Multi-station ultrasonic scanning mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of ultrasonic scanning, in particular to a multi-station ultrasonic scanning mechanism which comprises a water tank, an ultrasonic probe is arranged in the water tank, a detection frame is arranged in the water tank, a taking and placing frame is arranged at one end of the water tank, a detection frame used for bearing a to-be-detected sample is arranged on the taking and placing frame, and a moving frame is slidably connected into the water tank. A bubble removing mechanism located above the detection frame is arranged on the movable frame. The manipulator places a to-be-detected sample in the detection frame, the detection frame is placed on the pick-and-place rack, the movable rack moves to the pick-and-place rack and moves the pick-and-place rack towards the detection rack, and in the moving process, the bubble removing mechanism is synchronously started, and bubbles of the to-be-detected sample are removed while transferring is carried out; after the bubbles on the sample to be detected are removed, the ultrasonic detection can be immediately carried out. The bubble removing mechanism and transferring are synchronously carried out, so that the time of one procedure is saved, and the working efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of ultrasonic scanning, and in particular to a multi-station ultrasonic scanning mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasonic scanning microscopy (SAT) is a machine that uses pure water as a medium to transmit ultrasonic signals and detects materials of different densities by utilizing the different reflection rates and energies of high-frequency ultrasonic waves. During testing, a fixture containing the parts is placed in a water tank, and the ultrasonic probe is used for inspection.

[0003] Related technology can be found in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN116539716A, which discloses an ultrasonic scanning device. The ultrasonic scanning device includes a worktable, an ultrasonic probe, a driving device, a water tank, and a filtering device. The ultrasonic probe is movably mounted on the worktable and is used to detect the sample. The driving device is mounted on the worktable and can drive the ultrasonic probe to move on the worktable. The water tank is installed on the worktable and has a support mechanism for placing the sample. The filtering device is connected to the water tank and is used to remove impurities from the liquid in the water tank.

[0004] Current ultrasonic scanning devices typically use a movable carrier to transport the sample to a water tank, then a de-bubbling mechanism removes air bubbles from the sample surface before the ultrasonic probe performs the detection. The entire process involves transport, de-bubbling, re-transport, and scanning, each step requiring independent execution, resulting in significant time consumption and low efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a multi-station ultrasonic scanning mechanism.

[0006] The multi-station ultrasonic scanning mechanism provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: A multi-station ultrasonic scanning mechanism includes a water tank, an ultrasonic probe inside the water tank, a detection frame located below the ultrasonic probe inside the water tank, a pick-and-place frame located at the end of the water tank away from the ultrasonic probe, a detection frame for carrying the sample to be tested on the pick-and-place frame, a movable frame for transferring the detection frame slidably connected inside the water tank, the movable frame reciprocating between the detection frame and the pick-and-place frame, and a de-bubbling mechanism located above the detection frame on the movable frame.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the robotic arm places the sample to be inspected into the inspection frame, which is then placed on the pick-and-place rack. A moving frame moves to the pick-and-place rack and then towards the inspection rack. During this movement, the bubble removal mechanism is simultaneously activated, removing bubbles from the sample while it is being transported. When the moving frame places the inspection frame onto the inspection rack, the bubbles on the sample are completely removed, and ultrasonic testing can be performed immediately. This application synchronizes the bubble removal mechanism with the transport process, thus saving one step of time and improving work efficiency.

[0008] Preferably, the detection frame has movable bars fixed on both sides above it, and there is an movable gap between the movable bars and the detection frame. The movable frame is provided with pick-and-place bars that are directly opposite the movable gap and cooperate with the movable bars.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, when the detection frame is placed on the detection rack or pick-and-place rack, the bottom of the detection frame abuts against the rack or pick-and-place rack. When the moving frame transfers the detection frame, as the detection frame moves horizontally above it, the pick-and-place bar is inserted from the movable gap to the bottom of the moving bar. As the moving frame rises, the pick-and-place bar moves upward simultaneously, contacting the bottom of the moving bar and lifting the entire detection frame through the moving bar, thus separating it from the detection rack or pick-and-place rack, thereby facilitating the transfer of the detection frame by the moving frame.

[0010] Preferably, the debubbling mechanism includes a fixed plate fixed to a movable frame, a water spray pipe located above the detection frame on the fixed plate, a plurality of water spray holes on the lower surface of the water spray pipe, an inlet pipe connected to the upper part of the water spray pipe, and a control valve on the inlet pipe.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, when the mobile frame transports the test frame, the control valve synchronously controls the water inlet pipe to open, and water enters the water spray pipe and is sprayed out through the water spray hole to form a water column on the test frame, which washes away the air bubbles on the sample to be tested.

[0012] Preferably, the upper surface of the pick-and-place bar is provided with several positioning grooves, and the lower surface of the moving bar is fixed with several positioning blocks that cooperate with the positioning grooves. The size of the positioning groove is larger than the size of the positioning block. Several moving rollers are rotatably connected to the bottom of the positioning groove. A contact switch electrically connected to the control valve is provided on the side of the positioning groove away from the detection frame.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, when the moving frame contacts and transfers the detection frame, the positioning block is inserted into the positioning groove. When the moving frame transports the detection frame from the pick-up / placement rack towards the detection rack, due to inertia, the detection frame remains relatively stationary with respect to the water tank at the moment the moving frame moves. That is, the detection frame moves away from the detection rack relative to the moving frame. At this time, the positioning block triggers the contact switch, and the control valve opens the water inlet pipe, thus initiating air bubble removal. However, when the moving frame transfers the detection frame from the detection rack to the pick-up / placement rack, at the moment of transfer, the detection frame moves towards the detection rack relative to it, thus not triggering the contact switch. Therefore, the control valve does not open, and air bubble removal is not performed. The moving rollers reduce the friction of the positioning block within the positioning groove, facilitating the sliding of the positioning block to trigger the contact switch. With the help of the moving rollers and contact switches, the bubble removal mechanism automatically starts when the moving frame transports the test box toward the test frame. Once the test box has been tested and no more bubbles need to be removed, the bubble removal mechanism does not start again when the moving frame removes the test box from the test frame, making it convenient to use.

[0014] Preferably, the positioning groove has a horizontally arranged sliding groove on the side wall away from the detection frame, the bottom of the sliding groove is provided with a magnetic element, the contact switch is installed at the center of the magnetic element, and an electromagnet for pressing the contact switch is horizontally slidably connected in the sliding groove.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the electromagnet becomes magnetic when energized, and the magnetism is the same as that of the magnetic component facing the electromagnet, causing the electromagnet to move away from the magnetic component and the contact switch. Simultaneously, the electromagnet reduces the opening size of the positioning groove, improving the accuracy of the positioning block when inserted into the groove. When the positioning block presses against the electromagnet, the electromagnet is de-energized, and the electromagnet is attracted by the magnetic component towards the contact switch, eventually pressing against it and activating the bubble removal mechanism. After the moving frame separates from the detection frame, the electromagnet is energized again, separating from the contact switch and closing the bubble removal mechanism. Using an electromagnet to control the release and separation of the contact switch results in more stable control and greater ease of use.

[0016] Preferably, a vertical block is slidably connected in the positioning groove, and a vertical spring is connected between the vertical block and the bottom of the positioning groove. When the vertical spring is in its natural state, the vertical block is located at the top, and the movable roller is rotatably installed above the vertical block. The bottom of the positioning groove is provided with an energizing switch that cooperates with the vertical block and is used to control the electromagnet to turn on and off.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, when the moving frame lifts the detection frame, the positioning block inserts into the positioning groove and presses against the moving roller. The moving roller and the vertical block are pressed down, and the vertical block contacts the energizing switch, thereby controlling the electromagnet to be de-energized. When the moving frame contacts the detection frame, the electromagnet is de-energized, thus pressing against the contact switch to activate the bubble removal mechanism. When the moving frame separates from the detection frame, the vertical block rises under the action of the vertical spring, and the electromagnet is re-energized and separates from the contact switch. Through the setting of the vertical block, the electromagnet is automatically de-energized when the moving frame lifts the detection frame, and automatically energized when the moving frame separates from the detection frame, achieving automatic control and convenient use.

[0018] Preferably, the sum of the elastic forces of the vertical springs is greater than the weight of the detection frame when it is unloaded, but less than the weight of the detection frame when it is loaded.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, when the test frame is unloaded, the moving frame raises the test frame. Because the weight of the test frame is insufficient, the vertical block will not press down to the bottom, and thus will not trigger the energizing switch. The electromagnet remains energized and will not press against the contact switch. Only when the test frame is loaded with a sample will the vertical block press against the energizing switch, causing the electromagnet to disconnect the voltage and activate the bubble removal mechanism. By setting the vertical spring force, the load on the test frame is detected and controlled, thereby controlling the activation of the bubble removal mechanism, making it more convenient to use.

[0020] Preferably, a transfer frame located inside a water tank is provided between the testing frame and the pick-and-place frame.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, when both the pick-and-place rack and the inspection rack have inspection frames, the moving rack first transports the inspection frames from the pick-and-place rack to the transfer rack, then transfers the inspection frames from the inspection rack back to the pick-and-place rack, and finally transports the inspection frames from the transfer rack to the inspection rack for inspection. The transfer rack connects the pick-and-place rack and the inspection rack, and has three workstations. While one inspection frame is being inspected, the other inspection frames can be loaded and unloaded simultaneously at the pick-and-place rack, further improving work efficiency.

[0022] Preferably, the water tank has sliding guide rails on both sides along its length, and vertically arranged telescopic cylinders are slidably connected to the sliding guide rails. The two ends of the moving frame are respectively connected to the two telescopic cylinders.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the sliding guide rail drives the moving frame to slide, changing the horizontal position of the moving frame, and the telescopic cylinder drives the moving frame to move up and down, changing the vertical height of the moving frame. The two work together to realize the transfer of the detection frame.

[0024] In summary, this application includes the following beneficial technical effects: This application integrates the bubble removal mechanism with the transfer process, thereby saving the time of one step and improving work efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the detection box structure in the embodiment; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mobile frame in the embodiment; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the take-up and put-down strip in the embodiment.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Water tank; 11. Sliding guide rail; 12. Telescopic cylinder; 2. Ultrasonic probe; 3. Testing frame; 4. Pick-and-place frame; 5. Testing frame; 51. Moving bar; 52. Positioning block; 6. Moving frame; 61. Pick-and-place bar; 611. Positioning groove; 62. Moving roller; 63. Contact switch; 64. Sliding groove; 65. Magnetic component; 66. Electromagnet; 67. Vertical block; 68. Vertical spring; 69. Power switch; 7. Transfer frame; 81. Fixing plate; 82. Water spray pipe; 83. Water spray hole; 84. Water inlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to all the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Example This application discloses a multi-station ultrasonic scanning mechanism, referring to... Figure 1 The system includes a water tank 1 and a testing frame 5 for carrying the sample to be tested. Within the water tank 1, a pick-and-place rack 4, a transfer rack 7, and a testing frame 3 are arranged sequentially along its length from one end to the other. A movable frame 6, which slides between the pick-and-place rack 4, the transfer rack 7, and the testing frame 3, is also arranged along its length within the water tank 1. The movable frame 6 transports the testing frame 5 between these components. An ultrasonic probe 2 is located at the end of the water tank 1, above the testing frame 3.

[0029] Reference Figure 1An empty test frame 5 is first placed on the pick-and-place rack 4. An external robotic arm places the sample to be tested into the test frame 5. The moving rack 6 then transports the loaded test frame 5 to the test rack 3 for testing via the ultrasonic probe 2. During the transfer and testing process, the moving rack 6 places an empty test frame 5 back on the pick-and-place rack 4 and then fills it with the sample to be tested via the robotic arm. After being refilled, the test frame 5 that was originally being tested is basically tested. The moving rack 6 then transfers the untested test frames 5 from the pick-and-place rack 4 to the transfer rack 7, and then transfers the tested test frames 5 from the test rack 3 to the pick-and-place rack 4. The moving rack 6 then transfers the untested test frames 5 from the transfer rack 7 to the test rack 3 for testing. At the same time, the external robotic arm removes the tested sample from the test frame 5 and fills it with a new sample to be tested, repeating the process.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 Sliding guide rails 11 are provided on both sides of the water tank 1 along its length. Vertically arranged telescopic cylinders 12 are slidably connected to the sliding guide rails 11. The two ends of the moving frame 6 are respectively connected to the two telescopic cylinders 12. The sliding guide rails 11 drive the moving frame 6 to slide, changing the horizontal position of the moving frame 6. The telescopic cylinders 12 drive the moving frame 6 to move up and down, changing the vertical height of the moving frame 6.

[0031] Reference Figures 1 to 2 The detection frame 5 has two fixed movable bars 51 on its sides, located above the detection frame 5. A movable gap is formed between the movable bars 51 and the detection frame 5. The movable frame 6 is provided with a pick-and-place bar 61 that is directly opposite the movable gap and cooperates with the movable bars 51. The movable frame 6 slides horizontally above the detection frame 5, and the pick-and-place bar 61 slides into the movable gap to the underside of the movable bars 51. The movable frame 6 rises, and the pick-and-place bar 61 contacts the movable bars 51, lifting the detection frame 5 through the movable bars 51 to facilitate the transfer of the detection frame 5.

[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The movable frame 6 is equipped with a de-bubbling mechanism located above the detection frame 5. The de-bubbling mechanism includes a fixed plate 81 fixed to the movable frame 6, a water spray pipe 82 located above the detection frame 5 on the fixed plate 81, several water spray holes 83 on the lower surface of the water spray pipe 82, and a water inlet pipe 84 connected to the upper part of the water spray pipe 82, with a control valve on the water inlet pipe 84. When the movable frame 6 transports the detection frame 5 toward the detection frame 3, the de-bubbling mechanism is activated, water flows from the water inlet pipe 84 into the water spray pipe 82, and is sprayed out through the water spray holes 83, thereby removing air bubbles from the surface of the sample to be tested and ensuring the testing effect.

[0033] Reference Figures 1 to 4The upper surface of the pick-and-place bar 61 is provided with several positioning grooves 611, and the lower surface of the moving bar 51 is fixed with several positioning blocks 52 that cooperate with the positioning grooves 611. The size of the positioning grooves 611 is larger than the size of the positioning blocks 52. During the upward movement of the pick-and-place bar 61, the positioning blocks 52 are embedded in the positioning grooves 611. The positioning blocks 52 and the positioning grooves 611 cooperate with each other to improve the stability of the detection frame 5 during the transfer process.

[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 4 A vertical block 67 is vertically slidably connected within the positioning groove 611. A vertical spring 68 connects the vertical block 67 and the bottom of the positioning groove 611. When the vertical spring 68 is in its natural state, the vertical block 67 is at the top. Several movable rollers 62 are rotatably connected to the upper surface of the vertical block 67 for contacting the bottom of the positioning block 52. An energized switch 69 is provided at the bottom of the positioning groove 611. The total elastic force of the vertical springs 68 is greater than the weight of the detection frame 5 when unloaded, but less than the weight of the detection frame 5 when loaded.

[0035] Reference Figures 1 to 4 When the moving frame 6 is not in contact with the detection frame 5 or when the moving frame 6 is transporting the unloaded detection frame 5, the vertical block 67 is not in contact with the energized switch 69 under the action of the vertical spring 68. However, when the moving frame 6 is transporting the loaded detection frame 5, the vertical block 67 is compressed and overcomes the elastic force of the vertical spring 68 to descend and contact the energized switch 69.

[0036] Reference Figures 1 to 4 A horizontally arranged sliding groove 64 is formed on the side wall of the positioning groove 611 away from the detection frame 3. A magnetic element 65 is provided at the bottom of the sliding groove 64, and a contact switch 63 electrically connected to the control valve is installed at the center of the magnetic element 65. An electromagnet 66 for pressing the contact switch 63 is horizontally slidably connected in the sliding groove 64. The electromagnet 66 is electrically connected to an energized switch 69, which controls the on / off state of the electromagnet 66. The electromagnet 66 is in a normally energized state. It is only de-energized when the energized switch 69 is pressed, and it is energized again when the energized switch 69 is not pressed. When the electromagnet 66 is energized, the magnetism of the electromagnet 66 toward the magnetic element 65 is the same as the magnetism of the magnetic element 65 toward the electromagnet 66. When the electromagnet 66 is de-energized, the frictional force between the electromagnet 66 and the sliding groove 64 is greater than the magnetic force between the magnetic element 65 and the electromagnet 66.

[0037] Thus, when the moving frame 6 transports the load-bearing detection frame 5 towards the detection frame 3, the positioning block 52 inserts into the positioning groove 611 and abuts against the moving roller 62. The positioning block 52 presses down on the vertical block 67 until the vertical block 67 contacts the energized switch 69. At this time, the electromagnet 66 is de-energized, and there is no longer electromagnetic repulsion between the electromagnet 66 and the magnetic component 65. After the moving frame 6 lifts the detection frame 5, at the instant the moving frame 6 moves towards the detection frame 5, the detection frame 5 and the positioning block 52 slide and press against the electromagnet 66 under the action of inertia. The electromagnet 66 presses against the magnetic component 65 and finally abuts against the contact switch 63. The contact switch 63 drives the control valve to open, and water is introduced through the water inlet pipe 84 and finally discharged through the water spray hole 83 to remove air bubbles from the sample to be tested. That is, when the moving frame 6 transports the load-bearing detection frame 5 towards the detection frame 3, the air bubble removal mechanism automatically starts to remove air bubbles from the sample to be tested.

[0038] When the moving frame 6 transfers the detection frame 5 to the pick-and-place frame 4, the detection frame 5 and the positioning block 52 will move away from the electromagnet 66 due to inertia. At this time, even if the electromagnet 66 is de-energized, the positioning block 52 will not squeeze the electromagnet 66, and the electromagnet 66 will not press against the contact switch 63, so that the bubble removal mechanism will not be activated, thus avoiding repeated bubble removal operations on the already scanned sample and avoiding wasted work.

[0039] The implementation principle of a multi-station ultrasonic scanning mechanism according to an embodiment of this application is as follows: while the moving frame 6 transports the loaded detection frame 5 towards the detection frame 5, the bubble removal mechanism operates simultaneously, spraying water onto the sample surface to remove bubbles. When the sample detection is completed, and the moving frame 6 transfers the detection frame 5 towards the pick-and-place frame 4, the bubble removal mechanism no longer repeats its operation.

[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. A multi-station ultrasonic scanning mechanism, comprising a water tank (1), wherein an ultrasonic probe (2) is provided in the water tank (1), characterized in that: The water tank (1) is provided with a test rack (3) located below the ultrasonic probe (2). The end of the water tank (1) away from the ultrasonic probe (2) is provided with a pick-and-place rack (4). The pick-and-place rack (4) is provided with a test frame (5) for carrying the sample to be tested. A movable rack (6) for transferring the test frame (5) is slidably connected in the water tank (1). The movable rack (6) moves back and forth between the test rack (3) and the pick-and-place rack (4). The movable rack (6) is provided with a bubble removal mechanism located above the test frame (5).

2. The multi-station ultrasonic scanning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection frame (5) has movable bars (51) fixed on both sides above it. A movable gap is formed between the movable bars (51) and the detection frame (5). The movable frame (6) is provided with pick-up and put-down bars (61) that are directly opposite the movable gap and cooperate with the movable bars (51).

3. The multi-station ultrasonic scanning mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The de-bubbling mechanism includes a fixed plate (81) fixed on the movable frame (6), a water spray pipe (82) located above the detection frame (5) is provided on the fixed plate (81), a plurality of water spray holes (83) are provided on the lower surface of the water spray pipe (82), a water inlet pipe (84) is connected to the upper part of the water spray pipe (82), and a control valve is provided on the water inlet pipe (84).

4. The multi-station ultrasonic scanning mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The upper surface of the pick-and-place bar (61) is provided with a plurality of positioning grooves (611), and the lower surface of the moving bar (51) is fixed with a plurality of positioning blocks (52) that cooperate with the positioning grooves (611). The size of the positioning groove (611) is larger than the size of the positioning block (52). The bottom of the positioning groove (611) is rotatably connected with a plurality of moving rollers (62). The side of the positioning groove (611) away from the detection frame (3) is provided with a contact switch (63) that is electrically connected to the control valve.

5. A multi-station ultrasonic scanning mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The positioning groove (611) has a horizontally arranged sliding groove (64) on the side wall away from the detection frame (3). A magnetic element (65) is provided at the bottom of the sliding groove (64). The contact switch (63) is installed at the center of the magnetic element (65). An electromagnet (66) for squeezing the contact switch (63) is horizontally slidably connected in the sliding groove (64).

6. A multi-station ultrasonic scanning mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: A vertical block (67) is vertically slidably connected inside the positioning groove (611). A vertical spring (68) is connected between the vertical block (67) and the bottom of the positioning groove (611). When the vertical spring (68) is in its natural state, the vertical block (67) is located at the top. The moving roller (62) is rotatably installed above the vertical block (67). The bottom of the positioning groove (611) is provided with an energizing switch (69) that cooperates with the vertical block (67) and is used to control the on and off of the electromagnet (66).

7. A multi-station ultrasonic scanning mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sum of the elastic forces of the vertical springs (68) is greater than the weight of the detection frame (5) when it is unloaded, but less than the weight of the detection frame (5) when it is loaded.

8. The multi-station ultrasonic scanning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: A transfer frame (7) located inside the water tank (1) is provided between the testing frame (3) and the pick-up and drop-off frame (4).

9. A multi-station ultrasonic scanning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water tank (1) has sliding guide rails (11) on both sides along the length of the water tank (1). Vertical telescopic cylinders (12) are slidably connected to the sliding guide rails (11). The two ends of the moving frame (6) are respectively connected to the two telescopic cylinders (12).

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