REMOTE ATTACHING AND DETACHING DEVICE INCLUDING CELL CAMERA

• US 20140055597A1
• Filed: 08/26/2013
• Published: 02/27/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 08/27/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company Limited (Government of South Korea), Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (Government of The Republic of Korea)
• Original Assignee: Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company Limited (Government of South Korea), Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (Government of The Republic of Korea)
• Inventors: Lee, Jong Kwang, Yu, Seung-Nam, Park, Byung Suk, Lee, Hansoo, KIM, Kiho, Cho, Il-Je
• Granted Patent: US 9,981,393 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/82
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 19/023 including video camera means
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/51 Housings
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/555 for picking-up images in sites, inaccessible due to their dimensions or hazardous conditions, e.g. endoscopes or borescopes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 for receiving images from a single remote source
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 30/30 Nuclear fission reactors
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 901/47 Optical

Abstract

A remote attaching and detaching device is provided, which includes a camera module to substitute a worker'"'"'s vision in such an environment where the worker'"'"'s direct access to the in-cell is extremely limited or impossible. In a remote attaching and detaching device including a camera module for monitoring operating environment of a slave arm of a remote robot working in hazardous environment, the remote attaching and detaching device includes a fixing module fixed to a proximity of a gripper provided on the slave arm, and the camera module is attachable to and detachable from the fixing module, and provides visual in-cell information or situation about surroundings of the gripper.

Claims

1. A remote attaching and detaching device comprising a camera module for monitoring an operating environment of a slave arm of a remote robot working in a hazardous environment, the remote attaching and detaching device comprising:

a fixing module fixed to a proximity of a gripper provided on the slave arm; and

the camera module attachable to and detachable from the fixing module, the camera module for providing visual information about surroundings of the gripper.

2. The remote attaching and detaching device of claim 1, wherein the camera module is attachable or detachable in accordance with a tele-manipulator remotely operated by an operator.

3. The remote attaching and detaching device of claim 1, wherein the camera module comprises:

a housing;

a camera fixed to the housing, to photograph the visual information;

a detaching unit enabling attaching and detachment to and from the fixing module; and

a connector connected to the fixing module to transmit and receive an electric signal to and from the camera.

4. The remote attaching and detaching device of claim 3, wherein the detaching unit comprises:

a spring;

a fastening plate that moves in a direction of contracting or expanding the spring in accordance with contraction and expansion of the spring; and

a pin connected to the fastening plate to fix the camera module to the fixing module.

5. The remote attaching and detaching device of claim 4, wherein the fastening plate comprises a plurality of embossed portions formed on a surface to prevent sliding upon gripping the camera module.

6. The remote attaching and detaching device of claim 3, wherein the connector uses a female connector.

7. The remote attaching and detaching device of claim 1, wherein the camera module transmits collected visual information to an outside area to provide the same to an operator who is in the operating process.

8. The remote attaching and detaching device of claim 1, wherein the fixing module is fixedly supported on the gripper, and comprises a clamp housing comprising a groove formed therein.

9. The remote attaching and detaching device of claim 8, wherein the clamp housing further comprises a male connector formed on one side for coupling with the female connector.

10. The remote attaching and detaching device of claim 9, wherein the male connector is connected to an external power source or a control device, to supply power to the camera module and transmit visual in-cell information or situation to the out-of-cell.