KR20230138772A - Clean docking device and method having key code system - Google Patents

Abstract

The series of tasks of connecting and disconnecting the male coupler to the female coupler are automated, but when the male coupler is mounted on the gripper of the automatic device before fastening between the female coupler and the male coupler, the installed male coupler is of the same type as the female coupler through the key code system. A connection device having a key code system that can check whether a chemical is applicable is disclosed. A connection device with a key code system is a connection device equipped with a female coupler and a male coupler for loading or unloading chemicals from one tank to the other tank, and includes a main body provided with a female coupler; And a male coupler front and rear drive module that moves the male coupler connected to the one tank in the y-axis direction, which is the insertion direction, to connect or separate the male coupler from the female coupler, and the male coupler front and rear drive module connects the flange of the male coupler. It is provided with a grip part for gripping and fixing, the grip part is provided with one or more key pins protruding in the y-axis direction, and a key hole for inserting the key pin is formed in the flange of the male coupler.

Description

Connection device having a key code system and connection method thereof {CLEAN DOCKING DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING KEY CODE SYSTEM}

The present invention relates to a clean connection device, and more specifically, to a key code that aligns the installation reference angle of the male coupler when connecting a female coupler and a male coupler and prevents the possibility of coupling with other types of chemical male coupler. It relates to a connection device and method having a system.

Generally, in semiconductor manufacturing plants, various types of chemicals are loaded and transported on tank trucks and unloaded into the factory's storage tanks, and quick couplers are used for these loading and unloading operations.

The quick coupler consists of a male coupler and a female coupler, and connects or disconnects tubular members such as hoses or pipes without separate assembly tools. The internal flow path of the tubular member is communicated or disconnected through connection or disconnection between the male coupler and the female coupler.

In particular, it is essential to maintain a high level of cleanliness for the chemicals used in semiconductor manufacturing plants, and they contain many acidic or alkaline toxic substances, which can be fatal to the human body if a safety accident occurs. Therefore, when connecting or disconnecting a coupler, do not remove any chemicals or substances on the wetted parts. Removal of contaminants is important for worker safety after a clean connection or disconnection.

Referring to Figure 1, a conventional quick coupler is configured so that a female coupler 700 and a male coupler 800 can be connected and disconnected. The female coupler 700 includes a female coupler body 707, a sleeve 705, a ball 704, and a female check plunger 702. The male coupler 800 includes a male coupler body 808 and a male check plunger 805. The plurality of balls 704 are restraint means that change the restraint state between couplers as the sleeve 705 advances and retreats, and a fastening groove 803 that engages the balls 704 is recessed on the outer peripheral surface of the male coupler 800. is formed

The sleeve 705 is provided on the outside of the female coupler body 707 to be able to slide in a certain range in the axial direction. A first elastic member 703 is provided between the sleeve 705 and the female coupler body 707. The first elastic member 703 may be composed of a compression spring and provides elastic force to advance the sleeve 705 in the axial direction with respect to the female coupler body 707. In this case, the advancing direction of the sleeve is toward the right in Figure 1. Although not shown, the female coupler body 707 is provided with a stopper to prevent the sleeve 705 from coming off.

The female check plunger 702 is provided on the inside of the female coupler body 707 to be able to slide within a certain range in the axial direction. A second elastic member 701 is provided between the female check plunger 702 and the female coupler body 707. The second elastic member 701 may be composed of a compression spring and provides elastic force to advance the female check plunger 702 in the axial direction with respect to the female coupler body 707. In this case, the forward direction of the female check plunger is toward the right in Figure 1. A support body 706 for supporting one side of the second elastic member 701 is coupled to the inside of the female coupler body 707.

Additionally, a communication hole 708 is formed in the female check plunger 702. With the female check plunger 702 fully advanced, the internal passage of the female coupler body 707 is closed by the female check plunger 702. When the female check plunger 702 retracts, the internal passage of the female coupler body 707 is opened through the communication hole 708. An O-ring 709 is provided between the female check plunger 702 and the female coupler body 707. In addition, an O-ring 711 for sealing with the male coupler 800 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the female coupler body 707.

The male check plunger 805 is provided on the inside of the male coupler body 808 to be able to slide in a certain range in the axial direction. A third elastic member 802 is provided between the male check plunger 805 and the male coupler body 808. The third elastic member 802 may be composed of a compression spring and provides elastic force to advance the male check plunger 805 in the axial direction with respect to the male coupler body 808. In this case, the forward direction of the male check plunger is toward the left in FIG. 1. A support body 809 for supporting one side of the third elastic member 802 is coupled to the inside of the male coupler body 808.

Additionally, a communication hole 807 is formed in the male check plunger 805. With the male check plunger 805 fully advanced, the internal passage of the male coupler body 808 is closed by the male check plunger 805. When the male check plunger 805 retracts, the internal flow path of the male coupler body 808 is opened through the communication hole 807. An O-ring 806 is provided between the male check plunger 805 and the male coupler body 808. In a state completely inserted into the male coupler 800 and the female coupler 700, the end 801 of the male coupler body is in close contact with the support portion 710 of the female coupler body, and the end 713 of the female coupler body is attached to the male coupler body. It is in close contact with the support portion 804, and the female check plunger 702 and the male check plunger 805 push each other to communicate with the internal flow path.

The conventional quick coupler consisting of a male and a female coupler had difficulty in clean connection and separation involving ultra-pure water cleaning and gas drying, which are required when connecting the female coupler and the male coupler, and it was not possible to introduce a key system. Therefore, the technology related to the female coupler was applied for through Patent Application No. 10-2021-0171439 as a means of closing the communication path by combining and separating the male coupler while using the existing male coupler as is. In addition, if the male coupler of a tank lorry transporting a different type of chemical than the female coupler is connected to the female coupler due to the worker's carelessness, it can cause a serious accident, and prevention of this is essential. In addition, in the case of the conventional quick coupler connection and disconnection work, manual work using manpower was inevitably performed, but there was a problem with the safety of workers due to scattering and leakage of chemicals during this process.

In order to solve such conventional problems, the present invention automates a series of operations for connecting and disconnecting the male coupler to the female coupler, but when the male coupler is mounted on the gripper of the automatic device before fastening between the female coupler and the male coupler, a key code system is used. Provides a connection device and method having a key code system that can check whether the installed male coupler corresponds to the same type of chemical as the female coupler.

The connection device with the key code system according to the present invention is a connection device equipped with a female coupler and a male coupler for loading or unloading chemicals from one tank to the other tank, and the male coupler moves the flow path as it slides on the male coupler body. A main body having a male check plunger that opens and closes, and the female coupler has a female check plunger that opens and closes the flow passage as it slides in the female coupler body, and the female coupler is provided; And a male coupler front and rear drive module that moves the male coupler connected to the one tank in the y-axis direction, which is the insertion direction, to connect or separate the male coupler from the female coupler, and the male coupler front and rear drive module connects the flange of the male coupler. It is provided with a grip part for gripping and fixing, the grip part is provided with one or more key pins protruding in the y-axis direction, and a key hole for inserting the key pin is formed in the flange of the male coupler.

By uniquely assigning the number and arrangement of the key pins and key holes to the grip portion and the male coupler, it is possible to prevent the possibility of coupling with other types of chemical male couplers.

The grip portion is provided with a pair of grippers that move in the x-axis direction to bite the flange of the male coupler, a key pin is formed on the gripper, and the keyhole is formed in the shape of a long hole in the x-axis direction.

The key pin is formed in at least two areas of the upper left and right and lower left and right areas of the grip part, and the key pin location in each area is selected from a plurality of arrangements to form a plurality of key codes between the key pin and the key hole.

The grip part is further provided with a sensor that detects whether the male coupler is completely inserted into the grip part.

A sensor hole penetrating in the radial direction is formed in the body of the grip unit, and a sensor is inserted into the sensor hole to detect complete insertion of the male coupler only when all key pins and key holes match.

A marking that is a reference point for aligning the insertion angle with the male coupler is formed on the upper part of the grip part, and a marking corresponding to the marking of the grip part is formed on the upper part of the flange of the male coupler.

The key pin has a round or tapered shape so that the cross-sectional area becomes narrower toward the end.

The connection method of a connection device with a key code system according to the present invention includes a female coupler and a male coupler for loading or unloading chemicals from one tank to the other tank, and the male coupler slides in the male coupler body to create a flow path. A main body having a male check plunger that opens and closes, and the female coupler has a female check plunger that opens and closes the flow passage as it slides in the female coupler body, and the female coupler is provided; And a male coupler front and rear drive module that moves the male coupler connected to the one tank in the y-axis direction, which is the insertion direction, to connect or separate the male coupler from the female coupler, and the male coupler front and rear drive module connects the flange of the male coupler. A connection method of a connection device having a grip portion for gripping and fixing, wherein the grip portion is provided with one or more key pins protruding in a y-axis direction, a key hole for inserting the key pin is formed in the flange of the male coupler, and the key pin and By uniquely assigning the number and arrangement of keyholes to the grip portion and male coupler, the possibility of combination with other types of chemical male coupler can be prevented.

The connection device and its connection method having a key code system according to the present invention allow the male coupler and the female coupler to be always mounted only of the same chemical type, thereby allowing the distribution of different types of chemicals by connecting male couplers of different types of chemicals to the female coupler. It is possible to build a safety system that can fundamentally prevent any possibility of leakage.

In other words, it is possible to check whether the same chemical matching between the female coupler and the male coupler is performed through the key pin and key hole. In addition, it is possible to dramatically implement a safe and fast keycode system through a simple configuration without requiring relatively complex processing. In addition, it fundamentally blocks the possibility of the male coupler of a tank truck transporting a different type of chemical than the female coupler being connected to the female coupler due to the worker's carelessness.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing the separated state of a conventional coupler,
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a door operation of a connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
4 to 6 are perspective views showing the interior of a connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the separation state between the grip portion and the male coupler of the connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a coupling state between the grip portion of the connection device and the male coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a front view showing a coupling state between the grip portion of the connection device and the male coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a front view showing the male coupler plunge in a key code matching state according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 11 is a front view showing a grip unit in a keycode matching state according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 12 is a side view and a front view showing a coupling state between the grip portion and the male coupler in a key code matching state according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 13 is a partially cut-away perspective view showing the coupling state between the grip portion and the male coupler in the key code matching state according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 14 is a front view showing a coupling state between the grip portion and the male coupler in a key code mismatch state according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 15 is a partially cut-away perspective view showing the coupling state between the grip portion and the male coupler in a key code mismatch state according to an embodiment of the present invention;
16 is a front view illustrating a keycode mismatch state according to various embodiments.

Hereinafter, the technical configuration of the connection device having a key code system and its connection method will be described in detail according to the attached drawings. In Figure 4, the x-axis direction is the horizontal direction, the y-axis direction is the axial direction, and the z-axis direction is the height direction. However, this direction setting is for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

Referring to Figures 2 to 8, the connection device 1 having a key code system according to an embodiment of the present invention is used to load or unload chemicals from one tank to the other tank, for example, in a tank lorry at a semiconductor manufacturing plant, etc. It can be used for loading and unloading chemicals loaded into a factory storage tank. The clean connection device (1) includes a main body (10), an alignment module (50), and a male coupler front/back drive module (20).

The main body 10 can be installed between one side of the tank (factory storage tank) and the other side of the tank (tank trolley) and is provided with a female coupler 70. The female coupler (70) is connected to the storage tank of the factory, and the internal flow path is connected or disconnected by connecting or disconnecting with the male coupler (90). The male coupler (90) is connected to the tank lorry via a hose and docked with the female coupler (70) to load chemicals from the factory's storage tank into the tank lorry or unload the chemicals from the tank lorry into the factory's storage tank. It is loaded (unloaded).

The main body 10 is roughly box-shaped and forms the housing of the connection device 1. For example, the main body 10 is installed in front of a storage tank in a factory and is configured to connect two male couplers 90 drawn from a tank lorry, a large container tank for chemical transportation. The two male couplers (90) may be composed of different male couplers, such as a male coupler for liquid and a male coupler for gas, and may have different diameters. It is also possible to consist of three or more male couplers (90) or only one male coupler (90). do.

The male coupler 90 has a flange 910, and a male coupler coupled to the female coupler 70 is assembled at one end of the flange 910. The flange 910 is fastened to the hose flange 930 through a bolt, and the hose flange 930 is coupled to the end of the hose connected to the tank lorry. A gasket is provided between the flange 910 and the hose flange 930 to ensure sealing.

An entrance is formed at the front of the main body 10, and the entrance is opened and closed by a door. A male coupler 90 enters and exits through the inlet, and doors are provided at the upper and lower parts of the inlet, respectively. That is, the door consists of an upper door 107 and a lower door 112, and the upper door 107 is rotatably connected up and down to the upper main body 10 of the entrance through a hinge 108, and the lower door (112) is connected to the lower main body 10 so that it can rotate up and down through a hinge 113. The male coupler 90 can be installed or removed when the door is opened, and the male coupler 90 and the hose can move freely in the y-axis direction without interference even when the door is closed.

The upper door 107 is connected to the support part 110 formed on the main body 10 above the entrance with a hinge 108, and the upper door 107 has a window 109 to secure the view inside the main body 10. can be formed. The lower door 112 is connected to the support portion 111 formed on the main body 10 at the lower side of the entrance with a hinge 113. A first entrance groove recessed in a semicircular shape is formed at the bottom of the upper door 107, and a second entrance groove recessed in a semicircle shape is formed at the top of the lower door 112. A circular entrance groove 114 is formed through the first and second entrance grooves, and the hose of the male coupler 90 can be moved back and forth between the first and second entrance grooves.

The lower main body 10 of the lower door 112 is further provided with a cover door 104 that can rotate up and down, and when the cover door 104 is closed, it covers the first and second access grooves. The extension support part 102 is formed to protrude further from the support part 111 of the lower door 112, and the cover door 104 is rotatably connected to the extension support part 102 through a hinge 103 in the up and down directions. A handle 106 and a locking response part 119 are formed on the cover door 104, and a locking part 105 for fixing the cover door 104 to the main body 10 is provided.

The alignment module 50 aligns the male coupler 90 in the correct position so that the male coupler 90 can be positioned at an exact position corresponding to the female coupler 70 before final gripping. The alignment module 50 includes a base plate 530, a pinion 540, a pinion drive unit 520, a clamp guide rail 550, a clamp slider 560, an align clamp 510, A two-stage control cylinder (570) is provided. The base plate 530 has a certain thickness and is formed in the shape of a long rectangular plate in the x-axis direction, and a cover 531 is assembled on top. A plurality of holes extending long in the x-axis direction are formed on the top of the cover 531 so that the alignment clamp can freely move in the x-axis direction.

The pinion 540 is rotatably connected to the base plate 530. The pinion 540 is disposed at the center of the base plate 530 in the x-axis direction and at the center of the base plate 530 in the y-axis direction. The pinion driving unit 520 rotates the pinion 540 and consists of a motor fixed perpendicularly to the lower surface of the base plate 530. The motor shaft of the pinion driving unit 520 passes through the base plate 530 and is coupled to the pinion 540.

A pair of clamp guide rails 550 are coupled to the upper surface of the base plate 530 and extend in the x-axis direction in parallel with the pinion 540 in between. A pair of clamp guide rails 550 are spaced apart in the y-axis direction and are parallel to each other. The clamp guide rail 550 is connected to the clamp slider 560 and guides the clamp slider 560 to slide in the x-axis direction.

The clamp slider 560 is guided by the clamp guide rail 550 and slides in the x-axis direction along the clamp guide rail 550. A rack gear 561 is formed on one surface of the clamp slider 560 facing the pinion 540. The rack gear 561 is gear-coupled with the pinion 540, and the clamp slider 560 moves linearly in the x-axis direction by rotation of the pinion 540.

A pair of alignment clamps 510 are coupled to the upper surface of the clamp slider 560 and reciprocate in the x-axis direction. By moving the align clamp 510 in the x-axis direction, the male coupler 90 is aligned at the fastening position with the female coupler 70. The align clamp 510 has a streamlined curved portion 511 formed on the surface facing the male coupler 90. The curved portion 511 has a shape corresponding to the curved portion formed around the entire circumference of the male coupler 90 and fixes the male coupler 90 by strongly compressing and breaking the male coupler 90.

Based on the male coupler 90, the alignment clamps 510 on both sides are bent in a direction approaching each other in the y-axis direction and are positioned on the same line in the x-axis direction. That is, the align clamp 510 on one side with respect to the male coupler 90 extends curvedly from the upper surface of the clamp slider 560 toward the rear, and the align clamp 510 on the other side with respect to the male coupler 90 is bent and extends forward from the upper surface of the clamp slider 560. Ultimately, by squeezing the curved portion 511 of the align clamp 510 in close contact with the male coupler 90, it is aligned at a position where it can be accurately coupled to the female coupler 70.

The two-stage control cylinder 570 is coupled to one side of the base plate 530, and controls the stroke of the clamp slider 560 in two stages by restraining and releasing the clamp slider 560 in the x-axis direction. The rod 571 of the two-stage control cylinder 570 advances in the x-axis direction toward the clamp slider 560 and restrains the movement of the clamp slider 560 in the x-axis direction. In addition, the rod 571 of the two-stage control cylinder 570 is retracted in the x-axis direction toward the opposite direction of the clamp slider 560 to constrain the movement of the clamp slider 560 in the x-axis direction to clamp the clamp slider 560. ) can move further in the x-axis direction.

When the pair of align clamps 510 are as wide as possible in the x-axis direction, the grip portion 30 of the male coupler front and rear drive module 20 can freely pass between them. At the fully opened position of the align clamp 510, when the pinion drive unit 520 operates and the pinion 540 rotates, the pair of align clamps 510 are retracted. At this time, the rod 571 of the two-stage control cylinder 570 restricts the movement of the clamp slider 560, so that the stroke of the clamp slider 560 is controlled in one stage. In this case, the pair of align clamps 510 are opened just enough to allow the entire male coupler 90 to pass freely and then stop at the shear support portion 804.

Afterwards, when the male coupler 90 is inserted between the pair of alignment clamps 510, the two-stage control cylinder 570 operates and the rod 571 moves backward, clamping the clamp by the power of the pinion drive unit 520. The stroke of the slider 560 is controlled in two stages. Accordingly, the alignment clamps 510 mounted on the clamp slider 560 become closer to each other, thereby compressing and restraining the male coupler 90 at a position where it can be accurately coupled to the female coupler 70. Ultimately, the male coupler 90 inserted between the pair of align clamps 510 is aligned by the align clamp 510. Afterwards, when the two-stage control cylinder 570 operates and the grip of the male coupler 90 is completed by the grip portion 30 of the male coupler front and rear drive module 20 with the male coupler 90 aligned, the pinion The driving unit 520 operates to rotate the pinion 540 in the opposite direction, so that the pair of alignment clamps 510 are maximally opened in the x-axis direction.

The male coupler forward and backward drive module 20 connects or disconnects the male coupler 90 from the female coupler 70 by moving the male coupler 90 in the y-axis direction, which is the insertion direction. The male coupler front and rear drive module 20 consists of a grip part 30 and a drive part 40. The grip portion 30 grips and secures the flange 910 of the male coupler 90. The driving unit 40 reciprocates the grip unit 30 in the y-axis direction. The grip unit 30 includes a pair of grippers 321 and an x-axis moving block 320.

The gripper 321 moves in the direction opposite to the x-axis to loosen or tighten the flange 910 of the male coupler 90. A hole is formed in the central portion of the body of the grip portion 30 through which the flange 910 of the male coupler 90 can pass. A pair of grippers 321 are assembled to the body of the grip portion 30, folded to face each other, and fix the outer peripheral surface of the flange 910 of the male coupler 90 in close contact. On one side of the gripper 321 facing the male coupler 90, a plurality of irregularities may be formed to firmly bite the male coupler 90.

The gripper 321 may be formed integrally with the x-axis moving block 320 or may be made and assembled separately. A pair of x-axis moving blocks 320 face each other in the x-axis direction. When the pair of x-axis moving blocks 320 move closer to each other in the x-axis direction, the gripper 321 fixes the flange 910 of the male coupler 90, and the pair of x-axis moving blocks 320 When moving away from each other in the x-axis direction, the gripper 321 unfastens the flange 910 of the male coupler 90.

The driving unit 40 includes a y-axis moving block 440, a grip sub-guide rail 430, a frame 410, and a driving means 420. The grip portion 30 is coupled to the y-axis moving block 440, and is configured to be capable of reciprocating movement in the y-axis direction with respect to the frame 410. The y-axis moving block 440 and the grip unit 30 move together in the y-axis direction, and the male coupler 90 mounted on the grip unit 30 moves in the y-axis direction.

The grip sub-guide rail 430 is coupled to the frame 410 and extends long in the y-axis direction. The grip additional guide rail 430 functions to guide the y-axis moving block 440 by sliding it in the y-axis direction. The frame 410 is fixedly installed on the main body 10 side. The driving means 420 controls the stroke of the y-axis moving block in two stages to position the male coupler 90 in three positions. The driving means 420 may be composed of two air cylinders, and may also be implemented in other forms.

That is, the first air cylinder provides the first-stage control power to move the y-axis movement block 440 in a straight line with respect to the grip attachment guide rail 430 (to the cleaning/drying position), and the second air cylinder provides the first air It provides power for two-stage control that moves the cylinder and y-axis movement block 440 in a straight line as one unit (up to the combined-docking position). In this case, the first air cylinder can be configured as a rodless cylinder that can be installed even in a relatively narrow space compared to the same stroke. In addition, the driving means 420 can be implemented with various driving structures such as LM guides, ball screws, and servomotors.

The female coupler 70 is provided with a female check plunger and has a cylindrical shape. One side facing the male coupler 90 is opened and a space for inserting the male coupler 90 is formed therein. The female check plunger is provided in the inner space of the female coupler body to be able to slide in the y-axis direction. The female check plunger has a communication hole and opens and closes the flow path by sliding within the female coupler body. With the female check plunger fully advanced, the internal passage of the female coupler 70 is closed by the female check plunger. When the female check plunger retracts, the internal flow path of the female coupler 70 is opened through the communication hole.

The male coupler 90 has a male check plunger and has an opening on one side facing the female coupler 70, and a space for slidingly inserting the male check plunger is formed therein. The male check plunger is provided in the inner space of the male coupler body to be able to slide in the y-axis direction. The male check plunger has a communication hole and opens and closes the flow path by sliding on the male coupler body. With the male check plunger fully advanced, the internal passage of the male coupler 90 is closed by the male check plunger. When the male check plunger retracts, the internal flow path of the male coupler 90 is opened through the communication hole.

Meanwhile, the grip portion 30 is provided with a key pin 610, and a key hole 640 is formed in the flange 910 of the male coupler 90. The key pin 610 is formed on the front of the gripper 321 and protrudes in the y-axis direction toward the male coupler 90. The key pin 610 may be one or plural. The keyhole 640 is formed in the flange 910 of the male coupler 90 to allow the key pin 610 to be inserted in the y-axis direction.

In addition, a marking 658, which is a reference point that can be easily visually identified, is formed on the upper part of the grip portion 30 to align the insertion angle with the male coupler 90. And, a marking 659 corresponding to the marking 658 of the grip portion 30 is formed on the upper part of the flange 910 of the male coupler 90. The operator first visually matches the marking 658 of the grip part 30 and the marking 659 of the flange 910 of the male coupler 90 to the same vertical line, and aligns the male coupler 90 with the grip part 30. You can start inserting in this state.

By uniquely assigning the number and arrangement of the key pins 610 and key holes 640 to the grip portion 30 and the flange 910 of the male coupler 90, there is no difference when connecting the female coupler 70 and the male coupler 90. It can prevent the possibility of combining with various types of chemical male couplers. Ultimately, when the male coupler 90 is mounted on the grip part 30, a unique combination corresponding to a specific chemical can be created using only the key pin 610 and the key hole 640, and a combination (key) corresponding to the specific chemical is created. Only when they match each other, full insertion of the male coupler (90) with the correct combination (key) for the corresponding grip portion (30) is possible.

In this way, it is possible to check the alignment of the male coupler 90 through the means of the key pin 610 and the key hole 640, and also check whether the same chemical matching is performed between the female coupler 70 and the male coupler 90. You can check it. Therefore, the alignment check of the male coupler 90 and the chemical matching check between the female coupler 70 and the male coupler 90 can be implemented through a single means, so the purpose can be achieved through a simple configuration, and the processing or manufacturing aspect of the device is possible. can have various advantages.

The keyhole 640 is formed in the shape of a long hole in the x-axis direction. When the key pin 610 is inserted into the key hole 640, the key pin 610 can freely move in the x-axis direction due to the clearance of the key hole 640. When the gripper 321 compresses or releases the flange 910 with the key pin 610 inserted into the key hole 640, the key pin 610 must be able to move in the x-axis direction.

Ultimately, when the male coupler 90 is mounted on the grip part 30, it is confirmed that the male coupler 90 is inserted into the grip part 30 at the correct posture and angle using the key pin 610 and key hole 640, and also Only when the coupler 70 is a male coupler 90 that transfers the same chemical as the chemical to be received, the flange 910 is advanced and installed to the final position of the grip portion 30.

Meanwhile, a sensor 690 is further provided in the grip portion 30. A sensor hole is formed in the body of the grip portion 30. The sensor hole is formed through the body of the grip portion 30 in the radial direction. The sensor 690 is inserted from the outside to the inside of the grip portion 30 in the radial direction through the sensor hole. The sensor 690 determines whether the flange 910 of the male coupler 90 has reached the position of the sensor 690 and transmits this information to the control unit.

That is, the sensor 690 detects whether the male coupler 90 is completely inserted into the grip portion 30, and the sensor 690 detects only when all key pins 610 and key holes 640 are matched and completely inserted. Complete insertion of the male coupler 90 is detected. If the key pin 610 and the key hole 640 do not all match, complete insertion is not possible, and in this case, a proper grip is of course mechanically impossible. That is, if the key pin 610 and the key hole 640 do not match at all, the male coupler 90 can no longer enter the grip portion 30 in the insertion direction and is not installed, so the sensor 690 uses the male coupler 90. Can't detect it.

Meanwhile, the connection method of the connection device with the key code system uniquely assigns the number and arrangement of the key pins 610 and key holes 640 to the grip portion 30 and the male coupler 90, allowing it to be used with other types of chemical male couplers. Prevents the possibility of combining. When the male coupler 90 is mounted on the grip part 30, it is confirmed that the male coupler 90 is inserted into the grip part 30 at the correct posture and angle using the key pin 610 and key hole 640, and the female coupler ( Only in the case of a male coupler 90 that transfers the same chemical as the chemical to be received by 70, the flange 910 is advanced and installed to the final position of the grip portion 30.

Referring further to FIGS. 9 to 13, the key pin 610 is formed to have a narrower cross-sectional area toward the end. The key pin 610 may have a streamlined round shape or a tapered end. In this way, the key pin 610 has a round or tapered end, so when the key pin 610 is inserted into the key hole 640, the round portion or the tapered portion moves the key pin 610 to the correct position of the key hole 640. and ensure smooth insertion.

The key pin 610 can be configured to be formed in at least one of four areas of the grip portion 30: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. As in the case of at least one in each area, a unique position number can be assigned by arranging eight positions in positions where there is no insertion interference with each other. And, the keyhole 640 is formed to correspond to the key pin 610. In this way, the position of the key pin 610 in each area is selected from a plurality of arrangements to form a plurality of key codes between the key pin 610 and the key hole 640.

That is, only two key pins 610 and key holes 640 can be formed in two areas at the top, a total of four can be formed, two at the top and two at the bottom, and five or more can be formed. Only one may be formed. If the number of key pins 610 and key holes 640 is increased, the number of possible matching combinations increases exponentially.

For example, when the key pin 610 and the key hole 640 are formed at the top left, top right, bottom left, and bottom right, eight arrays can be configured in each area. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the keyhole 640 on the upper left is selected from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th positions. Likewise, keyholes in different areas are also adopted at eight positions. In this case, the total possible keys are 8 ⁴ = 4,096.

That is, the key pin 610a on the upper left is located in the 3rd position, the keypin 610b on the upper right is located in the 8th position, the keypin 610c on the lower left is located in the 8th position, and the keypin 610d on the lower right is located in the 3rd position. do. In addition, the keyhole 640a on the upper left is located at the 3rd position, the keyhole 640b on the upper right is located at the 8th position, the keyhole 640c on the lower left is located at the 8th position, and the keyhole 640d on the lower right is located at the 3rd position. do. In this way, when the positions of the key pin 610 and the key hole 640 in all areas match, the male coupler 90 is completely inserted into the grip portion 30, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

Referring further to FIGS. 14 to 16, if the key pin 610 and the key hole 640 are in different positions in even just one of the four regions, the key pin 610 is in a key hole (as shown in FIG. 15). Because it cannot be inserted into 640, the male coupler 90 cannot be completely inserted into the grip portion 30.

For example, in (a) of FIG. 16, the key pin 610 and key hole 640 on the upper right, lower left, and lower right sides match each other, but the key hole 640 on the upper left does not match the key pin 610. The male coupler 90 cannot be coupled to the grip portion 30. In addition, in (b) of FIG. 16, the key pin 610 and key hole 640 on the top right and bottom right match each other, but the key hole 640 on the top left and bottom left does not match the key pin 610. The coupler 90 cannot be coupled to the grip portion 30. In addition, in (c) of FIG. 16, the key pin 610 and key hole 640 on the top left and bottom right coincide with each other, but the key holes 640 on the top right and bottom left do not match the key pin 610, so The coupler 90 cannot be coupled to the grip portion 30.

In this way, the key pin 610 is configured in a plurality of areas in the grip portion 30 and in a plurality of positions in each area, and the key hole 640 corresponding to the key pin 610 is configured in the male coupler flange 910, thereby enabling a large number of Keycode combinations are possible.

So far, the connection device and its connection method with a key code system according to the present invention have been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but these are merely examples, and anyone skilled in the art can make various modifications and other equivalent embodiments therefrom. You will understand that it is possible. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection should be determined by the technical spirit of the attached patent claims.

1: Clean connection device 10: Main body
104: Cover 107: Upper door
112: lower door 114: access groove
20: Male coupler front and rear drive module 30: Grip part
40: Drive unit 50: Align module
70: female coupler 90: male coupler
320: x-axis moving block 321: gripper
410: Frame 420: Drive means
430: Grip additional guide rail 440: Y-axis moving block
510: Align clamp 520: Pinion driving part
530: Base plate 540: Pinion
550: Clamp guide rail 560: Clamp slider
570: Cylinder for two-stage control 571: Rod
610: Keepin 640: Keyhole
658,659: Marking 690: Sensor
910: Flange 930: Hose Flange

Claims (10)

A connection device equipped with a female coupler and a male coupler for loading or unloading chemicals from one tank to the other tank,
Main body equipped with a female coupler; And a male coupler front and rear drive module that moves the male coupler connected to the one tank in the y-axis direction, which is the insertion direction, to connect or separate the male coupler from the female coupler, and the male coupler front and rear drive module connects the flange of the male coupler. It is provided with a grip part that is gripped and fixed,
A connection device having a key code system in which one or more key pins protruding in the y-axis direction are provided on the grip part and a key hole for inserting the key pin into the flange of the male coupler is formed. According to claim 1,
A connection device having a key code system that can prevent the possibility of combining with other types of chemical male couplers by uniquely assigning the number and arrangement of the key pins and key holes to the grip portion and male coupler. According to claim 1,
The grip portion has a pair of grippers that move in the x-axis direction to bite the flange of the male coupler, and a key pin is formed on the grippers,
The keyhole is a connection device having a key code system in the shape of a long hole in the x-axis direction. According to claim 1,
The keypin is formed in at least one of the upper left and right and lower left and right areas of the grip part, and the keypin position in each area is selected from a plurality of arrangements to form a plurality of key codes between the keypin and the key hole. A connection device having a key code system, characterized in that: According to claim 1,
A connection device with a key code system, characterized in that the grip part is further provided with a sensor that detects whether the male coupler is completely inserted into the grip part. According to clause 5,
A sensor hole is formed in the body of the grip unit in the radial direction, and a sensor is inserted into the sensor hole, and the key code system is characterized in that the sensor detects complete insertion of the male coupler only when all key pins and key holes match. A connection device that has. According to claim 1,
A connection device having a key code system, characterized in that a marking that is a reference point for aligning the insertion angle with the male coupler is formed on the upper part of the grip part, and a marking corresponding to the marking of the grip part is formed on the upper part of the flange of the male coupler. . According to claim 1,
A connection device having a key code system, wherein the key pin has a round or tapered shape so that the cross-sectional area becomes narrower toward the end. According to claim 1,
The male coupler has a male check plunger that opens and closes the flow path as it slides in the male coupler body, and the female coupler has a female check plunger that opens and closes the flow path as it slides in the female coupler body. A connection with a key code system. Device. Equipped with a female coupler and a male coupler for loading or unloading chemicals from one tank to the other tank,
Main body equipped with a female coupler; And a male coupler front and rear drive module that moves the male coupler connected to the one tank in the y-axis direction, which is the insertion direction, to connect or separate the male coupler from the female coupler, and the male coupler front and rear drive module connects the flange of the male coupler. As a connection method of a connection device including a grip portion for gripping and fixing,
The grip part is provided with one or more key pins protruding in the y-axis direction, and a key hole for inserting the key pin is formed in the flange of the male coupler,
A connection method of a connection device having a key code system that can prevent the possibility of coupling with other types of chemical male couplers by uniquely assigning the number and arrangement of the key pins and key holes to the grip portion and male coupler.

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