Automatic sampling device

Abstract

The application provides an automatic sampling device, which is suitable for automatically sampling containers and comprises a casing, a bearing module, a power module, a working module and a controller. The bearing module comprises a driving member and a bearing seat. The driving member is linearly arranged in the casing along a first direction. The bearing seat is connected to the driving member and can rotate around the first direction under the driving of the driving member. The power module is connected to the driving member to drive the driving member to displace along the first direction. The working module is arranged on the displacement path of the bearing module and comprises a cleaning unit, a sampling unit and a bottle cap opening and closing unit. The cleaning unit, the sampling unit and the bottle cap opening and closing unit are arranged at intervals. The controller is electrically connected to the driving unit and the working module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This case relates to sampling devices, particularly an automatic sampling device. Background Technology

[0002] In manufacturing processes across various fields, diverse solutions are frequently used. In the semiconductor industry, a wide variety of chemical solutions are commonly employed in the manufacturing process. As semiconductor precision has advanced to the nanometer level, each step in the process significantly impacts yield. To ensure yield, the quality of the chemical solutions used in the process must be strictly controlled. Therefore, regular testing of the chemicals used in the process is essential to guarantee their quality (e.g., cleanliness).

[0003] In order to sample chemicals used in the manufacturing process, the samples are usually placed in containers and sent to the testing party for testing. In order to ensure that the obtained samples are consistent with the samples used in the process, the containers must be cleaned before loading the samples to ensure that there are no other possible components remaining in the containers before the samples can be loaded.

[0004] The conventional sampling method involves manually cleaning containers before sampling. Even with a meticulously designed cleaning process, slight variations can occur between the same operator and the same sampling procedure, let alone when performed by different operators. Therefore, it is difficult to standardize the steps in a conventional sampling process, making it impossible to fully guarantee the consistency of the obtained sample with the sample used in the process. This can affect the accuracy of subsequent testing and judgment, hindering precise judgment during solution control and potentially introducing uncertainty into the process, thus requiring improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an automatic sampling device suitable for automatically sampling from a transfer container, comprising a housing, a carrier module, a power module, a working module, and a controller. The carrier module includes a drive component and a support. The drive component is linearly displaceable within the housing along a first direction. The support is connected to the drive component and is able to rotate around the first direction under the drive component's influence. The power module is connected to the drive component to drive its displacement along the first direction. The working module is disposed along the displacement path of the carrier module and includes a cleaning unit, a sampling unit, and a bottle cap opening / closing unit, which are spaced apart. The controller is electrically connected to the drive unit and the working module.

[0006] In this way, the automatic sampling device can automatically complete the pre-sampling and sampling work within the casing, standardizing the sampling process. This not only avoids contamination during sampling but also improves sampling efficiency and ensures consistency. The carrier module carries the container and completes the automatic sampling work through linear displacement, which reduces the overall size of the automatic sampling device and improves its applicability to different environments.

[0007] In some embodiments, the direction perpendicular to the first direction is the second direction, and the power module and the load-bearing module are located in different positions in the second direction within the housing.

[0008] In some embodiments, the aforementioned housing further includes a first partition extending along a first direction and parallel to the support module. The first partition has an elongated hole extending along the first direction. The support module and the power module are located on opposite sides of the first partition, and the power module is connected to the drive unit through the elongated hole.

[0009] In some embodiments, the aforementioned load-bearing module further includes a housing, a drive unit housed within the housing, a support located outside the housing, and a power module connected to the housing.

[0010] In some embodiments, the aforementioned support includes a fixed base and a clamping member, the fixed base being connected to a driving member, and the clamping member being linearly displaceable along a first direction and disposed on one side of the fixed base.

[0011] In some embodiments, the aforementioned housing further includes a second partition, which is located on the same side of the first partition as the support module. One end of the second partition is connected to the first partition at an angle and has a passage opening, and the working module is located on one side of the second partition.

[0012] In some embodiments, the aforementioned support module can be sequentially displaced along a first direction between a first position, a second position, a third position, and a fourth position. When the support module is in the first position, the support seat is located on the other side of the second partition through the through-hole.

[0013] In some embodiments, the aforementioned automatic sampling device further includes a door panel and a drive assembly. The drive assembly is disposed in the housing, and the door panel is connected to the drive assembly. The drive assembly can drive the door panel to move in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction to open and close the passage.

[0014] In some embodiments, the aforementioned drive assembly includes a gear, a rack, and a power source. The gear is rotatably mounted on the housing, the rack is fixed to the door panel along a third-order extension and meshes with the gear, and the power source is connected to the gear.

[0015] In some embodiments, the aforementioned bottle cap opening and closing unit includes a lifting module, a rotating module, and a clamping module. The lifting module is fixed to the housing, the rotating module is connected to the lifting module, and the clamping module is connected to the rotating module.

[0016] In some embodiments, the aforementioned lifting module has a slide table that can slide along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and the rotating module is connected to the slide table.

[0017] In some embodiments, the aforementioned rotation module includes a motor and a drive shaft. The motor is fixed to the slide, the drive shaft is connected to the motor and can rotate about a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the clamping module is connected to the drive shaft.

[0018] In some embodiments, the aforementioned clamping module includes a kit and two clamping members, the kit having a sleeve, and each clamping member being linearly displaceable and disposed on opposite sides within the sleeve.

[0019] In some embodiments, the automatic sampling device further includes two slider groups, respectively disposed on the side of the first partition away from the support module. Each slider group includes multiple sliders and multiple limiting members. The sliders are parallel to each other and at least partially overlap each other. Each slider has a groove opened along a first direction. Each limiting member can slide through the groove of two adjacent sliders. The slider closest to the first partition is fixed to the support module, and the slider furthest from the first partition is fixed to the housing.

[0020] In some embodiments, the aforementioned housing further includes a fourth partition, which is disposed parallel to and spaced apart from the first partition on the side away from the load-bearing module, and each sliding plate assembly is located between the first partition and the fourth partition. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall appearance of an embodiment of the automatic sampling device of this application.

[0022] Figure 2 For along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view drawn with section line 2-2 in the middle.

[0023] Figure 3 The carrier module of an embodiment of the automatic sampling device of this application is located in the first position and along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view drawn with section line 3-3 in the middle.

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of section 4 selected in the middle circle.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the support for the automatic sampling device of this application.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the carrier module located at the second and third positions in an embodiment of the automatic sampling device of this application.

[0027] Figure 7This is a cross-sectional view of the carrier module in the fourth position, representing an embodiment of the automatic sampling device of this application.

[0028] Figure 8 This is another perspective on an embodiment of the automatic sampling device of this application and along Figure 1 Sectional view drawn with secant line 8-8 Figure 1 .

[0029] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another embodiment of the automatic sampling device of this application.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of an embodiment of the cleaning unit of the automatic sampling device of this application.

[0031] Figure 11 Another cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the automatic sampling device of this application. Figure 2 .

[0032] Figure 12 Another cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the automatic sampling device of this application. Figure 3 .

[0033] Figure 13 for Figure 8 A magnified view of a section of point 13 selected in the middle circle.

[0034] Figure 14 for Figure 11 A magnified view of a section selected from the center circle (14).

[0035] Figure 15 for Figure 9 A magnified sectional view of section 15 selected in the center circle.

[0036] In the attached figures, the following labels are used:

[0037] 10: Chassis

[0038] 11: Wall

[0039] 12: First partition

[0040] 121: Long hole

[0041] 13: Second partition

[0042] 131: Through the mouth

[0043] 14: Third partition

[0044] 141: Incision

[0045] 15: Fourth partition

[0046] 16: Platform

[0047] 17: Acceptance

[0048] 171: Incline

[0049] 20: Bearing Module

[0050] 21: Drive components

[0051] 211: Drive shaft

[0052] 22: Support

[0053] 221: Fixture

[0054] 2211: First side wall

[0055] 22111: First bearing section

[0056] 2212: Bottom

[0057] 2213: Second side wall

[0058] 22131: Tongkou

[0059] 222: Clamping component

[0060] 2221: Second bearing section

[0061] 223: Linkage

[0062] 23: Box

[0063] 30: Power Module

[0064] 31: Power Components

[0065] 32: Linear Guidance Component

[0066] 33: Follower

[0067] 40: Working Module

[0068] 41: Cleaning Unit

[0069] 411: Sprayer Head

[0070] 412: Cleaning fluid supply module

[0071] 413: Drying Module

[0072] 42: Sampling Unit

[0073] 421: Sampling Head

[0074] 422: Sample Providing Module

[0075] 43: Bottle cap opening and closing unit

[0076] 431: Lifting Module

[0077] 4311:Slide

[0078] 432: Rotation Module

[0079] 4321: Motor

[0080] 4322: Drive shaft

[0081] 433: Clamping Module

[0082] 4331: Kit

[0083] 43311: Socket

[0084] 4332: Clamping component

[0085] 50: Controller

[0086] 61: Door panel

[0087] 62: Driven components

[0088] 621: Gear

[0089] 622: rack and pinion

[0090] 623: Power Source

[0091] 70: Slider assembly

[0092] 71: Slider

[0093] 711: Slide

[0094] 72: Limiting component

[0095] C: Container

[0096] C1: Bottle body

[0097] C2: Bottle cap

[0098] D1: First Direction

[0099] D2: Second Direction

[0100] D3: Third direction

[0101] P1: First position

[0102] P2: Second position

[0103] P3: Third position

[0104] P4: Fourth Position

[0105] M: Monitor Detailed Implementation

[0106] Before this application is described in detail in its various embodiments, please note that the drawings in the following description are for illustrative purposes only and may not be drawn to scale, and not all details may be shown in the drawings.

[0107] The orientations or similar terms used in this application, such as "front," "back," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," and "side," indicate the directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the diagrams. They are only for the purpose of facilitating explanation and understanding and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, or be used to limit this application.

[0108] The use of the quantifiers "a" or "an" for components and parts described in this application is for convenience and to provide the general meaning of the scope of this invention; it should be interpreted in this application as including one or at least one, and a single concept also includes multiple cases, unless it clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0109] The terms "combination," "integration," or "assembly" used in this application mainly include those that can be separated without damaging the components after connection, or those that make the components inseparable after connection. Those skilled in the art can choose the appropriate term based on the material of the components to be connected or the assembly requirements.

[0110] See Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the overall appearance of an embodiment of the automatic sampling device of this application; Figure 2 For along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view drawn with section line 2-2 in the middle; Figure 3 The carrier module of an embodiment of the automatic sampling device of this application is located in the first position and along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view drawn along section line 3-3. The automatic sampling device is adapted to automatically complete sampling from the transfer container C. In some embodiments, the automatic sampling device can automatically load the desired sample into the container C, which includes a bottle body C1 and a cap C2 detachably disposed on the bottle body C1. In these embodiments, the desired sample may be a fluid-type chemical, but this invention is not limited thereto.

[0111] See Figures 1 to 3The automatic sampling device includes a housing 10, a support module 20, a power module 30, a working module 40, and a controller 50. The support module 20 includes a drive component 21 and a support 22. The drive component 21 is linearly displaceable within the housing 10 along a first direction D1. The support 22 is connected to the drive component 21 and is able to rotate around the first direction D1 under the drive component's influence. The power module 30 is connected to the drive component 21 to drive it to move along the first direction D1. The working module 40 is disposed on the displacement path of the support module 20 and includes a cleaning unit 41, a sampling unit 42, and a bottle cap opening / closing unit 43, which are spaced apart. The controller 50 is electrically connected to the drive component 21, the power module 30, and the working module 40.

[0112] In this way, the automatic sampling device can automatically complete the pre-sampling and sampling work within the housing 10, standardizing the sampling process. This not only avoids contamination during sampling but also improves sampling efficiency and ensures consistency. The carrier module 20 carries the container C and completes the automatic sampling work through linear displacement, which reduces the overall size of the automatic sampling device and improves its applicability to different environments.

[0113] In some embodiments, the samples obtained by the automated sampling device are chemicals, but this invention is not limited to this. In these embodiments, since chemicals are frequently used in advanced processes in the semiconductor manufacturing industry, and with the miniaturization of integrated circuits, the cleanliness requirements for chemicals are extremely stringent. Therefore, the production line must regularly test the chemicals used to ensure that they do not contain impurities, impurities, or metal ions that may affect subsequent processes. To avoid contamination of the container C used to hold the chemicals during transportation to the sampling process, the container C is usually pre-filled with ultrapure water. The sampling process must sequentially involve opening the cap C2, pouring out the pure water, rinsing the container, and finally loading the chemicals and closing the cap C2, thus completing the chemical sampling according to the aforementioned procedure.

[0114] See Figure 1 The housing 10 primarily serves to house the support module 20, power module 30, and working module, providing space for the automatic sampling process. In some embodiments, the housing 10 is a hollow box formed by walls 11, which define the internal space where sampling and pre-sampling procedures can be performed. In some embodiments, the walls 11 may be equipped with doors that can be opened and closed by the operator, transparent panels that allow the operator to observe the work status, control panels that allow the operator to operate, or various combinations thereof; this invention is not limited to these. Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 10 includes at least six walls 11, which are perpendicularly connected to each other to form a hollow six-sided cube structure.

[0115] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 The carrier module 20 is mainly used to carry the container C and drive the container C to move linearly along the first direction D1 to complete the sampling of chemicals. The support 22 of the carrier module 20 is used to position the container C, and the driving component 21 can drive the support 22 to rotate around the first direction D1 to perform the work of pouring out pure water and cleaning the container C.

[0116] See Figure 3 In some embodiments, the drive element 21 is a motor used to drive the bearing 22 to rotate. In these embodiments, the drive element 21 may be, but is not limited to, a DC motor or an AC motor. In some embodiments where the drive element 21 is a DC motor, the drive element 21 may be, but is not limited to, a brushed DC motor or a brushless DC motor; in some embodiments where the drive element 21 is an AC motor, the drive element 21 may be, but is not limited to, an induction motor, a servo motor, a speed-regulating motor, a geared motor, or a high-efficiency motor. In some embodiments where the drive element 21 is a motor, the drive element 21 has a drive shaft 211, which is rotatable about a first direction D1, and the bearing 22 is connected to the drive shaft 211. It is worth noting that the drive element 21 may be, but is not limited to, a single motor or a combination of a motor and a reducer. In some embodiments, the drive element 21 is a combination of a servo motor and a planetary reducer.

[0117] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a selected area (4) in the center circle; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of one embodiment of the support of the automatic sampling device of this application. In some embodiments, the support 22 includes a fixed base 221 and a clamping member 222, the clamping member 222 being displaceable along a first direction D1 on the fixed base 221 to clamp the bottle body C1 of the container C. In these embodiments, the drive shaft 211 of the drive member 21 is connected to the fixed base 221 of the support 22 and can drive the entire support 22 to rotate around the first direction D1.

[0118] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the fixing seat 221 of the support 22 has a first bearing portion 22111, and the clamping member 222 has a second bearing portion 2221. The first bearing portion 22111 of the fixing seat 221 abuts against one side of the bottle body C1 of the container C, and the second bearing portion 2221 of the clamping member 222 abuts against the opposite side of the bottle body C1 of the container C. In some embodiments, the first bearing portion 22111 and the second bearing portion 2221 are respectively arc-shaped to support the cylindrical container C.

[0119] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the fixing seat 221 of the support 22 has a first side wall 2211, a bottom 2212, and a second side wall 2213 connected in sequence. The first side wall 2211 and the second side wall 2213 are parallel to each other and are respectively connected to the opposite sides of the bottom 2212, so that the fixing seat 221 has a U-shaped appearance. It should be noted that the appearance of the fixing seat 221 is only for illustration and is not limited thereto. In these embodiments, the first bearing portion 22111 is located on the side of the first side wall 2211 facing the second side wall 2213. The bearing 22 further includes a connecting rod 223, and the second sidewall 2213 further includes a through-hole 22131. The connecting rod 223 is displaceable along a first direction D1, passing through one end of the through-hole 22131 of the second sidewall 2213 and extending partially toward the first sidewall 2211. A clamping member 222 is disposed at the extended portion of the connecting rod 223, allowing the clamping member 222 to be displaceable along the first direction D1 and disposed on the second sidewall 2213. Thus, the other end of the through-hole 22131 of the second sidewall 2213 of the bearing 22 can be connected to a pressure source, thereby allowing gas / fluid to drive the connecting rod 223 to move the clamping member 222 closer to the first sidewall 2211 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 (state) or the first side wall 2211 away from the fixed seat 221 (e.g.) Figure 5 (State), to achieve the operation of clamping or releasing container C.

[0120] The power module 30 is used to drive the drive component 21 to move along the first direction D1. In some embodiments, the power module 30 and the support module 20 are located at different positions in the second direction D2. Here, the power module 30 is a linear drive assembly. In one embodiment, the power module 30 includes a power component 31, a linear guide component 32, and a follower 33. The linear guide component 32 is connected to the power component 31 so that it can be driven by the power component 31 to move linearly along the first direction D1. The follower 33 is connected to the linear guide component 32 and the drive component 21 of the support module 20 so that it drives the drive component 21 to move linearly along the first direction D1 with the linear guide component 32. In some embodiments, the power module 30 can be disposed inside the housing 10 or outside the housing 10, and this invention is not limited to this.

[0121] See Figure 2In some embodiments, the power component 31 is a combination of a motor, a screw, and a nut. The motor is connected to the screw, which extends its length along a first direction D1, and the nut is screwed onto the screw. The motor drives the screw to rotate around the first direction D1. When the screw rotates, the nut screwed onto the screw moves linearly along the first direction D1. In these embodiments, the linear guide component 32 is a combination of a linear guide rail and a linear slider. The linear guide rail extends its length along the first direction D1, and the linear slider slides through the linear guide rail. The linear slider is connected to the nut of the power component 31. Thus, when the nut moves linearly along the first direction D1, the linear slider of the linear guide component 32 can be driven by the nut and guided by the linear guide rail to move stably linearly along the first direction D1. In some embodiments, the follower 33 is a plate structure, which spans across the linear slider of the linear guide component 32 and the drive member 21 of the support module 20 in a second direction D2. In this way, the power module 30 can drive the drive component 21 of the bearing module 20 to move linearly along the first direction D1.

[0122] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The cleaning unit 41 and the bottle cap opening / closing unit 43 of the working module 40 are located at different positions along the first direction D1; while the cleaning unit 41 and the sampling unit 42 can be located at the same position along the first direction D1 or at different positions along the first direction D1. Thus, when the power module 30 drives the carrier module 20 to move along the first direction D1, the container C on the carrier module 20 can complete the tasks of cleaning the container C, sampling chemicals, and opening / closing the bottle cap C2 at the corresponding positions of the cleaning unit 41, the sampling unit 42, and the bottle cap opening / closing unit 43, respectively.

[0123] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, at the first direction D1 position, the cleaning unit 41 of the working module 40 is located at one end of the displacement path of the carrying module 20, and the cap opening and closing unit 43 is located at the other end of the displacement path of the carrying module 20. In these embodiments, the sampling unit 42 includes a sampling head 421 and a sample supply module 422. The sampling head 421 is connected to the sample supply module 422, and the sample supply module 422 provides the sample to be tested and loads it into the container C through the sampling head 421.

[0124] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the number of sample providing modules 422 can be single or multiple. When the number of sample providing modules 422 is multiple, the number of sampling heads 421 corresponds to the number of sample providing modules 422. In this way, each sample providing module 422 can provide different samples to be loaded into the container C, and cross-contamination can be avoided.

[0125] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 When there are multiple sample supply modules 422, the position of the sampling head 421 of the sampling unit 42 in the first direction D1 can be the same as that of the cleaning unit 41; the position of the sampling head 421 of the sampling unit 42 in the first direction D1 can also be different from that of the cleaning unit 41. For example... Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, one sampling head 421 is positioned in the same direction as the cleaning unit 41 in the first direction D1; the sampling head 421 of the other sampling unit 42 is positioned in a different direction than the cleaning unit 41 in the first direction D1, and the sampling head 421 of this sampling unit 42 is located between the cleaning unit 41 and the bottle cap opening and closing unit 43.

[0126] It is worth noting that the aforementioned positional configuration of the working module 40 is for illustrative purposes only and is not limited to this. In other words, users can change the positional configuration of the working module 40 according to the content of the sampling work, the spatial configuration of the housing 10, the configuration of pipelines, or various other requirements.

[0127] See Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the carrier module located at the second and third positions in an embodiment of the automatic sampling device of this application; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the carrier module located at the fourth position in one embodiment of the automatic sampling device of this application. In some embodiments where the working module 40 includes a cleaning unit 41, a sampling unit 42, and a bottle cap opening / closing unit 43, the carrier module 20 can be sequentially displaced along a first direction D1 between a first position P1, a second position P2, a third position P3, and a fourth position P4. At the positions along the first direction D1, the second position P2 corresponds to the cleaning unit 41, the third position P3 corresponds to the sampling unit 42, and the fourth position P4 corresponds to the bottle cap opening / closing unit 43. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the second position P2 may be the same as the third position P3, or the second position P2 may be different from the third position P3.

[0128] See Figure 3In some embodiments, the cleaning unit 41 includes a nozzle 411 and a cleaning fluid supply module 412. The nozzle 411 is disposed inside the housing 10 and connected to the cleaning fluid supply module 412. The cleaning fluid supply module 412 provides cleaning fluid to clean the container C. In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid may be, but is not limited to, a high-oxidizing cleaning fluid (e.g., hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)) or ultrapure water (UPW). In some embodiments, the number of cleaning fluid supply modules 412 may be single or multiple. When there are multiple cleaning fluid supply modules 412, each cleaning fluid supply module 412 is first connected to a control valve, and the control valve is then connected to the nozzle 411. Different cleaning fluids are provided for cleaning the container C through the control of the control valve.

[0129] The controller 50 controls the carrier module 20, power module 30, and working module 40 to automate chemical sampling. In some embodiments, the controller 50 may be, but is not limited to, an electronic device having various integrated circuits, logic, memory (including non-transient media), and / or software, and is capable of receiving, issuing, and controlling operations. In some embodiments, the controller 50 may be, but is not limited to, a control chip, or a programmable logic controller (PLC) control circuit. In some embodiments, the controller 50 may be part of or coupled to a computer, and the computer may be integrated into, coupled to, or wirelessly connected to the automatic sampling device.

[0130] As described above, when the automatic sampling device performs chemical sampling, the controller 50 specifically controls the operation of the carrier module 20, the power module 30, and the working module 40 as follows. First, the controller 50 controls the power module 30 to move the carrier module 20 to the first position P1 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (State), then control the clamping member 222 of the bearing 22 of the bearing module 20 to move away from the fixed seat 221 (e.g., Figure 5 (State), so that the bearing 22 is in a state where the container C can be freely placed, and at the same time, the controller 50 controls the drive unit 21 to drive the bearing 22 to a bearing state where the bottom 2212 of the bearing 22 is below.

[0131] In this state, the user / robot places container C into the support 22 of the support module 20. Then, the controller 50 controls the clamping member 222 of the support 22 to move towards the fixed base 221 to clamp and position container C (e.g., Figure 4(State). In some embodiments, the controller 50 may control the clamping of the bearing 22 based on the triggering of a manual switch. In other embodiments, a sensor is provided on the bearing 22, which can detect whether the bearing 22 is carrying a container C. The controller 50 can control the clamping of the bearing 22 based on the sensing signal from the sensor. Here, the sensor may be, but is not limited to, a light interrupter.

[0132] In some embodiments where the bearing 22 is clamped by gas / fluid drive, the controller 50 controls the displacement of the clamping member 222 by controlling the regulation of the gas / fluid pressure source, thereby controlling whether or not clamping occurs.

[0133] After container C is clamped and positioned on the support 22 of the support module 20, controller 50 controls power module 30 to move support module 20 to the fourth position P4 (e.g., Figure 7 (State). In this state, the position of the support 22 of the support module 20 overlaps with the position of the bottle cap opening and closing unit 43 in the first direction D1. Then, the controller 50 controls the bottle cap opening and closing unit 43 to open the bottle cap C2 of the container C.

[0134] After the cap C2 of container C is opened, the controller 50 controls the power module 30 to move the bearing module 20 to the second position P2 (e.g., Figure 6 (As shown). In this state, the position of the support 22 of the support module 20 overlaps with the positions of the cleaning unit 41 and the sampling unit 42 in the first direction D1. Here, the controller 50 controls the drive 21 of the support module 20 to rotate, thereby driving the support 22 to rotate, so that the container C on the support 22 is in a bottle-mouth downward state. Here, the contents originally loaded in the container C are poured out. Then, the controller 50 controls the cleaning unit 41 to clean the inside of the bottle body C1 from the bottle mouth of the container C.

[0135] After cleaning inside the bottle body C1 of container C, when the sampling head 421 of sampling unit 42 overlaps with the cleaning unit 41 in the first direction D1 (i.e., the second position P2 is the same as the third position P3) (as shown in the image). Figure 6In the first position (P2), the controller 50 can continue to control the sampling unit 42 to output the required sample into the container C. When the sampling head 421 of the sampling unit 42 is not overlapping with the cleaning unit 41 in the first direction D1 (i.e., the second position P2 is different from the third position P3), the controller 50 controls the power module 30 to move the carrier module 20 from the second position P2 to the third position P3. In this state, the position of the support 22 of the carrier module 20 overlaps with the position of the sampling unit 42 in the first direction D1. Here, the controller 50 controls the drive member 21 of the carrier module 20 to rotate, thereby driving the support 22 to rotate so that the bottle opening faces upward to face the sampling unit 42. Then, the controller 50 controls the sampling unit 42 to output the required sample into the container C.

[0136] After the sample is filled into container C, controller 50 controls power module 30 to move load-bearing module 20 to the fourth position P4 (e.g., ...). Figure 7 (State). In this state, the position of the support 22 of the support module 20 overlaps with the position of the cap opening and closing unit 43 in the first direction D1. Then, the controller 50 controls the cap opening and closing unit 43 to close the cap C2 of the container C.

[0137] After the sample is filled into container C and the cap C2 is closed, the controller 50 controls the power module 30 to move the bearing module 20 to the first position P1 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (State). In this state, the operator / robot can remove the container C, which has been filled with the sample, from the first position P1 to complete the sampling work.

[0138] See Figure 1 In some embodiments, the controller 50 may, but is not limited to, control the time it takes for the power module 30 to move the carrier module 20 to complete the transfer between different positions, and control the activation of the cleaning unit 41, the sampling unit 42, and the bottle cap opening and closing unit 43 according to the displacement time, but this invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the automatic sampling device further includes a display M, and the controller 50 is electrically connected to the display M, so that the user can manually control each step of the transfer and sampling work through the display M.

[0139] It is worth noting that the aforementioned sampling workflow is only for illustrative purposes. In some specific embodiments, the sampling workflow controlled by the controller 50 can be adjusted as needed. For example, the stop position of the carrier module 20 can be increased to distinguish between the position where the carrier module 20 drives the container C to pour out its original contents and the position where cleaning work is performed, thereby further reducing contamination between different work areas.

[0140] See Figure 2 and Figure 8 , Figure 8This is another perspective on an embodiment of the automatic sampling device of this application and along Figure 1 Sectional view drawn with secant line 8-8 Figure 1 In some embodiments, the housing 10 further includes a first partition 12 extending along a first direction D1 between two opposing wall surfaces 11. The support module 20 and the working module 40 are located in one side space of the first partition 12, and the power module 30 is located in the other side space of the first partition 12. In these embodiments, the first partition 12 has an elongated hole 121 extending along the first direction D1, penetrating the first partition 12. The power module 30 is connected to the drive member 21 of the support module 20 through the elongated hole 121. Thus, the first partition 12 can separate the power module 30 from the working module 40 and the support module 20, preventing cleaning fluid or sample splashes during sampling from damaging the power module 30. Furthermore, since the power module 30 may contain components made of metal, the separation provided by the first partition 12 can reduce the potential contamination of the sample by metal particles generated by the power module 30, thereby improving sampling accuracy.

[0141] See Figure 3 and Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another embodiment of the automatic sampling device of this application. In some embodiments, the housing 10 further includes a second partition 13, one end of which is angularly connected to the first partition 12 and has a passage 131. The second partition 13 and the support module 20 are located on the same side of the first partition 12, and the working module 40 is located on one side of the second partition 13. Thus, the support 22 of the support module 20 can enter the other side of the second partition 13 through the passage 131, making the other side of the second partition 13 an area for placing the container C. Since the area for placing the container C must be open and connected to the outside of the housing 10, in these embodiments, the working module 40 is isolated in the area for placing the container C, thereby preventing various contaminants outside the housing 10 from contaminating the sampling space during the container C placement process. In these embodiments, when the support module 20 is in the first position P1, the support 22 is located on the other side of the second partition 13 through the passage 131.

[0142] See Figure 3 and Figure 8 In some embodiments where the cleaning unit 41 includes a nozzle 411, the housing 10 further includes a platform 16 disposed within the housing 10 and perpendicular to the first partition 12 and the second partition 13. In these embodiments, the platform 16 is located at a lower position within the housing 10. Thus, the nozzle 411 of the cleaning unit 41 can be mounted on the platform 16 to perform cleaning work on the container C in a stable posture.

[0143] In some embodiments, the nozzle 411 of the cleaning unit 41 is rotatably mounted on the platform 16. When the cleaning fluid supply module 412 outputs cleaning fluid, the nozzle 411 can rotatably output the cleaning fluid to thoroughly clean the container C. In other embodiments, the nozzle 411 may be fixedly mounted on the platform 16. In these embodiments, the nozzle 411 has a through-hole surrounding its outer surface, so that when the cleaning fluid supply module 412 outputs cleaning fluid, the cleaning fluid can be output along the through-hole surrounding the outer surface of the nozzle 411, thereby thoroughly cleaning the container C.

[0144] See Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, platform 16 is a mesh plate. This prevents the original contents poured out of container C or cleaning fluid output during the cleaning process from accumulating on platform 16, thus avoiding the possibility of contamination of the sampling process by accumulating various working solutions or samples generated during sampling on platform 16. In some embodiments where housing 10 includes platform 16, housing 10 further includes a tray 17 disposed within housing 10 and located below platform 16. This tray 17 can collect various working solutions or samples falling through platform 16 and then discharge them centrally for easy cleaning. In some embodiments, tray 17 has a slope 171, which is inclined relative to platform 16. This allows various working solutions or samples falling from platform 16 to automatically collect at a lower level after being collected in tray 17, improving the convenience of cleaning.

[0145] See Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the cleaning unit of the automatic sampling device of this application. In some embodiments, the cleaning unit 41 further includes a drying module 413. In these embodiments, the nozzle 411 is connected to the drying module 413 via a control valve, and the drying module 413 can output a drying medium. The drying medium is, for example, but not limited to, air or pure nitrogen. Thus, after the cleaning unit 41 cleans the container C by outputting cleaning fluid from the nozzle 411 via the cleaning fluid supply module 412, the drying module 413 can then output the drying medium to the container C under the control of the control valve, drying the container C. This ensures that there is no cleaning fluid residue in the container C, allowing the sample to be loaded in a dry state, thus ensuring the accuracy of the obtained sample.

[0146] See Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7In some embodiments, the automatic sampling device further includes a door panel 61 and a drive assembly 62. The drive assembly 62 is disposed on the housing 10, and the door panel 61 is connected to the drive assembly 62. The drive assembly 62 can drive the door panel 61 to move along a third direction D3 perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 to open or close the passage 131 of the second partition 13. In this way, after the container C is placed on the support 22 of the support module 20, the passage 131 can be closed to prevent contamination of the working space where the working module 40 is located by contamination sources from outside the housing 10.

[0147] See Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the drive assembly 62 includes a gear 621, a rack 622, and a power source 623. The gear 621 is rotatably mounted on the housing 10. The rack 622 extends along a third direction D3 and is fixed to the door panel 61 and meshes with the gear 621. The power source 623 is connected to the gear 621. Thus, when the power source 623 is activated, it drives the gear 621 to rotate. When the gear 621 rotates, it drives the rack 622 to linearly displace along the third direction D3, thereby causing the door panel 61 to open and close the passageway 131. In these embodiments, the gear 621 is rotatably mounted on the housing 10 about a second direction D2.

[0148] See Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the housing 10 further includes a third partition 14, which is angularly connected to one end of the first partition 12 and the second partition 13, and the third partition 14 can divide the space within the housing 10 into spaces located at different third-direction D3 positions. In these embodiments, the third partition 14 is perpendicular to the first partition 12, and the gear 621 and the power source 623 are located on the side of the third partition 14 away from the second partition 13. The third partition 14 has a through cut 141, and the door piece 61 can be displaced along the third-direction D3 and accommodated in the cut 141 to be displaced between the two sides of the third partition 14. Here, the gear 621 and the power source 623 can be separated in the placement space of the container C, and the displacement of the door piece 61 can also be limited by the cut 141 and stably displaced along the correct path.

[0149] See Figure 3In some embodiments, the carrier module 20 further includes a housing 23, with the drive component 21 housed within the housing 23, and a support 22 located outside the housing 23. The drive shaft 211 of the drive component 21 extends out of the housing 23 and connects to the support 22, and the power module 30 is connected to the housing 23. This isolates the drive component 21 from the sampling space, preventing cleaning fluid or sample from spraying or contaminating the drive component 21 during sampling, ensuring stable operation of the drive component 21. In some embodiments, the housing 23 is made of a non-metallic material to prevent metal particles from contaminating the sample.

[0150] See Figure 3 In some embodiments, the cleaning unit 41 has multiple nozzles 411, one of which is rotatably mounted on the platform 16, and another is rotatably mounted on the housing 23 of the support module 20. Thus, the nozzle 411 mounted on the platform 16 can clean the bottle body C1 of the container C, while the nozzle 411 on the housing 23 can clean the bottle cap C2 held in place by the cap opening / closing unit 43, thereby thoroughly cleaning both the bottle body C1 and the bottle cap C2 of the container C.

[0151] See Figure 8 , Figures 11 to 14 , Figure 11 Another cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the automatic sampling device of this application. Figure 2 ; Figure 12 Another cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the automatic sampling device of this application. Figure 3 ; Figure 13 for Figure 8 A magnified view of a selected area (13) in the center circle; Figure 14 for Figure 11 A partial enlarged view of area 14 selected in the center circle. In some embodiments, the bottle cap opening and closing unit 43 includes a lifting module 431, a rotating module 432, and a clamping module 433. The lifting module 431 is fixed to the housing 10, the rotating module 432 is connected to the lifting module 431, and the clamping module 433 is connected to the rotating module 432. Thus, the lifting module 431 can drive the rotating module 432 to move along a third direction D3 closer to the container C (e.g., ...). Figure 8 (state) or far from container C (e.g.) Figure 12 (state), and when close to container C, the clamping module 433 clamps the bottle cap C2 of container C (e.g., ...). Figure 8 and Figure 13 ) or loosen the bottle cap C2 (such as Figure 11 and Figure 14 The rotating module 432 rotates to open or close the bottle cap C2, thus completing the work of opening or locking the bottle cap C2.

[0152] See Figure 8 , Figures 11 to 14In some embodiments, the lifting module 431 has a slide 4311 that can slide along a third direction D3, and the rotating module 432 is connected to the slide 4311 so as to be displaced along the third direction D3 by the slide 4311.

[0153] See Figure 8 , Figures 11 to 14 In some embodiments, the rotation module 432 includes a motor 4321 and a drive shaft 4322. The motor 4321 is fixed to the slide table 4311, and the drive shaft 4322 is connected to the motor 4321 and can rotate around a third direction D3. The clamping module 433 is connected to the drive shaft 4322. Thus, the clamping module 433 can clamp the bottle cap C2, and when the motor 4321 of the rotation module 432 operates, it can drive the bottle cap C2 to rotate via the drive shaft 4322 and the clamping module 433 to complete the opening or locking of the bottle cap C2. In some embodiments, to meet the configuration requirements of different spaces, the drive shaft 4322 that drives the bottle cap C2 to rotate can be the shaft of the motor 4321 itself, or it can be a drive shaft 4322 that is independent of the motor 4321 but connected between the shaft of the motor 4321 and the clamping module 433. In some embodiments where the drive shaft 4322 is independent of the motor 4321 and connected between the rotating shaft of the motor 4321 and the clamping module 433, the rotating shaft of the motor 4321 and the drive shaft 4322 can be connected by a bevel gear, thereby allowing the motor 4321 to be positioned in different directions and improving the applicability of space utilization.

[0154] See Figure 8 , Figures 11 to 14 In some embodiments, the clamping module 433 includes a kit 4331 and two clamping members 4332. The kit 4331 has a sleeve 43311, and each clamping member 4332 is linearly displaceable and disposed on opposite sides within the sleeve 43311. Thus, the clamping module 433 can cover the bottle cap C2 of the container C with the sleeve 43311 of the kit 4331, and each clamping member 4332 linearly displaces to clamp and position or release the bottle cap C2. In some embodiments, each clamping member 4332 may be configured to linearly displace via gas / fluid drive, but this is not limited to this.

[0155] See Figure 9 and Figure 15 , Figure 15 for Figure 9A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of section 15 is shown in the center circle. In some embodiments, the automatic sampling device further includes two slider groups 70, respectively disposed on the side of the first partition 12 away from the support module 20. Each slider group 70 includes a plurality of sliders 71 and a plurality of limiting members 72. The sliders 71 are parallel to each other and at least partially overlap each other, and each slider 71 has a groove 711 opened along the first direction D1. Each limiting member 72 is slidably disposed in the groove 711 of two adjacent sliders 71. The slider 71 closest to the first partition 12 is fixed to the support module 20, and the slider 71 furthest from the first partition 12 is fixed to the housing 10. The sliders 71 of each slider group 70 furthest from the first partition 12 are respectively fixed at both ends of the housing 10 in the first direction D1. In this way, when the carrier module 20 is linearly displaced along the first direction D1, the carrier module 20 can synchronously drive each sliding plate group 70, so that each sliding plate group 70 synchronously blocks the elongated hole 121 of the first partition 12 as the carrier module 20 is displaced, thereby keeping the space on both sides of the first partition 12 isolated during the displacement of the carrier module 20 and avoiding contamination of the space where the sampling work is performed.

[0156] In some embodiments, the slide 71 closest to the first partition 12 is fixed to the outer surface of the housing 23 of the support module 20.

[0157] In some embodiments, the housing 10 further includes a fourth partition 15, which is disposed parallel to and spaced apart from the side of the first partition 12 away from the support module 20. This allows each slider assembly 70 to slide between the first partition 12 and the fourth partition 15, improving the smoothness of operation of each slider assembly 70. In these embodiments, the sliders 71 of each slider assembly 70 furthest from the first partition 12 are respectively fixed to the fourth partition 15.

[0158] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic sampling device, suitable for automatically completing sampling by transferring a container, characterized in that, Include: A casing; A carrier module, comprising: A driving component, capable of linear displacement along a first direction, is disposed within the housing; and A support is connected to the driving member so that it can rotate about the first direction under the drive member's influence. A power module is connected to the drive unit to drive the drive unit to move along the first direction; A working module, disposed on the displacement path of the supporting module, includes a cleaning unit, a sampling unit, and a bottle cap opening and closing unit, wherein the cleaning unit, the sampling unit, and the bottle cap opening and closing unit are arranged at intervals; and A controller is electrically connected to the drive unit, the power module, and the working module.

2. The automatic sampling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the direction perpendicular to the first direction is a second direction, and the power module and the bearing module are respectively located at different positions in the second direction within the housing.

3. The automatic sampling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing further includes a first partition plate extending along the first direction and parallel to the support module, the first partition plate having an elongated hole extending along the first direction, the support module and the power module being located on opposite sides of the first partition plate, and the power module being connected to the drive unit through the elongated hole.

4. The automatic sampling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrying module further includes a housing, the driving member is housed in the housing, the support is located outside the housing, and the power module is connected to the housing.

5. The automatic sampling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support includes a fixed base and a clamping member, the fixed base is connected to the driving member, and the clamping member is linearly displaceable along the first direction and disposed on one side of the fixed base.

6. The automatic sampling device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the housing further includes a second partition, one end of which is angularly connected to the first partition and has a passage opening, the second partition and the support module are located on the same side of the first partition, and the working module is located on one side of the second partition.

7. The automatic sampling device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the carrier module is capable of sequentially displacing along the first direction between a first position, a second position, a third position and a fourth position, and when the carrier module is located at the first position, the support is located on the other side of the second partition through the passage.

8. The automatic sampling device as claimed in claim 7 further includes a door panel and a driving component, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to a second direction, the driving component is disposed on the housing, the door panel is connected to the driving component, and the driving component can drive the door panel to move along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction to open or close the passage.

9. The automatic sampling device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the driving component includes a gear, a rack and a power source, the gear is rotatably disposed on the housing, the rack is fixed to the door panel and meshes with the gear along the third direction, and the power source is connected to the gear.

10. The automatic sampling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottle cap opening and closing unit includes a lifting module, a rotating module and a clamping module, the lifting module is fixed to the housing, the rotating module is connected to the lifting module, and the clamping module is connected to the rotating module.

11. The automatic sampling device of claim 10, wherein the lifting module has a slide table that can slide along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the rotating module is connected to the slide table.

12. The automatic sampling device of claim 11, wherein the rotating module includes a motor and a drive shaft, the motor is fixed to the slide, the drive shaft is connected to the motor and can rotate about a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the clamping module is connected to the drive shaft.

13. The automatic sampling device of claim 10, wherein the clamping module comprises a kit and two clamping members, the kit having a sleeve opening, and each of the clamping members being linearly displaceable and disposed on opposite sides within the sleeve opening.

14. The automatic sampling device as claimed in claim 3, further comprising two slider groups, respectively disposed on the side of the first partition away from the support module, each slider group comprising a plurality of sliders and a plurality of limiting members, each slider being parallel to each other and at least partially overlapping, and each slider having a groove formed along the first direction, each limiting member being slidably disposed within the grooves of two adjacent sliders, wherein... The slide closest to the first partition is fixed to the support module, and the slide furthest from the first partition is fixed to the housing.

15. The automatic sampling device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the housing further includes a fourth partition, the fourth partition being disposed parallel to and spaced apart from the first partition on the side away from the support module, and each of the sliding plate groups being located between the first partition and the fourth partition.

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