A capsule opening and closing device and a capsule preparation method

Abstract

A kind of capsule opening and closing device, including capsule carrier and opening and closing mechanism, the capsule carrier includes upper nest plate, middle nest plate and lower nest plate, the upper nest plate is equipped with the limiting part for limiting upper capsule, the first positioning hole for positioning upper capsule is equipped on the middle nest plate, the second positioning hole for positioning lower capsule is equipped on the lower nest plate, opening and closing mechanism includes the upper nest plate grab and middle nest plate grab that can be lifted.The capsule preparation method includes steps, S1, feeding: capsule carrier is transferred to the positioning part on mobile platform;S2, filling: upper nest plate grab and middle nest plate grab are lowered respectively to grab upper nest plate and middle nest plate and then rise, make upper capsule separate from lower capsule, mobile platform drives lower nest plate to move to the lower side of filling device, filling device is lowered to fill medicine into lower capsule;S3, capsule combination: mobile platform drives lower nest plate to return to opening and closing mechanism, upper nest plate grab and middle nest plate grab are lowered, and capsule combination top rod rises to make lower capsule rise and combine with upper capsule.The present application has simple structure, low cost, and high efficiency in opening and closing mold process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to equipment and methods for food and pharmaceutical production, and more particularly to a capsule opening and closing device and a capsule preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] Capsules offer numerous advantages and are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. They contain a precise dosage of medication, and for some powders or granules that irritate the esophagus and gastric mucosa, or medications that are radioactive, have an unpleasant taste, are volatile, easily broken down by saliva in the mouth, or are easily inhaled into the trachea, capsules can be used to encapsulate them. This protects the drug's efficacy, as well as the digestive and respiratory tracts, ensuring the drug's effectiveness while preventing waste. Currently, in capsule manufacturing, a semi-automatic mechanism is typically used to first load the upper and lower capsules into the upper and lower plates of the capsule, followed by manual filling with medication and then manual closure of the capsules, finally producing the finished product. Manual operation is inefficient, labor-intensive, and carries a high risk of contamination, especially for some radioactive drugs, posing significant safety risks to workers.

[0003] Chinese patent document CN 208877333 U discloses a device for mass production of radioactive capsules, which helps to improve the automation level and production efficiency of radioactive capsule production. However, the overall structure of the device is very complex, with a large number of parts. The mold opening and closing process also requires a special robotic arm, resulting in high costs and a relatively cumbersome preparation process. Furthermore, components such as the upper and lower mold frames are prone to dead corners for cleaning and sterilization. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a capsule opening and closing device that is simple in structure, low in cost, and highly efficient in the opening and closing process.

[0005] The present invention further provides a method for preparing a capsule.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A bladder opening and closing device includes a bladder carrier and an opening and closing mechanism. The bladder carrier includes an upper bladder plate, a middle bladder plate, and a lower bladder plate. The upper bladder plate is provided with a limiting part for limiting the upper bladder. The middle bladder plate is provided with a first positioning hole for positioning the upper bladder. The lower bladder plate is provided with a second positioning hole for positioning the lower bladder. The opening and closing mechanism includes a liftable upper bladder plate gripper and a middle bladder plate gripper.

[0008] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: both the upper nest plate gripper and the middle nest plate gripper are suction cups, the upper nest plate is provided with a clearance portion for the middle nest plate gripper to pass through, and the upper nest plate gripper and the middle nest plate gripper are disposed on the first lifting drive member; or, the upper nest plate gripper and the middle nest plate gripper are respectively disposed on a first lifting drive member.

[0009] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: an opening and closing guide structure is provided between the upper nest plate, the middle nest plate and the lower nest plate.

[0010] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the opening and closing guide structure includes a guide post provided on the lower nest plate and guide holes provided on the upper nest plate and the middle nest plate.

[0011] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, it also includes a mobile platform, which is provided with a positioning part for positioning the lower nest plate.

[0012] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the positioning part has protrusions on both sides opposite to each other, and the lower nest plate has grooves on both sides opposite to each other for cooperating with the protrusions.

[0013] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: a guide slope is provided on one side of the positioning part.

[0014] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: a closure mechanism for joining the upper and lower bladders is provided below the opening and closing mechanism. The closure mechanism includes at least one closure rod and a second lifting drive for driving the closure rod to rise and fall. The positioning part is provided with a channel for the closure rod to pass through, and the second positioning hole is a through hole.

[0015] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the first positioning hole is provided with a first step portion for preventing the upper bladder from falling off, and the second positioning hole is provided with a second step portion for preventing the lower bladder from falling off.

[0016] A method for preparing a capsule includes the following steps:

[0017] S1. Loading: The capsule carrier is transferred to the positioning unit on the mobile platform;

[0018] S2, Filling: The upper and middle cupboard grippers descend to grip the upper and middle cupboards respectively, then rise to separate the upper and lower bladders. The moving platform moves the lower cupboard to below the filling device, and the filling device descends to fill the drug into the lower bladder.

[0019] S3, Closing the Bag: The moving platform drives the lower bag plate back to the opening and closing mechanism, the upper bag plate gripper and the middle bag plate gripper descend, and the closing bag top rod rises to make the lower bag rise and combine with the upper bag.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0021] The sac opening and closing device disclosed in this invention includes an upper sac plate, a middle sac plate, and a lower sac plate. The middle sac plate and the lower sac plate are used to position the upper sac and the lower sac respectively, so that the upper sac and the lower sac are aligned vertically. The upper sac plate is used to limit the upper sac and prevent the upper sac from shifting excessively upward when the lower sac is lifted upward to close with the upper sac. The overall structure is simple and low in cost, which helps to avoid dead corners in cleaning and sterilization. The opening and closing process only requires the upper sac plate gripper and the middle sac plate gripper to grip the upper sac plate and the middle sac plate respectively and drive them to rise and fall, which helps to simplify the operation process and improve production efficiency.

[0022] The capsule preparation method disclosed in this invention has a high degree of automation, a simple preparation process, and high production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a front structural view of the capsule opening and closing device of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the opening and closing mechanism of the present invention, showing the preparation of opening the capsule carrier.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the opening and closing mechanism of the present invention after opening the capsule carrier.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the process for preparing the capsule of the present invention.

[0027] The labels in the diagram represent:

[0028] 2. Mobile platform; 21. Positioning part; 22. Protrusion; 23. Guide slope; 3. Opening and closing mechanism; 31. Closing mechanism; 311. Closing top rod; 312. Second lifting drive; 32. First lifting drive; 33. Upper nest plate gripper; 34. Middle nest plate gripper; 4. Filling device; 9. Burr carrier; 91. Upper nest plate; 911. Avoidance part; 912. Limiting part; 92. Middle nest plate; 921. First positioning hole; 93. Lower nest plate; 931. Slide groove; 932. Second positioning hole; 94. Guide post; 95. Guide hole. Detailed Implementation

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "assembly," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] Figures 1 to 3 An embodiment of the bladder opening and closing device of the present invention is shown. The bladder opening and closing device of this embodiment includes a bladder carrier 9 and an opening and closing mechanism 3. The bladder carrier 9 includes an upper bladder plate 91, a middle bladder plate 92 and a lower bladder plate 93. The upper bladder plate 91 is provided with a limiting part 912 for limiting the upper bladder. The middle bladder plate 92 is provided with a first positioning hole 921 for positioning the upper bladder. The lower bladder plate 93 is provided with a second positioning hole 932 for positioning the lower bladder. The opening and closing mechanism 3 includes a liftable upper bladder plate gripper 33 and a middle bladder plate gripper 34.

[0035] The capsule opening and closing device of this embodiment includes an upper capsule plate 91, a middle capsule plate 92, and a lower capsule plate 93. The middle capsule plate 92 and the lower capsule plate 93 are used to position the upper capsule and the lower capsule, respectively, so that the upper capsule and the lower capsule are aligned vertically. The upper capsule plate 91 is used to limit the upper capsule and prevent the upper capsule from shifting excessively upward when the lower capsule is lifted upward to close with the upper capsule. The overall structure is simple and low in cost, which helps to avoid dead corners in cleaning and sterilization. The opening and closing process only requires the upper capsule plate gripper 33 and the middle capsule plate gripper 34 to grip the upper capsule plate 91 and the middle capsule plate 92 respectively and drive them to rise and fall, which helps to simplify the operation process and improve production efficiency.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the upper nest plate gripper 33 and the middle nest plate gripper 34 are suction cups. The upper nest plate 91 is provided with a clearance portion 911 for the middle nest plate gripper 34 to pass through. The upper nest plate gripper 33 and the middle nest plate gripper 34 are mounted on the first lifting drive member 32. The use of suction cups for the upper nest plate gripper 33 and the middle nest plate gripper 34 allows for convenient gripping and releasing of the upper nest plate 91 and the middle nest plate 92. Of course, in other embodiments, the upper nest plate gripper 33 and the middle nest plate gripper 34 can also be grippers or other mechanisms. The upper nest plate gripper 33 and the middle nest plate gripper 34 share the first lifting drive member 32, enabling synchronous lifting and simplifying the structure. Of course, in other embodiments, the upper nest plate gripper 33 and the middle nest plate gripper 34 can also be mounted on a single first lifting drive member 32. The first lifting drive member 32 can be, for example, a cylinder, an electric cylinder, or a lifting slide.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an opening and closing guide structure is provided between the upper nest plate 91, the middle nest plate 92, and the lower nest plate 93. By providing the opening and closing guide structure, a guiding function is provided for the lifting and lowering process of the middle nest plate 92 and the upper nest plate 91, preventing deviation.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the opening and closing guide structure includes a guide post 94 disposed on the lower nest plate 93 and guide holes 95 disposed on the upper nest plate 91 and the middle nest plate 92. The cooperation between the guide post 94 and the guide hole 95 facilitates the vertical alignment of the middle nest plate 92, the upper nest plate 91 and the lower nest plate 93, and provides guidance for the lifting and lowering process of the middle nest plate 92 and the upper nest plate 91, preventing deviation.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the capsule opening and closing device also includes a moving platform 2, which is provided with a positioning part 21 for positioning the lower nest plate 93. The lower nest plate 93 can be placed in the positioning part 21, and then the moving platform 2 can drive the capsule carrier 9 to move between the opening and closing mechanism 3, the filling device 4 and other components. This allows the opening and closing mechanism 3, the filling device 4 and other components to only need to move up and down without translation, which helps to simplify the structure and further reduce costs.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the positioning part 21 has protrusions 22 on opposite sides, and the lower nest plate 93 has grooves 931 on opposite sides for engaging with the protrusions 22. The engagement of the grooves 931 with the protrusions 22 facilitates the accurate insertion of the capsule carrier 9 into the positioning part 21 and prevents the lower nest plate 93 from being lifted upwards during processes such as opening and closing the capsule. The structure is simple and effective.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, a guide slope 23 is provided on one side of the positioning part 21 to facilitate the lower nest plate 93 to be inserted into the positioning part 21 along the guide slope 23.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a closing mechanism 31 for joining the upper and lower bladders is provided below the opening and closing mechanism 3. The closing mechanism 31 includes at least one closing rod 311 and a second lifting drive 312 for driving the closing rod 311 to rise and fall. The positioning part 21 has a channel (not shown in the figure) through which the closing rod 311 passes, and the second positioning hole 932 is a through hole. After filling is completed, the moving platform 2 drives the lower bladder plate 93 back to the opening and closing mechanism 3. The opening and closing mechanism 3 drives the upper bladder plate 91 and the middle bladder plate 92 to fall into place. Then, the second lifting drive 312 drives the closing rod 311 to rise. After the closing rod 311 passes through the second positioning hole 932 and the channel of the positioning part 21, it lifts the lower bladder upward and joins it with the upper bladder. The limiting part 912 of the upper bladder plate 91 can limit the upper bladder to prevent the upper bladder from shifting excessively upward when the lower bladder is lifted upward and joined with the upper bladder. The structure is simple, effective, and has high operating efficiency. The second lifting drive component 312 can be, for example, a cylinder, an electric cylinder, a lifting slide, or a lead screw and nut mechanism.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first positioning hole 921 is provided with a first step portion to prevent the upper bladder from falling off, and the second positioning hole 932 is provided with a second step portion to prevent the lower bladder from falling off. In other words, the first positioning hole 921 and the second positioning hole 932 are both stepped hole structures with a larger upper section and a smaller lower section, which is beneficial to prevent the upper and lower bladders from shifting or falling off. The overall structure is simple and effective.

[0044] Example 2

[0045] Figure 4 An embodiment of the capsule preparation method of the present invention is shown. The capsule preparation method of this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0046] S1. Loading: The capsule carrier 9 is transferred to the positioning part 21 on the moving platform 2 (the lower nest plate 93 in the capsule carrier 9 is moved to the positioning part 21), specifically as follows: Figure 4 As shown in (a);

[0047] S2. Filling: The upper chamber plate gripper 33 and the middle chamber plate gripper 34 descend to grip the upper chamber plate 91 and the middle chamber plate 92 respectively, and then rise to separate the upper and lower chambers. The moving platform 2 moves the lower chamber plate 93 to below the filling device 4 (e.g., a pipette or a syringe). The lower chamber follows the lower chamber plate 93 to below the filling device 4. The filling device 4 descends to fill the lower chamber with the medication. Specifically... Figure 4 (b) and Figure 4 As shown in (c);

[0048] S3, Closing the Nest: The moving platform 2 drives the lower nest plate 93 back to the opening and closing mechanism 3, the upper nest plate gripper 33 and the middle nest plate gripper 34 descend, and the closing top rod 311 rises to make the lower nest rise and engage with the upper nest. Specifically, as follows... Figure 4 (d) and Figure 4 As shown in (e).

[0049] The capsule preparation method in this embodiment is highly automated, simple in process, and highly efficient in production.

[0050] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the technical solutions of the present invention, or modify them into equivalent embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention, without departing from the scope of the present invention, should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A capsule opening and closing device, characterized in that: The device includes a capsule carrier (9) and an opening and closing mechanism (3). The capsule carrier (9) includes an upper capsule plate (91), a middle capsule plate (92) and a lower capsule plate (93). The upper capsule plate (91) is provided with a limiting part (912) for limiting the upper capsule. The middle capsule plate (92) is provided with a first positioning hole (921) for positioning the upper capsule. The lower capsule plate (93) is provided with a second positioning hole (932) for positioning the lower capsule. The opening and closing mechanism (3) includes a liftable upper capsule plate gripper (33) and a middle capsule plate gripper (34). Both the upper nest plate gripper (33) and the middle nest plate gripper (34) are suction cups. The upper nest plate (91) is provided with a clearance part (911) for the middle nest plate gripper (34) to pass through. The upper nest plate gripper (33) and the middle nest plate gripper (34) are provided on the first lifting drive member (32); or, the upper nest plate gripper (33) and the middle nest plate gripper (34) are respectively provided on a first lifting drive member (32).

2. The bladder opening and closing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An opening and closing guide structure is provided between the upper nest plate (91), the middle nest plate (92), and the lower nest plate (93).

3. The bladder opening and closing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The opening and closing guide structure includes a guide post (94) provided on the lower nest plate (93) and guide holes (95) provided on the upper nest plate (91) and the middle nest plate (92).

4. The bladder opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: It also includes a mobile platform (2), which is provided with a positioning part (21) for positioning the lower nest plate (93).

5. The bladder opening and closing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The positioning part (21) has protrusions (22) on opposite sides, and the lower nest plate (93) has grooves (931) on opposite sides for engaging with the protrusions (22).

6. The bladder opening and closing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The positioning part (21) is provided with a guide slope (23) on one side.

7. The bladder opening and closing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The opening and closing mechanism (3) is provided with a sac-closing mechanism (31) for connecting the upper sac and the lower sac. The sac-closing mechanism (31) includes at least one sac-closing top rod (311) and a second lifting drive member (312) for driving the sac-closing top rod (311) to rise and fall. The positioning part (21) is provided with a channel for the sac-closing top rod (311) to pass through. The second positioning hole (932) is a through hole.

8. The bladder opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first positioning hole (921) is provided with a first step portion to prevent the upper bag from falling off, and the second positioning hole (932) is provided with a second step portion to prevent the lower bag from falling off.

9. A method for preparing a capsule, the method being used in the capsule opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: Includes the following steps, S1, Loading: The capsule carrier (9) is transferred to the positioning part (21) on the mobile platform (2); S2, Filling: The upper bladder plate gripper (33) and the middle bladder plate gripper (34) descend to grip the upper bladder plate (91) and the middle bladder plate (92) respectively, and then rise to separate the upper bladder from the lower bladder. The moving platform (2) drives the lower bladder plate (93) to move below the filling device (4). The filling device (4) descends to fill the drug into the lower bladder. S3, Closing the nest: The moving platform (2) drives the lower nest plate (93) back to the opening and closing mechanism (3), the upper nest plate gripper (33) and the middle nest plate gripper (34) descend, and the closing top rod (311) rises to make the lower nest rise and combine with the upper nest.

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