Cleaning system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a cleaning system, comprising: a housing having a first chamber and a second chamber separated from each other; a channel connected between the first chamber and the second chamber; and a container movably disposed in the channel for transporting the product between the first chamber and the second chamber. During the process of transporting the product, the container and the channel always maintain a sealed fit to prevent the first chamber from communicating with the second chamber. Therefore, in the present invention, during the cleaning process, the channel for transporting the product is always completely sealed, which can improve the cleaning effect. In addition, in some embodiments of the present invention, the product is cleaned using high-temperature steam without causing pollution to the atmosphere.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning system. Background Art

[0002] Hydroxide cleaning is a key process in the sensor manufacturing industry, particularly for medical sensors. Hydroxide, a contaminant, often forms on the sensor surface during the manufacturing process. Volatile and toxic solvents are commonly used to remove hydroxide from the sensor surface. However, these solutions are environmentally harmful and can cause air pollution.

[0003] Furthermore, in the prior art, the cleaning chamber of the cleaning system is not completely sealed because it has a delivery channel for transporting sensors. During the cleaning process, the gas in the cleaning chamber will leak out through the delivery channel, and external dust will enter through the delivery channel, seriously affecting the cleaning effect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to solve at least one aspect of the above-mentioned problems and defects in the prior art.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a cleaning system is provided, comprising: a housing having a first chamber and a second chamber separated from each other; a passage connecting the first chamber and the second chamber; and a container movably disposed in the passage for transporting a product between the first chamber and the second chamber. During transport of the product, the container and the passage maintain a sealed engagement to prevent communication between the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the container is suitable for moving between a first position and a second position; when the container moves to the first position, the container at least partially enters the first chamber to transport the product to be cleaned loaded in the container to the first chamber; when the container moves to the second position, the container at least partially enters the second chamber to transport the cleaned product loaded in the container to the second chamber.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first elastic sealing ring is mounted on one end of the container, and a second elastic sealing ring is mounted on the other end; when the container is moved to the first position, the second elastic sealing ring is still located in the channel and seals the channel; when the container is moved to the second position, the first elastic sealing ring is still located in the channel and seals the channel.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the container is further suitable for moving to an intermediate position between the first position and the second position; when the container moves to the intermediate position, the entire container is located in the channel, so that the channel is sealed by the first elastic sealing ring and the second elastic sealing ring.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning system further includes a driving device, and the driving device is used to drive the container to move between the first position and the second position.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning system further includes: a water vapor injection device installed in the first chamber, for injecting high-temperature water vapor onto the product delivered into the first chamber to remove contaminants on the surface of the product.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning system further includes: a first robot installed in the first chamber, for grasping and moving the product; and a clamp installed in the first chamber, for clamping and fixing the product placed thereon.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first robot is used to grab the product to be cleaned that is transported from the container to the first chamber and place the grabbed product to be cleaned on the clamp; and the first robot is also used to grab the cleaned product from the clamp and place the grabbed cleaned product back into the container.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first robot is further used to grab the water vapor spray head of the water vapor spray device and move the water vapor spray head along a predetermined trajectory so as to clean the surface of the product fixed on the fixture.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning system further includes: a drying gas injection device installed in the first chamber, for injecting drying gas toward the cleaned product to dry the product.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention: the first robot is further used to grab the drying gas nozzle of the drying gas injection device and move the drying gas nozzle along a predetermined trajectory to dry the cleaned product.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning system further includes: an exhaust device installed on the shell and connected to the first chamber, for extracting water vapor containing pollutants generated in the first chamber during cleaning to the outside of the shell.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the product is a medical sensor, and the pollutant is hydroxide attached to the surface of the medical sensor during the manufacture of the medical sensor.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning system further includes: a second robot installed in the second chamber, for grabbing and moving the product; and a tray installed in the second chamber, for loading the product.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second robot is used to grab the products to be cleaned from the pallet and place the grabbed products to be cleaned into the container; and the second robot is also used to grab the cleaned products from the container and load the grabbed cleaned products onto the pallet.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing and the channel are integrally formed; or the housing and the channel are separately formed and connected to each other.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the shell has a partition wall, which partitions the inner cavity of the shell into a first chamber and a second chamber; and the channel passes through the partition wall and is connected to the partition wall.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing defines the first chamber, the second housing defines the second chamber, and the channel is connected between the first housing and the second housing.

[0023] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, during the cleaning process, the passage of the cleaning chamber for conveying products is always completely sealed, which can improve the cleaning effect.

[0024] In addition, in some of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, high-temperature steam is used to clean the product, thereby preventing pollution to the environment.

[0025] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a cleaning system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the container is in a second position entering the second chamber;

[0027] Figure 2A schematic diagram showing a cleaning system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the container is located in the middle of the entry channel;

[0028] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a cleaning system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the container is in a first position entering the first chamber;

[0029] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing a first robot securing a product to be cleaned to a fixture;

[0030] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the first robot grabbing the steam nozzle to clean the product;

[0031] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the first robot grasping the dry gas nozzle to dry the product;

[0032] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing a first robot placing the cleaned product back into a container;

[0033] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the container carrying the cleaned product back into the second chamber;

[0034] Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing a cleaning system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through examples and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0036] In addition, in the following detailed description, for ease of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it is apparent that one or more embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are shown in diagrammatic form to simplify the accompanying drawings.

[0037] According to a general technical concept of the present invention, a cleaning system is provided, comprising: a housing having a first chamber and a second chamber separated from each other; a passage connecting the first chamber and the second chamber; and a container movably disposed in the passage for transporting a product between the first chamber and the second chamber. During the transport of the product, the container and the passage maintain a sealed engagement to prevent communication between the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cleaning system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the container 40 is at the second position entering the second chamber 20 . Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a cleaning system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the container 40 is located in the middle of the entry channel 30; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a cleaning system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the container 40 is at a first position entering the first chamber 10 .

[0039] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning system mainly includes: a housing 100, a channel 30, and a container 40. The housing 100 has a first chamber 10 and a second chamber 20 separated from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the first chamber 10 is a cleaning chamber for cleaning products 1, and the second chamber 20 is a loading and unloading chamber for loading and unloading products 1.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the passage 30 is connected between the first chamber 10 and the second chamber 20. The container 40 is movably disposed in the passage 30 for transporting the product 1 between the first chamber 10 and the second chamber 20.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, during the process of conveying the product 1 , the container 40 and the channel 30 always maintain a sealed fit to prevent the first chamber 10 from communicating with the second chamber 20 .

[0042] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the container 40 is adapted to be in a first position ( Figure 3 shown position) and a second position ( Figure 1 positions shown).

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when the container 40 is moved to the first position, the container 40 at least partially enters the first chamber 10 to transport the product 1 to be cleaned loaded in the container 40 into the first chamber 10 and allow the cleaned product 1 to be loaded into the container 40.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when the container 40 is moved to the second position, the container 40 at least partially enters the second chamber 20 to transport the cleaned product 1 loaded in the container 40 into the second chamber 20 and allow the product 1 to be cleaned to be loaded into the container 40.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a first elastic sealing ring 41 is mounted on one end of the container 40, and a second elastic sealing ring 42 is mounted on the other end.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when the container 40 moves to the first position, the second elastic sealing ring 42 is still located in the channel 30 and seals the channel 30 .

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when the container 40 moves to the second position, the first elastic sealing ring 41 is still located in the channel 30 and seals the channel 30 .

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the container 40 is further adapted to move to an intermediate position between the first position and the second position. When the container 40 moves to the intermediate position, the container 40 is completely located in the passage 30, so that the passage 30 is sealed by the first elastic sealing ring 41 and the second elastic sealing ring 42.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning system further comprises a driving device (not shown) for driving the container 40 to move between the first position and the second position. The driving device may be a motor driving mechanism or a cylinder driving mechanism.

[0050] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the first robot 110 fixing the product 1 to be cleaned to the fixture 120 .

[0051] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning system further includes a first robot 110 and a gripper 120. The first robot 110 is installed in the first chamber 10 and is used to grasp and move the product 1. The first robot 110 is used to grasp the product 1 to be cleaned that has been conveyed from the container 40 to the first chamber 10 and to place the grasped product 1 to be cleaned on the gripper 120. The gripper 120 is installed in the first chamber 10 and is used to grip and secure the product 1 placed thereon.

[0052] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the first robot 110 grabbing the steam spray head 131 to clean the product 1 .

[0053] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning system further includes a steam injection device 130. The steam injection device 130 is installed in the first chamber 10 and is used to inject high-temperature steam to the product 1 transported into the first chamber 10 to remove contaminants on the surface of the product 1.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the first robot 110 is further used to grab the water vapor spray head 131 of the water vapor spray device 130 and move the water vapor spray head 131 along a predetermined trajectory to clean the surface of the product 1 fixed on the fixture 120.

[0055] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the first robot 110 grabbing the drying gas nozzle 141 to dry the product 1 .

[0056] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning system further comprises a drying gas injection device 140. The drying gas injection device 140 is installed in the first chamber 10 and is used to inject drying gas to the cleaned product 1 to dry the product 1.

[0057] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the first robot 110 is further used to grasp the drying gas nozzle 141 of the drying gas injection device 140 and move the drying gas nozzle 141 along a predetermined trajectory to dry the cleaned product 1.

[0058] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the first robot 110 placing the cleaned product 1 back into the container 40 .

[0059] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the first robot 110 is further used to grab the cleaned product 1 from the gripper 120 and put the grabbed cleaned product 1 back into the container 40 .

[0060] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning system further includes an exhaust device 150. The exhaust device 150 is mounted on the housing 100 and communicates with the first chamber 10, and is used to extract the water vapor containing pollutants generated during cleaning in the first chamber 10 to the outside of the housing 100.

[0061] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the container 40 transporting the cleaned product 1 back into the second chamber 20 .

[0062] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning system further includes a second robot 210 and a tray 220. The second robot 210 is installed in the second chamber 20 for grabbing and moving the product 1. The tray 220 is installed in the second chamber 20 for loading the product 1.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the second robot 210 is used to grab the product 1 to be cleaned from the tray 220 and place the grabbed product 1 to be cleaned into the container 40 .

[0064] like Figure 8 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the second robot 210 is further used to grab the cleaned products 1 from the container 40 and load the grabbed cleaned products 1 onto the tray 220 .

[0065] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 100 has a partition wall 103 that divides the inner cavity of the housing 100 into a first chamber 10 and a second chamber 20. The channel 30 passes through the partition wall 103 and is connected to the partition wall 103.

[0066] However, the structure of the housing 100 of the present invention is not limited to Figures 1 to 8 The embodiment shown can also be other structures. For example, Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing a cleaning system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] like Figure 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 100 includes a first housing 101 and a second housing 102. The first housing 101 defines a first chamber 10, the second housing 102 defines a second chamber 20, and a channel 30 is connected between the first housing 101 and the second housing 102.

[0068] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 100 and the channel 30 are integrally formed. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and the housing 100 and the channel 30 may also be separately formed and connected to each other.

[0069] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, product 1 may be a sensor, for example, a medical sensor. The aforementioned contaminants may include hydroxides that adhere to the surface of the medical sensor during its manufacture. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the aforementioned contaminants may also be or include other contaminants.

[0070] The following will refer to the attached Figure 1-8 To illustrate the cleaning process of the present invention.

[0071] First, if Figure 1 As shown, the container 40 moves to the second chamber 20 , and the second robot 210 grabs the product 1 to be cleaned from the tray 220 and places the grabbed product 1 to be cleaned into the container 40 ;

[0072] Then, if Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the container 40 moves into the first chamber 10 , and the first robot 110 grabs the product 1 to be cleaned from the container 40 and places the grabbed product 1 to be cleaned on the fixture 120 ;

[0073] Then, if Figure 5 As shown, the first robot 110 grabs the water vapor spray head 131 and moves the water vapor spray head 131 along a predetermined trajectory to clean the surface of the product 1 fixed on the fixture 120;

[0074] Then, if Figure 6 As shown, the first robot 110 grabs the drying gas nozzle 141 and moves the drying gas nozzle 141 along a predetermined trajectory to dry the cleaned product 1;

[0075] Then, if Figure 7 As shown, the first robot 110 grabs the cleaned product 1 from the gripper 120 and puts the grabbed cleaned product 1 back into the container 40;

[0076] Finally, if Figure 8 As shown, the container 40 moves into the second chamber 20 , and the second robot 210 grabs the cleaned products 1 from the container 40 and loads the grabbed cleaned products 1 onto the tray 220 .

[0077] Please note that during the process of cleaning the product 1 with the water vapor nozzle 131 and drying the product 1 with the dry gas nozzle 141, the container 40 can be temporarily moved into the channel 30 to prevent interference with the cleaning and drying operations of the product.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above are exemplary and can be improved by those skilled in the art. The structures described in various embodiments can be freely combined without causing any conflicts in structure or principle. These changes should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0079] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to exemplify the preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0080] Although some embodiments of the general inventive concept have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0081] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In addition, any element reference in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cleaning system, characterized in that: include: A housing (100) having a first chamber (10) and a second chamber (20) separated from each other; a channel (30) connected between the first chamber (10) and the second chamber (20); and a container (40) movably arranged in the channel (30) for conveying the product (1) between the first chamber (10) and the second chamber (20), During the process of conveying the product (1), the container (40) and the channel (30) always maintain a sealed fit to prevent the first chamber (10) from communicating with the second chamber (20). The container (40) is adapted to move between a first position and a second position; When the container (40) moves to the first position, the container (40) at least partially enters the first chamber (10); When the container (40) moves to the second position, the container (40) at least partially enters the second chamber (20); A first elastic sealing ring (41) is sleeved on one end of the container (40), and a second elastic sealing ring (42) is sleeved on the other end; When the container (40) moves to the first position, the second elastic sealing ring (42) is still located in the channel (30) and seals the channel (30); When the container (40) moves to the second position, the first elastic sealing ring (41) is still located in the channel (30) and seals the channel (30).

2. The cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The container (40) is further adapted to move to an intermediate position between the first position and the second position; When the container (40) moves to the intermediate position, the container (40) is entirely located in the channel (30), so that the channel (30) is sealed by the first elastic sealing ring (41) and the second elastic sealing ring (42).

3. The cleaning system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cleaning system further comprises a driving device, which is used to drive the container (40) to move between the first position and the second position.

4. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Also includes: A water vapor injection device (130) is installed in the first chamber (10) and is used to inject high-temperature water vapor onto the product (1) transported into the first chamber (10) to remove contaminants on the surface of the product (1).

5. The cleaning system according to claim 4, wherein: Also includes: a first robot (110), installed in the first chamber (10), for grasping and moving the product (1); and A clamp (120) is installed in the first chamber (10) and is used to clamp and fix the product (1) placed thereon.

6. The cleaning system according to claim 5, wherein: The first robot (110) is used to grab the product (1) to be cleaned that is transported from the container (40) to the first chamber (10) and place the grabbed product (1) to be cleaned on the clamp (120); and The first robot (110) is further used to grab the cleaned product (1) from the clamp (120) and put the grabbed cleaned product (1) back into the container (40).

7. The cleaning system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first robot (110) is further configured to grasp the water vapor spray head (131) of the water vapor spray device (130) and move the water vapor spray head (131) along a predetermined trajectory so as to clean the surface of the product (1) fixed on the fixture (120).

8. The cleaning system according to claim 7, characterized in that: Also includes: A drying gas injection device (140) is installed in the first chamber (10) and is used to inject drying gas toward the cleaned product (1) to dry the product (1).

9. The cleaning system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first robot (110) is further used to grasp the drying gas nozzle (141) of the drying gas injection device (140) and move the drying gas nozzle (141) along a predetermined trajectory so as to dry the cleaned product (1).

10. The cleaning system according to claim 4, characterized in that Also includes: An air extraction device (150) is mounted on the housing (100) and communicated with the first chamber (10), and is used to extract water vapor containing pollutants generated during cleaning in the first chamber (10) to the outside of the housing (100).

11. The cleaning system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The product (1) is a medical sensor, and the pollutant is hydroxide attached to the surface of the medical sensor during the manufacture of the medical sensor.

12. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Also includes: a second robot (210), installed in the second chamber (20), for grasping and moving the product (1); and A tray (220) is installed in the second chamber (20) and is used to load the product (1).

13. The cleaning system according to claim 12, wherein: The second robot (210) is used to grab the product (1) to be cleaned from the tray (220) and place the grabbed product (1) to be cleaned into the container (40); and The second robot (210) is further configured to grab the cleaned product (1) from the container (40) and load the grabbed cleaned product (1) onto the tray (220).

14. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The housing (100) and the channel (30) are integrally formed; or The housing (100) and the channel (30) are formed separately and connected to each other.

15. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The housing (100) has a partition wall (103), and the partition wall (103) divides the inner cavity of the housing (100) into a first chamber (10) and a second chamber (20); The channel (30) passes through the partition wall (103) and is connected to the partition wall (103).

16. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The housing (100) comprises a first housing (101) and a second housing (102), wherein the first housing (101) defines the first chamber (10), the second housing (102) defines the second chamber (20), and the channel (30) is connected between the first housing (101) and the second housing (102).

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