Ampoule bottle cutting and sterilizing device, system and method

Abstract

The invention discloses an ampoule bottle cutting and sterilizing device, system and method. The device comprises a base, a rotary driving assembly, a cutting assembly and a disinfecting assembly. And the rotary driving assembly is configured to simultaneously drive the cutting actuator of the cutting assembly and the disinfectant nozzle of the disinfecting assembly, so that the cutting actuator and the disinfectant nozzle can synchronously rotate around the neck part of the fixed ampoule bottle. The system further comprises a control unit which is used for automatically executing the processes of pressing, supplying, synchronous rotating and returning. According to the method, through synchronous rotation, annular cutting, disinfectant spraying and glass fragment washing are completed at the same time in one-time operation. Unification of efficiency and effect is achieved, and the risk that glass particles pollute liquid medicine is fundamentally reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to a cutting and sterilization device for opening ampoules. Background Technology

[0002] Ampoules are common glass containers used to hold sterile injectable medications. Before use, the neck of the ampoule needs to be sterilized, cut, and broken off; this process is frequently performed in intravenous compounding centers.

[0003] Currently, there are various tools or equipment for opening ampoules, and there are two processes for ring cutting. In the ring cutting process, the first method involves rotating the ampoule itself while the cutting tool and sterilization mechanism remain fixed for sterilization and scratching. This "bottle rotates, knife stays still" mode achieves good simultaneous sterilization and glass shard removal during ring cutting. However, it has a significant efficiency bottleneck: the ampoule needs to be held and driven to rotate by a special clamp at the cutting station, making the coordination between it and the handling robot extremely cumbersome (including a series of actions such as placement, clamping, tightening, releasing, and removal). Each operation cycle is time-consuming, severely restricting the overall operating cycle of the multi-unit dispensing robot.

[0004] The second mode is the "rotating blade, stationary bottle" mode, where the rotation function is assigned to the cutting blade, and the robotic arm always holds the ampoule, moving sequentially to fixed sterilization and cutting stations for continuous operation. This mode eliminates the complex "bottle rotation drive mechanism," making the robotic arm simple to operate, allowing for rapid station transfer, and significantly improving production efficiency. However, this mode typically treats sterilization and cutting as separate processes, which has significant shortcomings: the fixed sterilization nozzles cannot provide uniform, seamless coverage of the circular cutting line; more importantly, it cannot immediately and effectively flush away the glass fragments generated at the moment of cutting, failing to address the core safety issue of glass particle contamination of the chemical solution, a long-standing concern in the industry.

[0005] In summary, existing technologies present a contradiction between achieving both "processing effectiveness" and "work efficiency." Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a technical solution that, while inheriting the efficient "knife-turn-bottle-still" operation mode, can simultaneously and integratedly complete cutting, disinfection, and glass shard washing, in order to meet the requirements of modern production with both high efficiency and high cleanliness. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as asynchronous sterilization and ineffective debris removal in the "knife-rotation-bottle-stillness" mode, and to provide an ampoule cutting and sterilization device, system, and method. This solution, while maintaining a highly efficient operating mode, achieves a significant leap in aseptic assurance levels through structural innovation and process reengineering.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an ampoule cutting and sterilization device. It includes a base, a rotary drive assembly, a cutting component, and a sterilization component.

[0009] The rotary drive assembly is mounted on the base and simultaneously drives the cutting actuator of the cutting assembly and the disinfectant nozzle of the disinfection assembly, enabling both to rotate synchronously around a fixed working axis. During operation, the ampoule remains stationary, while the cutting and disinfection tools rotate around it.

[0010] Furthermore, the rotary drive assembly may specifically include a drive motor, a transmission mechanism (such as belt drive or gear drive), and a slewing bearing component (such as crossed roller bearing or slewing bearing).

[0011] Furthermore, the cutting assembly may include a mounting base, a linear feed mechanism (such as an electric lead screw and nut assembly), an elastic buffer unit (such as a spring assembly), and a cutter bar. The linear feed mechanism pushes the elastic buffer unit, which in turn drives the cutter bar to provide a constant cutting force. The disinfectant nozzle of the disinfection assembly is fixed to the same mounting base via a nozzle bracket. Disinfectant is delivered from an external fixed pipeline to the rotating disinfectant nozzle through a rotary joint.

[0012] Secondly, the present invention provides an ampoule cutting and sterilization system comprising the aforementioned device and control unit. The control unit is programmed to coordinate and control the start-stop sequence and linkage logic of the cutting feed, sterilizing solution supply, and synchronous rotation, thereby achieving fully automated operation and safety monitoring throughout the entire process.

[0013] Thirdly, the present invention provides a method for cutting and disinfecting ampoules using the aforementioned device or system, comprising the following steps: moving the ampoule to the cutting station so that the narrowest part of its neck is located on the cutting surface of the cutting actuator; driving the cutting actuator to press against the ampoule, and simultaneously starting the rotation drive and disinfectant supply, so that the cutting and disinfection tools rotate around the neck of the ampoule, and simultaneously completing the annular cutting, disinfectant spraying and glass shard washing in one continuous rotational motion; stopping the rotation drive and disinfectant supply, and retracting the cutting actuator.

[0014] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] 1. Immediately after cutting, the cut surface is uniformly sprayed with 360° spray without dead angles. This not only disinfects and sterilizes immediately, but also removes glass shards from the opening area in the first instance, fundamentally reducing the risk of glass particles contaminating the solution.

[0016] 2. Integrating the three key steps of cutting, disinfection, and rinsing into a single automated rotary operation not only shortens the processing time per bottle but also simplifies the collaborative operation of external robotic arms or conveyor lines, reducing system complexity.

[0017] 3. Intelligence and Reliability: By integrating sensors and controllers, precise control of process parameters, real-time status monitoring, and fault safety protection can be achieved, improving the intelligence level and operational reliability of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the overall structure of Example 1;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rotary drive assembly structure in Example 1;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting component in Example 1;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the disinfection component and disinfectant supply module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the control system of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of an ampoule cutting and sterilization method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] 100 - Basic;

[0025] 200 - Rotary drive assembly; 210 - Drive motor; 220 - Transmission mechanism; 221 - Small synchronous pulley; 222 - Synchronous belt; 223 - Large synchronous pulley; 230 - Slewing bearing component; 231 - Fixed part; 232 - Rotating part;

[0026] 300-Cutting assembly; 310-Mounting base plate; 320-Linear feed mechanism; 321-Feed motor; 322-Lead screw and nut pair; 323-Lead screw; 324-Nut; 325-First linear guide; 326-First slider; 330-Elastic buffer unit; 331-Connecting seat; 332-Guide post; 333-Compression spring; 340-Tool holder; 341-Second linear guide; 342-Second slider;

[0027] 400 - Disinfection assembly; 410 - Disinfectant spray nozzle; 420 - Spray nozzle bracket;

[0028] 500 - Disinfectant supply module; 510 - Liquid pump; 520 - Rotary joint; 521 - Stationary end; 522 - Rotary end; 530 - Pressure sensor; 540 - Piping system;

[0029] 600-Control Unit;

[0030] 700-ampoule; Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Example 1:

[0033] See Figure 1 The ampoule cutting and sterilization device in this embodiment mainly includes a base (100), a rotary drive assembly (200), a cutting component (300), a sterilization component (400), and a sterilization liquid supply module (500).

[0034] See Figure 2 The base (100) provides the mounting foundation for the entire device. The rotary drive assembly (200) includes a drive motor (210), a transmission mechanism (220), and a crossed roller bearing as a slewing support component 230. The drive motor (210) is fixed below the base (100). The outer ring of the crossed roller bearing is fixed to the base (100) as a fixed part (231), while the inner ring (not shown) is freely rotatable as a rotating part (232). A large synchronous pulley (223) is fixed below the rotating part (232), and a small synchronous pulley (221) is mounted on the output shaft of the drive motor (210), and the two are connected by a synchronous belt (222). When the drive motor (210) is working, it drives the large synchronous pulley (223) and the inner ring of the bearing fixed thereto to rotate together via the synchronous belt (222).

[0035] See Figure 3The mounting base (310) of the cutting assembly (300) is fixed below the large synchronous pulley (223) and rotates with it. A linear feed mechanism (320) consisting of a feed motor (321), a lead screw (323), a nut (324), a first linear guide rail (325), and a first slider (326) is mounted on the mounting base (310). The first slider (326) is fixed below the nut (324) and is guided by the first linear guide rail (325). The tool holder (340) is mounted on the second slider (342), which is guided by the second linear guide rail (341). A connecting seat (331) is fixed below the nut (324), and two guide posts (332) have one end fixed to the connecting seat (331) and the other end passing through two corresponding through holes on the tool holder (340). Each guide post (332) is fitted with a compression spring (333), which is located between the connecting seat (331) and the cutter bar (340), forming an elastic buffer unit (330). When the feed motor (321) drives the lead screw (323) to rotate, the nut (324) drives the connecting seat (331) to move along the guide rail, and pushes the cutter bar (340) and the second slider (342) to move through the compression spring (333), thereby realizing the forward and backward movement of the cutter bar (340). During cutting, the compression amount of the compression spring (333) determines the constant clamping force applied to the neck of the ampoule (700).

[0036] See Figure 4 The nozzle bracket (420) of the disinfection assembly (400) is fixed on the mounting base (310), and the disinfectant nozzle (410) is installed at the end of the nozzle bracket (420), with its spray direction aligned with the cut-off line on the neck of the ampoule (700). The disinfectant supply module (500) includes a pump (510), a rotary joint (520), and a pressure sensor (530). The stationary end (521) of the rotary joint (520) is fixed to the base (100) (its axis can pass through the center hole of the crossed roller bearing), and the rotating end (522) rotates with the mounting base (310) and communicates with the disinfectant nozzle (410). The pump (510) and the pressure sensor (530) are fixedly installed on the base (100). The piping system (540) connects the external alcohol source, the pump (510), the pressure sensor (530), the rotary joint (520), and the disinfectant nozzle (410) in sequence.

[0037] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 This embodiment also includes a control unit (600). The control unit (600) is electrically connected to the drive motor (210), the feed motor (321), the liquid pump (510), and the pressure sensor (530). Its working process is as follows:

[0038] Step S1: The ampoule is moved into place. The robotic arm (not shown in the figure) carries the ampoule (700) to the cutting station, with its central axis aligned with the center of the device and the narrowest part of its neck aligned with the cutting surface of the cutter bar (340).

[0039] Step S2: Cutting feed and clamping. The control unit (600) controls the feed motor (321) to rotate forward, driving the cutter bar (340) forward. When the cutter tip contacts the bottleneck, the compression spring (333) begins to be compressed until the preset compression amount (corresponding to the preset cutting pressure) is reached, and then the feed stops.

[0040] Step S3: Disinfection Preparation and Synchronous Rotational Cutting. The control unit (600) first starts the liquid pump (510), and the disinfectant begins to be delivered and pressure is built up. After a short delay, the drive motor (210) is started, driving the mounting base plate (310), the cutter bar (340), and the disinfectant nozzle (410) to rotate around the ampoule (700). During one rotation (or a set number of rotations), the cutter wheel on the cutter bar (340) completes the circular cut, while the atomized alcohol sprayed from the disinfectant nozzle (410) simultaneously disinfects and rinses the cutting line.

[0041] Step S4: Retraction and Reset. After rotation to the final position, the drive motor (210) stops. The control unit (600) controls the feed motor (321) to reverse, retracting the cutter bar (340) back to the initial safe position. The liquid pump (510) may be delayed to clean the pipeline.

[0042] Safety monitoring: The pressure sensor (530) provides real-time feedback of the pressure value. If there is a loss of pressure or overpressure, the control unit (600) will immediately sound an alarm and initiate a manual intervention procedure: depending on the progress of the process, either continue the liquid preparation process or interrupt the process and remove the raw materials.

[0043] Example 2:

[0044] This invention also protects an ampoule cutting and disinfection method performed by the aforementioned device or system. The core steps are as follows: after the blade (340) presses against the ampoule and maintains pressure, the disinfectant nozzle (410) is simultaneously activated and rotates around the ampoule (700) along with the blade (340), completing both the annular cutting and disinfectant spraying / rinsing operations in a single rotation. Preferably, the disinfectant supply slightly precedes the rotation activation to achieve better pre-wetting and rinsing effects.

[0045] The specific embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art can make modifications to these embodiments without contributing any inventive step after reading this specification, but such modifications are protected by patent law as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ampoule cutting and sterilizing apparatus, characterized by comprising: The device comprises: a base; a rotary drive assembly mounted on the base; a cutting assembly comprising a cutting implement driven by the rotary drive assembly and capable of rotating around a fixed working axis, for performing annular cutting on the neck of an ampoule located on the working axis; a disinfecting assembly comprising a disinfecting liquid spray head driven synchronously by the rotary drive assembly and rotating together with the cutting implement, for spraying disinfecting liquid to the cutting area during or immediately after the annular cutting; wherein the rotary drive assembly is configured to drive the cutting implement and the disinfecting liquid spray head to rotate synchronously around the ampoule.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The rotary drive assembly comprises: a drive motor; a transmission mechanism connected to the output shaft of the drive motor; a slewing bearing component, the fixed part of which is connected to the base, and the rotating part of which is connected to the output end of the transmission mechanism; the cutting assembly and the disinfecting assembly are mounted on the rotating part to rotate therewith.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The cutting assembly further comprises: a mounting base fixed to the rotating part of the slewing bearing component; a linear feed mechanism mounted on the mounting base; the cutting implement is a cutter bar connected to the moving part of the linear feed mechanism through an elastic buffer unit; the linear feed mechanism is used to drive the cutter bar to reciprocate along the working axis; the elastic buffer unit is used to provide continuous elastic compression force after the cutter bar contacts the ampoule.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The elastic buffer unit comprises a connecting seat, a guide column and a compression spring; the connecting seat is fixed to the moving part of the linear feed mechanism; one end of the guide column is fixed to the connecting seat, and the other end passes through a guide hole on the cutter bar; the compression spring is sleeved on the guide column, and the two ends thereof abut against the connecting seat and the cutter bar, respectively.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The disinfecting liquid spray head of the disinfecting assembly is fixed to the mounting base through a spray head support, and the spray direction thereof is set to point to the annular cutting area of the ampoule neck.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The disinfecting assembly further comprises a disinfecting liquid supply module, which comprises: a pump body; a rotary joint, the static end of which is fixed to the base, and the rotating end of which rotates with the rotary drive assembly and is in fluid communication with the disinfecting liquid spray head; a pipeline system connecting a disinfecting liquid source, the pump body, the rotary joint and the disinfecting liquid spray head.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, A pressure sensor is further arranged on the pipeline system to monitor the disinfecting liquid supply pressure.

8. An ampoule cutting and sterilizing system, characterized by, The device comprises: the ampoule cutting and disinfecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a control unit communicatively connected with the rotary drive assembly, the cutting assembly and the disinfecting assembly; the control unit is programmed to execute the following control logic: a. control the cutting assembly to drive the cutting implement to advance until it presses against the ampoule neck with a preset pressure; b. control the disinfecting assembly to start disinfecting liquid supply; c. control the rotary drive assembly to start, drive the cutting implement and the disinfecting liquid spray head to rotate synchronously around the ampoule for a preset angle or number of turns; d. control the rotary drive assembly to stop; e. control the disinfecting assembly to stop disinfecting liquid supply; f. control the cutting assembly to drive the cutting implement to retreat to the initial position.

9. An ampoule cutting sterilization method characterized by comprising: The method using the device or system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 comprises the following steps: Moving the ampoule to a predetermined station with its neck located at a cutting operation surface; Driving the cutting executor to move until it contacts with the ampoule neck and applies a preset pressure; Starting the disinfectant supply to spray disinfectant from a disinfectant nozzle; Synchronously driving the cutting executor and the disinfectant nozzle to rotate around the ampoule neck for at least one round to perform annular cutting and synchronously spray and flush the cutting area with the sprayed disinfectant during the rotation; Stopping the rotation driving and the disinfectant supply; Driving the cutting executor to retreat.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, Further comprising: Monitoring the disinfectant supply pressure in real time and interrupting the operation process when the pressure is abnormal.

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