pressure roller

Abstract

The utility model discloses a pressure roller, include: pressure roller body, the pressure roller body has cooling cavity in, and cooling medium flows through cooling cavity to cool pressure roller body, cooling cavity includes: intermediate chamber, the intermediate chamber is along the axial through arrangement of pressure roller body, a plurality of along the outer chamber of pressure roller body circumference arrangement, the outer chamber is linked with intermediate chamber, and the outer chamber is along the axial arrangement of pressure roller body, and the outer chamber extends to the outer wall of pressure roller body along radial. The utility model discloses pressure roller, through optimizing the structure of internal cooling runner, can guarantee pressure roller to have better structural strength on the basis of improving the heat dissipation effect, to satisfy the efficient fiber laying.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pressure roller technology, specifically to a pressure roller used in the Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) process, and more particularly to a pressure roller with an optimized geometric cooling structure inside. Background Technology

[0002] Automated fiber placement (AFP) is a manufacturing process used to produce composite materials, particularly in the aerospace and automotive industries. This process involves laying narrow strips of composite material (typically carbon fibers reinforced with thermoplastic or thermosetting resins) onto a mold or tooling to create complex shapes and structures.

[0003] In automated fiber placement (AFP) systems, the compaction roller plays a crucial role in pressing the composite material onto the die surface, ensuring proper adhesion and compaction. The roller applies pressure to the newly laid material to expel air pockets and promote bonding between layers. This process is typically carried out at high temperatures to enhance polymer flowability and adhesion.

[0004] During operation, the compaction roller may experience significant heat buildup due to heat source radiation (such as lasers or infrared lamps) and heat transfer from the heated composite material. Excessive heat can lead to various problems, including premature wear of the roller surface, uneven pressure application, and potential performance degradation of the processed composite material.

[0005] Cooling systems have been developed for automated filament placement (AFP) rolls to address these thermal management challenges. Water cooling is one method that has been adopted due to its efficient heat transfer capabilities.

[0006] The most relevant prior art is disclosed in International Patent Publication No. WO2014 / 040871A1, which discloses a pressure roller, which is a hollow cylindrical shell that is at least partially deformable. Its wall thickness ranges from 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably from 0.25 mm to 1 mm, and particularly preferably 0.4 mm. The pressing surface of this pressure roller is formed by the elastically deformable hollow cylindrical side surface of the roller. Its advantage is that the roller can elastically conform to the contour of the mold or core, onto which the sheet-like semi-finished product is to be laid. Simultaneously, the shell can be made of a material with low wear resistance. However, the main disadvantages of this design are: 1) numerous components requiring careful assembly, otherwise premature wear may occur; 2) the roller rotates relative to the rubber seals, which increases the manufacturing quality requirements of the components and accelerates the wear of the friction parts; 3) manufacturing thin-walled parts with a wall thickness of approximately 0.4 mm is difficult, which also increases the cost of the final product.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 10,850,455B2 discloses a flexible metal roller for an automated fiber placement process. The roller consists of a metal rim (with internal grooves), a hub, and an arc-shaped connecting component that can elastically deform under pressure. This design allows for uniform contact with the composite fibers without damaging them. However, the main drawback of this design is its complex manufacturing process. Ensuring the metal's flexibility requires a relatively thin thickness, which itself presents a significant manufacturing challenge. Furthermore, the patent indicates the need for grooves to enhance flexibility, further increasing the design complexity.

[0008] International Patent Publication No. WO1992 / 011959A1, US Patent No. 6,675,876B2, Russian Utility Model No. 12535U1, and German Patent No. DE102017108520B4 all propose similar concepts—that is, using liquid-cooled pressure rollers. However, these designs are all optimized for coating or calibration processes, and are complex and bulky, which is not very efficient for automated fiber placement (AFP) processes. Utility Model Content

[0009] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is: in order to solve the technical problems of heat management and structural strength of pressure rollers in the prior art, this utility model provides a pressure roller that, by optimizing the structure of the internal cooling channel, can ensure that the pressure roller has good structural strength while improving the heat dissipation effect, so as to meet the requirements of efficient fiber laying.

[0010] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: a pressure roller, comprising: The pressure roller body has a cooling cavity inside, through which a cooling medium flows to cool the pressure roller body. The cooling chamber includes: An intermediate cavity is provided that extends through the pressure roller body along its axial direction. Multiple outer cavities are arranged circumferentially along the pressure roller body. The outer cavities are connected to the intermediate cavity. The outer cavities are arranged axially along the pressure roller body and extend radially toward the outer wall of the pressure roller body.

[0011] This utility model of a pressure roller, by optimizing the structure of the outer cavity and the intermediate cavity, increases the contact area between the pressure roller body and the cooling medium, further improving heat dissipation efficiency and cooling effect. Furthermore, the external cavity includes: The diameter expansion section gradually increases in width in the radial direction of the pressure roller body; The tapering section is connected to the expansion section. The tapering section is located at one end near the outer wall of the pressure roller body. The tapering section gradually approaches the outer wall of the pressure roller body from both sides towards the middle.

[0012] Furthermore, in order to increase the contact area between the pressure roller and the cooling medium, the pressure roller body forms radially arranged reinforcing ribs between two adjacent outer cavities, and the outer wall of the pressure roller body, the reinforcing ribs, the outer cavity and the cooling medium form an integral heat exchange path.

[0013] Furthermore, in order to provide mounting and rotational support for the pressure roller, the pressure roller also includes a bushing, the bushing including a sleeve with a fluid channel, a portion of the sleeve being inserted into an intermediate cavity to communicate with the fluid channel.

[0014] Furthermore, in order to uniformly distribute the cooling medium to the outer cavity, the fluid channel includes; A main hole extending axially through the center, the lower end of which extends into the intermediate cavity. Each secondary hole corresponds to a main hole, with one end of the secondary hole communicating with the main hole and the other end communicating with the outer cavity.

[0015] Furthermore, to prevent the fluid from stagnating in the center of the pressure roller, the lower end of the main hole also has an inner hole, which communicates with the intermediate cavity. The end faces of the two sleeves are spaced apart in the intermediate cavity, and the inner hole and the intermediate cavity form a convection channel.

[0016] Furthermore, to prevent the cooling medium from leaking out of the outer cavity, the bushing also includes a circumferential cover plate, the sleeve being sealed to the intermediate cavity, and the circumferential cover plate completely covering the pressure roller body to enclose the outer cavity that is axially through.

[0017] Furthermore, in order to further improve the sealing performance between the cover plate and the pressure roller body, the end face of the pressure roller body has an annular groove, and a sealing element is provided in the annular groove, and the circumferential cover plate presses against the sealing element.

[0018] Furthermore, in order to securely connect the bushing and the pressure roller body, the circumferential cover plate is provided with a fastening hole, and the pressure roller body has an axially penetrating mounting hole. The fastening hole and the mounting hole are aligned and a fastener is installed between them.

[0019] Furthermore, in order to allow the cooling medium to flow into and out of the pressure roller body, the main bore is connected to a connector that allows the medium to flow in and out.

[0020] Furthermore, in order to drive the pressure roller to rotate, a bearing is connected to the outer periphery of the portion of the sleeve that protrudes from the pressure roller body.

[0021] Furthermore, in order to increase the contact area between the pressure roller and the material, a polymer coating is also applied to the circumferential outer wall of the pressure roller body.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. This utility model of pressure roller optimizes the structure of the intermediate cavity, increases the contact area between the pressure roller body and the cooling medium, further improves heat dissipation efficiency and cooling effect, realizes heat transfer in the non-cavity area of ​​the pressure roller, and achieves better cooling effect while meeting the structural strength requirements of the pressure roller.

[0023] 2. The pressure roller of this utility model guides the cooling medium through the bushing, ensuring that the cooling medium can flow along the outer cavity and fill the outer cavity, thereby further improving the cooling effect. At the same time, the inner hole is used to prevent the cooling medium from stagnating in the pressure roller, ensuring that the cooling mechanism can flow smoothly in the cooling cavity and optimizing the cooling effect.

[0024] 3. The pressure roller of this utility model uses the cover plate of the bushing to seal the outer cavity in the axial direction, so as to prevent the cooling medium from leaking from the connection between the outer cavity and the cover plate, and to ensure the integrity of the pressure roller body and the bushing. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the pressure roller of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the pressure roller body; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A sectional view; Figure 4 for Figure 1 Another sectional view; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the fit between the pressure roller body and the bushing; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the bushing.

[0027] In the picture: 1. Pressure roller body; 11. Intermediate cavity; 12. Outer cavity; 13. Reinforcing rib; 14. Annular groove; 15. Mounting hole; 2. Bushing; 21. Main hole; 22. Secondary hole; 23. Inner hole; 24. Circumferential cover plate; 25. Fastening hole; 3. Connector; 4. Bearings. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are simplified schematic diagrams, illustrating only the basic structure of the present invention, and therefore only show the components relevant to the present invention.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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; and 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.

[0031] Example 1, as Figure 1 As shown, a pressure roller includes a pressure roller body 1. The pressure roller body 1 has a cooling cavity, through which a cooling medium flows to cool the pressure roller body 1. The pressure roller is the main component responsible for applying pressure during fiber placement.

[0032] Typically, pressure rollers are machined from a single piece of metal, such as an aluminum alloy. Using aluminum alloys offers several advantages for water-cooled pressure roller assemblies. Aluminum alloys are generally lightweight and have good thermal conductivity, which is highly beneficial for heat dissipation in the roller assembly. The internal cross-section of the pressure roller may be milled to optimize efficiency and precision in machining internal features.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, specifically, the cooling chamber includes an intermediate cavity 11 and multiple outer cavities 12 arranged circumferentially along the pressure roller body 1. The intermediate cavity 11 is axially connected to the pressure roller body 1. The outer cavities 12 communicate with the intermediate cavity 11, are arranged axially along the pressure roller body 1, and extend radially towards the outer wall of the pressure roller body 1. When the pressure roller is working, the cooling medium flows in from the intermediate cavity 11 and through the intermediate cavity 11 to the outer cavities 12, thereby allowing the cooling medium to fully contact the pressure roller body 1, thus achieving cooling of the pressure roller body 1.

[0034] Preferably, the outer cavity 12 includes an expanding section and a converging section connected to the expanding section. The width of the expanding section gradually increases radially in the pressure roller body 1. The converging section is located near one end of the outer wall of the pressure roller body 1, and gradually approaches the outer wall of the pressure roller body 1 from both sides towards the middle. As shown in the figure, the cross-section of the outer cavity 12 is close to a teardrop shape. This shape of the outer cavity 12 can maximize the contact area with the cooling medium, thereby potentially improving heat transfer efficiency.

[0035] Preferably, the pressure roller body 1 forms radially arranged reinforcing ribs 13 between two adjacent outer cavities 12. The outer wall of the pressure roller body 1, the reinforcing ribs 13, the outer cavities 12, and the cooling medium form an integral heat exchange path. As shown in the figure, the reinforcing ribs 13 are formed between the outer cavities 12, and both the reinforcing ribs 13 and the outer cavities 12 are radially arranged. Due to this radially extended design of the reinforcing ribs 13, the outer wall of the pressure roller body 1 can be designed to be relatively thinner, which is beneficial to improving the heat dissipation effect of the pressure roller body 1 while meeting the structural strength requirements. The milled cavity and reinforcing rib layout form an internal geometric structure that can achieve efficient cooling while ensuring the mechanical structural integrity required during the compaction process.

[0036] Example 2, based on Example 1, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the pressure roller also includes bushings 2, which provide support for the installation and rotation of the pressure roller body 1. Bushing 2 includes a sleeve with fluid channels; a portion of the sleeve is inserted into the intermediate cavity 11, allowing the fluid channels to communicate with the intermediate cavity 11. Bushings 2 are located at both ends of the pressure roller body 1. Cooling medium enters from one bushing 2, flows along the fluid channels into the intermediate cavity 11, then flows from the intermediate cavity 11 to the outer cavity 12, and finally exits from the other bushing 2. This flow path ensures that the cooling medium flows sufficiently through the pressure roller body 1, guaranteeing effective heat dissipation. Bushings 2 are primarily manufactured using a turning process. This manufacturing method allows for precise machining of various characteristics, including threaded surfaces and fluid channels, while maintaining the dimensional accuracy required for assembly and function.

[0037] Specifically, the fluid channel includes a main hole 21 extending axially and secondary holes 22 corresponding to the outer cavities 12. The lower end of the main hole 21 extends into the intermediate cavity 11. One end of the secondary hole 22 communicates with the main hole 21, and the other end communicates with the outer cavity 12. The number of secondary holes 22 is the same as that of the outer cavities 12, and the secondary holes 22 are arranged radially. Under the action of the secondary holes 22, the cooling medium is evenly distributed to each outer cavity 12, thereby ensuring that the heat dissipation effect of each outer cavity 12 is similar and that the surface temperature of the pressure roller body 1 is consistent.

[0038] Preferably, the lower end of the main bore 21 also has an inner bore 23, which communicates with the intermediate cavity 11. The end faces of the two sleeves are spaced apart within the intermediate cavity 11, and the inner bore 23 and the intermediate cavity 11 form a convection channel. The sleeves are installed inside the intermediate cavity 11 and are interference-fitted to ensure a sealing effect. To prevent the cooling medium from stagnating within the intermediate cavity 11, an inner bore 23 is added to the sleeve. Due to the presence of the inner bore 23, some of the cooling medium flows downward along the main bore 21, passes through the inner bore 23 into the intermediate cavity 11, and then flows through the intermediate cavity 11 to the inner bore 23 of the other bushing 2. This ensures the fluidity of the cooling medium within the pressure roller body 1, contributing to more efficient cooling and heat dissipation.

[0039] Specifically, the bushing 2 also includes a circumferential cover plate 24. The bushing is sealed to the intermediate cavity 11, and the circumferential cover plate 24 completely covers the pressure roller body 1 to enclose the outer cavity 12 which is axially through. The axial cover plate fits against the axial end face of the pressure roller body 1. In this case, the outer cavity 12 can be configured as an axially through structure, further increasing the volume of the cavity and improving the cooling effect.

[0040] Preferably, the end face of the pressure roller body 1 has an annular groove 14, and a sealing element is provided in the annular groove 14. The circumferential cover plate 24 presses against the sealing element. The circumferential cover plate 24 has a fastening hole 25, and the pressure roller body 1 has an axially penetrating mounting hole 15. The fastening hole 25 and the mounting hole 15 are aligned, and a fastener is installed between them. Due to the presence of the reinforcing rib 13, the mounting hole 15 can penetrate into the area of ​​the reinforcing rib 13 without affecting the strength of the pressure roller body 1. The mounting hole 15 can be a threaded hole. The pressure roller body 1 and the circumferential cover plate 24 are connected as a whole by bolts, and the sealing element is used to achieve end face sealing between the pressure roller body 1 and the circumferential cover plate 24 to prevent leakage of cooling medium.

[0041] In Example 3, based on Example 2, the main hole 21 is connected to a connector 3 that allows the medium to flow in and out. The connector 3 can serve as the inlet and outlet connection point for the cooling medium. A threaded section is machined on the main hole 21, and the connector 3 is threadedly connected inside the main hole 21. The connector 3 can realize the inflow and outflow of the cooling medium. The connector 3 is a conventional component, and its structure will not be described in detail here.

[0042] Preferably, a bearing 4 is connected to the outer periphery of the part of the sleeve that is exposed above the pressure roller body 1. Under the action of the bearing 4, the pressure roller body 1 can rotate smoothly.

[0043] Preferably, the circumferential outer wall of the pressure roller body 1 is further coated with a polymer coating (using a coating already available in the art). The polymer coating can increase the contact area between the pressure roller body and the material being laid during automated fiber placement.

[0044] In summary, this utility model of pressure roller, by optimizing the structure of the internal cooling channels, can improve heat dissipation while ensuring good structural strength, so as to meet the requirements of efficient fiber placement.

[0045] The above description is based on the preferred embodiments of this utility model. Through the above description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the technical concept of this utility model. The technical scope of this utility model is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A pressure roller, characterized in that, include: The pressure roller body (1) has a cooling cavity inside, and the cooling medium flows through the cooling cavity to cool the pressure roller body (1). The cooling chamber includes: Intermediate cavity (11) is provided to extend through the pressure roller body (1) along its axial direction; Multiple outer cavities (12) are arranged circumferentially along the pressure roller body (1). The outer cavities (12) are connected to the intermediate cavity (11). The outer cavities (12) are arranged axially along the pressure roller body (1) and extend radially toward the outer wall of the pressure roller body (1).

2. The pressure roller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer cavity (12) includes: The width of the expansion section gradually increases in the radial direction of the pressure roller body (1); The tapering section is connected to the expansion section. The tapering section is located at one end near the outer wall of the pressure roller body (1). The tapering section gradually approaches the outer wall of the pressure roller body (1) from both sides towards the middle.

3. The pressure roller according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure roller body (1) forms radially arranged reinforcing ribs (13) between two adjacent outer cavities (12), and the outer wall of the pressure roller body (1), the reinforcing ribs (13), the outer cavity (12) and the cooling medium form an integral heat exchange path.

4. The pressure roller according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The pressure roller also includes a bushing (2), which includes a sleeve with a fluid channel. A portion of the sleeve is inserted into the intermediate cavity (11) so that the fluid channel communicates with the intermediate cavity (11).

5. The pressure roller according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fluid channel includes; A main hole (21) extending axially through the center, the lower end of which extends into the intermediate cavity (11). A secondary hole (22) corresponds one-to-one with the outer cavity (12). One end of the secondary hole (22) is connected to the main hole (21), and the other end is connected to the outer cavity (12).

6. The pressure roller according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lower end of the main hole (21) also has an inner hole (23), which is connected to the intermediate cavity (11). The end faces of the two sleeves are spaced apart in the intermediate cavity (11), and the inner hole (23) and the intermediate cavity (11) form a convection channel.

7. The pressure roller according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bushing (2) also includes a circumferential cover plate (24), which is sealed to the intermediate cavity (11) and makes the circumferential cover plate (24) completely cover the pressure roller body (1) in an axially through outer cavity (12).

8. The pressure roller according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pressure roller body (1) has an annular groove (14) on its end face, and a sealing element is provided in the annular groove (14). The circumferential cover plate (24) presses the sealing element.

9. The pressure roller according to claim 8, characterized in that, The circumferential cover plate (24) is provided with a fastening hole (25), and the pressure roller body (1) has an axially penetrating mounting hole (15). The fastening hole (25) and the mounting hole (15) are aligned and a fastener is installed between them.

10. The pressure roller according to claim 5, characterized in that, The main hole (21) is connected to a connector (3) that allows the medium to flow in and out.

11. The pressure roller according to claim 4, characterized in that, A bearing (4) is connected to the outer periphery of the portion of the sleeve that is exposed above the pressure roller body (1).

12. The pressure roller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer circumferential wall of the pressure roller body (1) is also coated with a polymer coating.

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