TW202043663A - Adapter and device for automatic replacement adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for automatic replacement adapter includes a adapter, a robot arm, a lifting device, and a driving device. The adapter includes a pipe member and a follower member. The pipe member includes a first pipe. The follower member is sleeved on the outer side of the pipe member for connecting with an opening of a container, so that the first pipe communicates with an accommodating space of the container to an external space. The robot arm is used to selectively hold the adapter. The lifting device is coupled to the robot arm to drive the robot arm to move in a lifting direction. The driving device is disposed on the lifting device to drive the follower member of the adapter to rotate relative to the pipe member, and the follower member is coupled to or detached from the opening. The above-mentioned device for automatic replacement adapter is capable of disposing the adapter in the opening of the container or detaching the adapter from the opening in a mechanically automated manner.

Description

Adapter and automatic adapter replacement device

The present invention relates to an adapter and a device for replacing an adapter, in particular to an adapter and an automatic adapter device for automatic replacement operation.

In the production process of electronic products, it is inevitable to use some chemicals harmful to human safety, and these chemicals are stored in chemical tanks. At present, most of these harmful chemicals are accessed or recycled by operators wearing protective equipment. However, industrial safety accidents can still cause heavy casualties to operators. In view of this, how to automate the operation of chemical tanks with machinery to prevent personnel from entering high-risk work areas during operation is a goal that needs to be worked hard at present.

The present invention provides an adapter and an automatic replacement adapter device, which can install or remove the adapter from the opening of a container in a mechanically automated manner, so that the container can be automatically cleaned or filled with chemical agents In order to prevent operators from entering high-risk work areas for various operations.

The adapter of an embodiment of the present invention includes a pipe member and a driven member. The pipe fitting includes a first pipe. The follower is sleeved on the outer side of the pipe to connect with an opening of a container, so that the first pipe communicates with an accommodating space of the container to an outer space, wherein the follower is driven by a driving device to be relative to the pipe The piece rotates and is connected to or removed from the opening.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides an automatic adapter replacement device including at least one adapter, a robotic arm, a lifting device, and a driving device. The adapter includes a pipe and a follower. The pipe fitting includes a first pipe. The follower is sleeved on the outer side of the pipe and is used for connecting with an opening of a container, so that the first pipe communicates with an accommodating space of the container to an external space. The robotic arm is used to selectively clamp the adapter. The lifting device is connected with the robotic arm to drive the robotic arm to move in a lifting direction. The driving device is arranged on the lifting device to drive the follower of the adaptor to rotate relative to the pipe, so that the follower is connected with the opening or removed from the opening.

The following detailed descriptions are provided with specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings to make it easier to understand the purpose, technical content, features, and effects of the present invention.

Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail, with drawings as an example. In addition to these detailed descriptions, the present invention can also be widely implemented in other embodiments, and easy substitutions, modifications, and equivalent changes of any of the embodiments are included in the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the patent application is quasi. In the description of the specification, in order to enable the reader to have a more complete understanding of the present invention, many specific details are provided; however, the present invention may still be implemented under the premise that some or all of the specific details are omitted. In addition, well-known steps or elements are not described in details to avoid unnecessary limitations on the present invention. The same or similar elements in the drawings will be represented by the same or similar symbols. It is particularly important to note that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only, and do not represent the actual size or quantity of the components. Some details may not be completely drawn in order to keep the drawings concise.

The adapter of the present invention is used to connect to an opening of a container to facilitate subsequent operations, such as taking liquid (such as chemicals) in the container, cleaning the container, draining the cleaning liquid or filling the liquid into the container Wait. In one embodiment, the container may be a 200-liter or 50-gallon bucket. Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2, the adapter 10 a of an embodiment of the present invention includes a pipe 11 and a follower 12. The pipe 11 includes a first pipe 111 and a second pipe 112. The follower 12 is sleeved on the outer side of the pipe 11, and the follower 12 can rotate relative to the pipe 11. In one embodiment, the pipe member 11 is airtight between the driven members 12.

According to the above structure, the follower 12 of the adapter 10a can be driven by a driving device 53 (as shown in FIG. 5) to rotate relative to the pipe 11, so that the follower 12 is connected to the opening of the container or from the opening of the container Unload. When the follower 12 is connected to the opening of the container, the first pipe 111 and the second pipe 112 of the pipe piece 11 can connect one of the container's accommodating space to an external space to facilitate subsequent operations of cleaning the container or filling the chemical sight .

In one embodiment, the pipe piece 11 includes a clamping portion 113 that protrudes from the outer wall of the pipe piece 11 to facilitate the robotic arm 51 (as shown in FIG. 5) to clamp the pipe piece 11 and prevent the pipe piece 11 from following The follower 12 rotates.

In one embodiment, the follower 12 includes an engaging portion 121 protruding from the outer wall of the follower 12. The driving device 53 can mesh with the meshing portion 121 of the follower 12 through the gear 531 to mesh and drive the follower 12 to rotate. However, it is not limited to this, and other suitable driving methods can also drive the follower 12 to rotate, for example, a belt or a chain can be used to drive the follower 12 to rotate. In one embodiment, the follower 12 includes a screw portion 122 disposed on the outer wall of the follower 12. The follower 12 can be screwed to the opening of the container through the screwing portion 122. For example, the cover of the container is screwed to the opening of the container. After the cover is removed, the follower 12 can be screwed to the opening of the container.

Please refer to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the supply device 20 may be connected to one end of the first pipe 111 to supply fluid (such as chemicals or cleaning liquid) into the container. The air sealing device 30 can be connected to one end of the second pipe 112 to maintain the pressure in the container's accommodating space within a predetermined range. For example, when cleaning the container, the supply device 20 can supply cleaning liquid, and the adapter 10a of the present invention includes a spray head 13 connected to the other end of the first pipe 111, and the cleaning liquid can pass through the spray head 13 Clean the inner wall of the container. Injecting cleaning fluid into the container will cause the pressure in the container to change, which may cause the container to deform. By maintaining the pressure in the container within an appropriate range by the air sealing device 30, deformation of the container can be avoided. For example, when the pressure in the container rises, the gas in the container can be released through the gas sealing device 30 to maintain the pressure in the container in an appropriate range. Conversely, when the pressure in the container drops due to the withdrawal of the liquid, the gas sealing device 30 can replenish gas into the container, so that the pressure in the container rises and maintains an appropriate range.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pipe member 11 includes a first pipe 111 and a second pipe 112, but it is not limited thereto. 3 and 4, the pipe 11 of the adapter 10b of the present invention may only include a first pipe 111, one end of which is connected to a pumping device 40, and the other end is connected to an extension pipe 14 for removal The liquid in the container. Take the cleaning container as an example. The container 900 includes two lids 901 and 902. As shown in FIG. 6, after removing the lids 901 and 902 and connecting the adapters 10a and 10b, the cleaning solution can pass through the adapters. The first pipe 111 of 10a is sprayed to the inner wall of the container 900, and is drawn out of the container 900 through the first pipe 111 of the adapter 10b. According to the above description, the number of pipes of the pipe fitting 11 can be arbitrarily configured according to implementation requirements.

Please refer to FIG. 5, the automatic replacement adapter device of an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one adapter 10 a, 10 b, a robotic arm 51, a lifting device 52 and a driving device 53. The detailed structure of the adapters 10a and 10b is as described above, and will not be repeated here. The robotic arm 51 is used to selectively clamp the adapter 10a or 10b. The lifting device 52 is connected with the robotic arm 51 to drive the robotic arm 51 to move in a lifting direction. For example, the lifting device 52 can be driven by a chain 521 to descend or rise, that is, close to or away from the container. The driving device 53 is arranged on the lifting device 52 to drive the follower 12 of the adapter 10a or 10b to rotate relative to the pipe 11 so that the follower 12 of the adapter 10a or 10b is connected to or removed from the opening of the container. For example, the driving device 53 can be engaged with the meshing portion 121 of the follower 12 through the gear 531 to drive the follower 12 of the adapter 10a or 10b to rotate.

The operation description of the automatic changing adapter device of the present invention is as follows. The robot arm 51 can clamp the adapter 10a or 10b, and the lifting device 52 controls the robot arm 51 to descend so that the adapter 10a or 10b is close to the opening of the container. At this time, the driving device 53 can drive the follower 12 of the adapter 10a or 10b to rotate, so that the adapter 10a or 10b is screwed to the opening of the container. After the adapter 10a or 10b is locked to the opening of the container, the robotic arm 51 can release the adapter 10a or 10b and return to the proper position. Subsequent operations of cleaning the container, removing liquid or filling chemical agents can be performed through the adapter 10a or 10b.

Continuing the above description, after the operation is completed, the robot arm 51 clamps the adapter 10a or 10b again, and the driving device 53 drives the follower 12 of the adapter 10a or 10b to rotate, so that the adapter 10a or 10b is separated from the container. Open up. Then, the lifting device 52 controls the robot arm 51 to rise to an appropriate position or place the adapter 10a or 10b in an appropriate position.

In order to align the adapter 10a or 10b with the opening of the container, please refer to FIG. 6. In one embodiment, the automatic adapter replacement device of the present invention further includes an image sensor 61 and a moving device. The image sensor 61 is used to capture a positioning image of the container 900. The mobile device adjusts the relative position of the adapter 10a or 10b and one of the openings of the container 900 according to the positioning image captured by the image sensor 61 to align the adapter 10a or 10b and the opening of the container 900. For example, the mobile device includes a track 62a and a track 62b. The robot arm 51 can move left and right along the track 62a (as shown in FIG. 5), and the track 62a can move back and forth along the track 62b. According to this structure, the robot arm 51 can clamp the adapter 10a or 10b and move to any position parallel to the paper surface.

In one embodiment, the moving device includes a conveying mechanism 63 and a fixing member 631. The conveying mechanism 63 can move the container 900 within the range of the rail 62a and the rail 62b, and the fixing member 631 can clamp the container 900 at a predetermined position. In one embodiment, the moving device may include at least one roller 632. For example, the roller 632 is connected to the fixing member 631, and when the fixing member 631 clamps the container 900, the roller 632 abuts on the container 900. The roller 632 can drive the container 900 to rotate to rotate the lid 901 or 902 of the container 900 to a set position. In other words, the roller 632 can rotate the container 900 to adjust the relative position of the adapter 10a or 10b and the opening of the container 900. It can be understood that, according to actual design requirements, partial omission of the rail 62a, the rail 62b, the conveying mechanism 63 or the fixing member 631 can also achieve the effect of the mobile device.

In one embodiment, the automatic changing adapter device of the present invention includes an automatic cover opening device 70. The automatic lid opening and closing device 70 includes an interference member that interferes with the lid 901 or 902 of the container 900 and drives the lid 901 or 902 to rotate to remove the lid 901 or 902. For example, the automatic cover opening and closing device 70 can align the cover 901 or 902 with the rails 62a and 62b in a similar manner as described above. The detailed structure of the automatic cover opening and closing device 70 has been disclosed in Taiwan Patent Application No. 108108976, so it will not be repeated here.

Please refer to FIG. 2 again. In one embodiment, the automatic replacement adapter device of the present invention includes a supply device 20 connected to the pipe 11 of the adapter 10a to supply fluid (such as cleaning fluid or chemicals) The first pipe 111 of the pipe piece 11 enters the containing space of the container. It is understandable that the supply device 20 can also be connected to the pipe 11 of the adapter 10b shown in FIG. 4 to supply the cleaning liquid or chemical agent to the containing space of the container.

In one embodiment, the automatic replacement adapter device of the present invention includes an air seal device 30 connected to the second pipe 112 of the pipe fitting 11 of the adapter 10a. The air sealing device 30 can maintain the pressure in the container within a predetermined range. The detailed operation mode is as described above, and will not be repeated here.

Please refer to FIG. 4 again. In one embodiment, the automatic replacement adapter device of the present invention includes a pumping device 40 connected to the pipe 11 of the adapter 10b. The liquid pumping device 40 can remove the liquid in the container, such as cleaning liquid, waste liquid, or remaining chemicals, through the first pipe 111 of the pipe 11. Please also refer to FIG. 7. In one embodiment, the automatic replacement adapter device of the present invention includes a tilting device 80 for tilting the container 900 so that the liquid suction device 40 can remove the liquid in the container. For example, the tilting device 80 can be a pneumatic or hydraulic push rod, which can be selectively pushed out or retracted to cause the platform carrying the container 900 to tilt. Taking the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 as an example, the tilting device 80 is arranged below the container 900 and causes the container 900 to tilt to the right, so that the liquid in the container will flow to the bottom end of the extension tube 14, which is advantageous for the liquid suction device 40 Remove the liquid from the container. It is understandable that the tilting device 80 can also be arranged on the side of the container, and the push rod can be used to push the container to tilt the container.

In summary, the adaptor and the automatic replacement adaptor device of the present invention can install or remove the adaptor from the opening of the container in a mechanically automated manner to facilitate cleaning of the container or filling of various units such as chemicals. The operation is automated, so that operators can be prevented from entering high-risk work areas to perform various operations, thereby reducing personal injuries caused by industrial safety accidents.

The above-mentioned embodiments are only to illustrate the technical ideas and features of the present invention, and their purpose is to enable those who are familiar with the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement them accordingly. When they cannot be used to limit the patent scope of the present invention, That is, all equal changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit of the present invention should still be covered by the patent scope of the present invention.

10a, 10b: adapter 11: Pipe fittings 111: The first pipeline 112: The second pipeline 113: Clamping part 12: Follower 121: Meshing part 122: screw joint 13: nozzle 14: Extension tube 20: Supply device 30: Air sealing device 40: Pumping device 51: mechanical arm 52: Lifting device 521: Chain 53: drive device 531: gear 61: Image sensor 62a, 62b: track 63: Conveying mechanism 631: fixed parts 632: Wheel 70: Automatic opening and closing device 80: Tilting device 900: container 901, 902: cover

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an adapter of an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an adapter of another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of an adapter according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the automatic replacement adapter device of the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the automatic replacement adapter device of the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the automatic changing adapter device of the third embodiment of the present invention.

10a: Adapter

11: Pipe fittings

111: The first pipeline

112: The second pipeline

113: Clamping part

12: Follower

121: Meshing part

122: screw joint

Claims (16)

An adapter, including: A pipe fitting including a first pipe; and A follower, which is sleeved on the outer side of the pipe, is used to connect with an opening of a container, so that the first pipe communicates with an accommodating space of the container to an external space, wherein the follower receives a The driving device is driven to rotate relative to the pipe member, and is connected to or removed from the opening. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the pipe member includes a second pipe to connect the accommodating space of the container to the external space. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the pipe piece includes a clamping portion protruding from the outer wall of the pipe piece. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the driven member includes an engaging portion protruding from the outer wall of the driven member for engaging the driving device and driving the driven member to rotate. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the follower includes a threaded portion disposed on the outer wall of the follower for screwing on the opening of the container. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the pipe member and the driven member are airtight. The adapter described in claim 1, further including: A nozzle is connected with the pipe piece and communicated with the first pipe. An automatic adapter replacement device, including: At least one adapter as described in one of Claims 1 to 7, which includes: A pipe fitting including a first pipe; and A follower, which is sleeved on the outer side of the pipe, and is used to connect with an opening of a container, so that the first pipe connects an accommodating space of the container to an external space: A robotic arm for selectively clamping the adapter; A lifting device connected with the robotic arm to drive the robotic arm to move in a lifting direction; and A driving device is arranged on the lifting device to drive the follower of the adapter to rotate relative to the pipe, so that the follower is connected with the opening or removed from the opening. The automatic replacement adapter device described in claim 8 further includes: An image sensor for capturing a positioning image of one of the containers; and A moving device adjusts the relative position of the adapter and the opening of the container according to the positioning image. The automatic replacement adapter device according to claim 9, wherein the moving device includes a fixing member that clamps the container to a predetermined position. The automatic adapter replacement device according to claim 9, wherein the moving device includes at least one roller for driving the container to rotate to adjust the relative position of the adapter and the opening of the container. The automatic replacement adapter device described in claim 8 further includes: An automatic lid opening and closing device includes an interference member, wherein the interference member interferes with a lid body of the container and drives the lid body to rotate to remove the lid body. The automatic replacement adapter device described in claim 8 further includes: A supply device is connected with the pipe of the adapter to supply fluid to the accommodating space of the container through the first pipe of the pipe. The automatic replacement adapter device described in claim 8 further includes: A liquid pumping device is connected with the pipe fitting of the adapter for removing the liquid in the containing space of the container through the first pipe of the pipe fitting. The automatic replacement adapter device described in claim 14, further including: A tilting device to cause the container to tilt. The automatic replacement adapter device described in claim 8 further includes: A gas sealing device is connected with the pipe fitting to maintain the pressure in the containing space of the container in a predetermined range.

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