is welded to the vertical inner wall of the impregnation tank 1. After injecting a certain amount of impregnation liquid into the impregnation tank 1, the waterproof motor 3 is started. Its output shaft drives the rotating shaft 301 to rotate via the coupling. The agitator plates 302 on the outer periphery rotate with the shaft, forming a preliminary stirring of the impregnation liquid and causing the liquid to form a horizontal circulation.
[0020] When the actuating plate 302 rotates to contact the rotating column 305, it pushes the rotating column 305 to rotate within the hollow frame 303. At this time, the spring 304 is twisted and stores energy. When the actuating plate 302 disengages, the spring 304 releases energy, causing the rotating column 305 to rotate in the opposite direction until the baffle plate 307 collides with the limiting column 308 and stops. This reciprocating motion causes the baffle column 306 and the baffle plate 307 to periodically change the flow direction of the impregnating liquid, forming turbulence perpendicular to the circulation direction in the liquid, thus enhancing the scouring force of the impregnating liquid on the surface of the preform.
[0021] The two sides of the immersion tank 1 are connected to arc-shaped baffles 101 to prevent the immersion liquid from splashing out. The top of the immersion tank 1 is equipped with an adjustment mounting base plate 102. The top of the mounting base plate 102 is equipped with a support mounting bracket 103. The side of the mounting bracket 103 is equipped with a drive motor 105. The inside of the mounting bracket 103 is a rotating disk 104. The output shaft of the drive motor 105 is connected to the side of the rotating disk 104 through a coupling. The inside of the rotating disk 104 is rotatably connected to multiple rotating shafts 106. U-shaped frames 2 are installed on the outer periphery of the multiple rotating shafts 106. When the drive motor 105 is started, its output shaft drives the rotating disk 104 to rotate slowly within the mounting bracket 103 at a speed of 5-10 rpm through the coupling. The rotating disk 104 drives the U-shaped frames 2 connected through the rotating shafts 106 and the preforms held therein to make circular motion, so that the preforms are immersed in the immersion liquid in the immersion tank 1 in sequence.
[0022] Because the rotating shaft 106 can rotate freely, the U-shaped frame 2 remains vertical under the action of gravity (it is not drawn vertically in the attached diagram for better structural illustration, but it is actually always vertical), ensuring that the precast body is completely immersed in the impregnation liquid and subjected to uniform force. During the impregnation process, the arc-shaped baffle 101 prevents the impregnation liquid from splashing due to agitation and rotation, while the mounting base 102 ensures the accurate relative position of the rotating disk 104 and the impregnation tank 1 by adjusting its height.
[0023] When the first U-shaped frame 2 rotates with the rotating disk 104 to the discharge position, the preform has been impregnated. The operator pulls the handle 204 again to release the V-clamp 206 and remove the workpiece. At the same time, a new preform is loaded onto the empty U-shaped frame 2, realizing a continuous cycle of "retrieving material - loading material - impregnation". Through the above process, the device uses the circular motion of the rotating disk 104 to achieve continuous feeding. Combined with the turbulence component driven by the actuating plate 302 and the spring 304, the impregnation effect is enhanced, and finally, efficient and uniform impregnation of carbon-carbon composite materials is achieved.
[0024] A hollow column 201 for limiting is welded to the side of the U-shaped frame 2. A compression spring 202 is connected inside the hollow column 201. One end of the compression spring 202 is connected to a movable disk 203. Connecting columns 205 are connected to both sides of the movable disk 203. A pull handle 204 for pulling the connecting column 205 is installed at one end of the connecting column 205. V-shaped clamps 206 for clamping carbon-carbon composite materials are installed at the other end of the connecting column 205 and the side of the U-shaped frame 2. The operator pulls the handle 204 to make the connecting column 205 and the movable disk 203 slide outward along the hollow column 201. At this time, the compression spring 202 is compressed and stores energy. After the carbon-carbon composite preform is placed between the V-shaped clamps 206 inside the U-shaped frame 2, the pull handle 204 is released. The compression spring 202 returns to its original position and pushes the movable disk 203, so that the V-shaped clamps 206 on both sides tightly clamp the preform. The clamping force is adjusted by the spring preload to adapt to workpieces of different thicknesses. Repeat the above operations to complete the loading of all U-shaped frames 2 on the rotating disk 104. To address the impact of the working environment, specific protective measures are required. For example, regarding corrosion from the impregnating liquid, contact parts such as the hollow column 201, connecting column 205, and V-shaped clamp 206 are made of 316 stainless steel; the rotating shaft 106 is fitted with a double-lip skeleton oil seal to prevent leakage; and the compression spring 202 is coated with an anti-corrosion layer. In case of liquid splashing, the arc-shaped water baffle 101 is reinforced for sealing, and rubber sealing strips are embedded in the joints of the mounting frame 103. In high-temperature environments, the waterproof motor 3 and drive motor 105 are selected as high-temperature resistant models, and high-temperature resistant cables are used for the wiring. The bearings of the rotating disk 104 are lubricated with high-temperature grease. In humid environments, the drive motor 105 is fitted with a moisture-proof housing, and electrical components are coated with conformal coating. Vibration issues are addressed by installing shock-absorbing pads on the mounting base plate 102 and using buffer bearings between the rotating disk 104 and the mounting frame 103. Regarding friction and wear, the contact surface between the moving disk 203 and the hollow column 201 is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene. Regular lubrication reduces wear. Similar situations are part of routine maintenance and will not be described in detail.
[0025] Working principle In operation, the continuous impregnation device for carbon-carbon composite materials first involves pulling the handle 204 to slide the connecting column 205 and the moving disk 203 along the hollow column 201, compressing the compression spring 202 and placing the carbon-carbon composite preform between the V-shaped clamps 206 of the U-shaped frame 2. Releasing the handle resets the spring, clamping the preform in place, thus completing the loading of all U-shaped frames on the rotating disk 104. Impregnation liquid is then injected into the impregnation tank 1, and the waterproof motor 3 is started, driving the rotating shaft 301 and the agitator plate 302 to rotate, initially stirring to form a horizontal circulation. When the agitator plate contacts the rotating column 305, it rotates within the hollow frame 303, storing energy in the spring 304. After detaching, the spring drives the rotating column to rotate in the opposite direction, stopping the baffle plate 307 by hitting the limiting column 308, thus creating vertical turbulence between the baffle column 306 and the baffle plate. The drive motor 105 is started, driving the rotating disk 104 to rotate within the mounting frame 103. This rotation, via the rotating shaft 106, causes the U-shaped frame and preform to move in a circular motion, immersing the preform sequentially in the impregnation solution. The rotating shaft keeps the U-shaped frame vertical, ensuring thorough impregnation. An arc-shaped baffle 101 prevents splashing, and the mounting base 102 is adjusted for position. When the first U-shaped frame reaches the discharge position, the impregnated workpiece is removed and a new preform is installed, achieving continuous circulation and efficient impregnation.
[0026] It should be noted that in this article, relational terms such as one and two are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations.
[0027] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A continuous impregnation apparatus for carbon-carbon composite materials, comprising an impregnation tank (1) containing a continuous impregnation liquid for carbon-carbon composite materials, characterized in that: The vertical inner wall of the immersion tank (1) is equipped with a waterproof motor (3) for driving. The output shaft of the waterproof motor (3) is connected to a rotating shaft (301) via a coupling. Multiple agitator plates (302) for stirring the impregnation liquid are installed on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft (301). A hollow frame (303) is welded to the vertical inner wall of the impregnation tank (1). A rotating column (305) is rotatably connected inside the hollow frame (303). A spring spring (304) is connected to the outer periphery of the rotating column (305). The other end of the spring spring (304) is connected to the inner wall of the hollow frame (303). A turbulence column (306) is installed at the end of the rotating column (305). Two turbulence plates (307) for changing the flow direction of the impregnation liquid are connected to the outer periphery of the turbulence column (306). A limiting column (308) for blocking the turbulence plates (307) is welded to the vertical inner wall of the impregnation tank (1).
2. A continuous impregnation apparatus for carbon-carbon composite materials according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two sides of the immersion tank (1) are connected to arc-shaped baffles (101) to prevent the immersion liquid from splashing out, and the top of the immersion tank (1) is equipped with an adjustment mounting base plate (102).
3. A continuous impregnation apparatus for carbon-carbon composite materials according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top of the mounting base plate (102) is equipped with a mounting bracket (103) for support, and a drive motor (105) is installed on the side of the mounting bracket (103). A rotating disk (104) is rotatably installed inside the mounting bracket (103).
4. A continuous impregnation apparatus for carbon-carbon composite materials according to claim 3, characterized in that: The output shaft of the drive motor (105) is connected to the side of the rotating disk (104) via a coupling. Multiple rotating shafts (106) are rotatably connected inside the rotating disk (104), and U-shaped frames (2) are installed on the outer periphery of the multiple rotating shafts (106).
5. A continuous impregnation apparatus for carbon-carbon composite materials according to claim 4, characterized in that: The side of the U-shaped frame (2) is welded with a hollow column (201) for limiting the position. A compression spring (202) is connected inside the hollow column (201), and a movable disk (203) is connected to one end of the compression spring (202).
6. A continuous impregnation apparatus for carbon-carbon composite materials according to claim 5, characterized in that: Both sides of the movable disk (203) are connected to connecting posts (205), and one end of the connecting post (205) is equipped with a pull handle (204) for pulling the connecting post (205).
7. A continuous impregnation apparatus for carbon-carbon composite materials according to claim 6, characterized in that: The other end of the connecting column (205) and the side of the U-shaped frame (2) are both equipped with V-shaped clamps (206) for holding carbon-carbon composite materials.