CEDI Module Replacing Apparatus

Abstract

This invention provides a CEDI module replacement device that allows workers to safely perform replacement work on the ground without having to board a lift. [Solution] The CEDI module replacement device allows a worker to pull out or insert the CEDI module while controlling the forward and backward movement of the mobile platform and clamp plate from the ground using a remote control. The worker only needs to reach out and operate the handles while standing near both ends of the CEDI module when fixing the clamp pins or bringing the front outriggers into contact with the module, thus enabling the worker to safely perform the replacement work on the ground without having to board a lift.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for replacing modules used in a CEDI (Continuous Electro Deionization) device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a CEDI module replacement device that enables safe and rapid replacement of CEDI modules mounted at high positions.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a CEDI device is used in the water treatment process of semiconductor, LCD, pharmaceutical, and industrial ultra-pure water (UPW) production lines, and a large number of CEDI modules are mounted in multiple stages on a frame and operated. Such CEDI modules are consumables and need to be replaced approximately every 1 to 2 years.

[0003] Conventionally, a chain block was installed on the upper part of the frame to lift and replace the CEDI module, or a device for replacing the CEDI module using a lift, a moving table, and a winch, as in the applicant's registered patent No. 10-1928996, was proposed. However, in such a method, since the operator had to directly board the lift and wrap the belt around the back of the frame, the risk of safety accidents during high-altitude work was high, and the work efficiency was also low. In addition, the conventional gear winch and belt method had problems such as interference with peripheral devices during the process of pulling the CEDI module and damage to the CEDI module. That is, there was a problem in that the CEDI module was wrapped and hooked using a gear wrench belt, and the wrench was turned to slightly drag the floor while pulling the CEDI module to the lift device, resulting in damage to peripheral devices and breakage of the CEDI module.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-1928996 (Announcement Date: December 13, 2018)

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective of the present invention, devised to solve the aforementioned problems, is to provide a CEDI module replacement device that allows a worker to safely perform replacement work on the ground without boarding a lift. This is achieved by enabling the worker to pull out or insert the CEDI module while controlling the forward and backward movement of the mobile platform and clamp plate from the ground using a remote control, and by allowing the worker to reach out and operate only the handles while standing near both ends of the CEDI module only when fixing the clamp pins or bringing the front outriggers into contact.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a CEDI module exchange device that employs a two-stage forward movement system in which a mobile platform is advanced by a drive motor, and then a clamp plate is further advanced by a hydraulic cylinder, thereby enabling the CEDI module to be stably pulled out or retracted without interference with surrounding equipment or damage to the CEDI module while keeping the CEDI module close to the frame.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a CEDI module exchange device that prevents the top plate of the lift from shaking or tipping over through the cooperative action of the lift, mobile platform, clamp, and front outrigger, thereby ensuring stability even when working at height. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a CEDI module exchange device that includes: a lift for raising and lowering a top plate; a movable platform installed at the center of the top plate of the lift so as to be movable back and forth; module support bases installed on both sides of the movable platform and having module mounting grooves on which CEDI modules are placed; clamps located outside the module support bases and installed at both ends of the movable platform to fix CEDI modules; and a drive member for moving the movable platform back and forth.

[0009] The clamp comprises a pin assembly including: a clamp support base fixed to both ends of the movable table; a hydraulic cylinder installed on the clamp support base; a clamp plate into which a clamp pin is inserted, with guide holes formed on both ends of its outer surface to support the linear movement of the inserted clamp pin, and fixed to the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder; and two clamp pins inserted into each of the guide holes, a connecting bar integrally connecting the two clamp pins, and a fixing member connected to the connecting bar and having a first locking hole and a second locking hole into which a plunger is selectively inserted, thereby fixing the clamp pin in a locked position and an unlocked position, respectively, wherein the plunger is installed on the clamp plate and protrudes by the elastic force of a spring and is selectively fastened to the first locking hole or the second locking hole of the fixing member.

[0010] Furthermore, auxiliary support bars are formed on both ends of the inner surface of the clamp plate, and auxiliary holes are formed on both ends of the clamp support base to guide and support the movement of the inserted auxiliary support bars.

[0011] Furthermore, when a drive signal is applied to the hydraulic cylinder via an electrical control signal, the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder protrudes, causing the clamp plate to move forward, or the piston rod retracts, causing the clamp plate to retract.

[0012] The drive member includes a lead screw that engages with a coupling groove formed in the lower center of the movable table and is rotatably mounted in the center of the top plate, causing the movable table to move forward or backward in accordance with its rotation; and a movable table actuator including a pulley box mounted on the rear surface of the top plate, a drive motor fixed to the top of the pulley box, an upper pulley fixed to the rotating shaft of the drive motor inside the pulley box, a lower pulley fixed to the end of the lead screw inside the pulley box, and a first timing belt enclosing the upper and lower pulleys.

[0013] The CEDI module exchange device of the present invention further includes auxiliary guide rails, which are installed on both sides of the top plate and inserted into a movement guide groove formed in the lower center of the module support base, to guide the module support base when the movement base moves forward and backward.

[0014] The CEDI module exchange device of the present invention further includes: side cases installed on the sides of both ends of the top plate; a worm gearbox installed on the sides of both ends of the top plate; a grip handle rotatably coupled to the worm gearbox; a worm gear pulley rotatably coupled to the worm gearbox and rotated via a worm gear inside the worm gearbox in response to the rotation of the grip handle and located inside the side case; a driven gear connected to the worm gear pulley by a second timing belt; a support rod that meshes with the threads of the driven gear and moves forward or backward in response to the rotation of the driven gear; a support insertion groove installed on the inner surface of the side case into which the support rod is inserted and which guides the movement of the inserted support rod; and a front outrigger including a contact plate formed on the front end of the support rod and located outside the side case. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention described above, a CEDI module replacement device is provided that allows an operator to pull out or insert the CEDI module while controlling the forward and backward movement of the mobile platform and clamp plate from the ground using a remote control, and only when fixing the clamp pins or bringing the front outriggers into contact does the operator need to reach out and operate only the handles while standing around both ends of the CEDI module, thereby enabling the operator to safely perform replacement work on the ground without having to board a lift.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the present invention described above, a two-stage forward movement system is employed in which the mobile platform is advanced by a drive motor, and then the clamp plate is further advanced by a hydraulic cylinder, providing a CEDI module exchange device that can stably pull out or retract the CEDI module while keeping it close to the frame. As a result, it is not necessary to move the module while dragging it on the floor as in the conventional gear winch and belt system, so problems such as interference with surrounding equipment and damage to the CEDI module are significantly reduced.

[0017] In addition, according to the present invention described above, the lift's top plate can be prevented from shaking or tipping over through the cooperative action of the lift, mobile platform, clamp, and front outrigger, thus providing a CEDI module exchange device that ensures stability even when working at heights. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This figure shows an overall view of a CEDI module replacement device according to one embodiment of the present invention in a state where a CEDI module is clamped. [Figure 2] This figure shows the basic state of the top plate of a CEDI module exchange device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the basic state of the top plate of a CEDI module exchange device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged view showing the inside of the pulley box of the drive member of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows the internal structure of the front outrigger of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows the mobile platform of the present invention in a forward position. [Figure 7] This figure shows the mobile platform of the present invention in a forward position. [Figure 8] This figure shows the adhesive plate of the present invention in close contact with the loading frame. [Figure 9] This figure shows the clamp pins fixed to the CEDI module after the clamp plate of the present invention has advanced. [Figure 10] An enlarged view showing the clamping pin in the release position with the clamping plate of the present invention advanced. [Figure 11] An enlarged view showing the state where the clamping pin is pushed into the locked position after the clamping plate of the present invention has advanced. [Figure 12] A view showing the state where the clamping plate has retracted after the CEDI module exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention has clamped the CEDI module. [Figure 13] A view showing the state where the moving table has retracted after the CEDI module exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention has clamped the CEDI module. [Figure 14] A view showing the state where the front outrigger has retracted after the CEDI module exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention has clamped the CEDI module.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, the technical configuration of the present invention will be described in detail according to the attached drawings. FIG. 1 is a view showing as a whole the state where a CEDI module exchanger (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention has clamped a CEDI module (30).

[0020] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are views showing the basic state of the top plate of a CEDI module exchanger (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing the inside of a pulley box (521) of a drive member (500) of a CEDI module exchanger (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a view showing the internal structure of a front outrigger (700) of a CEDI module exchanger (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a CEDI module exchanger (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lift (100), a moving table (200), a module support table (300), a clamp (400), and a drive member (500).

[0022] The lift (100) raises and lowers the top plate (110).

[0023] The lift (100) is configured to raise and lower the top plate (110) by installing a link (140) between the top plate (110) and the bottom plate (120) that folds up and down via a cylinder (130). The lift (100) is equipped with a cylinder actuator that operates the cylinder (130). Therefore, when the cylinder (130) is operated by the cylinder actuator, the link (140) folds up and down the top plate (110), and as a result the mobile platform (200) and the module support base (300) can be raised or lowered to a desired height.

[0024] The features of this invention lie in the mobile platform (200), module support base (300), clamp (400), drive member (500), auxiliary guide rail (600), and front outrigger (700) installed on the top plate (110). Therefore, the lift, such as the link (140) installed below the top plate (110), is not shown in Figures 2 to 14.

[0025] The mobile platform (200) is installed so as to be movable back and forth at the center of the top plate (110) of the lift (100).

[0026] The module support base (300) is installed on both sides of the movable base (200) and includes module mounting grooves (310) on which the CEDI module (30) is placed.

[0027] The clamps (400) are located on the outside of the module support base (300) and are installed at both ends of the movable base (200) to secure the CEDI module (30).

[0028] Specifically, the clamp (400) includes a clamp support base (410), a hydraulic cylinder (420), a clamp plate (430), and a pin assembly (440) (see Figures 12 and 13).

[0029] The clamp support base (410) is fixed to both ends of the mobile platform (200). The hydraulic cylinder (420) is installed on the clamp support base (410).

[0030] The clamp plate (430) has guide holes (431) formed at both ends of its outer surface into which a clamp pin (441) is inserted, and which support the linear movement of the inserted clamp pin (441), and is fixed to the piston rod (421) of the hydraulic cylinder (420).

[0031] The pin assembly (440) includes two clamp pins (441) inserted into each guide hole (431), a connecting bar (442) that integrally connects the two clamp pins, and a fixing member (443) that is coupled to the connecting bar (442) and has first locking holes (4431) and second locking holes (4432) into which a plunger (450) is selectively inserted, and that fixes the clamp pins (441) in the locked and unlocked positions, respectively.

[0032] The plunger (450) is mounted on the clamp plate (430), protrudes by the elastic force of the spring, and is selectively fastened to either the first locking hole (4431) or the second locking hole (4432) of the fixing member (443).

[0033] The two clamp pins (441) are locked in place when the operator pulls the plunger (450) to grasp the grip portion (4421) formed on the connecting bar (442) and pushes it toward the side plates (32) at both ends of the CEDI module (30), and then releases the plunger (450) again. The two clamp pins (441) are then secured by catching into grooves formed in the side plates (32) at both ends of the CEDI module (30).

[0034] Furthermore, auxiliary support bars (432) are formed on both ends of the inner surface of the clamp plate (430), and auxiliary holes (411) are formed on both ends of the clamp support base (410) to guide and support the movement of the inserted auxiliary support bars (432). When a drive signal is applied to the hydraulic cylinder (420) via an electrical control signal, the piston rod (421) of the hydraulic cylinder protrudes and the clamp plate (430) moves forward, or the piston rod retracts and the clamp plate (430) moves backward.

[0035] For reference, a hydraulic cylinder is a device that uses the pressure difference of the hydraulic fluid to push a piston, causing the piston rod to reciprocate back and forth. It is operated by the fluid pressure supplied through a hydraulic valve. The drive signal is applied to the hydraulic valve (solenoid valve, servo valve, etc.) as an electrical control signal (24V DC, 420mA, CAN, PWM, etc.). The hydraulic valve opens and closes in response to the electrical control signal, and in this process the flow of hydraulic fluid is controlled, and the hydraulic cylinder is driven by the resulting pressure. The electrical control signal is usually transmitted between the controller (PLC, controller, sensor, etc.) and the hydraulic valve via wires. In other words, the hydraulic cylinder is driven by oil pressure, and the electronic drive signal is provided to the hydraulic valve.

[0036] The drive member (500) moves the movable platform (200) back and forth.

[0037] Specifically, the drive member (500) includes a lead screw (510) and a mobile platform actuator (520).

[0038] The lead screw (510) engages with a coupling groove formed in the lower center of the mobile platform (200) and is rotatably mounted in the center of the top plate (110), causing the mobile platform (200) to move forward or backward as it rotates.

[0039] The mobile platform actuator (520) includes a pulley box (521) installed on the rear surface of the top plate, a drive motor (522) fixed to the top of the pulley box, an upper pulley (523) fixed to the rotating shaft of the drive motor inside the pulley box, a lower pulley (524) fixed to the end of the lead screw inside the pulley box, and a first timing belt (525) enclosing the upper pulley and the lower pulley.

[0040] An embodiment of the present invention of a CEDI module exchange device (10) further includes auxiliary guide rails (600) installed on both sides of a top plate (110). The auxiliary guide rails (600) are inserted into a movement guide groove (320) formed in the lower center of the module support base (300) and guide the module support base (300) when the movement base (200) moves forward and backward.

[0041] An embodiment of the present invention of the CEDI module exchange device (10) further includes a front outrigger (700). The front outrigger (700) is necessary to keep the top plate (110) in close contact with the frame on which the CEDI modules (30) are loaded, as the lift is positioned high and there is a risk of the top plate (110) swaying at the top and tipping over.

[0042] The front outrigger (700) includes a side case (710), a worm gearbox (720), a grip handle (730), a worm gear pulley (740), a driven gear (750), a support rod (760), a support insertion groove (770), and a contact plate (780).

[0043] The side cases (710) are installed on the sides of both ends of the top panel (110). The worm gearbox (720) is also installed on the sides of both ends of the top panel (110).

[0044] The grip handle (730) is rotatably coupled to the worm gearbox (720). The worm gear pulley (740) is rotatably coupled to the worm gearbox (720) and rotates via the worm gear inside the worm gearbox (720) in response to the rotation of the grip handle (730). The worm gear pulley (740) is located inside the side case (710).

[0045] The driven gear (750) is connected to the worm gear pulley (740) and the second timing belt (790).

[0046] The support rod (760) meshes with the threads of the driven gear (750) and moves forward or backward in accordance with the rotation of the driven gear.

[0047] The support insertion groove (770) is located on the inner surface of the side case (710), into which the support rod (760) is inserted, and which guides the forward and backward movement of the inserted support rod.

[0048] The contact plate (780) is formed on the front end of the support rod (760) and is located outside the side case (710). The contact plate (780) adheres tightly to the loading frame (31) on which the CEDI module (30) is located when the support rod (760) moves forward, and supports the top plate (110) so that it does not shake.

[0049] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, the process of replacing a CEDI module (30) located on a loading frame (31) using a CEDI module replacement device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figures 2 and 3 show the basic state of a CEDI module exchange device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, where the lift (100) is lowered and the mobile platform (200) and front outriggers (700) are all in the retracted position.

[0051] Next, referring to Figures 6 to 8, the worker moves the CEDI module replacement device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention to the frame (31) on which the CEDI module (30) to be replaced is loaded. Then, the worker raises the lift (100) to the floor where the CEDI module (30) to be replaced is located, and rotates the grip handle (730) of the front outrigger (700) to make the contact plate (780) of the front outrigger (700) protrude so that it is in close contact with the loading frame (31). Then, the worker drives the drive motor (522) with a remote control or the like to move the mobile platform (200) forward. Figures 6 and 7 show the state in which the mobile platform (200) of the CEDI module replacement device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention has moved forward, and Figure 8 shows the state in which the contact plate (780) is in close contact with the loading frame (31).

[0052] Next, referring to Figures 9 to 11, the operator sends an electrical control signal to the hydraulic cylinder (420) of the clamp (400) using a remote control or the like, causing the piston rod (421) of the hydraulic cylinder (420) to move forward and advance the clamp plate (430). Then, the operator pulls the plunger (450) to grasp the grip portion (4421) formed on the connecting bar (442) and pushes it toward the side plates (32) at both ends of the CEDI module (30). When the operator releases the plunger (450) again, the two clamp pins (441) are fixed in the locked position. The two clamp pins (441) then catch into grooves formed in the side plates (32) at both ends of the CEDI module (30) and are fixed in place. Figure 9 shows the state in which the clamp pin (441) is fixed to the CEDI module (30) after the clamp plate (430) of the CEDI module replacement device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention has advanced, and Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the state in which the clamp pin (441) is in the released position with the clamp plate (430) of the CEDI module replacement device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention advanced, and Figure 11 is an enlarged view showing the state in which the clamp pin (441) is pushed into the locked position after the clamp plate (430) of the CEDI module replacement device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention has advanced.

[0053] Next, referring to Figure 12, the operator sends an electrical control signal to the hydraulic cylinder (420) of the clamp (400) using a remote control or the like, causing the piston rod (421) of the hydraulic cylinder (420) to retract and move the clamp plate (430) backward. Figure 12 shows the state after the clamp plate (430) has retracted after the CEDI module replacement device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention has clamped the CEDI module (30).

[0054] Next, referring to Figure 13, the operator drives the drive motor (522) with a remote control or the like to retract the mobile platform (200). Figure 13 shows the state after the mobile platform (200) has retracted after the CEDI module replacement device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention has clamped the CEDI module (30).

[0055] Next, referring to Figure 14, the operator rotates the grip handle (730) of the front outrigger (700) to retract the contact plate (780) so that the contact plate (780) separates from the loading frame (31). Figure 14 shows the state after the CEDI module exchange device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention has clamped the CEDI module (30) and the front outrigger (700) has retracted.

[0056] Afterward, the worker lowers the lift (100) to complete the CEDI module replacement.

[0057] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical idea or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood to be illustrative and not limiting in all respects. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 10: CEDI module exchange device according to one embodiment of the present invention 30: CEDI module 100: Lift 110: Tabletop 200: Mobile platform 210: Connection groove 300: Module support base 310: Module mounting groove 320: Movable guide groove 400: Clamp 410: Clamp support base 420: Hydraulic cylinder 421: Piston rod 430: Clamp Plate 431: Guide Hall 432: Auxiliary support bar 440: Pin Assembly 441: Clamp pin 442: Connecting bar 443: Fixing member 4431: First locking hole 4432: Second locking hole 450: Plunger 500: Drive Member 510: Lead Screw 520: Mobile platform actuator 521: Pulley Box 522: Drive motor 523: Upper pulley 524: Lower pulley 525: First timing belt 600: Auxiliary guide rail 700: Front outriggers 710: Side Case 720: Worm gearbox 730: Grip handle 740: Worm gear pulley 750: Driven gear 760: Support Rod 770: Support insertion groove 780: Contact plate 790: Second timing belt

Claims

1. A lift (100) for raising and lowering the top plate (110); A movable platform (200) is installed in the center of the top plate (110) of the lift (100) so as to be movable back and forth; module support bases (300) are installed on both sides of the movable platform (200) and are equipped with module mounting grooves (310) on which the CEDI module (30) is placed; A clamp (400) located on the outside of the module support base (300) and installed at both ends of the movable base (200) to secure the CEDI module (30); A drive member (500) for moving the mobile platform (200) back and forth; and A CEDI module exchange device comprising: auxiliary guide rails (600) installed on both sides of the top plate and inserted into a movable guide groove (320) formed in the lower center of the module support base (300), which guide the module support base when the movable base moves forward or backward;

2. The CEDI module replacement device according to claim 1, wherein the clamp (400) is Clamp support bases (410) fixed to both ends of the aforementioned mobile platform (200); A hydraulic cylinder (420) installed on the clamp support base; A clamp plate (430) into which a clamp pin is inserted, with guide holes (431) formed at both ends of its outer surface to support the linear movement of the inserted clamp pin, and fixed to the piston rod (421) of the hydraulic cylinder; and A pin assembly (440) includes two clamp pins (441) inserted into each of the guide holes, a connecting bar (442) integrally connecting the two clamp pins, and a fixing member (443) connected to the connecting bar and having first locking holes (4431) and second locking holes (4432) into which a plunger (450) is selectively inserted, for fixing the clamp pins in a locked position and an unlocked position, respectively; The plunger (450) is A CEDI module exchange device, characterized in that it is installed on the clamp plate (430) and protrudes by the elastic force of a spring to selectively fasten into the first locking hole or the second locking hole of the fixing member (443).

3. A CEDI module exchange device according to claim 2, Auxiliary support bars (432) are formed on both ends of the inner surface of the clamp plate (430). A CEDI module exchange device characterized in that auxiliary support bars (432) are inserted into both ends of the clamp support base (410), and auxiliary holes (411) are formed therein to guide and support the movement of the inserted auxiliary support bars (432).

4. A CEDI module replacement device according to claim 3, A CEDI module exchange device characterized in that when a drive signal is applied to the hydraulic cylinder (420) via an electrical control signal, the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder protrudes and the clamp plate (430) moves forward, or the piston rod retracts and the clamp plate (430) moves backward.

5. The CEDI module replacement device according to claim 1, wherein the drive member (500) is A lead screw (510) engages with a coupling groove (210) formed in the lower center of the movable platform, is rotatably mounted in the center of the top plate, and moves the movable platform forward or backward in accordance with its rotation; and A CEDI module exchange device comprising: a pulley box (521) installed on the rear surface of the top plate; a drive motor (522) fixed to the top of the pulley box; an upper pulley (523) fixed to the rotating shaft of the drive motor inside the pulley box; a lower pulley (524) fixed to the end of the lead screw inside the pulley box; and a mobile actuator (520) including a first timing belt (525) enclosing the upper and lower pulleys.

6. A CEDI module exchange device according to claim 1, Side cases (710) installed on the sides of both ends of the top plate, A worm gearbox (720) is installed on the sides of both ends of the aforementioned top plate. A grip handle (730) is rotatably coupled to the worm gearbox. A worm gear pulley (740) is rotatably coupled to the worm gearbox and rotates via the worm gear inside the worm gearbox in response to the rotation of the grip handle, and is located inside the side case (710). A driven gear (750) connected to a worm gear pulley (740) and a second timing belt (790), A support rod (760) that engages with the threads of the driven gear and moves forward or backward in accordance with the rotation of the driven gear. A support insertion groove (770) is installed on the inner surface of the side case (710) into which the support rod is inserted and which guides the movement of the inserted support rod, and A CEDI module exchange device further includes a front outrigger (700) which includes a contact plate (780) formed at the front end of the support rod and located outside the side case (710).

Images