Automatic cake blank demolding and cleaning integrated device and working method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides an automatic cake blank demolding and cleaning integrated device and a working method thereof. The device comprises a chain scraper conveyor, a cleaning tank, a heating mechanism, a demolding mechanism and a pushing mechanism, wherein the heating mechanism, the demolding mechanism and the pushing mechanism are sequentially arranged in the conveying direction of the chain scraper conveyor. Wherein the heating mechanism can enable cake blanks to be separated from a mold ring of a mold in a non-adhesion mode, the demolding mechanism enables a clamping piece to accurately complete clamping, pull-down demolding, loosening and resetting actions on the mold ring through linkage of all parts, and the pushing mechanism achieves ordered transfer of the cake blanks. Cake crumbs attached to the inner wall of the mold ring can be effectively removed through ultrasonic cleaning of the cleaning tank, the cleanliness of the mold ring is guaranteed, and automatic separation of the mold ring is achieved. The chain scraper conveyor continuously runs to achieve circulation of the whole operation process, it is guaranteed that all procedures are smoothly connected, actions are accurate and reliable, manual intervention is not needed in the whole process, the automatic operation level is greatly improved, and therefore the requirement for efficient and continuous operation of large-scale cake production is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cake production technology, and in particular to an integrated device and its working method for automatically demolding and cleaning cake blanks. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of large-scale cake production, cake base demolding and mold ring cleaning are core links to ensure product quality and production continuity. The industry generally adopts a process-by-process operation mode, using special demolding fixtures to separate the cake base from the mold, and then using independent cleaning equipment to remove impurities from the mold ring after use. The equipment for each process is arranged along the production line, and the transfer of the mold ring between different processes is completed by manual labor or basic conveying devices, thereby realizing the basic process of cake processing and mold recycling.

[0003] Under the existing multi-process operation model, the demolding and mold ring cleaning processes are isolated from each other, making it impossible to form a coherent automated operation process. Material transfer and connection between each process rely on manual intervention, resulting in a low overall level of production automation. It is difficult to achieve integrated automated operation from cake base demolding to mold ring cleaning, which greatly limits the level of automation in cake production and makes it difficult to meet the needs of large-scale production for efficient and continuous operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings mentioned above in the background technology, the present invention provides an integrated device and its working method for automatically demolding and cleaning cake blanks.

[0005] The present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention discloses an integrated device for automatic demolding and cleaning of cake blanks. The device includes a chain conveyor and a cleaning tank, as well as a heating mechanism, a demolding mechanism, and a pushing mechanism arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the chain conveyor. The chain conveyor is provided with connecting shafts on the chain plates at intervals. The connecting shafts are connected to trays. The trays are restricted to moving only axially relative to the connecting shafts. The upper surface of the trays is used to place molds for holding cake blanks. The heating mechanism includes heating elements, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the chain conveyor. The heating elements generate high temperatures, and the side of the heating element facing the middle of the chain conveyor is a heating groove adapted to the side of the mold. The two heating elements move synchronously towards the middle of the chain conveyor to form a wrap around the side of the mold. The demolding mechanism includes clamping components, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the chain conveyor. The two clamping components move horizontally and vertically towards the chain conveyor simultaneously. The pushing mechanism includes a pushing component, which is disposed on one side of the chain conveyor and moves linearly relative to the center of the chain conveyor. The cleaning tank is filled with cleaning fluid and equipped with an ultrasonic vibration unit. The cleaning tank is located below the chain conveyor. When the chain conveyor drives the connecting shaft and the tray to flip downwards, the mold ring hangs on the connecting shaft and the tray and enters the cleaning tank.

[0006] As a further improvement to the first aspect, a ramp is provided at one end of the cleaning tank near the chain conveyor, the ramp being arranged inclined upwards from inside the cleaning tank to outside the cleaning tank.

[0007] As a further improvement to the first aspect, the cleaning tank has limiting plates fixed on both sides of the inclined plate at one end. The distance between the two limiting plates is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the mold ring. The limiting plates are located above the inclined plate and extend upward with the inclined plate. The lower ends of the two limiting plates are bent outward to both sides of the cleaning tank to form bending portions, so that the two bending portions form a conical notch.

[0008] As a further improvement to the first aspect, the cleaning tank is connected to a second conveyor at one end where the ramp plate is located, and the other end of the second conveyor extends beyond the chain plate conveyor, and the conveying plane of the second conveyor is lower than the upper edge of the cleaning tank. As a further improvement to the first aspect, a gantry frame is fixed on the frame of the chain conveyor, and the demolding mechanism is disposed inside the gantry frame. The demolding mechanism also includes a transverse guide post, a vertical guide post, a transmission component, a first spring, and a rotating shaft that are linked to the clamping component. Both ends of the transverse guide column are fixed to the gantry frame via connecting seats, and the transverse guide column is parallel to the width direction of the chain conveyor. The transverse guide column is fixed with two blocking parts. The vertical guide post has a first bushing and a limiting ring at its two ends. The first bushing is adapted to slide outside the horizontal guide post and is restricted between the connecting seat and the blocking part. The clamping member has a limiting hole on its side facing the outside of the chain conveyor. The vertical guide post passes vertically through the limiting hole, so that the clamping member is restricted to slide between the first bushing and the limiting ring relative to the axial direction of the vertical guide post. The transmission component includes a connecting plate and a transmission pin. The transmission pin is fixed to one end of the connecting plate and is perpendicular to the connecting plate. One end of the connecting plate is pivotally connected to the clamping component. The first spring is sleeved outside the transmission pin; One end of the rotating shaft is a second bushing. The rotating shaft is restricted to rotate within the gantry frame, and the axial direction of the rotating shaft is parallel to the conveying direction of the chain conveyor. The drive pin passes through the second bushing and is perpendicular to the rotating shaft, so that the two ends of the first spring abut against the connecting plate and the second bushing, respectively.

[0009] As a further improvement to the first aspect, the demolding mechanism further includes a drive cylinder, a lifting component, a first connecting rod, and a second connecting rod. The drive cylinder is fixed on the gantry frame, the lifting component is fixed to the piston rod of the drive cylinder, and the second connecting rod is pivotally connected to both sides of the lifting component. The first connecting rod is fixed to the end of the rotating shaft away from the second bushing, and the first connecting rods on both sides of the gantry frame are pivotally connected to the ends of the two second connecting rods away from the lifting component.

[0010] As a further improvement to the first aspect, the pushing mechanism further includes a first conveyor located on the other side of the chain conveyor opposite to the pushing member, and the conveying plane of the first conveyor is flush with the height of the tray located above the chain conveyor.

[0011] As a further improvement to the first aspect, a connecting cylinder is fixed to one side of the tray, and a strip-shaped hole is opened on the side wall of the connecting cylinder. The length direction of the strip-shaped hole is parallel to the axial direction of the connecting cylinder. A limiting pin is fixed to the side of one end of the connecting shaft. The connecting shaft passes into the connecting cylinder, so that the limiting pin is restricted within the strip-shaped hole.

[0012] As a further improvement to the first aspect, a gantry frame is fixed on the frame of the chain conveyor, and a positioning rod is fixed under the gantry frame. Positioning grooves are provided at both ends of the mold ring on the same diameter line. When the mold moves to the positioning rod, the positioning grooves are properly engaged with the positioning rod. A bearing seat is fixed on the chain plate, and the connecting shaft passes through and is fixed to the bearing seat of the chain plate. The end of the connecting shaft away from the tray extends into the chain conveyor to fix a transmission gear. A rack is fixed inside the chain conveyor at a position corresponding to the heating element and the clamping element. When the chain plate moves to the rack position, the rack and the transmission gear mesh.

[0013] Secondly, the present invention also discloses a method for operating the above-mentioned device. After the mold containing the cake base is placed on the upper surface of the tray, the chain conveyor drives the connecting shaft and the tray to move synchronously, thereby driving the mold to move along the conveying direction of the chain conveyor. The method for operating the device is as follows: When the chain conveyor moves the tray and the mold to the position corresponding to the heating mechanism, the heating elements on both sides of the chain conveyor move towards the middle, so that the heating groove of the heating element wraps around the side of the mold. The heating element generates high temperature to heat the mold, causing the cake base and the mold ring of the mold to separate. When the chain conveyor drives the pallet and the mold to continue moving to the position corresponding to the demolding mechanism, the clamping member moves towards the middle of the chain conveyor to fit the mold ring and complete the clamping. Then, the clamping member slides down to drive the mold ring to move down and disengage from the mold's hinged plate to complete the demolding. Subsequently, the clamping member moves to the outside of the chain conveyor to release the clamping. Finally, the clamping member moves upward to complete the reset. When the chain conveyor drives the tray to continue moving to the position corresponding to the pushing mechanism, the pushing component moves in a straight line toward the middle of the chain conveyor, pushing the cake blank on the tray away from the tray to the next process. The chain conveyor continues to drive the pallet and the connecting shaft to rotate downwards. The pallet hangs down under the action of gravity. The mold ring rotates with the connecting shaft and hangs on the pallet. It also descends synchronously with the pallet and enters the cleaning tank and continues to move. The cleaning tank performs ultrasonic cleaning on the mold ring, causing the cake crumbs attached to the inner wall of the mold ring to fall off. Afterwards, the moving connecting shaft and the pallet drive the mold ring to move upwards synchronously and detach from the cleaning tank. The chain conveyor operates continuously, driving the pallet and the connecting shaft to continue moving back to the initial position and enter the next work cycle.

[0014] As can be seen from the above description of the structure of the present invention, compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: The device of the present invention relies on the chain conveyor to complete the continuous conveying of the mold, and with the symmetrical heating elements on both sides, the mold is wrapped and heated, which can smoothly separate the cake blank from the mold ring. With the clamping element that can move horizontally and vertically at the same time, the mold ring is demolded. Then, the cake blank is automatically removed by the pushing element. With the cleaning tank with the built-in ultrasonic vibration unit, the mold ring can be automatically cleaned after the chain conveyor flips. Each mechanism works in sequence to complete the entire process from heating, demolding to cake blank transfer and mold ring cleaning. There is no need for manual step-by-step operation or the intervention of additional auxiliary equipment. The overall process is continuous and stable, and no manual intervention is required throughout the process. It realizes the integrated automated production of cake blank demolding and mold ring cleaning, thereby meeting the needs of large-scale cake production for efficient and continuous operation. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of point A in the middle.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a chain conveyor.

[0019] Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural diagram showing the heating and demolding mechanisms installed on the gantry frame.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the demolding mechanism in its initial state.

[0021] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified diagram of point B in the middle.

[0022] Figure 8 A three-dimensional structural diagram showing the movement of the clamping components of the demolding mechanism to a state where the mold is clamped.

[0023] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A magnified diagram of point C.

[0024] Figure 10 A three-dimensional structural diagram showing the movement of the clamping component of the demolding mechanism to the state after the mold ring is pulled down and demolded.

[0025] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A magnified diagram of point D in the middle.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram showing the movement of the clamping component of the demolding mechanism to the state where the clamping of the mold ring is released.

[0027] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A magnified diagram at point E in the middle.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the positioning groove of the mold ring being engaged with the positioning rod.

[0029] Figure 15 A three-dimensional structural diagram showing the connection of the connecting shaft, chain plate, pallet, and transmission gear.

[0030] Figure 16 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the rack and pinion fixed to the mounting bracket.

[0031] Figure 17 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cleaning tank. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Hereinafter, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" are defined relative to the orientation of the components shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts, used to describe and clarify relative positions, and can change accordingly depending on the orientation of the components in the accompanying drawings.

[0035] This invention provides an integrated device and method for automatically demolding and cleaning cake dough, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 4, the device of the present invention includes a chain conveyor 1 and a cleaning tank 2, and a heating mechanism 3, a demolding mechanism 4, and a pushing mechanism 5 arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the chain conveyor 1. In the chain conveyor 1, multiple chain plates 11 are spaced at equal intervals and connected by connecting shafts 12. Trays 13 are connected to the connecting shafts 12, and the upper surface of the trays 13 is used to place molds 6 containing cake blanks. A gantry frame 14 is fixed to the frame of the chain conveyor 1, spanning both sides of the chain conveyor 1, allowing the molds 6 containing cake blanks to pass through the gantry frame 14.

[0036] It should be noted that the mold 6 consists of a mold ring 61 and a retractable plate 62. The retractable plate 62 is fitted into the bottom position inside the mold frame 61, forming the support and forming base plate inside the mold 6. The mold ring 61 and the retractable plate 62 are detachable and separate structures. This structure is suitable for cake baking and automated demolding processes. During the baking stage, the retractable plate 62 stably supports the cake and limits the bottom forming shape. During the demolding stage, the retractable plate 62 can be smoothly separated from the mold ring 62. With the help of heat softening treatment, it effectively avoids the cake sticking to the mold 6 and damage, ensuring that the cake is formed neatly and meeting the demolding requirements of large-scale cake production.

[0037] Both the heating mechanism 3 and the demolding mechanism 4 are located inside the gantry frame 14. When the mold 6 containing the cake base passes through the gantry frame 14, the heating mechanism 3 heats the mold 6 to separate the cake base from the inner wall of the mold ring 61. Then, the demolding mechanism 4 pulls the mold ring 61 downwards, thus achieving stable demolding of the cake base from the mold ring 61. After demolding, the mold ring 61 is moved downwards by the chain conveyor 1 to the cleaning tank 2 below the chain conveyor 1. The cleaning tank 2 contains cleaning fluid and is equipped with an ultrasonic vibration unit. The ultrasonic vibration unit can perform ultrasonic cleaning on the mold ring 61, effectively removing cake crumbs adhering to the inner wall of the mold ring 61 and ensuring the cleanliness of the mold ring 61 to meet the requirements for subsequent reuse.

[0038] As attached Figure 1 and 5 As shown, the heating mechanism 3 includes heating elements 31 and first drive units 32. First drive units 32 are fixed on both sides of the gantry frame 14. In this embodiment, the drive units can be cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, or electric push rods, with their power output ends being telescopic piston rods. Heating elements 31 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the chain conveyor 1. The heating elements 31 generate high temperatures by converting electrical energy into heat energy, and the side of the heating element 31 facing the middle of the chain conveyor 1 is a heating groove adapted to the side of the mold 6. A heating element 31 is fixed to the power output end of each of the two first drive units 32, so that when the chain conveyor 1 moves the tray 13 to the position of the heating mechanism, the two heating elements 31 move synchronously towards the middle of the chain conveyor 1 under the drive of the first drive units 32, forming a wrap around the side of the mold 6, thereby achieving sufficient and uniform heating of the mold ring 61. Utilizing the difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the metal mold ring 61 and the cake blank, combined with the slight melting and softening of the cake blank, a physical gap is quickly formed between the two, achieving non-adhesive separation of the cake blank and the mold 6.

[0039] As attached Figures 6 to 13As shown, the demolding mechanism 4 includes clamping members 41. The clamping members 41 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the chain conveyor 1, and the two clamping members 41 move horizontally and vertically relative to the chain conveyor 1 synchronously. Specifically, both clamping members 41 are driven to move horizontally and vertically through the linkage of the transverse guide post 42, the vertical guide post 43, the rotating shaft 44, the first spring 45, and the transmission member 46. Referring again to the attached drawing, both ends of the transverse guide post 42 are fixed to both sides of the gantry frame 14 through connecting seats 421, making the transverse guide post 42 parallel to the width direction of the chain conveyor 1. Two blocking parts 422 are also fixed on the transverse guide post 42, and the blocking parts 422 can be selected as retaining springs. The two ends of the vertical guide post 43 are a first bushing 431 and a limiting ring 432, respectively. The first bushings 431 of the two vertical guide posts 43 are adapted to slide outside the two ends of the horizontal guide post 42. The first bushings 431 of the two vertical guide posts 43 are respectively restricted to slide between the connecting seat 421 and the blocking part 422 at both ends of the horizontal guide post 42. This forms a restriction on the horizontal movement stroke of the vertical guide post 43, effectively ensuring the accuracy of the horizontal movement of the vertical guide post 43 and avoiding its deviation from affecting the clamping and positioning effect of the clamping part 41 on the mold ring 61.

[0040] A limiting hole is provided on the side of the clamping member 41 facing the outside of the chain conveyor 1. The vertical guide post 43 passes vertically through the limiting hole, so that the axial movement of the clamping member 41 relative to the vertical guide post 43 is restricted between the first bushing 431 and the limiting ring 432, thus restricting the vertical movement stroke of the clamping member 41. Combined with the above-mentioned restriction on the lateral movement stroke of the vertical guide post 43, the lateral movement stroke of the clamping member 41 is between the connecting seat 421 and the blocking part 422, and the vertical movement stroke of the clamping member 41 is between the first bushing 431 and the limiting ring 432. The double stroke constraint ensures that the running trajectory of the clamping member 41 is regular, so as to form a rectangular movement trajectory. In this movement trajectory, the distance from the connecting seat 421 to the blocking part 422 is equivalent to the lateral length limit of the rectangular trajectory, and the first bushing 431 and the limiting ring 432 are equivalent to the vertical width limit of the rectangular trajectory.

[0041] The transmission component 46 includes a connecting plate 461 and a transmission pin 462. The transmission pin 462 is fixed to one end of the connecting plate 461, and the transmission pin 462 and the connecting plate 461 are perpendicular to each other. One end of the connecting plate 461 is pivotally connected to the clamping component 41. In this embodiment, the pivot connection structure can be formed by inserting a pin or rivet, allowing the two pivotally connected components to rotate relative to each other. One end of the rotating shaft 44 is a second bushing 441. The rotating shaft 44 is restricted to rotate within the gantry frame 14. Specifically, a bearing seat can be fixed within the gantry frame 14, and the rotating shaft 44 passes through and is fixed to the bearing seat, thereby forming an axial positioning of the rotating shaft 44. The axial direction of the rotating shaft 44 is parallel to the conveying direction of the chain conveyor 1. The transmission pin 462 passes through the second bushing 441, and the transmission pin 462 is perpendicular to the rotating shaft 44. In addition, the first spring 45 is sleeved on the transmission pin 462, so that the two ends of the first spring 45 abut against the connecting plate 461 and the second bushing 441 respectively. Utilizing the elastic thrust formed by the first spring 45 on the connecting plate 461, while the second bushing 441 rotates with the rotating shaft 44, the clamping member 41 is moved by pushing the connecting plate 461 and pushed against the connecting seat 421, the blocking part 422, the first bushing 431 or the limiting ring 432. This ensures that the movement stroke of the clamping member 41 is precise and controllable, ensures the stability of the transmission coordination, and provides limiting support for the precise implementation of the demolding action.

[0042] In the above structure, the initial state is attached. Figure 6 and 7 As shown, when the rotating shaft 44 rotates, it drives the transmission component 46 to rotate synchronously through the second bushing 441. Throughout the process, the first spring 45 always applies an elastic thrust to the connecting plate 461, continuously pushing the connecting plate 461 to move away from the second bushing 441, thereby linking the clamping component 41 and the vertical guide post 43 to complete a series of actions. The complete process of the rotating shaft 44 rotating one revolution is as follows: As attached Figure 6 and 8 As shown, the rotating shaft 44 starts to rotate, the second bushing 441 drives the transmission component 46 to rotate, the first spring 45 pushes the connecting plate 461, and then pushes the first bushing 431 to move towards the middle of the chain conveyor 1 and push against the blocking part 422. During this process, the first bushing 431 slides along the transverse guide post 42, and simultaneously drives the vertical guide post 43 and the clamping component 41 to move towards the middle of the chain conveyor 1 until the two clamping components 41 move synchronously to the mold 6 mold ring 61 on the pallet 13, and complete the clamping action of the mold ring 61. As attached Figure 8 and 10As shown, the rotating shaft 44 continues to rotate, and the first spring 45 continues to push the connecting plate 461, causing the clamping member 41 to slide down along the vertical guide post 43 until the clamping member 41 hits the limiting ring 432. At this time, the clamping member 41 drives the mold ring 61 to move down synchronously, so that the mold ring 61 gradually gets off the movable plate 62 on the tray 13, thereby completing the demolding action. As attached Figure 10 and 12 As shown, after demolding, the rotating shaft 44 continues to rotate, the first spring 45 pushes the connecting plate 461, and then pushes the first bushing 431 to move outward towards the chain conveyor 1 and push against the connecting seat 421, causing the vertical guide post 43 and the clamping member 41 to slide outward along the horizontal guide post 42, so that the two clamping members 41 move away from each other and release the clamping state of the mold ring 61. As attached Figure 12 and 6 As shown, the rotating shaft 44 continues to rotate until one revolution is completed. The first spring 45 pushes the connecting plate 461, causing the clamping part 41 to slide upward along the vertical guide post 43 until the clamping part 41 pushes against the first bushing 431. At this time, the clamping part 41, the vertical guide post 43 and other components return to their initial positions, completing the entire action cycle. This ensures that the demolding action is continuous and orderly, with precise stroke, and guarantees the stability and reliability of the device operation.

[0043] Furthermore, the demolding mechanism 4 also includes a drive cylinder 47, a lifting member 48, a first connecting rod 491, and a second connecting rod 492 for synchronously rotating the rotating shafts 44 on both sides of the gantry frame 14. The drive cylinder 47 is fixed to the gantry frame 14 and can be an actuator with a piston rod, such as a pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or electric push rod, as is available in the prior art. The lifting member 48 is fixed to the piston rod of the drive cylinder 47, and the second connecting rods 492 are pivotally connected to both sides of the lifting member 48. The first connecting rod 491 is fixed to the end of the rotating shaft 44 away from the second bushing 441, and the first connecting rods 491 on both sides of the gantry frame 14 are pivotally connected to the ends of the two second connecting rods 492 away from the lifting member 48, respectively. In this structure, the piston rod of the drive cylinder 47 extends and retracts, causing the lifting component 48 to move vertically. The two second connecting rods 492 simultaneously drive the two first connecting rods 491 to swing, thereby driving the two rotating shafts 44 to rotate synchronously. This drives the two clamping components 41 to complete the actions of clamping the mold ring 61 and releasing the mold ring 61 according to the preset trajectory, ensuring the synchronicity of the actions of the clamping components 41 on both sides and improving the stability and consistency of the demolding operation.

[0044] In addition, as attached Figures 14 to 16 As shown, the device of the present invention further includes a rotating mechanism 7, which includes a positioning rod 71, a transmission gear 72, and a rack 73. Referring again to the appendix... Figure 5The positioning rod 71 is fixed to the gantry frame 14, and the axis of the positioning rod 71 is parallel to the conveying direction of the chain conveyor 1. One end of the positioning rod 71 extends to the demolding mechanism 4. The mold ring 61 of the mold 6 is provided with positioning grooves at both ends of the same diameter line. When the mold 6 moves to the positioning rod 71, the positioning groove is locked outside the positioning rod 71 with a clearance fit. Specifically, the positioning rod 71 can extend to the starting end of the chain conveyor 1. When the mold 6 is placed on the tray 13, the positioning groove is aligned with the positioning rod 71 and placed so that the positioning groove is locked outside the positioning rod 71 and moves, so as to prevent the mold ring 61 of the mold 6 from rotating above the tray 13 when the chain plate 11 drives the tray 13 and the mold 6 to move. A bearing seat is fixed on the chain plate 11, and the connecting shaft 12 passes through and is fixed to the bearing seat of the chain plate 11. The end of the connecting shaft 12 away from the tray 13 extends into the chain conveyor 1 to fix the transmission gear 72.

[0045] Please refer to the appendix. Figure 2 and 3 The rack 73 is fixed inside the chain conveyor 1, and the rack 73 corresponds to the position between the heating element 31 and the clamping element 41. The fixing method can be that a mounting bracket 74 is fixed inside the chain conveyor 1, and the rack 73 is fixed to the mounting bracket 74 facing the middle of the chain conveyor 1. When the chain plate 11 moves to the position of the rack 73, the rack 73 and the transmission gear 72 mesh, causing the tray 13 to rotate automatically and drive the cake blank to rotate. Through twisting, the cake blank and the mold ring 61 are completely separated, avoiding the cake blank being pulled downward and deformed when the mold ring 61 is demolded due to incomplete separation of the cake blank and the mold ring 61 after heating.

[0046] As attached Figure 1 and 5 As shown, the pushing mechanism 5 includes a pushing component 51, a second drive unit 52, and a first conveyor 53. The second drive unit 52 is fixed to one side of the chain conveyor 1 via a frame, driving the pushing component 51 to move linearly relative to the center of the chain conveyor 1. The first conveyor 53 is located on the other side of the chain conveyor 1 opposite to the pushing component 51, and the conveying plane of the first conveyor 53 is flush with the height of the tray 13 located above the chain conveyor 1. When the chain conveyor 1 moves the tray 13 to the position corresponding to the pushing component 51, the pushing component 51 moves towards the center of the chain conveyor 1, pushing the movable plate 62 of the mold 6 and the cake blank onto the first conveyor 53. The first conveyor 53 then transports the cake blank to the next process, realizing the automatic transfer of the cake blank and ensuring the smooth connection of production processes and the efficiency of automated operation.

[0047] As attached Figure 15As shown, the pallet 13 is restricted to axial movement relative to the connecting shaft 12. This restriction can be achieved by fixing a connecting cylinder 131 to one side of the pallet 13, with a slotted hole 132 on the side wall of the connecting cylinder 131. The length of the slotted hole 132 is parallel to the axial direction of the connecting cylinder 131. A limiting pin 121 is fixed to the side of one end of the connecting shaft 12. The connecting shaft 12 passes through the connecting cylinder 131, restricting the limiting pin 121 within the slotted hole 132 and allowing it to move along the length of the slotted hole 132. This restricts the movement direction of the pallet 13, ensuring that the pallet 13 can only move axially along the connecting shaft 12. When the chain plate 11 moves upwards, the pallet 13 abuts against the connecting shaft 12 under gravity, ensuring that the upper surface of the pallet 13 remains horizontal and providing support for the stable placement of the mold 6. When the chain plate 11 flips down and moves, it simultaneously drives the connecting shaft 12 and the tray 13 to flip downward. The tray 13 falls downward under the action of gravity until the limiting pin 121 abuts against the lower end of the strip hole 132. At this time, the mold ring 61 is hooked on the tray 13 as the connecting shaft 12 flips downward, and falls down synchronously with the tray 13, smoothly entering the cleaning tank 2, preparing for the subsequent ultrasonic cleaning operation of the mold ring 61.

[0048] As attached Figure 17 As shown, a ramp 21 is provided at one end of the cleaning tank 2 near the chain conveyor 1. The ramp 21 is arranged from the inside of the cleaning tank 2 outwards and at an upward angle. When the chain plate 11 at the bottom of the chain conveyor 1 moves, it drives the connecting shaft 12 and the tray 13 to the ramp 21. The mold ring 61 first contacts the ramp 21, causing the ramp 21 to block the mold ring 61. The moving tray 13, driven by the telescopic structure of the connecting cylinder 131 relative to the connecting shaft 12, moves upwards along the ramp 21, preventing the tray 13 from getting stuck on the ramp 21. The chain plate 11 continues to move, causing the mold ring 61 to hang on one end of the tray 13 (the end of the mold ring 61 that does not contact the ramp 21) and flip downwards until it is separated from the connecting shaft 12 and the tray 13. Then, the inner wall of the mold ring 61 is pushed upwards until it leaves the ramp 21 and can then leave the cleaning tank 2. Furthermore, the cleaning tank 2 is connected to the second conveyor 23 at one end where the ramp plate 21 is set, and the other end of the second conveyor 23 extends out of the chain plate conveyor 1, and the conveying plane of the second conveyor 23 is lower than the upper edge of the cleaning tank 2.

[0049] The connecting shaft 12 and the tray 13 push the inner wall of the mold ring 61 upwards until it leaves the ramp 21, after which it falls downwards onto the second conveyor 23. Because the second conveyor 23 is lower than the height of the tray 13 after it has sagged, it prevents the mold ring 61 from remaining outside the connecting shaft 12 and the tray 13 after falling, thus ensuring it can be output by the second conveyor 23. The second conveyor 23 transports the mold ring 61 out, facilitating its unified collection for subsequent recycling, effectively improving the automation level and production efficiency of the device.

[0050] Preferably, limiting plates 22 are fixed on both sides of the inclined plate 21 inside the cleaning tank 2. The distance between the two limiting plates 22 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the mold ring 61. The limiting plates 22 are located above the inclined plate 21 and extend upward with the inclined plate 21. The lower ends of the two limiting plates 22 are bent outward to both sides of the cleaning tank 2 to form a bend, so that the two bends form a conical notch. When the mold ring 61 moves with the tray 13 to the position of the inclined plate 21, under the guidance of the conical notch of the two limiting plates 22, the mold ring 61 can move accurately to a position that is aligned with the conveying direction of the chain conveyor 1 and the connecting shaft 12, ensuring that the mold ring 61 is accurately positioned when it leaves the cleaning tank 2, and avoiding deviation that affects the connection of subsequent processes.

[0051] After the mold 6 containing the cake base is placed on the upper surface of the tray 13, the chain conveyor 1 drives the connecting shaft 12 and the tray 13 to move synchronously, thereby moving the mold 6 along the conveying direction of the chain conveyor 1. The working method of the device of the present invention is as follows: When the chain conveyor 1 moves the tray 13 and the mold 6 to the position corresponding to the heating mechanism 3 inside the gantry frame 14, the two first drive units 32 simultaneously drive the heating elements 31 on both sides to move towards the middle of the chain conveyor 1, so that the heating groove of the heating element 31 wraps around the side of the mold 6, and the heating element 31 generates high temperature to heat the mold 6, so that the cake blank is slightly melted and softened and a physical gap is formed between it and the mold ring 61, so as to achieve non-adhesive separation between the cake blank and the mold ring 61 of the mold 6; When the chain conveyor 1 continues to move the pallet 13 and the mold 6 to the position corresponding to the demolding mechanism 4, the piston rod of the drive cylinder 47 extends and retracts, causing the lifting component 48 to move vertically. This, in turn, causes the two first connecting rods 491 to swing synchronously via the two second connecting rods 492, thereby causing the two rotating shafts 44 to rotate synchronously one revolution. During operation, the first bushing 431 is first pushed towards the center of the chain conveyor 1 and pushes against the blocking part 422, causing the vertical guide post 43 and the clamping component 41 to move towards the center, so that the two clamping components... The clamping part 41 is clamped to the mold ring 61. Then, the clamping part 41 is driven to slide down along the vertical guide post 43 and push against the limiting ring 432, which drives the mold ring 61 to move down and disengage from the mold 6 movable plate 62 to complete demolding. Then, the first bushing 431 is pushed to move outward of the chain conveyor 1 and push against the connecting seat 421, which drives the clamping part 41 to move outward to release the clamping. Finally, the clamping part 41 is driven to slide up along the vertical guide post 43 and push against the first bushing 431 to complete the reset of the clamping part 41 and related components. When the chain conveyor 1 drives the pallet 13 to continue moving to the position of the corresponding pushing mechanism 5, the second drive unit 52 drives the pushing component 51 to move in a straight line towards the middle of the chain conveyor 1, pushing the flap 62 on the pallet 13 and the cake blank on the flap 62 to the first conveyor 53. During operation, the first conveyor 53 transports the flap 62 and the cake blank to the next process. The chain conveyor 1 continues to drive the connecting shaft 12 and the tray 13 to rotate downwards. The tray 13 falls downwards under gravity until the limit pin 121 abuts against the lower end of the slot 132 of the connecting cylinder 131. The mold ring 61 rotates with the connecting shaft 12 and hangs on the tray 13, and falls synchronously with the tray 13 as it descends, entering the cleaning tank 2 and continuing to move. The cleaning tank 2 performs ultrasonic cleaning on the mold ring 61, causing the cake crumbs attached to the inner wall of the mold ring 61 to fall off, ensuring the cleanliness of the mold ring 61. After that, as the connecting shaft 12 and the tray 13 move... When the mold ring 61 moves to the position of the ramp plate 21, the ramp plate 21 blocks the mold ring 61 and the tray 13, guides the tray 13 to move upward relative to the connecting shaft 12, and drives the mold ring 61 to move upward synchronously to get out of the cleaning tank 2. At the same time, under the guidance of the conical notches of the two limit plates 22, the mold ring 61 moves to a position that is aligned with the conveying direction of the chain conveyor 1 and the connecting shaft 12, and exits the cleaning tank 2 and falls onto the second conveyor 23. The second conveyor 23 conveys the cleaned mold ring 61 out for unified collection for subsequent recycling. The chain conveyor 1 continues to operate, driving the connecting shaft 12 and the pallet 13 to continue moving back to the initial position and enter the next work cycle.

[0052] The above-described working method uses a chain conveyor 1 to drive the tray 13 and mold 6 sequentially through the heating mechanism 3, demolding mechanism 4, pushing mechanism 5, and cleaning tank 2, achieving an integrated operation of automatic demolding, cleaning, and transfer of the cake blank. The heating mechanism 3 ensures the cake blank separates from the mold ring 61 without adhesion. The demolding mechanism 4, through the linkage of various components, causes the clamping member 41 to form a rectangular moving path, precisely completing the clamping, pulling down demolding, releasing, and resetting actions of the mold ring 61. The pushing mechanism 5, together with the first conveyor 53, achieves the orderly transfer of the cake blank. The ultrasonic cleaning in the cleaning tank 2 provides... The cleaning process effectively removes cake crumbs adhering to the inner wall of the mold ring 61 and ensures the cleanliness of the mold ring 61. The ramp plate 21 and the limiting plate 22 work together to guide the mold ring 61 smoothly away from the cleaning tank 2 to the second conveyor 23, so that the mold ring 61 can be output through the second conveyor 23 for subsequent recycling. The chain plate conveyor 1 operates continuously to realize the cyclical operation of the entire process, effectively improving production efficiency, ensuring smooth connection between each process and precise and reliable operation, and requiring no manual intervention throughout the process, reducing labor costs and greatly improving the level of automation, thereby meeting the needs of large-scale cake production for efficient and continuous operation.

[0053] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the design concept of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any non-substantial modifications made to the present invention using the concept of the present invention shall constitute an infringement of the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated device for automatic demolding and cleaning of cake dough, characterized in that, The device includes a chain conveyor and a cleaning tank, as well as a heating mechanism, a demolding mechanism, and a pushing mechanism arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the chain conveyor; The chain conveyor is provided with connecting shafts on the spaced chain plates, and a tray is connected to the connecting shaft. The tray is restricted to moving only axially relative to the connecting shaft, and the upper surface of the tray is used to place a mold for holding the cake base. The heating mechanism includes heating elements, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the chain conveyor. The heating elements generate high temperatures, and the side of the heating element facing the middle of the chain conveyor is a heating groove adapted to the side of the mold. The two heating elements move synchronously towards the middle of the chain conveyor to form a wrap around the side of the mold. The demolding mechanism includes clamping components, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the chain conveyor. The two clamping components move horizontally and vertically towards the chain conveyor simultaneously. The pushing mechanism includes a pushing component, which is disposed on one side of the chain conveyor and moves linearly relative to the center of the chain conveyor. The cleaning tank is filled with cleaning fluid and equipped with an ultrasonic vibration unit. The cleaning tank is located below the chain conveyor. When the chain conveyor drives the connecting shaft and the tray to flip downwards, the mold ring hangs on the connecting shaft and the tray and enters the cleaning tank.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, A ramp is provided at one end of the cleaning tank near the chain conveyor, and the ramp is arranged inclined upward from the inside of the cleaning tank to the outside of the cleaning tank.

3. The apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The cleaning tank has two fixed limiting plates on both sides of the inclined plate. The distance between the two limiting plates is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the mold ring. The limiting plates are located above the inclined plate and extend upward with the inclined plate. The lower ends of the two limiting plates are bent outward to both sides of the cleaning tank to form a bend, so that the two bends form a conical notch.

4. The apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The cleaning tank is connected to a second conveyor at one end where the ramp plate is set, and the other end of the second conveyor extends beyond the chain plate conveyor, and the conveying plane of the second conveyor is lower than the upper edge of the cleaning tank.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, A gantry frame is fixed on the frame of the chain conveyor, and the demolding mechanism is set inside the gantry frame. The demolding mechanism also includes a transverse guide post, a vertical guide post, a transmission component, a first spring, and a rotating shaft that are linked to the clamping component. Both ends of the transverse guide column are fixed to the gantry frame via connecting seats, and the transverse guide column is parallel to the width direction of the chain conveyor. The transverse guide column is fixed with two blocking parts. The vertical guide post has a first bushing and a limiting ring at its two ends. The first bushing is adapted to slide outside the horizontal guide post and is restricted between the connecting seat and the blocking part. The clamping member has a limiting hole on its side facing the outside of the chain conveyor. The vertical guide post passes vertically through the limiting hole, so that the clamping member is restricted to slide between the first bushing and the limiting ring relative to the axial direction of the vertical guide post. The transmission component includes a connecting plate and a transmission pin. The transmission pin is fixed to one end of the connecting plate and is perpendicular to the connecting plate. One end of the connecting plate is pivotally connected to the clamping component. The first spring is sleeved outside the transmission pin; One end of the rotating shaft is a second bushing. The rotating shaft is restricted to rotate within the gantry frame, and the axial direction of the rotating shaft is parallel to the conveying direction of the chain conveyor. The drive pin passes through the second bushing and is perpendicular to the rotating shaft, so that the two ends of the first spring abut against the connecting plate and the second bushing, respectively.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The demolding mechanism further includes a drive cylinder, a lifting component, a first connecting rod, and a second connecting rod. The drive cylinder is fixed on the gantry frame, the lifting component is fixed on the piston rod of the drive cylinder, and the second connecting rod is pivotally connected to both sides of the lifting component. The first connecting rod is fixed to the end of the rotating shaft away from the second bushing, and the first connecting rods on both sides of the gantry frame are pivotally connected to the ends of the two second connecting rods away from the lifting component.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing mechanism further includes a first conveyor, which is located on the other side of the chain conveyor opposite to the pushing component, and the conveying plane of the first conveyor is flush with the height of the tray located above the chain conveyor.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, A connecting cylinder is fixed to one side of the tray. A strip-shaped hole is opened on the side wall of the connecting cylinder. The length direction of the strip-shaped hole is parallel to the axial direction of the connecting cylinder. A limiting pin is fixed to the side of one end of the connecting shaft. The connecting shaft passes into the connecting cylinder, so that the limiting pin is restricted in the strip-shaped hole.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, A gantry frame is fixed on the frame of the chain conveyor, and a positioning rod is fixed under the gantry frame. The mold ring has positioning grooves at both ends of the same diameter line. When the mold moves to the positioning rod, the positioning grooves are properly engaged with the positioning rod. A bearing seat is fixed on the chain plate, and a connecting shaft passes through and is fixed to the bearing seat of the chain plate. The end of the connecting shaft away from the tray extends into the chain conveyor to fix a transmission gear. A rack is fixed inside the chain conveyor at a position corresponding to the heating element and the clamping element. When the chain plate moves to the rack position, the rack and the transmission gear mesh.

10. A method of operating the apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, After the mold containing the cake base is placed on the upper surface of the tray, the chain conveyor drives the connecting shaft and the tray to move synchronously, thereby moving the mold along the conveying direction of the chain conveyor. The working method of the device is as follows: When the chain conveyor moves the tray and the mold to the position corresponding to the heating mechanism, the heating elements on both sides of the chain conveyor move towards the middle, so that the heating groove of the heating element wraps around the side of the mold. The heating element generates high temperature to heat the mold, causing the cake base and the mold ring of the mold to separate. When the chain conveyor drives the pallet and the mold to continue moving to the position corresponding to the demolding mechanism, the clamping member moves towards the middle of the chain conveyor to fit the mold ring and complete the clamping. Then, the clamping member slides down to drive the mold ring to move down and disengage from the mold's hinged plate to complete the demolding. Subsequently, the clamping member moves to the outside of the chain conveyor to release the clamping. Finally, the clamping member moves upward to complete the reset. When the chain conveyor drives the tray to continue moving to the position corresponding to the pushing mechanism, the pushing component moves in a straight line toward the middle of the chain conveyor, pushing the cake blank on the tray away from the tray to the next process. The chain conveyor continues to drive the pallet and the connecting shaft to rotate downwards. The pallet hangs down under the action of gravity. The mold ring rotates with the connecting shaft and hangs on the pallet. It also descends synchronously with the pallet and enters the cleaning tank and continues to move. The cleaning tank performs ultrasonic cleaning on the mold ring, causing the cake crumbs attached to the inner wall of the mold ring to fall off. Afterwards, the moving connecting shaft and the pallet drive the mold ring to move upwards synchronously and detach from the cleaning tank. The chain conveyor operates continuously, driving the pallet and the connecting shaft to continue moving back to the initial position and enter the next work cycle.

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