A hybrid head for HP-RTM molding process

Abstract

This utility model discloses a mixing head for HP-RTM molding process, relating to the field of molding technology. It includes a nozzle, a piston cylinder, and a piston located within the piston cylinder. The piston divides the interior of the piston cylinder into a first cavity near the nozzle and a second cavity away from the nozzle. It also includes a channel disposed inside the piston cylinder, with both ends of the channel communicating with the first cavity and the second cavity, respectively. This utility model addresses the problem in the prior art where residual hydraulic oil in the upstream pipeline causes temperature increases, affecting production quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of molding technology, specifically to a mixing head for HP-RTM molding process. Background Technology

[0002] HP-RTM (High Pressure-Resin Transfer Molding) is a process that involves injecting a high-pressure mixed resin into a closed mold to impregnate reinforcing materials (such as carbon fiber or glass fiber) and then curing it. Its core feature is the use of high-pressure injection equipment to mix the raw materials and rapidly inject them into the mold. Combined with a fast-curing material system, this significantly reduces the molding cycle of traditional RTM processes from several hours to just a few minutes. The main advantages of HP-RTM include the ability to manufacture high-quality, high-precision components with low porosity and high fiber content, as well as closed-mold operation and minimal pollution. This technology has been increasingly adopted in recent years in fields such as rail transportation and the automotive industry.

[0003] The HP-RTM process involves self-circulating and mixing two raw materials through a mixing head. By adjusting the position of the piston inside the mixing head, the two operating modes of self-circulation and mixing can be switched.

[0004] The existing mixing head has at least the following problems during use: The piston is generally driven by hydraulic oil to reciprocate. Under continuous production conditions, some hydraulic oil always remains between the piston's internal cavity and the upstream pipeline, constantly flowing back and forth. It cannot flow back to the hydraulic station for heat exchange, causing the oil temperature of this part of the hydraulic oil to rise continuously, which in turn causes the mixing head body to heat up locally. This is not conducive to the precise control of the actuator, nor to the precise control of the raw material mixing temperature, and affects the production quality. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a mixing head for HP-RTM molding process to solve the problem of elevated oil temperature in the upstream pipeline affecting production quality in the prior art.

[0006] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: A mixing head for HP-RTM molding process includes a nozzle, a piston cylinder, and a piston located inside the piston cylinder. The piston divides the interior of the piston cylinder into a first cavity near the nozzle and a second cavity away from the nozzle. The head also includes a channel disposed inside the piston cylinder, with its two ends communicating with the first cavity and the second cavity, respectively.

[0007] To address the problem in existing technologies where residual hydraulic oil in the upstream pipeline cannot flow back to the hydraulic station, leading to a continuous increase in oil temperature and affecting production quality, this application proposes a mixing head for the HP-RTM molding process. The nozzle, piston cylinder, and piston are all existing technologies for mixing heads and will not be elaborated upon here. This application provides a channel inside the piston cylinder, ensuring that regardless of the piston's position within its stroke range, both ends of this channel are connected to the first and second chambers on either side of the piston.

[0008] During continuous production, when sufficient hydraulic oil return is required, hydraulic oil is injected into the cavity at the other end of the piston's stroke when the piston is at one end. The injected hydraulic oil enters the aforementioned channel and then flows into another cavity, from which it returns to the hydraulic station. During this process, the hydraulic oil remaining in the first and / or second cavities, as well as the hydraulic oil remaining in the upstream pipeline of the mixing head, can all return to the hydraulic station for sufficient circulation, thereby exchanging heat thoroughly with the remaining hydraulic oil in the station. This ensures uniform hydraulic oil temperature and overcomes the problem of excessively high residual hydraulic oil temperature affecting production quality. The aforementioned requirement for sufficient hydraulic oil return can be controlled by real-time monitoring of the hydraulic oil temperature in the first and / or second cavities and / or the upstream pipeline of the mixing head, or by timed or quantitative control according to specific production conditions; no specific limitations are made here.

[0009] It should be noted that when adjusting the piston position using the mixing head of this application, the channel can be cut off or closed.

[0010] Furthermore, the piston cylinder is respectively provided with a first fluid inlet and a second fluid inlet communicating with the first cavity and the second cavity; the diameter of the channel is smaller than the diameter of the first fluid inlet and the second fluid inlet.

[0011] Those skilled in the art will understand that the first fluid inlet and the second fluid inlet and outlet are existing technologies for mixing heads, used for hydraulic oil to enter and exit two chambers. This solution limits the diameter of the channel to be smaller than the diameters of the two fluid inlets and outlets, thereby helping to limit the channel to a smaller size.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a throttling element for throttling the channel and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the throttling element.

[0013] This solution uses a throttling element to throttle the channel, and the degree of throttling can be flexibly adjusted by an adjustment mechanism. This allows for flexible adjustment of the channel diameter when oil return is required, making it more flexible to adapt to different piston cylinders and significantly improving the versatility and flexibility of this application.

[0014] Furthermore, the channel includes at least one corner, and the throttling element is partially located at one corner.

[0015] Furthermore, the throttling element includes a throttling section, a sealing section, and an adjusting section arranged in sequence; The throttling section is located at the corner and is tapered. The outer diameter of the tapered section gradually decreases from the end near the sealing section to the end away from the sealing section. The outer diameter of the tapered section near the sealing section is larger than the inner diameter of the channel, and the outer diameter of the tapered section away from the sealing section is smaller than the inner diameter of the channel. The sealing part is dynamically sealed to the piston cylinder; The adjusting part is threadedly fitted to the piston cylinder.

[0016] This solution uses a throttling section to cut off or close the channel, a sealing section to seal the throttling element and the piston cylinder, and an adjusting section to perform specific adjustment operations. The conical throttling section can completely block the channel at its corners. When it is necessary to open or close the channel, simply rotating the adjusting section allows for axial movement of the entire throttling element.

[0017] Furthermore, both the sealing part and the adjusting part are columnar; the outer wall of the adjusting part is provided with external threads, and the surface of the piston cylinder is provided with a mounting hole for installing the throttling element, and the inner wall of the mounting hole is provided with an internal thread that matches the external threads.

[0018] Furthermore, the corner is a right angle, and the axis of the throttling section is collinear with the axis of the channel on either side of the right angle. This arrangement facilitates quick and thorough sealing of the channel when needed.

[0019] Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment nut fixedly connected to the adjustment part. By controlling the rotation of the adjustment nut, the adjustment part can be driven to rotate synchronously.

[0020] Furthermore, the piston includes a protrusion that dynamically seals with the inner wall of the piston cylinder; the piston has notches on both sides of the protrusion along the axial direction. These notches on both sides of the protrusion ensure that the channel remains connected even when the piston moves to the end of its stroke, thereby ensuring a stable oil return function.

[0021] Furthermore, a pressure sensor is provided on the nozzle end face.

[0022] During its research, the applicant discovered that existing RTM processes all involve adding pressure sensors to the mold to monitor the internal pressure, which leads to distorted pressure data and can result in poor wetting of fiber materials and a high scrap rate. The reason for this is that existing pressure sensors are installed in the pipeline between the mold and the vacuum pump, measuring the pressure within the pipeline rather than the pressure inside the mold. To overcome this problem, this application incorporates a pressure sensor on the nozzle end face. When the nozzle is inserted into the mold, the pressure sensor on the nozzle directly monitors the internal pressure, effectively overcoming the problem of distorted monitoring data. Furthermore, it avoids the problems of clogging and mold modifications caused by adding pressure sensors to the mold in existing technologies, significantly reducing operating and equipment maintenance costs.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has at least the following advantages and beneficial effects: 1. This utility model provides a mixing head for HP-RTM molding process, which allows the hydraulic oil remaining in the internal cavity of the piston cylinder and the hydraulic oil remaining in the upstream pipeline of the mixing head to flow back to the hydraulic station for full circulation, thereby exchanging heat with the remaining hydraulic oil in the station and ensuring uniform hydraulic oil temperature. This overcomes the problem of excessively high residual hydraulic oil temperature affecting production quality.

[0024] 2. This utility model provides a mixing head for HP-RTM molding process. It effectively monitors the internal pressure of the mold through a pressure sensor on the nozzle, which can effectively overcome the problem of data distortion. It also avoids the problems of easy clogging and mold modification caused by adding a pressure sensor to the mold in the prior art, which significantly reduces the operating cost and equipment maintenance cost. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present invention and form part of this application, do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a specific embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the piston cylinder in a specific embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 4 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point B.

[0026] The attached diagram shows the markings and corresponding component names: 101-Piston cylinder, 102-Piston, 1021-Protrusion, 103-First cavity, 104-Second cavity, 105-Nozzle, 106-Channel, 107-First fluid inlet / outlet, 108-Second fluid inlet / outlet, 109-Throttling element, 1091-Throttling part, 1092-Sealing part, 1093-Adjusting part, 110-Mounting hole, 111-Adjusting nut, 112-Pressure sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0027] 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 embodiments and accompanying drawings. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this utility model are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model. In the description of this application, it should be understood that terms such as "front," "rear," "left," "right," "up," "down," "vertical," "horizontal," "high," "low," "inner," and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 A mixing head for HP-RTM molding process is shown, comprising a nozzle 105, a piston cylinder 101, and a piston 102 located within the piston cylinder 101. The piston 102 divides the interior of the piston cylinder 101 into a first cavity 103 near the nozzle 105 and a second cavity 104 away from the nozzle 105. The mixing head also includes a channel 106 disposed inside the piston cylinder 101, with both ends of the channel 106 communicating with the first cavity 103 and the second cavity 104, respectively. Figure 2 The image shows the state of piston 102 when it is at the left end of its stroke.

[0030] The piston cylinder 101 is provided with a first fluid inlet / outlet 107 and a second fluid inlet / outlet 108 that communicate with the first cavity 103 and the second cavity 104, respectively; the diameter of the channel 106 is smaller than the diameter of the first fluid inlet / outlet 107 and the second fluid inlet / outlet 108.

[0031] In this embodiment, the channel 106 is C-shaped or U-shaped, and the axis of the main body of the channel 106 is parallel to the direction of movement of the piston 102.

[0032] Preferably, the inner diameter of channel 106 is 1~8mm.

[0033] Example 2

[0034] A mixing head for HP-RTM molding process, based on Example 1, such as... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, it also includes a throttling element 109 for throttling the channel 106 and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the throttling element.

[0035] The channel 106 includes at least one corner, and the throttling element 109 is partially located at one corner. Figure 2 The diagram shows the state when the throttling element 109 is at the leftmost end of its travel, completely blocking the channel 106.

[0036] The throttling element 109 includes a throttling section 1091, a sealing section 1092, and an adjusting section 1093 arranged in sequence. The throttling section 1091 is located at the corner and is tapered. The outer diameter of the tapered section gradually decreases from the end near the sealing section 1092 to the end away from the sealing section 1092. The outer diameter of the tapered section near the sealing section 1092 is larger than the inner diameter of the channel 106, and the outer diameter of the tapered section away from the sealing section 1092 is smaller than the inner diameter of the channel 106. The sealing part 1092 is dynamically sealed to the piston cylinder 101, such as by providing a sealing ring; The adjusting part 1093 is threadedly engaged with the piston cylinder 101.

[0037] In this embodiment, both the sealing part 1092 and the adjusting part 1093 are columnar; the outer wall of the adjusting part 1093 is provided with external threads, and the surface of the piston cylinder 101 is provided with a mounting hole 110 for installing the throttling element 109, and the inner wall of the mounting hole 110 is provided with an internal thread that matches the external threads.

[0038] In this embodiment, the throttling part 1091, the sealing part 1092, and the adjusting part 1093 are integrally formed.

[0039] In this embodiment, the corner is a right angle, and the axis of the throttling section 1091 is collinear with the axis of the channel 106 on either side of the right angle.

[0040] In this embodiment, the adjusting mechanism includes an adjusting nut 111 fixedly connected to the adjusting part 1093. Preferably, the adjusting part 1093 is integrally formed with the adjusting mechanism, such as by using an internal hexagon head screw.

[0041] During the operation of the mixing head in this embodiment, Figure 2 Let's take an example to illustrate: Figure 2When the piston is at the leftmost end of its stroke, the mixing head is in a self-circulating state. When it is necessary to fully return the hydraulic oil, the throttle element 109 is controlled to move to the right and the channel 106 is opened by adjusting the mechanism. Then, hydraulic oil is injected into the second cavity 104 from the second fluid inlet and outlet 108. The injected hydraulic oil enters the first cavity 103 through the channel 106 and then returns to the hydraulic station from the first fluid inlet and outlet 107 to achieve circulation.

[0042] Example 3

[0043] A mixing head for HP-RTM molding process, based on Example 1 or 2, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the piston 102 includes a protrusion 1021 that dynamically seals with the inner wall of the piston cylinder 101; the piston 102 has notches on both sides of the protrusion 1021 along the axial direction. Figure 4 As shown, when piston 102 moves to Figure 4 When the piston 102 moves to the left end of its stroke, the left end of the channel 106 is connected to the notch on the left side of the protrusion 1021; conversely, when the piston 102 moves to the right end of its stroke, the right end of the channel 106 is connected to the notch on the right side of the protrusion 1021.

[0044] In this embodiment, a sealing ring is provided between the protrusion 1021 and the inner wall of the piston cylinder 101.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pressure sensor 112 is provided on the end face of the nozzle 105, and the pressure sensor 112 is embedded in the end face of the nozzle 105. The pressure sensor 112 is preferably a negative pressure sensor.

[0046] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0047] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Additionally, the term "connection" as used herein, unless otherwise specified, can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection via other components.

Claims

1. A mixing head for use in a HP-RTM molding process, comprising a nozzle (105), a piston cylinder (101), and a piston (102) located within the piston cylinder (101), the piston (102) separating the piston cylinder (101) into a first chamber (103) in the direction of the nozzle (105) and a second chamber (104) in the direction away from the nozzle (105), characterized in that, It also includes a channel (106) disposed inside the piston cylinder (101), the two ends of which are connected to the first cavity (103) and the second cavity (104), respectively.

2. A mixing head for HP-RTM molding process according to claim 1, characterized in that, The piston cylinder (101) is provided with a first fluid inlet / outlet (107) and a second fluid inlet / outlet (108) that communicate with the first cavity (103) and the second cavity (104), respectively; the diameter of the channel (106) is smaller than the diameter of the first fluid inlet / outlet (107) and the second fluid inlet / outlet (108).

3. A mixing head for HP-RTM molding process according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a throttling element (109) for throttling the channel (106) and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the throttling element (109).

4. A mixing head for HP-RTM molding process according to claim 3, characterized in that, The channel (106) includes at least one corner, and the throttling element (109) is partially located at one corner.

5. A mixing head for HP-RTM molding process according to claim 4, characterized in that, The throttling element (109) includes a throttling section (1091), a sealing section (1092), and an adjusting section (1093) arranged in sequence. The throttling section (1091) is located at the corner and is tapered. The outer diameter of the tapered section gradually decreases from the end near the sealing section (1092) to the end away from the sealing section (1092). The outer diameter of the tapered section near the sealing section (1092) is larger than the inner diameter of the channel (106), and the outer diameter of the tapered section away from the sealing section (1092) is smaller than the inner diameter of the channel (106). The sealing part (1092) is dynamically sealed to the piston cylinder (101); The adjusting part (1093) is threadedly engaged with the piston cylinder (101).

6. A mixing head for HP-RTM molding process according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sealing part (1092) and the adjusting part (1093) are both columnar; the outer wall of the adjusting part (1093) is provided with external threads, and the surface of the piston cylinder (101) is provided with a mounting hole (110) for installing the throttling element (109), and the inner wall of the mounting hole (110) is provided with an internal thread that matches the external thread.

7. A mixing head for HP-RTM molding process according to claim 5, characterized in that, The corner is a right angle, and the axis of the throttling section (1091) is collinear with the axis of the channel (106) on either side of the right angle.

8. A mixing head for HP-RTM molding process according to claim 5, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment nut (111) that is fixedly connected to the adjustment part (1093).

9. A mixing head for HP-RTM molding process according to claim 1, characterized in that, The piston (102) includes a protrusion (1021) that dynamically seals with the inner wall of the piston cylinder (101); the piston (102) has notches on both sides of the protrusion (1021) along the axial direction.

10. A mixing head for HP-RTM molding process according to claim 1, characterized in that, A pressure sensor (112) is provided on the end face of the nozzle (105).

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