Online sterilization tube centrifuge and optimization system and usage steps

Abstract

The present invention relates to an online sterilization tubular centrifuge, which comprises: a drum for separating liquid and material by rotating centrifugal force; a main shaft connected and fixed to the drum by a drum connector; and a bearing unit for supporting the rotation of the main shaft; the tubular centrifuge is characterized in that a sleeve with a groove formed on the upper surface is also provided above the bearing unit; the main shaft passes through the sleeve and has a through hole formed on the upper end side; a pin that can be embedded in the groove on the upper surface of the sleeve is inserted into the through hole formed on the upper end side of the main shaft. According to the online sterilization tubular centrifuge of the present invention, the centrifuge can be formed into a static sealing state, so that the drum can be cleaned and sterilized, and the automatic integration of the centrifuge is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a centrifuge, in particular to a tubular centrifuge. Background Art

[0002] In the past, methods for separating and cleaning pharmaceutical materials include methods using a centrifuge, methods using a centrifuge drum, filtration separation using a filter, electrical separation using the charge of the pharmaceutical material, and affinity separation using the affinity of antigens present on the surface of the pharmaceutical material.

[0003] On the one hand, since the medical uses of separated and cleaned pharmaceutical materials are for treatments using pharmaceutical materials such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, adoptive pharmaceutical immunotherapy, gene therapy, etc., aseptic separation and cleaning of pharmaceutical materials has gradually become a very important topic.

[0004] On the other hand, the occurrence of fake vaccines in recent years is due to the fact that aseptic operation is required in the vaccine production process, and the use of traditional centrifuges cannot avoid contact with the outside world. This requires that the centrifuge be placed in a sterile chamber when producing vaccines, biological cells, immune materials, etc., and the cost of this production method is naturally very high. Therefore, how to form a sealed space at a low cost to clean and sterilize the centrifuge, and keep the related equipment in a sealed space without contacting the outside world after sterilization, and through fully automated cleaning and sterilization has gradually become an important issue.

[0005] At the same time, based on the above two issues, how to effectively control costs and facilitate operation is an additional issue in this field.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a structure of a tubular centrifuge, the purpose of which is to achieve completely sealed online cleaning / sterilization. Specifically, after the material is removed from the drum and the drum is reinstalled in the centrifuge, cleaning and sterilization are achieved in a completely sealed environment, and the sealed state is maintained until the next use of the centrifuge, thereby ensuring that the centrifuge (especially the drum) is completely free from contact with the outside world, forming a complete sterile state. Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention:

[0008] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an online sterilizing tubular centrifuge which can automatically or semi-automatically perform high-temperature cleaning and sterilization in a completely sealed state.

[0009] Means of solving the problem:

[0010] The first embodiment of the online sterilizing tubular centrifuge involved in the present invention comprises: a drum for separating liquids and materials by rotating centrifugal force; a main shaft connected and fixed to the drum by a drum connector; and a bearing unit for supporting the rotation of the main shaft; the tubular centrifuge is characterized in that a sleeve with a groove formed on the upper surface is also provided above the bearing unit; the main shaft passes through the sleeve and has a through hole formed on the upper end side; a pin that can be embedded in the groove on the upper surface of the sleeve is inserted into the through hole formed on the upper end side of the main shaft.

[0011] According to the above structure, when the centrifuge performs material-liquid separation, the latch on the main shaft is embedded in the groove on the upper surface of the sleeve, so that when the main shaft rotates, the groove and the drum are driven to rotate, so that the material-liquid separation is achieved in normal operation. When the centrifuge performs sealing and sterilization, the drum is lifted up a certain distance and rotated a certain distance (within 90°) so that the latch on the main shaft is misaligned with the groove on the upper surface of the sleeve, so that the latch is stuck on the upper surface of the sleeve, and at this time, the drum connector abuts against the bearing unit to form a sealed space.

[0012] The second embodiment of the online sterilizing tubular centrifuge involved in the present invention is a tubular centrifuge comprising: a drum for separating liquids and materials by rotating centrifugal force; a main shaft connected and fixed to the drum by a drum connector; and a bearing unit for supporting the rotation of the main shaft; the drum tray mechanism is provided below the drum; the drum tray mechanism comprises: a drum tray whose upper surface is formed in a shape that meshes with the lower surface of the drum; and a bracket formed below the drum tray; the drum tray mechanism can be moved in the up and down directions by a moving device.

[0013] According to the above structure, when the centrifuge performs material-liquid separation, the drum tray moves downward a certain distance through the moving device, so that when the main shaft rotates, the drum is driven to rotate without friction with the drum tray, so that the material-liquid separation is achieved in normal operation. When the centrifuge performs sealed sterilization, the drum tray moves upward a certain distance through the moving device, so that the drum connector abuts against the bearing unit to form a sealed space.

[0014] In the second embodiment, preferably, the moving device is a hydraulic mechanism or a pneumatic mechanism connected to a cylinder, or the moving device is an eccentric wheel arranged on a bracket.

[0015] According to the above structure, since the drum is heavy, the drum can be moved upward by mechanical means or lever principle.

[0016] In the first and second embodiments described above, preferably, a sealing ring is provided above the drum connecting member.

[0017] According to the above preferred structure, the sealing effect can be further improved.

[0018] The present invention also provides an operating procedure of an online sterilizing tubular centrifuge under a first embodiment, characterized in that it includes the following steps: offsetting the pin on the main shaft from the groove on the upper surface of the sleeve so that the pin is locked on the upper surface of the main shaft.

[0019] The present invention also provides an operating procedure of an online sterilizing tubular centrifuge under a second embodiment, characterized in that it includes the following steps: lifting the drum upwards by a certain distance through the drum tray mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a stereoscopic diagram of the online sterilizing tubular centrifuge of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 is a front view of the cross sleeve of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 is a top view of the cross sleeve of the present invention in operation;

[0023] Figure 4 is a top view of the sealing operation state of the cross sleeve of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 The online sterilizing tubular centrifuge of the present invention is in operation state Figure 1 The enlarged schematic diagram of the middle A part;

[0025] Figure 6 The online sterilizing tubular centrifuge of the present invention is in a sealed state. Figure 1 The enlarged schematic diagram of the middle A part;

[0026] Figure 7 It is a stereoscopic diagram of the online sterilizing tubular centrifuge of the present invention when a drum tray mechanism is installed;

[0027] Figure 8 The online sterilizing tubular centrifuge of the present invention Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the enlarged portion B in the middle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, the structure of the online sterilizing tubular centrifuge of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] like Figure 1As shown, the online sterilizing tubular centrifuge of the present invention comprises: a drum 1, a main shaft 3 connected and fixed to the upper end of the drum 1 through a drum connector 4, a bearing unit 2 for supporting the rotation of the main shaft 3, and a lower damper located below the drum 1 for supporting the drum 1, a feed pipe penetrating the lower damper and extending to a certain distance from the lower end opening of the drum 1, etc.

[0030] In the prior art, the drum 1 cannot be sealed due to its structural limitations, so that the drum 1 cannot be sterilized, or after sterilization, the sterilized state cannot be sealed and preserved. The present invention provides the following two static sealing methods, so that the drum 1 can be directly cleaned and sterilized by external operation while installed in the shell, and the sterilized state can be maintained after the sterilization is completed until the next material separation operation.

[0031] The realization of this online sterilization technology (when the drum 1 is installed in the shell) can be applied to the technical requirements of sterile liquid separation for certain specific drugs.

[0032] The following describes the two static sealing states in detail with reference to the relevant drawings.

[0033] 《Head sealing structure》

[0034] The first static sealing structure of the present invention mainly improves the following parts: Figure 1 The part shown in area A in the middle. By adding a cross sleeve 5 to the drum bearing unit 2, the static sealing state of the tubular centrifuge is achieved.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the cross sleeve 5 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and an opening is formed at the center thereof for the main shaft 3 to pass through.

[0036] The upper surface of the cross sleeve 5 is formed with cross-shaped grooves.

[0037] A latch through hole 31 is formed at the upper end of the main shaft 3, and a straight latch 32 is provided through the opening.

[0038] The slotted pin 32 passing through the upper end of the main shaft 3 can be engaged with the groove on the upper surface of the cross sleeve 4.

[0039] As mentioned above, the main shaft 3 is connected and fixed to the drum 1 via the drum connecting member 4 .

[0040] Therefore, when the tubular centrifuge performs normal material separation, the slotted pin 32 on the main shaft 3 is embedded in the groove on the cross sleeve 5, forming a Figure 3 At this time, the drum connecting sleeve 4 and the bearing unit 2 are as shown. Figure 5As shown, the two do not contact and affect the rotation of the drum 1. Therefore, when the main shaft 1 receives the power of the motor and rotates, the cross sleeve 5 is driven to rotate together through the engagement of the slotted bolt 32, and its lower end drives the drum 1 to rotate together through the drum connecting member 4 to separate the liquid.

[0041] When the tubular centrifuge is sealed and sterilized, the main shaft 3 is lifted a certain distance and manually / electrically rotated a certain distance, so that the straight-shaped latch 32 on the main shaft 3 is offset from the groove on the cross shaft sleeve 5. At this time, when the main shaft 3 is released, the straight-shaped latch 32 is not embedded in the groove of the cross shaft sleeve, and is thus stuck on the upper surface of the cross shaft sleeve 5.

[0042] At this time, the drum connecting sleeve 4 and the bearing unit 2 are connected. Figure 6 As shown, the drum is in a sealed state by contacting each other, and the drum 1 is stopped at this position due to the relationship of the slotted latch 32. Thus, high-temperature water or other sterilizing agents are input into the drum through the feed pipe at the lower end of the drum 1.

[0043] Furthermore, after the sterilization is completed in the drum, the main shaft 3 does not need to be put down, but the sealed state of the drum 1 is maintained until the next operation of the drum 1. Of course, sterilization can also be performed directly before the next operation of the drum 1.

[0044] However, in the above description, the lower head sealing structure of this embodiment adopts a cross sleeve 5, and its upper surface is formed with mutually staggered cross grooves, but the present invention is not limited to this, and only a straight groove can be formed on the upper surface of the "cross sleeve 5".

[0045] However, in the above description, the lower head sealing structure of this embodiment adopts a cross sleeve 5, and its upper surface is formed with mutually staggered cross grooves, but the present invention is not limited to this, and only a straight groove can be formed on the upper surface of the "cross sleeve 5".

[0046] In addition, as a preferred structure of the present invention, Figure 5 Figure 6 As shown, a first sealing ring 6 may be provided at a position where the lower surface of the bearing unit 2 contacts the drum connecting sleeve 4, thereby further improving the sealing effect.

[0047] More preferably, Figure 6 At the position shown in FIG. , a second sealing ring 7 and a third sealing ring 8 may be further arranged to further improve the sealing effect.

[0048] 《Bottom sealing structure》

[0049] The second static sealing structure provided by the present invention mainly improves the following parts: Figure 1The part shown in the middle B area. It realizes the static sealing state of the tubular centrifuge through the drum tray mechanism 7 below the drum 1.

[0050] like Figure 7 Figure 8 As shown, the drum tray mechanism 7 includes: a drum tray 71 and three brackets 72 formed below the drum tray 71 .

[0051] The drum tray 71 is formed in a substantially disc shape, with a central depression extending therethrough, and the depression surface can be kneaded with the bottom of the drum 1. In addition, an opening is formed in the drum tray 71 near the door opening direction of the housing, so as to facilitate the placement of the drum 1.

[0052] The bracket 72 is formed in a stick (rod) shape, which is used to support the drum tray 71 , and penetrates the plate at the lower end of the shell. Eccentric wheels are provided on the left and right brackets 72 to achieve the lifting and lowering of the bracket 72 .

[0053] Therefore, when the tubular centrifuge performs normal material separation, the drum tray 71 is lowered by the eccentric wheel on the bracket 72. At this time, the drum connecting sleeve 4 and the bearing unit 2, such as Figure 5 As shown, the two do not contact and affect the rotation of the drum 1.

[0054] When the tubular centrifuge is sealed and sterilized, the drum tray 71 is lifted by the eccentric wheel on the bracket 72. At this time, since the drum 1 is lifted, the drum connecting sleeve 4 and the bearing unit 2 are connected. Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the drum is in contact with each other so that the drum is in a sealed state, so that high-temperature water or other sterilizing agents are input into the drum through the feed pipe at the lower end of the drum 1.

[0055] In the above description, as an embodiment of the present invention, the drum tray 71 is lifted up and down by the eccentric wheel on the bracket 72. However, a hydraulic or pneumatic mechanism connected to a cylinder can also be used to lift the drum tray 71 up and down by applying or releasing pressure to the hydraulic or pneumatic mechanism.

[0056] Similarly, as a preferred structure of this embodiment, Figure 5 Figure 6 As shown, a sealing ring 6 may be provided at the lower surface of the bearing unit 2 in contact with the drum connecting sleeve 4, thereby further improving the sealing effect.

[0057] In the above description, the inventive concept of the present invention is described in detail, but the description only exemplifies an implementation method of a preferred state of the present invention. The implementation method of the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above description. Without violating the inventive concept of the present invention, the addition, reduction, and simple replacement of related components and / or structures should all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0058] Marking symbols:

[0059] 1 rotating drum;

[0060] 2 bearing units;

[0061] 3. Main axis;

[0062] 31: latch through hole;

[0063] 32 slotted bolt;

[0064] 4. Drum connector;

[0065] 5 Cross bushing;

[0066] 6. First sealing ring;

[0067] 7. Drum tray mechanism;

[0068] 71 drum tray;

[0069] 72 Bracket;

[0070] 8 second sealing ring;

[0071] 9 Third sealing ring.

Claims

1. An online sterilizing tubular centrifuge, comprising: A drum for separating liquids and materials by rotating centrifugal force; a main shaft connected and fixed to the drum by a drum connecting piece; and a bearing unit for supporting the rotation of the main shaft; characterized in that a sleeve with a groove formed on the upper surface is provided above the bearing unit; the main shaft passes through the sleeve and a through hole is formed on the upper end side; a pin that can be embedded in the groove on the upper surface of the sleeve is inserted into the through hole formed on the upper end side of the main shaft; when performing sealing and sterilization, the main shaft is lifted a certain distance and rotated so that the pin on the main shaft is offset from the groove on the sleeve and is locked on the upper surface of the sleeve; at this time, the drum connecting piece and the bearing unit are in contact with each other, so that the drum is formed in a sealed state; a sealing ring is provided above the drum connecting piece.

2. The online sterilizing tubular centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that: A drum tray mechanism is provided below the drum; the drum tray mechanism comprises: a drum tray whose upper surface is formed into a shape engaging with the lower surface of the drum; and a bracket formed below the drum tray; the drum tray mechanism can be moved in the up and down directions by a moving device.

3. The online sterilizing tubular centrifuge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The moving device is a hydraulic mechanism or a pneumatic mechanism connected to a cylinder.

4. The online sterilizing tubular centrifuge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The moving device is an eccentric wheel arranged on the bracket.

5. A method of using the online sterilizing tubular centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The use steps include: When the tubular centrifuge is sealed and sterilized, the drum is lifted up for a certain distance, and the pin on the main shaft is offset from the groove on the upper surface of the sleeve, so that the pin is stuck on the upper surface of the main shaft; at this time, the drum connector and the bearing unit are in contact with each other to form the drum into a sealed state, and high-temperature water or other sterilizing agents are input into the drum through the feed pipe at the lower end of the drum for sterilization.

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