JP2004181758A - Molding tool for composite material - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simultaneously realize a reduction in a tool development cost/a manufacturing cost, the reduction in labor/hour required for arrangement of the tool and the savings of spaces required for the installation/storage of the tool, in a molding tool for a composite material. <P>SOLUTION: The molding tool 1 for the composite material is equipped with an upper mold 2 and a lower mold 3 to form a cavity C having a predetermined shape. A molten resin is introduced into the cavity C to be impregnated into a specified reinforcing woven fabric, heating and curing the molten resin to mold a stringer S. The upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3 are composed of a heat resistant rubber. The molding tool 1 is equipped with a lower mold deforming mechanism to deform the lower mold 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a composite material forming jig, and more particularly to a composite material forming jig for forming a composite reinforcing material applied to a main wing of an aircraft or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various techniques for manufacturing a reinforcing material for reinforcing a main wing or a tail wing of an aircraft using a composite material made of fiber reinforced resin have been proposed.
[0003]
For example, a cavity having a predetermined shape is formed using an upper mold and a lower mold made of a high-rigidity material such as a metal, and a predetermined reinforcing fiber fabric is arranged in the cavity, and molten resin is introduced into the cavity by pressurization to strengthen the cavity. A method has been proposed in which a fiber woven fabric is impregnated, and the reinforcing fiber woven fabric is cured by heating to produce a composite material (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
Also, a predetermined reinforcing fiber woven fabric is placed on a lower die made of a high-rigidity material such as metal, and the reinforced fiber woven fabric is covered with an upper die made of a heat-resistant flexible material. A method has been proposed in which a molten resin is introduced into a space surrounded by a reinforcing fiber woven fabric to impregnate the reinforced fiber woven fabric, and the reinforced fiber woven fabric is cured by heating to produce a composite reinforcing plate (for example, see Patent Document 2). .
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-4-332627 (page 1, FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2002-187599 (page 3, FIG. 1)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the upper mold and the lower mold (hereinafter, referred to as "first conventional jig") used in the method described in Patent Document 1 are made of a highly rigid material such as metal, the shape of the cavity (the degree of bending). And the degree of twist) cannot be changed, and only one component having one type of shape can be formed from one set of the first conventional jig. For this reason, in order to form a large number of parts having a similar cross-sectional shape, such as a reinforcing material of a wing structure, it is necessary to prepare the same number of the first conventional jigs as the types of the parts to be formed. There was a problem that the production cost was significantly increased.
[0007]
In addition, the first conventional jig is made of a highly rigid material such as metal, so that it has a large weight. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes a lot of manpower (labor) and time to manage the jig. Furthermore, when a large number of first conventional jigs are prepared for molding a large number of parts having similar cross-sectional shapes such as reinforcing members of a wing structure, a large space for installing and storing the jigs is required. There was also the problem of becoming.
[0008]
On the other hand, in the upper die and the lower die (hereinafter, referred to as “second conventional jig”) used in the method described in Patent Document 2, the lower die is made of a highly rigid material such as metal. It is not possible to change the shape of the mold (bending, twisting, etc.). For this reason, similarly to the case where the first conventional jig is used, it is necessary to prepare the second conventional jig for each type of component to be molded, and there has been a problem that the jig development cost and manufacturing cost increase.
[0009]
Further, since the lower mold of the second conventional jig is made of a highly rigid material such as a metal and thus has a large weight, as with the case of using the first conventional jig, a lot of manpower (labor) is required for manipulating the jig. ) And time-consuming. Further, when a large number of second conventional jigs are prepared for molding a large number of components having similar cross-sectional shapes such as wing structure reinforcing members, similarly to the case of using the first conventional jig, the second conventional jig is used. There is also a problem that a large space is required for installing and storing the tools.
[0010]
An object of the present invention is to achieve at once a reduction in jig development costs and manufacturing costs, a reduction in labor and time required for handling, and a reduction in space required for jig installation and storage in a composite material forming jig. That is.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 includes an upper mold and a lower mold that form a cavity having a predetermined shape, and a molten resin is introduced into the cavity to impregnate a predetermined reinforcing fiber fabric. In a composite molding jig that heats and cures the molten resin to form a composite material, the upper mold and the lower mold are made of heat-resistant rubber, and a lower mold deformation mechanism that deforms the lower mold is provided. It is characterized by having.
[0012]
According to the first aspect of the invention, the upper mold and the lower mold are made of a rubber material, and the shape of the cavity formed by the upper mold and the lower mold by deforming the lower mold by the lower mold deformation mechanism. (The degree of bending, the degree of twist, etc.) can be changed. Therefore, a large number of parts having a similar cross-sectional shape, such as a reinforcing member of a wing structure, can be formed using a pair of upper and lower dies. As a result, since it is not necessary to prepare a large number of jigs, it is possible to greatly reduce jig development costs and manufacturing costs.
[0013]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the upper mold and the lower mold that occupy most of the weight of the jig are made of a rubber material instead of a high-rigidity material such as a metal. Lightening can be achieved. Therefore, labor and time required for jig management can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, since a large number of components having similar cross-sectional shapes, such as wing structure reinforcing members, can be formed using a pair of upper and lower dies, there is no need to prepare a large number of jigs. The space required for fixture installation and storage can be reduced.
[0014]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the composite material forming jig according to the first aspect, the lower mold deformation mechanism is fixed to a plurality of locations of the lower mold so as to extend in a certain direction. A mold support fitting, and a base fixed below and separated from the lower mold to support the lower mold, wherein an inclination angle of the lower mold support fixture with respect to a surface of the base is changed. I do.
[0015]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the lower mold deforming mechanism is fixed to a plurality of portions of the lower mold so as to extend in a certain direction, and is separated from and below the lower mold. And a base that supports the lower mold, and functions to change the inclination angle of the lower mold supporting bracket with respect to the surface of the base. Therefore, the degree of bending or twisting of the lower mold can be changed in a predetermined manner, and the shape of the cavity formed by the upper mold and the lower mold can be changed in a predetermined manner.
[0016]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the composite material forming jig of the first aspect, the lower mold deforming mechanism is fixed to a plurality of locations of the lower mold so as to extend in a certain direction. A mold support fitting, a base fixed below and separated from the lower mold to support the lower mold, and one end attached to the lower mold support and the other end attached to the base; At least two columns for changing the distance between the metal fitting and the base are provided.
[0017]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the lower mold deforming mechanism is fixed to the lower mold supporting bracket fixed to a plurality of locations of the lower mold so as to extend in a predetermined direction, and is fixed to the lower mold at a distance below the lower mold. A base for supporting the lower mold, and at least two struts each having one end attached to the lower mold support and the other end attached to the base, and changing a distance between the lower mold support and the base. It is configured to have.
[0018]
Therefore, a predetermined portion of the lower die attached to the support via the lower die support bracket can be moved in a direction away from or approaching the base. As a result, the degree of bending or twisting of the lower mold can be changed in a predetermined manner, and the shape of the cavity formed by the upper mold and the lower mold can be changed in a predetermined manner.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
In the present embodiment, a composite molding jig 1 for molding a stringer S having a hat-shaped cross section, which is a composite main wing reinforcement for an aircraft, will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a molding jig 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows a cavity C formed by an upper mold 2 and a lower mold 3 of the molding jig 1 shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows a state.
[0021]
First, the configuration of the molding jig 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the molding jig 1 includes an upper die 2, a lower die 3, a lower die support 4, a support 5, a die support 6, a base 7, and the like.
[0022]
The upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3 are paired to form a long cavity C having a hat-shaped cross section. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper die 2 has a rectangular flat plate as a substrate, and has a substantially rectangular cross section extending in the longitudinal direction with its central portion in the width direction (transverse direction) protruding upward. The groove 21 is formed. Near both edges of the groove 21, a step 22 having the same size as the thickness of the stringer S to be manufactured is formed.
[0023]
The upper mold 2 is made of a rubber material having heat resistance enough to withstand heating during the molding of the stringer S. When the lower mold 3 is deformed in a predetermined manner, it keeps hermeticity by following the deformation. In the present embodiment, upper mold 2 is made of fluoro rubber. Note that the upper mold 2 may be made of a soft material having excellent heat resistance and followability, for example, a silicon sheet or a bagging film.
[0024]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower mold 3 has a rectangular flat plate as a substrate, and a convex portion 31 having a substantially rectangular cross section extending in the longitudinal direction is formed at the center in the width direction (transverse direction). It was done. The cavity C is formed by the protrusion 31 of the lower mold 3 being housed in the groove 21 of the upper mold 2.
[0025]
The lower mold 3 is made of a material having heat resistance to withstand heating during the molding of the stringer S, and can be deformed in a predetermined manner by a lower mold deformation mechanism composed of the lower metal support 4, the support 5, the base 7, and the like. It is said. In the present embodiment, the lower mold 3 is made of fluoro rubber. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of beams 32 made of a stainless steel wire or an aramid fiber wire are buried in the lower mold 3 in the longitudinal direction so as to be embedded therein. 3 prevents local undulation when deforming.
[0026]
The lower die 3 is provided with a seal groove 33 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the upper die 2 is placed on the lower die 3 with the O-ring 34 embedded in the seal groove 33. By arranging and pressing, the airtightness of the cavity C can be maintained. When a bagging film is used as the upper mold 2, a heat-resistant sealant can be used instead of the O-ring 34.
[0027]
Although not shown, a resin inlet for introducing molten resin into the cavity C and an outlet for discharging air or molten resin from the cavity C are provided at appropriate places of the upper mold 2 or the lower mold 3. , Are provided. The molten resin can be introduced into the cavity C from the resin introduction port and the excess resin can be discharged from the discharge port to fill the cavity C with the molten resin. Although not shown, the outlet is connected to a vacuum pump, and a predetermined vacuum pressure is applied between the upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3 to fix the upper mold 2 to the lower mold 3.
[0028]
The lower mold support 4 extends in the width direction (transverse direction) at a plurality of positions (five locations in this embodiment: see FIG. 1) separated by a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction of the lower mold 3. Is a long columnar member fixed to the lower part of the lower mold 3 by bonding or mechanical means, and supports the lower mold 3 from below.
[0029]
The lower mold supporting member 4 is made of a metal material such as aluminum which can withstand an external force at the time of forming the stringer S, and is pivotally connected to the upper end of the column 5 via a spherical bearing 51 (FIG. 2). reference). The lower mold support 4 is provided with a passage communicating with the resin introduction port and the discharge port described above, and the molten resin is introduced into the cavity C via the lower mold support 4 or the molten resin is discharged from the cavity C. Or you can.
[0030]
The columns 5 are rod-shaped members that connect the lower mold support 4 and the mold support 6 fixed on the base 7, and are attached two under each of the lower mold supports 4 (FIG. 1). The column 5 is made of a material such as metal having heat resistance and having rigidity for supporting the upper mold 2, the lower mold 3, the lower mold support 4 and the like from below.
[0031]
At the upper end of the support 5, a spherical bearing 51 which is a connecting portion with the lower mold support 4 is provided. The lower support 4 is pivotable on the upper end of the support 5 via the spherical bearing 51. Is combined with
[0032]
At the lower end of the column 5, a male screw 52 which is a connecting portion with the mold support 6 is provided. The post 5 can be fixed to the mold support 6 by screwing the male screw 52 of the support 5 to the female screw 62 formed in the mold support 6. By rotating the support 5, the lower end (the male screw 52) of the support 5 is moved up and down with respect to the mold support 6 (the female screw 62), and the lower support 4 and the base 7 are The distance between can be changed. By changing the distance between the lower mold support 4 and the base 7 in this way, the inclination angle of the lower mold support 4 with respect to the surface of the base 7 is changed.
[0033]
The column 5 is composed of an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder removably inserted into the outer cylinder, and a predetermined actuator for driving the inner cylinder with respect to the outer cylinder in the insertion direction and withdrawal direction. Thus, it is also possible to form an extendable telescopic column.
[0034]
The mold support 6 is a long plate-like member fixed to the base 7 by bolts 61, and the lower end of the column 5 is fixed. The mold support 6 can be slid on the base 7 to change its fixed position. In the present embodiment, five mold support bases 6 are provided corresponding to the number of lower mold support brackets 4 (see FIG. 1).
[0035]
The base 7 is a flat member arranged and fixed at a predetermined place where the stringer S is formed. The base imparts a desired inclination to the lower mold support 4 without cooperating with or deforming the mold support 6 when the support 5 is moved up and down to incline the lower mold support 4. It has rigidity to hold.
[0036]
The lower mold support 4, the support 5, the mold support 6, the male screw 52 and the female screw 62 (mechanical means), and the base 7 described above constitute a lower mold deformation mechanism in the present invention. You. In addition, a lower mold deformation mechanism may be configured by the lower mold support fitting 4, the telescopic column including the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder, and a predetermined actuator, the mold support 6, and the base 7.
[0037]
Next, a procedure for forming the stringer S using the composite material forming jig 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
[0038]
First, a reinforcing fiber fabric for forming the stringer S is arranged above the lower mold 3, and the upper mold 2 is arranged above the reinforcing fiber fabric, so that the reinforcing fiber fabric is stored in the cavity C. Next, the resin inlet is closed, a vacuum pump is operated to discharge air from the outlet, and a vacuum pressure is applied between the upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3 to move the upper mold 2 to the lower mold 3. Fixed to. Next, the above-described resin inlet is opened, and a molten resin is introduced into the cavity C by evacuation, and the molten resin is impregnated into the reinforcing fiber fabric for forming the stringer S. Thereafter, the molten resin impregnated in the reinforcing fiber fabric is heated and cured while being evacuated to form a long stringer S having a hat-shaped cross section (see FIG. 1).
[0039]
In the composite material forming jig 1 according to the embodiment described above, the upper die 2 and the lower die 3 are made of flexible fluoro rubber, and the lower die 3 is deformed by the lower die deformation mechanism. Thereby, the shape (the degree of bending or the degree of twist) of the cavity C formed by the upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3 can be changed. Therefore, many stringers S having a similar cross-sectional shape can be formed using the pair of the upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3. As a result, since it is not necessary to prepare a large number of jigs, it is possible to greatly reduce jig development costs and manufacturing costs.
[0040]
Further, in the composite material forming jig 1 according to the present embodiment, since the upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3 are made of fluorine rubber instead of metal, it is possible to achieve a remarkable weight reduction of the jig weight. Can be. Therefore, labor and time required for jig management can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, since a number of stringers S having a similar cross-sectional shape can be formed using a pair of the upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3, there is no need to prepare a large number of jigs, and the jigs can be installed and stored. The required space can be saved.
[0041]
Further, in the composite material forming jig 1 according to the present embodiment, a lower mold supporting bracket 4 fixed to a predetermined portion of the lower mold 3, a base 7 fixed below the lower mold 3, and a base 7. 7, a support 5 fixed to the mold support 6 at the upper end and a lower support 4 at the lower end via the male screw 52 and the female screw 62 (mechanical means). The male screw 52 and the female screw 62 function to move the lower end of the column 5 in a direction to separate or approach the mold support 6.
[0042]
Therefore, by the male screw 52 and the female screw 62, a predetermined portion of the lower mold 3 attached to the support 5 via the lower mold support 4 is moved in a direction away from or approaching the base 7, The inclination angle of the lower mold support 4 with respect to the surface of the base 7 can be changed. As a result, the degree of bending or twisting of the lower mold 3 can be changed in a predetermined manner, and the shape of the cavity C formed by the upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3 can be changed in a predetermined manner.
[0043]
The bending degree of the stringer S can be changed by R (curvature radius) by about 60 to 70 m and the twisting degree of the stringer S can be changed by about 1 ° / m by the composite material forming jig 1 according to the present embodiment. Can be changed.
[0044]
When a telescopic column composed of an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder and a predetermined actuator is employed instead of the column 5 employed in the composite material jig 1 according to the present embodiment, the telescopic column is used. By extending and retracting the columns, the inclination angle of the lower metal support 4 with respect to the surface of the base 7 can be changed. As a result, the degree of bending or twisting of the lower mold 3 can be changed in a predetermined manner, and the shape of the cavity C formed by the upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3 can be changed in a predetermined manner.
[0045]
Further, in the present embodiment, the forming jig 1 of the composite material for forming the stringer S having the hat-shaped cross section has been described, but the shape of the forming jig according to the present invention is not limited to this. A stringer having a T-shaped cross section, an H-shaped cross section, a U-shaped cross section, or the like may be formed.
[0046]
In the composite material forming jig 1 according to the present embodiment, five lower mold support members 4, five support columns 5, and five mold support bases 6 are provided, respectively. It is not particularly limited and can be appropriately determined according to the size (the area of the lower surface) and the weight of the lower mold 3.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the upper mold and the lower mold are made of a rubber material having heat resistance, and are formed from the upper mold and the lower mold by deforming the lower mold by the lower mold deformation mechanism. The shape of the cavity (the degree of bending, the degree of twist, etc.) can be changed. As a result, a large number of components having similar cross-sectional shapes can be formed using a pair of upper and lower dies, so that jig development costs and manufacturing costs can be significantly reduced.
[0048]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the upper mold and the lower mold are made of a rubber material, the weight of the jig can be significantly reduced, and the labor required for manipulating the jig can be reduced. Time can be greatly reduced. Furthermore, since a large number of components having similar cross-sectional shapes can be formed using a pair of upper and lower dies, the space required for installing and storing the jig can be reduced.
[0049]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the lower mold deformation mechanism has the lower mold support and the base, and can change the inclination angle of the lower mold support relative to the surface of the base. Therefore, the degree of bending or twisting of the lower mold can be changed in a predetermined manner, and the shape of the cavity formed by the upper mold and the lower mold can be changed in a predetermined manner.
[0050]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the lower mold deformation mechanism includes a lower mold support, a base, and one end attached to the lower mold support and the other end attached to the base. And at least two struts for changing the distance between the base and the base, so that a predetermined portion of the lower mold attached to the struts via the lower mold support bracket is separated from the base. Alternatively, it can be moved in the approaching direction. As a result, the degree of bending or twisting of the lower mold can be changed in a predetermined manner, and the shape of the cavity formed by the upper mold and the lower mold can be changed in a predetermined manner.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a jig for forming a composite material according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a cavity is formed by an upper mold and a lower mold of the molding jig of the composite material shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Composite material forming jig 2 Upper mold 3 Lower mold 4 Lower mold support (lower mold deformation mechanism)
5 props (lower deformation mechanism)
6 Mold support 7 Base (Lower mold deformation mechanism)
21 groove 22 step portion 31 convex portion 32 beam 33 seal groove 34 O-ring 51 spherical bearing 52 male screw 62 female screw C cavity S stringer

Claims (3)

An upper mold and a lower mold that form a cavity having a predetermined shape are provided. A molten resin is introduced into the cavity to be impregnated with a predetermined reinforcing fiber fabric, and the molten resin is heated and cured to form a composite material. In the jig,
A molding jig for a composite material, wherein the upper mold and the lower mold are made of heat-resistant rubber, and a lower mold deformation mechanism for deforming the lower mold is provided. The lower mold deformation mechanism,
A lower mold support bracket fixed to extend in a fixed direction at a plurality of locations of the lower mold,
A base fixed to the lower die and spaced apart from the lower die to support the lower die, wherein an inclination angle of the lower die supporting bracket with respect to a surface of the base is changed. A molding jig for the composite material described above. The lower mold deformation mechanism,
A lower mold support bracket fixed to extend in a fixed direction at a plurality of locations of the lower mold,
A base that is fixed to be spaced apart below the lower mold and supports the lower mold;
At least two columns, one end of which is attached to the lower mold support and the other end of which is attached to the base, and which changes the distance between the lower mold support and the base;
The molding jig for a composite material according to claim 1, comprising:

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