Sensor waterproof cover and filling machine gripper system using the same

Abstract

This utility model discloses a waterproof sensor cover and a filling machine gripper system using the same. The waterproof sensor cover includes a cover body and a cap that are detachably connected as one unit. The cap has a threaded fastener for connecting to the sensor. The bottom surface of the cover body has a central protrusion and an outer recess, and the central protrusion has a through hole for the sensor wiring harness to pass through. The filling machine gripper system has multiple lubrication sensors, each of which is equipped with the aforementioned waterproof sensor cover. This utility model provides a waterproof cover for the lubrication sensors in the filling machine gripper system, effectively solving the problem of water ingress and damage to the lubrication sensors, ensuring the normal operation of the lubrication system in the filling machine gripper system, and thus guaranteeing production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a sensor protection device, specifically a sensor waterproof cover and a filling machine gripper system using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Tetra Pak filling machines' gripper system performs over 40,000 sealing actions per hour. The gripper system generates intense friction during high-speed operation. Lubricant can form a protective film on the surface of moving parts (guide rails, chains, bearings), reducing direct metal-to-metal contact and significantly reducing mechanical wear. Therefore, lubrication is a key factor in ensuring the efficient and stable operation of the gripper system.

[0003] Currently, lubrication sensors are typically installed in gripper systems to monitor lubrication status, such as the flow rate, pressure, or temperature of lubricant (e.g., lubricating oil or grease) in real time. This ensures that the moving parts of the gripper system, such as guide rails, chains, and bearings, are adequately lubricated. An alarm or shutdown is triggered through a closed-loop feedback system to prevent gripper jamming, seal failure, or mechanical wear due to insufficient lubrication.

[0004] In existing technology, the gripper system is located in the aseptic chamber of the Tetra Pak filling machine. To ensure a sterile environment, the aseptic chamber needs to be sterilized periodically with sterile hot air. Simultaneously, the gripper system also requires regular spray cleaning, using cooling water or specialized cleaning agents to automatically clean the grippers, guide rails, and other components, preventing milk residue or contamination of the aseptic environment. Due to this working environment, the lubrication sensor in the gripper system frequently experiences water ingress, leading to abnormal signals and lubrication system malfunctions. Since maintenance requires opening the aseptic chamber and re-sterilizing it after maintenance, downtime is prolonged (typically over 4 hours), severely impacting production efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a waterproof sensor cover and a filling machine gripper system using the same, aiming to solve the problem of water ingress damage to the lubricating sensor in the filling machine gripper system.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: a sensor waterproof cover, comprising a cover body and a buckle that are detachably connected as one piece; the buckle is provided with a threaded buckle for connecting with a sensor; the bottom surface of the cover body has a central protrusion and an outer recess, and the central protrusion is provided with a through hole for the sensor wiring harness to pass through.

[0007] As a limitation of this utility model, the outer ring recess is provided with a plurality of hydrophobic holes.

[0008] As a further limitation of this utility model, the cover and the buckle are threadedly connected.

[0009] As another limitation of this utility model, the cover is a transparent structure.

[0010] This utility model also discloses a filling machine gripper system, which is equipped with multiple lubrication sensors, each of which is fitted with a sensor waterproof cover; the sensor waterproof cover adopts the structure described above.

[0011] By adopting the above-mentioned technical solution, the beneficial effects achieved by this utility model compared with the prior art are as follows:

[0012] (1) This utility model provides a waterproof cover for the lubrication sensor in the filling machine gripper system, which effectively solves the problem of water damage to the lubrication sensor, ensures the normal operation of the lubrication system in the filling machine gripper system, and thus ensures production efficiency.

[0013] (2) In this utility model, the sensor waterproof cover is connected to the lubrication sensor through a threaded connection, making installation and disassembly convenient;

[0014] (3) The central protrusion on the bottom surface of the cover in this utility model can prevent condensate water inside the cover from flowing along the sensor wiring harness to other electrical components;

[0015] (4) In this utility model, the outer ring of the bottom surface of the cover is provided with a water-draining hole, which can drain the condensate in the cover in time and prevent the condensate from accumulating. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sensor waterproof cover in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the sensor waterproof cover in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the buckle cap in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cover in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a longitudinal section diagram of the cover body in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sensor waterproof cover assembled on the lubrication sensor in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled structure of the sensor waterproof cover and the lubrication sensor in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a longitudinal section diagram of the sensor waterproof cover assembled on the lubrication sensor in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Cover; 2. Cap; 3. External thread; 4. Central protrusion; 5. Outer ring recess; 6. Through hole; 7. Drain hole; 8. Internal thread; 9. Threaded thread; 10. Lubrication sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0027] This embodiment discloses a waterproof cover for a sensor, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sensor waterproof cover includes a cover body 1 and a cap 2, and the cover body 1 and the cap 2 are connected by a threaded structure to form a detachable connection. The cover body 1 has a shape that is wider at the bottom and narrower at the top, as shown in the diagram. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the cover body is cylindrical, and the cover opening is circular with a size larger than that of the sensor, with a conical transition between the cover opening and the cover body. Of course, depending on the actual situation, the cover body 1 can also be set to other shapes, such as cylindrical. The outer surface of the cover opening is provided with external threads 3 for connecting the buckle 2. The bottom surface of the cover body has a central protrusion 4 and an outer ring recess 5, wherein the center of the central protrusion 4 is provided with a through hole 6 for the sensor wire harness to pass through, and the outer ring recess 5 is provided with multiple hydrophobic holes 7.

[0028] In this embodiment, the cover 1 is a transparent structure to allow observation of the interior. The cover 1 can be made of transparent glass or transparent plastic; in this embodiment, transparent plastic is used due to its lower cost.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, the cap 2 has a cylindrical structure with a threaded buckle 9 at the top for connecting with the sensor and an internal thread 8 on the inner side of the bottom. The internal thread 8 cooperates with the external thread 3 at the opening of the cover 1 to achieve a sealed connection between the cover 1 and the cap 2.

[0030] This embodiment also discloses a filling machine gripper system. This gripper system is a conventional structure, specifically the gripper system of a Tetra Pak filling machine (model A3CF). This gripper system includes multiple lubrication sensors 10. The difference between this embodiment and the prior art is that this embodiment equips all lubrication sensors 10 exposed within the aseptic chamber of the filling machine with waterproof sensor covers (including but not limited to lubrication sensors 10 on cylinders within the gripper system). This waterproofing prevents water ingress and damage to the lubrication sensors 10 during sterilization of the aseptic chamber or spray cleaning of the gripper system.

[0031] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the sensor waterproof cover adopts the above structure. It is connected to the original thread on the outer surface of the lubrication sensor 10 through the threaded buckle 9 on the top of the buckle 2, so as to realize the assembly of the sensor waterproof cover on the outside of the lubrication sensor 10.

[0032] It should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A waterproof cover for a sensor, characterized in that: It includes a detachable cover and a buckle that are connected as one piece; the buckle is provided with a threaded buckle for connecting to a sensor; the bottom surface of the cover has a central protrusion and an outer recess, and the central protrusion is provided with a through hole for the sensor wiring harness to pass through.

2. The sensor waterproof cover according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer ring recess is provided with multiple water-repellent holes.

3. The sensor waterproof cover according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cover and the buckle are threaded together.

4. The sensor waterproof cover according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The cover is a transparent structure.

5. A gripper system for a filling machine, wherein the gripper system is equipped with multiple lubrication sensors, characterized in that: Each of the lubrication sensors is equipped with a sensor waterproof cover; the sensor waterproof cover is the sensor waterproof cover as described in any one of claims 1-4.

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