A continuous fiber impregnation apparatus

Abstract

This invention provides a continuous fiber impregnation device, including a pre-impregnation tank. A roller is installed inside the pre-impregnation tank, and the roller is connected to the inner wall of the pre-impregnation tank at one end. A magnetic stirrer is located below the pre-impregnation tank, and a rotor for use with the magnetic stirrer is placed inside the pre-impregnation tank. This invention, by using a roller connected at one end, facilitates manual threading. By using a magnetic stirrer and its matching rotor instead of a stirring rod, it avoids sealing the stirring components, preventing them from affecting the thread threading, enhancing the stirring and impregnation effects, and improving work efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of composite materials and continuous fiber reinforced prepreg production technology, and in particular to a continuous fiber impregnation device. Background Technology

[0002] Continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic prepreg tape, with its significant characteristics such as high strength, high modulus, excellent impact toughness, strong designability, high temperature resistance and recyclability, has become a key raw material in the fields of lightweight aerospace structural components, high-strength components of new energy equipment, lightweight automotive bodies and prefabricated composite structural components for rail transit. The impregnation device is a very critical factor in determining the quality of fiber-molded prepreg tape. Poor impregnation will result in low resin content, uneven surface, and poor tensile and shear strength of the molded prepreg tape.

[0003] Existing continuous fiber prepreg tape equipment uses large, complex impregnation molds that are prone to slurry deposition, resulting in low resin content in the prepreg tape. Small-batch trials result in high slurry waste, while large-batch trials present difficulties in replenishing the slurry. The existing impregnation molds use side-supported guide rollers, making manual threading inconvenient. The mixing method uses a motor-driven screw, requiring internal openings and sealing, which is cumbersome. This method also leads to uneven mixing, low fiber slurry content, and requires regular maintenance, particularly for critical components like the motor and seals. Furthermore, it is extremely inconvenient for operators, posing challenges not only to threading the yarn but also requiring increased operator attention during startup and mixing. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a continuous fiber impregnation device to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] This utility model provides a continuous fiber impregnation device, including a pre-impregnation tank, an idler roller installed in the pre-impregnation tank, the idler roller being connected to the inner wall of the pre-impregnation tank at one end, a magnetic stirrer being provided below the pre-impregnation tank, and a rotor for use with the magnetic stirrer being placed in the pre-impregnation tank.

[0006] Furthermore, the prepreg tank is provided with a single-sided lifting lug on the upper part.

[0007] Furthermore, the roller shaft of the idler roller is connected to one end of the inner wall of the prepreg tank.

[0008] Furthermore, the inner wall of the prepreg tank is provided with vortex-shaped grooves.

[0009] Furthermore, the prepreg tank is an inverted trapezoidal structure made of plastic, with an upper side length of 229mm, a lower side length of 91mm, a width of 106mm, and a wall thickness of 5mm.

[0010] Furthermore, the idler roller has a total length of 96mm and a diameter of 25mm, and the gap between the end of the idler roller and the inner wall of the prepreg tank is 10mm.

[0011] Furthermore, the distance between the outer wall of the idler roller and the bottom surface of the prepreg tank is 20mm.

[0012] Furthermore, the number of idlers is two, and the center distance between the two idlers is 80mm.

[0013] This invention uses a single-end connected roller to facilitate manual threading, and a magnetic stirrer and a matching rotor to replace the stirring rod, avoiding the need for sealing the stirring components, preventing the stirring components from affecting the thread routing, enhancing the stirring and impregnation effect, and improving work efficiency. Attached Figure Description 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.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a top view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a top view of Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 3 of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a side view of Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 6 This utility model Figure 5 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 4 of this utility model; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 5 of the present invention; Figure 9 For the present utility model Figure 8 Enlarged view at point B in the middle; Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: In the diagram: 1-Pre-impregnation tank, 2-Lifting lug, 3-Groove, 4-Impeding roller, 5-Magnetic stirrer, 6-Rotor, 7-Wire groove, 8-Separating roller, 9-Wire guide groove, 10-Separating disc, 11-Fixed seat, 12-Limiting rod, 13-Connecting seat, 14-Spring, 15-Limiting plate, 16-Guide surface; Detailed Implementation The technical solution of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0015] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0016] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly; for example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0017] Example 1 like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown: A continuous fiber impregnation apparatus includes a pre-impregnation tank 1, which is an inverted trapezoidal structure made of plastic, with an upper side length of 229 mm, a lower side length of 91 mm, a width of 106 mm, and a wall thickness of 5 mm. The inverted trapezoidal design conforms to the flow characteristics of the slurry, reducing slurry residue in corners. Furthermore, the plastic material has good corrosion resistance, making it suitable for impregnation operations with various types of slurries.

[0018] When preparing the slurry, the formula can be directly prepared in the pre-impregnation tank 1, which eliminates the need to use a beaker to prepare the slurry.

[0019] In this embodiment, the prepreg tank 1 is made of materials including but not limited to nylon, polyurethane, acrylic, PC, etc. Nylon is used as the substrate in this embodiment.

[0020] The prepreg tank 1 is equipped with a single-sided lifting lug 2 on the upper part, which facilitates installation. When the prepreg tank 1 needs to be replaced, it can be easily disassembled and fixed by simply using the lifting lug 2, reducing the difficulty of operation.

[0021] The inner wall of the preimpregnation tank 1 is provided with vortex-shaped grooves 3. The special shape of the grooves 3 can guide the flow direction of the slurry, forming a vortex, so as to achieve full wetting of the fiber bundle by the impregnation slurry; the vortex can more comprehensively cover all areas in the preimpregnation tank 1, ensuring that the slurry in any position in the tank can be fully agitated, avoiding the phenomenon of slurry deposition; the dynamic impact force and continuous shear force generated by the vortex can promote the slurry to penetrate deeper into the fiber bundle, helping the slurry to fill the gaps between the fibers more efficiently, thereby improving the degree of fiber impregnation, ensuring that the continuous fibers can be in full contact with the uniform and active slurry throughout the impregnation process, and significantly improving the impregnation quality.

[0022] A roller 4 is installed inside the prepreg tank 1 and is connected to the inner wall of the prepreg tank 1 at one end. The roller shaft of the roller 4 is connected to the inner wall of the prepreg tank 1 at one end.

[0023] There are two idler rollers 4. The total length of the idler roller 4 is 96mm and the diameter is 25mm. The gap between the end of the idler roller 4 and the inner wall of the prepreg tank 1 is 10mm. The distance between the outer wall of the idler roller 4 and the inner bottom surface of the prepreg tank 1 is 20mm. The center distance between the two idler rollers 4 is 80mm. This can avoid the height of the magnetic rotor 6 and the slight vibration that occurs during rotation, ensuring that the continuous fiber has a suitable winding path on the idler roller 4, and ensuring that the fiber can be fully soaked in the slurry.

[0024] A magnetic stirrer 5 is installed below the preimpregnation tank 1, and a rotor 6, which is used in conjunction with the magnetic stirrer 5, is placed inside the preimpregnation tank 1. The magnetic stirrer 5 generates a rotating magnetic field, which drives the rotor 6 inside the preimpregnation tank 1 to rotate. The rotation of the rotor 6 causes the slurry in the preimpregnation tank 1 to flow. At the same time, the vortex-shaped grooves 3 on the inner wall of the preimpregnation tank 1 further enhance the stirring effect of the slurry, keeping the slurry in a uniform state and preventing slurry sedimentation. The single-end connection design of the idler roller 4 provides convenience for manual threading, while the setting of two idler rollers 4 provides a reasonable threading path for continuous fibers, allowing the fibers to fully contact the slurry and improving the impregnation effect.

[0025] This device is mainly designed for the trial production of continuous fiber prepreg tapes on small prepreg tape machines. In this embodiment, the prepreg tank 1, idler roller 4, and their relative positions are the dimensions used in actual production. The dimensions can also be adjusted for use in large prepreg tape machines according to the actual situation.

[0026] Example 2 like Figure 3 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the roller 4 in this embodiment is provided with an annular groove 7. The groove 7 can position the continuous fibers, restrict the lateral movement of the fibers, prevent the fibers from shifting during the impregnation process, ensure that the fibers always move along the predetermined path, avoid the problem of uneven impregnation caused by fiber shifting, and further improve the uniformity and stability of impregnation.

[0027] Example 3 like Figures 4-6 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the prepreg tank 1 in this embodiment is provided with a fiber dispersion mechanism at the top, and the fiber dispersion mechanism is set on the continuous fiber path.

[0028] The fiber dispersion mechanism includes a splitting roller 8, which has multiple guide grooves 9. A disc-shaped splitting plate 10 is provided between adjacent guide grooves 9. The two ends of the splitting roller 8 are provided with fixed seats 11 installed on the top of the prepreg tank 1. The splitting roller 8 is rotatably connected to the fixed seats 11.

[0029] One of the fixed seats 11 is hinged to a limiting rod 12. The limiting rod 12 is located above the dividing roller 8 and is detachably connected to the other fixed seat 11. The detachable method here is magnetic connection. In addition, it can also be connected by buckle or pin.

[0030] The outer periphery of the distributor 10 is covered with an elastic layer made of elastic material such as rubber, and the connection between the distributor 10 and the wire groove 9 can be rounded and chamfered. The disc-shaped distributor 10 made of elastic material can better separate and guide the fibers without damaging them, and the rounded transition structure further avoids scratching the fibers by the edge of the distributor 10.

[0031] The fiber dispersing mechanism uses a separating roller 8 to disperse and separate continuous fibers via a guide groove 9 and a disc-shaped separating disk 10, ensuring even distribution of multiple fibers and preventing them from tangling. The disc-shaped separating disk 10, made of elastic material, and its rounded transition structure protect the fibers from damage while separating them. The limiting rod 12 prevents fibers from falling off the separating roller 8 during the separating process, ensuring stable operation.

[0032] Example 4 like Figure 7 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that: in this embodiment, a connecting seat 13 that cooperates with the magnetic stirrer 5 is provided below the pre-impregnation tank 1, and a placement groove that cooperates with the magnetic stirrer 5 is provided on the connecting seat 13. A non-slip rubber pad that can fill the gap can be added to the inner side of the placement groove.

[0033] The connecting seat 13 secures the magnetic stirrer 5 to the bottom of the pre-impregnation tank 1 by placing the rubber pad in the slot, ensuring the relative position of the magnetic stirrer 5 and the pre-impregnation tank 1 is stable and ensuring the magnetic stirring effect.

[0034] Example 5 like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the inner wall of the placement slot of the connecting seat 13 can be connected to multiple limiting plates 15 by spring 14, which can adaptively match and connect with magnetic stirrers 5 of different models and sizes.

[0035] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the limiting plate 15 near the magnetic stirrer 5 is configured as an inclined guide surface 16.

[0036] The connecting seat 13 uses a limiting plate 15 with a spring 14 to stably fix magnetic stirrers 5 of different models and sizes below the pre-impregnation tank 1, ensuring the relative position of the magnetic stirrer 5 and the pre-impregnation tank 1 is stable and ensuring the magnetic stirring effect.

[0037] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A continuous fiber impregnation apparatus, characterized in that: The device includes a pre-impregnation tank, in which a roller is installed and connected at one end to the inner wall of the pre-impregnation tank. A magnetic stirrer is located below the pre-impregnation tank, and a rotor for use with the magnetic stirrer is placed inside the pre-impregnation tank.

2. The continuous fiber impregnation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The prepreg tank is equipped with a single-sided lifting lug at the top.

3. The continuous fiber impregnation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The roller shaft of the idler is connected to the inner wall of the prepreg tank at one end.

4. The continuous fiber impregnation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the prepreg tank is provided with vortex-shaped grooves.

5. The continuous fiber impregnation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The prepreg tank is an inverted trapezoidal structure made of plastic, with an upper side length of 229mm, a lower side length of 91mm, a width of 106mm, and a wall thickness of 5mm.

6. The continuous fiber impregnation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The idler roller has a total length of 96mm and a diameter of 25mm, and the gap between the end of the idler roller and the inner wall of the prepreg tank is 10mm.

7. The continuous fiber impregnation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between the outer wall of the idler roller and the bottom surface of the prepreg tank is 20mm.

8. The continuous fiber impregnation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of idlers is two, and the center distance between the two idlers is 80mm.

Images