A glue heating device

Abstract

This utility model relates to an adhesive heating device, including a first adhesive storage container with a first outflow section externally connected to it and a second adhesive storage container with a second outflow section externally connected to it. The second outflow section is connected to and fluidly communicates with the end of the first outflow section. It also includes an output pipe connecting the inlet and outlet of the junction of the first and second outflow sections. Both the first and second outflow sections are equipped with two discharging pumps and valves. A control unit can control the opening and closing of the discharging pumps and valves to achieve alternating switching between the first and second adhesive storage containers. The output pipe has at least two heating zones along the adhesive flow direction, with the temperature of the upstream heating zone being lower than that of the adjacent downstream heating zone. The advantages of this utility model are: by setting two adhesive storage containers, uninterrupted adhesive output is achieved, and multiple heating zones heat the adhesive step by step, ensuring that even in operation conditions with a long adhesive delivery path, the output adhesive is maintained at a preset temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of dispensing technology, specifically to an adhesive heating device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, dispensing machines are widely used in various technical fields. For example, in the automotive industry, adhesives are often used to replace traditional metal connectors to fix components in order to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle body. Dispensing machines typically use canned or barrel-shaped containers for storing adhesives. The storage device is usually sealed and pressurized at the top. A dispensing valve or nozzle is connected to the bottom of the device, and the dispensing action is initiated by controlling the opening and closing of the dispensing valve or nozzle. In practical applications, for adhesives with high viscosity or those that easily cure at low temperatures, heating is required to increase the fluidity of the adhesive and prevent it from curing and causing blockages.

[0003] To address this, existing patents have included glue tanks capable of heating the glue. For example, Chinese utility model patent ZL202322968429.7 (publication number CN221230972U), entitled "A Constant Temperature and Pressure Glue Tank," discloses such a glue tank. A temperature sensor extending into the inner insulated box is installed on the top surface of the outer insulated box. Multiple electric heating tubes extending into the inner insulated box are installed on its outer wall. These heating tubes, matched with the temperature sensor, heat the glue inside the tank to a specified temperature. This allows the glue inlet pipe to deliver glue into the inner insulated box, ensuring uninterrupted glue supply under constant temperature and pressure. While this method avoids the need for online shutdowns for glue application, significantly improving production efficiency, it presents challenges when the glue-spraying robot needs to transport glue over long distances. For example, in the scenario disclosed in patent publication number CN223171197U, the glue-spraying control cabinet (including the glue tank) is far from the robot's work area. This results in a long glue-transporting path, causing the glue to lose heat gradually. Consequently, the glue reaching the robot's work area may not maintain the preset temperature, and glue below this temperature will affect the bonding effect of the components. Therefore, further improvements to the glue heating device's structure are necessary. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a glue heating device that can continuously replenish glue during operation while ensuring that the glue output is kept at the required preset temperature, which is especially suitable for operation conditions where the glue conveying path is long.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: the glue heating device includes:

[0006] The first glue storage container is used to store glue and has an external first outlet section for the glue to flow out.

[0007] Its characteristic is that it also includes:

[0008] The second glue storage container is used to store spare glue and is externally connected to a second outlet section for glue to flow out. The end of the second outlet section is connected to the end of the first outlet section and is in fluid communication with it.

[0009] The output pipe includes an inlet that connects the first outflow section and the second outflow section, and an outlet that ultimately delivers the contents to the robot's work area.

[0010] There are two discharging pumps, one installed on the first outlet section and the other on the second outlet section.

[0011] There are also two valves, which are respectively installed on the connecting channels between the first outflow section and the inlet and the second outflow section and the inlet;

[0012] as well as

[0013] The control unit is used to control the opening and closing of the dispensing pump and valve to achieve the alternating switching of the first glue storage container and the second glue storage container. The output pipe includes at least two heating zones along the flow direction of the glue. The temperature of the upstream heating zone is lower than that of the adjacent downstream heating zone. The temperature difference between the adjacent heating zones is ΔT, and 0 < ΔT ≤ 5℃.

[0014] To facilitate glue dispensing, preferably, the glue pump includes a pressure plate disposed within a first and second glue storage container, and a pump body disposed on a first and second outflow section. The glue or spare glue is located below the pressure plate. The pressure plate has a communicating cavity that communicates with the cavity of the glue storage container. A plunger is disposed within the communicating cavity. A driving mechanism is externally connected to the pressure plate. Driven by the driving mechanism, the pressure plate slides downwards, causing the plunger to retract, thereby increasing the volume of the communicating cavity and creating a negative pressure. This forces the glue or spare glue into the corresponding first or second outflow section. Specifically, the pressure plate moves downwards under the drive mechanism. During this movement, the plunger retracts, increasing the volume of the communicating cavity. The increased volume and decreased pressure within the cavity create a negative pressure. The glue or spare glue located below the pressure plate, under the negative pressure, passes through the communicating cavity and enters the corresponding first or second outflow section, allowing the glue to be smoothly extruded.

[0015] To maintain good sealing, preferably, the pressure plate includes two spaced-apart flat plates with a sealing element between them. The outer wall of the sealing element abuts against the inner walls of the first and second glue storage containers. Since the sealing element is made of a soft material and is easily deformed, a fixing element is used to connect and fix the sealing element to the upper and lower flat plates, thus preventing the pressure plate from deforming as a whole. The abutment between the outer wall of the sealing element and the inner wall of the glue storage containers creates a sealed space within the connecting cavity. This increases the volume of the connecting cavity when the plunger retracts and facilitates the creation of a negative pressure environment within the cavity, which is beneficial for glue extrusion. It also prevents air from being mixed into the glue during the pressing process, thus avoiding any impact on the glue's performance.

[0016] To improve stability, preferably, both the first and second glue storage containers are equipped with mounting brackets on their exteriors. Guide rods, symmetrically connected to the mounting brackets, are arranged on the pressure plate. The driving mechanism can drive the guide rods to move the pressure plate up and down relative to the mounting brackets. The pressure plate is cylindrical and relatively large. By symmetrically arranging the guide rods on the pressure plate, it is possible to ensure that the pressure plate moves along a designated path while maintaining good stability during sliding, thus ensuring smooth glue dispensing.

[0017] To maintain the glue flow rate and preset temperature, preferably, a meter for monitoring the glue flow rate and a nozzle for spraying the glue are sequentially arranged near the outlet of the output pipe. The nozzle is externally provided with a first insulation layer. The meter on the output pipe can monitor and provide feedback on the glue flow rate in real time, thereby preventing glue interruptions or blockages that could affect the operation. The nozzle, located downstream of the meter, delivers the glue from the output pipe to the working area of ​​the glue-applying robot. The first insulation layer on the nozzle prevents the glue from dropping below the preset temperature due to heat dissipation, which could affect the bonding effect of the components.

[0018] To reduce heat loss, preferably, a second insulation layer is provided on the outer side of both the first and second glue storage containers. Since the initial temperature of the glue in the first glue storage container or the spare glue in the second glue storage container is higher than room temperature, by providing a second insulation layer on the outer side of the first and second glue storage containers, heat exchange between the glue or spare glue and the outside air can be reduced, thereby maintaining the glue or spare glue within the initial temperature range before entering the corresponding outflow section.

[0019] To achieve uniform heating of the adhesive while maintaining the dispensing temperature, preferably, the heating zone includes a first heating zone located on the pump body in the first outlet section, a second heating zone located on the pump body in the second outlet section, third and fourth heating zones spaced apart on the output pipe, a fifth heating zone located on the metering device, and a sixth heating zone located on the nozzle. Each heating zone is equipped with a temperature sensor and an electric heating wire, and can heat the adhesive or spare adhesive in stages. Since adhesives are usually quite viscous, uneven heating can easily occur during the heating process. By arranging multiple heating zones along the adhesive delivery path to heat the adhesive in stages, uniform heating of the adhesive can be ensured, while also reducing the heating energy consumption of the device and ensuring that the adhesive delivered to the glue-applying robot area is maintained at a preset temperature.

[0020] To minimize heat loss, preferably, the heating wires in the third and fourth heating zones are wound around the output tube, and a third insulation layer is provided outside the heating wires. Temperature sensors in the third and fourth heating zones are located inside the output tube. The winding of the heating wires in the third and fourth heating zones heats the adhesive inside the output tube. The temperature sensors inside the output tube detect the temperature of the adhesive, ensuring that the adhesive is heated to the appropriate temperature in its respective heating zone. The third insulation layer reduces heat exchange between the adhesive in the delivery tube and the outside air, thus maintaining the heating temperature.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are as follows: by setting a first glue storage container for storing glue and a second glue storage container for storing spare glue, and by connecting a first outflow section to the first glue storage container and a second outflow section to the second glue storage container, the control unit can control the opening and closing of the glue pump and valve on the first and second outflow sections, so that the glue can be continuously supplied to the working area of ​​the glue-applying robot during the operation; and the output pipe is provided with a heating zone that can heat the glue in stages, so that even in the operation condition where the glue conveying path is long, the output glue can be kept at the preset temperature, thereby ensuring the bonding effect of the parts, and at the same time reducing the heating energy consumption of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a plan view of the first glue storage container dispensing glue in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a plan view of the second glue storage container dispensing glue in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first adhesive storage container in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the first glue storage container before glue discharge in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the first glue storage container after glue discharge in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the flow meter and nozzle in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. First glue storage container; 2. First outflow section; 3. Second glue storage container; 4. Second outflow section; 5. Output pipe; 51. Inlet; 52. Outlet; 61. Pressure plate; 611. Connecting cavity; 612. Flat plate; 613. Seal; 62. Pump body; 63. Plunger; 7. Valve; 8. Guide rod; 9. Mounting bracket; 10. Meter; 11. Nozzle; 12. First insulation layer; 13. Second insulation layer; 141. First heating zone; 142. Second heating zone; 143. Third heating zone; 144. Fourth heating zone; 145. Fifth heating zone; 146. Sixth heating zone; 15. Temperature sensor; 16. Electric heating wire; 17. Third insulation layer. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 6The diagram shows the preferred embodiment of this utility model. The glue heating device includes a first glue storage container 1 for storing glue and a second glue storage container 3 for storing spare glue. The first glue storage container 1 is externally connected to a first outlet section 2 for glue to flow out, while the second glue storage container 3 is externally connected to a second outlet section 4 for glue to flow out. The end of the second outlet section 4 is connected to and fluidly communicates with the end of the first outlet section 2. An output pipe 5 is located downstream of the first outlet section 2 and the second outlet section 4, including an inlet 51 connecting the junction of the first outlet section 2 and the second outlet section 4, and an outlet 52 ultimately delivering the glue to the robot's work area. A glue discharge pump and a valve 7 are respectively installed on the first outlet section 2 and the second outlet section 4. A control unit (not shown in the figure) can control the opening and closing of the glue discharge pump and the valve 7 to achieve alternating switching between the first glue storage container 1 and the second glue storage container 3. The first outlet section 2 and the second outlet section 4 are connected to the outlet 52 of the output pipe 5. The device has six heating zones for heating the adhesive or spare adhesive, including a first heating zone 141 located on the pump body 62 in the first outlet section 2 with a heating temperature T1 of 35℃ to 40℃, a second heating zone 142 located on the pump body 62 in the second outlet section 4 with a heating temperature T1' of 35℃ to 40℃, a third heating zone 143 located on the output pipe 5 with a heating temperature T2 of 40℃ to 45℃, a fourth heating zone 144 located on the output pipe 5 with a heating temperature T3 of 45℃ to 50℃, a fifth heating zone 145 located on the metering device 10 with a heating temperature T5 of 50℃ to 55℃, and a sixth heating zone 146 located on the nozzle 11 with a heating temperature T6 of 55℃ to 60℃. Each heating zone can heat the adhesive or spare adhesive step by step, thereby ensuring that the adhesive delivered to the working area of ​​the adhesive applicator is maintained at a preset temperature of 55℃ to 60℃, so as to ensure that the parts have a better bonding effect.

[0031] In this embodiment, the adhesive stored in the first adhesive storage container 1 and the second adhesive storage container 3 is an epoxy adhesive, which has a relatively viscous texture. Epoxy adhesives require an air-free environment to prevent them from curing properly. Therefore, referring to… Figure 1 and Figure 2In this embodiment, a crucial component, a discharging pump, is installed within the first glue storage container 1 and the second glue storage container 3. The discharging pump's function is to ensure both the sealing of the glue and its smooth dispensing. The discharging pump includes a pressure plate 61 installed within the first glue storage container 1 and the second glue storage container 3, and a pump body 62 installed on the first outlet section 2 and the second outlet section 4. The specific structure of the pressure plate 61 is as follows: the pressure plate 61 is cylindrical in shape, with the glue or spare glue located below it. The pressure plate 61 has a communicating cavity 611 that communicates with the cavity of the corresponding glue storage container. A plunger 63 is installed within the communicating cavity 611. A drive mechanism is externally connected to the pressure plate 61, and an installation mechanism is provided on the outside of the glue storage container. The frame 9 and the pressure plate 61 are symmetrically provided with guide rods 8. Under the drive of the drive mechanism, the guide rods 8 can drive the pressure plate 61 to slide up and down synchronously and stably relative to the mounting frame 9. At this time, the plunger 63 retracts, thereby increasing the volume of the connecting cavity 611. The volume inside the cavity increases and the pressure decreases, forming a negative pressure. The glue or spare glue located below the pressure plate 61 passes through the connecting cavity 611 under the action of negative pressure and enters the corresponding first outflow section 2 or second outflow section 4, so that the glue can be squeezed out smoothly.

[0032] In addition, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The pressure plate 61 includes a flat plate 612 and a sealing element 613. In this embodiment, the sealing element 613 is made of soft rubber with good sealing effect. Since rubber is easily deformed under force, the sealing element 613 located in the middle is fixed to the upper and lower flat plates 612 by bolts, so that the pressure plate 61 as a whole is not easily deformed. The outer wall of the sealing element 613 abuts against the inner wall of the glue storage container, so that the connecting cavity 611 forms a sealed space. Then, when the plunger 63 retracts, it can increase the volume of the connecting cavity 611 and help to form a negative pressure environment in the connecting cavity 611, which facilitates the extrusion of glue. In addition, it can also prevent air from being mixed into the glue during the pressing process of the pressure plate 61, thereby affecting the performance of the glue.

[0033] refer to Figure 6 The outlet 52 of the output pipe 5 is sequentially equipped with a meter 10 for monitoring the glue flow rate and a nozzle 11 for spraying the glue. The meter 10 can monitor and provide feedback on the glue flow rate in real time, thereby avoiding glue interruption or blockage. The nozzle 11 is located downstream of the meter 10 and can deliver the glue on the output pipe 5 to the working area of ​​the glue application robot. Since the glue passing through the nozzle 11 is heated to a preset temperature of 55℃~60℃, the first heat insulation layer 12 is provided on the outside of the nozzle 11 to reduce the heat exchange between the glue and the outside environment, thereby preventing the glue from falling below the preset temperature due to heat dissipation, which would affect its performance.

[0034] Furthermore, since the initial temperature of the adhesive in the first adhesive storage container 1 or the spare adhesive in the second adhesive storage container 3 is 30°C, which is higher than room temperature, in order to prevent the adhesive in the storage container from exchanging heat with the outside air, refer to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 A second heat insulation layer 13 is provided on the outside of both the first glue storage container 1 and the second glue storage container 3. This can reduce the heat dissipation of the glue or the spare glue, so that the glue or the spare glue is maintained within the initial temperature range before entering the corresponding outflow section.

[0035] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 Each heating zone is equipped with an electric heating wire 16 and a temperature sensor 15. The electric heating wire 16 heats the adhesive when energized, while the temperature sensor 15 detects the temperature of the adhesive, ensuring that the adhesive is heated to the specified temperature in the corresponding heating zone. The electric heating wire 16 in the third heating zone 143 and the fourth heating zone 144 is wound around the output tube 5, and the temperature sensor 15 is located inside the output tube 5. To reduce heat exchange between the adhesive in the third heating zone 143 and the outside air, this embodiment provides a third insulation layer 17 on the output tube 5. This third insulation layer 17 is preferably made of nylon, which has low cost and good insulation performance.

[0036] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: (Reference) Figure 4 Before discharging the glue, the pressure plate 61 is located near the top of the first glue storage container 1. At this time, the control unit closes the glue discharge pump and valve 7 on the second outflow section 4 and opens the glue discharge pump and valve 7 on the first outflow section 2. Simultaneously, the drive mechanism is activated. Driven by the drive mechanism, the pressure plate 61 and guide rod 8 in the first glue storage container 1 slide from top to bottom relative to the mounting bracket 9. At this time, the plunger 63 retracts, thereby increasing the volume of the connecting cavity 611 and forming a negative pressure. The glue located below the pressure plate 61 is forced into the first outflow section 2 through the connecting cavity 611 under the action of negative pressure. The glue enters from the inlet 51 of the output pipe 5 and flows out from the outlet 52. After all the glue in the first glue storage container 1 is discharged, the pressure plate 61 moves to the bottom of the first glue storage container 1 (see reference). Figure 5 During the flow process, the first heating zone 141, the third heating zone 143, the fourth heating zone 144, the fifth heating zone 145 and the sixth heating zone 146 heat the adhesive step by step, so that the adhesive delivered from the outlet 52 to the working area of ​​the adhesive coating robot is maintained at a preset temperature of 55℃~60℃, at which time the adhesive bonding effect is good.

[0037] When the glue in the first glue storage container 1 is used up, a container replacement operation is required immediately. At this time, the control unit closes the glue discharge pump and valve 7 on the first outflow section 2 and opens the glue discharge pump and valve 7 on the second outflow section 4. Driven by the drive mechanism, the pressure plate 61 and guide rod 8 in the second glue storage container 3 slide from top to bottom relative to the mounting frame 9. At this time, the plunger 63 retracts, thereby increasing the volume of the connecting cavity 611 and forming a negative pressure. The spare glue located below the pressure plate 61 is forced into the second outflow section 4 through the connecting cavity 611 under the negative pressure. The spare glue enters from the inlet 51 of the output pipe 5 and flows out from the outlet 52. During the flow, the second heating zone 142, the third heating zone 143, the fourth heating zone 144, the fifth heating zone 145 and the sixth heating zone 146 heat the glue step by step, so that the glue delivered from the outlet 52 to the working area of ​​the glue coating robot is maintained at the preset temperature of 55℃~60℃. After the first glue storage container 1 is replaced, the control unit restarts the glue discharge pump and valve 7 on the first outflow section 2 and closes the glue discharge pump and valve 7 on the second outflow section 4.

Claims

1. A glue heating device, comprising: The first glue storage container (1) is used to store glue and has a first outflow section (2) for glue to flow out. Its features are: It also includes The second glue storage container (3) is used to store spare glue and is externally connected to a second outflow section (4) for glue to flow out. The end of the second outflow section (4) is connected to the end of the first outflow section (2) and is in fluid communication. The output pipe (5) includes an inlet (51) that connects the first outflow section (2) and the second outflow section (4) and an outlet (52) that finally delivers the contents to the robot work area. There are two discharging pumps, which are respectively installed on the first outflow section (2) and the second outflow section (4); Two valves (7) are also provided, respectively located on the connecting channels between the first outflow section (2) and the inlet (51) and the second outflow section (4) and the inlet (51); as well as The control unit is used to control the opening and closing of the glue pump and valve (7) to realize the alternating switching of the first glue storage container (1) and the second glue storage container (3). The output pipe (5) includes at least two heating zones along the flow direction of the glue. The temperature of the upstream heating zone is lower than that of the adjacent downstream heating zone. The temperature difference between the adjacent heating zones is ΔT, and 0 < ΔT ≤ 5℃.

2. The glue heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dispensing pump includes a pressure plate (61) disposed in the first glue storage container (1) and the second glue storage container (3) and a pump body (62) disposed on the first outlet section (2) and the second outlet section (4). The glue or spare glue is located below the pressure plate (61). The pressure plate (61) is provided with a connecting cavity (611) that communicates with the cavity of the corresponding glue storage container and the outlet section. A plunger (63) is disposed in the connecting cavity (611). A driving mechanism is externally connected to the pressure plate (61). Under the drive of the driving mechanism, the pressure plate (61) can slide from top to bottom and drive the plunger (63) to retract, thereby increasing the volume of the connecting cavity (611) and forming a negative pressure, thereby pressing the glue or spare glue into the corresponding first outlet section (2) or second outlet section (4).

3. The glue heating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pressure plate (61) includes two flat plates (612) spaced apart vertically, and a sealing element (613) is provided between the two flat plates (612). The outer side wall of the sealing element (613) abuts against the inner side wall of the first glue storage container (1) and the second glue storage container (3).

4. The glue heating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first glue storage container (1) and the second glue storage container (3) are both provided with mounting brackets (9). The pressure plate (61) is symmetrically provided with guide rods (8) that are slidably connected to the mounting brackets (9). The driving mechanism can drive the guide rods (8) to drive the pressure plate (61) to slide up and down synchronously relative to the mounting brackets (9).

5. The glue heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The output pipe (5) is provided with a meter (10) for monitoring the flow rate of glue and a nozzle (11) for spraying glue near the outlet (52). The nozzle (11) is provided with a first heat insulation layer (12).

6. The glue heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first glue storage container (1) and the second glue storage container (3) are both provided with a second heat insulation layer (13) on their outer sides.

7. The glue heating device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The heating zone includes a first heating zone (141) on the pump body (62) in the first outflow section (2), a second heating zone (142) on the pump body (62) in the second outflow section (4), a third heating zone (143) and a fourth heating zone (144) spaced apart on the output pipe (5), a fifth heating zone (145) on the meter (10), and a sixth heating zone (146) on the nozzle (11). Each heating zone is equipped with a temperature sensor (15) and an electric heating wire (16) and can heat the glue or spare glue step by step.

8. The glue heating device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The electric heating wires (16) in the third heating zone (143) and the fourth heating zone (144) are wound around the output tube (5). A third heat insulation layer (17) is provided on the outside of the electric heating wires (16). The temperature sensors (15) in the third heating zone (143) and the fourth heating zone (144) are located inside the output tube (5).

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