A vacuum foaming device and a water heater production system

Abstract

This utility model provides a vacuum foaming device and a water heater production system, belonging to the field of foaming technology. The vacuum foaming device includes a main body and a vacuum generating system. A vacuum chamber is provided in the main body, and an ejector structure is provided at the bottom of the vacuum chamber. The ejector structure includes an ejector plate and a driving system, which drives the ejector plate to move up and down within the vacuum chamber. A movable limiting platform is provided on the ejector plate, and multiple locking positions for securing foaming components are provided on the movable limiting platform. An injection head communicating with the vacuum chamber is also provided on the main body. The vacuum generating system includes a vacuum pump and a connecting pipe, with the connecting pipe connecting the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump. This foaming device can meet the vacuum foaming needs of different water heater products and can reduce foam density, thereby reducing production costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of foaming technology, and in particular to a vacuum foaming device and a water heater production system. Background Technology

[0002] Polyurethane foam, as a high-performance thermal insulation material, is widely used in products such as refrigeration, refrigerators, and water heaters. Its core principle is that a chemical reaction between the foaming agent and its constituent components releases heat, causing the foaming agent to volatilize and expand, thus increasing the foam volume. In recent years, with increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the selection of foaming agents has been strictly limited, making it difficult to improve foam performance or reduce costs by changing the foaming agent. Against this backdrop, reducing ambient air pressure during the foaming process to increase foam volume expansion has become an important direction for industry exploration. This method can reduce foam density through physical environmental control without changing the type of foaming agent, thereby effectively reducing material costs and meeting the economic needs of enterprises.

[0003] However, in the foaming process of water heaters, traditional foaming devices are difficult to adapt to water heater products with different diameters and heights. This makes it impossible to precisely control the foaming process in a vacuum environment, and it is difficult to guarantee foaming efficiency and quality.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the existing foaming device for water heaters to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, one of the objectives of this utility model is to provide a vacuum foaming device that can meet the vacuum foaming requirements of different water heater products and reduce foam density, thereby reducing production costs.

[0006] A vacuum foaming device, comprising:

[0007] The main body includes a vacuum chamber, and an ejection structure at the bottom of the vacuum chamber. The ejection structure includes an ejection platform and a driving system, which drives the ejection platform to move up and down within the vacuum chamber. A movable limiting platform is provided on the ejection platform, and multiple locking positions for locking the foaming parts are provided on the movable limiting platform. The main body also includes an injection head that communicates with the vacuum chamber.

[0008] A vacuum generating system, comprising a vacuum pump and a connecting pipe, wherein the connecting pipe is connected between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump.

[0009] The device's movable limiting platform is equipped with various sizes of locking positions. During production, by changing or adjusting the movable limiting platform, the vacuum foaming requirements of water heaters with different diameters and heights can be met, eliminating the need for customized equipment for single products and thus reducing tooling costs. Furthermore, vacuum foaming within the vacuum chamber improves the evaporation efficiency of the foaming agent and significantly increases the foam volume expansion rate, reducing the amount of foaming material required and further contributing to lower production costs.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the top of the movable limiting platform is provided with a plurality of circular slots, each slot forming a locking position, and one side of each slot is tangent to the other.

[0011] By designing grooves of different diameters on the surface of the movable limiting platform, it can accommodate water heater tanks of different diameters, ensuring the stability of the water heater during the foaming process and preventing uneven foaming or seal failure due to shaking or displacement. Because the grooves are tangent, the position and orientation of each groove are fixed. When the water tank is placed in the groove, the position of the water tank's filling port is also fixed. This is because the placement of the water tank within the groove is unique, and the direction and position of its filling port are correspondingly determined. The position of the filling head on the vacuum chamber is also fixed. By placing the water tank in the groove of the movable limiting platform, it is ensured that the water heater's water tank's filling port and filling head are precisely aligned, thereby achieving accurate filling of the foaming material and avoiding leakage or incomplete filling of the foaming material due to misalignment of the filling port.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, a limiting groove is provided on the top platform, and a limiting block is provided at the bottom of the movable limiting platform, the limiting block being adapted to the limiting groove.

[0013] The limiting structure, which uses a limiting block and a limiting groove to precisely fix the position of the moving limiting platform on the top platform, avoids sealing failure or uneven foaming caused by shaking or displacement during the foaming process. Furthermore, the mechanical fit between the limiting groove and the limiting block is simple and reliable, reducing production accidents caused by equipment malfunctions or operational errors.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, a guide plate is further included, which is disposed on one side of the main body, and one end of the guide plate is connected to the vacuum cavity;

[0015] The guide plate is provided with a guide rail, and the bottom of the movable limiting plate is provided with a sliding groove. The movable limiting plate is slidably mounted on the guide plate through the sliding groove.

[0016] The guide plate, an important auxiliary component of this vacuum foaming device, is installed on one side of the vacuum chamber body. One end connects to the inlet of the vacuum chamber, forming a smooth transition area. The main function of the guide plate is to provide a stable sliding path for the moving limiting plate, ensuring its smooth entry into the vacuum chamber. The design of the guide plate and guide rail provides a stable sliding path for the moving limiting plate, avoiding equipment malfunctions or uneven foaming caused by shaking or deviation during movement. This stable design ensures the smooth progress of the foaming process and improves the reliability of the equipment. The cooperation between the guide rail and the slide groove precisely guides the moving limiting plate into the vacuum chamber. This precise guidance ensures the accuracy of the position and direction of the moving limiting plate when entering the vacuum chamber, avoiding sealing failure or foam material leakage due to positional deviation.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, multiple guide rails are provided on the guide plate, and each guide rail is arranged in parallel. The bottom of the movable limiting plate is provided with multiple sliding grooves that are adapted to the guide rails.

[0018] Ball bearings are provided on the opposite side walls of the guide rail, and the ball bearings protrude outward from the side walls of the guide rail.

[0019] Multiple guide rails on the guide plate provide multiple points of guidance for the moving limiting plate, improving its stability during movement. As the moving limiting plate moves from the tooling plate to the guide plate, its bottom groove aligns with the guide rails on the guide plate. Ball bearings contact the inner wall of the groove, creating rolling friction and reducing resistance during sliding. Guided by the guide rails, the moving limiting plate slides smoothly into the vacuum chamber. After entering the vacuum chamber, the moving limiting plate slides onto the top platform, where the limiting block engages with the limiting groove on the top platform, achieving accurate positioning of the moving limiting plate on the top platform.

[0020] After foaming is complete, the moving limit plate is driven back to the guide plate by manual or mechanical means.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, a locator is provided on the movable limiting platform, and a positioning area corresponding to the locator is provided on both the top-mounted platform and the guide plate.

[0022] A positioner is installed on the moving limit stage. The positioner can take various forms, such as a positioning chip, electromagnetic sensor, optical sensor, mechanical positioning pin, or other positioning device. The main function of the positioner is to cooperate with the positioning areas on the top plate and guide plate to achieve precise position detection and fixation of the moving limit stage. The top plate has a positioning area corresponding to the positioner. This area can be a groove, a marker point, or a sensing area; the specific design depends on the type of positioner. For example, if the positioner is an electromagnetic sensor, the positioning area can be a magnetic mark; if it is an optical sensor, the positioning area can be a reflective mark.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the main body is provided with an installation groove located at the bottom of the vacuum chamber; the drive system includes a stop block and a driver, the stop block is disposed in the installation groove, and the driver drives the stop block to move up and down in the installation groove; a connecting column is provided at the bottom of the ejector plate, the connecting column extends into the installation groove along the axis of the installation groove, and the bottom of the connecting column is fixedly connected to the stop block.

[0024] The stop block is positioned within the mounting slot, its shape conforming to the slot. The top of the stop block is fixedly connected to the connecting post of the ejector plate, and the bottom is connected to the actuator. The actuator is used to move the stop block up and down within the mounting slot. The actuator can be a pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or electric actuator, the specific choice depending on the power and precision requirements of the equipment.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, a sealing ring is provided between the connecting post and the mounting groove, and a spring is also sleeved around the connecting post, with one end of the spring abutting against the stop block and the other end abutting against the sealing ring.

[0026] By placing a sealing ring between the connecting column and the mounting groove, gas leakage within the vacuum chamber can be effectively prevented, ensuring the stability of the vacuum environment. This sealing design is crucial for the smooth operation of the foaming process, improving foaming quality, reducing foam density, and ultimately lowering costs. When the stop block rises, it compresses the spring, causing the spring to press against the sealing ring, thereby enhancing the seal between the sealing ring and the side wall of the mounting groove.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the vacuum generating system further includes a buffer tank, which is connected between the vacuum pump and the vacuum chamber, and is connected to the connecting pipe.

[0028] Specifically, control valves are installed between the buffer tank and the vacuum pump, and between the buffer tank and the vacuum chamber. These valves are used to control the flow of air, ensuring that the buffer tank can be quickly inflated or deflated when needed.

[0029] When evacuation of the vacuum chamber is required, open the valve between the buffer tank and the vacuum chamber, and simultaneously close the valve between the buffer tank and the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump extracts gas from the buffer tank through the connecting pipe, reducing the pressure inside the buffer tank. Once the pressure inside the buffer tank reaches the set value, open the valve between the buffer tank and the vacuum chamber, allowing the low-pressure gas in the buffer tank to quickly enter the vacuum chamber, rapidly reducing the pressure inside the vacuum chamber. This rapid evacuation method significantly shortens the evacuation time and improves foaming efficiency. During the foaming process, the buffer tank can maintain a certain low pressure state, and the vacuum environment inside the vacuum chamber is kept stable by controlling the opening and closing of the valve.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the main body includes a base and a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber is fixed on the base. The vacuum chamber includes a shell and a door. One side of the door is hinged to the shell, and a lock cylinder is provided on the opposite side. A lock head adapted to the lock cylinder is provided on the shell.

[0031] A sealing gasket is also provided on the side wall where the cavity door connects to the housing.

[0032] A sealing gasket is installed on the side wall where the cavity door meets the housing. The gasket can be made of high-temperature resistant and wear-resistant rubber or silicone. The function of the sealing gasket is to fill the tiny gap between the cavity door and the housing, ensuring the vacuum chamber's airtightness during operation. The sealing gasket is fixed to the side wall of the cavity door by adhesive or snap-fit, ensuring it will not shift or fall off during use. In actual use, after placing an item on the movable limit plate, the operator closes the cavity door and locks it using the lock cylinder and lock head. At this time, the sealing gasket is tightly fitted between the cavity door and the housing, ensuring the vacuum chamber's airtightness.

[0033] The second objective of this utility model is to provide a water heater production system, which includes the vacuum foaming device described above.

[0034] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0035] This utility model provides a vacuum foaming device, which includes a main body and a vacuum generating system. The main body has a vacuum chamber, and the bottom of the vacuum chamber has an ejector structure. The ejector structure includes an ejector platform and a drive system, which drives the ejector platform to rise and fall within the vacuum chamber. A movable limiting platform is provided on the ejector platform, and the movable limiting platform has multiple locking positions for securing the foaming material. The main body also has an injection head communicating with the vacuum chamber. The vacuum generating system includes a vacuum pump and a connecting pipe, with the connecting pipe connecting the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump. This foaming device can be used in the foaming operation during water heater production. During use, the water heater to be foamed is placed in the locking positions of the movable limiting platform, thus securing the water heater. The drive system drives the ejector platform to rise, and the movable limiting platform and the water heater move synchronously. When the water heater's injection port aligns with the injection head and locks shut, the vacuum pump is started to evacuate the vacuum chamber. When the vacuum level in the vacuum chamber reaches the target value, the injection head begins to inject foaming material, initiating the foaming operation. This foaming device can adapt to the foaming of different products through different snap-fit ​​positions and a liftable movable limiting platform, without the need to customize equipment for a single product, thereby broadening the product's applicability; while vacuum foaming can reduce foam density and reduce the amount of foam used, which helps to reduce the production cost of water heaters.

[0036] This application also provides a water heater production system that implements the above-mentioned vacuum foaming device. The production system uses the above-mentioned vacuum foaming device to foam the water heater, which can improve the foaming quality and reduce the production cost of the water heater. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the vacuum foaming device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of the vacuum foaming device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the ejector plate disposed in the main body according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the buffer tube provided in an embodiment of the present invention being installed on the connecting tube;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a top view of the movable limiting platform provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the movable limiting platform provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0043] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the guide plate provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0044] Figure label:

[0045] 1. Main body; 11. Vacuum chamber; 111. Housing; 1111. Lock head; 112. Chamber door; 1121. Sealing gasket; 1122. Lock cylinder; 12. Base; 121. Mounting groove; 122. Spring; 123. Sealing ring; 2. Vacuum generating system; 21. Connecting pipe; 22. Vacuum pump; 23. Buffer tank; 3. Guide plate; 31. Guide rail; 32. Ball bearing; 4. Moving limit stage; 41. Slot; 42. Limit block; 43. Slide groove; 44. Positioner; 5. Filling head; 6. Ejector plate; 61. Connecting column; 7. Drive system; 71. Stop; 72. Driver. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0047] In existing technologies, vacuum foaming methods can reduce foam density through physical environment control without changing the type of foaming agent, thereby effectively reducing material costs and meeting the economic needs of enterprises. However, in the foaming process of water heaters, traditional foaming devices are difficult to adapt to water heater products with different diameters and heights. This makes it impossible to precisely control the foaming process in a vacuum environment, and it is difficult to guarantee foaming efficiency and quality.

[0048] Based on this, this application provides a vacuum foaming device.

[0049] Example 1

[0050] like Figures 1-7 As shown, this embodiment provides a vacuum foaming device, comprising:

[0051] The main body 1 includes a vacuum chamber 11. A top-out structure is located at the bottom of the vacuum chamber 11. The top-out structure includes a top-out platform 6 and a driving system 7. The driving system 7 drives the top-out platform 6 to move up and down within the vacuum chamber 11. A movable limiting platform 4 is provided on the top-out platform 6, and the movable limiting platform 4 has multiple locking positions for securing the foaming component. The main body 1 also includes an injection head 5 communicating with the vacuum chamber 11.

[0052] A vacuum generating system 2 includes a vacuum pump 22 and a connecting pipe 21, the connecting pipe 21 being connected between the vacuum chamber 11 and the vacuum pump 22. In this embodiment, the vacuum generating system 2 further includes a buffer tank 23, the buffer tank 23 being connected between the vacuum pump 22 and the vacuum chamber 11, and the buffer tank 23 being in communication with the connecting pipe 21.

[0053] Specifically, control valves are installed between the buffer tank 23 and the vacuum pump 22, and between the buffer tank 23 and the vacuum chamber 11. These valves are used to control the flow of air, ensuring that the buffer tank 23 can be quickly inflated or deflated when needed. The main body 1 of the vacuum foaming device of this application is made of high-strength, vacuum-resistant metal material to ensure the structural stability of the vacuum chamber 11 under negative pressure. An ejector structure is installed at the bottom of the vacuum chamber 11. The ejector plate 6 is made of wear-resistant stainless steel, and the drive system 7 uses a high-precision electric push rod, which has stable driving force and precise stroke control capability, ensuring that the ejector plate 6 rises and falls smoothly and accurately within the vacuum chamber 11. The vacuum pump 22 is a high-speed, low-noise rotary vane vacuum pump, which can quickly and effectively extract air from the vacuum chamber 11. The connecting pipe 21 is made of vacuum-resistant and corrosion-resistant rubber tubing to ensure the sealing and reliability of the connection. The buffer tank 23 is installed between the vacuum pump 22 and the vacuum chamber 11, and is connected to both through the connecting pipe 21. The buffer tank 23 is made of metal and is equipped with a pressure sensor and a regulating valve.

[0054] When vacuuming of vacuum chamber 11 is required, the valve between buffer tank 23 and vacuum chamber 11 is opened, while the valve between buffer tank 23 and vacuum pump 22 is closed. Vacuum pump 22 extracts gas from buffer tank 23 through connecting pipe 21, reducing the gas pressure inside buffer tank 23. Once the gas pressure inside buffer tank 23 reaches the set value, the valve between buffer tank 23 and vacuum chamber 11 is opened, and the low-pressure gas in buffer tank 23 quickly enters vacuum chamber 11, rapidly reducing the gas pressure inside vacuum chamber 11. This rapid vacuuming method significantly shortens the vacuuming time and improves foaming efficiency. During the foaming process, buffer tank 23 can maintain a certain low pressure state, and the vacuum environment inside vacuum chamber 11 is kept stable by controlling the opening and closing of the valve.

[0055] The device's movable limiting platform 4 is equipped with various sizes of locking positions. During production, by replacing or adjusting the movable limiting platform 4, the vacuum foaming requirements of water heaters with different diameters and heights can be met, eliminating the need for customized equipment for single products and thus reducing tooling costs. Furthermore, vacuum foaming within the vacuum chamber 11 improves the evaporation efficiency of the foaming agent and significantly increases the foam volume expansion rate, reducing the amount of foaming material required and further contributing to lower production costs.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] This embodiment is an improvement on embodiment 1.

[0058] like Figures 1-7 As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides a specific implementation of multiple locking positions. Specifically, the top of the movable limiting platform 4 is provided with multiple circular locking grooves 41, each of which forms a locking position, and one side of each of the locking grooves 41 is tangent to each other. The fact that one side of each of the locking grooves 41 is tangent to each other ensures that, during the foaming process of the water heater, the distance between the water tank filling port and the edge of the water tank is consistent, and that the edge coincides with the tangent point of the groove. That is, the distance between the filling point and the tangent point is constant.

[0059] By designing grooves of different diameters on the surface of the movable limiting platform 4, it can accommodate water tanks of different diameters for secure fixing, ensuring the water heater remains stable during the foaming process and preventing uneven foaming or sealing failure due to shaking or displacement. Since the slots 41 are tangent, the position and orientation of each slot 41 are fixed. When the water tank is placed in the slot 41, the position of the water tank's filling port is also fixed. This is because the placement position of the water tank within the groove is unique, and the direction and position of its filling port are correspondingly determined. The position of the filling head 5 on the vacuum chamber 11 is also fixed. By placing the water tank in the groove of the movable limiting platform 4, it is ensured that the water tank's filling port and the filling head 5 are precisely aligned, thereby achieving accurate filling of the foaming material and avoiding leakage or incomplete filling of the foaming material due to misalignment of the filling port.

[0060] Example 3

[0061] This embodiment is an improvement on embodiment 1.

[0062] like Figures 1-7 As shown, in this embodiment, a limiting groove is provided on the top-mounted platform 6, and a limiting block 42 is provided at the bottom of the movable limiting platform 4. The limiting block 42 is adapted to the limiting groove.

[0063] The limiting structure, through the cooperation of the limiting block 42 and the limiting groove, precisely fixes the position of the movable limiting platform 4 on the top plate 6, avoiding sealing failure or uneven foaming caused by shaking or displacement during the foaming process. Furthermore, the mechanical cooperation structure of the limiting groove and the limiting block 42 is simple and reliable, reducing production accidents caused by equipment failure or operational errors.

[0064] Example 4

[0065] This embodiment is an improvement on embodiment 1.

[0066] like Figures 1-7As shown, in this embodiment, a guide plate 3 is also included. The guide plate 3 is disposed on one side of the main body 1, and one end of the guide plate 3 is connected to the vacuum cavity 11.

[0067] The guide plate 3 is provided with a guide rail 31, and the bottom of the movable limiting plate is provided with a sliding groove 43. The movable limiting plate is slidably mounted on the guide plate 3 through the sliding groove 43.

[0068] The guide plate 3 is an important auxiliary component of this vacuum foaming device, installed on one side of the main body 1 of the vacuum chamber 11. One end of it connects to the inlet of the vacuum chamber 11, forming a smooth transition area. The main function of the guide plate 3 is to provide a stable sliding path for the moving limiting plate, ensuring its smooth entry into the vacuum chamber 11. The design of the guide plate 3 and the guide rail 31 provides a stable sliding path for the moving limiting plate, avoiding equipment failure or uneven foaming caused by shaking or deviation during movement. This stable design ensures the smooth progress of the foaming process and improves the reliability of the equipment. The cooperation between the guide rail 31 and the slide groove 43 can precisely guide the moving limiting plate into the vacuum chamber 11. This precise guidance ensures the accuracy of the position and direction of the moving limiting plate when entering the vacuum chamber 11, avoiding sealing failure or foam material leakage due to positional deviation.

[0069] In this embodiment, multiple guide rails 31 are provided on the guide plate 3, and each guide rail 31 is arranged in parallel. The bottom of the movable limiting plate is provided with multiple sliding grooves 43 that are adapted to the guide rails 31.

[0070] The guide rail 31 has balls 32 on its opposite side walls, and the balls 32 protrude outward from the side walls of the guide rail 31.

[0071] Multiple guide rails 31 on the guide plate 3 provide multiple guides for the movable limiting plate, improving its stability during movement. When the movable limiting plate moves from the tooling plate to the guide plate 3, its bottom groove 43 aligns with the guide rails 31 on the guide plate 3. The ball bearings 32 contact the inner wall of the groove 43, creating rolling friction and reducing resistance during sliding. Guided by the guide rails 31, the movable limiting plate slides smoothly into the vacuum chamber 11. After entering the vacuum chamber 11, the movable limiting plate slides onto the top plate 6, causing the limiting block 42 to engage with the limiting groove on the top plate 6, achieving accurate positioning of the movable limiting plate on the top plate 6.

[0072] After foaming is complete, the moving limit plate is driven back to the guide plate 3 by manual or mechanical means.

[0073] In this embodiment, a locator 44 is provided on the movable limiting platform 4, and a positioning area corresponding to the locator 44 is provided on both the top-out platform 6 and the guide plate 3.

[0074] A positioner 44 is installed on the movable limiting stage 4. The positioner 44 can take various forms, such as a positioning chip, an electromagnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a mechanical positioning pin, or other positioning devices. The main function of the positioner 44 is to cooperate with the positioning areas on the top plate 6 and the guide plate 3 to achieve precise position detection and fixation of the movable limiting stage 4. The top plate 6 is provided with a positioning area corresponding to the positioner 44. This area can be a groove, a marker point, or a sensing area, depending on the type of positioner 44. For example, if the positioner 44 is an electromagnetic sensor, the positioning area can be a magnetic mark; if it is an optical sensor, the positioning area can be a reflective mark.

[0075] Example 5

[0076] This embodiment is an improvement on embodiment 1.

[0077] like Figures 1-7 As shown, in this embodiment, the main body 1 is provided with a mounting groove 121, which is located at the bottom of the vacuum chamber 11; the drive system 7 includes a stop block 71 and a driver 72, the stop block 71 is disposed in the mounting groove 121, and the driver 72 drives the stop block 71 to move up and down in the mounting groove 121; the bottom of the ejector plate 6 is provided with a connecting post 61, which extends into the mounting groove 121 along the axis of the mounting groove 121, and the bottom of the connecting post 61 is fixedly connected to the stop block 71.

[0078] A stop block 71 is disposed in the mounting groove 121, and its shape is adapted to the mounting groove 121. The top of the stop block 71 is fixedly connected to the connecting post 61 of the ejector plate 6, and the bottom is connected to the actuator 72. The actuator 72 is used to drive the stop block 71 to move up and down in the mounting groove 121. The actuator 72 can be a cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or electric push rod, etc., and the specific selection depends on the power and accuracy requirements of the equipment.

[0079] In this embodiment, a sealing ring 123 is provided between the connecting post 61 and the mounting groove 121, and a spring 122 is also sleeved around the connecting post 61. One end of the spring 122 abuts against the stop block 71, and the other end abuts against the sealing ring 123.

[0080] By setting a sealing ring 123 between the connecting post 61 and the mounting groove 121, gas leakage within the vacuum chamber 11 can be effectively prevented, ensuring the stability of the vacuum environment. This sealing design is crucial for the smooth operation of the foaming process, improving foaming quality, reducing foam density, and achieving the goal of cost reduction. When the stop block 71 rises, it compresses the spring 122, causing the spring 122 to press against the sealing ring 123, thereby enhancing the seal between the sealing ring 123 and the side wall of the mounting groove 121.

[0081] Example 5

[0082] This embodiment is an improvement on embodiment 1.

[0083] like Figures 1-7 As shown, in this embodiment, the main body 1 includes a base 12 and a vacuum chamber 11. The vacuum chamber 11 is fixed on the base 12. The vacuum chamber 11 includes a housing 111 and a door 112. One side of the door 112 is hinged to the housing 111, and a lock cylinder 1122 is provided on the opposite side. The housing 111 is provided with a lock head 1111 that is adapted to the lock cylinder 1122.

[0084] A sealing gasket 1121 is also provided on the side wall where the cavity door 112 connects to the housing 111.

[0085] A sealing gasket 1121 is provided on the side wall where the cavity door 112 meets the housing 111. The sealing gasket 1121 can be made of high-temperature resistant and wear-resistant rubber or silicone. The function of the sealing gasket 1121 is to fill the tiny gap between the cavity door 112 and the housing 111, ensuring the airtightness of the vacuum chamber 11 during operation. The sealing gasket 1121 is fixed to the side wall of the cavity door 112 by adhesive or snap-fit, ensuring that it will not shift or fall off during use. In actual use, after placing the item on the moving limit plate, the operator closes the cavity door 112 and locks the cavity door 112 by the cooperation of the lock cylinder 1122 and the lock head 1111. At this time, the sealing gasket 1121 is tightly fitted between the cavity door 112 and the housing 111, ensuring the airtightness of the vacuum chamber 11.

[0086] Example 7

[0087] like Figures 1-7As shown, this embodiment provides a water heater production system, including the vacuum foaming device described above. Specifically, the vacuum foaming device is arranged in the production line within the production workshop to ensure smooth connection with upstream and downstream processes. Around the vacuum foaming device, a foaming material storage tank, conveying pipeline, and an automated control system are provided. The foaming material storage tank is made of well-sealed stainless steel, capable of stably storing different types of foaming materials, and is equipped with a stirring device to prevent sedimentation and stratification. The conveying pipeline uses chemically resistant plastic pipes to precisely deliver the foaming material from the storage tank to the filling head 5 of the vacuum foaming device. The automated control system uses sensors and controllers to achieve precise monitoring and control of the entire foaming process.

[0088] During the production of the water heater, a suitable clamping position is selected for fixation based on the diameter of the water tank. During placement, a positioning sensor can be used to accurately detect the position of the water tank, ensuring that the water tank filling port is precisely aligned with the central axis of the filling head 5, with the error controlled within a very small range, laying the foundation for subsequent precise filling of the foaming material.

[0089] Once the water heater tank is positioned, the vacuum foaming device is activated. The drive system 7 of the ejector structure drives the ejector plate 6 to rise, gradually bringing the water tank closer to the filling head 5. When the water tank filling port approaches the filling head 5, a mechanical structure smoothly inserts the filling head 5 into the water tank filling port, forming a good sealing connection. Subsequently, the vacuum generating system 2 starts working, the vacuum pump 22 starts to extract air from the vacuum chamber 11, and the buffer tank 23 works in conjunction to quickly reduce the air pressure in the vacuum chamber 11 to the set vacuum level (e.g., 60 kPa). After reaching the vacuum level, the automatic control system controls the filling head 5 to open, injecting foaming material into the water tank according to the preset flow rate and time. During the foaming material injection process, parameters such as air pressure and temperature in the vacuum chamber 11 are continuously monitored to ensure a stable foaming environment. After injection, the vacuum environment is maintained for a period of time to allow the foaming material to fully react and expand, filling the water tank cavity.

[0090] After the foaming reaction is complete, the vacuum system 2 stops working, and the ejector structure drives the ejector plate 6 to descend, removing the foamed water heater tank from the vacuum chamber 11. An automated robotic arm can then pick up the tank and move it to the subsequent processing area for surface cleaning, quality inspection, and other post-processing steps. Water heater tanks that pass inspection proceed to the next production stage, ultimately being assembled into complete water heater products before being shipped off the production line.

[0091] This production system utilizes the aforementioned vacuum foaming device to foam the water heater, improving foaming quality and reducing production costs. In a vacuum environment, the foaming material expands faster and fills the water heater tank cavity more evenly. Due to the vacuum, the gas inside the foaming material can escape more fully, reducing residual air bubbles and resulting in a denser, more uniform foam structure. This not only improves the water heater's insulation performance but also strengthens the tank's structure, reduces product defects caused by foaming quality issues, and enhances the overall quality and reliability of the product.

[0092] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings. In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0093] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0094] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, these terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit this utility model. For those skilled in the art, this utility model can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A vacuum foaming apparatus characterized by, include: The main body (1) has a vacuum chamber (11) and an ejection structure at the bottom of the vacuum chamber (11). The ejection structure includes an ejection platform (6) and a driving system (7). The driving system (7) drives the ejection platform (6) to move up and down within the vacuum chamber (11). A movable limiting platform (4) is provided on the ejection platform (6). The movable limiting platform (4) has multiple locking positions for locking the foaming parts. The main body (1) is also provided with an injection head (5) that communicates with the vacuum chamber (11). A vacuum generating system (2) includes a vacuum pump (22) and a connecting pipe (21), the connecting pipe (21) being connected between the vacuum chamber (11) and the vacuum pump (22).

2. The vacuum foaming device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the movable limiting platform (4) is provided with a plurality of circular slots (41), each slot (41) forming a snap-fit ​​position, and one side of each slot (41) is tangent to each other.

3. The vacuum foaming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top plate (6) is provided with a limiting groove, and the bottom of the movable limiting platform (4) is provided with a limiting block (42), which is adapted to the limiting groove.

4. The vacuum foaming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: It also includes a guide plate (3), which is disposed on one side of the main body (1), and one end of the guide plate (3) is connected to the vacuum cavity (11); The guide plate (3) is provided with a guide rail (31), and the bottom of the movable limiting platform is provided with a sliding groove (43). The movable limiting platform is slidably mounted on the guide plate (3) through the sliding groove (43).

5. The vacuum foaming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that: Multiple guide rails (31) are provided on the guide plate (3), and each guide rail (31) is arranged in parallel. The bottom of the movable limiting platform is provided with multiple sliding grooves (43) that are adapted to the guide rails (31). The guide rail (31) has balls (32) on its opposite side walls, and the balls (32) protrude outward from the side walls of the guide rail (31).

6. The vacuum foaming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein Also includes: The movable limiting platform (4) is provided with a locator (44), and the top platform (6) and the guide plate (3) are both provided with positioning areas corresponding to the locator (44).

7. The vacuum foaming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein Also includes: The main body (1) is provided with an installation groove (121), which is located at the bottom of the vacuum chamber (11); the drive system (7) includes a stop (71) and a driver (72), the stop (71) is disposed in the installation groove (121), and the driver (72) drives the stop (71) to move up and down in the installation groove (121); the bottom of the ejector plate (6) is provided with a connecting column (61), the connecting column (61) extends into the installation groove (121) along the axis of the installation groove (121), and the bottom of the connecting column (61) is fixedly connected to the stop (71).

8. The vacuum foaming apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that: A sealing ring (123) is provided between the connecting post (61) and the mounting groove (121). A spring (122) is also sleeved around the connecting post (61). One end of the spring (122) abuts against the stop block (71), and the other end abuts against the sealing ring (123).

9. The vacuum foaming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The vacuum generating system (2) also includes a buffer tank (23), which is connected between the vacuum pump (22) and the vacuum chamber (11), and the buffer tank (23) is connected to the connecting pipe (21).

10. The vacuum foaming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The main body (1) includes a base (12) and a vacuum chamber (11). The vacuum chamber (11) is fixed on the base (12). The vacuum chamber (11) includes a shell (111) and a door (112). One side of the door (112) is hinged to the shell (111), and a lock cylinder (1122) is provided on the opposite side. A lock head (1111) adapted to the lock cylinder (1122) is provided on the shell (111). A sealing gasket (1121) is also provided on the side wall where the cavity door (112) connects with the housing (111).

11. A water heater production system, characterized by: Includes the vacuum foaming apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-10.

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