Vacuum sealing apparatus for insulating vessels

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of vacuumizing and sealing equipment of heat insulation vessel, equipment includes rack, vacuum pump, control system, fixture jacking device, positioning fixture, ultrasonic device, infrared radiator, vacuum processing head and visual positioning and laser welding assembly. Through ultrasonic device and infrared radiator collaborative acceleration vacuumizing, visual positioning assembly accurately positions air hole, and laser welding assembly is sealed with laser melting heat insulation vessel own material. The utility model solves the problems of long process, high defective rate, high lead content and high energy consumption of traditional process, realizes lead-free production, improves processing efficiency, reduces cost and energy consumption, and is suitable for small batch rapid production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vacuum insulation vessel processing technology, and in particular to a vacuum sealing device for insulation vessels. Background Technology

[0002] Vacuum insulation containers are made of double-layered metal materials. A vacuum environment is created between the two layers by drawing a vacuum, thereby reducing heat conduction and achieving the insulation function. The vacuuming and sealing process is particularly important.

[0003] Commonly used vacuum sealing methods include: pressure sealing, spin sealing, and fusion sealing (also known as tailless fusion sealing). Currently, the most common method for vacuum sealing the bottom of vacuum insulated containers on the market is tailless vacuum fusion sealing. In tailless vacuum fusion sealing, a spherical glass-based brazing flux is placed over the evacuation port. During evacuation, the glass-based brazing flux remains solid and does not block the evacuation port. After evacuation, the container and the glass-based brazing flux are heated together at a temperature above 500 degrees Celsius, causing the glass-based brazing flux to melt and thus seal the evacuation port.

[0004] The disadvantages of this method are:

[0005] 1. The process takes a long time, with each cycle taking approximately 4-6 hours;

[0006] 2. Due to the use of large-volume vacuum chambers, multiple (more than 1,000) heat insulation vessels are usually processed at one time. The brazing flux is manually placed on each vessel, and then multiple vessels are placed together in a metal frame. During the process of transporting the metal frame to the vacuum chamber, the vibration generated will cause the glass-based brazing flux to shift, ultimately leading to an increased defect rate.

[0007] 3. Glass-based brazing fluxes are relatively expensive;

[0008] 4. Glass-based brazing flux contains lead, and some customers in the market have already requested that the insulation vessel itself and the production process be free of lead;

[0009] 5. High energy consumption: In order to heat a small amount of glass-based brazing flux in a localized area, the entire cavity is heated to 500 degrees Celsius, resulting in a large waste of energy.

[0010] Therefore, developing a new type of vacuum sealing equipment for insulated containers has become an urgent problem for those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0011] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a vacuum sealing device for heat-insulated vessels, which solves the problems of long process time, high defect rate, high cost, lead content and high energy consumption in the existing vacuum sealing process, realizes lead-free products, improves processing efficiency and meets the needs of small-batch rapid production.

[0012] The above-mentioned objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: a vacuum sealing device for heat-insulating vessels, comprising a frame, a vacuum pump and a control system, wherein a jig lifting device is provided on the frame, a positioning jig is fixed on the lifting seat of the jig lifting device, an ultrasonic device and an infrared radiator are provided on the positioning jig, the vacuum pump is connected to a vacuum pipe, and a vacuum processing head is connected to the end of the vacuum processing head, and a visual positioning and laser welding assembly is provided above the vacuum processing head.

[0013] Furthermore, the ultrasonic device includes an ultrasonic generator and an ultrasonic transducer, which are connected by a cable. The ultrasonic generator transmits a high-frequency electrical signal to the ultrasonic transducer via the cable, driving the transducer to convert the electrical signal into mechanical vibration. The ultrasonic generator has an output frequency range of 15-40kHz and an output power range of 30-1000W.

[0014] Furthermore, the vacuum processing head is a small vacuum cavity structure with light-transmitting optical glass on top, which facilitates visual positioning and the implementation of laser welding components. The bottom of the vacuum processing head is provided with a through hole, and a sealing ring is provided around the through hole for vacuuming after sealing.

[0015] Furthermore, the visual positioning and laser welding assembly includes a laser welding head and a visual positioning camera. The laser welding head has an output power range of 100-3000W and a wavelength of 800-1550nm.

[0016] Furthermore, there is at least one vacuum processing head. When there are two or more, the vacuum pump is equipped with a three-way pipe and valve. The control system controls the opening and closing of the three-way pipe and valve, allowing the two vacuum processing heads to sequentially evacuate. The predetermined vacuum level is set according to the usage requirements of the heat-insulating vessel, typically ranging from 1*10⁻⁶. -3 Pa-1*10 -4 Pa.

[0017] Furthermore, the vacuum sealing equipment for the heat-insulating vessel also includes a water chiller. The water chiller is equipped with a water tank and a circulating pump. The water outlet of the water chiller is connected to the water inlet of the vacuum pump through a water pipe, and then the water outlet of the vacuum pump is connected back to the water outlet of the water chiller to form a cooling water circulation loop.

[0018] During operation, at least one air extraction hole is reserved at the bottom of the heat-insulating vessel to be processed. The number and diameter of the air extraction holes can be adjusted according to the vacuuming efficiency, which can also reduce the risk of being blocked by foreign objects.

[0019] The steps for vacuum sealing of the heat-insulating vessel based on the above equipment are as follows:

[0020] S1: Place the heat-insulating vessel with the reserved air extraction hole on the fixture. The fixture lifting device moves the heat-insulating vessel and pushes the side with the reserved air extraction hole to be tightly pressed against the vacuum processing head.

[0021] S2: After the bottom sealing ring of the vacuum processing head is sealed with the end face of the heat-insulating vessel, the ultrasonic device and infrared radiator work, and then the vacuum pump draws a vacuum through the vacuum pipeline.

[0022] S3: Visual positioning and laser welding component operation. The visual positioning camera of the laser welding component locates the position of the air extraction hole on the surface of the heat insulation vessel and transmits the positioning data to the laser welding head of the laser welding component.

[0023] S4: When the vacuum reaches the predetermined vacuum level, the laser welding assembly performs laser welding of the evacuation hole according to the positioning data.

[0024] S5: After welding is completed, stop vacuuming, reset the fixture, and remove the material.

[0025] This utility model discloses a vacuum sealing device for insulated containers, achieving efficient and environmentally friendly vacuum sealing through the integration of multiple technologies. During operation, the insulated container is first placed on the fixture assembly. The fixture lifting device raises the container, ensuring that the side with the pre-drilled evacuation hole makes tight contact with the bottom of the vacuum processing head assembly, achieving a seal through the sealing ring at the bottom of the vacuum processing head assembly. Subsequently, the ultrasonic transducer and ultrasonic generator connected to the fixture are activated, transmitting high-frequency electrical signals via cables. The transducer converts these signals into mechanical vibrations, while simultaneously, the top infrared radiator heats the insulated container with infrared radiation. These two technologies work together to accelerate the movement of gas molecules inside the container, shortening the vacuuming time.

[0026] Next, the vacuum pump assembly is connected to the vacuum processing head assembly via a vacuum pipe, initiating the vacuuming operation. During the evacuation process, the camera of the vision positioning assembly captures images of the evacuation hole positions on the surface of the insulation vessel, acquiring image information using optical imaging principles. After algorithm processing, the positioning data of the evacuation hole is transmitted to the laser welding assembly. When the vacuum reaches the predetermined vacuum level, the laser welding head generates a high-energy laser beam. The laser beam rapidly scans in a two-dimensional plane to locate the evacuation hole position. Based on the positioning data, the laser welding assembly controls the laser welding head to emit light, causing the insulation vessel material itself to melt under the high heat of the laser, completing the welding and sealing of the evacuation hole. After welding is completed, the vacuuming is stopped, the fixture is reset, and the processed insulation vessel is removed manually or by a robotic arm. The entire process integrates laser technology, vision positioning technology, vacuum technology, local infrared heating technology, and ultrasonic technology, replacing traditional glass-based brazing and achieving lead-free, high-efficiency production.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0028] 1. Lead-free: This invention does not use lead-containing glass-based soldering flux, but uses the material of the heat-insulating vessel itself to achieve sealing, thus achieving lead-free product and processing, meeting the market demand for lead-free products.

[0029] 2. Efficiency Improvement: Integrating multiple technologies, it utilizes ultrasonic and infrared radiation heating to accelerate the movement of gas molecules inside the insulated vessel, shortening the vacuuming time; laser welding is fast and precise, and the equipment can be configured with multiple vacuum processing heads and cavities, making it suitable for small-batch rapid production, significantly reducing the process time compared to traditional processes.

[0030] 3. Reduce costs: Avoid using expensive glass-based soldering fluxes, reduce losses of defective products caused by displacement of glass-based soldering fluxes, and lower production costs.

[0031] 4. Reduced energy consumption: Laser welding has less energy loss and does not require heating the entire large cavity as in traditional processes, effectively reducing energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one side of the device of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the other side of the device of this utility model.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of one side of the device of this utility model.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the other side of the structure of the device of this utility model.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat-insulated vessel with a pre-reserved evacuation hole, which is to be evacuated.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a process flow diagram of the method of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Example 1: As Figures 1 to 6 As shown in this embodiment, the vacuum sealing equipment for processing stainless steel vacuum insulated hot water cups consists of a frame 1, a vacuum pump 2, a control system, a jig lifting device 3, a positioning jig 4, an ultrasonic device 5, an infrared radiator 6, a vacuum processing head 7, and a vision positioning and laser welding assembly 8.

[0040] The frame 1 serves as the main support for the equipment, bearing and fixing other components. A jig lifting device 3 is mounted on the frame 1, with a positioning jig 4 fixed to its lifting seat. The positioning jig 4 is equipped with an ultrasonic device 5 and an infrared radiator 6. The ultrasonic device 5 includes an ultrasonic generator and an ultrasonic transducer connected by a cable. The ultrasonic generator has an output frequency of 15kHz and an output power of 50W, transmitting high-frequency electrical signals to the ultrasonic transducer to drive it to convert the electrical signals into mechanical vibrations. The infrared radiator 6 is used to heat the insulated vessel. A vacuum pump 2 is connected to a vacuum pipe 9, with the end of the pipe connected to a vacuum processing head 7, which is a small vacuum chamber. The structure has a light-transmitting optical glass 12 installed on the top to facilitate the implementation of the visual positioning and laser welding components. The bottom has a through hole 14 and a sealing ring 13 for vacuuming after sealing. The visual positioning and laser welding components are arranged above the vacuum processing head 7. The visual positioning and laser welding components include a laser welding head (output power of 2000W, wavelength of 1080nm) placed in the frame 1 assembly. The laser welding head welds the surface of the workpiece. The visual positioning camera is integrated into the laser welding head to locate the position of the evacuation hole on the surface of the heat insulation vessel and transmits the positioning data to the control system through a signal line. The control system controls the laser welding head to emit light according to the positioning data.

[0041] In order to prevent the vacuum pump from overheating and affecting the pumping efficiency, the vacuum sealing equipment for the heat-insulating vessel also includes a water chiller 15. The water chiller 15 is equipped with a water tank and a circulating pump. The water outlet of the water chiller is connected to the water inlet of the vacuum pump 2 through a water pipe, and then the water outlet of the vacuum pump 2 is connected back to the water outlet of the water chiller 15 to form a cooling water circulation loop. The specific functions are as follows: (1) Prevent overheating: When the vacuum pump is working, the impeller and other components rotate at high speed, and the gas compression process generates a lot of heat. If the heat cannot be dissipated in time, the pump body temperature will continue to rise, which will cause the components to expand and deform, affecting the pump's accuracy and stability, and even causing damage to the components. The water chiller removes heat through circulating cooling water, maintains the pump body temperature within a suitable range, and ensures the normal operation of the vacuum pump. For example, in a water-cooled Roots vacuum pump, the air in the gas chamber is thin and the heat conduction is poor when it is working, so a water chiller is needed to control the temperature so that it can work stably for a long time. (2) Improve pumping efficiency: Excessive temperature will intensify the thermal motion of gas molecules in the pump, increase gas back diffusion, and reduce pumping efficiency. Water chillers reduce the pump body temperature, thereby reducing gas back diffusion and improving pumping efficiency and vacuum level.

[0042] Based on the above equipment, the vacuum sealing method for heat-insulating containers is as follows:

[0043] First, a stainless steel insulated water cup 10 with several pre-drilled air holes 11 (for example, three pre-drilled air holes with a diameter set to 0.2 mm according to the vacuum efficiency) is placed on the positioning fixture 4 by a robotic arm. Then, the fixture lifting device 3 drives the insulated water cup to rise, so that the side of the water cup with the pre-drilled air holes at the bottom of the cup comes into close contact with the bottom of the vacuum processing head 7, and the sealing ring 13 at the bottom of the vacuum processing head 7 achieves a seal.

[0044] Next, the ultrasonic generator and infrared radiator 6 are activated. At this time, the ultrasonic transducer converts the electrical signal into mechanical vibration, and the infrared radiator 6 heats the water cup. The two work together to accelerate the movement of gas molecules inside the water cup.

[0045] Subsequently, vacuum pump 2 begins vacuuming through the vacuum pipe. During the evacuation process, the camera of the visual positioning component takes pictures of the position of the evacuation hole on the surface of the water cup, uses the principle of optical imaging to acquire image information, and after algorithm processing, transmits the positioning data of the evacuation hole to the laser welding component.

[0046] When the vacuum reaches the predetermined 4*10 -3 At a vacuum level of Pa, the laser beam generated by the laser welding head passes through the optical glass 12 on the top of the vacuum processing head 7. After passing through the glass, the beam reaches the evacuation hole. The laser welding assembly controls the laser welding head to emit light according to the positioning data, so that the stainless steel material melts under the high heat of the laser, completing the welding and sealing of the evacuation hole.

[0047] After welding is completed, the vacuuming process is stopped, the fixture is reset, and the robotic arm removes the processed insulated water cup, completing the entire processing procedure.

[0048] Example 2: Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment is for processing stainless steel vacuum insulation barrels. The overall structure of the equipment is similar to that of Embodiment 1, but it is equipped with two vacuum processing heads 7 to improve efficiency. The equipment also includes a frame 1, a vacuum pump 2, a control system, a jig lifting device 3, a positioning jig 4, an ultrasonic device 5, an infrared radiator 6, a vacuum processing head 7, and a vision positioning and laser welding assembly 8.

[0049] The frame 1 provides stable support for the equipment. The jig lifting device 3 is installed on the frame 1, and its lifting seat carries the positioning jig 4. The positioning jig 4 is equipped with an ultrasonic device 5 and an infrared radiator 6. The ultrasonic generator and ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic device 5 are connected by a cable to generate mechanical vibration. The infrared radiator 6 is used to heat the insulation barrel. The vacuum pump 2 is connected to a vacuum pipeline. The end of the pipeline is connected to two vacuum processing heads 7. Each vacuum processing head 7 is a small vacuum chamber with a light-transmitting optical glass 12 on the top and a through hole 14 and a sealing ring 13 on the bottom. The visual positioning and laser welding assembly is located above the vacuum processing head 7. Its composition and working principle are the same as in embodiment 1. It includes a laser welding head and a visual positioning camera. They work together to achieve laser welding. At the same time, the visual positioning camera is responsible for positioning the evacuation hole and transmitting data to the control system to control the welding process. In addition, the vacuum pump 2 is equipped with a three-way pipe and a valve, which is controlled by the control system to realize the sequential evacuation of the two vacuum processing heads 7.

[0050] The specific processing method is as follows:

[0051] The first step is to place the stainless steel vacuum insulation barrel with four pre-drilled air holes at the bottom onto the positioning fixture 4. The fixture lifting device 3 lifts the insulation barrel upwards, so that the side with the pre-drilled air holes at the bottom fits tightly against the bottom of the first vacuum processing head 7, and the sealing ring 13 at the bottom of the first vacuum processing head 7 completes the sealing.

[0052] The second step is to activate the ultrasonic device 5 and the infrared radiator 6, causing the ultrasonic transducer to generate mechanical vibration and the infrared radiator 6 to heat the insulated container, accelerating the movement of gas molecules inside.

[0053] The third step involves vacuum pump 2 evacuating the first vacuum processing head 7. During this process, the vision positioning component takes pictures of the evacuation hole position on the surface of the insulation barrel and transmits the positioning data to the laser welding component.

[0054] Fourth, when the predetermined vacuum level is reached in the first vacuum processing head 7, the laser welding assembly controls the laser welding head to emit light according to the positioning data, and completes the welding work of the corresponding air extraction hole.

[0055] Fifth step: After welding is completed, the control system controls the switching of the three-way pipe and valve to connect the second vacuum processing head 7 to the insulation barrel and start vacuuming. At the same time, the vision positioning component positions the remaining air extraction holes. When the second vacuum processing head 7 reaches the predetermined vacuum level, the laser welding component completes the welding of the remaining air extraction holes.

[0056] Step 6: After all the evacuation holes are welded, stop the vacuuming, reset the fixture, and remove the finished insulation container. The two vacuum processing heads work alternately, further improving processing efficiency and meeting the needs of small-batch, rapid production of large insulation vessels.

[0057] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vacuum sealing device for insulated containers, characterized in that: The system includes a frame, a vacuum pump, and a control system. The frame is equipped with a jig lifting device, and a positioning jig is fixed on the lifting seat of the jig lifting device. The positioning jig is equipped with an ultrasonic device and an infrared radiator. The vacuum pump is connected to a vacuum pipeline, and the end of the pipeline is connected to a vacuum processing head. The vacuum processing head is a small vacuum chamber structure with a light-transmitting optical glass at the top and a through hole and a sealing ring for vacuuming after sealing at the bottom. A vision positioning and laser welding assembly is located above the vacuum processing head.

2. The vacuum sealing device for heat-insulating vessels according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic device includes an ultrasonic generator and an ultrasonic transducer, which are connected by a cable. The ultrasonic generator has an output frequency range of 15-40kHz and an output power range of 30-1000W.

3. The vacuum sealing device for heat-insulating vessels according to claim 1, characterized in that: The visual positioning and laser welding assembly includes a laser welding head and a visual positioning camera.

4. The vacuum sealing device for heat-insulating vessels according to claim 3, characterized in that: The output power range of the laser welding head is 100-3000W, and the wavelength is 800-1550nm.

5. The vacuum sealing device for heat-insulating vessels according to claim 1, characterized in that: There is at least one vacuum processing head.

6. A vacuum sealing device for insulated containers according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: At least one vent hole is pre-drilled at the bottom of the insulated vessel to be processed.

7. The vacuum sealing device for heat-insulating vessels according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vacuum sealing equipment for the heat-insulating vessel also includes a water chiller. The water chiller is equipped with a water tank and a circulating pump. The water outlet of the water chiller is connected to the water inlet of the vacuum pump through a water pipe, and then the water outlet of the vacuum pump is connected back to the water outlet of the water chiller to form a cooling water circulation loop.

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