TWM679285U - Automatic control system of chemical detector - Google Patents

Abstract

The present utility proposed an automatic control system of chemical detector. A cable organizer is used to regularly twine a cable, connected to the detector, on a cable winch. The cable organizer is also able to measure the length of the cable released from the cable winch. The signal transmission module comprises a pair of data-input interface and a data-output interface and both interfaces are separable. The data can be transmitted when both interfaces are closed and the transmission stops when open. Modules of the system may equipped with sensors to have the function of self-diagnosis.

Description

Automatic control system for chemical detectors

This invention is a control system for a winch-type chemical detector, particularly featuring a precise line-wide auxiliary module.

Industrial water treatment processes require the attachment of specific detectors above the tanks or pools containing the liquid to be tested. The inventor discloses an automated detector in patent M661093.

Building upon this, the creators discovered that the placement depth of the detector affects the accuracy and stability of the measurement results. Therefore, this work proposes a control system for the precise deployment of the detection signal line, thereby improving the stability and precision of the detector measurements.

This invention provides an automatic control system for chemical detectors, which integrates a power module, a complete auxiliary line module, a hanging module, and a signal transmission module on a module platform of a fixed system. The fixed system, serving as a rack for the system modules, also includes detector housing space and detection cable access holes for easy deployment and storage of the chemical detectors.

The power system can simultaneously drive both the auxiliary module and the hanging module. The auxiliary module improves the uniformity of the detection cable's winding on the hanging module's reel bearings, allowing for precise measurement of the cable's release length. Therefore, the detection cable's deployment depth can be accurately measured and controlled.

This signal transmission module includes a detachable read interface, a transmission interface, and a signal converter. The read interface connects to a detection cable and is pluggably connected to both the read interface and the signal converter, which communicates with the control module. Data transmission is possible when the read interface and transmission interface are engaged; data transmission stops when they are disengaged.

The automatic control system for chemical detectors can be equipped with sensors in the power module, auxiliary production line module, suspension module, and signal transmission module, enabling the system to self-diagnose whether different modules are installed correctly.

100: Shell Module

120: Actuation switch

130: Reset indicator light

300: Power Module

310: Drive motor

320: Transmission Unit

321: Synchronizing Pulley

322: Drive belt

323: Full-length leather belt

324: Power Wheel

325: Whole Line Drive Wheel

330: Winch bearing moving wheel set

331: Synchronizing Gear

332: Transmission Gear

333: Spindle Gear

400: Line Auxiliary Module

410: Cover

430: Line pulley

440: Sliding Shaft

450:Mobile base

460: Move slider

470: Groove roller

500: Hanging Module

510: Spindle bearing

550: Detection Cable

600: Signal Transmission Module

610: Signal Converter

620: Transmission Interface

630: Reading Interface

670: Fixed base

660: Extension Pneumatic Cylinder

700: Fixed System

710: Module Platform

720: Detector Platform

730: Flange Adjustment Plate

800: Control Module

900: Detector

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of an automatic control system for a chemical detector.

Figure 2 shows the combined appearance of the embodiment in Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a top view of the embodiment in Figure 1, illustrating the configuration of the system modules on the module carrier.

Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the auxiliary module of the entire production line in the embodiment of Figure 1.

The following examples and accompanying drawings illustrate the technology of this invention to help those skilled in the art understand the technical means of this invention. However, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. The scope of this technology should be defined by the scope of the patent application. Furthermore, the drawings are merely illustrative and should not be construed as the actual device of this invention. The order, orientation, and size of the components, as well as the types of motors, controllers, sensors, detectors, and connection methods, and the addition or removal of auxiliary functions and power, can be adjusted according to actual needs.

Technical means description

The inventor has already proposed a basic architecture for an automatic control system for chemical detectors in patent M661093, which includes a main system (automatic control system) and a mounting system. The main system includes a control module, a detector, a suspension module, a power module, and a signal transmission module. The mounting system serves as the frame for the main system, providing space for the detector and fixing the automatic control system for the chemical detector above the tank or liquid container. In particular, this invention adds a cable management auxiliary module to the main system to improve the accuracy of cable winding and unwinding.

The mounting system is used to support the main system and secure it above the tank or pool containing the liquid being tested. The automatic control system for chemical detectors uses a detection cable to suspend the detector; the cable's release length corresponds to a specific depth of the detector in the liquid being tested, used to measure acidity, alkalinity, concentration, or other chemical properties. Typically, the modules of the main system are secured using methods such as locking, clamping, gluing, welding, splicing, or magnetizing.

The suspension module consists of a winch bearing and a detection cable; the detection cable serves as the suspension line and is wound around the winch bearing. A detector is connected to the end of the detection cable and can measure specific chemical properties. The detection cable transmits the measured signal to the control module.

The power module drives the suspension module to extend and retract the detection cable, thus raising and lowering the detector.

The control module can be electrically connected to the power module, implemented as a programmable controller, and can also display a programmable visual or graphical interface, providing a convenient operating interface to drive the power module and display measurement results, achieving remote or remote operation.

Design of synchronous drive between the auxiliary module and the winch bearing of the entire production line

This invention integrates the power module's transmission unit and suspension module with the entire production line auxiliary module and the automatic control system for the chemical detector. This improves the accuracy of wire retrieval, thereby enhancing the accuracy and stability of detector deployment and ultimately improving detection quality.

The suspension module includes a winch bearing, detection cable, and an auxiliary module for the entire cable assembly. The winch bearing rotates to wind and unwind the detection cable. The auxiliary module, during cable winding or unwinding, systematically organizes the detection cable onto the winch bearing and accurately measures the cable length, improving the accuracy of cable delivery.

The power module includes a controllable drive motor, a transmission unit, and a winch bearing pulley assembly. The drive motor provides the power required to rotate the winch bearings and the auxiliary modules of the entire production line. The transmission unit synchronously transmits power to the winch bearing pulley assembly and the drive modules of the auxiliary modules.

The auxiliary cable winding module uses a reciprocating pulley to wind up and unwind the cable, ensuring the detection cable is evenly wound onto the winch bearing. Therefore, the winch bearing and the auxiliary module are driven synchronously, preventing the detection cable from being pulled.

Design of control command and detection signal transmission

This invention proposes a signal transmission module that includes a read interface and a transmit interface.

The readout interface is located at the center of the winch bearing. The inner side of the readout interface connects to the head of the detection cable, the end of which connects to a detector used to read the chemical properties of the liquid. The outer side of the readout interface provides a signal output interface, typically designed as a female connector to avoid interfering with the rotation of the winch bearing.

The transmission interface is mounted on the fixed system and allows insertion or removal of the winch bearing's signal output interface. The signal output interface for the winch bearing is typically designed as a male connector. Both the transmission and read interfaces can transmit measurement data and system control commands.

This design further includes a coupling auxiliary device to drive the insertion or disconnection of the read interface and the transmission interface. The coupling auxiliary device can be implemented using pneumatic, hydraulic, or elastic mechanisms to drive the transmission interface forward or backward, allowing it to be inserted into or removed from the read interface. After the system completes cable release and the detector is fixed in a specific position, the coupling auxiliary device pushes the transmission interface in and engages it with the read interface, resuming data transmission. When the system retracts or releases cable, the coupling auxiliary device disengages the transmission interface from the read interface, interrupting data transmission.

System Automated Diagnosis Design

The system's automatic diagnostics primarily rely on foolproof and sensor-based designs. Foolproofing devices prevent incorrect connections. These devices refer to specially designed alignment locking or clamping structures in the housing module, power module, auxiliary line modules, and signal transmission modules, reducing the complexity of installation alignment and minimizing the risk of misconnections.

A system sensing module refers to sensors installed in the vicinity or appropriate location of the housing module, power module, suspension module, auxiliary line module, signal transmission module, and fixed system. These sensors can check for correct installation or monitor the module's operation. Typically, system sensing modules are connected to the control module electrically or wirelessly, facilitating remote system diagnostics by operators.

Implementation Examples

The following examples, illustrated with diagrams, provide a detailed explanation of the technology. It must be understood that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this patent. The scope of the patent application shall be defined by the claims.

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of an automatic control system for a chemical detector, comprising a power module 300, a mounting system 700, a line auxiliary module 400, a suspension module 500, a signal transmission module 600, a detector 900, and a housing module 100.

The fixing system 700 includes a module platform 710, a detector platform 720, and a flange adjustment plate 730, fixed above the liquid tank or pool to be inspected. The module platform 710 and the detector platform 720 are connected and arranged with several support columns at a certain distance, forming a receiving space with corresponding coaxial through holes. The receiving space can accommodate the detector, and the corresponding coaxial through holes are used for receiving and extending the detection cable. The detector platform 720 is connected and locked to the flange adjustment plate 730, and has a corresponding opening for receiving and extending the detection cable. The automatic control system of the chemical detector is locked above the liquid tank or pool via the flange adjustment plate 730.

The module platform 710 supports the power module 300, the line auxiliary module 400, the hanging module 500, and the signal transmission module 600. Different modules can employ optimal locking methods. In this embodiment, the power module 300, the hanging module 500, and the line auxiliary module 400 are driven by rotation. Typically, a clamp with a central through hole supports the rotating shaft of the winch bearing, and the clamp is then fixed to the module platform 710.

The detection cable 550 is connected at one end to a read interface and wound around the winch bearing 510 of the suspension module 500, and at the other end is electrically connected to the detector 900.

The coaxial corresponding through holes of the module stage 710 and the detector stage 720 are used for releasing or winding the detection cable 550 and the detector 900. The accommodating space between the module stage 710 and the detector stage 720 can be used to accommodate the detector 900 and allow it to pass through. Typically, a flange adjustment plate 730 is provided on the chassis below the detector stage 720 for fixing and adjusting the level to correspond with the tank, pool, or flange opening.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the outer casing module 100 covers the module above the module platform 710, with the module platform 710 and detector platform 720 positioned below. The actuation switch 120 and reset indicator light 130 protrude from the outer surface of the outer casing module 100 for easy viewing. When the system is installed, disassembled, or the module is replaced, the actuation switch 120 is activated, illuminating indicator light 130 (usually displayed as a red light); after replacement and reset, indicator light 130 illuminates (usually displayed as a green light). The outer casing module 100 can protect the main unit module or be opened to facilitate maintenance and repair of various unit components and spare parts.

Please refer to Figures 1 and 3 simultaneously. The power module 300 includes a drive motor 310, a transmission unit 320, and a winch bearing pulley assembly 330. The power required for the drive motor 310 and its control are electrically connected to a remote control module 800 via a transmission connector.

The transmission unit 320 includes a timing pulley 321, a drive pulley 325, a power pulley 324, a drive belt 322, and a drive belt 323. The power pulley 324 is located at the end of the drive motor 310. The drive motor 310 drives the drive belt 322 clockwise or counterclockwise, which connects the power pulley 324 and the timing pulley 321.

The winch bearing drive gear assembly 330 includes a synchronizer gear 331, a drive gear 332, and a winch gear 333. The synchronizer gear 331 and synchronizer pulley 321 are coaxially aligned and opposite each other. The winch gear 333 is mounted on the central shaft of the winch bearing 510. The drive gear 332 simultaneously meshes with both the winch gear 333 and the synchronizer gear 331. Therefore, the synchronizer pulley 321 drives the rotation of the winch bearing 510.

The line-setting drive pulley 325 is mounted on the line-setting auxiliary module 400 and drives the module. The line-setting belt 323 connects the synchronous pulley 321 and the line-setting drive pulley 325. Therefore, the synchronous pulley 321 drives the line-setting auxiliary module 400. Thus, when the drive motor 310 outputs power, the synchronous pulley 321 simultaneously drives the winch bearing 510 and the aligner of the line-setting auxiliary module 400.

Please refer to Figures 1 and 4 simultaneously. The production line auxiliary module 400 includes a slotted roller 470, a sliding shaft 440, a production line pulley 430, a movable base 450, a movable slider 460, and a cover 410. The cover 410 typically includes an upper cover, a base plate, a front cover, a rear cover, and two side supports. The two side supports rotatably clamp the slotted roller 470, with one end of the slotted roller 470 extending beyond the side of the support for mounting the production line drive wheel 325.

A movable base 450 is connected to a mainline pulley 430 and is slidably mounted on a slide shaft 440, above a grooved roller 470. The mainline pulley 430 is used to support the detection cable 550. The pin end of a movable slider 460 is connected to the movable base 450, and a protrusion on the brake base of the movable slider 460 contacts a grooved rail with a specific pattern on the surface of the grooved roller 470. When the grooves of the grooved roller 470 rotate, the grooved rail drives the movable slider 460 to move back and forth, allowing the movable base 450 connected to the movable slider 460 to drive the mainline pulley 430 to move back and forth.

When the drive wheel 325 rotates, it drives the slotted roller 470 to rotate. This, via the sliding block 460, moves the movable seat 450 back and forth, causing the detection cable 550 on the pulley 430 to move back and forth, thus evenly winding it onto or out of the winch bearing 510. Furthermore, the rotation angle of the slotted roller 470 corresponds to the length of the winding/unwinding, allowing for precise control of the detector 900's suspension position.

Please continue referring to Figure 1. The signal transmission module 600 includes a signal converter 610, a transmission interface 620, a read interface 630, and a connection aid. The signal converter 610 is electrically connected to the control module 800 and is capable of communication.

The engagement aid includes a mounting base 670 and a telescopic pneumatic cylinder 660. The mounting base 670 secures the engagement aid to the module platform 710. The telescopic pneumatic cylinder 660 has a telescopic rod for pushing the transmission interface 620 forward or backward.

A read interface 630 is mounted on the central axis of the winch bearing 510. A detection cable 550 passes through the central axis of the winch bearing 510 and connects to the read interface 630. Typically, the transmission interface 620 is a plug design, and the read interface 630 is a socket design. When the winch bearing 510 is fixed, the telescopic pneumatic cylinder 660 pushes the transmission interface 620 forward, inserting it into the read interface 630 to transmit data; when the winch bearing 510 begins to rotate, the telescopic pneumatic cylinder 660 pushes the transmission interface 620 backward, pulling it out of the read interface 630 and interrupting data transmission.

The signal converter 610 receives the detection signal through the transmission interface 620, converts it into a digital transmission signal, and transmits it to the control module 800.

Detector 900 and signal transmission module 600 are replaceable. Depending on the measurement target, detector 900 needs to be replaced, and the signal transmission module 600 should be replaced with a suitable type. A detachable bearing handle is provided on the winch bearing. When replacing the winch bearing, the bearing handle is attached to the winch bearing for convenient and quick removal or installation; after replacement, the bearing handle is removed.

The pin design of the transmission interface 620 and the slot design of the read interface 630 can provide a foolproof design to reduce misconnection; or, add a engagement sensing device to improve engagement reliability. Examples include the pin design, the socket positioning structure, and auxiliary sensors.

The system sensing module is designed to assist in verifying the correct installation and proper operation of the system's housing module, power module, mounting system, suspension module, signal transmission module, and overall auxiliary modules. The sensors transmit their sensing results to the control module via electrical or wireless transmission, integrating them into its control interface.

For example, a proximity sensor can be installed on the top cover of the casing to confirm whether the top cover is installed correctly or not.

For example, proximity sensors are installed on winch bearings to confirm whether the winch bearings are installed correctly or not.

For example, a winch bearing positioning photoelectric sensor is used to confirm the connection position of the pin slot on the read interface and the pin on the transmit interface when the winch bearing is rotated for deployment or retraction.

For example, a winch bearing positioning photoelectric sensor is used to confirm whether the number of rotations corresponds correctly to the detected cable length when the winch bearing is being deployed or retracted.

For example, a proximity sensor is installed on the pneumatic cylinder of the signal transmission module's engagement aid to confirm whether the pneumatic cylinder is extended or retracted, and to confirm whether the transmission interface is moving forward or backward normally.

For example, the detector is equipped with a lifting and positioning photoelectric sensor to prevent over-winding and force a stop when the detector retracts.

For example, auxiliary modules for the entire production line are equipped with positioning sensors, such as photosensors, to control the positioning range of the detection cable wound on the winch bearing.

For example, a detector homing sensor, such as a photosensor, is used to confirm the detector's homing and to prevent cable overwinding errors.

Technological extension and component selection

The power pulley, synchronizing pulley, and overall drive pulley of the transmission unit can be belt pulleys or gears, and the corresponding drive belt can also be a chain, which can be adjusted or replaced as needed.

The sensor can be an optical sensor, magnetic sensor, voltage sensor, mechanical sensor, resistive sensor, capacitive sensor, etc., depending on the design.

100: Shell Module

120: Actuation switch

130: Reset indicator light

300: Power Module

310: Drive motor

320: Transmission Unit

325: Whole Line Drive Wheel

330: Winch bearing moving wheel set

333: Spindle Gear

400: Line Auxiliary Module

500: Hanging Module

510: Spindle bearing

550: Detection Cable

600: Signal Transmission Module

610: Signal Converter

620: Transmission Interface

630: Reading Interface

660: Extension Pneumatic Cylinder

670: Fixed base

700: Fixed System

710: Module Platform

720: Detector Platform

730: Flange Adjustment Plate

800: Control Module

900: Detector

Claims (10)

An automatic control system for a chemical detector includes a fixing system and a main system, wherein the fixing system includes a module platform and a detector platform. The module platform and the detector platform are vertically opposite each other at a certain distance to form a receiving space, and the module platform and the detector platform have a pair of corresponding through holes at their centers. The module platform carries a power module, an auxiliary line module, a hanging module, and a signal transmission module of the main system, and the receiving space is used to receive a detector of the main system, wherein the signal transmission module includes a reading interface, a transmission interface, and a signal converter. The transmission interface and the signal converter are mounted on the module platform. The read interface is located on the outer surface of the hanging module. When the read interface is engaged with the transmission interface, it communicates with a control module through the signal converter. The hanging module includes a spiral bearing and a detection cable. One end of the detection cable is connected to the read interface through the central axis of the spiral bearing, and the other end of the detection cable is connected to the detector. The auxiliary cable assembly includes a cable pulley, positioned opposite the winch bearing via a through-hole in the module platform. The detection cable is mounted on the cable pulley, passes through the through-hole in both the module platform and the detector platform, and can be wound onto or released from the winch bearing through the through-hole to fix the detector at a specific height. The power module includes a drive motor, a transmission unit, a winch bearing pulley assembly, and a cable-laying drive wheel. The winch bearing pulley assembly drives the winch bearing to rotate, and the cable-laying drive wheel drives the cable-laying pulley of the cable-laying auxiliary module to move back and forth. The drive motor, through the transmission unit, simultaneously drives the winch bearing pulley assembly and the cable-laying auxiliary module, thereby enabling the detection cable to be evenly wound onto or released from the winch bearing. As in the chemical detector automatic control system of claim 1, the auxiliary module for the entire production line further includes a slotted roller, a movable seat, a slide shaft, and a movable slider. The slotted roller is coaxial with the production line drive wheel. The movable seat is fixed to the production line pulley and is movably connected to the slide shaft. One pin of the movable slider is connected to the movable seat. The movable slider has a braking base protrusion that contacts and connects to one groove of the slotted roller. When the slotted roller rotates, it drives the production line pulley to move back and forth through the groove. As in the chemical detector automatic control system of claim 2, the auxiliary module of the entire line further includes a positioning sensor, which is used to detect the positioning range of the detection cable wound on the winding bearing and transmit the sensing result to the control module. For example, in the chemical detector automatic control system of claim 1, the reading interface of the signal transmission module is a socket assembly, and the transmission interface is a pin assembly. As in claim 4, the automatic control system for a chemical detector, wherein the socket assembly and the pin assembly have a positioning structure to prevent misconnection or incomplete engagement. The automatic control system for the chemical detector, as described in claim 4, further includes a connection auxiliary fixed to the module platform. The connection auxiliary has a connecting rod for connecting to the transmission interface of the signal transmission module. The connecting rod can be pushed back and forth to drive the transmission interface to connect to or disconnect from the reading interface of the signal transmission module. As in the chemical detector automatic control system of claim 6, the engagement aid has an engagement sensor for confirming whether the transmission interface and the reading interface are aligned, and for transmitting the sensing result to the control module. As in claim 6, the automatic control system for a chemical detector, wherein the engagement aid has a proximity sensor, the proximity sensor being used to confirm whether the connecting rod is operating correctly and to transmit the sensing result to the control module. The automatic control system for the chemical detector, as described in claim 1, further includes a sensing module, wherein the sensing module includes one or more sensors mounted on a module on the module platform to detect whether several modules on the module platform are installed correctly and the over-winding protection of the detector, and to transmit the sensing results to the control module. The automatic control system for the chemical detector, as described in claim 1, further includes a bearing handle, wherein the bearing handle is detachably installed on the winch bearing during maintenance and replacement, thereby improving the replacement efficiency of the winch bearing.