Steam leakage inhibiting sleeve marker shrinker and method of operation

Abstract

The application discloses a shrinkage furnace of a sleeve labeling machine capable of inhibiting steam leakage and a working method thereof. In order to realize automatic and continuous production, the shrinkage furnace comprises a main conveying device and first and second branch conveying devices arranged on the two sides of the main conveying device. The transmission speeds of the two branch conveying devices are slower than that of the main conveying device, and transmission mechanisms are arranged at the head and tail ends of the two branch conveying devices, so that the smooth transmission and rectification of container products from the main conveying device to the two branch conveying devices and back to the main conveying device are realized. The improvement keys of the shrinkage furnace are as follows: firstly, the middle section of the furnace body is flared to form a hearth structure, and a plurality of steam nozzles are arranged in the hearth structure, so that the heat efficiency is improved by the rotational flow hot stream formed by the steam nozzles; and secondly, a distribution disc driven by a rotating shaft is arranged, and the containers on the main conveying device are dynamically distributed and introduced into the two branch conveying lines, and guide guardrails and other mechanisms are further arranged, so that the stability of the transmission and distribution process is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of intelligent manufacturing equipment technology, particularly to the field of automated shrink-wrapping devices and control methods for milk, beverages, and pharmaceuticals based on automatic control technology. Background Technology

[0002] Shrink wrapping ovens for labeling machines are widely used in industrial production in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, existing shrink wrapping ovens suffer from significant waste in steam utilization.

[0003] Figure 1 The diagram shows a typical shrink furnace structure in the prior art, which includes a straight furnace body 01, a frame 02 supporting the furnace body 01, a main conveying device 03 running through the furnace body 01, an exhaust fan 04 for extracting excess steam, and a steam generator or other steam source and its conveying pipe assembly (not shown). Steam is mainly injected from below and the side walls of the furnace body 01 to form a high-temperature section filled with steam. A preheating zone, typically electrically heated, is also provided at the inlet end of the furnace body 01. An inspection window 05 is also provided in the middle section of the furnace body 01.

[0004] The operating speed of the main conveyor 03 is generally controlled at 3-4 seconds per meter. To ensure the stable quality of each label, it is required to guarantee the residence time of each bottle in the high-temperature zone; therefore, the length of the high-temperature zone needs to be more than 1 meter. However, the two ends of the furnace body cannot achieve a good seal, and some steam and heat inevitably leak from the two ends, which is one of the main reasons for the low steam utilization efficiency of the shrink furnace. Statistical data shows that the measured gas consumption of a 225ml capacity shrink furnace is approximately 124.8 m³ / h, which translates to approximately 143 kg of gas per hour.

[0005] In summary, the current structure of the shrink furnace in the labeling machine is not conducive to the full utilization of steam, resulting in low energy efficiency during the shrinking process.

[0006] In existing technology, there is also a steam shrink oven for automatic labeling machines (authorization announcement number CN216468930 U). This utility model patent addresses the problem that when labeled bottles directly enter the steam chamber, the large temperature difference between the inside and outside causes the shrink film to shrink violently in certain areas immediately upon entering the steam chamber, resulting in uneven shrinkage, obvious wrinkles, and seriously affecting packaging quality. The proposed technical solution includes a working plate with four support legs mounted on top. Two support legs are connected to the same support plate, which houses the steam oven body. The steam oven body contains a heating plate and a liquid level sensor. A water supply mechanism is also installed on the support plate and connected to the steam oven body. A conveying mechanism is located on the top of the working plate. This solution preheats the product before high-temperature heating to avoid uneven shrinkage of the shrink film.

[0007] However, the above schemes do not consider improving the structure of the steam boiler body to increase steam utilization efficiency, and there is still a significant problem of energy waste. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a shrink furnace for a labeling machine that can suppress steam leakage. By setting up a flared furnace chamber, a dual-flow conveyor, and a precise end-to-end transfer mechanism, it achieves highly efficient and continuous labeling production with excellent shrinkage effect, high degree of automation, suppression of steam leakage, and energy saving and environmental protection.

[0009] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a shrink oven for a labeling machine that can suppress steam leakage, comprising: The furnace body, wherein the middle section of the furnace body expands outward to both sides to form the furnace chamber; The main conveyor is used to continuously convey containers containing products into the furnace body; The first and second diversion conveying devices are located on opposite sides of the main conveying device, respectively, and divert the containers on the main conveying device into two conveying paths. The conveying speed of the first and second diversion conveying devices is slower than that of the main conveying device. A transfer mechanism, located at the beginning and end of the first and second diversion conveying devices, is used to transfer containers from the main conveying device to the two diversion conveying devices and back to the main conveying device; Multiple steam nozzles are arranged on the parallel and inclined surfaces of the furnace. The flared furnace structure improves thermal efficiency and reduces steam consumption.

[0010] Preferably, the system also includes a guide rail, positioned within the working range of the transfer mechanism, to provide support when the mechanical actuator moves the container. The guide rail improves transfer stability.

[0011] Preferably, the transmission mechanism includes: a power unit located outside the furnace body; a rotating shaft linked to the power unit; and a distributing plate fixed on the rotating shaft, the distributing plate having two symmetrically spaced notches. Using an external power drive saves internal space.

[0012] Preferably, the furnace also includes at least one heating device disposed within the furnace for preheating the passing container products. The heating device ensures that the container products are adequately heated.

[0013] The present invention also provides a method for operating a shrink oven of a labeling machine, characterized by comprising the following steps: S1: The containers containing the products are continuously conveyed by the main conveyor device, so that the containers enter the furnace to prepare for heating; S2: Start the first-end transfer mechanism to guide the containers on the main conveyor into the first and second diversion conveyors respectively; S3: The first and second diversion conveying devices transfer containers at a slower speed than the main conveying device, thereby extending the residence time of the containers in the furnace and achieving sufficient heat treatment; S4: Activate the tail-end transfer mechanism to rectify and converge the processed containers on the two branch lines to the main conveyor; S5: Multiple steam nozzles eject steam to form a swirling hot flow, improving thermal efficiency within the furnace. Two-way flow transmission ensures thorough heat treatment.

[0014] Preferably, the conveying speed of the diversion conveying device is 50-90% of the speed of the main conveying device. A reasonable diversion speed ratio is set to balance the processing capacity.

[0015] Preferably, this also includes: using guide rails to provide additional lateral support for the containers, ensuring the smoothness of the transfer and distribution process. Using guide rails improves the smoothness of the transfer.

[0016] Preferably, the dispensing disc in the transfer mechanism rotates intermittently via a rotating shaft, dynamically distributing containers from the main conveying device into the diversion conveying device. This dynamic distribution via the dispensing disc achieves automatic diversion.

[0017] Preferably, the plurality of steam nozzles are arranged diagonally symmetrically on the parallel and inclined surfaces of the furnace. This diagonal symmetrical arrangement of the nozzles improves thermal efficiency.

[0018] Preferably, the distribution plate in the transfer mechanism includes two symmetrically arranged notches, which, driven by a rotating shaft, intermittently distribute containers from the main conveying device to the corresponding diversion conveying devices. The double-notch design of the distribution plate enables automatic distribution.

[0019] Preferably, the operation of the diversion and conveying device is controlled by a PLC program to achieve precise control of the transmission speed and movement. Precise PLC control improves operational stability.

[0020] In summary, the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art: 1) The flared and contracted furnace structure significantly improves thermal efficiency, reduces steam consumption, and lowers production costs by accumulating and recycling heat.

[0021] 2) The adoption of a dual-channel diversion conveyor system and a precise end-to-end transfer mechanism enables continuous automated production, ensuring thorough heat treatment of the products. Compared to a single main conveyor channel, the dual-channel system significantly improves overall processing capacity and output.

[0022] 3) The precision supporting mechanisms such as the distribution plate and guide rails are set up to ensure the smoothness of the transmission and diversion process, and the entire automated production line operates continuously, efficiently and stably.

[0023] 4) Through parameter matching and selection and PLC precise control, the automation level and operational stability of the equipment have been further improved.

[0024] 5) Overall, the scheme has a reasonable structural design and reliable operation. It effectively achieves efficient and automated labeling production with excellent shrinkage effect, suppression of steam leakage, and energy saving and environmental protection. It has a high cost performance and a good prospect for practical application and promotion. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the shrink furnace in a labeling machine in the prior art; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the transmission mechanism; Figure 2-1 yes Figure 2 The enlarged view at point A shows the location of the parts in the transmission mechanism; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the shrink furnace of the labeling machine of the present invention, which hides part of the outer shell; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the shrink furnace of the labeling machine of the present invention, with the outer shell hidden; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of steam. Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the working method of the shrink furnace of the labeling machine of the present invention.

[0026] Marked in the image: Furnace body 01, frame 02, main conveying device 03, exhaust fan 04, inspection window 05, flared and constricted furnace body 10, first diversion conveying device 11, second diversion conveying device 12, parallel surface 13, inclined surface 14, steam nozzle 15, transmission mechanism 20, guide rail 21, power unit 22, rotating shaft 23, distribution plate 24. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Example 1

[0028] See attached document Figure 1-7 , A shrink oven for labeling machines that can suppress steam leakage, with improvements based on the existing structure including: 1. Expanded Shrink Furnace Body 10: In a typical shrink furnace body, the middle section (high-temperature section) expands outwards to both sides to form a furnace structure, thereby increasing the volume space of the high-temperature steam zone. The structural shape of the furnace can also be designed as a spherical pot shape, bell shape, or other similar shapes with a large space in the center and narrowing at both ends.

[0029] 2. The first diversion conveying device 11 and the second diversion conveying device 12 are arranged at the same interval on opposite sides of the main conveying device 03, respectively, to divide the containers on the main conveying device into two conveying paths. Specifically, a conveyor belt or a pusher mechanism can be used to achieve the diversion.

[0030] 3. The conveying speed of the diversion conveyor is slower than that of the main conveyor (03). The ratio of conveying speed can be customized according to the product density and heat treatment requirements. For example, it can be set to 50-90% of the speed of the main conveyor.

[0031] 4. Transfer Mechanism 20: Transfer mechanisms are set at the beginning and end of the two diversion conveying devices. The first-end transfer mechanism uses the repeated gripping and placing action of the robotic arm to sequentially distribute the containers to be processed from the main conveying device into the two diversion conveying devices, realizing two-way diversion; the second-end transfer mechanism uses the repeated gripping action of the robotic arm to merge the processed containers on the two diversion lines into the output end of the main conveying device.

[0032] The specific working principle of the head-to-tail transfer mechanism is as follows: The robotic arm of the head-to-tail transfer mechanism first grabs a container from the main conveyor and places it into the first diversion conveyor, and then grabs the next container from the main conveyor and places it into the second diversion conveyor; this distribution action is repeated in a cyclical manner. The two robotic arms of the tail-to-tail transfer mechanism grab the processed containers from the corresponding two diversion conveyors and simultaneously place them into the output end of the main conveyor.

[0033] By setting up a transfer mechanism and its precisely coordinated gripping and placing actions, the smooth transport and handover of container products from the main conveyor to the diversion conveyor and back to the main conveyor is achieved, ensuring the continuous and stable operation of the automated production line. This improved technical solution has the following advantages: 1. The diversion conveying structure reduces the equipment's footprint. While ensuring production output, the design of the high-temperature shrinkage zone with two separate flow paths successfully shortens the overall length of the shrinkage furnace, reducing the equipment's footprint and saving on factory floor space costs.

[0034] 2. The flared and contracted furnace structure improves thermal efficiency and reduces steam consumption. The furnace formed by the outward expansion of the middle section acts as an insulation layer, accumulating heat and reducing outward loss, fully utilizing the thermal energy contained in the steam, and significantly reducing gas consumption. This lowers production costs.

[0035] 3. The head-to-tail transfer mechanism ensures stable connection between the main and branch conveyors. The robotic arm's gripping and placing actions are precise and controllable, ensuring smooth transfer of products between different conveying devices and guaranteeing continuous and efficient operation of the automated production line.

[0036] 4. The multi-channel diversion structure improves the equipment's adaptability and processing capacity. Compared to the limitations of a single main conveyor channel, the addition of a second diversion channel broadens the equipment's adaptability to various product types, densities, and other parameters. Furthermore, the overall throughput capacity of the dual channels doubles, significantly increasing production output.

[0037] Based on the aforementioned improved structure, in order to further refine the design of the transmission mechanism 20 to achieve accurate transmission and reduce space occupation, the following structure is provided: 1. A guide rail 21 is provided to provide support for the container product when the transfer mechanism is working. When the mechanical part performs high-speed movements to transfer the container, the guide rail can prevent the container from shaking or tipping over.

[0038] 2. The power unit 22 of the transmission mechanism is located outside the furnace body, including a motor, reducer, etc., and is linked to the internal mechanical actuator via a shaft. This arrangement avoids the power unit occupying the limited space inside the furnace, freeing up more space inside the furnace to install the main body of the transmission mechanism.

[0039] 3. The mechanical actuation part includes a rotating shaft 23 and a distribution plate 24 fixed on the rotating shaft 23, wherein: (1) The rotating shaft 23 is linked with the power unit 22 to obtain rotational driving force.

[0040] (2) The dispensing plate 24 is disc-shaped with two symmetrically spaced notches. The size and shape of the notches are designed to match the shape of the container.

[0041] (3) The spacing between the two gaps is set at an angle. When one gap is aligned with the main conveyor 03, the other gap is aligned with one of the diversion conveyors.

[0042] (4) During operation, the main conveying device 03 pushes the container to the notch aligned with it on the sorting disc 24. The sorting disc 24 rotates, and the notch pushes the container into the corresponding diversion conveying device. At the same time, another notch rotates to a position aligned with the main conveying device, waiting for the next container to enter and be sorted and transferred.

[0043] (5) By repeating the transfer and distribution process, the container products are smoothly and continuously introduced into the two distribution lines.

[0044] In addition, to improve the stability of the dispensing action, two dispensing plates 24 are set up vertically, and the height of the two plates can be adjusted according to the height of the container.

[0045] Furthermore, the guide rail 21 is arc-shaped along the working range of the transfer mechanism to match the rotation path of the distribution plate 24. When the distribution plate distributes containers from the main conveyor to the diversion conveyor, the containers can obtain additional lateral support by relying on the guide rail, which helps to ensure smooth distribution. Moreover, the guide rail 21 has an arc-shaped sleeve structure with an inner diameter slightly larger than the container's diameter, so that the container can pass smoothly within the sleeve during rotation. The sleeve material has low friction with the container material, preventing scratches.

[0046] Based on the aforementioned structural improvements, the design of the extended portion of the furnace body is further optimized: its shape is designed to be a central plane relative to the longitudinal direction of the main conveying device 03, with a parallel plane 13 in the middle section and inclined planes 14 on both sides for transitional connection. Steam nozzles 15 are arranged diagonally symmetrically on the parallel plane 13 and the opposite inclined plane 14, such as... Figure 7 As shown in the diagram, this structure fully utilizes the natural swirling effect of the steam ejected from the steam nozzle 15, causing the steam to spiral upwards within the furnace and accumulate heat, preventing it from dissipating to either end, thereby further improving thermal efficiency and reducing steam consumption. Simultaneously, the transition design of the inclined surface 14 makes the structure more rational and compact, facilitating equipment layout and operation.

[0047] Through careful design of the furnace structure and comprehensive consideration of steam flow, the improved scheme achieves better heat accumulation and recycling, further enhancing the energy-saving and environmental protection effects of the shrink furnace, making it more cost-effective and worthy of attention and promotion.

[0048] The working method and procedures of this shrink furnace: S1. The containers (bottles and cans) containing the products are continuously conveyed at a stable and appropriate speed by the main conveyor belt 03 with adjustable speed, so that the containers enter the feed port of the furnace body 10 in sequence for heating.

[0049] S2. The first turntable transfer mechanism 20 starts working. Its sorting disc is driven to rotate by a motor. The double notch is aligned with the containers on the main conveyor belt in sequence. The robotic arm grabs the containers in sequence and puts them into the first diversion chain conveyor 11 and the second diversion belt conveyor 12, so as to realize the smooth diversion of the two products to be processed.

[0050] S3. The two sub-units are controlled by a PLC program, with their speed set 50% slower than the main conveyor belt. This extends the residence time of the containers in the furnace, ensuring thorough heat treatment. Here, the containers undergo thermoplastic deformation under the combined action of hot air from the upper and lower heating pipes and side-sprayed steam, achieving the shrinkage and molding of the labels or caps.

[0051] S4. The two sets of robotic arms of the tail-end rotary transfer mechanism 20 are activated, grabbing the processed containers from the two diversion conveyors respectively, and precisely rotating and placing them on the designated position of the main conveyor belt to realize the automatic rectification and convergence of the two containers.

[0052] S5. High-temperature steam in the injection annular pipe is ejected from steam nozzles symmetrically arranged diagonally on the furnace wall. The impact reaction forms an upward swirling hot flow, which makes the heat accumulate in the furnace and reduces the outward diffusion loss, thereby improving thermal efficiency and reducing steam consumption.

[0053] S6. The final finished container, after being stably configured, is discharged from the furnace body via the main conveyor belt, completing the entire automated circular shrink production process.

[0054] Example 2 Based on Example 1, this example further optimizes the conveying structure of the shrink furnace: The main conveyor 03 uses an 800mm wide variable-speed belt conveyor with a conveying speed range of 1-5 meters per minute. The two diversion conveyors 11 and 12 use precision gear transmission devices with limit switches, and their conveying speed is 50% of that of the main conveyor.

[0055] The first-end transfer mechanism 20 uses a robotic arm with a range of motion of 800mm and a repeatability of ±0.02mm. The robotic arm is treated with dry powder coating for corrosion protection and uses a vacuum suction cup for gripping. The second-end transfer mechanism uses a robot with a larger range of motion.

[0056] Guide railing 21 is made of imported PANLITE transparent polycarbonate sheet, 100mm high and 20mm thick. The surface of the railing is polished, with a smoothness of less than 0.2μm. The inner diameter is 20mm larger than the container diameter.

[0057] The 24-inch dial has a diameter of 250mm and a notch machining accuracy of 0.05mm. Rotation is driven by a servo motor, with a positioning repeatability of ±0.5°. The dial perfectly matches the container material without causing scratches.

[0058] In the steam injection system, the steam temperature is monitored in real time and controlled by PID, with a fluctuation range of ≤±2°C. The nozzle adopts a capillary micropore structure with a diameter of 0.5mm to ensure fine spray.

[0059] By precisely matching and selecting parameters and components, the automation level and operational stability of the shrink furnace in this embodiment can be further improved.

[0060] The basic principles of this disclosure have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this disclosure are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the scope of this disclosure to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

Claims

1. A shrink oven for a labeling machine that can suppress steam leakage, characterized in that, include: The furnace body has a middle section that expands outwards to both sides to form a furnace chamber that is large in the middle and narrow at both ends, so as to increase the volume space of the high-temperature steam area, accumulate heat, and reduce heat loss from both ends of the furnace body. The shape of the expanded part of the furnace body is designed to be a central plane relative to the length direction of the main conveying device, with a parallel plane in the middle section, and the parallel plane is connected to both sides of the length direction by a slope. The main conveying device is used to continuously convey containers containing products into the furnace body; The first and second diversion conveying devices are located on opposite sides of the main conveying device, and divert the containers on the main conveying device into two conveying paths. The conveying speed of the first and second diversion conveying devices is slower than that of the main conveying device, so as to extend the residence time of the containers in the furnace and thus fully heat treat them. The first-end transfer mechanism and the last-end transfer mechanism are respectively installed at the first and last ends of the first and second diversion conveying devices, and are used to realize the transfer of containers from the main conveying device to the two diversion conveying devices and back to the main conveying device, thereby extending the container residence time while keeping the main conveying device continuously outputting; each of the transfer mechanisms includes: a power part, which is installed outside the furnace body; a rotating shaft, which is linked to the power part; and a distribution plate, which is fixed on the rotating shaft and located inside the furnace body, and the distribution plate has two symmetrically spaced notches. The shrink furnace also includes multiple steam nozzles arranged diagonally symmetrically on the parallel and inclined surfaces of the furnace chamber, so that the ejected steam forms a spiral upward vortex in the furnace chamber, which gathers heat and is not easily lost to both ends of the furnace body. The furnace and the multiple steam nozzles work together to suppress steam leakage from the passages at both ends of the furnace body and improve steam utilization.

2. The shrink oven for labeling machines that can suppress steam leakage according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Guide rails are installed within the working range of the first and last transfer mechanisms to provide support when the first and last transfer mechanisms move containers.

3. The shrink oven for labeling machines capable of suppressing steam leakage according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: At least one heating device is disposed in the furnace body for preheating the passing container products.

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