Milk frother heater die casting apparatus and method

Abstract

The application discloses a milk frother heater die-casting device and method, and relates to the technical field of milk frother heater production, which comprises a die-casting platform and a kettle mold, the die-casting platform comprises a machine body, a fixed seat arranged on the machine body, a movable seat slidingly connected to the machine body, a straight pushing assembly for driving the movable seat to move, and a feeding structure for conveying die-casting raw liquid, the fixed seat and the movable seat are arranged vertically, and the movable seat moves vertically; the kettle mold comprises a mold one and a mold two which are respectively detachably connected to the fixed seat and the movable seat, the mold one and the mold two are respectively provided with a structure groove, the bottom of the mold two is fixed with a die-casting block, the two structure grooves are closed, the die-casting block is inserted into the structure groove of the mold one to form a mold groove which matches the shape of the kettle body of the milk frother, and the kettle mold is connected with a cooling assembly; and the machine body is further provided with a feeding and discharging mechanism for delivering and installing a heating pipe and a water delivery pipe into the mold groove. The application has the effect of improving production and processing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of milk frother heater manufacturing technology, and in particular to a die-casting apparatus and method for a milk frother heater. Background Technology

[0002] In freshly made coffee and other beverages, staff will add milk foam to the coffee liquid for reasons such as taste and appearance. Milk foam refers to the fine and dense foam product formed by high pressure injection of milk after heating. Most milk foam is currently produced by milk frothers.

[0003] Currently, the global milk frother heating technology presents a diversified development pattern. The international market is represented by German and Italian brands, which mostly use a combination of stainless steel electric heating tubes and aluminum heat sinks to achieve heat conduction. Compared with many domestic products that use an additional induction cooker for heating, the product performance is better. However, the production process requires too many assembly steps, which affects the production and processing efficiency. Therefore, this application proposes a new technical solution. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To improve production and processing efficiency, this application provides a die-casting device and method for a milk frother heater.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a die-casting device for a milk frother heater, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A die-casting device for a milk frother heater includes a die-casting platform and a pot mold. The die-casting platform includes a body, a fixed seat disposed on the body, a movable seat slidably connected to the body, a direct-push assembly for driving the movable seat to move, and a feeding structure for conveying the die-casting liquid. The fixed seat and the movable seat are distributed vertically, and the moving direction of the movable seat is vertical.

[0007] The kettle body mold includes a mold one and a mold two that are detachably connected to a fixed base and a movable base, respectively. The mold one and the mold two are respectively provided with structural grooves, and a die-casting block is fixed at the bottom of the mold two. The two structural grooves are closed and the die-casting block is inserted into the structural groove of the mold one to form a mold groove that fits the shape of the kettle body of the milk frother. Two sets of shaping frames for supporting the heating tube and water pipe are formed in the structural groove of the mold one. The heating tube and water pipe are vortex-shaped and equidistantly distributed, with one end raised from the center of the vortex and the other end horizontal.

[0008] The first mold has a structural groove on its side for the horizontal placement of heating pipes and water pipes, and the second mold has a sealing block that fits the groove.

[0009] The kettle body mold is connected to a cooling assembly, which includes a cooling pipe disposed on the outside of the mold groove and a solenoid valve connected to the cooling pipe.

[0010] The machine body is also equipped with a loading and unloading mechanism for delivering and installing heating pipes and water pipes into the mold cavity.

[0011] Optionally, the molding frame includes a support rod and a support block. The support rod is vertically fixed to the bottom of the structure of the mold and has a groove at the top for adapting to the heating pipe or the conveying pipe. The support block is fixed to the allowance groove and has a groove at the top for adapting to the end of the horizontal section of the heating pipe or the conveying pipe.

[0012] Optionally, the loading and unloading mechanism includes a controller and a three-axis slide table, a camera, and a gripping arm electrically connected to the controller, wherein the gripping arm is mounted on the slider of the three-axis slide table;

[0013] The gripping arm includes a boom, an integrated base fixed to the bottom of one end of the boom, a gripper head mounted on the integrated base, an arc-shaped block laterally slidably connected to the side wall of the integrated base, and a pushing unit for pushing the arc-shaped block to slide. The cross-sectional area of ​​the integrated base is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the structural groove of the mold, and the arc surface of the arc-shaped block faces outward. The gripper head has a snap-fit ​​groove that fits into the vertical center end of the water supply pipe and the heating pipe, with the opening of the snap-fit ​​groove facing downward. The side wall of the snap-fit ​​groove is embedded with an abutment unit for abutting the vertical end of the water supply pipe and the heating pipe.

[0014] The camera is embedded in the lower part of the integrated base, located on the side of the gripper head, with the camera end facing downwards;

[0015] A motor is mounted on the boom, and the integrated base is laterally rotatably connected to the boom. The output shaft of the motor is connected to the integrated base.

[0016] Optionally, an airbag groove is provided at the lower end of the grab head surrounding the snap-fit ​​groove, and the abutment unit includes an airbag embedded in the airbag groove, an airbag inlet / outlet pipe connected to the airbag, and a solenoid valve II installed in the airbag inlet / outlet pipe.

[0017] Optionally, a storage box is installed on the body, and the storage box is provided with a placement rack. The placement rack includes a vertical rod and clamps. There are multiple clamps distributed along the height direction of the vertical rod. Each clamp has at least a middle opening. Two adjacent clamps form a group. A sleeve is fixed between each group of clamps and is located at the upper and lower ends of the sleeve. The sleeve is fitted onto the vertical rod. A vortex-shaped heating tube and / or water supply tube is placed on the clamp on the upper part of each sleeve. The storage box is also equipped with a telescopic unit for pushing the lowermost sleeve. The lower end of the sleeve extends to the side to form a baffle. The telescopic unit is located below the baffle.

[0018] Optionally, one end of the cooling pipe is connected to a gas-liquid separator, which has at least a gas outlet and a liquid outlet; the telescopic unit includes a piston cylinder and a piston rod slidably connected to the piston cylinder, the piston cylinder has an input port and an output port, the input port is equipped with a shut-off valve one, and the output port is equipped with a shut-off valve two, the shut-off valve one being connected to the gas outlet port of the gas-liquid separator; the liquid outlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to a heat dissipation unit, which is connected to the other end of the cooling pipe via a pipe.

[0019] Optionally, the gas-liquid separator and the heat dissipation unit are connected by a pipeline and a solenoid valve is installed on the pipeline. The gas-liquid separator includes a tank and a pressure detection sensor installed on the tank. The pressure detection sensor is electrically connected to a controller, and the controller is configured as follows:

[0020] Obtain the detection value T1 from the barometric pressure sensor;

[0021] If the detected value T1 reaches the preset outlet water pressure threshold T2, then solenoid valve three will be opened;

[0022] If the detected value T1 reaches the preset air supply pressure threshold T3, the corresponding shut-off valve will be opened when receiving the material feeding request; wherein, the water outlet pressure threshold T2 < the air supply pressure threshold T3.

[0023] Optionally, the controller is configured as follows:

[0024] Number each vertical bar;

[0025] Count the number of times N is extended for each telescopic unit corresponding to each vertical bar;

[0026] Based on the number of elongation N, the preset number-weight-pressure data relationship table is consulted to obtain the current matching gas supply pressure threshold T3.

[0027] Optionally, a laser rangefinder is installed at the bottom of the storage box, with the detection end of the laser rangefinder facing upwards and the laser point landing at the bottom of the lowest clamping plate. The laser rangefinder is electrically connected to the controller.

[0028] Secondly, this application provides a die-casting method for a milk frother heater, employing the following technical solution:

[0029] A method for die-casting a milk frother heater, comprising performing die-casting work using any of the milk frother heater die-casting devices described above.

[0030] In summary, this application includes the following beneficial technical effects: by using the above-mentioned kettle body mold for die casting, the assembly step of the heater can be omitted. The heating tube and water supply pipe are placed in the structural groove of the mold, and after the die casting liquid is supplied, the die casting is carried out in one piece, and the assembly of the heating tube and water supply pipe is completed simultaneously, thereby improving the production and processing efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this application;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pot body mold in this application;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a top view of mold two in this application;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the loading and unloading mechanism in this application;

[0035] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the integrated base and gripper in this application;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the integrated base in this application;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the placement rack in this application;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the telescopic unit in this application;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a connection diagram of the controller in this application;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline distribution of the gas-liquid separator section of this application.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Die-casting platform; 11. Fixed seat; 12. Movable seat; 13. Direct push assembly; 2. Pot body mold; 21. Mold one; 211. Structural groove; 212. Molding frame; 2121. Support rod; 2122. Holding block; 213. Reservoir groove; 22. Mold two; 221. Die-casting block; 23. Cooling pipe; 3. Loading and unloading mechanism; 31. Three-axis slide; 32. Gripping arm; 321. Arm; 322. Integrated seat; 323. Gripping head; 324. Arc block; 325. Pushing unit; 33. Camera; 34. Contact unit; 341. Airbag; 342. Air inlet and outlet pipe; 35. Motor; 36. Controller; 4. Storage box; 41. Placement rack; 411. Vertical rod; 412. Clamping plate; 413. Sleeve; 414. Baffle plate; 415. Telescopic unit. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-9 This application will be described in further detail.

[0043] This application discloses a die-casting device for a milk frother heater.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 The milk frother heater die casting device includes a die casting platform 1 and a pot mold 2. The die casting platform 1 includes a frame structure body, a fixed seat 11 fixed to the body, a movable seat 12 slidably connected to the body, a direct push assembly 13 for driving the movable seat 12 to move, and a feeding mechanism for conveying the die casting liquid.

[0045] The fixed seat 11 and the movable seat 12 are arranged vertically, and the movable seat 12 moves vertically. Installation example: The fixed seat 11 is fixed to the upper part of the machine body. Four vertical columns are evenly fixed on the fixed seat 11. The movable seat 12 is located above the fixed seat 11 and is penetrated by the four columns. A top plate is fixed to the top of the columns. A hydraulic cylinder (i.e., the above-mentioned direct push assembly 13) is installed on the top plate. The extension rod end of the hydraulic cylinder is fixed to the movable seat 12 with the extension rod facing downward, thereby realizing the vertical sliding connection of the movable seat 12.

[0046] The feeding mechanism includes several nozzles, which are connected to pre-drilled feeding channels in the fixed seat 11 and the movable seat 12. These nozzles, in conjunction with the injection punch, deliver the die-casting molten metal into the mold cavity, thus supplying the die-casting molten metal to the die-casting platform 1. It is understood that the basic components of the die-casting structure are existing technology, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0047] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The pot body mold 2 includes mold one 21 and mold two 22 that are detachably connected to (e.g., fixed by bolts and nuts) a fixed base 11 and a movable base 12. Mold one 21 and mold two 22 are respectively provided with structural grooves 211.

[0048] Because this application uses an integrated die-casting method for the milk frother's body, heating element, and water supply pipe to improve processing efficiency, the milk frother's body is required to be cup-shaped to facilitate demolding after die casting. Therefore, the following settings are made:

[0049] The structural groove 211 of mold 1 21 is set as an upward-facing cylindrical shape, while mold 2 22 forms a downward-facing structural groove 211, and a die-casting block 221 is fixed at the center of the structural groove 211. In use, mold 1 21 and mold 2 22 abut against each other, the two structural grooves 211 close together, and the die-casting block 221 is inserted into the structural groove 211 of mold 1 21 to form a mold groove that fits the shape of the milk frother's pot.

[0050] Reference Figure 3Two sets of molding frames 212 are formed in the structural groove 211 of mold 22 to respectively suspend the heating tube and the water supply tube. The reason for setting the molding frames 212 is that only by suspending the heating tube and the water supply tube during die casting can they be positioned at the bottom of the pot body after the die casting operation without being exposed. This setting makes die casting more convenient by taking advantage of the large and flat bottom area of ​​the pot body, and improves heating efficiency by taking advantage of the large bottom area of ​​the pot body and its position below the liquid in the milk frother.

[0051] To further improve heating efficiency, the heating tube and water supply tube in this application are arranged to be equidistantly distributed after assembly. Thus, in combination with the needs of supplying water to the kettle body and connecting the wires, the heating tube and water supply tube are also arranged to have one end raised from the center of the vortex and the other end extending laterally out of the kettle body.

[0052] Based on the above requirements, the structural groove 211 on mold 1 21 is provided with a retaining groove 213 on the side for placing the horizontal ends of the heating pipe and the water supply pipe. Mold 2 22 is fixed with a sealing block that fits the retaining groove 213. The sealing block is inserted into the retaining groove 213 from top to bottom. Through the cooperation of the sealing block and the retaining groove 213, during die casting, a groove can be left for the protruding ends of the heating pipe and the water supply pipe to prevent interference or flattening of the heating pipe and the water supply pipe. At the same time, the area of ​​the pot body near the heating pipe and the water supply pipe can be restricted and sealed to prevent the die casting liquid from accidentally entering the heating pipe and the water supply pipe.

[0053] The aforementioned kettle mold 2 is connected to a cooling assembly, which includes cooling pipes 23 installed on the outside of the mold groove and a solenoid valve connected to the cooling pipes 23. The cooling pipes 23 include multiple pipes, which may be vertically arranged and circumferentially distributed on the outside of the mold groove. Example:

[0054] Each cooling pipe 23 is divided into two sections, with the two sections inserted into the fixed seat 11 and the movable seat 12 respectively, and the two ends facing each other are fitted sleeve joints; a solenoid valve can be installed at the lower end of the cooling pipe 23, and it is connected to the water source through a pipe.

[0055] The machine body is also equipped with a loading and unloading mechanism 3 for delivering and installing heating pipes and water pipes into the mold cavity.

[0056] With the above setup, the assembly step of the heater can be omitted when using the above-mentioned pot mold 2 for die casting. The heating tube and water supply pipe are placed in the structural groove 211 of the mold 21, and the die casting liquid is supplied before integral die casting is carried out. The assembly of the heating tube and water supply pipe is completed simultaneously, which improves the production and processing efficiency.

[0057] It should be noted that the positions of the fixed seat 11 and the movable seat 12 in this application are specific. The reason why the fixed seat 11 and the movable seat 12 are restricted to an upper and lower distribution is that in this application, the heating pipe and water supply pipe of the milk frother heater need to be placed in the fixed seat 11 before die casting. In order to improve the heating efficiency, the heating pipe and the water supply pipe are arranged in a vortex shape. If the fixed seat 11 and the movable seat 12 are arranged in other positions, the temporary fixing of the heating pipe and the water supply pipe will be complicated, affecting the feeding and die casting efficiency. Therefore, they are restricted to an upper and lower distribution.

[0058] Reference Figure 3 In another embodiment of this application, the molding frame 212 includes a support rod 2121 and a support block 2122. The support rod 2121 is vertically fixed to the bottom of the structure of the mold 21 and has a groove on its top adapted to the body of the heating pipe and the water pipe. The support block 2122 is fixed to the relief groove 213 and has a groove on its top adapted to the end of the horizontal section of the heating pipe or the conveying pipe. The sealing block also has a groove adapted to the end of the horizontal section of the heating pipe or the conveying pipe.

[0059] The above settings can better fix the heating tube and water pipe, restrict their position and orientation, prevent skewing during the die-casting process, and improve the quality of the final product.

[0060] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In another embodiment of this application, the loading and unloading mechanism 3 includes a controller 36 and a three-axis (electric lead screw) slide 31 electrically connected to the controller 36, a camera 33, and a gripping arm 32. The gripping arm 32 is fixed to the slider of the three-axis slide 31 by bolts.

[0061] The aforementioned gripping arm 32 includes an arm 321, an integrated base 322 fixed to the bottom of one end of the arm 321, a gripper head 323 mounted on the integrated base 322, an arc-shaped block 324 laterally slidably connected to the side wall of the integrated base 322, and a pushing unit 325 for pushing the arc-shaped block 324 to slide. The integrated base 322 is cylindrical, and its cross-sectional area is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the structural groove 211 of the mold 21. In this embodiment, the arc-shaped block 324 is configured as two pieces, with the arc surface of the arc-shaped block 324 facing outwards. In order to better fit the side wall of the structural groove 211, its curvature is greater than that of the side wall of the integrated base 322. A bracket is installed on the side of the arc surface of the arc-shaped block 324 facing inwards. The bracket is used to support the arc surface posture of the arc-shaped block 324, so that it more effectively abuts against the side wall of the structural groove 211.

[0062] The pushing unit 325 can be a small cylinder or electric cylinder installed in the integrated base 322. In this embodiment, there are two pushing units 325, each corresponding to an arc-shaped block 324, and the telescopic end is fixed to the arc-shaped block 324. Since the temperature of the kettle body is high after die casting, a layer of flexible heat insulation material can be fixed on the surface of the arc-shaped block 324.

[0063] Reference Figure 6 The aforementioned grab head 323 has a snap-fit ​​groove that fits into the vertical end of the center of the water supply pipe and the heating pipe, and the snap-fit ​​groove is open at least downward. The side wall of the snap-fit ​​groove is embedded with a contact unit 34 for contacting the vertical end section of the water supply pipe and the heating pipe.

[0064] In another embodiment of this application, an airbag 341 groove is formed at the lower end of the grab head 323 surrounding the snap-fit ​​groove. The contact unit 34 includes an airbag 341 embedded in the airbag 341 groove and an air inlet / outlet pipe 342 connected to the airbag 341. The air inlet / outlet pipe 342 of the airbag 341 is connected to a small air pump for air supply, and a second solenoid valve is installed on the pipe. The air pump and the second solenoid valve are electrically connected to the controller 36.

[0065] With the above settings, the gripper head 323 moves and lowers automatically following the gripping arm 32, so that the upward-curving section of the heating tube and water supply pipe is inserted into the snap-fit ​​groove of the gripper head 323. The gripping and placement of the heating tube and water supply pipe are controlled by the expansion and contraction of the airbag 341, making it more convenient and intelligent to use.

[0066] In another embodiment of this application, the camera 33 is embedded in the lower part of the integrated base 322 and located on the side of the gripper head 323. The camera end of the camera 33 faces downward. According to the above settings, the controller 36 can use the image captured by the camera 33 to analyze and calculate the specific position of the upturned part of the heating tube and the water supply tube, and then instruct the gripper head 323 to grab the heating tube and the water supply tube for feeding.

[0067] Example of using the grab action:

[0068] Assuming that when camera 33 is in its initial position, the center of the image it captures and the origin of the preset three-axis spatial coordinate system are on the same vertical line;

[0069] If we define that after each movement of the three-axis slide 31, the camera 33 is returned to its initial position, then:

[0070] Obtain the image of the initial position and get the image center coordinates (0,0,Z1); where Z1 is the initial value entered manually.

[0071] Identify the vertical end of the heating tube in the image and obtain its pixel position J1 based on the image;

[0072] Calculate the pixel position difference along the X and Y axes between J1 and the image center to obtain L1 and L2;

[0073] Based on the preset scale, L1 and L2 are converted to obtain the distances X1 and Y1 of the vertical end of the heating tube from the origin in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. These two distances are the expected movement of the gripper 323 in the X-axis and Y-axis, respectively.

[0074] The expected Z-axis movement h2 of the gripper head 323 is determined based on the initial height difference h1, where h2 = h1; and h1 is the distance between the gripper head 323 and the vertical end of the heating tube when the manually recorded camera 33 is in the initial position.

[0075] Based on X1, Y1, and h2=h1, the three-axis slide 31 is controlled to drive the gripper 323 to move, so as to realize the gripping action.

[0076] It is understandable that visual measurement and positioning is an existing technology, so it will not be discussed further.

[0077] In another embodiment of this application, considering that the heating pipe and water supply pipe are placed at different angles, and according to the above settings, the end of the heating pipe and water supply pipe extending outward needs to be placed in the retention groove 213. Therefore, it is necessary to change the angle of the heating pipe and water supply pipe. For this purpose, the following settings are made:

[0078] A motor 35 is installed on the upper part of the boom 321. The integrated base 322 is rotatably connected to the boom 321. The output shaft of the motor 35 passes downward through the boom 321 and connects to the integrated base 322. The motor 35 is electrically connected to the controller 36. With the help of the image captured by the camera 33, the angle difference between the currently outwardly extending end of the heating pipe and the water supply pipe and the residual groove 213 is analyzed and adjusted.

[0079] Reference Figure 7 In another embodiment of this application, a storage box 4 for placing the vortex-shaped heating pipe and water pipe is installed on the machine body. Multiple placement racks 41 are fixed inside the storage box 4 and are arranged in a horizontal array. The placement rack 41 includes a vertical rod 411 and a clamping plate 412. The clamping plate 412 has at least a middle opening, that is, it is arranged in a ring. The middle part of the clamping plate 412 is open so as not to interfere with the upward part of the heating pipe and the water pipe.

[0080] There are multiple clamping plates 412 distributed along the height direction of the vertical rod 411. Two adjacent clamping plates 412 form a group. A sleeve 413 is fixed between each group of clamping plates 412. The two clamping plates 412 are located at the upper and lower ends of the sleeve 413 respectively. The upper and lower ends of two adjacent sleeves 413 are close to each other. The sleeve 413 is sleeved on the vertical rod 411.

[0081] In use, the heating tube and water pipe of the vortex structure are placed on the clamping plate 412 on the upper part of each sleeve 413. Both can be placed on one clamping plate 412 at the same time, or only one of them can be placed on it. Then, the adjacent clamping plates 412 of two adjacent sleeves 413 are brought together to clamp the heating tube and water pipe, with the heating tube and water pipe located on the uppermost clamping plate 412. In use, after removing one (or two) pieces of material, one sleeve 413 is removed, and then the next piece of material can be removed.

[0082] With this setup, the upper set of clamping plates 412 and the lower set of clamping plates 412 can hold the same heating pipe and water pipe, effectively preventing them from accidentally tipping over and falling out of the clamping plates 412.

[0083] Reference Figure 8 The storage box 4 is equipped with a telescopic unit 415 for pushing the sleeve 413 located at the bottom. The lower end of the sleeve 413 extends to the side to form a baffle 414. The telescopic unit 415 is located below the baffle 414. In this embodiment, the telescopic unit 415 can be a cylinder or an electric cylinder. The cylinder body of the cylinder or electric cylinder is installed at the bottom of the storage box 4, and the telescopic end extends into the storage box 4 and is fixed to the baffle 414 of the lowermost sleeve 413 by bolts.

[0084] With the above setup, the telescopic unit 415 pushes the sleeve 413 upward, causing the sleeve 413 and clamping plate 412 to fall out of the vertical rod 411 one by one, and cooperate with the gripper head 323 to grab them. With proper control, after grabbing the current uppermost water pipe and heating pipe, the sleeve 413 and clamping plate 412 can be automatically dropped to expose the heating pipe and water pipe below, thus achieving the purpose of automatic feeding.

[0085] Reference Figure 10 In another embodiment of this application, in order to improve the utilization rate of the device components and to simplify the structure and reduce costs, the heat generated by demolding cooling is used to drive the above-mentioned telescopic unit 415. Specifically:

[0086] The upper end of the cooling pipe 23 is connected to a gas-liquid separator. The gas-liquid separator is tank-shaped and is located on the side of the machine body. It has at least a gas outlet and a liquid outlet. The gas outlet is at the top of the tank and the liquid outlet is at the bottom of the tank.

[0087] The telescopic unit 415 includes a piston cylinder and a piston rod slidably connected to the piston cylinder. The piston cylinder is provided with an input port and an output port. A shut-off valve one is installed at the input port, and a shut-off valve two is installed at the output port. The shut-off valve one is connected to the gas outlet port of the gas-liquid separator. Gas in the gas-liquid separator can enter the piston cylinder through the gas outlet port and push the piston rod to extend.

[0088] Based on the above settings, cooling water should be used as the coolant during use.

[0089] After cooling the mold, the cooling water forms a gas-liquid mixture. The mixture is first sent to the gas-liquid separator for separation. Then, the hot steam is sent to the telescopic unit 415 through the shut-off valve to generate thrust, while the water is discharged from the liquid outlet of the gas-liquid separator.

[0090] Furthermore, the liquid outlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to a heat dissipation unit, which can be a heat dissipation fin. The liquid outlet of the heat dissipation unit is connected to the inlet of the cooling pipe 23 through a pipe.

[0091] According to the above settings, the cooling water leaving the gas-liquid separator will first be cooled by heat dissipation, and then sent back to the mold for cooling, that is, the cooling water is recycled and reused to save costs.

[0092] Furthermore, the inlet end of the cooling pipe 23 is fixed with a T-shaped pipe or is configured as a T-shaped pipe, with the first port of the T-shaped pipe connected to the mold, the second port connected to the heat dissipation unit, and the third port connected to the water source (such as a water pump or tap water pipe) through another electrically controlled valve. The reason for making the above configuration is, on the one hand, to prevent the coolant from evaporating into gas when heated, thus reducing the total amount of coolant in the pipe and affecting the cooling cycle; on the other hand, when the heat dissipation unit's heat dissipation capacity is insufficient, the newly added coolant can also cool down the original coolant in the pipe, ensuring cooling efficiency.

[0093] In another embodiment of this application, the gas-liquid separator and the heat dissipation unit are connected by a pipe and a solenoid valve is installed on the pipe. The gas-liquid separator includes a tank and a pressure detection sensor installed in the tank. The pressure detection sensor is installed inside the tank and is electrically connected to the controller 36. The controller 36 is configured as follows:

[0094] 1) Obtain the detection value T1 from the air pressure sensor.

[0095] 2) If the detected value T1 reaches the preset water pressure threshold T2, the solenoid valve 3 will be opened; the preset water pressure threshold T2 is determined by the staff through testing to ensure that the air pressure in the tank will not be too low and cause negative pressure after water is discharged.

[0096] 3) If the detected value T1 reaches the preset air supply pressure threshold T3, the corresponding shut-off valve one will be opened when receiving the material feeding request; wherein, the water outlet pressure threshold T2 < the air supply pressure threshold T3, so as to prevent the air pressure when the shut-off valve one is opened from being insufficient to push the piston rod out.

[0097] The above settings ensure that the gas pressure inside the tank is balanced and that there is no negative pressure. They also ensure that the gas pressure inside the tank is sufficient to push the piston rod out, preventing insufficient thrust from causing deviations in subsequent steps.

[0098] In another embodiment of this application, the controller 36 is configured as follows:

[0099] 1) Number each vertical bar 411;

[0100] 2) Count the number of times N of extension of the telescopic unit 415 corresponding to each vertical rod 411;

[0101] 3) Based on the number of elongation N, find the preset number-weight-pressure data relationship table to obtain the current matching gas supply pressure threshold T3.

[0102] The frequency-weight-pressure data table was obtained by staff through repeated experiments. The reason for the above settings is that when there are many heating pipes and water pipes on the vertical rod 411, the weight is large, which will cause some of the steam to be compressed, resulting in a deviation between the output gas volume and the extension of the telescopic unit 415. Therefore, the above settings can ensure that the gas pressure in the tank is sufficient to push the piston rod to extend, thereby more accurately controlling the piston rod to extend to the specified length.

[0103] In another embodiment of this application, since steam condenses when cooled, the amount of gas inside the piston cylinder decreases, causing the extended piston rod to retract. Therefore, the following configuration is made:

[0104] A laser rangefinder is installed at the bottom of the storage box 4. The detection end of the laser rangefinder faces upward and the laser point is located at the bottom of the lowest clamp 412. The laser rangefinder is electrically connected to the controller 36. The controller 36 controls the opening duration of the shut-off valve 1 according to the detection value of the laser rangefinder.

[0105] Taking the first extension of telescopic unit 415 as an example: Suppose that after the control shut-off valve opens for 5 seconds, the feedback value of the corresponding laser rangefinder should be 10cm under standard conditions. However, if the feedback value of the laser rangefinder is only 8cm at this time, the control shut-off valve can be opened again until the distance detection value reaches 10cm.

[0106] It is understandable that the aforementioned shut-off valve two can discharge the liquid condensed at the bottom of the piston cylinder when it is opened.

[0107] This application also discloses a die-casting method for a milk frother heater.

[0108] The die-casting method for milk frother heaters includes using any of the above-mentioned die-casting devices for milk frother heaters to perform the die-casting work.

[0109] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A die-casting device for a milk frother heater, comprising a die-casting platform (1) and a kettle mold (2), wherein the die-casting platform (1) comprises a body, a fixed seat (11) disposed on the body, a movable seat (12) slidably connected to the body, a direct-push assembly (13) for driving the movable seat (12) to move, and a feeding structure for conveying the die-casting liquid, characterized in that: The fixed seat (11) and the movable seat (12) are distributed vertically, and the moving direction of the movable seat (12) is vertical; The kettle body mold (2) includes a mold one (21) and a mold two (22) that are detachably connected to the fixed base (11) and the movable base (12), respectively. The mold one (21) and the mold two (22) are respectively provided with structural grooves (211), and the bottom of the mold two (22) is fixed with a die-casting block (221). The two structural grooves (211) are closed and the die-casting block (221) is inserted into the structural groove (211) of the mold one (21) to form a mold groove that fits the shape of the kettle body of the milk frother. Two sets of shaping frames (212) for supporting the heating pipe and water pipe are formed in the structural groove (211) of the mold one (21), and the heating pipe and water pipe are vortex-shaped and equidistantly distributed, with one end raised from the center of the vortex and the other end horizontal. The structural groove (211) on the first mold (21) is provided with a sump (213) for the horizontal placement of the heating pipe and the water pipe. The second mold (22) is fixed with a sealing block that fits the sump (213). The pot body mold (2) is connected to a cooling assembly, which includes a cooling pipe (23) disposed on the outside of the mold groove and a solenoid valve connected to the cooling pipe (23); The machine body is also equipped with a loading and unloading mechanism (3) for delivering and installing heating pipes and water pipes into the mold cavity.

2. The die-casting device for a milk frother heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The molding frame (212) includes a support rod (2121) and a support block (2122). The support rod (2121) is vertically fixed to the bottom of the structure of the mold (21) and has a groove at the top for adapting to the heating pipe or the conveying pipe. The support block (2122) is fixed to the allowance groove (213) and has a groove at the top for adapting to the end of the horizontal section of the heating pipe or the conveying pipe.

3. The die-casting device for a milk frother heater according to claim 2, characterized in that: The loading and unloading mechanism (3) includes a controller (36) and a three-axis slide (31), a camera (33), and a gripping arm (32) electrically connected to the controller (36). The gripping arm (32) is mounted on the slider of the three-axis slide (31). The gripping arm (32) includes an arm (321), an integrated base (322) fixed to the bottom of one end of the arm (321), a gripping head (323) installed on the integrated base (322), an arc-shaped block (324) slidably connected to the side wall of the integrated base (322), and a pushing unit (325) for pushing the arc-shaped block (324) to slide. The cross-sectional area of ​​the integrated base (322) is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the structural groove (211) of the mold (21). The arc surface of the arc-shaped block (324) faces outward. The gripping head (323) has a snap-fit ​​groove that fits into the vertical center of the water supply pipe and the heating pipe, and the opening of the snap-fit ​​groove faces downward. The side wall of the snap-fit ​​groove is embedded with a contact unit (34) for contacting the vertical end of the water supply pipe and the heating pipe. The camera (33) is embedded in the lower part of the integrated base (322), located on the side of the gripper (323), with the camera end facing downward; A motor (35) is mounted on the boom (321), and the integrated base (322) is laterally rotatably connected to the boom (321). The output shaft of the motor (35) is connected to the integrated base (322).

4. The die-casting device for a milk frother heater according to claim 3, characterized in that: The gripper (323) has an airbag (341) groove at the lower end of the surrounding snap-fit ​​groove. The contact unit (34) includes an airbag (341) embedded in the airbag (341) groove, an air inlet / outlet pipe (342) connected to the airbag (341), and a solenoid valve II installed in the air inlet / outlet pipe (342).

5. The die-casting device for a milk frother heater according to claim 4, characterized in that: The machine body is equipped with a storage box (4). The storage box (4) is provided with a placement rack (41), which includes a vertical rod (411) and a clamping plate (412). There are multiple clamping plates (412) and they are distributed along the height direction of the vertical rod (411). The clamping plate (412) has at least an opening in the middle. Two adjacent clamping plates (412) form a group. A sleeve (413) is fixed between each group of clamping plates (412) and is located at the upper and lower ends of the sleeve (413). The sleeve (413) is sleeved on the vertical rod (411). A vortex-shaped heating pipe and / or water pipe is placed on the clamping plate (412) on the upper part of each sleeve (413). The storage box (4) is also equipped with a telescopic unit (415) for pushing the sleeve (413) at the bottom. The lower end of the sleeve (413) extends a baffle (414) to the side. The telescopic unit (415) is located below the baffle (414).

6. The die-casting device for a milk frother heater according to claim 5, characterized in that: One end of the cooling pipe (23) is connected to a gas-liquid separator, which has at least a gas outlet and a liquid outlet; the telescopic unit (415) includes a piston cylinder and a piston rod slidably connected to the piston cylinder, the piston cylinder has an input port and an output port, and a shut-off valve one is installed at the input port, and a shut-off valve two is installed at the output port, the shut-off valve one being connected to the gas outlet port of the gas-liquid separator; the liquid outlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to a heat dissipation unit, which is connected to the other end of the cooling pipe (23) through a pipe.

7. The die-casting device for a milk frother heater according to claim 6, characterized in that: The gas-liquid separator and the heat dissipation unit are connected by a pipeline and a solenoid valve is installed on the pipeline. The gas-liquid separator includes a tank and a pressure detection sensor installed on the tank. The pressure detection sensor is electrically connected to the controller (36). The controller (36) is configured as follows: Obtain the detection value T1 from the barometric pressure sensor; If the detected value T1 reaches the preset outlet water pressure threshold T2, then solenoid valve three will be opened; If the detected value T1 reaches the preset air supply pressure threshold T3, the corresponding shut-off valve will be opened when receiving the material feeding request; wherein, the water outlet pressure threshold T2 < the air supply pressure threshold T3.

8. The die-casting device for a milk frother heater according to claim 7, characterized in that: The controller (36) is configured as follows: Number each vertical bar (411); Count the number of times N is extended by the telescopic unit (415) corresponding to each vertical rod (411); Based on the number of elongation N, the preset number-weight-pressure data relationship table is consulted to obtain the current matching gas supply pressure threshold T3.

9. The die-casting device for a milk frother heater according to claim 8, characterized in that: A laser rangefinder is installed at the bottom of the storage box (4). The detection end of the laser rangefinder faces upward and the laser point falls at the bottom of the lowest clamp (412). The laser rangefinder is electrically connected to the controller (36).

10. A method for die-casting a milk frother heater, characterized in that: The die-casting operation is carried out using the die-casting device for the milk frother heater as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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