ENERGY REGENERATION OVEN FOR MOLDING SYSTEMS

Description

DESCRIPTION attached to an application for a PATENT FOR INVENTION entitled: “ENERGY REGENERATION FURNACE FOR SYSTEMS “PRINTING” on behalf of: AG MIND Srl with headquarters in: Via Palmiro Togliatti, 11- 47922 RIMINI Agent: Dr. Giuliana Cioncoloni ***** Field of technology The invention refers to an innovative oven for film moulding with water-based DTF technology, advantageously suited to generating electrical energy from one of its own manufacturing processes, more specifically from drying by means of radiant elements, obtaining a quantity of electrical energy such as partially support its subsequent work. Known art The ovens used in the DTF (Direct to Film) printing process play a key role essential in the drying and fixing phases of the prints. After the design was imprinted on the film and thermal adhesive powder was applied, the ovens are used to heat the film itself, activating the adhesive needed to prepare the transfer of the design onto the fabric. However, one of the main disadvantages in using these ovens is represented by the high consumption energy, which can significantly impact overall operating costs. DTF ovens can operate in two main modes: convection and the use of infrared rays. In the first case, the hot air is made circulate around the film by means of fans, ensuring heating homogeneous. This process has a variable duration, generally between two to ten minutes, depending on the specific temperature requirements and the type of thermal adhesive used. Infrared ovens, on the other hand, do not heat the air, but the film itself, through radiation. This method allows for a drying process faster, but still involves significant energy consumption. The high energy requirements of DTF ovens mainly arise from the need to maintain high temperatures, between 100°C and 160°C, in order to to activate the adhesive powder correctly. This requirement implies a considerable energy expenditure, especially in long-duration operations. Furthermore, most DTF ovens in use are not optimized for efficiency energy, with a consequent heat dispersion that requires greater amount of energy to maintain the desired temperatures. Even the fans used in convection ovens, or the high-power lamps used in ovens infrared, contribute to the increase in electricity consumption, in particular way when the ovens remain in operation for prolonged periods. DTF ovens therefore today constitute essential tools for ensuring the quality and durability of prints. However, their energy consumption represents a challenge for companies that have to deal with operating costs growing. Nowadays some companies are trying to adopt solutions aimed at improving operational efficiency. These include the use of better insulated furnaces. thermal, to reduce heat loss, and the rationalisation of cycles production, so as to avoid the ovens remaining on unnecessarily. However No company has achieved satisfactory results, and the sector appears to be still hindered today by the costs related to energy consumption. Even the patent US2024009977, published on January 11, 2024, does not solve the above mentioned problems as it claims a laminated film usable in any application, with the aim of reducing material consumption, compensating the energy costs associated with operating the oven. The aim of our patent is to obtain electrical energy from heat dispersion which characterizes the drying phase of the glue on the film, storing it inside a battery pack to power and sustain the subsequent processes. Description of the invention According to the present invention, a regenerative furnace is made energy for molding systems that effectively solves the problems above. The DTF molding furnace described in this application patented, aims to save on electricity consumption, derived mainly from radiant elements, converting part of the heat emitted, in electrical energy, using Peltier cells which, through the effect Seeback are capable of generating a flow of electrons when subjected to a temperature difference. The energy regeneration oven for moulding systems therefore stands out for its ability to recover and store generated electrical energy during the drying and cross-linking process of the glue, achieved by common radiant elements operating at temperatures between 80°C and 120°C. This energy regeneration occurs through the installation of a panel equipped with one or more Peltier cells. This panel can be installed on ovens DTF molding already existing, in correspondence with a compartment containing the radiant elements. The energy produced through the Seebeck effect, by Peltier cells, is then stored in a special battery pack, allowing the reuse of this energy to power the oven itself, with the aim of optimize energy consumption. The energy regeneration oven for moulding systems is found to be further equipped with a photocell connected to a microcontroller, which detects the presence of the film to be processed. The microcontroller, in turn, is used to activate the radiating elements and the system of energy regeneration, simultaneously starting a distribution system and glue refill, a fume extraction system, the movement of the carpet on which the film runs, as well as the cooling fans of the processed film. A further feature of the oven which is the subject of the invention is the presence of a perforated hopper, inside which there is a brush which is designed to distribute the glue on the film using rotary movements, allowing the glue to slide through the holes. By way of example but not limitation, the movement of the brush contained inside the said perforated hopper is controlled by the microcontroller, which determines an automatic operating mode, according to which it is a certain amount of glue is dispensed per minute, based on the type of film treated; alternatively the movement of the brush contained within said perforated hopper is controlled manually, by an operator who is able to select the quantity of glue that must flow onto the film per minute, using a generic digital display located on this oven. Downstream of the hopper there is a protrusion made of rubber material, connected to a rotating axis, which comes into contact with the film, creating a vibration that removes excess glue. This process is particularly effective in the case of where the film ink is water-based, preventing the formation of lumps of powdered glue. By way of example but not limitation, a collection tank is suitable for being installed below the said protrusion, in order to allow the collection and the glue recirculation, directing the previously removed quantities to said perforated hopper for future processing. This oven is also equipped with a motorized belt with extractor, which allows the film to adhere to the carpet itself, ensuring correct exposure of the glue to the radiant elements for its crystallization. In parallel, a extractor fan with activated carbon filters is operated to remove the vapors produced from the thermal reaction during the drying of the ink and glue present about the film. In one embodiment, said carpet provides an operating mode automatic, able to move the film at a preset speed and corresponding to a speed between 20 and 60 linear metres per hour; alternatively, the said carpet provides a manual operating mode, via the which the operator is able to set the speed of movement of the belt and therefore of the film by means of specific parameters present on the digital display. To speed up the drying process, a series of fans are activated automatically, conveying cold air onto the film and thus lowering its temperature after exposure to radiant elements. The oven also has an electric roller, controlled by the microcontroller, which regulates the rotation of the axis on which the cylinder is positioned film collection, in synchrony with the advancement of the motorized conveyor belt. The essential element of the oven, however, is the aforementioned panel, containing the plurality of Peltier cells, installed in the compartment of the radiating elements where the temperatures exceed 80°C. This panel is designed to be also compatible with existing DTF ovens, thanks to its division into spaces modular 40mm x 40mm, each capable of housing a Peltier cell of the same size thickness varying between 2 and 5 millimetres. The number of installable cells varies according to depending on the volume available in the oven compartment, consequently influencing even the electrical power obtained from the oven itself. Above the said panel there is a heat dissipation system heat, composed of aluminum alloy radiators that facilitate the recirculation of a coolant inside the panel, ensuring a thermal differential of at least 60°C between the internal and external surfaces, essential for generating an electric flow through the Seebeck effect. The coolant recirculation system comprises a pump and a series of copper pipes, filled with refrigerant gas, which contribute to the dispersion of the accumulated heat. Finally, the oven is equipped with a pure sine wave inverter, connected to the panel with Peltier cells, capable of converting alternating current into direct current continues, allowing it to be stored in battery packs for a subsequent use in future processes, thus improving efficiency energy efficiency of the DTF molding system. By way of example but not limitation, said inverter, in addition to being connected with the panel containing the Peltier cells, it is suitable to be connected with a plurality of photovoltaic panels capable of increasing the quantity of electrical energy stored inside the aforementioned battery pack. The advantages offered by the present invention are evident in light of the description given so far and will be even clearer thanks to the attached figures and to the detailed description. Description of the figures The invention will be described below in at least one embodiment. preferred for explanatory and non-limiting purposes with the aid of the attached figures, in which: • FIGURE 1 shows a simplified diagram of the oven's operation for molding with DTF technology, which includes the integration of a plurality of elements that allow energy regeneration resulting from the exploitation of the heat emitted by the radiant elements 11. • FIGURE 2 shows an external perspective view of a common oven suitable for carrying out moulding with DTF technology; on said oven it was inserted panel 30 containing Peltier cells 10 in correspondence with the compartment where the aforementioned radiant elements are installed 11. Detailed description of the invention The present invention will now be illustrated by way of example only but non-limiting or binding, using figures which illustrate some embodiments relating to the present inventive concept. With reference to FIG.1, the scheme is illustrated which is suitable to show the operation of the DTF technology molding furnace which is the subject of the invention. More specifically, it is shown how film 22, once entered into the oven, is act to be monitored by means of photocells 13 which have the purpose of activating the subsequent processing components, such as the perforated hopper 12, which is able to deposit glue on such film 22. The excess glue, removed by means of a protrusion 15, is suitable to settle inside a collection tank, to be subsequently redirected towards the aforementioned hopper 12. A 17-speed belt advance system allows you to adjust the film speed 22 and therefore its exposure to the radiant elements 11, which are capable of emitting a heat that allows temperatures above 120°C to be reached. These temperatures are exploited by a plurality of Peltier cells 10 for the generation of a flow of electrons, exploiting the Seebeck effect, when it is there is a temperature differential of at least 60°C. This thermal differential is obtained thanks to the presence of a 30 panel, on the which are installed said cells 10 on the internal surface, and a system of 20 heat dissipation on the external surface. Inside the system dissipation 20 in fact, a cooling liquid flows, which is suitable to be moved by a recirculation system 18, maintaining constant the temperature differential between the internal and external surfaces. The coolant is in fact able to reach a tank 24 containing liquid cooling 25, thanks to the operation of a pump 23. The liquid refrigerant is capable of releasing heat before returning inside the panel 30, advantageously stabilizing the thermal differential necessary to obtain the Seebeck effect. The electrical energy produced by the Peltier 10 cells, in the form of current alternating current is converted into direct current using an inverter pure sine wave, promoting the storage of this energy inside of a battery pack 21 to limit consumption on subsequent processes molding. With reference to FIG.2, an external view of a generic DTF oven is illustrated, on which the said panel 30 containing Peltier cells 10 is suitable to be installed. Said panel 30, installed in correspondence with the compartment containing the elements radiant 11, allows you to obtain electrical energy by exploiting the aforementioned thermal differential, thus storing the electrical energy following its conversion carried out by means of an inverter 19. The energy contained in the battery pack 21 will then be used to feed the subsequent processes, resulting in a clear saving energetic. Finally, it is clear that the invention described up to now can be made subject to modifications, additions or variations that are obvious to a technician in the field, without this go beyond the scope of protection provided by the attached claims.

Claims

1. Energy regeneration furnace for molding systems characterized by the act of extracting and storing electrical energy from the process drying and cross-linking of the glue performed by common elements radiant (11), which work at a temperature between 80 and 120°C; this energy regeneration is obtained by installing of a panel (30) containing one or more Peltier cells (10); said panel (30) being suitable for installation on any existing DTF moulding oven existing, in correspondence with a compartment containing said radiant elements (11); the energy obtained through the Seebeck effect by means of the aforementioned Peltier cells (10) being subsequently stored inside a special package batteries (21), in order to subsequently supply this energy to the same oven, thus optimizing energy consumption; called regenerative oven energy for molding systems including: − at least one photocell (13), connected to a microcontroller, capable of determine the presence of the film (22) which will be subsequently worked inside this oven with water DTF technique; such microcontroller being able to activate the radiating elements (11), at the same time as the energy regeneration system composed of the the aforementioned panel (30); this microcontroller being further adapted to start a glue distribution and refill system, a system of fume extraction, a system for advancing (17) the carpet on which the film runs (22), and finally the film cooling fans (22) obtained; − at least one perforated hopper (12), comprising inside it a brush designed to distribute the glue on the film (22) by means of movements rotary mechanics, making it slide through said holes; − at least one protrusion (15), installed downstream of the aforementioned hopper (12); said protrusion (15) being made of rubber material and being connected to an axis which, by rotating, generates contact with the film (22); this mechanical contact creating a vibration with the film (22) which allows the removal of excess glue; if the ink printed on the film (22) if it were water based, shaking would allow the powdered glue to avoid creating lumps; - at least one motorized carpet, integrated with a vacuum cleaner, capable of adhere the film (22) to the said carpet to follow its progress; this guided advancement being able to allow maximum exposure of the glue included on the film (22), to the radiating elements (11) which allow crystallization; - at least one extractor fan equipped with activated carbon filters, capable of being operated simultaneously with said radiant elements (11), in order to remove all the vapors generated by the thermal reaction inherent in drying of the ink and glue on the film (22); − a plurality of fans, capable of blowing cold air onto the film (22), speeding up the drying process and above all reducing the temperature following exposure to said radiant elements (11); such fans being capable of being activated in a completely automatic manner, simultaneously to the operation of the radiant elements (11); − at least one electric reel (16), controlled by the microcontroller, acting to establish the rotation of the axis on which a collection cylinder is placed of the film (22), based on the progress generated by the movement of said rug; − at least one panel (30), comprising at least one Peltier cell (10), to be installed in the compartment where said elements are installed radiant (11), i.e. where temperatures exceed 80°C; said panel (30) being suitable for installation inside existing DTF ovens, adapting to the size of the relevant space; said adaptation being allowed by the division of the panel (30) into a plurality of spaces of size 40mm x 40mm each suitable to contain a Peltier cell (10) which has a thickness that varies from 2 to 5 millimetres; each panel can therefore be equipped with a variable number of cells (10), depending on the volume available inside the DTF oven compartment; − at least one heat dissipation system (20), placed above to the said panel (30), then on the side opposite to the surface of the panel (30) exposed to the radiant elements (11); said system dissipation (20) being composed of a plurality of radiators in alloy aluminum to allow the recirculation of a coolant inside of the panel (30), ensuring a thermal differential of at least 60° between the internal and external surface; this thermal differential resulting essential to generate an electric flow according to the Seebeck effect; − at least one recirculation system (18) of the coolant, capable of reaching a tank (24), containing coolant (25), after having absorbed heat from the radiant elements (11); called recirculation system (18) comprising a pump (23) and a plurality of cross-section ducts different copper ones, which by means of a refrigerant gas allow a effective heat dispersion by this coolant; − at least one pure sine wave inverter (19), connected to said panel (30) containing the plurality of Peltier cells (10), suitable for converting the current alternating current into direct current, allowing it to be stored in special battery packs (21) for subsequent use in future processing.

2. Energy regeneration furnace for molding systems, according to the previous claim 1, characterized in that the movement of the brush contained inside said perforated hopper (12) is controlled from the microcontroller, which determines its operating mode automatic, according to which a certain amount of glue is dispensed to the minute, depending on the type of film (22) being treated.

3. Energy regeneration furnace for molding systems, according to the previous claim 1, characterized in that the movement of the brush contained inside said perforated hopper (12) is controlled manually, through an operator who is able to select the quantity of glue which must flow into the film per minute, using a generic digital display placed on this oven.

4. Energy regeneration furnace for molding systems, according to a any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a collection tank (14) is designed to be installed below said protrusion (15), in order to allow the collection and recirculation of the glue, directing the quantities previously removed from said hopper (12) perforated for future processing.

5. Energy regeneration furnace for molding systems, according to a any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said The carpet features an automatic operating mode, designed to move the film (22) at a pre-set movement speed corresponding to a speed between 20 and 60 linear meters per hour.

6. Energy regeneration furnace for molding systems, according to a any of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterised by the fact that the said carpet provides a manual operating mode, through which the operator is able to set the speed of movement of the belt and therefore of the film (22) by means of specific parameters present on the digital display.

7. Energy regeneration furnace for molding systems, according to a any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said inverter (19), in addition to being connected to the panel (30) containing the cells Peltier (10), is suitable to be connected to a plurality of photovoltaic panels acts to increase the amount of electrical energy stored inside the aforementioned battery pack (21).