A freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing

Abstract

The application discloses a freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing, comprising a support structure, a first carrier frame, a second carrier frame, a first heat exchange plate and a second heat exchange plate; the first carrier frame comprises a first support rod and a second support rod, the second carrier frame comprises a third support rod and a fourth support rod, the first support rod and the third support rod are connected through a first sliding rail, the second support rod and the fourth support rod are connected through a second sliding rail, the two ends of the first heat exchange plate are movably connected with the first support rod and the second support rod respectively, the two ends of the second heat exchange plate are movably connected with the third support rod and the fourth support rod respectively, the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are arranged in parallel and alternately, and a lifting mechanism is movably connected with the first carrier frame through a connecting piece and used for lifting or lowering the first carrier frame, so as to control the height and the inclination of the first heat exchange plate. The freeze-thaw machine can enlarge the heat exchange area, reduce the thawing time and reduce the risk of contamination of the original liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cold thawing equipment, and more particularly to a freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, some pharmaceutical companies in China choose freeze-thaw machines to freeze and thaw liquid drugs. The liquid drug is simply loaded into a stock solution storage container and then transferred from the stock solution storage container to the freeze-thaw machine for heat or cold exchange, which can achieve the freezing or thawing of the liquid drug.

[0003] Most freeze-thaw machines on the market today are horizontal freeze-thaw machines, which have at least two heat exchange plates inside. The heat exchange plates are parallel to the ground. Users can place the stock solution storage tank on the upper surface of the lower plate of the horizontal freeze-thaw machine, and the upper plate descends to fit against the stock solution storage tank before freezing or thawing the product.

[0004] However, this method of operation has several drawbacks. When the product is dispensed into the concentrate storage container, it is difficult to avoid the introduction of air, which will cause bubbles to form in the concentrate storage container. When the concentrate storage container is placed horizontally, the bubbles will be located on top of the concentrate storage container, forming a heat insulation layer between it and the upper plate, which affects the heat exchange effect. Moreover, relying solely on heat transfer to thaw the liquid results in a long thawing time and extremely low thawing efficiency. Finally, the concentrate storage container needs to be moved by operators, which obviously increases the risk of contamination of the concentrate storage container.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing to avoid air bubbles affecting heat exchange, improve heat exchange efficiency, accelerate heat circulation, reduce thawing time, improve thawing efficiency, and ensure product safety. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing, which avoids air bubbles affecting heat exchange, improves heat exchange efficiency, accelerates heat circulation, reduces thawing time, improves thawing efficiency, and ensures product safety.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing, comprising:

[0008] The supporting structure includes a first support frame, a second support frame, a first heat exchange plate, and a second heat exchange plate;

[0009] The first support frame includes a first support rod and a second support rod, and the second support frame includes a third support rod and a fourth support rod. The first support rod and the third support rod are connected by a first slide rail; the second support rod and the fourth support rod are connected by a second slide rail.

[0010] The first heat exchange plate is movably connected to the first support rod and the second support rod at both ends, and the second heat exchange plate is movably connected to the third support rod and the fourth support rod at both ends; the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are arranged in parallel and alternately for heat exchange with the original liquid storage device;

[0011] The first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate have a heat exchange fluid storage cavity inside, and a heat exchange fluid inlet and outlet on one side, which are connected to the heat exchange fluid storage cavity.

[0012] The lifting mechanism is movably connected to the first support frame via a connector, and is used to raise or lower the first support frame and control the height and tilt of the first heat exchange plate.

[0013] A heat exchange fluid transport mechanism is used to introduce or export heat exchange fluid into or out of the heat exchange fluid storage cavity through the heat exchange fluid inlet and outlet; it includes a manifold and a transport pipe; the transport pipe connects the manifold and the heat exchange fluid inlet and outlet.

[0014] The control system is used to control the circulation and exchange parameters of the heat exchange fluid and the lifting parameters of the lifting mechanism, and to generate control commands; the TCU is used to control the temperature, import and export of the heat exchange fluid according to the control commands.

[0015] Optionally, it also includes: a transfer chassis; the transfer chassis is provided with a fixing groove, the support structure is set on the transfer chassis through the fixing groove, and the transfer chassis can transfer the support structure.

[0016] Optionally, it also includes: a housing; the housing has an inner cavity, the support structure, the lifting mechanism and the transfer chassis are disposed in the inner cavity, and the lifting mechanism is fixed to the housing.

[0017] Optionally, the housing is provided with an insulated door.

[0018] Optionally, the upper surface of the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate has a limiting strip on one side, and the limiting strip is located on the same side as the heat exchange fluid inlet and outlet.

[0019] Optionally, the first heat exchange plate is movably connected to the first and second support rods via a rotating shaft; the second heat exchange plate is movably connected to the third and fourth support rods via a rotating shaft.

[0020] Optionally, the first heat exchange plate can be fixed to the first and second support rods by pins or keys; the second heat exchange plate can be fixed to the third and fourth support rods by pins or keys.

[0021] The freeze-thaw machine of the present invention, for freezing and thawing, alternately arranges a first heat exchange plate and a second heat exchange plate on a first support frame and a second support frame, and uses a lifting mechanism to lift the first support frame, thereby changing the relative distance between the first and second heat exchange plates and the tilt angle of the first heat exchange plate. This avoids air bubbles affecting heat exchange, expands the heat exchange area, and improves the efficiency of heat exchange. Furthermore, the lifting mechanism moves up and down at a certain speed, allowing the first heating plate to move continuously, thereby shaking the stock solution storage device placed on the first heating plate. This accelerates the heat circulation between the stock solution storage device and the first and second heating plates, reduces thawing time, and improves thawing efficiency. A transfer chassis is provided below the support structure, allowing the support structure to be directly transferred after the stock solution storage device has been frozen or thawed, preventing contamination of the stock solution storage device during frequent transfers and ensuring the safety of the stock solution inside. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the control process of a freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of a freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of a freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing, according to another specific embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing according to the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can modify the invention described herein while still achieving its advantageous effects. Therefore, the following description should be understood as being of general knowledge to those skilled in the art and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2These are schematic diagrams of the structure of a freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing and a schematic diagram of the supporting structure, respectively, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] This embodiment discloses a freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing, comprising:

[0032] The supporting structure includes a first support frame 2, a second support frame 3, a first heat exchange plate 2-3, and a second heat exchange plate 3-3;

[0033] The first support frame 2 includes a first support rod 2-1 and a second support rod 2-2, and the second support frame 3 includes a third support rod 3-1 and a fourth support rod 3-2. The first support rod 2-1 and the third support rod 3-1 are connected by a first slide rail; the second support rod 2-2 and the fourth support rod 3-2 are connected by a second slide rail.

[0034] The first heat exchange plate 2-3 is movably connected to the first support rod 2-1 and the second support rod 2-2 at both ends, and the second heat exchange plate 3-3 is movably connected to the third support rod 3-1 and the fourth support rod 3-2 at both ends; the first heat exchange plate 2-3 and the second heat exchange plate 3-3 are arranged in parallel and alternately.

[0035] The lifting mechanism 6 is movably connected to the first support frame 2 and is used to lift the first support frame 2 and control the height and tilt of the first heat exchange plate 2-3.

[0036] Specifically, the support structure includes a first support frame 2, a second support frame 3, a first heat exchange plate 2-3, and a second heat exchange plate 3-3. The first support frame 2 includes a first support rod 2-1 and a second support rod 2-2, and the second support frame 3 includes a third support rod 3-1 and a fourth support rod 3-2. The first support rod 2-1 and the third support rod 3-1 are connected by a first slide rail; the second support rod 2-2 and the fourth support rod 3-2 are connected by a second slide rail. The first support rod 2-1 and the third support rod 3-1 can slide relative to each other vertically, and the third support rod 2-2 and the fourth support rod 3-2 can also slide relative to each other vertically. The first support frame 2 and the second support frame 3 have the same structure, both being rectangular frames with two support rods. In this embodiment, the horizontal arrangement of the support structure is: first support rod 2-1, third support rod 3-1, first heat exchange plate 2-3 and second heat exchange plate 3-3 side by side, fourth support rod 3-2, and second support rod 2-2.

[0037] The first heat exchange plate 2-3 is movably connected to the first support rod 2-1 and the second support rod 2-2 at both ends, and the second heat exchange plate 3-3 is movably connected to the third support rod 3-1 and the fourth support rod 3-2 at both ends, respectively; the first heat exchange plate 2-3 and the second heat exchange plate 3-3 are arranged in parallel and alternately. The tool for movably connecting the first heat exchange plate 2-3 to the first support rod 2-1 and the second support rod 2-2 is a rotating shaft, and the tool for movably connecting the second heat exchange plate 3-3 to the third support rod 3-1 and the fourth support rod 3-2 is a rotating shaft.

[0038] The first heat exchange plate 2-3 is used to place the stock solution storage device, which can store biopharmaceutical materials. The second heat exchange plate 3-3 can be attached to the stock solution storage device placed on the first heat exchange plate 2-3, thereby exchanging heat with the stock solution storage device. Multiple combinations of the first heat exchange plate 2-3 and the second heat exchange plate 3-3 are used.

[0039] The lifting mechanism 6 is movably connected to the first support frame 2 via a connector 7, and is used to lift the first support frame 2 and control the height and tilt of the first heat exchange plates 2-3. Please refer to... Figure 4 The diagram shows the structure of the connector 7. When the lifting mechanism 6 is required to lift the first support frame 2, the connector connects the lifting mechanism 6 and the first support frame 2. When the lifting mechanism 6 is not needed, the connector 7 is disconnected.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 5 In this embodiment, the stock solution storage device is a stock solution bag. When the stock solution bag 9 is placed on the first heat exchange plate 2-3, the lifting mechanism 6 controls the first support frame 2 to lift the support rod of the first support frame 2 upwards, gradually reducing the distance between the first heat exchange plate 2-3 and the second heat exchange plate 3-3 until the second heat exchange plate 3-3 is in contact with the stock solution storage device on the first heat exchange plate 2-3. However, because there may be air bubbles in the stock solution bag 9, which can affect the heat exchange effect between the stock solution storage device and the second heat exchange plate 3-3, the first support rod 2-1 or the second support rod 2-2 in the first support frame 2 needs to be lifted again so that the first heat exchange plate 2-3 is in a certain tilted state. The first heat exchange plate 2-3 pushes the second heat exchange plate 3-2 above it, thereby increasing the heat exchange area, reducing the impact of air bubbles on the heat exchange effect, and improving the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0041] The lifting mechanism 6 can lift and lower only the first support rod 2-1 or the second support rod 2-2 in the first support frame 2. The lifting and lowering action is repeated at a certain frequency over a period of time, which can make the liquid in the original liquid bag 9 placed on the first heat exchange plate 2-3 flow, thereby accelerating the heat cycle, reducing the defrosting time, and improving the defrosting efficiency.

[0042] Furthermore, the first heat exchange plate 2-3 and the second heat exchange plate 3-3 have a heat exchange fluid storage cavity inside, and a heat exchange fluid inlet / outlet 11 on one side, which communicates with the heat exchange fluid storage cavity. In this specific embodiment, the heat exchange fluid is silicone oil.

[0043] Furthermore, the first heat exchange plate 2-3 can be fixed to the first support rod 2-1 and the second support rod 2-2 by pins or keys; the second heat exchange plate 3-3 can be fixed to the third support rod 3-1 and the fourth support rod 3-2 by pins or keys. When it is necessary to start freezing or thawing of the stock solution storage, the pins or keys are pulled out from the fixing holes, and the lifting mechanism 6 can raise or lower the first support frame 2 to change the height of one or both ends of the first heat exchange plate 2-1; after the freezing or thawing of the stock solution storage is completed, the first support frame 2, the second support frame 3, the first heat exchange plate 2-3 and the second heat exchange plate 3-3 are fixed again by pins or keys.

[0044] Furthermore, the freeze-thaw machine also includes a heat exchange fluid transport mechanism for introducing or exporting heat exchange fluid into or out of the heat exchange fluid storage chamber through the heat exchange fluid inlet / outlet 11. Specifically, it includes a manifold 4 and a transport pipe 8, with the transport pipe 8 connecting the manifold 4 and the heat exchange fluid inlet / outlet 11. The heat exchange fluid inlet / outlet 11 has two openings: one for introducing heat exchange fluid and one for discharging heat exchange fluid.

[0045] Furthermore, the upper surface of the first heat exchange plate 2-3 and the second heat exchange plate 3-3 has a limiting strip on one side, and the limiting strip is located on the same side as the heat exchange fluid inlet and outlet 11.

[0046] For further details, please refer to... Figure 3 The freeze-thaw machine also includes: a control system 12, used to control the circulation parameters of the heat exchange fluid and the lifting parameters of the lifting mechanism 6, and to issue control commands. The circulation parameters include the temperature of the heat exchange fluid and the introduction or export of the heat exchange fluid; the lifting parameters include the lifting time, lifting speed, and lifting object of the lifting mechanism 6 on the first support frame 2; the control commands include temperature control commands and lifting commands. The control system of the second heat exchange plate 3-3 sends temperature control commands to the TCU13 (intelligent temperature control system), thereby enabling the TCU13 to automatically heat or cool the heat exchange fluid and to import or export the heat exchange fluid to the heat exchange plate through the heat exchange fluid transport mechanism according to a specified rule. The control system 12 will adjust the specific content of the control commands based on the position feedback of the support structure and the temperature feedback of the TCU.

[0047] Furthermore, the freeze-thaw machine also includes a transfer chassis 1; the transfer chassis is provided with a fixing groove 1-1, and the support structure is set above the transfer chassis 1 through the fixing groove 1-1. In this specific embodiment, the transfer chassis 1 can transfer the support structure. Before thawing or freezing, the stock solution bag is placed on the first support frame 2, and then a hydraulic trolley is inserted into the transfer chassis to transfer the entire support structure into the freeze-thaw machine to begin freezing or thawing. After freezing or thawing, the support structure, together with the stock solution storage device placed inside the support structure, is directly transferred to a suitable storage location, such as a cold storage, via the transfer chassis 1, thereby avoiding contamination of the stock solution in the storage device during frequent transfers and improving the safety of the stock solution.

[0048] Furthermore, the freeze-thaw machine also includes: a housing 5; the housing 5 has an inner cavity, and the supporting structure, lifting mechanism 6, and transfer chassis 1 are disposed in the inner cavity, with the lifting mechanism fixed to the housing 5. The housing 5 is provided with a heat-insulating door 5-1, which can insulate the stock solution storage container inside the housing 5.

[0049] Furthermore, the heat exchange fluid transport mechanism is also located inside the housing 5, while the lifting mechanism is fixed to the housing.

[0050] Example 2

[0051] Please refer to Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing according to another specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] In this embodiment, the stock solution storage device is a vial 10, or it can be a stainless steel storage container. Since the stock solution will expand when frozen, and the vial 10 or the stainless steel storage container has a small amount of expansion and contraction, they need to reserve a sufficiently large expansion space.

[0053] When freezing or thawing this type of stock solution storage device, the vials 10 or stainless steel storage containers are first placed in an orderly manner on the first heat exchange plate 2-3. Then, a hydraulic trolley is inserted into the transfer chassis 1 to transfer the entire support structure into the inner cavity of the freeze-thaw machine. The lifting mechanism 6 is used to make the second heat exchange plate 3-3 fit against the vials 10 or stainless steel storage containers on the first heat exchange plate 2-3. During the freezing and thawing process, the first support frame 2 does not need to be lifted or lowered to reduce unnecessary energy loss.

[0054] The freeze-thaw machine of the present invention, for freezing and thawing, alternately arranges a first heat exchange plate and a second heat exchange plate on a first support frame and a second support frame, and uses a lifting mechanism to lift the first support frame, thereby changing the relative distance between the first and second heat exchange plates and the tilt angle of the first heat exchange plate. This avoids air bubbles affecting heat exchange, expands the heat exchange area, and improves the efficiency of heat exchange. Furthermore, the lifting mechanism moves up and down at a certain speed, allowing the first heating plate to move continuously, thereby shaking the stock solution storage device placed on the first heating plate. This accelerates the heat circulation between the stock solution storage device and the first and second heating plates, reduces thawing time, and improves thawing efficiency. A transfer chassis is provided below the support structure, allowing the support structure to be directly transferred after the stock solution storage device has been frozen or thawed, preventing contamination of the stock solution storage device during frequent transfers and ensuring the safety of the stock solution inside.

[0055] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing, characterized in that, include: The supporting structure includes a first support frame, a second support frame, a first heat exchange plate, and a second heat exchange plate; The first support frame includes a first support rod and a second support rod, and the second support frame includes a third support rod and a fourth support rod. The first support rod and the third support rod are connected by a first slide rail; the second support rod and the fourth support rod are connected by a second slide rail. The first heat exchange plate is movably connected to the first support rod and the second support rod at both ends, and the second heat exchange plate is movably connected to the third support rod and the fourth support rod at both ends; the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are arranged in parallel and alternately for heat exchange with the original liquid storage device; The first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate have a heat exchange fluid storage cavity inside, and a heat exchange fluid inlet and outlet on one side, which are connected to the heat exchange fluid storage cavity. The lifting mechanism is movably connected to the first support frame via a connector, and is used to raise or lower the first support frame and control the height and tilt of the first heat exchange plate. A heat exchange fluid transport mechanism is used to introduce or export heat exchange fluid into or out of the heat exchange fluid storage cavity through the heat exchange fluid inlet and outlet; it includes a manifold and a transport pipe; the transport pipe connects the manifold and the heat exchange fluid inlet and outlet. The control system is used to control the circulation and exchange parameters of the heat exchange fluid and the lifting parameters of the lifting mechanism, and to generate control commands; the TCU is used to control the temperature, import and export of the heat exchange fluid according to the control commands.

2. The freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A transfer chassis; the transfer chassis is provided with a fixing groove, and the support structure is set on the transfer chassis through the fixing groove, and the transfer chassis can transfer the support structure.

3. The freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: case; The housing has an inner cavity, and the support structure, lifting mechanism and transfer chassis are disposed in the inner cavity, with the lifting mechanism fixed to the housing.

4. The freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The shell is equipped with an insulated door.

5. The freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate have a limiting strip on one side of their upper surfaces, and the limiting strip is located on the same side as the heat exchange fluid inlet and outlet.

6. The freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first heat exchange plate is movably connected to the first and second support rods via a rotating shaft; the second heat exchange plate is movably connected to the third and fourth support rods via a rotating shaft.

7. The freeze-thaw machine for freezing and thawing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first heat exchange plate can be fixed to the first and second support rods by pins or keys; the second heat exchange plate can be fixed to the third and fourth support rods by pins or keys.

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