JP4121839B2 - Composite material forming jig - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND 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 material reinforcing material applied to an aircraft main wing or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, various techniques for manufacturing a reinforcing material for reinforcing the main wing and tail wing of an aircraft using a composite material made of fiber reinforced resin have been proposed.
[0003]
For example, a cavity with a predetermined shape is formed using an upper mold and a lower mold made of a highly rigid material such as metal, a predetermined reinforcing fiber fabric is placed in this cavity, and molten resin is introduced into the cavity by pressurization to strengthen it. A method of manufacturing a composite material by impregnating a fiber fabric and heating and curing the reinforcing fiber fabric has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
In addition, a predetermined reinforcing fiber fabric is disposed on a lower mold made of a high-rigidity material such as metal, and this reinforcing fiber fabric is covered with an upper mold made of a heat-resistant flexible material. A method of manufacturing a composite material reinforcing plate by introducing a molten resin into a space surrounded by, impregnating a reinforcing fiber woven fabric, and heating and curing the reinforcing fiber woven fabric has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). .
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-4-332627 (first page, FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-187599 A (3rd page, 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) In other words, only a part having one type of shape can be formed from one set of first conventional jigs. For this reason, in order to mold a large number of parts having similar cross-sectional shapes, such as wing structure reinforcements, it is necessary to prepare the same number of first conventional jigs as the number of parts to be molded. There was a problem that the production cost increased significantly.
[0007]
Moreover, since the first conventional jig is made of a highly rigid material such as metal and has a large weight, there is a problem that a lot of manpower (labor) and time are required for jig handling. Furthermore, when a large number of first conventional jigs are prepared to form a large number of parts having similar cross-sectional shapes, such as reinforcing members of a wing structure, a large space is required for installing and storing the jigs. There was also a problem of becoming.
[0008]
On the other hand, in the upper mold and the lower mold (hereinafter referred to as “second conventional jig”) used in the method described in Patent Document 2, the lower mold is made of a highly rigid material such as metal. The shape of the mold (bending, twisting, etc.) cannot be changed. For this reason, as in the case where the first conventional jig is used, it is necessary to prepare the second conventional jig for each type of part to be molded, and there is a problem that jig development costs and production costs increase.
[0009]
In addition, the lower mold of the second conventional jig is made of a highly rigid material such as metal, and thus has a large weight. Therefore, as in the case of using the first conventional jig, a lot of manpower (labor is required) for jig handling. ) And time. Further, when a large number of second conventional jigs are prepared to form a large number of parts having similar cross-sectional shapes, such as a reinforcing member for a wing structure, as in the case of using the first conventional jigs, There was also a problem that a large space was required for installation and storage of equipment.
[0010]
The object of the present invention is to realize a reduction in jig development costs and production costs, labor and time required for handling, and reduction of 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 problems, the invention described in 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 the composite material forming jig for heat-curing 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 for deforming the lower mold is provided. It is characterized by providing.
[0012]
According to the first aspect of the present 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 is obtained by deforming the lower mold by the lower mold deformation mechanism. (Bending, twisting, etc.) can be changed. Therefore, a large number of parts having a similar cross-sectional shape, such as a reinforcing member for a wing structure, can be formed using a set of upper and lower molds. As a result, since it is not necessary to prepare a large number of jigs, jig development costs and production costs can be greatly reduced.
[0013]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the upper mold and the lower mold, which occupy most of the jig weight, are made of a rubber material instead of a high-rigidity material such as metal. Weight reduction can be achieved. Therefore, the labor and time required for jig handling can be greatly reduced. Furthermore, since a large number of parts having a similar cross-sectional shape such as a reinforcing member of a wing structure can be molded using a set of upper and lower molds, it is not necessary to prepare a large number of jigs, and the Space required for equipment 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 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 and a base that is fixed below the lower mold and supports the lower mold, and changes an inclination angle of the lower mold support fitting with respect to a surface of the base. To do.
[0015]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the lower mold deformation mechanism includes a lower mold support bracket that is fixed so as to extend in a predetermined direction at a plurality of locations of the lower mold and a lower mold that is fixed below the lower mold. And a base that supports the lower mold, and functions to change the inclination angle of the lower mold supporting metal with respect to the surface of the base. Therefore, the bending state and twisting state of the lower die can be changed in a predetermined manner, and the shape of the cavity formed from the upper die and the lower die can be changed in a predetermined manner.
[0016]
According to a third 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 bracket, a base which is fixed below the lower mold and supports the lower mold, and one end portion is attached to the lower mold support bracket and the other end portion is attached to the base. It has at least 2 support | pillars which change the distance between a metal fitting and the said base, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0017]
According to the invention described in claim 3, the lower mold deforming mechanism includes a lower mold support bracket that is fixed so as to extend in a predetermined direction at a plurality of locations of the lower mold, and a lower mold fixing mechanism that is spaced apart and fixed below the lower mold. A base for supporting the lower mold, and at least two support columns each having one end attached to the lower mold support fitting and the other end attached to the base and changing the distance between the lower mold support fitting and the base, It is configured.
[0018]
Therefore, the predetermined part of the lower mold attached to the support via the lower mold support bracket can be moved away from or in the vicinity of the base. As a result, the bending state and twisting state of the lower die can be changed in a predetermined manner, and the shape of the cavity formed from the upper die and the lower die can be changed in a predetermined manner.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF 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 material forming jig 1 for forming a stringer S having a hat-shaped cross section, which is a composite wing reinforcing material for aircraft, will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a forming jig 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a cavity C formed by the upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3 of the forming jig 1 shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows a state.
[0021]
First, the configuration of the forming jig 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the forming jig 1 includes an upper die 2, a lower die 3, a lower die support bracket 4, a column 5, a die support base 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 mold 2 has a rectangular flat plate as a substrate, and has a substantially rectangular cross section extending in the longitudinal direction with the center portion in the width direction (short direction) protruding upward. A groove 21 is formed. Steps 22 having the same dimensions as the thickness of the stringer S to be manufactured are formed near both edges of the groove 21.
[0023]
The upper mold 2 is made of a heat-resistant rubber material that can withstand the heating when the stringer S is molded. When the lower mold 3 is deformed in a predetermined manner, the upper mold 2 follows the deformation and keeps hermeticity. In the present embodiment, the upper mold 2 is made of fluororubber. In addition, the upper mold | type 2 can also be comprised with a soft material excellent in heat resistance and followable | trackability, for example, a silicon sheet or a bagging film.
[0024]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower mold 3 uses 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 (short direction). It is a thing. A cavity C is formed by accommodating the convex portion 31 of the lower mold 3 in the groove 21 of the upper mold 2.
[0025]
The lower mold 3 is made of a heat-resistant material that can withstand the heating when the stringer S is molded, and can be deformed in a predetermined manner by a lower mold deformation mechanism including the lower mold support bracket 4, the support column 5, the base 7, and the like. It is said. In the present embodiment, the lower mold 3 is made of fluororubber. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of beams 32 made of stainless steel wire or aramid fiber wire are extended in the longitudinal direction inside the lower die 3 to be embedded in the lower die. This prevents local undulation from occurring when deforming 3.
[0026]
The lower mold 3 is provided with a seal groove 33 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the upper mold 2 is placed on the lower mold 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 in place of the O-ring 34.
[0027]
Although not shown in the figure, a resin introduction port for introducing a molten resin into the cavity C and a discharge port for discharging air or the molten resin from the cavity C are provided at appropriate positions of the upper die 2 or the lower die 3. , Is provided. The molten resin can be introduced into the cavity C from the resin inlet and the excess resin can be discharged from the outlet to fill the cavity C with the molten resin. Although not shown, the discharge port is connected to a vacuum pump, and the upper die 2 is fixed to the lower die 3 by applying a predetermined vacuum pressure between the upper die 2 and the lower die 3.
[0028]
The lower mold support bracket 4 extends in the width direction (short direction) at a plurality of positions (five places in the present embodiment: see FIG. 1) spaced apart by a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction of the lower mold 3. The long columnar members are arranged side by side and fixed to the lower part of the lower mold 3 by adhesion or mechanical means, and support the lower mold 3 from below.
[0029]
The lower mold support 4 is made of a metal material such as aluminum that can withstand the external force at the time of forming the stringer S, and is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the column 5 via a spherical bearing 51 (FIG. 2). reference). The lower mold support bracket 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 through the lower mold support bracket 4 and the molten resin is discharged from the cavity C. You can also.
[0030]
The support columns 5 are rod-shaped members that connect the lower mold support bracket 4 and the mold support base 6 fixed on the base 7, and two columns 5 are attached below each of the lower mold support brackets 4 (FIG. 1). The support column 5 is prepared from a material such as a metal having heat resistance and rigidity for supporting the upper die 2, the lower die 3, the lower die support bracket 4 and the like from below.
[0031]
At the upper end of the support column 5, a spherical bearing 51, which is a connecting portion with the lower mold support bracket 4, is provided. The lower mold support bracket 4 is pivotable at the upper end portion of the support column 5 via the spherical bearing 51. Combined with
[0032]
A male screw 52, which is a connecting portion with the mold support base 6, is provided at the lower end portion of the column 5. The support 5 can be fixed to the mold support 6 by screwing the male screw 52 of the support 5 into the female screw 62 formed in the mold support 6. Then, by rotating the support column 5, the lower end portion (the male screw 52) of the support column 5 is moved up and down with respect to the mold support base 6 (the female screw 62). The distance between can be changed. Thus, by changing the distance between the lower mold support metal 4 and the base 7, the inclination angle of the lower mold support metal 4 with respect to the surface of the base 7 is changed.
[0033]
The support column 5 includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder inserted into the outer cylinder so as to be removable, and a predetermined actuator that drives the inner cylinder in the insertion direction and the extraction direction with respect to the outer cylinder. In addition, it can be a telescopic support column that can be expanded and contracted.
[0034]
The mold support 6 is a long plate-like member fixed to the base 7 with 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 fittings 4 (see FIG. 1).
[0035]
The base 7 is a flat plate member arranged and fixed at a predetermined place where the stringer S is formed. When the base tilts the lower mold support bracket 4 by moving the support column 5 up and down, the base gives the desired inclination to the lower mold support bracket 4 without cooperating with or deforming the mold support base 6. It has rigidity to hold.
[0036]
The lower mold support bracket 4, the column 5, the mold support base 6, the male screw 52 and the female screw 62 (mechanical means), and the base 7 described above constitute the lower mold deformation mechanism in the present invention. The In addition, the lower mold supporting metal 4, the telescopic column composed of the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder and a predetermined actuator, the mold support base 6, and the base 7 can constitute a lower mold deformation mechanism.
[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 stringer S molding is disposed above the lower mold 3 and the upper mold 2 is disposed above the reinforcing fiber fabric so that the reinforcing fiber fabric is accommodated in the cavity C. Next, the resin introduction port is closed, the vacuum pump is operated, air is discharged from the discharge port, and the vacuum pressure is applied between the upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3, and the upper mold 2 is moved to the lower mold 3. Secure to. Next, the resin introduction port is opened, a molten resin is introduced into the cavity C by evacuation, and the reinforcing fiber fabric for stringer S molding is impregnated with the molten resin. Thereafter, the molten resin impregnated in the reinforcing fiber fabric is heated and cured while evacuating, thereby forming 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. Thus, the shape (bending or twisting) of the cavity C formed by the upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3 can be changed. Therefore, a large number of stringers S having a similar cross-sectional shape can be formed using a set of the upper die 2 and the lower die 3. As a result, since it is not necessary to prepare a large number of jigs, jig development costs and production costs can be greatly reduced.
[0040]
Further, in the composite material forming jig 1 according to the present embodiment, the upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3 are made of fluororubber instead of metal, so that the weight of the jig can be significantly reduced. Can do. Therefore, the labor and time required for jig handling can be greatly reduced. Furthermore, since a large number of stringers S having a similar cross-sectional shape can be formed using a set of upper mold 2 and lower mold 3, it is not necessary to prepare a large number of jigs and can be used for jig installation and storage. The required space can be saved.
[0041]
Further, in the composite material forming jig 1 according to the present embodiment, a lower mold support 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 and a support 5 attached to the die support 6 via a male screw 52 and a female screw 62 (mechanical means). The male screw 52 and the female screw 62 function to move the lower end portion of the support column 5 in the direction of separating or approaching the mold support base 6.
[0042]
Therefore, by moving the predetermined part of the lower mold 3 attached to the support column 5 via the lower mold support bracket 4 by the male screw 52 and the female screw 62 in a direction away from or close to the base 7, The inclination angle of the lower mold support metal 4 with respect to the surface of the base 7 can be changed. As a result, the bending state and the twisting state of the lower die 3 can be changed in a predetermined manner, and the shape of the cavity C formed from the upper die 2 and the lower die 3 can be changed in a predetermined manner.
[0043]
It should be noted that the bending condition of the stringer S can be changed by R (curvature radius) of about 60 to 70 m and the twisting condition of the stringer S is about 1 ° / m by the composite material forming jig 1 according to the present embodiment. Can be changed.
[0044]
In addition, instead of the column 5 employed in the composite material forming jig 1 according to the present embodiment, when the telescopic column composed of the outer cylinder, the inner tube and a predetermined actuator is employed, this telescopic type The inclination angle of the lower mold support metal 4 with respect to the surface of the base 7 can be changed by expanding and contracting the support column. As a result, the bending state and the twisting state of the lower die 3 can be changed in a predetermined manner, and the shape of the cavity C formed from the upper die 2 and the lower die 3 can be changed in a predetermined manner.
[0045]
Further, in the present embodiment, the composite material forming jig 1 for forming the stringer S having a hat-shaped cross section is shown, 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]
Further, in the composite material forming jig 1 according to the present embodiment, five lower mold support fittings 4, ten 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 (area of the lower surface) and 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 heat-resistant rubber material, 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 (bending, twisting, etc.) can be changed. As a result, a large number of parts having similar cross-sectional shapes can be formed using a set of upper and lower molds, so that jig development costs and production costs can be greatly reduced.
[0048]
Further, according to the invention described in claim 1, since the upper mold and the lower mold are made of a rubber material, the weight of the jig can be remarkably reduced, and labor required for jig handling can be reduced. Time can be greatly reduced. Furthermore, since a large number of parts having similar cross-sectional shapes can be formed using a set of upper and lower molds, the space required for jig installation and storage can be reduced.
[0049]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the lower mold deformation mechanism includes the lower mold support fitting and the base, and the inclination angle of the lower mold support fitting with respect to the surface of the base can be changed. Therefore, the bending state and twisting state of the lower die can be changed in a predetermined manner, and the shape of the cavity formed from the upper die and the lower die can be changed in a predetermined manner.
[0050]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the lower mold deforming mechanism includes a lower mold support fitting, a base, one end portion attached to the lower mold support fitting, and the other end portion attached to the base. At least two struts that change the distance between them and a predetermined portion of the lower mold that is attached to the struts via the lower mold support bracket. Or it can be moved in the direction of proximity. As a result, the bending state and twisting state of the lower die can be changed in a predetermined manner, and the shape of the cavity formed from the upper die and the lower die can be changed in a predetermined manner.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a composite material forming jig according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a cavity is formed by an upper die and a lower die of the composite material forming jig shown in FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Composite material forming jig 2 Upper die 3 Lower die 4 Lower die support bracket (lower die deformation mechanism)
5 Prop (lower mold deformation mechanism)
6 type support base 7 base (lower mold deformation mechanism)
21 Groove 22 Step 31 Protrusion 32 Beam 33 Seal groove 34 O-ring 51 Spherical bearing 52 Male thread 62 Female thread C Cavity S Stringer

Claims (3)

Molding of a composite material comprising an upper die and a lower die for forming a cavity of a predetermined shape, introducing a molten resin into the cavity and impregnating a predetermined reinforcing fiber fabric, and heat-curing the molten resin to form a composite material In the jig,
A molding tool for a composite material, wherein the upper mold and the lower mold are made of heat-resistant rubber and have a lower mold deformation mechanism for deforming the lower mold. The lower mold deformation mechanism is
A lower mold support bracket fixed so as to extend in a certain direction at a plurality of locations of the lower mold;
A base that is fixedly spaced below the lower mold and supports the lower mold;
2. The composite material forming jig according to claim 1, wherein an inclination angle of the lower mold support metal with respect to a surface of the base is changed. The lower mold deformation mechanism is
A lower mold support bracket fixed so as to extend in a certain direction at a plurality of locations of the lower mold;
A base that is fixedly spaced below the lower mold and supports the lower mold;
One end is attached to the lower mold support bracket and the other end is attached to the base, respectively, and at least two struts for changing the distance between the lower mold support bracket and the base;
The composite material forming jig according to claim 1, comprising:

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