An automated load handling system for a chemical sample delivery device

Abstract

This application relates to an automated carrying system for a chemical sample transfer device, belonging to the field of chemical production equipment. It includes a transfer cylinder and a transfer system. The transfer system includes a transfer frame and a transfer rope. The transfer rope circulates on the transfer frame, with the production area and testing area located at opposite ends along its direction of travel. The transfer cylinder is suspended from the transfer rope, with openings at both its upper and lower ends. A material discharge component is provided on the transfer cylinder to control the opening and closing of its lower opening. A sealing cap is movably connected to the transfer cylinder, used to close the upper opening. An automatic cap-opening mechanism is provided at the production area to control the movement of the sealing cap relative to the transfer cylinder to open its upper opening. In this application, the transfer cylinder can automatically open its upper opening at the production area, allowing the operator to place samples into it. During transport, both the upper and lower openings of the transfer cylinder remain closed, and its internal space is almost unaffected by external environmental factors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of chemical production equipment, and in particular to an automated carrying system for a chemical sample transfer device. Background Technology

[0002] In the chemical production process, it is necessary to test the finished or semi-finished products produced in certain processes. If the production batch is small and the production station and the testing station are far apart due to objective factors, special conveying equipment will be used to transport the samples.

[0003] In related technologies, a chemical sample transfer device includes a transfer frame, a transfer rope, and a transfer cylinder. Multiple transfer wheels are rotatably connected to the transfer frame, and the transfer cylinder is connected to the transfer rope. The transfer rope sequentially passes around each transfer wheel, allowing the transfer cylinder, capable of carrying chemical samples, to traverse long distances. The two ends along the direction of the transfer rope are the production area and the testing area, respectively. At the production area, the operator places the sample into the transfer cylinder. The testing area is equipped with an automated mechanism to automatically release the sample from the transfer cylinder. When the transfer cylinder moves to the automated mechanism, the sample falls into a collection box awaiting retrieval by the operator. The empty transfer cylinder continues to move back to the production area, awaiting subsequent sample collection.

[0004] For ease of operation, the transfer tube is usually designed with a normally open upper opening and a controllable opening and closing lower opening. The upper opening is used by the operator to place the sample inside, and the lower opening is controlled to allow the sample to fall at the testing point. However, during the entire transport journey, the transfer tube is in an outdoor environment for a long time. The normally open upper opening will allow various outdoor environmental factors to affect the internal space of the transfer tube, such as precipitation, airflow, and air impurities, which may adversely affect the safety of the sample and the accuracy of the test results. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides an automated carrying system for a chemical sample transfer device.

[0006] The automated carrying system for a chemical sample transfer device provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An automated carrying system for a chemical sample transfer device includes a transfer cylinder and a transfer system. The transfer system includes a transfer frame and a transfer rope. A transfer wheel is rotatably mounted on the transfer frame for the transfer rope to pass over. The two ends along the travel direction of the transfer rope are a production area and a testing area, respectively. The transfer cylinder is suspended and connected to the transfer rope. Both the upper and lower ends of the transfer cylinder are open. The transfer cylinder is equipped with a material discharge component for controlling the opening or closing of its lower cylinder opening. A sealing cover is movably connected to the transfer cylinder for closing the upper opening of the transfer cylinder. An automatic opening mechanism is provided at the production area for controlling the movement of the sealing cover relative to the transfer cylinder to open the upper cylinder opening of the transfer cylinder.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, during transportation, the sealing cap closes the upper opening of the transfer tube, reducing the connection between the internal and external spaces of the transfer tube, thereby reducing the negative impact of adverse external environmental factors on the samples inside. At the production site, the automatic cap opening mechanism controls the movement of the sealing cap to open the upper opening of the transfer tube, making it easier for the operator to put the samples inside.

[0009] Preferably, a mating shell is fixedly connected to the upper end of the ferry tube, and the sealing cover is hinged to the ferry tube. Both the mating shell and the sealing cover are quarter-spherical. The axial direction of the rotation axis of the sealing cover is the radial direction of the ferry tube. The centers of the shapes of the mating shell and the sealing cover are both located on the rotation axis of the sealing cover. When the sealing cover opens the upper end of the ferry tube, the outer wall of the sealing cover faces the inner wall of the mating shell.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the sealing cover and the mating shell cooperate with each other to control the opening and closing of the upper port of the ferry tube. When the tube opening is closed, the upper end of the ferry tube is approximately a hemisphere. When the tube opening is open, the sealing cover rotates and overlaps with the mating shell, thus occupying less space.

[0011] Preferably, a torsion spring is provided on the rotating shaft of the sealing cover. In its natural state, the sealing cover closes the upper opening of the ferry tube. A control rope is fixedly connected to the sealing cover, and one end of the control rope is fixedly connected to the sealing cover. When the control rope is tensioned, a pulling force is applied to the sealing cover to make it flip towards the mating shell.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the rotation of the closed cover can be controlled by pulling the control rope, while in the natural state, the torsion spring can keep the closed cover in the posture of closing the opening of the ferry tube.

[0013] Preferably, the automatic cover opening mechanism includes a pull rope clamp connected to a conveyor frame. The pull rope clamp has a receiving groove with the opening of the groove being a locking slot. A force-receiving ball is fixedly connected to the end of the control rope away from the closed cover. The receiving groove allows the force-receiving ball to enter. The width of the receiving groove is greater than the diameter of the force-receiving ball, and the diameter of the force-receiving ball is greater than the width of the locking slot. The length direction of the receiving groove is consistent with the movement direction of the oscillating tube. An elastic stop is fixedly connected to the pull rope clamp at the opening of the receiving groove near the detection point, and the elastic stop abuts against the force-receiving ball.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, during the movement of the ferry tube, the force-bearing ball can enter the receiving groove, and the elastic block will block the position of the force-bearing ball, thereby generating tension in the control rope to control the rotation of the sealing cover.

[0015] Preferably, a suspension body is connected between the conveyor rope and the ferry tube. The suspension body is a suspension chain, which includes several joint units. Two adjacent joint units are hinged to each other. The axis of the hinge axis is parallel to the length direction of the conveyor rope. The connection point between the suspension body and the ferry tube is located on one side of the ferry tube's travel direction.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the swing cylinder has a high degree of freedom in swinging left and right during the transmission process, but a low degree of freedom in swinging forward and backward, which is conducive to the swing cylinder smoothly crossing the transmission wheel during operation.

[0017] Preferably, the automatic opening mechanism further includes a correction component, which includes a correction frame and a cooperating rod. The correction frame is fixedly connected to the conveyor frame, and the cooperating rod is connected to the side wall of the ferry tube. The cooperating rod is a T-shaped rod. The correction frame has a first correction groove with a T-shaped cross-section. The first correction groove is for the cooperating rod to be inserted. The length direction of the first correction groove is consistent with the moving direction of the ferry tube. There are two first correction grooves and two cooperating rods. The pull rope clamp is located between two first correction grooves, and the force-receiving ball is located between two cooperating rods.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, when the rod is embedded in the first correction groove, the correction frame and the swing cylinder have a high degree of relative position certainty, which is conducive to improving the smoothness of the interaction between the force ball and the receiving groove.

[0019] Preferably, the ferry tube is coaxially fitted with an abutment ring, and the correction frame is provided with a second correction groove for the abutment ring to be inserted into; the mating rod is slidably connected to the ferry tube in a horizontal direction, and a tension spring is connected between the mating rod and the ferry tube; when the mating rod is inserted into the first correction groove, the outer edge of the abutment ring abuts against the bottom of the second correction groove; a transition sleeve is fitted on the mating rod, and the transition sleeve rolls against the inner wall of the first correction groove.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the presence of the abutment ring and the transition sleeve enables rolling contact between the swing cylinder and the correction frame, reducing the friction between them and improving the smoothness of the swing cylinder passing through the correction frame.

[0021] Preferably, the material feeding assembly includes a control rod and a sealing disc. The control rod is hinged to the transfer cylinder, and the sealing disc is fixedly connected to the control rod. A sealing magnet is connected to the transfer cylinder. The sealing magnet attracts the control rod. When the sealing magnet abuts against the control rod, the sealing disc seals the lower end of the transfer cylinder.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, under natural conditions, the sealing magnet keeps the control rod in a state that seals the bottom opening of the transfer tube, and the sample is stably present in the transfer tube. At the detection point, the transfer tube can be opened simply by moving the control rod to separate it from the sealing magnet.

[0023] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0024] 1. By setting up a sealing cap and an automatic opening mechanism, during transportation, the sealing cap closes the upper opening of the transfer tube, reducing the connection between the internal and external spaces of the transfer tube, thereby reducing the negative impact of adverse external environmental factors on the samples inside. At the production site, the automatic opening mechanism controls the movement of the sealing cap to open the upper opening of the transfer tube, making it easier for the operator to put the samples inside.

[0025] 2. By setting up the correction component, when the ferry tube moves to the automatic opening mechanism, the correction component can improve the smoothness of the cooperation between the force ball and the pull rope clamp, and improve the smoothness of automatically opening the upper opening of the ferry tube. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automated carrying system for a chemical sample transfer device, as shown in the embodiments of this application.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the ferry tube at the automatic opening mechanism in the embodiments of this application.

[0028] Figure 3This is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the ferry tube at the automatic opening mechanism in the embodiments of this application.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperative structure of the rope clamp and the force-receiving ball in the embodiments of this application.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Conveying system; 11. Conveying frame; 12. Conveying rope; 13. Conveying wheel; 14. Production area; 15. Inspection area; 2. Shuttle tube; 21. Suspension body; 211. Joint unit; 22. Feeding assembly; 221. Control rod; 222. Sealing magnet; 223. Sealing disc; 23. Abutment ring; 24. Mating shell; 25. Sealing cover; 251. Control rope; 252. Force ball; 3. Automatic cover opening mechanism; 31. Pull rope clamp; 311. Receiving groove; 312. Locking slot; 32. Elastic stop; 33. Correction assembly; 331. Correction frame; 332. First correction groove; 333. Second correction groove; 334. Mating rod; 335. Tension spring; 336. Transition sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-4 This application will be described in further detail.

[0032] This application discloses an automated carrying system for a chemical sample transfer device, such as... Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the system includes a conveying system 1 and a transfer cylinder 2. The conveying system 1 includes a conveyor frame 11 and a conveyor rope 12. Several conveyor wheels 13 are rotatably mounted on the conveyor frame 11 for the conveyor rope 12 to pass over. The two ends along the travel direction of the conveyor rope 12 are a production area 14 and a testing area 15, respectively. The transfer cylinder 2 is suspended and connected to the transfer rope. The transfer cylinder 2 is used to load samples and transport them from the production area 14 to the testing area 15 as the conveyor rope 12 travels. In its natural state, the length direction of the transfer cylinder 2 is vertical. The upper opening is used to place samples at the production area 14, and the lower opening is used to discharge samples at the testing area 15.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, the ferry cylinder 2 is equipped with a feeding assembly 22 for controlling the opening and closing of its lower end opening. The feeding assembly 22 includes a control rod 221, a sealing disc 223, and a sealing magnet 222. The control rod 221 is hinged to the ferry cylinder 2, the sealing disc 223 is fixedly connected to the control rod 221, and the sealing magnet 222 is fixedly connected to the ferry cylinder 2. The sealing magnet 222 exerts an attractive force on the control rod 221. When the sealing magnet 222 abuts against the control rod 221, the sealing disc 223 closes the lower end opening of the ferry cylinder 2. A suspension body 21 connects the conveyor rope 12 and the ferry tube 2. The suspension body 21 is a suspension chain, which includes several joint units 211. Two joint units 211 are hinged to each other, and the axis of the hinge is parallel to the length direction of the conveyor rope 12. That is, during the conveying process, the ferry tube 2 has a high degree of freedom to swing left and right, but a low degree of freedom to swing forward and backward, which is beneficial for the ferry tube 2 to smoothly cross the conveyor wheel 13 during operation. The connection point between the suspension body 21 and the ferry tube 2 is located on one side of the ferry tube 2's travel direction. The control rod 221 is located on the side of the ferry tube 2 away from the suspension body 21. The rotation axis of the control rod 221 is horizontal and perpendicular to the travel direction of the ferry tube 2. At the detection point 15, only a backward thrust needs to be applied to the control rod 221 to rotate it and open the lower end of the ferry tube 2.

[0034] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, a mating shell 24 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the transfer tube 2, and a sealing cover 25 is movably connected to the transfer tube 2. The sealing cover 25 and the mating shell 24 cooperate to close the upper opening of the transfer tube 2. The production area 14 is equipped with an automatic opening mechanism 3, which controls the movement of the sealing cover 25 relative to the transfer tube 2 to open the upper opening of the transfer tube 2, providing convenience for the operator to place samples into the transfer tube 2 in the production area 14. The sealing cover 25 is hinged to the transfer tube 2. Both the mating shell 24 and the sealing cover 25 are quarter-spherical. The axial direction of the rotation axis of the sealing cover 25 is the radial direction of the transfer tube 2. The centers of the shapes of the mating shell 24 and the sealing cover 25 are located on the rotation axis of the sealing cover 25. When the sealing cover 25 closes the upper opening of the transfer tube 2, in the axial projection along the transfer tube 2, the mating shell 24 and the sealing cover 25 are two semicircles, and the two semicircles fit together to fill the inner cavity of the transfer tube 2. After the sealing cover 25 is rotated 85° toward the mating shell 24, the sealing cover 25 can open the upper opening of the ferry tube 2. At this time, the outer wall of the sealing cover 25 faces the inner wall of the mating shell 24. A torsion spring (not shown in the figure) is provided on the rotation shaft of the sealing cover 25. In its natural state, the sealing cover 25 closes the upper opening of the ferry tube 2.

[0035] like Figure 3As shown, a control rope 251 is fixedly connected to the sealing cover 25. One end of the control rope 251 is fixedly connected to the sealing cover 25, and the other end is fixedly connected to a force-receiving ball 252. If the control rope 251 is pulled at one end of the force-receiving ball 252, the control rope 251 will be in a taut state, and a pulling force can be applied to the sealing cover 25 to make the sealing cover 25 flip towards the mating shell 24. The force-receiving ball 252 is located outside the swing cylinder 2. When the sealing cover 25 closes the upper opening of the swing cylinder 2, the force-receiving ball 252 abuts against the outer wall of the swing cylinder 2.

[0036] like Figure 2 and 3As shown, the automatic opening mechanism 3 includes a pull rope clamp 31 and a correction assembly 33. The correction assembly 33 includes a correction frame 331 and a cooperating rod 334. The correction frame 331 is fixedly connected to the conveyor frame 11, and the pull rope clamp 31 is fixedly connected to the correction frame 331. The cooperating rod 334 is slidably connected to the side wall of the transfer tube 2, and the sliding direction is radial to the transfer tube 2. The cooperating rod 334 and the force-receiving ball 252 are located on the same side of the transfer tube 2. The cooperating rod 334 is a T-shaped rod. The correction frame 331 has a first correction groove 332 for the cooperating rod 334 to be inserted. The cross-section of the first correction groove 332 is T-shaped, and the length direction of the first correction groove 332 is consistent with the moving direction of the transfer tube 2. A tension spring 335 is connected between the cooperating rod 334 and the transfer tube 2. When the transfer tube 2 passes the correction frame 331, the cooperating rod 334 enters the first correction groove 332. The number of first correction grooves 332 and the number of cooperating rods 334 are both two, with the two cooperating rods 334 located on the upper and lower sides of the force-receiving ball 252, respectively. A rope clamp 31 is located between the two first correction grooves 332, and a receiving groove 311 is provided on the rope clamp 31. The length direction of the receiving groove 311 is consistent with the moving direction of the swing cylinder 2, and the opening of the receiving groove 311 is a locking slot 312. The width of the receiving groove 311 is greater than the diameter of the force-receiving ball 252, and the diameter of the force-receiving ball 252 is greater than the width of the locking slot 312. After the cooperating rods 334 enter the first correction grooves 332, the swing cylinder 2 continues to move, and the force-receiving ball 252 can then enter the receiving groove 311. A rubber elastic block 32 is fixedly connected to the pull rope clamp 31 at the opening of the receiving groove 311 near the detection point 15. In its natural state, the elastic block 32 blocks half of the opening of the receiving groove 311, leaving insufficient space for the force-bearing ball 252 to pass through smoothly. When the ferry tube 2 moves to the point where the force-bearing ball 252 comes into contact with the elastic block 32, the force-bearing ball 252 temporarily stops while the ferry tube 2 continues to move. The control rope 251 then gains tension, allowing the sealing cover 25 to rotate and the upper opening of the ferry tube 2 to open. As the ferry tube 2 continues to move, it applies tension to the force-bearing ball 252 through the control rope 251. The elastic block 32 deforms, and the passage space at the opening of the receiving groove 311 continuously expands until the force-bearing ball 252 can finally pass through. After the force-bearing ball 252 leaves the receiving groove 311, the sealing cover 25 returns to its original position under the action of the torsion spring, and the upper opening of the ferry tube 2 closes again.

[0037] like Figure 2 and 3As shown, to improve the smoothness of the movement of the shuttle tube 2 as it passes through the correction frame 331, a contact ring 23 is coaxially fitted onto the shuttle tube 2, and a second correction groove 333 is formed on the correction frame 331 for the contact ring 23 to be inserted into. A transition sleeve 336 is fitted onto the mating rod 334, with the axis of the transition sleeve 336 parallel to the axis of the shuttle tube 2. After the mating rod 334 enters the first correction groove 332, the side wall of the transition sleeve 336 rolls against the inner wall of the first correction groove 332. Thus, the correction frame 331 can apply a pulling force to the shuttle tube 2 through the mating rod 334, causing it to move towards itself. The outer circumferential wall of the contact ring 23 always rolls against the bottom of the second correction groove 333, improving the relative distance stability between the shuttle tube 2 and the correction frame 331 and the stability of the shuttle tube 2's own movement throughout the process. The number of abutment rings 23 and second correction grooves 333 are both two, and the connection points of force ball 252, suspension body 21 and swing tube 2 are all located between the two abutment rings 23.

[0038] The implementation principle of an automated carrying system for a chemical sample transfer device according to an embodiment of this application is as follows:

[0039] When the transfer tube 2 moves to the correction frame 331, the upper opening of the transfer tube 2 opens under the action of the automatic opening mechanism 3, allowing the operator at the production station 14 to place the sample into the transfer tube 2. After the transfer tube 2 leaves the production station 14, the sealing cover 25 naturally closes the upper opening of the transfer tube 2. Throughout the entire process from the production station 14 to the testing station 15, the internal space of the transfer tube 2 remains relatively enclosed. At the testing station 15, a simple structure is set up or the operator manually moves the control lever 221 to open the lower opening of the transfer tube 2, allowing the sample to fall and completing the sampling operation, thus facilitating the long-distance transport of the sample.

[0040] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An automated carrying system for a chemical sample transfer device, comprising a transfer cylinder (2) and a transfer system (1), wherein the transfer system (1) comprises a transfer frame (11) and a transfer rope (12), wherein a transfer wheel (13) is rotatably mounted on the transfer frame (11) for the transfer rope (12) to pass over, and the two ends along the travel direction of the transfer rope (12) are respectively a production point (14) and a testing point (15), wherein the transfer cylinder (2) is suspended and connected to the transfer rope, wherein both the upper and lower ends of the transfer cylinder (2) are open, and the transfer cylinder (2) is provided with a discharge assembly (22) for controlling the opening or closing of its lower cylinder opening, characterized in that: A sealing cover (25) is movably connected to the ferry tube (2). The sealing cover (25) is used to close the upper opening of the ferry tube (2). The production area (14) is provided with an automatic opening mechanism (3). The automatic opening mechanism (3) is used to control the sealing cover (25) to move relative to the ferry tube (2) to open the upper opening of the ferry tube (2). The upper end of the ferry tube (2) is fixedly connected to a mating shell (24), and the closing cover (25) is hinged to the ferry tube (2). Both the mating shell (24) and the closing cover (25) are quarter-spherical. The axial direction of the rotation axis of the closing cover (25) is the radial direction of the ferry tube (2). The center of the shape of the mating shell (24) and the closing cover (25) are both located on the rotation axis of the closing cover (25). When the closing cover (25) opens the upper end of the ferry tube (2), the outer wall of the closing cover (25) faces the inner wall of the mating shell (24). The rotating shaft of the closed cover (25) is provided with a torsion spring. In its natural state, the closed cover (25) closes the upper opening of the ferry tube (2). A control rope (251) is fixedly connected to the closed cover (25). One end of the control rope (251) is fixedly connected to the closed cover (25). When the control rope (251) is tensioned, a pulling force is applied to the closed cover (25) to make the closed cover (25) flip toward the mating shell (24). The automatic lid opening mechanism (3) includes a pull rope clamp (31), which is connected to the conveyor frame (11). The pull rope clamp (31) has a receiving groove (311), and the opening of the receiving groove (311) is a locking slot (312). The end of the control rope (251) away from the closing lid (25) is fixedly connected to a force-receiving ball (252). The receiving groove (311) allows the force-receiving ball (252) to enter. The width of the groove (311) is greater than the diameter of the force ball (252), the diameter of the force ball (252) is greater than the width of the locking slot (312), the length direction of the receiving groove (311) is consistent with the moving direction of the ferry tube (2), and an elastic stop (32) is fixedly connected to the pull rope clamp (31) at the groove opening of the receiving groove (311) near the detection point (15), and the elastic stop (32) abuts against the force ball (252); A suspension body (21) is connected between the conveyor rope (12) and the ferry tube (2). The suspension body (21) is a suspension chain, which includes several joint units (211). Two adjacent joint units (211) are hinged to each other. The axis of the hinge axis is parallel to the length direction of the conveyor rope (12). The connection point between the suspension body (21) and the ferry tube (2) is located on one side of the travel direction of the ferry tube (2). The automatic opening mechanism (3) further includes a correction component (33), which includes a correction frame (331) and a cooperating rod (334). The correction frame (331) is fixedly connected to the conveyor frame (11), and the cooperating rod (334) is connected to the side wall of the ferry tube (2). The cooperating rod (334) is a T-shaped rod. The correction frame (331) is provided with a first correction groove (332). The first correction groove (332) has a T-shaped cross section. The first correction groove (332) is for the cooperating rod (334) to be inserted. The length direction of the first correction groove (332) is consistent with the moving direction of the ferry tube (2). The number of first correction grooves (332) and the number of cooperating rods (334) are both two. The pull rope clamp (31) is located between the two first correction grooves (332), and the force ball (252) is located between the two cooperating rods (334).

2. The automated carrying system for a chemical sample transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ferry tube (2) is coaxially fitted with an abutment ring (23), and the correction frame (331) is provided with a second correction groove (333), which is used for the abutment ring (23) to be inserted. The mating rod (334) and the swing cylinder (2) are slidably connected in the horizontal direction. A tension spring (335) is connected between the mating rod (334) and the swing cylinder (2). When the mating rod (334) is embedded in the first correction groove (332), the outer edge of the abutment ring (23) abuts against the bottom of the second correction groove (333). A transition sleeve (336) is sleeved on the mating rod (334), and the transition sleeve (336) rolls against the inner wall of the first correction groove (332).

3. An automated carrier system for chemical sample delivery devices according to claim 1, wherein: The feeding assembly (22) includes a control rod (221) and a sealing disc (223). The control rod (221) is hinged to the swing cylinder (2), and the sealing disc (223) is fixedly connected to the control rod (221). A sealing magnet (222) is connected to the swing cylinder (2). The sealing magnet (222) attracts the control rod (221). When the sealing magnet (222) abuts against the control rod (221), the sealing disc (223) seals the lower end of the swing cylinder (2).

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