Dispensing, cleaning and detecting device and dispensing, cleaning and detecting equipment
By designing a dispensing cleaning and detection device, which uses grippers to hold the dispensing needle and combines it with a detection module, the device achieves automated dispensing needle cleaning and position detection, solves the problems of residual glue and misalignment of the dispensing needle, and improves cleaning efficiency and dispensing accuracy.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422868903.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-25
AI Technical Summary
After dispensing, the residual glue on the dispensing needle of the existing dispensing machine is difficult to clean effectively. Manual cleaning or air pressure cleaning may cause the dispensing needle to become misaligned, increasing costs or reducing dispensing accuracy.
Design a dispensing cleaning and inspection device, including a first drive mechanism, a second drive mechanism, a gripper and a cleaning component. The gripper clamps the dispensing needle and moves it in a vertical direction. Combined with the inspection module, it determines whether the position of the dispensing needle has changed, thereby realizing automated cleaning and inspection.
It achieves automated dispensing cleaning and inspection, improves the cleaning efficiency of dispensing needles, reduces damage to dispensing needles, simplifies equipment costs, and improves dispensing accuracy.
Smart Images
Figure CN223642105U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a dispensing cleaning and testing device and equipment, and more particularly to a dispensing cleaning and testing device and equipment with functions of cleaning residual adhesive and position detection. Background Technology
[0002] After automatic dispensing by existing dispensing machines, some residual glue remains at the tip of the dispensing needle. If not cleaned, this residue may adhere to the outer shell of the next product, resulting in poor appearance. Currently, the production line relies on manual cleaning and wiping, which can cause the dispensing needle to tilt due to varying degrees of force applied by the operator. Alternatively, purchasing cleaning equipment that uses air pressure to blow away the residual glue from the needle tip could increase costs, and the air pressure could also cause the dispensing needle to tilt.
[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to design a new type of dispensing cleaning and testing device and equipment to overcome the above-mentioned defects. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dispensing cleaning and testing device and a dispensing cleaning and testing equipment, which can use grippers to drive cleaning components to clean dispensing needles and determine whether the position of the dispensing needles has changed after being cleaned.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a dispensing cleaning and detection device, comprising: a first driving mechanism; a dispensing needle disposed on the first driving mechanism, the first driving mechanism driving the dispensing needle to move; a cleaning module having a second driving mechanism, a gripper, and a cleaning component, the second driving mechanism driving the gripper to open or close, the cleaning component being disposed on the gripper; and a detection module having a calibration contact; wherein, when the first driving mechanism drives the dispensing needle to the cleaning position, the second driving mechanism drives the gripper to close so that the cleaning component contacts and clamps the dispensing needle, then the first driving mechanism drives the dispensing needle to move vertically upward to disengage from the cleaning component, wherein the dispensing needle makes contact relative to the cleaning component, after the dispensing needle is completely disengaged from the cleaning component, the second driving mechanism drives the gripper to open, and then the first driving mechanism drives the dispensing needle to a detection position above the calibration contact of the detection module to determine whether the position of the dispensing needle has changed, wherein the cleaning position and the detection position are different.
[0006] Preferably, the gripper has a first gripping arm and a second gripping arm, with a first surface of the first gripping arm facing the second surface of the second gripping arm, and the cleaning member disposed on the first surface and the second surface.
[0007] Preferably, the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm form an opening in the horizontal direction, the first driving mechanism drives the dispensing needle to move to the opening, and the second driving mechanism drives the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm to close the opening so that the cleaning member clamps the dispensing needle, wherein the horizontal direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction.
[0008] Preferably, the cleaning component is detachably mounted on the gripper, and the opening angle is adjusted according to the thickness of the cleaning component.
[0009] Preferably, the dispensing needle has a first diameter and a second diameter. When the dispensing needle has the first diameter, the cleaning component has the first thickness. When the dispensing needle has the second diameter, the cleaning component has the second thickness, and the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.
[0010] Preferably, the cleaning module also has a platform disposed on one side of the gripper, and the calibration contact is disposed on the platform along the vertical direction. The first driving mechanism drives the glue dotting needle to the vertical direction above the calibration contact of the detection module to determine whether the position of the glue dotting needle has changed.
[0011] Preferably, the detection module is located away from the cleaning module, and the first drive mechanism drives the dispensing needle to a position above the calibration contact of the detection module in the vertical direction to determine whether the position of the dispensing needle has changed.
[0012] Preferably, the first driving mechanism drives the dispensing needle to the vertical direction above the calibration contact of the detection module, and the distance from the free end of the dispensing needle to the calibration contact is the detection distance, and it is determined whether the detection distance is the same as the preset distance; or, the first driving mechanism drives the dispensing needle to the vertical direction above the calibration contact of the detection module, and it is determined whether the dispensing needle is tilted relative to the vertical direction.
[0013] Preferably, the cleaning element is a velvet cloth, which is wrapped around the gripper.
[0014] The present invention also provides a dispensing cleaning and testing device, including the dispensing cleaning and testing apparatus as described above and a dispensing operating table, wherein the dispensing cleaning and testing apparatus is located on the dispensing operating platform for cleaning and testing the dispensing needle.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, the dispensing cleaning and detection device and equipment provided by this utility model include a first driving mechanism, a dispensing needle, a cleaning module, and a detection module. The dispensing needle is disposed on the first driving mechanism, which drives the dispensing needle to move. The cleaning module has a second driving mechanism, a gripper, and a cleaning component. The second driving mechanism drives the gripper to open or close, and the cleaning component is disposed on the gripper. The detection module has a calibration contact. When the first driving mechanism drives the dispensing needle to the cleaning position, the second driving mechanism drives the gripper to close so that the cleaning component clamps the dispensing needle. The first driving mechanism drives the dispensing needle to move vertically upward to disengage from the cleaning component. The second driving mechanism drives the gripper to open, and the first driving mechanism drives the dispensing needle to the detection position above the calibration contact of the detection module to determine whether the position of the dispensing needle has changed. The cleaning position and the detection position are different. In this way, the gripper can drive the cleaning component to clean the dispensing needle and determine whether the position of the dispensing needle has changed after cleaning, which can improve the dispensing and cleaning efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0016] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a dispensing cleaning and testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of the dispensing needle at the detection location in area A;
[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the dispensing needle in the cleaning position according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the detection module being located away from the cleaning module, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0021] To provide a better understanding of the purpose, structure, features and functions of this utility model, detailed descriptions are provided below with reference to the embodiments.
[0022] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a dispensing cleaning and testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram showing the location of the dispensing needle at point A in the detection area. Figure 3This is a schematic diagram showing the dispensing needle in the cleaning position according to an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention provides a dispensing cleaning and detection device 100, which includes a dispensing cleaning and detection unit 101. The dispensing cleaning and detection unit 101 includes a first driving mechanism 11, a dispensing needle 12, a cleaning module 13, and a detection module 14. The dispensing needle 12 is disposed on the first driving mechanism 11, and the first driving mechanism 11 drives the dispensing needle 12 to move. The cleaning module 13 has a second driving mechanism 131, a gripper 132, and a cleaning component 133. The second driving mechanism 131 drives the gripper 132 to open or close, and the cleaning component 133 is disposed on the gripper 132. The detection module 14 has a calibration contact 141. When the first drive mechanism 11 drives the dispensing needle 12 to the cleaning position A1, the second drive mechanism 131 drives the gripper 132 to close so that the cleaning component 133 contacts and clamps the dispensing needle 12. The first drive mechanism 11 drives the dispensing needle 12 to move upward along the vertical direction D1 to disengage from the cleaning component 133. The second drive mechanism 131 drives the gripper 132 to open. The first drive mechanism 11 drives the dispensing needle 12 to the detection position A2 above the calibration contact 141 of the detection module 14 to determine whether the position of the dispensing needle 12 has changed. The cleaning position A1 and the detection position A2 are different. In this way, the gripper 132 can drive the cleaning component 133 to clean the dispensing needle 12 and determine whether the position of the dispensing needle 12 has changed after being cleaned.
[0023] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first drive mechanism 11 may include a lifting arm and a sliding shaft. The lifting arm may be driven by a servo motor and a lead screw to achieve lifting, thereby causing the dispensing needle 12 to move along the vertical direction D1. The sliding shaft may be driven by a servo motor to drive the lifting arm mounted on the sliding shaft, causing the dispensing needle 12 to move left and right and back and forth along the horizontal direction D2. The sliding rail and the lifting arm drive the dispensing needle 12 to achieve three-dimensional movement in the horizontal direction D2 and the vertical direction D1. The specific actual needs may vary, but this is not a limitation.
[0024] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the dispensing needle 12 is used to dispense glue to the component to be dispensed. The first driving mechanism 12 drives the dispensing needle 12 to move to dispense glue to the component to be dispensed. The first driving mechanism 12 drives the dispensing needle 12 to move in the vertical direction D1 and drives the dispensing needle 12 to move left and right in the horizontal direction D2, so as to complete the dispensing of glue to the component to be dispensed.
[0025] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the cleaning mechanism 13 includes a second drive mechanism 131, a gripper 132, and a cleaning component 133. The second drive mechanism 131 may include a solenoid valve and a cylinder. The dispensing needle 12 reaches the cleaning position A1 through the first drive mechanism 11. At this time, the gripper 132 is in an open state. The free end 121 of the dispensing needle 12 in the cleaning position A1 is located two centimeters below the center of the gripper 132. After receiving the signal, the solenoid valve gives the cylinder to close the gripper 132 so that the gripper 132 clamps the dispensing needle 12. The first drive mechanism 11 drives the dispensing needle 12 to move upward along the vertical direction D1. The cleaning component 133 clamps the dispensing needle 12 so that the dispensing needle 12 moves relative to the cleaning component 133, thereby cleaning the glue remaining on the free end 121 of the dispensing needle 12 after dispensing. In a preferred embodiment, the gripper 132 has a first gripping arm 1321 and a second gripping arm 1322. The first surface 13211 of the first gripping arm 1321 and the second surface 13221 of the second gripping arm 1322 face each other. A cleaning member 133 is disposed on the first surface 13211 and the second surface 13221. The first gripping arm 1321 and the second gripping arm 1322 form an opening 1323 in the horizontal direction D2. The cleaning member 133 is disposed within the opening 1323 formed by the gripper 132. After the first driving mechanism 11 drives the dispensing needle 12 to move to the opening 1323, the second driving mechanism 131 drives the first gripping arm 1321 and the second gripping arm 1322 to close the opening 1323 so that the first gripping arm 1321, the second gripping arm 1322, and the cleaning member 133 clamp the dispensing needle 12, preparing it for cleaning. The horizontal direction D2 is perpendicular to the vertical direction D1. In specific implementation, the first drive mechanism 11 first drives the dispensing needle 12 to the cleaning position A1. At this time, the opening 1323 formed by the first clamping arm 1321 and the second clamping arm 1322 of the gripper 132 is open, and the dispensing needle 12 is located in the opening 1323. Then, the second drive mechanism 131 drives the first clamping arm 1321 and the second clamping arm 1322 to close the opening 1323 so that the cleaning component 133 clamps the dispensing needle 12. Then, the first drive mechanism 11 drives the dispensing needle 12 to move upward along the vertical direction D1 to disengage from the cleaning component 133 and perform cleaning of the dispensing needle. Finally, the second drive mechanism 131 drives the first clamping arm 1321 and the second clamping arm 1322 to open the opening 1323 to the initial state. The first drive mechanism 11 drives the dispensing needle 12 to the detection position A2 above the calibration contact 141 of the detection module 14 to determine whether the position of the dispensing needle 12 has changed, so as to determine whether it meets the conditions for the next round of dispensing operation.
[0026] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the cleaning module 13 also includes a platform 134, which is located on one side of the gripper 132. A calibration contact 141 is positioned on the platform 134 along the vertical direction D1. The first drive mechanism 11 drives the dispensing needle 12 to a position above the calibration contact 141 of the detection module 14 in the vertical direction D1 to determine if the position of the dispensing needle 12 has changed. In a specific implementation, the calibration contact 141 of the detection module 14 is located on the platform 134 of the cleaning module 13. The corresponding cleaning position A1 is at the center of the opening 1323 formed by the first gripper arm 1321 and the second gripper arm 1322 of the gripper 132. The detection position A2 is located above the calibration contact 141 on the platform 134, opposite to the opening 1323 formed by the first gripper arm 1321 and the second gripper arm 1322 of the gripper 132. Thus, the cleaning position A1 and the detection position A2 are close together, reducing the drive stroke and improving efficiency. Alternatively, refer to... Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a detection module located away from the cleaning module according to another embodiment of the present invention. The only difference from the previous embodiment is that the detection module 14 is positioned away from the cleaning module 13; other details are omitted. The first driving mechanism 11 drives the dispensing needle 12 to a position above the calibration contact 141 of the detection module 14 in the vertical direction D1 to determine whether the position of the dispensing needle 12 has changed. In specific implementation, the detection module 14 is placed on the mold platform of the product to be dispensed, and the corresponding detection position A2' is above the calibration contact 141 of the detection module 14 on the mold platform of the product to be dispensed. Thus, after the dispensing needle 12 is cleaned, it is detected at detection position A2' before dispensing begins. Detection position A2' is close to the product to be dispensed, reducing the driving stroke and improving efficiency.
[0027] Reference Figures 1-4 As shown, the detection module 14 is cone-shaped, extending upwards along the vertical direction D1. The calibration contact 141 is located above the cone. The first driving mechanism 11 drives the dispensing needle 12 to a position above the calibration contact 141 in the vertical direction D1. The distance between the free end 121 of the dispensing needle 12 and the calibration contact 141 is the detection distance. The system checks if the detection distance is the same as a preset distance. If the detection distance is the same as the preset distance, the position of the dispensing needle 12 is qualified. If the detection distance is different from the preset distance, the position of the dispensing needle 12 is unqualified and needs to be adjusted before dispensing. Alternatively, the first driving mechanism 11 drives the dispensing needle 12 to a position above the calibration contact 141 in the vertical direction D1 of the detection module 14. The system then checks if the dispensing needle 12 is tilted relative to the vertical direction D1. If the dispensing needle 12 is parallel to the vertical direction D1, the position of the dispensing needle 12 is qualified. If the dispensing needle 12 is not parallel to the vertical direction D1, the position of the dispensing needle 12 is unqualified and needs to be adjusted before dispensing. In this way, there is no need to purchase complex visual inspection system equipment, which improves the efficiency of dispensing operations and reduces the cost of fixtures and equipment.
[0028] In this embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning component 133 is detachably disposed on the gripper 132. The opening 1323 formed by the first gripper arm 1321 and the second gripper arm 1322 adjusts the angle of the opening 1323 according to the thickness of the cleaning component 133. The cleaning component 133 has a first thickness and a second thickness, the first thickness being less than the second thickness. When the cleaning component 133 has the first thickness, the opening 1323 formed by the first gripper arm 1321 and the second gripper arm 1322 has a first angle; when the cleaning component 133 has the second thickness, the opening 1323 formed by the first gripper arm 1321 and the second gripper arm 1322 has a second angle, the first angle being less than the second angle. Depending on the thickness of the cleaning component 133, the angle of the opening 1323 formed by the first gripper arm 1321 and the second gripper arm 1322 is different. The thicker the cleaning component 133, the larger the angle of the opening 1323 formed by the first gripper arm 1321 and the second gripper arm 1322. In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing needle 12 has a first diameter and a second diameter. When the dispensing needle 12 has the first diameter, the cleaning component 133 has a first thickness; when the dispensing needle 12 has the second diameter, the cleaning component 133 has a second thickness. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter. Depending on the different diameters of the dispensing needle 12, the cleaning component 133 has different thicknesses to accommodate the diameter of the dispensing needle 12 and avoid excessive pressure that could damage it. The larger the diameter of the dispensing needle 12, the thinner the cleaning component 133 should be. The cleaning component 133 is made of velvet and is wound around the first clamping arm 1321 and the second clamping arm 1322 of the gripper 132 as needed. Adjusting the thickness of the cleaning component 133 and the angle of the opening 1323 according to the diameter of the dispensing needle 12 provides appropriate cleaning strength, avoids damage to the dispensing needle 12, and improves the effect of wiping away residual adhesive.
[0029] In this embodiment of the present invention, after the first driving mechanism 11 drives the dispensing needle 12 to dispense glue to the product to be dispensed, the first driving mechanism 11 drives the dispensing needle 12 to move to the cleaning position A1. At this time, the opening 1323 formed by the first clamping arm 1321 and the second clamping arm 1322 of the gripper 132 is open, and the free end 121 of the dispensing needle 12 is located two centimeters below the center of the opening 1323. The second driving mechanism 131 drives the first clamping arm 1321 and the second clamping arm 1322 to close, so that the opening 1323 is closed and the cleaning member 133 clamps the dispensing needle 12. After that, the first driving mechanism 11 drives the dispensing needle 12 to move vertically. The vertical direction D1 moves upward by three centimeters to detach from the cleaning component 133. The second drive mechanism 131 drives the first clamping arm 1321 and the second clamping arm 1322 to open the opening 1323 to its initial state to facilitate the next round of cleaning. Finally, the first drive mechanism 11 drives the dispensing needle 12 to the detection position A2 / A2' above the calibration contact 141 of the detection module 14. It is determined whether the detection distance is the same as the preset distance. If the detection distance is the same as the preset distance, the position of the dispensing needle 12 is qualified and the dispensing operation can be performed. If the detection distance is different from the preset distance, the position of the dispensing needle 12 is unqualified and needs to be adjusted before the dispensing operation can be performed. It is determined whether the dispensing needle 12 is tilted relative to the vertical direction D1. If the dispensing needle 12 is parallel to the vertical direction D1, the position of the dispensing needle 12 is qualified. If the dispensing needle 12 is not parallel to the vertical direction D1, the position of the dispensing needle 12 is unqualified and needs to be adjusted before the dispensing operation can be performed.
[0030] This utility model embodiment also provides a dispensing cleaning and testing device 100, see reference. Figure 1 As shown, the dispensing cleaning and testing equipment 100 includes a dispensing cleaning and testing device 101 and a dispensing operating platform 102. The dispensing cleaning and testing device 101 is located on the dispensing operating platform 102 to clean and test the dispensing needle 12.
[0031] In summary, the dispensing cleaning and detection device and equipment provided by this utility model include a first driving mechanism, a dispensing needle, a cleaning module, and a detection module. The dispensing needle is disposed on the first driving mechanism, which drives the dispensing needle to move. The cleaning module has a second driving mechanism, a gripper, and a cleaning component. The second driving mechanism drives the gripper to open or close, and the cleaning component is disposed on the gripper. The detection module has a calibration contact. When the first driving mechanism drives the dispensing needle to the cleaning position, the second driving mechanism drives the gripper to close so that the cleaning component clamps the dispensing needle. The first driving mechanism drives the dispensing needle to move upward in the vertical direction to disengage from the cleaning component. The second driving mechanism drives the gripper to open, and the first driving mechanism drives the dispensing needle to the detection position above the calibration contact of the detection module to determine whether the position of the dispensing needle has changed. The cleaning position and the detection position are different. In this way, the gripper can drive the cleaning component to clean the dispensing needle and determine whether the position of the dispensing needle has changed after cleaning.
[0032] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to provide illustrative examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. For the purpose of clearly describing the required components, the scale in the schematic drawings does not represent the actual proportional relationships of the components.
[0033] This utility model has been described by the above-described embodiments; however, these embodiments are merely examples for implementing this utility model. It must be noted that the disclosed embodiments do not limit the scope of this utility model. Conversely, any modifications and refinements made without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model are within the scope of patent protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A dispensing cleaning and detection device, characterized in that, include: First drive mechanism; A dispensing needle is disposed on a first drive mechanism, which drives the dispensing needle to move. A cleaning module has a second drive mechanism, a gripper, and a cleaning component. The second drive mechanism drives the gripper to open or close, and the cleaning component is disposed on the gripper. as well as The detection module has calibration contacts; When the first driving mechanism drives the dispensing needle to the cleaning position, the second driving mechanism drives the gripper to close so that the cleaning component contacts and clamps the dispensing needle. Then, the first driving mechanism drives the dispensing needle to move vertically upward to disengage from the cleaning component. The dispensing needle moves relative to the cleaning component in a contact manner. After the dispensing needle is completely disengaged from the cleaning component, the second driving mechanism drives the gripper to open. Then, the first driving mechanism drives the dispensing needle to move to the detection position above the calibration contact of the detection module to determine whether the position of the dispensing needle has changed. The cleaning position and the detection position are different.
2. The dispensing cleaning and detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The gripper has a first gripping arm and a second gripping arm, with a first surface of the first gripping arm facing the second surface of the second gripping arm, and the cleaning member is disposed on the first surface and the second surface.
3. The dispensing cleaning and detection device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first clamping arm and the second clamping arm form an opening in the horizontal direction. The first driving mechanism drives the dispensing needle to move to the opening. The second driving mechanism drives the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm to close the opening so that the cleaning member clamps the dispensing needle. The horizontal direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction.
4. The dispensing cleaning and detection device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The cleaning component is detachably mounted on the gripper, and the opening angle is adjusted according to the thickness of the cleaning component.
5. The dispensing cleaning and detection device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The dispensing needle has a first diameter and a second diameter. When the dispensing needle has the first diameter, the cleaning component has a first thickness. When the dispensing needle has the second diameter, the cleaning component has a second thickness, and the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.
6. The dispensing cleaning and detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning module also has a platform located on one side of the gripper, and a calibration contact located on the platform along the vertical direction. The first drive mechanism drives the glue dotting needle to the vertical direction above the calibration contact of the detection module to determine whether the position of the glue dotting needle has changed.
7. The dispensing cleaning and detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The detection module is located away from the cleaning module. The first drive mechanism drives the dispensing needle to the vertical direction above the calibration contact of the detection module to determine whether the position of the dispensing needle has changed.
8. The dispensing cleaning and detection device as described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first driving mechanism drives the dispensing needle to the vertical direction above the calibration contact of the detection module. The distance from the free end of the dispensing needle to the calibration contact is the detection distance. It is determined whether the detection distance is the same as the preset distance. Alternatively, the first driving mechanism drives the dispensing needle to the vertical direction above the calibration contact of the detection module and determines whether the dispensing needle is tilted relative to the vertical direction.
9. The dispensing cleaning and detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning component is made of velvet and is wrapped around the gripper.
10. A dispensing cleaning and testing device, characterized in that, include: The dispensing cleaning and testing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; as well as A dispensing operation table, on which the dispensing cleaning and inspection device is located for cleaning and inspecting the dispensing needle.