TWI895363B - Drying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a drying machine that are capable of more efficiently transmitting the temperature of a heat source to a shoe part for further improving the drying efficiency. The drying machine and drying method of the present invention are used to perform drying on the shoe part. The drying machine includes a frame body arranged therein a drying chamber; a transporting part for transporting the shoe part to be dried in the drying chamber from an inlet to an outlet; and a plurality of heat sources arranged in the drying chamber to raise the temperature, wherein the plurality of heat sources include near-infrared heat sources and mid-infrared heat sources, and the near-infrared heat sources and the mid-infrared heat sources are alternately arranged in at least a portion of the area within the drying chamber.

Description

dryer

The present invention relates to a dryer, and in particular to a dryer for drying shoe parts.

Typically, during the manufacturing process of shoe components such as soles and uppers, adhesive-coated shoe parts are dried in a dryer such as an oven. Multiple infrared heat sources are typically installed within the dryer's drying chamber to increase the temperature, which is then combined with air circulation to accelerate the circulation of hot air within the drying chamber.

Regarding the infrared heat source, Patent 1 uses a medium infrared ray (MIR) heat source with a wavelength of 2-6 μm for drying, while Patent 2 uses a near infrared ray (NIR) heat source with a wavelength of approximately 1 μm. For example, the drying process involves using heat generated by the heat source to raise the temperature inside the drying chamber. This heat is then transferred to the shoe components coated with adhesive, causing the moisture contained in the adhesive on the shoe components to absorb the heat and evaporate, thereby drying the adhesive on the shoe components. The medium infrared heat source heats the adhesive directly by transferring heat to the moisture in the adhesive on the shoe components. Therefore, the moisture absorbs more energy (i.e., the absorption efficiency is high), but the reaction time is slow and the temperature is less stable (i.e., the temperature is lower). In contrast, near-infrared heat sources heat the moisture in the adhesive on shoe components at high temperatures through the air. Therefore, less energy is absorbed by the moisture (i.e., the absorption efficiency is low), but the reaction time is faster and the temperature is easier to stabilize (i.e., the temperature is higher).

[Prior Art Literature]

[Patent Literature]

Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Publication No. 20170360157

Patent Document 2: Taiwan New Model Publication No. M399623

As can be seen from this, even if a mid-infrared heat source with high absorption efficiency is selected for heating, its slow response time means that it takes a considerable amount of time to heat the shoe components to the desired dry state. In contrast, even if a near-infrared heat source with a fast response time is selected for heating, its low absorption efficiency means that it takes a considerable amount of time to heat the shoe components to the desired dry state. Thus, existing technologies that use a single type of infrared heat source for heating all suffer from low heating efficiency, which limits production output per unit time.

The present invention provides a dryer that can more efficiently transfer the temperature of a heat source to shoe components, thereby improving drying efficiency.

The dryer of the present invention is used to dry shoe parts. The dryer comprises a frame forming a drying chamber within the drying chamber; a conveyor unit that transports the shoe parts being dried from an inlet to an outlet within the drying chamber; and multiple heat sources disposed within the drying chamber to increase the temperature. The multiple heat sources include near-infrared heat sources and mid-infrared heat sources. The near-infrared heat sources and mid-infrared heat sources are alternately arranged in at least a portion of the drying chamber.

The drying method of the present invention dries shoe components using the aforementioned dryer. The drying method includes the following steps: conveying the shoe components to be dried from the entrance along the conveying direction of the conveying unit to the exit within the drying chamber of the dryer; and drying the shoe components to be dried using the near-infrared heat source and the mid-infrared heat source in alternating fashion within at least a portion of the drying chamber.

Based on the above, in the dryer of the present invention, multiple heat sources are installed within the drying chamber to increase the temperature of the shoe components being transported from the entrance to the exit by the conveying unit. The heat sources used for increasing the temperature include near-infrared heat sources and mid-infrared heat sources, and in at least a portion of the drying chamber, the near-infrared heat sources and the mid-infrared heat sources are arranged alternately. In this way, the dryer and drying method can dry the shoe components being dried using the near-infrared heat sources and the mid-infrared heat sources in an alternating manner within at least a portion of the drying chamber. The near-infrared heat source has a fast reaction time, and the mid-infrared heat source has a high absorption efficiency. Therefore, the alternating use of the two can shorten the drying time and increase the amount of drying per unit area. Accordingly, the dryer and drying method of the present invention can more efficiently transfer the heat source temperature to the shoe components, thereby improving drying efficiency.

100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G: Dryer

110, 210: Frame

112, 212: Entrance

114, 214: Exit

116: wall

120, 220: Transport Department

130, 230: Heat source

130a, 230a: Near-infrared heat source

130b, 230b: Medium infrared heat source

140: Setting input part

150: Temperature detection unit

160: Control Department

170: Air supply part

C: Drying Room

C1: Sole Drying Room

C2: Upper Drying Room

D1:Conveying direction

D2: Width direction

D3: Height direction

S: Shoe parts

S1: Sole

S2: Upper

R1: Entrance area

R2: Exit Area

R3: Middle area

R31: First middle area

R32: Second middle area

P1: Transport Path

Figure 1 is a front view schematic diagram of a dryer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the dryer in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the dryer in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the control mechanism of the dryer in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a comparison of the drying results of shoe soles using the dryer in Figure 1 and a conventional dryer.

Figure 6 is a comparison of the drying results of shoe uppers using the dryer in Figure 1 and a conventional dryer.

Figure 7 is a front view schematic diagram of a dryer according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a schematic top view of the dryer in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a front view schematic diagram of a dryer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a schematic side view of the dryer in Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a front view schematic diagram of a dryer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a schematic side view of the dryer in Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a schematic top view of a dryer according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 is a schematic side view of the dryer in Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a side view schematic diagram of a dryer according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 is a side view schematic diagram of a dryer according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 is a schematic top view of a dryer according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 is a front schematic diagram of a dryer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a top schematic diagram of the dryer of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a side schematic diagram of the dryer of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the control mechanism of the dryer of Figure 1. The following describes the dryer 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a drying method for drying shoe components S using the dryer 100, using Figures 1 to 4.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , in this embodiment, the dryer 100 includes a frame 110, a conveyor unit 120, and multiple heat sources 130. The frame 110 defines a drying chamber C, with an inlet 112 and an outlet 114 located on opposite sides of the frame 110. The conveyor unit 120, such as a movable member such as a conveyor belt, transports shoe components S to be dried from the inlet 112 to the outlet 114 within the drying chamber C. Heat sources 130 are located within the drying chamber C to increase the temperature. Drying, for example, involves using heat generated by the heat source 130 to raise the temperature within the drying chamber C. This heat is then transferred to the adhesive-coated shoe component S, causing the moisture contained in the adhesive on the shoe component S to absorb the heat and evaporate, thereby drying the adhesive on the shoe component S. However, this is only one application of the dryer 100, and the present invention is not limited thereto; the dryer can be adjusted as needed.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the plurality of heat sources 130 include near-infrared heat sources 130a and mid-infrared heat sources 130b. The near-infrared heat sources 130a have a peak wavelength of less than 2.5 μm, while the mid-infrared heat sources 130b have a peak wavelength of 2.5 to 4.0 μm, but this is not limiting. Within at least a portion of the drying chamber C, the near-infrared heat sources 130a and the mid-infrared heat sources 130b are alternately arranged along the conveying direction D1 of the conveyor 120. Thus, within the drying chamber C of the dryer 100, the near-infrared heat sources 130a and the mid-infrared heat sources 130b alternate along the conveying direction D1 to dry the shoe components S being dried.

More specifically, in this embodiment, the near-infrared heat sources 130a and the mid-infrared heat sources 130b are arranged alternately along the conveying direction D1 of the conveyor 120 (i.e., the direction from the entrance 112 to the exit 114) within the drying chamber C. In other words, along the conveying direction D1, from the entrance 112 to the exit 114, the near-infrared heat sources 130a, the mid-infrared heat sources 130b, the near-infrared heat sources 130a, and the mid-infrared heat sources 130b are arranged alternately. Furthermore, within the drying chamber C, from the entrance 112 to the exit 114, a row of alternating near-infrared heat sources 130a and mid-infrared heat sources 130b are positioned on opposite sides of the drying chamber in the width direction D2 that intersects the conveying direction D1. The near-infrared heat sources 130a are preferably positioned closest to the entrance 112 and exit 114 within the drying chamber C, but this is not a limitation. In this manner, within the drying chamber C of the dryer 100, the alternating near-infrared heat sources 130a and mid-infrared heat sources 130b can dry the shoe components S being dried.

However, in other embodiments not shown, in the entire area from the entrance 112 to the exit 114 in the drying chamber C, only one row of alternately arranged near-infrared heat sources 130a and mid-infrared heat sources 130B may be provided in the center of the drying chamber C to replace the two rows of heat sources 130 provided on opposite sides, or more than three rows of heat sources 130 may be provided. Furthermore, in the conveying direction D1, the arrangement may be alternating from the entrance 112 to the exit 114: the mid-infrared heat source 130b, the near-infrared heat source 130a, the mid-infrared heat source 130b, and the near-infrared heat source 130a. Alternatively, the arrangement may be alternating from the entrance 112 to the exit 114: the near-infrared heat source 130a, the near-infrared heat source 130a, the mid-infrared heat source 130b, the mid-infrared heat source 130b, the near-infrared heat source 130a, the near-infrared heat source 130a, the mid-infrared heat source 130b, and the mid-infrared heat source 130b. This alternating arrangement is not limited to a one-to-one rotation. As long as the near-infrared heat sources 130a and the mid-infrared heat sources 130b are alternately arranged in at least a portion of the drying chamber C, the present invention is fulfilled. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to this and can be adjusted as needed.

In this embodiment, the shoe component S includes a sole S1 and an upper S2 (shown in FIG. 3 ). Therefore, the drying chamber C is divided into a sole drying chamber C1 for drying the sole S1 and an upper drying chamber C2 for drying the upper S2. Specifically, the frame 110 is divided into an upper space and a lower space by a solid wall 116 in a height direction D3 intersecting the conveying direction D1. The upper space serves as the sole drying chamber C1, and the lower space serves as the upper drying chamber C2. Furthermore, the conveyor section 120 and the alternating near-infrared heat sources 130a and mid-infrared heat sources 130b are configured identically in the sole drying chamber C1 and the upper drying chamber C2 of the drying chamber C. However, in subsequent embodiments, different configurations may be employed (as described below). Furthermore, in other unillustrated embodiments, the upper space defined by the frame 110 may serve as the upper drying chamber C2, while the lower space may serve as the sole drying chamber C1. Alternatively, the frame 110 may be divided into left and right spaces, each serving as the sole drying chamber C1 and the upper drying chamber C2. Furthermore, the drying chamber C may be divided into three or more spaces or just one, and may be used to dry three or more types of shoe components S or just one type of shoe component S. Furthermore, the term "division" is not limited to physical walls; it can broadly refer to spatial division. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings; it can be adjusted as needed.

Referring to Figure 4 , in this embodiment, the dryer 100 further includes a setting input unit 140, a temperature detection unit 150, a control unit 160, and an air supply unit 170. The setting input unit 140 sets at least one of the start and stop states within the drying chamber C. Specifically, the setting input unit 140 can set operating conditions (such as initial values) within the drying chamber C. The temperature detection unit 150 detects the temperature within the drying chamber C. The air supply unit 170 supplies air into the drying chamber C to maintain a uniform temperature within the drying chamber C, prevent excessive temperature increases, and circulate the air within the drying chamber C. The control unit 160 controls the operation of each component. Specifically, the control unit 160 can control operating conditions (such as temperature, air volume, and conveying speed) within the drying chamber C.

Furthermore, to control temperature, this embodiment utilizes near-infrared heat sources 130a and mid-infrared heat sources 130b, alternately arranged along the conveying direction D1, as the heat sources 130. The mid-infrared heat sources 130b heat the shoe components S by transferring heat directly to the moisture in the adhesive. This results in a high energy absorption by the moisture (i.e., high absorption efficiency), but also a slow reaction time and difficulty stabilizing the temperature (i.e., a lower temperature). In contrast, the near-infrared heat sources 130a heat the moisture in the adhesive on the shoe components S at a high temperature via air. This results in a low energy absorption by the moisture (i.e., low absorption efficiency), but a faster reaction time and easier temperature stabilization (i.e., a higher temperature). Therefore, the control unit 160 controls the near-infrared heat source 130a to turn it on and off based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 150 during operation, thereby adjusting the temperature within the drying chamber C, for example, to the temperature set by the setting input unit 150. Because the near-infrared heat source 130a has a fast response time, controlling it can effectively maintain a more stable temperature. Of course, in other embodiments not shown, the control unit 160 can also control the mid-infrared heat source 130b to turn it on and off, or adjust the temperature by controlling the air volume or direction of the air supply unit 170, or simultaneously control all of the above components. The above description is only one embodiment and the present invention is not limited thereto. Adjustments can be made as needed.

As can be seen, during the transport of the shoe components S being dried, the heat source 130 can heat the shoe components S directly or via air, depending on the wavelengths generated. Thus, within at least a portion of the drying chamber C (e.g., the entire area from the entrance 112 to the exit 114 in this embodiment), the shoe components S being dried are dried alternately along the transport direction D1 by the near-infrared heat source 130a and the mid-infrared heat source 130b. The near-infrared heat source 130a has a fast response time, while the mid-infrared heat source 130b has a high absorption efficiency. This interactive use of the near-infrared heat source 130a shortens the drying time and increases the drying quantity per unit area. Accordingly, the dryer 100 and the drying method can more efficiently transfer the temperature of the heat source 130 to the shoe component S, thereby improving the drying efficiency.

Figure 5 is a graph comparing the drying results of shoe soles using the dryer of Figure 1 with those of a conventional dryer. Figure 6 is a graph comparing the drying results of shoe uppers using the dryer of Figure 1 with those of a conventional dryer. Figure 5 compares the drying results of the same shoe sole S1 dried using the dryer 100 of Figure 1 and using a conventional dryer, while Figure 6 compares the drying results of the same shoe upper S2 dried using the dryer 100 of Figure 1 and using a conventional dryer. The conventional dryer may be, for example, a dryer using a single type of heat source, as described in the aforementioned prior art document, but is not limited thereto.

As can be seen from Figures 5 and 6 , the dryer 100 provided in this embodiment can dry the sole S1 and upper S2, which serve as shoe components S, to the desired dryness in approximately three minutes (as shown in the drying areas of Figures 5 and 6 , the sole S1 can be preset to have a moisture content of less than 5% and the upper S2 to have a moisture content of less than 8%, but the present invention is not limited to this). Conventional dryers require approximately 4.5 to 6 minutes to dry the sole S1 and upper S2, which serve as shoe components S, to the desired dryness. While the above drying results represent only one example of the present invention's testing, they demonstrate that the dryer 100 of this embodiment utilizes both near-infrared heat sources 130a and mid-infrared heat sources 130b in at least a portion of the drying chamber C to dry the shoe components S. This interactive use of both sources can shorten drying time and increase the amount of drying per unit area. Consequently, the dryer 100 and drying method can more efficiently transfer the temperature of the heat source 130 to the shoe components S, thereby improving drying efficiency.

Figure 7 is a front schematic diagram of a dryer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a top schematic diagram of the dryer of Figure 7 . The following describes a dryer 100A according to the second embodiment of the present invention and a drying method for drying shoe components S using the dryer 100A, using Figures 7 and 8 .

Referring to Figures 7 and 8 , in this embodiment, dryer 100A has a similar structure to dryer 100 of the first embodiment, differing primarily in the arrangement of the heat sources 130. Specifically, in this embodiment, near-infrared heat sources 130a and mid-infrared heat sources 130b are alternately arranged along the width direction D2 of the conveyor 120 within at least a portion of the drying chamber C. That is, the two heat sources 130, a near-infrared heat source 130a and a mid-infrared heat source 130b, are arranged alternately as a set. One set is provided on each of the opposite sides of the width direction D2. Thus, from left to right in the width direction D2, the arrangement is alternating: near-infrared heat source 130a, mid-infrared heat source 130b, near-infrared heat source 130a, mid-infrared heat source 130b. Furthermore, three rows of near-infrared heat sources 130a and mid-infrared heat sources 130b arranged in this manner can be provided along the conveying direction D1 within at least a portion of the drying chamber C (e.g., the entire area from the entrance 112 to the exit 114). In other words, within the entire area of the drying chamber C from the entrance 112 to the exit 114, the shoe components S can be dried by alternating near-infrared heat sources 130a and mid-infrared heat sources 130b. Furthermore, in other embodiments (not shown), a mid-infrared heat source 130b, a near-infrared heat source 130a, a mid-infrared heat source 130b, and a near-infrared heat source 130a may be arranged alternately from left to right in the width direction D2.

Similarly, in other embodiments not shown, the three heat sources 130, namely the near-infrared heat source 130a, the mid-infrared heat source 130b, and the near-infrared heat source 130a, which are arranged alternately, can be grouped as a group, with one group being arranged on each of the two opposite sides in the width direction D2. In this way, from left to right in the width direction D2, the near-infrared heat source 130a, the mid-infrared heat source 130b, the near-infrared heat source 130a, the near-infrared heat source 130a, the mid-infrared heat source 130b, and the near-infrared heat source 130a are arranged alternately. Similarly, the arrangement may be alternating from left to right: mid-infrared heat source 130b, near-infrared heat source 130a, mid-infrared heat source 130b, mid-infrared heat source 130b, near-infrared heat source 130a, mid-infrared heat source 130b. The above description is merely one embodiment, and the present invention is not limited thereto; adjustments may be made as needed. In this manner, within at least a portion of the drying chamber C (e.g., the entire area from entrance 112 to exit 114 in this embodiment), the shoe components S are dried using a near-infrared heat source 130a and a mid-infrared heat source 130b in an alternating manner. The near-infrared heat source 130a has a fast response time, while the mid-infrared heat source 130b has a high absorption efficiency. This combined use of the two shortens the drying time and increases the drying quantity per unit area. Consequently, the dryer 100A and drying method can more efficiently transfer the temperature of the heat source 130 to the shoe components S, thereby improving drying efficiency.

Figure 9 is a front schematic diagram of a dryer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a side schematic diagram of the dryer of Figure 9 . The following describes a dryer 100B according to the third embodiment of the present invention and a drying method for drying shoe components S using the dryer 100B, using Figures 9 and 10 .

Referring to Figures 9 and 10 , in this embodiment, the dryer 100B has a similar structure to the dryer 100 of the first embodiment. The main difference is that, in at least a portion of the drying chamber C (e.g., the entire area from the entrance 112 to the exit 114 in this embodiment), the mid-infrared heat source 130b is positioned closer to the shoe components S being dried than the near-infrared heat source 130a in the height direction D3, which is perpendicular to the conveying direction D1 of the conveying unit 120.

Specifically, in this embodiment, in the entire area from the entrance 112 to the exit 114 within the drying chamber C, the near-infrared heat sources 130a and the mid-infrared heat sources 130b are alternately arranged along the conveying direction D1 of the conveying portion 120. However, the near-infrared heat sources 130a and the mid-infrared heat sources 130b are not arranged at the same horizontal height. Instead, the mid-infrared heat sources 130b are positioned lower than the near-infrared heat sources 130a, and thus closer to the shoe components S to be dried, which are located below the heat sources 130. As a result, the mid-infrared heat source 130b, which has a slow response time and a less stable temperature (i.e., a lower temperature), is placed closer to the shoe component S being dried. This shortens the distance between the mid-infrared heat source 130b and the shoe component S. This reduces the reflection of the heat from the mid-infrared heat source 130b on the moisture present in the drying chamber C, allowing for more efficient heat transfer to the shoe component S.

Although this embodiment shows a row of alternating near-infrared heat sources 130a and mid-infrared heat sources 130b with a height difference adjusted so that the mid-infrared heat sources 130b are positioned closer to the shoe components S being dried than the near-infrared heat sources 130a, in other embodiments (not shown), the mid-infrared heat sources 130b can be positioned directly below the near-infrared heat sources 130a. The above description is merely one embodiment, and the present invention is not limited thereto; adjustments can be made as needed. In this manner, within at least a portion of the drying chamber C (e.g., the entire area from entrance 112 to exit 114 in this embodiment), the shoe components S are dried alternately along the conveying direction D1 using near-infrared heat sources 130a and mid-infrared heat sources 130b. The near-infrared heat sources 130a have a fast response time, while the mid-infrared heat sources 130b have a high absorption efficiency. This interactive use of the two shortens drying time and increases the amount of drying per unit area. Consequently, the dryer 100B and drying method can more efficiently transfer the temperature of the heat source 130 to the shoe components S, thereby improving drying efficiency.

Figure 11 is a front schematic diagram of a dryer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is a side schematic diagram of the dryer of Figure 11 . The following describes a dryer 100C according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention and a drying method for drying shoe components S (as shown in the previous embodiments) using the dryer 100C, using Figures 11 and 12 .

Referring to Figures 11 and 12 , in this embodiment, the dryer 100C has a similar structure to the dryer 100 of the first embodiment. The main difference is that, in at least a portion of the drying chamber C (e.g., the entire area from the entrance 112 to the exit 114 in this embodiment), the near-infrared heat source 130a is positioned below the drying chamber C relative to the mid-infrared heat source 130b in the height direction D3, which is perpendicular to the conveying direction D1 of the conveying unit 120.

Specifically, in this embodiment, within the drying chamber C, the near-infrared heat sources 130a and the mid-infrared heat sources 130b are arranged along the conveying direction D1 of the conveyor 120, alternating in the width direction D. The near-infrared heat sources 130a are positioned further down the drying chamber C than the mid-infrared heat sources 130b. Consequently, the near-infrared heat sources 130a, which have a faster response time and more stable temperature (i.e., a higher temperature), are positioned further down the drying chamber C. This creates an upward airflow below the drying chamber C, thereby promoting air circulation within the drying chamber C.

Although this embodiment shows that the arrangement of the upper mid-infrared heat sources 130b is different from that of the lower near-infrared heat sources 130a (e.g., the elongated light tubes serving as heat sources 130 extend in different directions), in other embodiments (not shown), the arrangement of the mid-infrared heat sources 130b and the near-infrared heat sources 130a can be adjusted to be the same. The above description is only one embodiment, and the present invention is not limited thereto; the arrangement can be adjusted as needed. In this manner, within at least a portion of the drying chamber C (e.g., the entire area from inlet 112 to outlet 114 in this embodiment), the shoe components S (as shown in the previous embodiment) are dried using a near-infrared heat source 130a and a mid-infrared heat source 130b that alternate with each other. The near-infrared heat source 130a has a fast response time, while the mid-infrared heat source 130b has a high absorption efficiency. This interactive use of the two shortens the drying time and increases the drying quantity per unit area. Consequently, the dryer 100C and drying method can more efficiently transfer the temperature of the heat source 130 to the shoe components S, thereby improving drying efficiency.

Figure 13 is a schematic top view of a dryer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is a schematic side view of the dryer of Figure 13 . The following describes a dryer 100D according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention and a drying method for drying shoe components S (as shown in the previous embodiments) using the dryer 100D, using Figures 13 and 14 .

Referring to Figures 13 and 14 , in this embodiment, the dryer 100D has a similar structure to the dryer 100 of the first embodiment. The main difference lies in that the entire area within the drying chamber C from the entrance 112 to the exit 114 is divided into different zones. Furthermore, in at least a portion of the drying chamber C, the near-infrared heat sources 130a and the mid-infrared heat sources 130b are alternately arranged along the conveying direction D1 of the conveying section 120. In other zones, the near-infrared heat sources 130a and the mid-infrared heat sources 130b are arranged differently.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the drying chamber C is divided into an entrance region R1 adjacent to the entrance 112, an exit region R2 adjacent to the exit 114, and an intermediate region R3 located between the entrance region R1 and the exit region R2. Furthermore, the intermediate region R3 of the drying chamber C is further divided into at least two regions: a first intermediate region R31 adjacent to the entrance region R1 and a second intermediate region R32 adjacent to the exit region R2. The term "divided" is not limited to partitions defined by physical walls and can broadly refer to spatial divisions. However, physical walls can also be used to define regions, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, in other embodiments not shown, the entire area from the entrance 112 to the exit 114 within the drying chamber C can be divided into more zones, and the arrangement of the near-infrared heat sources 130a and mid-infrared heat sources 130b in different zones can be adjusted as needed.

For example, in this embodiment, only near-infrared heat sources 130a are provided in the entrance region R1 and exit region R2 of the drying chamber C. In the middle region R3 of the drying chamber C, the near-infrared heat sources 130a and the mid-infrared heat sources 130b are alternately arranged along the conveying direction D1 of the conveyor 120. The alternating arrangement is not limited to a one-to-one alternating arrangement. Therefore, in the first middle region R31 of the drying chamber C, the number of mid-infrared heat sources 130b is greater than the number of near-infrared heat sources 130a (for example, this embodiment uses the example of only the mid-infrared heat sources 130b being provided in the first middle region R31 of the drying chamber C, but this is not limiting). In the second middle region R32 of the drying chamber C, the near-infrared heat sources 130a and the mid-infrared heat sources 130b are arranged in a one-to-one alternating arrangement along the conveying direction D1 of the conveying unit 120.

In this manner, only near-infrared heat sources 130a, which have a fast response time and are more likely to maintain a stable temperature (i.e., a higher temperature), are arranged in the areas near the inlet 112 and outlet 114, which are easily affected by heat from the outside air, that is, in the inlet region R1 and outlet region R2. This allows for a more stable temperature within the drying chamber C. However, in other embodiments not shown, the number of near-infrared heat sources 130a may be greater than the number of mid-infrared heat sources 130b in the inlet region R1 and outlet region R2. Furthermore, only mid-infrared heat sources 130b are disposed in the first intermediate region R31 adjacent to the entrance region R1. This allows the highly efficient mid-infrared heat sources 130b to more quickly transfer heat to the moisture in the adhesive on the shoe component S (as shown in the aforementioned embodiment), thereby heating the shoe component S. However, in other embodiments not shown, the number of mid-infrared heat sources 130b in the first intermediate region R31 may be greater than the number of near-infrared heat sources 130a. The above description is merely one example, and the present invention is not limited thereto; the configuration can be adjusted as needed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the middle region R3 is further divided into a first middle region R31 and a second middle region R32. The purpose is to increase the number of near-infrared heat sources 130a in the second middle region R32 compared to the first middle region R31. In other words, to increase the proportion of near-infrared heat sources 130a in the second middle region R32. Although this embodiment shows that the second middle region R32 is provided with near-infrared heat sources 130a and mid-infrared heat sources 130b arranged alternately in a one-to-one arrangement along the conveying direction D1 of the conveying portion 120, other arrangements and combinations as described above are also possible. In this manner, in at least a portion of the drying chamber C (e.g., the second middle region R32 in this embodiment), the shoe components S (as shown in the previous embodiment) are dried using the alternating near-infrared heat source 130a and mid-infrared heat source 130b. The near-infrared heat source 130a has a fast response time, while the mid-infrared heat source 130b has a high absorption efficiency. This interactive use of the two shortens the drying time and increases the drying quantity per unit area. Consequently, the dryer 100D and drying method can more efficiently transfer the temperature of the heat source 130 to the shoe components S, thereby improving drying efficiency.

Figure 15 is a schematic side view of a dryer according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The following describes a dryer 100E according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention and a drying method for drying shoe components S using the dryer 100E, using Figure 15.

Referring to Figure 15 , in this embodiment, the dryer 100E has a similar structure to the dryer 100 of the first embodiment. The main difference lies in the different configurations of the alternating near-infrared heat sources 130a and mid-infrared heat sources 130b in the sole drying chamber C1 and the upper drying chamber C2 of the drying chamber C. For example, the upper drying chamber C2 has a greater number of heat sources 130 than the sole drying chamber C1.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the upper drying chamber C2, which dries the shoe upper S2, has a greater height than the sole drying chamber C1, which dries the shoe sole S1. Furthermore, more heat energy is required to dry the shoe upper S2. Therefore, the upper drying chamber C2 is equipped with more heat sources 130 than the sole drying chamber C1. For example, the sole drying chamber C1 is equipped with three near-infrared heat sources 130a and two mid-infrared heat sources 130b, arranged alternately along the conveying direction D1 of the conveyor 120. The upper drying chamber C2 is equipped with five near-infrared heat sources 130a and four mid-infrared heat sources 130b, arranged alternately along the conveying direction D1. Thus, the number of heat sources 130 in the upper drying chamber C2 (nine, for example) is greater than the number of heat sources 130 in the sole drying chamber C1 (five, for example). Furthermore, as an example, an additional near-infrared heat source 130a is installed near the exit 114 in the upper drying chamber C2 as an auxiliary.

However, in other embodiments (not shown), the number and ratio of the near-infrared heat sources 130a and mid-infrared heat sources 130b serving as heat sources 130 can be adjusted as needed, and the alternating arrangement is not limited to a one-to-one alternating arrangement. The above description is merely one embodiment, and the present invention is not limited thereto; the arrangement can be adjusted as needed. Thus, in at least a portion of the drying chamber C (e.g., the sole drying chamber C1 and the upper drying chamber C2 of this embodiment), the near-infrared heat sources 130a and mid-infrared heat sources 130b alternately dry the shoe components S (as shown in the aforementioned embodiment). The near-infrared heat sources 130a have a fast response time, while the mid-infrared heat sources 130b have a high absorption efficiency. This alternating arrangement shortens drying time and increases the amount of drying per unit area. Accordingly, the dryer 100E and the drying method can more efficiently transfer the temperature of the heat source 130 to the shoe component S, thereby improving drying efficiency.

Figure 16 is a schematic side view of a dryer according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The following describes the dryer 100F according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention and a drying method for drying shoe components S using the dryer 100F, using Figure 16.

Referring to FIG. 16 , the dryer 100F of this embodiment has a similar structure to the dryer 100 of the first embodiment. The main difference is that, whereas the near-infrared heat source 130a and the mid-infrared heat source 130b of the first embodiment utilize long, rectangular lamps, the dryer 100F of this embodiment utilizes spiral lamps as the heat source 230. By adjusting the shape of the lamps, the heat source density per unit area can be increased. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the near-infrared and mid-infrared heat sources may also utilize curved or spiral lamps. The present invention does not limit the shape of the lamp used as the near-infrared heat source and the mid-infrared heat source, and it can be adjusted according to needs.

Furthermore, the arrangement of heat source 230 can also be adjusted with reference to the aforementioned second through sixth embodiments. In other words, the spiral heat source 230 of this embodiment can be applied to each of the aforementioned embodiments. Similarly, the aforementioned curved or swirling lamp tubes (not shown) can also be applied to the aforementioned embodiments, and the present invention is not limited thereto. In this manner, within at least a portion of the drying chamber C (e.g., the entire area from the inlet 112 to the outlet 114 in this embodiment), the shoe components S are dried using the alternating near-infrared heat source 230a and mid-infrared heat source 230b. The near-infrared heat source 230a has a fast response time, while the mid-infrared heat source 230b has a high absorption efficiency. This combined use of the two shortens the drying time and increases the drying volume per unit area. Consequently, the dryer 100F and drying method can more efficiently transfer the temperature of the heat source 230 to the shoe components S, thereby improving drying efficiency.

Figure 17 is a schematic top view of a dryer according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The following describes the dryer 100G according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention and a drying method for drying shoe components S (as shown in the previous embodiments) using the dryer 100G, using Figure 17.

Referring to FIG. 17 , the dryer 100G of this embodiment has a similar structure to the dryer 100 of the first embodiment. The main difference is that, whereas the conveyor 120 of the dryer 100 of the first embodiment is a linear conveyor mechanism, the conveyor 220 of the dryer 100G of this embodiment is a circular conveyor mechanism. Specifically, the housing 210 has an inlet 212 and an outlet 214, and these inlet 212 and outlet 214 are located on the same side of the housing 210. Therefore, the conveyor 220 is not limited to conveying in a single direction (such as the aforementioned conveying direction D1). Instead, it conveys the shoe components S (as shown in the previous embodiment) being dried from the entrance 212 to the exit 214 along a circular conveying path P1 (as indicated by the dotted line and arrows in Figure 17). The term "circular" refers to the fact that the conveying path P1 circumscribes a full 360-degree path, locating the entrance 212 and exit 214 on the same side. This design is not limited to a circular conveying path; a rectangular conveying path can also be employed. Placing the entrance 212 and exit 214 on the same side reduces operator burden, thereby saving labor costs. However, in other embodiments not shown, the conveying section 220 is not limited to conveying at a single level and can also be configured as a sightseeing car or hillside type conveying section. For example, the conveying path may ascend from a lower starting point (i.e., the entrance) to a higher intermediate point, and then descend to a lower end point (i.e., the exit). Near-infrared heat sources and mid-infrared heat sources serving as heat sources are alternately arranged along the conveying path. The present invention is not limited to the conveying path of the conveying section and can be adjusted as needed.

Furthermore, the arrangement of the heat sources 130 can also be adjusted with reference to the aforementioned second through sixth embodiments. In other words, the circular conveyor 220 of this embodiment can be applied to the aforementioned embodiments. Similarly, the aforementioned sightseeing car-type or hillside-type conveyor (not shown) can also be applied to the aforementioned embodiments, and the present invention is not limited thereto. In this manner, the shoe components S, being dried, are dried by the alternating near-infrared heat source 130a and mid-infrared heat source 130b within at least a portion of the drying chamber C (e.g., the entire area from the inlet 212 to the outlet 214 in this embodiment). The near-infrared heat source 130a has a fast response time, while the mid-infrared heat source 130b has a high absorption efficiency. This interactive use of the two shortens the drying time and increases the drying quantity per unit area. Consequently, the dryer 100G and drying method can more efficiently transfer the temperature of the heat source 130 to the shoe components S, thereby improving drying efficiency.

Here, the configuration and effects to be achieved according to the embodiments of the present invention are summarized.

A dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention is used to dry shoe components. The dryer includes a frame forming a drying chamber within the dryer; a conveyor unit that transports the shoe components, which are to be dried, from an entrance to an exit within the dryer; and a plurality of heat sources disposed within the dryer to increase the temperature. The plurality of heat sources include near-infrared heat sources and mid-infrared heat sources, which are alternately arranged in at least a portion of the drying chamber. With this configuration, the shoe components, which are to be dried, can be dried using the alternating near-infrared and mid-infrared heat sources within at least a portion of the drying chamber. Near-infrared heat sources have a fast reaction time, while mid-infrared heat sources have a high absorption efficiency. Therefore, the combined use of these two can shorten drying time and increase the drying volume per unit area. Consequently, the dryer of one embodiment of the present invention can more efficiently transfer the heat source temperature to the shoe components, thereby improving drying efficiency.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a drying method for drying shoe components using the aforementioned dryer. The drying method includes the following steps: conveying the shoe components to be dried from the entrance along the conveying direction of the conveying unit to the exit within the drying chamber of the dryer; and drying the shoe components to be dried using the near-infrared heat source and the mid-infrared heat source in alternating fashion within at least a portion of the drying chamber.

With this configuration, the shoe components being dried can be dried using a near-infrared heat source and a mid-infrared heat source in an alternating manner within at least a portion of the drying chamber. The near-infrared heat source has a fast response time, while the mid-infrared heat source has a high absorption efficiency. Therefore, the alternating use of these two sources can shorten drying time and increase the drying volume per unit area. Consequently, the drying method of one embodiment of the present invention can more efficiently transfer the heat source temperature to the shoe components, thereby improving drying efficiency.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the drying chamber is divided into an entrance area adjacent to the entrance, an exit area adjacent to the exit, and a middle area between the entrance area and the exit area. In the middle area of the drying chamber, the near-infrared heat sources and the mid-infrared heat sources are alternately arranged along the conveying direction of the conveying section.

With this configuration, near-infrared and mid-infrared heat sources can alternately dry shoe components in at least the central area of the drying chamber, effectively transferring the heat source temperature to the shoe components and improving drying efficiency.

In one embodiment of the present invention, only the near-infrared heat source is provided in the inlet area and the outlet area of the drying chamber.

With this configuration, only near-infrared heat sources, which have a fast reaction time and are more likely to maintain a stable temperature (i.e., a higher temperature), are placed in the inlet and outlet areas near the inlet and outlet, which are easily affected by heat from the outside air. This allows for a more stable temperature within the drying chamber.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the middle area of the drying chamber is divided into at least two areas: a first middle area adjacent to the entrance area and a second middle area adjacent to the exit area. In the first middle area of the drying chamber, the number of mid-infrared heat sources is greater than the number of near-infrared heat sources. In the second middle area of the drying chamber, the near-infrared heat sources and the mid-infrared heat sources are alternately arranged along the conveying direction of the conveying section.

According to this configuration, in the first intermediate zone near the entrance, the number of mid-infrared heat sources is greater than the number of near-infrared heat sources. This allows the more efficient mid-infrared heat sources to more quickly transfer heat to the moisture in the adhesive on the shoe components, thereby heating them. Furthermore, in at least the second intermediate zone within the drying chamber, the near-infrared and mid-infrared heat sources can alternately dry the shoe components, more efficiently transferring the heat source temperature to the shoe components and improving drying efficiency.

In one embodiment of the present invention, only the mid-infrared heat source is provided in the first middle area of the drying chamber.

According to the above configuration, only a mid-infrared heat source is provided in the first middle area adjacent to the entrance area. This allows the highly efficient mid-infrared heat source to more quickly transfer heat to the moisture in the adhesive on the shoe components, thereby heating them.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the mid-infrared heat source is disposed at a position closer to the shoe component to be dried than the near-infrared heat source in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying unit.

With this configuration, the mid-infrared heat source, which has a slow reaction time and a less stable temperature (i.e., a lower temperature), is placed closer to the shoe components being dried. This shortens the distance between the mid-infrared heat source and the shoe components, minimizing the reflection of the mid-infrared heat source's heat from moisture within the drying chamber. This allows for more efficient heat transfer to the shoe components.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the near-infrared heat source is disposed at a position below the drying chamber relative to the mid-infrared heat source in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying portion.

According to this configuration, the near-infrared heat source, which has a fast reaction time and a relatively stable temperature (i.e., a higher temperature), is positioned closer to the bottom of the drying chamber. This creates an upward airflow below the drying chamber, thereby promoting air circulation within the drying chamber.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the shoe components include a sole and an upper. The drying chamber is divided into a sole drying chamber for drying the sole and an upper drying chamber for drying the upper. The number of heat sources in the upper drying chamber is greater than that in the sole drying chamber.

According to the above structure, the upper drying room has a greater height than the sole drying room, and more heat energy is required to dry the uppers. Therefore, more heat sources are installed in the upper drying room compared to the sole drying room, which can more efficiently transfer heat to the shoe components.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the dryer further includes: a setting input unit for setting at least one of operation and shutdown within the drying chamber; a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature within the drying chamber; and a control unit for controlling the operation of each component. The control unit controls the near-infrared heat source to turn it on and off based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit during operation, thereby adjusting the temperature within the drying chamber.

With this configuration, the near-infrared heat source has a fast response time, so controlling the near-infrared heat source can efficiently stabilize the temperature.

In summary, the dryer and drying method of the present invention employ multiple heat sources within a drying chamber to increase the temperature of shoe components being transported from an inlet to an outlet by a conveyor. The heat sources for increasing the temperature include near-infrared and mid-infrared heat sources, which are arranged alternately in at least a portion of the drying chamber. The alternating near-infrared and mid-infrared heat sources can be adjusted in quantity, ratio, arrangement, height, and tube shape according to needs in different areas of the drying chamber. Furthermore, the dryer utilizes a control unit to control operating conditions within the drying chamber (such as temperature, air volume, and conveyor speed). In this manner, the dryer and drying method described herein can dry shoe components within at least a portion of the drying chamber using a near-infrared heat source and a mid-infrared heat source in an alternating manner. The near-infrared heat source has a fast response time, while the mid-infrared heat source has a high absorption efficiency. Therefore, the alternating use of these two sources can shorten drying time and increase the drying volume per unit area. Consequently, the dryer and drying method of the present invention can more efficiently transfer the heat source temperature to the shoe components, thereby improving drying efficiency.

100: Dryer 110: Frame 112: Inlet 114: Exit 116: Wall 120: Conveyor 130: Heat Source 130a: Near-Infrared Heat Source 130b: Mid-Infrared Heat Source C: Drying Chamber C1: Sole Drying Chamber C2: Upper Drying Chamber D1: Conveyor Direction D3: Height Direction S: Shoe Components S1: Sole S2: Upper

Claims (4)

A dryer for drying shoe parts, comprising: a frame forming a drying chamber therein; a conveying unit conveying the shoe parts to be dried from an entrance to an exit within the drying chamber; and a plurality of heat sources disposed within the drying chamber to increase the temperature, wherein the plurality of heat sources include near-infrared heat sources and mid-infrared heat sources. In at least a portion of the drying chamber, the near-infrared heat sources and the mid-infrared heat sources are arranged alternately. The drying chamber is divided into an entrance area adjacent to the entrance, an exit area adjacent to the exit, and a middle area between the entrance and exit areas. In the middle area of the drying chamber, the near-infrared heat sources and the mid-infrared heat sources are arranged alternately along the conveying direction of the conveying unit. Only the near-infrared heat sources are provided in the entrance and exit areas of the drying chamber. The middle area of the drying chamber is divided into at least two areas: a first middle area adjacent to the entrance area and a second middle area adjacent to the exit area. In the first middle area of the drying chamber, the number of mid-infrared heat sources is greater than the number of near-infrared heat sources. In the second middle area of the drying chamber, the near-infrared heat sources and the mid-infrared heat sources are alternately arranged along the conveying direction of the conveying unit. Only the mid-infrared heat sources are provided in the first middle area of the drying chamber. A setting input unit is provided to set at least one of operation and stop within the drying chamber. A temperature detection unit is provided to detect the temperature within the drying chamber. A control unit is provided to control the operation of each component. The control unit turns the near-infrared heat source on and off based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit during operation, thereby adjusting the temperature within the drying chamber. A dryer as described in claim 1, wherein the mid-infrared heat source is arranged at a position closer to the shoe part to be dried than the near-infrared heat source in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying portion; The dryer according to claim 1, wherein the near-infrared heat source is provided at a position below the drying chamber relative to the mid-infrared heat source in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying portion. The dryer of claim 1, wherein the shoe components include a sole and an upper, and the drying chamber is divided into a sole drying chamber for drying the sole and an upper drying chamber for drying the upper. The number of heat sources in the upper drying chamber is greater than the number of heat sources in the sole drying chamber.