Special-shaped heat transfer printing heater, external member, device and hot press

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of heat transfer printing, in particular to a special-shaped heat transfer printing heater, a kit, a device and a hot press. The heater comprises more than two rigid heating base bodies, and the adjacent side edges of the heating base bodies are movably connected to define a hot pressing channel with at least two hot pressing sections with different inner diameters; each heating base body is provided with a pressing face which extends between the two ends of the heating base body to limit the side wall of the hot-pressing channel, the two heating base bodies are arranged at intervals, and the free sides of the disconnected base bodies are configured to be capable of being relatively driven to adjust the size of the hot-pressing channel, so that the hot-pressing device is provided with a plurality of hot-pressing sections with different inner diameters, and therefore the hot-pressing device is matched with a step structure on the surface of a printing stock; heat transfer printing of the whole surface of the special-shaped printing stock can be completed through one-time hot pressing, the heat transfer printing step of an existing flexible heater on the special-shaped printing stock is simplified, and therefore the heat transfer printing efficiency is effectively improved, the difference of heat transfer printing quality among all parts of the surface of the special-shaped printing stock is reduced, and the consistency of the heat transfer printing quality is improved.

Description

[0001] Cross-references of prior documents This application claims priority to Chinese application No. CN2024115488488, filed on November 1, 2024, entitled "Heat Transfer Method, Components, Hot Press and System", and Chinese application No. CN2025111125314, filed on August 8, 2025, entitled "Heater, Kit, Apparatus, Hot Press, Automatic Hot Press, System and Method", the contents of which are considered part of the disclosure of this application and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of heat transfer technology, specifically to irregularly shaped heat transfer heaters, kits, devices, and hot presses. Background Technology

[0003] Heat transfer printing is a process that transfers patterns, text, and colors from a heated transfer material (such as film) to the surface of a substrate covered by the material. It is commonly used for the exterior decoration of cylindrical substrates such as mugs and metal cups. These cylindrical substrates include, but are not limited to, cylindrical, stepped cylindrical, and cylindrical structures with tiny edges. Some suitable cups can be designed with a tapered shape (e.g., wider at the top and narrower at the bottom), while others can have a stepped structure with a reduced outer diameter at the bottom. Some cups also have local flat surfaces (such as cylindrical structures with tiny edges).

[0004] The common practice currently is to use a cylindrical flexible heater to perform heat transfer on columnar substrates. This heater consists of a thin-walled metal shell, a flexible substrate, and an inner flexible heating layer bonded together. It has an opening on one side and forms a thermopressing channel inside to accommodate the substrate. During operation, the substrate covered with the transfer material is first placed into the thermopressing channel. Then, the flexible heating layer adheres to the surfaces of the substrate and the transfer material, and heating is performed for a set time. However, for irregularly shaped substrates such as stepped columns, existing heat transfer processes require heat transfer in stages according to different outer diameter sections of the substrate. Each different outer diameter section requires a different flexible heater with a corresponding inner diameter, resulting in low heat transfer efficiency and inconsistent heat transfer quality across different sections. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One objective of this patent is to overcome the problem in the prior art that when heat-transferring irregularly shaped columnar substrates, different specifications of flexible heaters are required for heating in stages, resulting in low heat transfer efficiency and inconsistent quality.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: One aspect of this application provides an irregularly shaped heat transfer heater, comprising two or more rigid heating substrates, wherein the adjacent sides of the two or more rigid heating substrates are movably connected to form a hot pressing channel having at least two hot pressing sections with different inner diameters, and each of the two or more rigid heating substrates is constructed with a pressing surface extending between its two ends to define the sidewall of the hot pressing channel, wherein the free sides of the two heating substrates are arranged separately and not connected to each other to be configured to allow the size of the hot pressing channel to be adjusted by relative driving.

[0007] The heater of this application employs a rigid heating substrate, with each heating substrate enclosing a heat-pressing channel. During operation, a flexible heat-conducting layer is placed around the substrate containing the transfer material to form a transfer assembly. This assembly is then placed within the heat-pressing channel. By adjusting the size of the heat-pressing channel on the free side of the heating substrate, the pressing surface is pressed against the outer side of the flexible heat-conducting layer, ensuring a tight fit between the flexible heat-conducting layer and the transfer material, and between the transfer material and the substrate. The heating substrate is heated for a preset time, and heat is transferred to the transfer material via the flexible heat-conducting layer, achieving heat transfer. The heater of this application uses a rigid heating substrate, which not only has good structural integrity and stability, ensuring uniform force applied to the transfer material and substrate, improving the heat transfer effect, but also has a long service life and high reliability. The heater itself does not have a flexible heat-conducting layer; it only comes into contact with the flexible heat-conducting layer during operation and can be promptly separated from it after operation. Therefore, it avoids material delamination and solves the problem of odor generation common in existing flexible heaters. In addition, since the heating substrate is located on the outermost layer during operation, the temperature sensor can be directly placed on the heating substrate, thereby improving the temperature detection accuracy and thus improving the heat transfer effect.

[0008] Furthermore, the hot pressing channel of this application is constructed with multiple hot pressing sections of different inner diameters according to the irregularly shaped substrate. Therefore, it adapts to the stepped structure of the substrate surface and can complete the heat transfer of the entire surface of the irregularly shaped substrate in one hot pressing. This simplifies the heat transfer process of the existing flexible heater for irregularly shaped substrates, thereby effectively improving the efficiency of heat transfer and reducing the difference in heat transfer quality between different parts of the irregularly shaped substrate surface, thus improving the consistency of heat transfer quality. In addition, the irregularly shaped heat transfer heater is constructed with multiple hot pressing sections of different inner diameters, so that it can perform heat transfer on substrates with different inner diameters (such as mugs with different inner diameters), thus broadening the application scenarios of the irregularly shaped heat transfer heater. Moreover, if the irregularly shaped heat transfer heater is used to perform heat transfer on several substrates with different inner diameters at the same time, the transfer efficiency can be improved.

[0009] Furthermore, the heating substrate includes at least two arc-shaped heating segments arranged along the axial direction. Two adjacent arc-shaped heating segments are configured with different radii, and the arc-shaped heating segments corresponding to each heating substrate enclose and form each hot-pressing section of the hot-pressing channel.

[0010] Furthermore, the heating substrate also includes a transition section connecting two adjacent arc-shaped heating sections. The transition section is constructed with a conical structural surface formed on the side of the heating substrate opposite to the pressing surface. The arc-shaped pressing surface includes an arc-shaped pressing surface constructed from the inner side of the arc-shaped heating section and a conical pressing surface constructed from the inner side of the transition section.

[0011] The heating kit provided in another aspect of this application includes the aforementioned irregularly shaped heat transfer heater and a flexible heat-conducting layer. The flexible heat-conducting layer is configured to wrap around the substrate loaded with the transfer material and to transfer the heat and pressure of the irregularly shaped heat transfer heater in close contact with the pressing surface.

[0012] Another aspect of this application provides a heat transfer heating device, which includes the aforementioned irregular heat transfer heater and a heat insulation shell. The heat insulation shell covers the irregular heat transfer heater and is equipped with a first coupler that is electrically connected to the heat transfer heater.

[0013] Another aspect of this application provides a hot press, which includes a frame with a heating device mounting area, a heating device, and a drive device. A shaped heat transfer heater is mounted in the heating device mounting area. The free side of one of the substrates located on the side is directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the first side of the heating device mounting area. The drive device is disposed on the second side of the heating device mounting area and is used to control the movement of another substrate located on the side, thereby realizing the opening or closing of the hot press channel. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the irregularly shaped heat transfer heater of this application; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the irregularly shaped heat transfer heater of this application from another angle; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the irregularly shaped heat transfer heater of this application in its open state; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the irregularly shaped heat transfer heater of this application; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the irregularly shaped heat transfer heater of this application from another angle; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the irregularly shaped heat transfer heater of this application loaded with a substrate; Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of the irregular heat transfer heater of this application, wherein 7-1 is a structural schematic diagram of the pressing protrusion and 7-2 is a schematic diagram of the hot pressing section; Figure 8-1 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the irregularly shaped heat transfer heater of this application when it is loaded with the substrate; Figure 8-2This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the irregularly shaped heat transfer heater of this application when it is loaded with a mug; Figure 9-1 This is an exploded perspective view of the flexible thermally conductive layer and the substrate involved in this application; Figure 9-2 This is an exploded perspective view of the flexible thermally conductive layer and the mug involved in this application; Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the irregularly shaped heat transfer heater of this application, equipped with a heat-insulating shell; Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the irregularly shaped heat transfer heater of this application, which is equipped with a heat-insulating outer shell, from another angle; Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the hot press of this application; Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the hot press machine with the heating device removed, as per this application. Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the hot press machine of this application from another angle; Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the hot press of this application from another angle, showing its driving device and... Figure 13 and Figure 14 The differences shown; Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the hot press configured with a housing in this application; Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of the hot press configured with a housing according to this application. Detailed Implementation

[0015] This application generally relates to heaters, heating kits, heating devices, hot presses, and hot press systems.

[0016] See Figures 1 to 7 The irregularly shaped heat transfer heater 2 (hereinafter referred to as the heater) of the present invention is used for heat transfer on a columnar substrate s. It includes two or more rigid heating substrates 2.0, whose adjacent sides are movably connected to form a heat pressing channel 200 having at least two heat pressing sections 2.05 with different inner diameters. The plurality of heat pressing sections 2.05 refers to the heat pressing channel 200 having at least two sections with different inner diameters along its axial direction. For example, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the heating substrate 2.0 encloses and forms a hot pressing channel 200 with openings at both ends. The inner diameter of the hot pressing section 2.05 near one of the ports is a, while the inner diameter of the hot pressing section 2.05 near the other port is b, where a≠b.

[0017] See Figure 1Each of the two or more rigid heating substrates 2.0 is constructed with a pressing surface 204 extending between its two ends to define the sidewall of the hot pressing channel 200. That is, the sidewall of the hot pressing channel 200 is enclosed by the pressing surface 204 of the heating substrates 2.0. The two heating substrates 2.0 have separate, unconnected free sides 2.02 arranged at intervals, configured to allow for relative adjustment of the size of the hot pressing channel 200. This means that by driving the movement of the substrates 2.0 through the free sides 2.02, the inner diameter of the hot pressing channel 200 can be changed, thereby opening or closing the hot pressing channel 200. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, when the hot-pressing channel 200 is closed, the heater 2 has an overall cylindrical structure, and the cross-section of the hot-pressing channel 200 is circular. Of course, the hot-pressing channel 200 can also be other cylindrical structures, such as rectangular or prismatic. The free side 2.02 of the substrate in this application includes, for example... Figure 1 The numbers 201 and 203 are shown.

[0018] See Figure 1 As shown in Figure 9, the working principle of the heater in this application is as follows: During the heat transfer process, the transfer material is wrapped around the surface of the substrate s, and the flexible heat-conducting layer 1 is wrapped around the outside of the substrate s containing the transfer material to obtain a transfer assembly s'. The transfer assembly s' is loaded into the hot pressing channel 200. The inner diameter of the hot pressing channel 200 is reduced by driving the free side 2.02 of the corresponding heating substrate 2.0 until the hot pressing channel 200 is closed (when the hot pressing channel 200 is in the closed state, its side...). (The part is not necessarily closed), so that the arc-shaped pressing surface 204 of each heating substrate 2.0 is pressed and adhered to the transfer material and the columnar substrate s through the flexible heat-conducting layer 1. The heating substrate 2.0 generates heat and transfers it to the transfer material and the substrate through the flexible heat-conducting layer 1. After maintaining the pressing state for a preset time (the time is specifically set according to the material of the transfer material and the power of the heater 2), the hot pressing channel 200 is opened by driving the free side 2.02 of the substrate, and the transfer assembly s' is taken out to complete the heat transfer.

[0019] The heater 2 used in this application employs a rigid heating substrate 2.0, which is connected to form a hot-pressing channel 200. Due to the rigid heating substrate 2.0, it has good structural integrity and stability, long lifespan, and high reliability, ensuring uniform force applied to the transfer material and substrate s. Furthermore, the design separates the heater 2 from the flexible heat-conducting layer 1, allowing for the creation of flexible heat-conducting layers 1 with corresponding sizes, thicknesses, and moduli according to the specifications and requirements of different substrates s. This not only enhances versatility but also facilitates the production, maintenance, and replacement of both the heater 2 and the flexible heat-conducting layer 1. In addition, because the heater 2 and the flexible heat-conducting layer 1 are separable, after the operation is completed, the flexible heat-conducting layer 1, along with the substrate s and the transfer material, detaches from the hot-pressing channel 200, thus separating from the heating substrate 2.0. This prevents the flexible heat-conducting layer 1 from being heated by the heating substrate 2.0 after the operation is completed, effectively solving the problem of odor generated by prolonged heating of the flexible substrate due to the integrated structure of the flexible substrate and the flexible heating layer in existing flexible heaters. Furthermore, compared to existing flexible heaters, which have their flexible heating layer located in the inner layer of the heater and in close contact with the transfer material and substrate, the temperature sensor needs to be placed separately on the thin-walled metal shell, resulting in inaccurate temperature detection. In contrast, the outer surface of the heater 2 in this application is directly defined by the heating substrate 2.0, so the temperature detection element t can be directly mounted in contact with the heat-generating substrate 2.0, thereby effectively improving the accuracy of temperature detection.

[0020] Furthermore, the hot pressing channel 200 of this application is constructed with multiple hot pressing sections 2.05 with different inner diameters according to the irregularly shaped substrate s. Therefore, it adapts to the stepped structure on the surface of the substrate s, and can complete the heat transfer of the entire surface of the irregularly shaped substrate s in one hot pressing. This simplifies the heat transfer steps of the existing flexible heater for irregularly shaped substrates s, thereby effectively improving the efficiency of heat transfer and reducing the difference in heat transfer quality between different parts of the surface of the irregularly shaped substrate s, thus improving the consistency of heat transfer quality.

[0021] See Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 7 The heating substrate 2.0 includes at least two arc-shaped heating segments 2.06 arranged axially. Two adjacent arc-shaped heating segments 2.06 are configured with different radii. The arc-shaped heating segments 2.06 of each heating substrate 2.0 at the same axial position enclose and form a hot-pressing section 2.05 corresponding to the hot-pressing channel 200. For example... Figure 1As shown, the heating substrate 2.0 of this embodiment is configured with two arc-shaped heating sections 2.06. The two arc-shaped heating sections 2.06 include a first heating section 2.06a and a second heating section 2.06b. The radius of the first heating section 2.06a is smaller than that of the second heating section 2.06b, so that the corresponding pressing surfaces 204 between the first heating section 2.06a and the second heating section 2.06b form a stepped structure, thereby adapting to the stepped surface on the substrate.

[0022] See Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 7 The heating base 2.0 also includes a transition section 2.07 connecting two adjacent arc-shaped heating sections 2.06, such as... Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the heating substrate 2.0 is connected to a transition section 2.07 between the adjacent first heating section 2.06a and second heating section 2.06b. The transition section 2.07 is constructed with a tapered structural surface 2.07' formed on the side of the heating substrate 2.0 opposite to the pressing surface 204. The tapered structural surface 2.07' slopes and tapers from the side connected to the second heating section 2.06b toward the side of the first heating section 2.06a. This tapered surface forms a draft angle, which is beneficial for demolding the heating substrate 2.0.

[0023] See Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The arc-shaped pressing surface 204 includes an arc-shaped pressing surface 204a constructed from the inner side of the corresponding arc-shaped heating section 2.06 and a conical pressing surface 204b constructed from the inner side of the transition section 2.07. By providing the transition section 2.07, the heater 2 can adapt to the irregularly shaped substrate s with a conical step on its surface. In this embodiment, the arc-shaped pressing surface 204a includes a first arc-shaped pressing surface 2.061 constructed from the inner side of the first heating section 2.06a and a second arc-shaped pressing surface 2.062 constructed from the inner side of the second heating section 2.06b. The radius of the first arc-shaped pressing surface 2.061 is smaller than the radius of the second arc-shaped pressing surface 2.062. The conical pressing surface 204b is smoothly connected to the first arc-shaped pressing surface 2.061 and the second arc-shaped pressing surface 2.062. The conical pressing surface 204b slopes and contracts from the side connected to the second arc-shaped pressing surface 2.062 toward the side connected to the first arc-shaped pressing surface 2.061.

[0024] See Figures 1 to 7In this embodiment, the hot pressing channel 200 has a first hot pressing section 2.051 and a second hot pressing section 2.052. The first heating section 2.06a of each heating substrate 2.0 encloses to form the first hot pressing section 2.051 of the hot pressing channel 200, and the second heating section 2.06b of each heating substrate 2.0 encloses to form the second hot pressing section 2.052 of the hot pressing channel 200. The first arc-shaped pressing surface 2.061 of each heating substrate 2.0 encloses to form the sidewall of the first hot pressing section 2.051 of the hot pressing channel 200, and the second arc-shaped pressing surface 2.062 of each heating substrate 2.0 encloses to form the sidewall of the second hot pressing section 2.052 of the hot pressing channel 200.

[0025] See Figure 8-2 and Figure 9-2 In some embodiments, the hot-pressing channel 200 has a first hot-pressing section 2.051 and a second hot-pressing section 2.052. Each heating substrate 2.0 is constructed with a first heating section 2.06a that encloses the first hot-pressing section 2.051 and a second heating section 2.06b that encloses the second hot-pressing section 2.052. The inner diameters of the first heating section 2.051 and the second heating section 2.052 are different, thus allowing simultaneous heat transfer onto two substrates s with shorter axial dimensions and different outer diameters. For example... Figure 8-2 The two mugs shown are of different diameters. One is surrounded in the first hot-pressing section 2.051, and the other is surrounded in the second hot-pressing section 2.052, and so on. The heater 2 can simultaneously surround the corresponding number and size of the substrates s along the axial direction during one heat transfer, depending on the number and size of its hot-pressing sections, which can effectively improve the efficiency of heat transfer.

[0026] In some embodiments, the flexible thermal conductive layer 1 of different thicknesses can be replaced to adapt to a wider range of substrates s.

[0027] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, each heating substrate 2.0 has a radially inwardly extending pressing protrusion 205 at at least one end of its pressing surface 204. In one specific embodiment, the pressing protrusion 205 is a tapered surface that gradually tapers from the inside out. By providing the radially extending pressing protrusion 205 at the end of the pressing surface 204, the transfer material can be pressed against the inside of the substrate s at the end position of the heater 2 corresponding to the end of the substrate s, causing the end of the transfer material to bend towards the substrate s. This ensures that the transfer material and the substrate fit together at their ends during heat transfer, thereby improving the quality of the heat transfer. Furthermore, in the presence of a flexible thermally conductive layer 1, the flexible thermally conductive layer 1 is pressed against the end of the substrate s by the pressing protrusion 205 at the end position of the substrate s, causing the flexible thermally conductive layer 1 to bend towards the substrate s.

[0028] The taper of the pressing protrusion 205 is 5-20° and the length is 5-15mm.

[0029] Of course, as another way of setting the pressing protrusion 205, the pressing protrusion 205 can be set as a protruding edge extending inward in the radial direction, that is, a stepped structure. In actual application, the substrate s is placed inside the protruding edge, wherein the height of the protruding edge is 0.5-1.5mm.

[0030] As one specific implementation scheme of this application: such as Figures 1 to 7 The heater 2 shown has three rigid heating substrates 2.0, including a first side substrate 2.1, a second side substrate 2.3, and an adjacent substrate 2.2. The heating substrates 2.0 are adapted to the shape of the outer wall of the substrate s. The adjacent sides of the first side substrate 2.1, the adjacent substrate 2.2, and the second side substrate 2.3 are movably connected to form the hot pressing channel 200. The first side substrate 2.1 and the second side substrate 2.3 are arranged at intervals and are not connected to each other. The free sides 2.02 of the substrates are configured to be driven relative to each other to adjust the size of the hot pressing channel 200. Specifically, the free sides 2.02 of the substrates include a first free side 201 and a second free side 203.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, as a preferred embodiment, the first side substrate 2.1, the second side substrate 2.3, and the adjacent substrate 2.3 are all made of thermally conductive material and are all equipped with heating elements 2.01. Specifically, the heating elements 2.01 include a first heating element 2.11, a second heating element 2.21, and a third heating element 2.31 respectively disposed on the first side substrate 2.1, the adjacent substrate 2.2, and the second side substrate 2.3. Each of the above-mentioned heating substrates 2.0 releases heat through its configured heating elements 2.01.

[0032] The difference between the thermally conductive material and the non-thermally conductive material referred to in the rigid heating substrate 2.0 of this application lies in the strength of its thermal conductivity, which can be specifically defined by the thermal conductivity (λ). Thermally conductive materials: such as the following metal or non-metal materials with thermal conductivity ≥1 W / (m·K), such as metals (e.g., copper λ≈401, aluminum λ≈237), high thermal conductivity non-metals (e.g., graphene λ≈1000–5000, aluminum nitride ceramics λ≈170–280, silicon carbide λ≈120–200), etc. Non-thermal conductive materials: such as non-metallic materials with thermal conductivity <0.12 W / (m·K), such as rock wool board (λ<0.04), polyurethane foam (λ≈0.02–0.03), vacuum insulation board (λ≈0.004), etc.

[0033] That is, thermally conductive materials (λ≥1) accelerate heat transfer to dissipate heat, while non-thermally conductive materials (λ<0.12) impede heat transfer to provide insulation.

[0034] The heating substrate 2.0 of this application can be made of materials with good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or its alloys, copper or its alloys, or other metallic materials such as stainless steel or its alloys, cast iron, or other known metallic or non-metallic materials with good thermal conductivity. The heating substrate 2.0 can be manufactured using die casting or other existing known processes. In some embodiments of this application, the heating element 2.01 is a tubular heating element, which is laid on the surface of the corresponding heating substrate 2.0. Specifically, it can be integrated with the heating substrate 2.0 using a die casting process. This method results in a heating substrate 2.0 with good thermal conductivity and better structural stability.

[0035] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the heating element 2.01 is arranged in a ring around the corresponding heating base 2.0. See also Figures 1 to 6 In the embodiment shown, the first heating element 2.11, the second heating element 2.21 and the third heating element 2.31 are arranged in a ring on the first side substrate 2.1, the adjacent substrate 2.2 and the second side substrate 2.3, respectively.

[0036] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the portions of the heating element 2.01 adjacent to its two end connectors 206 extend and overlap, i.e., as shown in the figure. Figure 2 As shown, the heating element 2.01 is connected to the two ends of the corresponding connector 206, which extend to opposite sides of the heating base 2.0, so that... Figure 7 The two ends shown overlap in the axial projection. As a preferred embodiment, the heating element 2.01 extends parallel to each other near its two end joints 206. Since the temperature of the heating element at its joint 206 is low, or even does not generate heat, in order to ensure uniform heat transfer to the heating substrate 2.0, the overlapping arrangement allows the heat-generating portion of the heating element 2.01 to be distributed in a closed loop on the heating substrate 2.0. This ensures that heat can be distributed and diffused in a 360-degree ring on the heating substrate 2.0, avoiding uneven heating caused by excessively low temperature of the heating substrate at the joint 206, and improving the heat transfer effect.

[0037] See Figures 1 to 7In the illustrated embodiment, the connectors 206 of the heating elements 2.01 (first heating element 2.11, second heating element 2.21 and third heating element 2.31) are arranged on the same end side of the corresponding heating substrate 2.1. This arrangement allows the colder end of the heating element 2.01 to be positioned on the end side of the corresponding heating substrate 2.0, i.e., the edge of the heating substrate 2.0, ensuring the uniformity of temperature in the main working part of the heating substrate 2.0.

[0038] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As a specific implementation of this embodiment, the heating element 2.01 includes the following heating portions extending along the surface of the heating substrate 2.0: a first longitudinal heating portion 2.01a and a second longitudinal heating portion 2.01b arranged opposite to each other, a transverse heating portion 2.01c connecting the first ends of the first longitudinal heating portion 2.01a and the second longitudinal heating portion 2.01b, and a first connecting heating portion 2.01d and a second connecting heating portion 2.01e respectively connecting the second ends of the first longitudinal heating portion 2.01a and the second longitudinal heating portion 2.01b. The first longitudinal heating portion 2.01a and the second longitudinal heating portion 2.01b extend axially to the first and second ends of the corresponding heating substrate 2.0, respectively, in contact with the surface of the arc-shaped heating segment 2.06 and the surface of the transition segment 2.07. The first connecting heating portion 2.01d and the second connecting heating portion 2.01e are respectively connected to a connector 206 extending and overlapping each other. The first connecting heating portion 2.01d and the second connecting heating portion 2.01e are separated by a predetermined distance. The aforementioned heating elements are arranged in a ring around the edge of the heating substrate 2.0 surface. The overlapping arrangement of the two connecting heating elements ensures uniform heat distribution on the heating substrate 2.0 at the joint 206, while also staggering the corresponding joints 206. This facilitates wiring and prevents interference between the lines of the connecting joints 206. Furthermore, the separation between the two connecting heating elements prevents excessive heat accumulation on the heating substrate 2.0 at that location, allowing the heat to disperse axially and enhancing uniformity. This improves the heat transfer quality of the substrate s near its end.

[0039] See Figure 1 In this application, the heater 2 has at least a temperature sensing element t disposed on a portion of the heating substrate 2.0. The temperature sensing element t is mounted in contact with the heating substrate 2.0 and is used to feed back the temperature of the heating substrate 2.0 to the control circuit of the heating element 2.01. Furthermore, the temperature sensing element t directly contacts the heating substrate 2.0 for detection. Compared to the detection method of existing heaters where the temperature sensor and flexible heating layer are separated, this application has higher temperature control accuracy, further ensuring the quality of heat transfer printing. The temperature sensing element t can be an NTC temperature controller.

[0040] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the flexible thermally conductive layer 1 involved in this application uses a flexible material with good thermal conductivity, such as high-temperature thermally conductive silicone. In one specific embodiment, the thermal conductivity of the flexible thermally conductive layer is ≥1. In one specific embodiment, the composition of the flexible thermally conductive layer includes 50-70% thermally conductive material, 20-30% methyl vinyl silicone rubber, 10-20% precipitated silica (precipitated silicon dioxide), 1-3% hydroxyl silicone oil, and 0.1-0.5% internal mold release agent. The thermally conductive material is composed of 60-80% silicone rubber, 20-30% thermally conductive filler, and additives (not more than 5%). The thermally conductive filler can be alumina, boron nitride, graphene, etc., and the additives are flame retardants, anti-aging agents, crosslinking agents, etc. The function of the internal mold release agent is to be added into the interior of the above polymer material system to reduce the adhesion between the product and the mold, thereby reducing the spraying of external mold release agent and improving the demolding efficiency. The main component is an organosilicon polymer, which can form a smooth protective film on the surface of the silicone mold.

[0041] For the specific active connection method between the heating substrates 2.0 in this application, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 5 Two or more heating substrates 2.0 are connected by a hinge structure 2.4. The hinge structure 2.4 includes a hinge shaft structure 2.42 disposed on the side of some of the heating substrates 2.0, and a hinge seat 2.41 disposed on the side of other heating substrates 2.0 adjacent to the hinge shaft structure 2.42. The hinge shaft structure 2.42 may be constructed with a hinge shaft 2.421 and a hinge channel 2.420 located inside the hinge shaft 2.421. The two ends of the hinge shaft 2.421 are connected to the corresponding heating substrates 2.0 through connecting portions. The hinge seat 2.41 is constructed with a hinge recess 2.410 and a hinge limiting portion 2.411. The hinge limiting portion 2.411 engages with the hinge shaft 2.421 by inserting into the hinge channel 2.420. The hinge structure may be integrally formed on the corresponding substrate 2.0, such as by die casting or casting. The above solution results in a stable structure and convenient, quick installation. Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 In the specific embodiment shown, the first side base 2.1 and the second side base 2.3 are provided with a plurality of hinge seats 2.41 on the side adjacent to the adjacent base 2.2, and the adjacent base 2.2 is provided with a plurality of hinge shaft structures 2.42 that are hinged to the hinge seats 2.41 on the side adjacent to the first side base 2.1 and the second side base 2.3, respectively.

[0042] Of course, in other embodiments, the hinge structure connecting the heating substrates 2.0 can also be other known structures, such as hinges, pins and pin holes, etc.

[0043] See Figures 1 to 7 , Figure 12One of the two free sides 2.02 of the substrate is provided with a first connecting portion 201' and the other with a second connecting portion 203'. In some embodiments, the first free side 201 and the second free side 203 of the substrate are respectively provided with the first connecting portion 201' and the second connecting portion 203'. The first connecting portion 201' is used to install and fix the first free side 201 of the substrate, and the second connecting portion 203' is used to couple the driving device 5 and adjust the size of the hot pressing channel 200 relative to the first connecting portion 201' in response to the driving device 5. In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 201' and the second connecting portion 203' are integrally formed with the first free side 201 and the second free side 203 of the substrate, such as by casting or die casting, which can improve the structural strength and precision. It can be understood that when the heater 2 is installed in the hot press, its first connecting part 201' is a fixed end and the second connecting part 203' is a movable end. The heater 2 is opened and closed by driving the second connecting part 203' to move relative to the first connecting part 201' through coupling with the hot press driving mechanism of the hot press.

[0044] See Figure 8-1 and Figure 9-1 In another aspect, this application provides a heating kit 21, including the aforementioned heater 2 and a flexible heat-conducting layer 1. The flexible heat-conducting layer 1 is configured to cover the substrate s loaded with transfer material and is separably and fitably against the pressing surfaces 204 of each substrate 2.0 within the hot-pressing channel 200. The flexible heat-conducting layer 1 is used to transfer the heat and pressure of the heater 2 to the substrate s and the transfer material. The surface of the substrate s has a stepped structure, such as a stepped cup, and the flexible heat-conducting layer 1 is correspondingly constructed with a stepped structure. Accordingly, the heating substrate 2.0 is configured with multiple hot-pressing sections 2.05, so that its pressing surfaces 204 also have a stepped structure.

[0045] In some embodiments, the flexible heat-conducting layer 1 is a deployable structure, and its two end edges approach each other when it is rolled up to the outer surface of the transfer material. The two end edges of the flexible heat-conducting layer 1 constitute its joint edge. In some embodiments, the joint edge of the flexible heat-conducting layer 1 is provided with a clearance area, that is, the distance between the two end edges of the flexible heat-conducting layer 1 constitutes the clearance area. The clearance area is used to avoid the protruding structure of the substrate s, such as avoiding the handle or the connection part of the handle on the cup.

[0046] See Figures 10 to 17Another aspect of this application provides a hot press, which includes a frame 3, a heating device 2', and a drive device 5. The frame 3 has a heating device mounting area 300. The heating device 2' includes the aforementioned heater 2 and is mounted in the heating device mounting area 300. In a specific assembly method, the first free side 201 of one of the substrates 2.0 located on the side is directly or indirectly fixed to the first side of the heating device mounting area 300 through a first connecting part 201'. The drive device 5 is mounted on the second side of the heating device mounting area 300 and is used to control the movement of the other substrate 2.0 located on the side, thereby controlling the opening or closing of the hot press channel 200.

[0047] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, in one specific embodiment, it further includes one or more swinging members 4, one end of which is oscillatingly connected to the lower side of the heating device mounting area 300 about a third swing axis R3, and the other end is directly or indirectly fixed to the second connection portion 203' of the heater 2, such as... Figure 14 As shown, one or more swing members 4 can be configured in a concave shape on the side adjacent to the heating device 2', similar to the shape trend of the outer surface of the heating device 2', so as to make the product structure more compact.

[0048] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, in some embodiments, a transmission member 5.3 is also included. The transmission member 5.3 is coupled to the swing member 4. The transmission member 5.3 can be controlled by the driving device 5 to drive the swing member 4 to swing, so as to adjust the size of the hot pressure channel 200 to realize the pressing and opening of the heater 2.

[0049] See Figures 10 to 17 The drive unit 5 also includes a drive base 5.1 and an electric actuator 5.2. The drive base 5.1 is oscillatingly connected to the frame 3 around a first swing axis R1. The electric actuator 5.2 is fixedly mounted on the drive base 5.1. The first end of the transmission member 5.3 is oscillatingly connected to the swing member 4 around a second swing axis R2, and its second end is directly or indirectly coupled to the electric actuator 5.2. While the electric actuator 5.2 drives the transmission member 5.3 to move linearly relative to the drive base 5.1, it also drives the drive base 5.1 and the transmission member 5.3 to oscillate adaptively around the first swing axis R1 and the second swing axis R2, thereby driving the second connecting part 203' to move relative to the first connecting part 201', realizing the pressing and opening of the heater 2. The electric actuator 5.2 and the transmission member 5.3 can be coupled through a screw and nut mechanism, or the electric actuator 5.2 can be directly set as a cylinder, using the cylinder's telescopic rod to directly couple with the transmission member 5.3. Alternatively, the electric actuator 5.2 can be configured as a motor to drive the transmission member 5.3 through a gear system and a connecting mechanism.

[0050] like Figure 13 As shown, in some embodiments, the swing member 4 is provided in pairs. The drive seat 5.1 is swingably connected to the frame 3 via a first pivot member R1', the axis of which is the first swing axis R1. The transmission member 5.3 is swingably connected to the swing member 4 via a second pivot member R2', the axis of which is the second swing axis R2. The swing member 4 is swingably connected to the lower side of the heating device mounting area 300 of the frame 3 via a third pivot member R3', the axis of which is the third swing axis R3. The first pivot member R1', the second pivot member R2', and the third pivot member R3 may include bolts and nuts with threads at both ends.

[0051] See Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 In some embodiments, the heating device 2' is connected to the frame 3 via a guide rail mechanism. The guide rail mechanism includes a first guide rail s1 disposed on the two free sides 2.02 of the heater 2's base, and second guide rails s2 correspondingly disposed on both sides of the heating device mounting area 300. The first guide rail s1 and the second guide rail s2 are slidably engaged. Through the connection of the first guide rail s1 and the second guide rail s2, the heater 2 can be pushed into the heating device mounting area 300.

[0052] See Figures 10 to 14 In some embodiments, a locking mechanism 6 is provided between the heating device 2' and the frame 3. The locking mechanism 6 is used to lock and unlock the assembly of the heating device 2' and the frame 3. The locking mechanism 6 may include a movable locking member 6.2 with elastic passive degree of freedom, a first locking part 6.30 constructed in the heating device 2' or the frame 3, and an unlocking member 6.1. The movable locking member 6.2 is configured to elastically insert into a second locking part 6.20 of the first locking part 6.30 when the heating device 2' is installed in place. The unlocking member 6.1 is configured to drive the second locking part 6.20 to disengage from the first locking part 6.30, thereby unlocking and detaching the heating device 2'.

[0053] exist Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the first guide rail s1 is respectively installed on the first substrate free side 201 of the first side substrate 2.1 and the second substrate free side 203 of the second side substrate 2.3. Of course, in other substrate embodiments, the first guide rail s1 is installed on the substrate free side of the corresponding heating substrate 2.0.

[0054] The first guide rail s1 can be connected to the first base free side 201 and the second base free side 203 respectively through the first connecting part 201' and the second connecting part 203', such as by connecting parts such as screws, rivets, etc.

[0055] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the upper part of the first guide rail s1 has an upper rail s10 bent outward, and the lower part of the second guide rail s2 has a lower rail s20 bent inward. When assembled into the second guide rail s2, the upper rail s10 is engaged with the lower rail s20. The second guide rail s2 guides the assembly of the first guide rail s1 and also supports it.

[0056] like Figures 12 to 15 As shown, the heating device mounting area 300 is horizontally configured, and the first guide rail s1 and the second guide rail s2 are respectively horizontally mounted on the upper side of the heating device mounting area 300.

[0057] The first guide rail s1 and the second guide rail s2 can be formed by bending sheet metal.

[0058] In other embodiments, the heating device mounting area 300 may be vertically arranged.

[0059] See Figure 10 and Figure 11 In some embodiments, the heating device 2' further includes a heat-insulating outer shell 2.5, which may include two or more heat-insulating sub-shells 2.50 hinged together by a hinge joint, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the system includes a first sub-shell 2.51 and a second sub-shell 2.52, which are hinged together by a hinge portion 251. At least one hinge portion 251 corresponds to the opening side of the hot-pressing channel 200, that is, to the free sides 2.02 of the two heating substrates 2.0 arranged at intervals and not connected. The heat-insulating sub-shell 2.50 has two free sides 2.50' that are directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the first free side 201 and the second free side 203, respectively. With the above scheme, the heat-insulating sub-shell 2.50 serves to insulate and protect the heater 2. At least one hinge portion corresponding to the opening side of the hot-pressing channel 200 allows the heat-insulating sub-shell 2.50 to change its position and trend with the heater 2 as the hot-pressing channel 200 opens and closes, thus avoiding interference with the opening and closing of the hot-pressing channel 200.

[0060] See Figure 16 and Figure 17 In some embodiments where the drive device 5 is electrically driven, the hot press also includes a housing 7, the frame 3 and the drive device 5 are installed in the internal space of the housing 7, the heating device mounting area 300 is arranged horizontally, and at least one port on the side of the housing 7 corresponding to the hot pressing channel 200 is provided with a housing clearance port 70, which can be used to load the transfer assembly s'. Figure 16 and Figure 17In this embodiment, housing ports 70 are constructed on the two sides of the housing 7 corresponding to the two ports of the hot pressing channel 200, and a workpiece clearance groove 7' is constructed on the upper side of the housing 7 corresponding to the opening of the hot pressing channel 200. The workpiece clearance groove 7' can be used to avoid protruding structures on the surface of some transfer materials, such as cup handles. A control panel e can be constructed on the surface of the housing 7.

[0061] In some embodiments, the workpiece clearance groove 7' has an inwardly extending workpiece clearance groove wall 7.1' or 7.2 on at least one side. For example, a cover receiving channel 7.20' extending along the workpiece clearance groove 7' may be constructed on the workpiece clearance groove wall 7.2'. The cover 8 is movably fitted into the cover receiving channel 7.20' and configured to be pulled out or retracted relative to the cover receiving channel 7.20' to cover at least a portion of the workpiece clearance groove 7' or to open the workpiece clearance groove 7'. The cover 8 can improve the safety features of the product, preventing items, fingers, etc., from entering the workpiece clearance groove 7'.

[0062] In some embodiments, the cover 8 may be configured with a ventilation mesh structure 80 to reduce the impact on the heat dissipation performance of the device.

[0063] In some embodiments, inwardly extending workpiece clearance groove walls 7.1' and 7.2 are respectively constructed on both sides of the workpiece clearance groove 7'. The workpiece clearance groove wall 7.2' is constructed with a cover receiving channel 7.20'. A positioning structure can be constructed between the cover 8 and the workpiece clearance groove wall 7.1', such as constructing a spring buckle 8.1 on the cover 8 and constructing a corresponding fastener on the workpiece clearance groove wall 7.1'. The cover 8 can be constructed with a control part for controlling its movement.

[0064] See Figures 10 to 13 In another aspect, this application provides a heat transfer heating device 2', including the aforementioned heater 2 and a heat insulation shell 2.5. The heat insulation shell 2.5 covers the heater 2 and is equipped with a first coupler e1 that is electrically connected to the heater 2 circuit.

[0065] See Figure 11 , Figure 12 ,and Figure 13 The heat-insulating shell 2.5 is constructed with a first coupler mounting base e1'. The first coupler e1 is mounted to the first coupler mounting base e1' in the direction of the heating device mounting area 300 of the heater 2. The frame 3 is located on the side of the heating device mounting area 300 and is constructed with a second coupler e2 that is electrically connected to the circuit of the hot press. The second coupler e2 is mounted on the frame 3 with the first coupler e1 facing each other.

[0066] The couplers in this application, namely the first coupler e1 and the second coupler e2, are pluggable structures, typically including a male terminal and a female terminal. Both the male and female terminals include corresponding electrical terminals. The number of electrical terminals can be selected according to actual needs, such as the number of lines, specifically the number of power supply lines and detection lines. Figures 1 to 7 In the embodiment shown, when three power supply lines with three detection lines are used, six pairs of electrical terminals are configured.

[0067] Features of the various embodiments in this application may be referenced or combined with each other.

[0068] Based on the disclosure and teachings of the foregoing specification, those skilled in the art can make changes and modifications to the above embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and described above, and some modifications and changes to the present invention should also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention. Furthermore, although some specific terms are used in this specification, these terms are only for convenience of explanation and do not constitute any limitation on the present invention.

Claims

1. An irregularly shaped heat transfer heater, characterized in that, The device comprises two or more rigid heating substrates (2.0), the adjacent sides of which are movably connected to form a hot pressing channel (200) having at least two hot pressing sections (2.05) with different inner diameters. Each of the two or more rigid heating substrates (2.0) is constructed with a pressing surface (204) extending between its two ends to define the sidewall of the hot pressing channel (200). The two heating substrates (2.0) are arranged with their non-connected free sides (2.02) spaced apart, which are configured to allow the size of the hot pressing channel (200) to be adjusted by relative drive.

2. The irregularly shaped heat transfer heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating substrate (2.0) includes at least two arc-shaped heating segments (2.06) arranged along the axial direction. Two adjacent arc-shaped heating segments (2.06) are configured with different radii. The arc-shaped heating segments (2.06) corresponding to each heating substrate (2.0) enclose each hot-pressing section (2.05) of the hot-pressing channel (200).

3. The irregularly shaped heat transfer heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heating substrate (2.0) further includes a transition section (2.07) connecting two adjacent arc-shaped heating sections (2.06). The transition section (2.07) is constructed with a conical structural surface (2.07') formed on the side of the heating substrate (2.0) opposite to the pressing surface (204). The arc-shaped pressing surface (204) includes an arc-shaped pressing surface (204a) constructed from the inner side of the arc-shaped heating section (2.06) and a conical pressing surface (204b) constructed from the inner side of the transition section (2.07).

4. The irregularly shaped heat transfer heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one end of the pressing surface (204) is provided with a pressing protrusion (205) extending radially inward. Alternatively, at least one end of the pressing surface (204) may be provided with a pressing protrusion (205) extending radially inward, the pressing protrusion (205) being constructed as a conical surface that gradually tapers from the inside to the outside along the axial direction.

5. The irregularly shaped heat transfer heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating substrate (2.0) is provided with heating elements (2.01) laid on its surface by the die-casting process.

6. The irregularly shaped heat transfer heater according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heating element (2.01) is arranged in a ring, and the portions adjacent to its two end joints (206) extend and overlap. Alternatively, the heating element (2.01) is arranged in a ring and the portions adjacent to its two end connectors (206) extend and overlap, with the connectors (206) at both ends of the heating element (2.01) disposed on the end side of the corresponding heating substrate (2.0).

7. The irregularly shaped heat transfer heater according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The heating substrate (2.0) is made of thermally conductive material.

8. A heating kit, characterized in that, include: The irregularly shaped heat transfer heater (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7; The flexible heat-conducting layer (1) is configured to enclose the substrate (s) containing the transfer material and transfer the heat and pressure of the irregular heat transfer heater (2) in close contact with the pressing surface (204).

9. A heating device, characterized in that, include: The irregularly shaped heat transfer heater (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7; A heat-insulating outer shell (2.5) covers the irregularly shaped heat transfer heater (2); A first coupler (e1) is provided that is electrically connected to the circuit of the irregular heat transfer heater (2).

10. A hot press, characterized in that, include: The frame (3) has a heating device installation area (300). The heating device (2') includes the irregular heat transfer heater (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the irregular heat transfer heater (2) being assembled in the heating device mounting area (300), wherein the free side (2.02) of one of the substrates (2.0) located on the side is directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the first side of the heating device mounting area (300); A drive unit (5) is disposed on the second side of the heating device mounting area (300), the drive unit (5) being used to control the movement of another base (2.0) located on the side.

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