JPH06159600A - Automatic piping connecting device for switching station - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an automatic piping connecting device, by which switching operation for piping is facilitated without using a hose. CONSTITUTION:A plurality of lines of piping couplings arranged in line are fixed to a frame 10. The piping couplings C01,-,C35 are arranged horizontally so that the connected port is directed upward, and that each piping coupling forms a matrix. Each piping coupling is connected to a piping to which an external device is connected. A connection cartridge 30 is inserted in and provided on a desired line on the piping coupling of the frame. A connection coupling in the connection cartridge is connected by a connection pipe. The piping connected to the piping coupling and the connection coupling respectively are connected together through the connection pipe in a piping connection driving device, when the piping coupling and the connection coupling are opposed to one another, by lowering the connection pipe, and then by connecting the piping coupling and the connection coupling together.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic pipe connecting device used in a pipe switching station where a plurality of pipes are concentrated. More specifically, the present invention relates to an automatic pipe connecting device used in a pipe switching station for switching a piping line used in a batch production system to transfer raw materials, final products, intermediate products, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in batch production systems, a transfer system of valve switching operation by fixed piping has been mainly used for transferring raw materials and products (final or intermediate). For example, in a food and beverage manufacturing plant, when a certain intermediate product is transferred from a plurality of tank groups in one process to a plurality of tank groups in another process according to a desired purpose, fixed header piping Equipped with groups, switching lines,
That is, the operation is performed by switching the valve. Further, in the food manufacturing industry, cleaning is performed each time for the purpose of preventing fermentation due to putrefaction of the intermediate product remaining in the pipe. As this cleaning, without disassembling or moving the manufacturing equipment, the part that comes into contact with the product is allowed to act on the cleaning liquid with the equipment fixed,
A so-called cleaning in-place (hereinafter, abbreviated as CIP) method is generally used. Therefore, as the switching valve, a valve having a complicated structure is used for switching product transfer and cleaning.

FIG. 21 is a view showing the above-mentioned conventional automatic pipe connecting device (according to the description of "Piping and Device, 1991, September issue, double seat valve for sanitary plant"). In FIG. 21, there are three tanks T1, T2, and T3,
This is to efficiently perform the steps of receiving, paying out and CIP at the same time. In these cases, a so-called double seat valve having a double sealing surface is generally used so that fluids handled in each process do not mix. The combination of 3 lines and 3 tanks requires a total of 9 switching valves by multiplying them. Usually, it constitutes a valve block. Although the process can be carried out independently, it is complicated to operate the valves of and to plan the flow path like and, as the number of valves increases, it is necessary to switch the valves further. The number of control input / output points also increases with the number of valves. It is usually said to be twice the total number of valves.

When there are a large number of tanks as described above, and a plurality of raw materials, intermediate raw materials, intermediate products, and CIP and a plurality of lines to these tanks are configured, the number of valves increases and the above-mentioned It is conceivable that the number of input / output points will increase (Fig. 22). In transferring the intermediate product, that is, in transferring from a plurality of tanks to a plurality of tanks, a piping header group is configured. In addition, a switching valve is used to switch to a specific tank,
In this case, a combination of multiple-to-multiple multiplications is required, which requires a considerable number of valves. These valves need to be easily disassembled in order to have sanitary properties, but this type of valve is expensive because it is made of stainless steel that does not cause corrosion. Yes, and due to the large number, it was one of the main items to be improved when considering the upgrade of equipment.

On the other hand, switching by a hose was also adopted in the time when the device did not become large or when automation was not performed. It is used because it is relatively easy to work in the range where the diameter of the hose is small. However, it becomes difficult to handle as the plant becomes larger.

[0006]

In the switching station by the valve switching operation in the fixed pipe as described above, the situation in which the pipe and the valve are intricately complicated, and more switching valves are operated according to the purpose. The control system also has to be complicated. Thus,
When the capacity of the entire plant is increased or the number of types of products is switched due to an increase in brands, flexibility is lacking, and this poses a serious problem in plant flexibility.

On the other hand, even when the hose is used for switching, it is appropriate to use the hose when the equipment becomes large and handling of the hose is not easy, or depending on the industry or product, sanitary property is required. Not always.
You may also want to minimize the use of hoses. This tendency is particularly large in the manufacturing industry of foods and beverages.

The following points can be considered as problems when using a hose.

(1) The contents remain in the concavo-convex portion in the hose, and fermentation occurs due to the decay of the contents. Not only the inner surface of the hose has irregularities, but the contents enter and accumulate in unexpected gaps and retention areas, causing spoilage and fermentation. This is particularly important for quality control in products using fermenting bacteria such as beer. When connecting a hose, so-called "bamboo shoots" are often used, but in the method of pushing the hose into the bamboo shoots and crimping with a band, there is a gap, so the contents should not enter this part. It cannot be completely prevented. Although there is a method of preventing the gap at the hose connection end, there are cases in which it cannot be applied to all conditions and the cost becomes high due to restrictions on materials.

(2) Cleaning is frequently performed, but a weak alkaline solution, a weak acidic solution, fresh water, etc. are repeatedly flowed in the cleaning, and further, hot water is sometimes used and the operating environment is Strict. In addition, the internal pressure will be repeatedly applied during the transfer, which makes the conditions severe. For this reason, the material forming the hose is severely damaged, and vertical cracks are likely to occur. Debris generated when the hose is cracked or cracked may get mixed into the fluid, which could get caught in the valve seat of the valve, clog the filter, or at worst, mix into the product. Can also be considered. To this end, the hose is regularly replaced or visually inspected. If necessary, image processing technology may be used, but it is technically complicated, and in practice, it is unavoidable to rely on the judgment of the operator's eyes. These points are also one of the reasons why automation is difficult.

In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an automatic pipe connection device for a switching station in a pipe connection switching station, which facilitates pipe connection operation without using a hose and enables flexible combination connection. The purpose is to do.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An automatic pipe connecting device for a switching station according to the present invention includes a frame to which a plurality of pipe couplings arranged in a row are fixed, and each pipe coupling connected to each frame. A plurality of piping lines that connect the coupling to an external device, and at least two selected from the plurality of couplings when inserted into the piping coupling of the frame and set in a prescribed position.
An automatic pipe connecting device for a switching station, comprising a connecting cartridge having one pipe coupling and a connecting coupling facing each other, wherein the connecting cartridge connects a connecting pipe connecting the connecting couplings with each other, and connecting the pipe coupling with the connecting pipe. A pipe connection for connecting between the pipe coupling and the pipes respectively connected to the connection coupling by driving the connection pipe to connect the pipe coupling and the connection coupling when the coupling and the coupling face each other. It has a drive unit.

Preferably, a plurality of rows of the plurality of pipe couplings arranged in a row are arranged horizontally with the connection ports facing upward and each pipe coupling is arranged in a matrix. The connecting cartridges are respectively inserted and arranged in the desired rows of the pipe couplings of, and the desired pipes are connected.

[0014]

When the connection cartridge is arranged on the plurality of pipe couplings arranged in a line on the frame, and the connection coupling of the connection cartridge is driven by the pipe connection drive device and connected to the pipe coupling, the pipe coupling is formed. Each of the pipes connected to is connected via a pipe coupling, a connection coupling, and a connection pipe. Further, when a plurality of rows of a plurality of pipe couplings arranged in a row are fixed to the frame, if connection cartridges suitable for connecting desired pipes are arranged in the respective rows, connection switching of the pipes can be further performed. You will be able to do it flexibly.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of an automatic pipe connecting device for a switching station of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of how to use the embodiment of FIG. Figure 3
3 is a block diagram showing the embodiment of FIG. 1 in detail, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a cartridge used for the pipe connection of FIG.

The automatic pipe connecting device 1 for a switching station shown in FIG. 1 is used for a switching station for switching connection between a number of pipes, and has a port A and a port B. Port A has piping A1, A2, A3, A4
A5 is connected to the port B, and pipes B1, B2, and B3 are connected to the port B, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid product (which may be an intermediate product or a liquid raw material) from the pipe B1 is dispensed to the pipe A5 through the valve VB1 and the valve VA5, and the liquid product from the pipes A1 and A4 is discharged. Are the valves VA1 and
The cleaning liquid is received in the pipe B2 via the VA4 and the valve VB2, and the cleaning liquid is supplied from the pipe B3 to the valve VB3 and the valve VA3.
The following description will be made by taking as an example the case of supplying the liquid to the pipe A3 via.

As is apparent from FIG. 3, the switching station automatic pipe connecting apparatus 1 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is fixed to a base and has a station frame 10 having ports A and B (hereinafter referred to as frame 10). And a)
The frame 10 is mounted on a moving carriage 20 such as a GV (or a transfer device such as a push-pull type roller conveyor).
And a pipe connecting cartridge 30 (hereinafter abbreviated as a cartridge 30) that is conveyed to a specified position opposite to the frame 10, is inserted into the frame 10, and cooperates with the frame 10 to connect the pipes connected to the ports A and B. .

First, the frame 10 will be described. The frame 10 is composed of a frame of rigid members having rigidity and constitutes a main frame, and in some cases, the outside is covered with a thinner metal plate or the like so as to temporarily retain the leaked liquid. Valves VA1, VA2, VA3, VA provided at port A
4 and VA5 have pipes A1, A2, A3 at one end, respectively.
A4 and A5 are connected, and the bottom surfaces of the pipe couplings C01, C02, C03, C04, and C05 are connected to the other ends, respectively. Valve VB1, provided at port B
Pipes B1, B2 and B are provided at one end of VB2 and VB3, respectively.
3 is connected, and the pipe couplings C11, C12, C13, C14, C15 are connected to the other end of the valve VB1, and the pipe couplings C21, C22, C are connected to the other end of the valve VB2.
23, C24, C25 are connected to the other end of the valve VB3 by pipe couplings C31, C32, C33, C34, C35.
Are connected respectively. That is, in the frame 10, the number of pipe couplings C01, C11, C12, which is the number obtained by multiplying the number of valves of port A (the number of pipes to be connected) and the number of valves of port B (the number of pipes to be connected).
, C35 are arranged horizontally and in a matrix form, four in the x-axis direction and five in the y-direction. Also,
Each pipe coupling C01, C11, C12, ~, C3
The openings used for the connection of 5 are arranged so as to face upward in the same horizontal plane. Next, the cartridge 30 will be described. The cartridge 30 is conveyed from a cartridge storage place (not shown) called a home station or the like to a specified position by the moving carriage 20, and is opposed to any four pipe couplings arranged along the x axis in the frame 10. It is guided by a guide (not shown) in the frame 10 and inserted to a prescribed position on the pipe coupling (of course, if necessary, it can be freely pulled out and returned to the cartridge storage place). When the cartridge 30 is inserted in the specified position, the connection couplings D01 and D21 face the pipe coupling to be connected. The connection couplings D01 and D21 are connected by a connection pipe P1 (a stainless steel pipe is desirable for hygiene) having a displacement absorbing mechanism 33 (for example, an extremely short bellows) at an intermediate portion. The connection pipe P1 is a sensor 38 for detecting various states and characteristics of the liquid flowing inside.
(For example, a conductivity meter or a flow meter) and is attached to the connection drive device 31 via the support mechanism 34. When the connection couplings D01 and D21 face the pipe coupling, the drive device 31 vertically lowers the support mechanism 34 to bring the connection couplings D01 and D21 into contact with the pipe couplings C01 and C21, respectively.
At this time, the clamp 35 and the clamp driving device 36 are also lowered together with the connection couplings D01 and D21. The clamp driving device 36 includes the connection couplings D01 and D21 and the pipe couplings C01 and C that are brought into contact with each other.
21 and 21 are clamped with a clamp 35. When the connection couplings D01, D21 and the pipe couplings C01, C21 are clamped, the valve drive device 37 (motor when the power source is a power source) drives the valve element in the clamped coupling. , The pipe A1 connected to the pipe coupling C01 side and the pipe C2 connected to the pipe coupling C21 side are connected via a clamped coupling (the connection of this coupling will be described in detail later). ). Furthermore, the connection cartridge 30 includes an information processing unit 46 that sends various data inside and receives an instruction from the outside, and an information processing unit 46 that includes the data converter and drives the communication unit 45, connection couplings D01 and D21, and the like. Auxiliary tanks 43 and 44 for supplying a cleaning liquid to a cleaning device (not shown) to be cleaned, and a control CPU 41 and a drive source 42 for controlling various internal devices (for driving with electric power, a battery, for driving an air machine) Is a compression cylinder or the like).

Similarly, the connection couplings D03 and D33 connected by the connection pipe P3 are pipe couplings C0.
3, the connecting cartridge 30 arranged at a position facing C33 is connected to the pipe couplings C03, C13, C23, C.
Set on the row of 33 and connect coupling D03, D
The pipe A3 and the pipe B3 are connected by clamping the pipe 33 and the pipe couplings C03 and C33. Connection pipe P4
The connection cartridge 30 arranged at a position where the connection couplings D04, D24 connected by the pipe coupling C04, C24 face the pipe couplings C04, C1.
If set on 4, C24 and C34, the pipe A4 and the pipe B2 are connected. The connection couplings D05 and D15 connected by the connection pipe P5 are pipe couplings C05 and C.
Connection cartridge 30 arranged at a position facing 15
Is set on the pipe couplings C05, C15, C25, C35, the pipe A5 and the pipe B1 are connected.
Therefore, when all of these connections are completed, as shown in FIG. 5, the pipe B1 is connected to the pipe A5 via the connection pipe P5, and the pipe B2 is connected to the pipes A1 and A4 via the connection pipes P1 and P4.
The pipe B3 is connected to the pipe A3 via the connection pipe P3, respectively, and the connection shown in FIG. 2 is completed. As a result, the piping line that is not connected is physically separated, so that the internal fluid is not mixed, and the operation content of the piping line can be accurately confirmed with the naked eye.

Next, the structure and connection of the above-mentioned coupling will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing an example of a coupling with an inner valve. This coupling uses a sanitary valve that has been conventionally used in the food industry as the coupling. That is, the conventional double-seat sanitary valve is cut into half halves, the upper part is used as a connection coupling in the cartridge 30, and the lower part is used as a pipe coupling.

The connection coupling includes an inner valve, a coupling body, a cleaning chamber at a tip portion provided in a double structure in a shaft of the inner valve, a body top plate, an inner valve shaft penetrating the body top plate, An O-ring is provided to seal the valve drive device provided at the upper end of the inner valve shaft and the valve seat for the inner valve, the ferrule, and the lower joint.

The pipe coupling is composed of an inner valve, a body, a connecting line, a valve shaft, a body bottom plate, and a spring unit for automatic return provided at the tip of the valve shaft penetrating the body bottom plate. Since the inner valve of the pipe coupling is automatically returned by the spring and closed, there is no need to provide a special energy line (for example, in the case of a pneumatic on-off valve, an air line) for opening and closing. It is convenient in terms of cost and construction. A funnel-shaped space provided in the inner valve of the pipe coupling is used for drainage treatment from the cleaning chamber.

FIG. 7 shows a state before the connection coupling and the pipe coupling are connected. The connection coupling in the cartridge is lowered by the connection drive device 31 together with the clamp 35 and the clamp drive device 36, and brought into contact with the pipe coupling. The abutting connection coupling and the tapered ferrule portion of the pipe coupling are clamped by the clamp 35 which is moved in the direction of the inner arrow by the clamp driving device as shown in FIG. 8 to complete the connection. There are various types of driving methods for the clamp 35, and the clamp driving device 36 may be a motor or a cylinder.

The connection joint is preferably selected according to the environment in which it is used and the intended properties of the liquid. For example, if the pressure of the fluid decreases due to pressure loss when passing through the inner valve part, the foaming gas contained inside will be generated and the quality of the product will be deteriorated. It is necessary to examine whether to use an internal valve with low loss or a system without an internal valve. In the latter case, it is necessary to design so as to cope with the dripping at the time of separation.

In the above-mentioned embodiments, the pipe couplings are arranged on the same horizontal plane, but it is needless to say that they can be arranged vertically or obliquely if necessary.

Further, in the above embodiment, the driving source 4
Since 2 (energy source) is built in, autonomous work can be performed by the cartridge 30 itself. Further, when the capacity of the driving source is reduced, it is possible to communicate with the home station or the service station by the communication means such as the communication unit 45. Since the control CPU is built into the cartridge as well as the drive source,
Since all the driving operations can be performed on the cartridge side, autonomy is further enhanced. In this way, the cartridge has the control CPU which is the brain, the drive mechanism which is the muscular force, and the energy source, although it depends on the moving carriage 20 for the function corresponding to the human foot.

Furthermore, various sensors can be installed in the pipe in the cartridge in order to know the operating condition. For example, a conductivity meter may be provided in the middle of the pipe, and when the contents are switched, it is possible to detect that a fluid has flowed because the conductivity is different. Alternatively, it is also easy to install a flow meter on the way of piping, detect the flow rate, and integrate it to know the flow rate of passage. For these measurements, a non-contact method can be used. For example, if an electromagnetic flow meter is used, it can be used even when a product that is difficult to clean is flowed. Since these measurement values have a communication means, information can be transmitted to the host system. There are various methods as communication means, and for example, a method such as optical communication can be considered.

In order to realize the "autonomous moving body" which is the basic concept of the so-called pipeless plant, it is necessary to give the moving cartridge an intelligence in the same position as giving the tank an intelligence. You can For this purpose, a CPU as a brain is installed in the cartridge.
Specifically, a sequencer or the like is installed so that it can be automatically operated. Of course, it can be omitted in a simple system that does not have a built-in CPU. Since the CPU and the information transmission means are mounted in the cartridge, it is possible to detect the completion of the connection by the detection device and the like and transmit the signal to the host computer by optical communication or the like.
Even when the connection device is released, if it is confirmed that the transfer is completed by the signal of the liquid level in the tank and the passage flow rate detection signal obtained by the flow meter installed in the piping cartridge, the detachment work is performed by itself. It is determined by. Of course, in the detachment work, information is exchanged with the units A and B. After completing all the work, it is possible to send a trolley call signal from the cartridge side via optical communication and wait for the trolley to arrive.
Further, an auxiliary unit such as an alcohol spraying device or a chemical cleaning device for cleaning the gasket at the connection site can be mounted at the same time. Also, of course, a small capacity tank for these solutions is built in. Further, a device having a sterilizing function (for example, an ultraviolet sterilizer, a flame sterilizer) or the like can be mounted according to a desired purpose. Since the cartridge is provided with the framework, the necessary devices can be freely mounted, and it goes without saying that the equipment to be mounted can be changed according to the requirements of various industries or products.

As described above, since the piping and the driving device for moving and connecting them, the energy source, the CPU corresponding to the brain, the communication means, etc. are arranged in the frame to form a rigid cartridge, the ordinary physical distribution is performed. Since the handling by the operating means becomes easy and the drawbacks of the flexible hose are overcome, various effects are produced. It is also possible to perform all the driving from the dolly side and perform the necessary connections and other work. As a result, the equipment built in the cartridge can be reduced. However, in this case, each time the work is performed, the movable carriage is located at that position, and it is necessary to perform alignment for driving the movable carriage with the driven body.

If it is not advisable to have an energy source in the cartridge, specifically when the cartridge is set in position, it is possible to use a fixed energy line (for example, an air line or an electric line) and an automatic line. Connection is also performed. For example, an air line or an electric line is provided at the set position and the automatic coupling device provided in the cartridge is used to connect the line by utilizing the fact that the cartridge is set. You can do it like this.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 will be described. 9 and 10 show X in FIG.
-Shows the operation status observed from the X section. In order to connect the pipes of the port A and the port B, the moving carriage 20 selects a cartridge having a connecting pipe of a corresponding length at a home station (for example, a washing station), mounts it, and installs the frame 10. I will carry it to the designated place.
When the movable carriage 20 stops at a predetermined position, the cartridge is moved to the frame 10 side by a transfer device (for example, a push-pull type roller conveyor) attached to the movable carriage 20, and the cartridge is moved to the predetermined position as shown in FIG. Is set to.

Next, the connection drive device 31 in the cartridge 30 drives the connection pipe P4 for connecting the pipes on the port A side and the port B side. For positioning the cartridge, a conventionally used method such as a guide cone (FIG. 12) or a guide pin may be used.
Since the cartridge is thus rigid, it is easy to handle. As a drive source for driving the connection drive device 31 provided in the cartridge, electric or air energy can be used as described above, and they may be provided in the cartridge, or an automatic connection device. May be supplied from the frame 10 side.

The cartridge 30 and the mobile trolley 20 are provided with a communication unit for communicating with the fixed frame 10 side. In addition, the mobile carriage 20 is
It may be a trackless type, and in that case, it is obvious that various guiding methods can be selected according to the purpose.

In FIG. 10, the cartridge is set so that the connection coupling in the cartridge faces the pipe coupling C04 connected to the port A side and the pipe coupling C24 connected to the port B side. To do. After that, the movable carriage 20 moves to another position, mounts another cartridge, and inserts the cartridge in another position. The cartridge installed at a predetermined position is fixed by a commonly used method such as a guide cone, so that the relative position between the pipe coupling and the connection coupling is determined. In addition, in welding work of piping,
If construction is performed using an appropriate jig, the relative positional relationship between the cartridge and the pipe coupling will be within a range of extremely good accuracy, and even when using a trackless bogie with poor stop accuracy, The positional relationship will be obtained.

In FIGS. 11 (a), 11 (b) and 11 (c), the connecting pipes P1, P2, P3 and P4 provide ports A,
It is shown schematically how the B pipes are connected. FIG. 11 (a) shows the case where the pipe A5 of the port A and the pipe B1 of the port B are connected, and FIG. 11 (b) shows the case where the pipe A1 or A4 of the port A and the pipe B2 of the port B are connected. 11C shows a case where the pipe A3 of the port A and the pipe B3 of the port B are connected.

Next, a specific example of the internal circuits of the movable carriage 20 and the connecting cartridge 30 will be described with reference to FIG. Of the microcomputer that is a CPU that controls the whole, an information communication unit that controls the transmission and reception of information to and from a host computer, a moving carriage, a joining clamp device, a unit drive device that controls the movement drive of the unit, and a connection joint An actuator control device and a measurement device for opening and closing the valve are provided. Here, the unit drive device has a drive mechanism that moves the connection pipe to a predetermined position in the vertical direction to connect the pipes, and when the drive device receives a movement command from the microcomputer, the connection pipe device is moved to a predetermined position. It is designed to be moved to the position. The connection piping device moves to a predetermined position by the drive of the drive device, and when the movement is completed, the fact is sent to the movement drive device, thereby notifying the microcomputer of the movement completion signal. . Next, the joining clamp device receives the joining command from the microcomputer, tightens the clamp, and when this is completed, notifies the microcomputer of a joining completion signal.
Further, the measuring device is composed of, for example, a flow meter attached to a pipe in the cartridge, measures the transfer amount of the contents of the tank, and gives the measurement result to the microcomputer.

Next, the operation of the internal circuit of FIG. 13 will be described. First, when the mobile truck goes to the home station,
Information about which pipe on the port A side and which pipe on the port B side is connected is transmitted from the host computer through the information communication means. Thereby, the washed cartridge is selected and mounted, and the process proceeds to the frame 10 of the switching station. The cartridge is set at a predetermined station position, and the pipe coupling on the port A side and the pipe coupling on the port B side face the connection coupling of the cartridge for connection. When the set completion signal is sent via the microcomputer, the unit driving device moves the connection pipe by a motor or the like. In accordance with the movement, the unit driving device confirms the movement amount and feeds it back to the motor side for final positioning.
When the movement is completed and reaches a predetermined position, the unit driving device issues a connection pipe movement completion signal to the microcomputer. For this, for example, a limit switch can be used.

When the above-mentioned operation is completed, the driving device inside the joint clamp device is actuated, and the joint or mechanical lock is performed. In this case, the joining is performed by the same procedure as the unit driving device. Finally, a signal is sent to the microcomputer to confirm that the joining is completed. The signal is transmitted to the host computer via the information communication means, and the main valve of the tank is opened. The contents of the tank are then transferred, but the transfer amount is measured by a measuring device (for example, a flow meter) attached to the pipe inside the cartridge, and the transfer amount signal is emitted from the cartridge to the tank side, and the main valve Can be closed. If the full amount is dispensed, information about that amount may be conveyed. A battery, for example, is built in the cartridge as an energy source, but it is desired to issue a warning in advance when the capacity of the cartridge is reduced. For this purpose, it is possible to monitor the capacitance (for example, by measuring the voltage drop) and output a warning signal to the outside when a predetermined value is reached.

In the above embodiment, the connecting cartridge connects between the pipes of different ports, but it goes without saying that it is easy to connect the pipes of the same port if necessary. . Further, although the pipe couplings are arranged on the matrix, they may be arranged in a line depending on the case. Of course, in the case of one line, one connecting cartridge is enough.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 20. The automatic piping device of this embodiment uses a coupling having no inner valve unlike the above-described embodiment, and employs the connection cartridge shown in FIG.

The connecting pipe of the connecting cartridge has a straight pipe portion having a predetermined length and a short pipe having a desired length in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the straight pipe via curved pipes (90 ° elbow) at both ends thereof. It consists of a pipe and a connecting coupling provided at the tip of the short pipe. The pipe in the cartridge is connected to a drive device via a support mechanism, and the pipe is moved only in one direction up and down by this drive device. The drive device is fixed to the frame. The drive device may be an air cylinder or various selections depending on the type of energy source supplied to the cartridge. In the cartridge, a connection device for connecting to the fixed-side energy line, a device for cleaning the coupling surface after disconnection in addition to the drive device, a CPU that is a control unit corresponding to the brain of the cartridge, and a host control system are provided. A communication unit for performing communication, an information processing unit (data converter), a detection device (for example, a conductivity meter, a flow meter) for knowing an operating state, and the like are housed, and a framework of a strength member having rigidity. It is fixed inside. It is also possible to wrap a thin plate outside the frame to make it look like a kind of container, and even if liquid is leaked due to disconnection of piping or operation mistakes, it will not spill onto the floor. It can have a function as a temporary holder. In this case, if a device for detecting the leakage is provided inside, the processing such as immediately closing the open / close valve of the line can be quickly performed. An energy source for the CPU or the like can be built in the cartridge.

Further, when the capacity of the energy source for the CPU or the like is reduced, the communication means can communicate with the home station. Since the driving energy is drawn into the cartridge and the CPU and the like are also incorporated, all the driving operations can be performed from the cartridge side, and the autonomy is further enhanced. With this configuration, various sensors can be installed in the pipe in order to know the driving condition in the cartridge, even if the function of the human foot depends on the moving carriage. For example, a conductivity meter may be provided in the middle of the pipe to switch the contents, or a flow meter may be installed in the middle of the pipe to detect the flow rate and integrate it to know the flow rate passing through. For these measurements, a non-contact method can be used. For example, if an electromagnetic flow meter is used, it can be used even when a product that is difficult to clean is flowed. Since these measurement values have a communication means, information can be transmitted to the host system. There are various methods as communication means, and for example, a method such as optical communication can be considered.

When the cartridge is set at a predetermined position, it is automatically connected to a fixed energy line (for example, an air line or an electric line).
For example, an air line or an electric line is provided at the set position and the automatic coupling device provided in the cartridge is used to connect the line by utilizing the fact that the cartridge is set. You can do it like this.

The operation when the connection cartridge of FIG. 14 is used will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 20. In FIG. 15, the pipe coupling E04 of the port A side pipe and the pipe coupling F of the port B side pipe
It is going to connect with 24 by the connecting pipe in a cartridge. In FIG. 16, in order to connect the pipe of port A and the pipe of port B, a cartridge having a connecting pipe having a length corresponding to the place where the moving carriage is connected is installed in the frame 10 of the carrying switching station. Is shown. When the movable carriage stops at a predetermined position, the cartridge is moved to the station side by a transfer device (for example, a push-pull type roller conveyor) attached to the movable carriage and set at a predetermined position as shown in FIG.
Next, the connection pipe is lowered by the pipe connection drive device in the cartridge in order to connect the port A side and the port B side. The positioning and easiness of handling the cartridge as a rigid body are as described in the previous example. Air energy can be used as an energy source for driving the connection drive device provided in the cartridge, and is supplied from the fixed port A side by the automatic connection device. It is the same as the previous example that the cartridge and the movable carriage are provided with a communication unit and a CPU for communicating with the frame side, respectively.

FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C schematically show how the pipes of ports A and B are connected. FIG. 18 (a) shows the piping A of port A.
5 shows the case where the pipe 5 and the pipe B1 of the port B are connected.
8 (b) shows the case where the pipe A1 or A4 of the port A and the pipe B2 of the port B are connected, and FIG. 18 (c) shows the case where the pipe A3 of the port A and the pipe B3 of the port B are connected. ing.

The pipe coupling and the connection coupling in the second embodiment have the structure shown in FIG. The connection coupling has a gasket at its tip end for contacting the pipe coupling, and a rubber annular bag body is provided on the upper side wall of the gasket. When the connection coupling is brought into contact with the pipe coupling, compressed air is supplied from the air supply port to inflate the annular bag body to seal between the side walls of the coupling as shown in FIG. To form a flow path for.

As is apparent from the above-described embodiments, in terms of control software, the conventional method is
When the number of pipes on the port A side and the number of pipes on the port B side are b and the combination is controlled by switching, the control input / output corresponding to the product of the number of pipes, that is, the product of a and b. Although the number of points was required, in the method according to the present embodiment, only the number of control input / output points corresponding to the sum of a and b and the connecting portion is sufficient, and as the number of control input / output points increases, the control input / output points increase. The degree of reduction in the number of points is large, and the number of control input / output points is small, so that maintenance of the control software is easy. Further, when using the rubber annular bag as shown in the figure, there is an advantage that the position of the connecting pipe can be easily adjusted.

[0049]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

(1) Without being limited by the number of pipes,
Easy to unitize.

(2) Easy to combine and has expandability.

(3) CIP can be easily performed.

(4) The number of switching valves can be reduced without using the fixed pipe header group, which is economical.

(5) It is possible to reduce the number of incidental equipment including the control system. (6) Easy construction of control software for switching. (7) Whether the line is connected or not can be easily confirmed visually. (8) It can be confirmed even by computer control. (9) Mixing of materials is done by a reliable confirmation method. Furthermore, since no flexible hose parts are used, (10) In applications where sanitary property is strongly required. Can be applied, and even in industries or products that require such characteristics, plant automation can be promoted, and it is possible to quickly respond to the request for product type switching, flexibly responding to various production requests. Can handle.

(11) Easy to maintain Others include the use of a cartridge (12) The line on-off valve can be closed immediately even if liquid leaks. (13) Compact piping This makes it easy to store and move. (14) The moving coupling device can be integrally stored. (15) It can be easily handled by ordinary logistics operation technology, and various auxiliary functions can be installed according to the application. (16) Since the CPU is built into the cartridge,
It enables autonomous operation and enables more flexible plant operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of an automatic pipe connecting device for a switching station of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of how the embodiment of FIG. 1 is used.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing the embodiment of FIG. 1 in detail.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing the pipe connecting cartridge of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a view showing that the pipes of ports A and B in FIG. 3 are connected by a coupling.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a pipe coupling and a connection coupling used in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a connecting operation of the coupling of FIG.

FIG. 8 shows the coupling of FIG. 6 connected.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an operation state of the connection cartridge when observed from the XX cross section of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a view showing that the connection cartridge is moved onto the frame from the moving carriage in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a view showing that the pipes of ports A and B are connected by a connecting pipe.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a guide cone and a guide pin.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a specific example of an internal circuit of a connection cartridge.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing a connection cartridge used in a second embodiment of the present invention, to which a connection coupling having no inner valve is attached.

FIG. 15 is a view showing the connection cartridge of FIG. 14 mounted on a frame.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a view showing that the pipes of ports A and B are connected by a connecting pipe.

19 is a sectional view showing a pipe coupling and a connection coupling of the connection cartridge of FIG.

20 is a diagram showing a state in which the coupling of FIG. 19 is connected.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a conventional example of an automatic pipe connecting device.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a conventional example of an automatic pipe connecting device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Automatic Pipe Connection Device for Switching Station 10 Frame 20 Mobile Carriage 30 Connection Cartridge 31 Connection Cartridge 31 Connection Drive Device 33 Displacement Absorption Mechanism 34 Support Mechanism 35 Clamp 36 Clamp Drive Device 37 Valve Drive Device 38 Sensor 41 Control CPU 42 Drive Source 43, 44 Auxiliary Tank 45 Communication unit 46 Information processing unit A1, A2, ..., B3 Piping C01, ..., C05, C11, ..., C35 Piping coupling D01, ..., D33 Connection coupling P1, ..., P4 Connection pipe VA1, ..., VB3 valve

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A frame to which a plurality of pipe couplings arranged in a row are fixed, a plurality of pipe lines connected to the pipe couplings and connecting the pipe couplings to an external device, and a frame Automatic pipe connection for a switching station, which comprises a connection cartridge having connection couplings respectively facing at least two pipe couplings selected from a plurality of couplings when inserted into the pipe coupling and set in a prescribed position. In the device, the connection cartridge, when the connection pipe connecting between the connection couplings and the pipe coupling and the connection coupling face each other, drives the connection pipe to form the pipe coupling and the connection coupling. To connect to the pipe coupling and the connection coupling, respectively. Automatic pipe connection device for switching station having a pipe connection drive for connecting the pipe that. 2. The plurality of pipe couplings are horizontally arranged with their connection ports facing upward, and in the connection cartridge, the connection pipe includes a displacement absorbing mechanism,
The pipe connection driving device is arranged on the plurality of pipe couplings, and the pipe connection driving device lowers the connection coupling with the connection port facing downward onto the pipe coupling, and the connection port of the connection coupling and the pipe cup. The automatic pipe connecting device for a switching station according to claim 1, wherein the connecting port of the ring is connected by a mechanical joining clamp. 3. The connection cartridge includes a cleaning device for cleaning the coupling surface, an information processing device for performing data processing for communication and communication with a host control system, and a detection device for detecting a pipe connection state. 3. The automatic piping device according to claim 1, further comprising a drive source that drives each device that is provided, and a CPU that controls each device that is provided. 4. A plurality of rows of a plurality of pipe couplings arranged in a row according to claim 1 are arranged horizontally with their connection ports facing upward, and each pipe coupling is arranged in a matrix. An automatic piping device in which connecting cartridges are inserted and arranged in desired rows of a plurality of piping couplings to connect desired piping.