Dual circuit vulcanization apparatus and method of using same

Abstract

The application relates to a double-loop vulcanization device and a use method thereof. The double-loop vulcanization device comprises a conveyor, a heater, a vulcanization mold, a filter and a gas storage tank, the conveyor, the heater, the vulcanization mold and the filter are sequentially connected through a first pipeline to form an inner circulation system, and the conveyor, the heater, the gas storage tank and the filter are sequentially connected through a second pipeline to form an outer circulation system. The outer circulation system is additionally arranged in the application, the outer circulation system is started at the initial stage of starting of the vulcanization device, and the inert gas which is not completely heated in the preheating stage of the heater is stored in the gas storage tank. After the heater reaches the set temperature, the outer circulation system is closed, and the inner circulation system is started, so that the temperature of the inert gas entering the vulcanization mold meets the requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to chemical equipment, specifically to a vulcanization apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Existing vulcanization equipment often feeds inert gas directly into the vulcanization mold after passing it through a heater, which has the following problems:

[0003] 1. In the initial stage of vulcanization, the temperature of the inert gas fed into the vulcanization mold is low, resulting in poor vulcanization effect and poor vulcanization consistency.

[0004] 2. The temperature of the inert gas inside the vulcanizing mold is adjusted solely by controlling the working status of the heater, resulting in poor timeliness and flexibility in temperature adjustment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dual-loop vulcanization apparatus to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] Another objective of this invention is to provide a method for using a dual-loop vulcanization device.

[0007] The technical problem solved by this invention can be achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0008] A dual-loop vulcanization device includes a conveyor, a heater, a vulcanization mold, and a filter. The conveyor, the heater, the vulcanization mold, and the filter are connected sequentially through a first pipeline to form an internal circulation system. The device is characterized by further including a gas storage tank. The conveyor, the heater, the gas storage tank, and the filter are connected sequentially through a second pipeline to form an external circulation system.

[0009] This invention incorporates an external circulation system. During the initial startup of the vulcanizing apparatus, the external circulation system can be activated to store any inert gas that was not fully heated during the heater preheating stage into a storage tank. Once the heater reaches the set temperature, the external circulation system is shut off, and the internal circulation system is activated, ensuring that the temperature of the inert gas entering the vulcanizing mold meets the requirements.

[0010] The dual-loop vulcanization device further includes an internal circulation inlet control valve and an internal circulation outlet control valve, which are connected to the first pipeline. This controls the flow of inert gas within the external circulation system.

[0011] The dual-loop vulcanization device also includes an external circulation inlet control valve and an external circulation outlet control valve, which are connected to the second pipeline. This controls the inlet and outlet of the gas storage tank.

[0012] The method of using the dual-loop vulcanization device is characterized by: first, closing the internal circulation inlet control valve and the internal circulation outlet control valve, and opening the external circulation inlet control valve and the external circulation outlet control valve. The inert gas is transported by the conveyor and enters the external circulation system through the filter, circulating in the external circulation system until the inert gas is heated to the predetermined temperature by the heater. Then, the external circulation inlet control valve and the external circulation outlet control valve are closed, so that the inert gas is temporarily stored in the gas storage tank.

[0013] Then, open the internal circulation intake control valve and the internal circulation exhaust control valve to allow the inert gas to enter the internal circulation system through the filter under the push of the conveyor, and circulate in the internal circulation system. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external circulation system;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an internal circulation system;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the heater;

[0018] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a tubular structure;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another tubular structure. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described below with reference to specific illustrations.

[0021] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The dual-loop vulcanization device mainly includes a conveyor 2, a heater 1, a vulcanization mold 11, a filter 13, and a gas storage tank 7.

[0022] Regarding the internal circulation system

[0023] The conveyor 2, heater 1, vulcanizing mold 11, and filter 13 are connected sequentially through a first pipeline to form an internal circulation system. The dual-loop vulcanizing device also includes an internal circulation inlet control valve 9 and an internal circulation outlet control valve 10, which are connected to the first pipeline. This controls the flow of inert gas within the external circulation system. Preferably, the internal circulation inlet control valve 9 and the internal circulation outlet control valve 10 are connected to the inlet and outlet ends of the vulcanizing mold 11, respectively.

[0024] The process of the internal circulation system:

[0025] Filter 13----Conveyor 2------Heater 1------Internal circulation air intake control valve 9----Vulcanizing mold 11----Internal circulation air outlet control valve 10---Filter 13.

[0026] Regarding the external circulation system

[0027] The conveyor 2, heater 1, gas storage tank 7, and filter 13 are connected sequentially via a second pipeline to form an external circulation system. The dual-loop vulcanization device also includes an external circulation inlet control valve 8 and an external circulation outlet control valve 6, which are connected to the second pipeline. This controls the inlet and outlet of the gas storage tank 7. Preferably, the external circulation inlet control valve 8 and the external circulation outlet control valve 6 are connected to the inlet and outlet ends of the gas storage tank 7, respectively.

[0028] The process of the external circulation system:

[0029] Filter 13----Conveyor 2----Heater 1----External circulation air intake control valve 8----Air tank 7----External circulation air outlet control valve 6---Filter 13.

[0030] Regarding pressure balance

[0031] The filter 13 has a high-pressure, high-temperature gas inlet 3, a low-pressure, ambient-temperature gas inlet 4, and a pressure relief port 5. The pressure within the internal circulation system, especially within the vulcanizing mold 11, can be controlled by selectively opening or closing the ports on the filter 13. Near the end of vulcanization, the low-pressure, ambient-temperature gas inlet can be opened to introduce low-temperature inert gas. This low-temperature inert gas cools the vulcanizing mold 11, causing the rubber product inside to shrink and thus achieve demolding.

[0032] Preferably, the inner wall of the output end of the conveyor 2 is provided with an internal thread, and the outer wall of the filter 13 housing is provided with an external thread that matches the internal thread. The filter 13 is threaded onto the conveyor 2. The output end of the conveyor 2 is usually made of a rigid material, which can provide strong support for the filter 13. Furthermore, after the filter 13 is fixed to the conveyor 2, it can be detached from the entire system when the conveyor 2 is removed. Additionally, the threaded structure facilitates the fixing of the filter 13 and allows multiple filters 13 to be threaded together, thereby adjusting the filtration effect or the outlet pressure.

[0033] The method of using the dual-loop vulcanization device is as follows: First, close the internal circulation inlet control valve and the internal circulation outlet control valve, and open the external circulation inlet control valve and the external circulation outlet control valve. The inert gas is conveyed by the conveyor and enters the external circulation system through the filter 13, circulating in the external circulation system until the inert gas is heated to the predetermined temperature by the heater. Then, close the external circulation inlet control valve and the external circulation outlet control valve to temporarily store the inert gas in the storage tank. Then, open the internal circulation inlet control valve and the internal circulation outlet control valve to allow the inert gas to enter the internal circulation system through the filter 13 under the push of the conveyor, circulating in the internal circulation system.

[0034] The temperature of the inert gas inside the vulcanizing mold of the present invention can be adjusted not only by controlling the working state of the heater, but also by controlling the high-pressure high-temperature gas inlet 3 and the low-pressure normal-temperature gas inlet 4 on the filter 13, and by controlling the opening and closing of the external circulation inlet control valve and the external circulation outlet control valve. Alternatively, these three methods can be combined for adjustment. Therefore, the temperature adjustment of the inert gas inside the vulcanizing mold of the present invention is more timely and flexible.

[0035] The gas pressure inside the vulcanizing mold of the present invention can be adjusted not only by controlling the working state of the heater, but also by controlling the high-pressure high-temperature gas inlet 3, the low-pressure normal-temperature gas inlet 4, and the pressure relief port 5 on the filter 13. It can also be adjusted by controlling the opening and closing of the external circulation inlet control valve and the external circulation outlet control valve, or by combining the above three methods. Therefore, the pressure adjustment of the inert gas inside the vulcanizing mold of the present invention is more timely and flexible.

[0036] Temperature sensors 12 can be installed on both the internal and external circulation systems to monitor the system temperature in real time. Pressure sensors can also be installed to monitor the system pressure in real time, preventing inert gas from affecting the quality of rubber products such as tires, airbags, and capsules due to unstable pressure.

[0037] The conveyor is connected to the motor, which is connected to the frequency converter. In the latter half of the system operation, when a vulcanization process with less heat is required, frequency conversion or shutdown can be used to further save energy.

[0038] Working Principle: To introduce high-temperature inert gas into the capsule, the entire vulcanization process involves shaping, pressure holding, main exhaust, and vacuuming. The temperature and pressure of the system are adjusted by switching between the internal and external circulation systems. The external circulation system preheats the inert gas for the next vulcanization cycle using electromagnetic heating. A temperature sensor in the external circulation system detects the preheating temperature of the inert gas. To reduce the power required for inert gas circulation, the largest possible diameter pipe is selected when introducing piping into existing equipment, thus reducing pressure loss. Especially in the latter half of the vulcanization process where less heat is needed, the conveyor can be shut down. Preferably, the inlet of filter 13 is connected to one port of the first three-way valve, and the remaining two ports of the first three-way valve are respectively connected to the external circulation outlet control valve and the internal circulation outlet control valve. The outlet of the heating device is connected to one port of the second three-way valve, and the remaining two ports of the second three-way valve are respectively connected to the external circulation inlet control valve and the internal circulation inlet control valve. This allows for partial pipe sharing, simplifying the structure and reducing pipe length, thereby reducing the amount of inert gas used.

[0039] There can be one vulcanizing mold 11 or multiple molds. When there are multiple molds, they can be connected in parallel using the connection method described above.

[0040] The heater 1 includes a tubular body 14 made of thermally conductive material. Multiple tubular bodies can exist, preferably arranged side-by-side. The inlets of each tubular body are connected via a first connecting pipe 15, and the outlets are connected via a second connecting pipe 16, thus giving the heater an overall plate-like shape. The vulcanizing mold 11 sits on the heater, providing support and insulation for the mold. The heater also includes a square-shaped outer shell, into which each tubular body is inserted into a hollow cavity filled with liquid metal. The fluidity of the liquid metal ensures a more uniform temperature distribution, preventing uneven temperatures where the tubular bodies contact the outer shell. Preferably, a heat-conducting plate 17 made of thermally conductive material is inserted within the tubular body 14. A heating wire is fixed to the heat-conducting plate 17. The heat-conducting plate is preferably fan-shaped, with adjacent plates staggered, creating a spiral channel within the tubular body, thereby increasing the interaction time between the heating wire, the heat-conducting plate, and the inert gas. A perforated plate 18 can be embedded inside the heat-conducting plate, with a portion of the perforated plate 18 protruding outside the heat-conducting plate. The outer contour of the perforated plate matches the inner contour of the tubular body and is connected to the inner wall of the tubular body. This utilizes the perforated plate to increase the supporting strength and prevent the heat-conducting plate from shifting or deforming under the impact of high-pressure gas.

[0041] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A dual-loop vulcanization device, comprising a conveyor, a heater, a vulcanization mold, and a filter, wherein the conveyor, the heater, the vulcanization mold, and the filter are sequentially connected via a first pipeline to form an internal circulation system, characterized in that, It also includes a gas storage tank, and the conveyor, the heater, the gas storage tank, and the filter are connected in sequence through a second pipeline to form an external circulation system; At the initial stage of vulcanization, the external circulation system is first turned on to store the inert gas that was not fully heated during the preheating stage of the heater into the gas storage tank. After the heater reaches the set temperature, the external circulation system is turned off and the internal circulation system is turned on to ensure that the temperature of the inert gas entering the vulcanization mold meets the requirements. Near the end of vulcanization, the low-pressure ambient temperature gas inlet is opened to introduce low-temperature inert gas. The low-temperature inert gas is used to cool the vulcanization mold, causing the rubber product inside the vulcanization mold to shrink due to the cold, thereby achieving demolding. The heater comprises multiple tubular bodies made of heat-conducting material, arranged side by side. The air inlets of each tubular body are connected through a first connecting pipe, and the air outlets of each tubular body are connected through a second connecting pipe, so that the heater as a whole is plate-shaped. The vulcanizing mold sits on the heater, and the heater provides support for the vulcanizing mold while keeping it warm. The heater also includes a square-shaped outer shell, with each tubular body inserted into a hollow cavity inside the outer shell, the hollow cavity being filled with liquid metal; A heat-conducting plate made of thermally conductive material is inserted into the tubular body. An electric heating wire is fixed on the heat-conducting plate. The heat-conducting plate is fan-shaped, and two adjacent heat-conducting plates are arranged alternately, so that the channel inside the tubular body is spiral. A perforated plate is embedded in the heat-conducting plate, and part of the perforated plate is exposed outside the heat-conducting plate. The outer contour of the perforated plate matches the inner contour of the tubular body and is connected to the inner wall of the tubular body.

2. The dual-loop vulcanization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an internal circulation air intake control valve and an internal circulation air outlet control valve, which are connected to the first pipeline.

3. The dual-loop vulcanization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an external circulation intake control valve and an external circulation exhaust control valve, which are connected to the second pipeline.

4. The dual-loop vulcanization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are at least two vulcanizing molds, and the vulcanizing molds are connected in parallel.

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