An automated liquid filling apparatus

Abstract

The utility model relates to an automatic liquid filling equipment belongs to PI film production technical field. This automatic liquid filling equipment, include: lift, filling machine and central controller, the spray gun fixed connection of filling machine is in the end of lift output shaft, cleaning mechanism, the cleaning mechanism includes the electric cylinder fixed connection on the surface of lift, the end fixed connection of electric cylinder output shaft has the installation bucket, the inboard rotation of installation bucket is connected with the flexible wiping roller, the highest of flexible wiping roller is higher than the nozzle of filling machine spray gun, cleaning mechanism drives the installation bucket horizontal movement through electric cylinder, makes the flexible wiping roller of installation bucket inboard with the nozzle of filling machine spray gun friction, effectively scrapes off residual slurry, avoids slurry exposure solidification, prevents the pollutant from mixing into the follow -up material from the source, guarantees product coating quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of PI film production technology, and in particular to an automated liquid filling device. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing process of high-end display panels such as OLED and MicroLCD, coating a uniform PI film onto the glass substrate is a crucial front-end process. This process has extremely high requirements for the cleanliness of the production environment, the stability of process parameters, and the degree of automation. Currently, automated liquid filling equipment mostly adopts a filling structure that rises with the liquid level to reduce the probability of liquid being sprayed and splashed during the filling process.

[0003] However, after filling is completed, the slurry remaining in the filling head is easily exposed to air and solidifies. These solidified particles are easy to fall off and mix into the material during subsequent filling processes, becoming contaminants, which in turn leads to problems such as coating defects in the subsequent processed products. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an automated liquid filling device to address the problem that existing automated liquid filling equipment cannot clean the residual slurry on the filling head in a timely manner, which increases the risk of subsequent slurry contamination by solidified slurry.

[0005] An automated liquid filling device, comprising: The system includes a lift, a filling machine, and a central controller, wherein the spray gun of the filling machine is fixedly connected to the end of the output shaft of the lift; The cleaning mechanism includes an electric cylinder fixedly connected to the surface of the elevator. An installation bucket is fixedly connected to the end of the output shaft of the electric cylinder. A flexible wiping roller is rotatably connected to the inner side of the installation bucket. The highest point of the flexible wiping roller is higher than the nozzle of the filling machine spray gun.

[0006] In one embodiment, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the mounting hopper is U-shaped, and the highest point of the mounting hopper is located below the filling machine spray gun.

[0007] In one embodiment, a smooth rod bolt is inserted into the side end of the mounting bucket, and the shank of the smooth rod bolt passes through the mounting bucket and the flexible wiping roller in sequence and is threadedly connected to the vertical inner wall of the mounting bucket.

[0008] In one embodiment, a support tube is fitted onto the surface of the optical bolt, and the flexible wiping roller is inserted into the surface of the support tube.

[0009] In one embodiment, a slot is provided at the side end of the support tube, and an insert strip that is fixedly connected to the flexible wiping roller is inserted into the slot.

[0010] In one embodiment, the number of slots and inserts is the same and not less than six, and the slots and inserts are arranged in a ring around the axis of the smooth bolt.

[0011] In one embodiment, a scraper is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the mounting bucket, and the tip of the scraper contacts a flexible wiping roller.

[0012] In one embodiment, there are two scrapers, which are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the axis of the polished rod bolt. Beneficial effects

[0013] 1. In the above-mentioned automated liquid filling equipment, the cleaning mechanism drives the installation hopper to move horizontally via an electric cylinder, so that the flexible wiping roller inside the installation hopper rubs against the nozzle of the filling machine spray gun, effectively scraping off residual slurry, preventing the slurry from being exposed and solidifying, preventing contaminants from mixing into subsequent materials from the source, and ensuring the quality of the product coating.

[0014] 2. The flexible wiping roller can be quickly replaced by the insertion design of the smooth rod bolt and the support tube and the ring distribution of the insert and slot; the scraper tip scrapes off the residual material on the roller surface and collects it in the installation hopper to avoid secondary pollution and ensure a long-lasting and stable cleaning effect. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a partial structure in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the cleaning mechanism in this utility model; Figure 4 This is a vertical sectional view of the cleaning mechanism as a whole in this utility model; Figure 5 This is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the cleaning mechanism in this utility model.

[0017] Figure label: 100. Elevator; 200. Filling machine; 300. Central controller; 400. Cleaning mechanism; 410. Electric cylinder; 420. Installation bucket; 430. Flexible wiping roller; 440. Smooth bolt; 450. Support tube; 451. Slot; 460. Insert; 470. Scraper. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0019] The following is combined Figures 1-5 This invention describes an automated liquid filling device.

[0020] In one embodiment, an automated liquid filling device includes: Lift 100: The lift 100 (if using a Tolomatic servo electric actuator) has its base mechanically fixed to the filling station frame, and its servo driver is electrically connected to the central controller 300. Its workflow involves receiving PLC commands and driving its output to perform precise lifting movements. Its core beneficial effect is to drive the filling machine 200's spray gun to descend into the container, rise with the liquid level, and rise again after filling, among other actions. It is a key actuator for achieving submersible filling and preventing foam generation, thereby ensuring product quality and reducing evaporation losses.

[0021] Filling Machine 200: The filling machine 200 (which can be equipped with a NETZSCH gear pump or an Emerson mass flow meter) has its spray gun rigidly connected to the output shaft end of the elevator 100 via a flange. Its pump / valve is connected to the feeding system via pipeline and is electrically controlled by a central controller 300. During operation, it starts and stops under PLC commands, precisely injecting the slurry into the container. Its advantages include working in conjunction with the elevator 100 and the weighing system to achieve precise slurry metering and submersible filling, directly reducing material residue and loss, ensuring product weight consistency, and optimizing cost control.

[0022] Central Controller 300: The Central Controller 300 (which can be a Siemens S7-1500 series PLC) serves as the system's brain. Through industrial Ethernet and I / O modules, it establishes electrical and control connections with all units, including the conveyor rollers, elevator 100, filling machine 200, and weighing system, integrating and executing the automated control logic for the entire process. Its workflow is continuous, from receiving sensor signals and issuing conveying and precise positioning commands to controlling every step of the filling process (tare, fill, lift) and coordinating subsequent workstation actions. This highly integrated control approach brings core benefits such as full-process automation, significantly improved production efficiency, reduced labor costs, and ensuring precise synchronization of actions at each stage.

[0023] Conveyor Roller System: The conveyor roller system (drive unit can use SEWEURODRIVE geared motors) connects each section of the roller conveyor via mechanical chains or couplings, and connects its drivers and sensors along the line to the central controller 300 via cables. Its workflow involves continuously conveying empty drums to the BIF bag blowing station, the filling station, and then conveying the filled drums to the capping station. Its beneficial effect is that it forms a channel for automated material flow, providing a foundation for the continuous and efficient operation of the entire production line, and directly supporting a significant increase in production efficiency.

[0024] BIF blow molding machine: The BIF blow molding machine (usually a customized piece of equipment, including a nitrogen source and solenoid valves) is installed at a specific station on the conveyor roller conveyor, and its pneumatic components are controlled by a central controller 300. Its workflow involves automatically triggering nitrogen purging of the inner bag after the empty can is conveyed to its position. The direct benefit is ensuring a clean and oxygen-free environment for the inner bag before filling, fundamentally avoiding the risks of contaminants and oxygen to the product, and guaranteeing the quality and stability of the final product.

[0025] Weighing System at Filling Station: The weighing system at the filling station (such as using Mettler Toledo weighing modules and instruments) is mechanically installed below the roller conveyor to form a weighing platform. Electrically, it communicates with the central controller 300 via RS-485 / Ethernet. Its workflow involves automatically performing a "tare" zeroing before filling and feeding back weight data to the PLC in real time during the filling process for closed-loop control. Its benefits include providing core data for accurate filling, ensuring high consistency in the weight of each barrel, and supporting rapid filling of small batches of samples, making it crucial for cost control and quality assurance.

[0026] Filling station positioning system: The filling station positioning system (which can use Festo barrel clamps or Keyence vision systems) is mechanically installed on both sides of the roller conveyor and electrically connected to a PLC. Its workflow involves automatically centering and precisely positioning the barrel opening after an empty barrel enters the filling station. This ensures that the spray gun accurately descends to the center of the barrel opening, preventing collisions and spills. It is a prerequisite for achieving automated and precise filling, improving the reliability and continuity of the production process.

[0027] Capping Station: The capping station (which can be equipped with a Desoutter pneumatic torque wrench) is located at the end of the conveyor line and can be linked with the PLC as a manual or automatic station. Its workflow involves tightening the caps on filled drums. The benefit is that it completes the final sealing of the product. A manual design balances flexibility and cost, while an automatic design further enhances the overall automation level of the line.

[0028] Assisted robotic arms: Assisted robotic arms (such as Atlas Copco SmartLifter™) are fixed to the ground and interact with the conveyor system. Their workflow involves the operator using them to easily remove the heavy bucket from the conveyor after it has been capped. The benefits include completely freeing workers from heavy handling labor, significantly improving safety and ergonomics in the bucket removal process, and maintaining a high production rate.

[0029] The workflow of this automated liquid filling equipment is as follows: (1) Loading empty buckets: Operating units: operators and conveyor roller system.

[0030] Procedure: The operator places the empty bucket at the entrance of the conveyor roller system.

[0031] (2) Automatic conveying and bag blowing process: Operating units: conveyor roller system, central controller 300, BIF blow molding machine.

[0032] Process: The central controller 300 controls the motor to operate based on sensor signals from the conveyor roller system, transporting the empty buckets to the BIF blow-drying machine station. Once in place, the PLC triggers the BIF blow-drying machine to perform nitrogen-filled bag blowing.

[0033] (3) Precise positioning and filling process: Operating units: conveyor roller system, positioning system, weighing system, elevator 100, filling machine 200, central controller 300.

[0034] Process: The empty barrels continue to be transported to the filling station, where the positioning system activates to precisely position the barrel opening.

[0035] The central controller 300 controls the operation of the elevator 100, causing the spray gun of the filling machine 200 at its output shaft end to descend to the preset height inside the barrel.

[0036] (4) The weighing system automatically performs the "tare" operation (zeroing).

[0037] The central controller 300 issues a command to start the pump / valve of the filling machine 200 to begin filling.

[0038] During the filling process, the weighing system provides real-time data feedback. The PLC controls the elevator 100 via an algorithm, causing the spray gun to automatically rise as the liquid level increases, achieving submerged filling and preventing foam formation.

[0039] (5) Filling completion and conveying of heavy drums: Operating units: filling machine 200, elevator 100, conveyor roller system.

[0040] Process: Once the target weight is reached, the central controller 300 closes the valve of the filling machine 200 and controls the elevator 100 to lift the spray gun outside the barrel. Then, the conveyor roller system is started to transport the heavy barrel to the next station.

[0041] (6) Tightening the lid and unloading the container: Operating unit: Tight-cover station, assisted robotic arm.

[0042] Process: When the heavy drum arrives at the capping station, the operator uses (or an automated device performs) the capping operation. After completion, the operator uses a assisted robotic arm to easily move the heavy drum off the conveyor line and place it on a pallet or in a designated area. like Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the cleaning mechanism 400 includes an electric cylinder 410 fixedly connected to the surface of the elevator 100. The end of the output shaft of the electric cylinder 410 is fixedly connected to an installation bucket 420. A flexible wiping roller 430 is rotatably connected to the inner side of the installation bucket 420. The highest point of the flexible wiping roller 430 is higher than the nozzle of the spray gun of the filling machine 200. The vertical cross-sectional shape of the installation bucket 420 is U-shaped, and the highest point of the installation bucket 420 is located below the spray gun of the filling machine 200. A smooth rod bolt 440 is inserted into the side end of the installation bucket 420. The rod of the smooth rod bolt 440 passes through the installation bucket 420 and the flexible wiping roller 430 in sequence and is threadedly connected to the vertical inner wall of the installation bucket 420. A support tube 450 is fitted onto the surface of the smooth bolt 440, and a flexible wiping roller 430 is inserted into the surface of the support tube 450. A slot 451 is provided on the side end of the support tube 450, and an insert 460 fixedly connected to the flexible wiping roller 430 is inserted into the slot 451. The number of slots 451 and inserts 460 is the same and not less than six. The slots 451 and inserts 460 are arranged in a ring around the axis of the smooth bolt 440. A scraper 470 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the mounting bucket 420, and the tip of the scraper 470 contacts the flexible wiping roller 430. There are two scrapers 470, which are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the axis of the smooth bolt 440.

[0043] In this embodiment, when the flexible wiping roller 430 needs to be replaced, the operator only needs to loosen and pull out the smooth rod bolt 440 on the side of the mounting bucket 420. Then, the old flexible wiping roller 430 can be taken out together with the support tube 450. The new flexible wiping roller 430 is inserted into the slot 451 on the support tube 450 through the insert 460. Then, during the process of placing the support tube 450 into the inside of the mounting bucket 420, it is necessary to ensure that the insert 460 on the roller is accurately inserted into the annular slot 451 on the side of the support tube 450. Finally, the smooth rod bolt 440 is reinserted and tightened to complete the fixation. The entire replacement process greatly shortens the maintenance downtime through the modular quick-change design, has low requirements for personnel skills, and significantly improves operational efficiency.

[0044] Working principle: After filling is completed, the central controller 300 first controls the elevator 100 to lift the spray gun of the filling machine 200 to the preset cleaning position. The central controller 300 controls the electric cylinder 410 to drive the flexible wiping roller 430 to move horizontally back and forth through the mounting bucket 420, so that the nozzle rubs against the flexible wiping roller 430. The flexible material can closely adhere to and effectively scrape off residual droplets, fundamentally preventing pollution and loss caused by droplet falling, ensuring quality and hygiene. The scraped droplets fall into the U-shaped mounting bucket 420 and are collected. At the same time, the scraper 470 fixed to the inner wall of the mounting bucket 420 scrapes off the residual material adhering to the surface of the wiping roller with its tip to achieve self-cleaning. This design avoids secondary pollution and maintains stable cleaning effect. Finally, the electric cylinder 410 retracts to reset the entire mechanism and ensure that it does not affect the next filling cycle, ensuring the continuous and efficient operation of the production line.

[0045] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions will not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automated liquid filling device, characterized in that, include: The elevator (100), filling machine (200) and central controller (300) are provided, wherein the spray gun of the filling machine (200) is fixedly connected to the end of the output shaft of the elevator (100); The cleaning mechanism (400) includes an electric cylinder (410) fixedly connected to the surface of the elevator (100). The end of the output shaft of the electric cylinder (410) is fixedly connected to an installation bucket (420). A flexible wiping roller (430) is rotatably connected to the inner side of the installation bucket (420). The highest point of the flexible wiping roller (430) is higher than the nozzle of the spray gun of the filling machine (200).

2. The automated liquid filling equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical cross-sectional shape of the mounting bucket (420) is U-shaped, and the highest point of the mounting bucket (420) is located below the spray gun of the filling machine (200).

3. The automated liquid filling equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A smooth rod bolt (440) is inserted into the side end of the mounting bucket (420). The rod of the smooth rod bolt (440) passes through the mounting bucket (420) and the flexible wiping roller (430) in sequence and is threaded to the vertical inner wall of the mounting bucket (420).

4. The automated liquid filling equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The surface of the smooth bolt (440) is fitted with a support tube (450), and the flexible wiping roller (430) is inserted into the surface of the support tube (450).

5. The automated liquid filling equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support tube (450) has a slot (451) at its side end, and a strip (460) that is fixedly connected to the flexible wiping roller (430) is inserted into the slot (451).

6. The automated liquid filling equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of slots (451) and inserts (460) is the same and not less than six. The slots (451) and inserts (460) are arranged in a ring around the axis of the smooth bolt (440).

7. The automated liquid filling equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A scraper (470) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the mounting bucket (420), and the tip of the scraper (470) contacts the flexible wiping roller (430).

8. The automated liquid filling equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, There are two scrapers (470), which are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the axis of the polished bolt (440).

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