An interlock for a sterilizer

Abstract

The application relates to an interlocking device suitable for a sterilizer, the sterilizer comprising a container and an upper cover, the interlocking device comprising a frame, a linkage mechanism, a limiting mechanism and a controller; the frame is fixed to the upper part of the outer side wall of the container; the linkage mechanism comprises a linkage ring, a plurality of swing rods and a screw rod, the linkage ring is swingably installed on the upper part of the outer side wall of the container between an opening position and a closing position, the screw rod is fixed to the frame, the inner end of the screw rod is rotatably screwed on the screw rod, and the outer end of the screw rod is provided with a movement rotating bearing part with the linkage ring, so that when the linkage ring swings, the swing rod is driven to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise with the screw rod as the rotating center, thereby switching the swing rod between the opening position and the closing position, and driving the swing rod to move up and down along the height direction relative to the screw rod, and the swing rod can be separated from or abut against the end along of the upper cover. The technical scheme has the advantages of compact structure, strong compression force, good sealing effect, reasonable linkage ring and guiding groove design on the linkage ring, and reduced loss of spare parts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sterilization technology, and more particularly to an interlocking device suitable for sterilizers. Background Technology

[0002] Since sterilizers are generally sterilized in a high-temperature and high-pressure production environment, their sealing and safety are particularly important. Therefore, the interlocking mechanism is an important component for the safety protection of the sterilizer, and its safety and reliability directly affect the sealing and safety of the sterilizer container. In addition, since sterilizers often need to be opened and closed, the ease of use of the interlocking device has also become a key research and development focus of this technology. In view of this, the inventors conducted in-depth research on the above-mentioned defects in the prior art, which led to this invention. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The primary objective of this invention is to provide an interlocking device suitable for sterilizers that offers good sealing and high safety.

[0004] A second objective of the present invention is to provide an interlocking device suitable for sterilizers that is easy to switch on and off.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention discloses an interlocking device suitable for a sterilizer, the sterilizer including a container and a top cover, and the interlocking device including a frame, a linkage mechanism, a limiting mechanism and a controller; The frame is fixedly installed on the upper part of the outer side wall of the container; The linkage mechanism includes a linkage ring, at least three swing rods and a screw. The linkage ring is oscillatingly mounted on the upper part of the outer wall of the container between an open position and a closed position. The screw is fixed to the frame. The inner end of the swing rod is rotatably screwed to the screw. A motion bearing component is provided between its outer end and the linkage ring, so that when the linkage ring oscillates clockwise or counterclockwise, it will drive the swing rod to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise around the screw as the rotation center, thereby switching the swing rod between the open position and the closed position. At the same time, it drives the swing rod to move up and down relative to the screw in the height direction, so that the inner end of the swing rod can leave or abut against the upper surface of the upper cover edge. The limiting mechanism includes a limiting plate, a first micro switch, an electromagnet, and an electromagnet core. The electromagnet core is movably fitted inside the electromagnet, and the limiting plate is fixed on the linkage ring. When the linkage ring is in the closed position, the limiting plate can trigger the first micro switch. The first micro switch feeds a signal back to the controller. The controller issues a command to the electromagnet according to a preset program to make the electromagnet core rise and interfere with the limiting plate to prevent the linkage ring from swinging in the open position.

[0006] Furthermore, the motion bearing component includes a guide rod and a guide groove. The guide rod is fixed to the outer end of the swing arm, and the guide groove is disposed on the linkage ring. The guide rod is inserted into the guide groove and moves within the trajectory of the guide groove under force. The guide groove is configured such that when the linkage ring swings clockwise or counterclockwise, causing the swing arm to rotate around the screw as the center of rotation, the curvature of the guide groove is suitable for the guide rod to move within it, so as to ensure that the swing arm's motion trajectory conforms to the swinging between the open and closed positions, and that the guide rod and the guide groove do not lock each other.

[0007] Furthermore, the frame is also provided with baffles that are the same number as the number of swing arms, and the baffles are opposite to the outer ends of the swing arms when they are in the closed position.

[0008] Furthermore, a handle is also fixedly connected to the linkage ring.

[0009] Furthermore, the limiting plate includes a fixing plate for fixing to the linkage ring, and L-shaped sheets extending alternately on both sides of the fixing plate. The two L-shaped sheets are a baffle and a position switch pressure plate, respectively. The baffle has a first stop and a second stop on both sides. When the linkage ring is in the closed position, the position switch pressure plate of the limiting plate presses the switch spring of the first micro switch, thus triggering the first micro switch. The first micro switch feeds a signal back to the controller, which then sends a command to the electromagnet to raise the electromagnet core. At this time, the electromagnet core is located at the second stop of the baffle of the limiting plate and interferes with the limiting plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the frame is also provided with support rods of the same number as the swing arms. The support rods are located below the outer end of the swing arms when they are in the closed position, and are used to support the outer end of the swing arms.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a second micro switch, which is used to monitor whether the electromagnet core has risen to the correct position and to feed the signal back to the controller.

[0012] This patent utilizes a rotating linkage ring, which drives a guide rod. The guide rod, in turn, causes a swing arm to rotate around a high-strength screw, pressing it against the surface of the upper cover to achieve a tight seal between the container and the upper cover. This technical solution has a compact structure and can also assist in applying a downward pressing force to the upper cover, further increasing the airtightness between the upper cover and the container. At the same time, the reasonable design of the linkage ring and its guide groove makes switching between the open and closed states easier and reduces wear and tear on parts. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The specific description given as a non-limiting example better explains what the invention includes and how it can be practiced. Furthermore, this description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2-4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly process according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting piece according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6-8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Instruction manual number: 1. Container; 11. Outer wall; 2. Top cover; 21. Top cover edge; 22. Upper surface; 3. Interlocking device; 31. Frame; 311. Baffle; 312. Support rod; 32. Linkage mechanism; 321. Linkage ring; 3211. Handle; 3212. Arc-shaped section; 3213. Straight section; 322. Swing rod; 3221 Inner end; 3222 Outer end; 323 Screw; 324 Motion bearing component; 3241 Guide rod; 3242 Guide groove; 33 Limiting mechanism; 331 Limiting piece; 3311 Fixing piece; 3312 Baffle; 3313 First baffle; 3314 Second baffle; 3315 Position switch pressure plate; 332 First micro switch; 3321 First switch spring; 333 Electromagnet; 334 Electromagnet core; 3341 Touch plate; 3342 Spring; 341 Second micro switch; 3411 Second switch spring. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0016] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "vertical", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "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.

[0017] 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 with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0018] like Figure 1-8 As shown, an interlocking device 3 is applicable to a sterilizer, the sterilizer including a container 1 and a top cover 2, the interlocking device 3 including a frame 31, a linkage mechanism 32, a limiting mechanism 33 and a controller; The frame 31 is fixedly installed on the upper part of the outer side wall 11 of the container 1; In this embodiment, the linkage mechanism 32 includes a linkage ring 321, four evenly distributed swing rods 322 and screws 323. The linkage ring 321 is oscillatingly mounted on the upper part of the outer wall 11 of the container 1 between the open position and the closed position. A handle 3211 is also fixedly attached to the linkage ring 321. Generally, the user drives the linkage ring 321 to oscillate between the open position and the closed position by turning the handle 3211.

[0019] The screw 323 is fixed to the frame 31. The inner end 3221 of the rocker arm 322 is rotatably screwed to the screw 323. A motion bearing 324 is provided between its outer end 3222 and the linkage ring 321. When the linkage ring 321 swings clockwise or counterclockwise, it drives the rocker arm 322 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise around the screw 323 as the center of rotation. This allows the rocker arm 322 to switch between the open and closed positions. At the same time, it drives the rocker arm 322 to move up and down relative to the screw 323 along the height direction, so that the inner end 3221 of the rocker arm 322 can leave or abut against the upper surface 22 of the upper cover end edge 21. Figure 8 As shown in the enlarged view, the inner end 3221 of the rocker arm 322 is tightly abutting against the upper cover edge 21; as Figure 3 As shown, the motion bearing component 324 includes a guide rod 3241 and a guide groove 3242. The guide rod 3241 is fixed to the outer end 3222 of the swing rod 322. The guide groove 3242 is disposed on the linkage ring 321. The guide rod 3241 is inserted into the guide groove 3242 and moves within the trajectory of the guide groove 3242 under force. The guide groove 3242 is configured such that when the linkage ring 321 swings clockwise or counterclockwise, driving the swing rod 322 to rotate around the screw 323 as the center of rotation, the... The curvature of the guide groove 3242 is suitable for the guide rod 3241 to move within it, so as to ensure that the movement trajectory of the swing rod 322 is consistent with the swing between the open and closed positions. The interference between the guide rod 3241 and the guide groove 3242 will not lock them together. The guide rail formed by the guide groove 3242 provides sufficient movement space for the guide rod 3241. When it is necessary to open or close the linkage ring 321, the required rotational force is small, making the opening or closing action smoother and more convenient for field use.

[0020] In this embodiment, the frame 31 is also provided with baffles 311 in the same number as the swing rods 322. The baffles 311 are positioned opposite to the outer end 3222 of the swing rods 322 when they are in the closed position. The baffles 311 further ensure the accuracy of the closed position and prevent over-closing, which could cause the swing rods 322, guide rods 3241 and guide grooves 3242 to jam.

[0021] The frame 31 is also provided with support rods 312 in the same number as the swing rods 322. The support rods 312 are located below the outer end 3222 of the swing rods 322 when they are in the closed position. Figure 4 As shown, the support rod 312 is used to support the outer end 3222 of the rocker arm 322, so as to further strengthen the support of the outer end 3222 of the rocker arm 322 in the closed position. This further ensures the structural stability of the closed state. In particular, by pushing upward against the outer end 3222 of the rocker arm 322, the inner end 3221 of the rocker arm 322 can better achieve the pushing (pressing) against the upper cover 2 based on the lever principle.

[0022] In this embodiment, the baffle 311 and the support rod 312 are designed together on the same limiting module, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the rocker arm 322 is in the closed position, the outer end 3222 of the rocker arm 322 abuts against the baffle 311 and is located at the upper end of the support rod 312, thus achieving a supporting function.

[0023] In this embodiment, the guide groove 3242 is configured as an arc-shaped groove that gradually extends outward from the linkage ring 321 corresponding to each baffle 311 position. The limiting mechanism 33 includes a limiting piece 331, a first micro switch 332, an electromagnet 333, and an electromagnet core 334. The electromagnet core 334 is movably sleeved inside the electromagnet 333 by a spring 3342. The limiting piece 331 is fixed on the linkage ring 321. When energized, the electromagnet 333 generates electromagnetic force, attracting the electromagnet core 334. The compression spring 3342 is used. When the linkage ring 321 is in the closed position, the limiting plate 331 can trigger the first micro switch 332. The first micro switch 332 feeds a signal back to the controller, which then issues a power-off command to the electromagnet 333. After power-off, the electromagnet core 334 is no longer attracted by electromagnetic force, and the spring 3342 below it loses its compressive force and stretches upward. This causes the electromagnet core 334 to rise and interfere with the limiting plate 331, preventing the linkage ring 321 from swinging towards the open position. In this embodiment, the specific structure of the limiting plate 331 is described in reference [reference needed]. Figure 5 As shown, the limiting piece 331 comprises two L-shaped sheets connected in staggered directions. Specifically, it includes a fixing piece 3311 for fixing to the linkage ring 321, and L-shaped sheets extending to both sides of the fixing piece 3311. The L-shaped sheets are a baffle 3312 and a position switch pressure plate 3315, respectively. The baffle 3312 has a first baffle 3313 and a second baffle 3314 on both sides. When the linkage ring 321 is in the closed position, the position switch pressure plate 3315 of the limiting piece 331 presses down on the first switch spring 3321 of the first micro switch 332, as shown. Figure 4As shown, the first micro switch 332 is triggered, and the first micro switch 332 feeds the signal back to the controller (not shown in the figure). The controller sends a power-off command to the electromagnet 333, which releases the spring 3342 to make the electromagnet core 334 rise. At this time, the electromagnet core 334 is located at the second stop edge 3314 of the stop plate 3312 of the limit plate 331 and interferes with the limit plate 331. Therefore, the linkage ring 321 cannot swing in the opening direction to prevent the risk of the top cover 2 from opening.

[0024] This embodiment further includes a second micro switch 341, which is used to monitor whether the electromagnet core 334 has risen to the correct position and to feed the signal back to the controller. The second micro switch 341 is provided with a second switch spring 3411, and the outer diameter of the electromagnet core 334 is provided with a touch plate 3341. When the electromagnet core 334 rises, the touch plate 3341 moves upward and touches the second switch spring 3411 on the second micro switch 341, thus triggering the second micro switch 341. At this time, it is determined that the electromagnet core 334 has risen to the correct position, and the second micro switch 341 feeds the signal back to the controller. The controller then determines that the electromagnet core 334 is in a preset state.

[0025] like Figure 3-4 As shown, in this embodiment, the linkage ring 321 comprises two arc-shaped segments 3212 and two straight segments 3213 connected to each other. Each arc-shaped segment 3212 and straight segment 3213 is secured or welded together with two screws, so that when the linkage ring 321 is subjected to force and swings, a certain swing redundancy space is generated between each segment to reduce rigid force. At the same time, the limiting piece 331 is fixed on the straight segment 3213 of the linkage ring 321. When the linkage ring 321 swings, the stroke of the limiting piece 331 tends to be linear, which is more conducive to the position switch pressure plate 3315 moving to the first switch spring 3321 of the first micro switch 332 to achieve triggering. Its movement stroke is easier to calculate and has higher accuracy.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, this technical solution has a more compact structure and can assist in applying a downward pressing force to the top cover 2, further increasing the airtightness between the top cover 2 and the container 1.

[0027] In actual use, Figure 2 Before closing the top cover tightly after placing it down, at this time... Figure 3As shown—the rocker arm 322 is not above the top cover to avoid interference with the top cover. This state is the open position. Turning the handle 3211 causes the linkage ring 321 to swing towards the closed position, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 3. The linkage ring 321 rotates clockwise (swings). The linkage ring 321 and the screw 323 on the frame 31 generate relative displacement. Based on this, the inner end 3221 of the rocker arm 322 can rotate around the screw 323. At the same time, the outer end 3222 of the rocker arm 322 moves in the guide groove 3242 based on the guide rod 3241. When the linkage ring 321 rotates clockwise, the swing rod 322 also rotates clockwise, as indicated by the arrow in the figure. This causes the inner end 3221 (front end) of the swing rod 322 to gradually rotate above the upper surface 22 of the upper cover edge 21. The front end of the swing rod 322 presses down along the threads of the screw 323 to the upper surface 22 of the upper cover edge 21, while the outer end 3222 (rear end) of the swing rod 322 gradually rotates to the corresponding support rod 312 until it abuts against its respective baffle 311 and is located at the upper end of the support rod 312. Figure 4 The image shows the closed position; Simultaneously, the positioning switch plate 3315 of the limiting piece 331 presses down on the first switch spring 3321 of the first micro switch 332, triggering the first switch spring 3321. The first micro switch 332 then sends a signal to the controller, which in turn sends a power-off command to the electromagnet 333. After power is cut off, the electromagnet core 334 is no longer attracted by electromagnetic force, and the spring 3342 below it loses its compressive force and extends upwards, thereby causing the electromagnet core 334 to... As the electromagnet rises, the upper touch plate 3341 travels upward and touches the second switch spring 3411 on the second micro switch 341, thus triggering the second micro switch 341. At this time, it is determined that the electromagnet core 334 has risen to the correct position, and the second micro switch 341 feeds a signal back to the controller. The controller then determines that the electromagnet core 334 is in a preset state. At this time, the electromagnet core 334 is located at the second stop edge 3314 of the stop plate 3312 of the limit plate 331 and interferes with the limit plate 331. Thus, the sterilizer is in a completely closed state, and the obstruction of the electromagnet core 334 ensures that the linkage ring 321 cannot swing in the opening direction, thereby preventing the risk of the top cover opening. In turn, the controller controls the sterilizer to carry out high temperature or high pressure sterilization processes, ensuring the safety of the production environment and avoiding safety accidents.

[0028] Under normal circumstances, when the sterilizer completes its internal sterilization process, the air temperature and pressure gradually decrease. Once these temperatures fall below the preset levels, the controller determines that the internal parameters meet the safety requirements for opening and sends a power-on command to the electromagnet 333. The electromagnet 333 generates electromagnetic force when energized, attracting the electromagnet core 334 to fall. This eliminates the interference with the limit plate 331. At this point, turning the handle 3211 counterclockwise causes the linkage ring 321 to rotate all four swing rods 322 counterclockwise. The front ends of the swing rods 322 loosen the upper surface 22 of the top cover edge 21 along the threads of the screw 323, and simultaneously move away from the top cover area until... Figure 3 In this state, the top cover can be opened, such as... Figure 6 As shown.

[0029] The above embodiments and illustrations are not intended to limit the product form and style of the present invention. Any appropriate changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art should be considered as not departing from the patent scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An interlocking device suitable for a sterilizer, the sterilizer comprising a container (1) and a top cover (2), characterized in that: The interlocking device (3) includes a frame (31), a linkage mechanism (32), a limiting mechanism (33), and a controller; The frame (31) is fixedly installed on the upper part of the outer wall (11) of the container (1); The linkage mechanism (32) includes a linkage ring (321), at least three rocker arms (322), and a screw (323). The linkage ring (321) is oscillatingly mounted on the upper part of the outer wall (11) of the container (1) between an open position and a closed position. The screw (323) is fixed to the frame (31). The inner end (3221) of the rocker arm (322) is rotatably screwed onto the screw (323). The outer end (3222) of the rocker arm (322) is connected to the linkage ring (321). A motion bearing component (324) is provided so that when the linkage ring (321) swings clockwise or counterclockwise, it drives the swing rod (322) to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise around the screw (323) as the center of rotation, thereby switching the swing rod (322) between the open position and the closed position, and simultaneously driving the swing rod (322) to move up and down relative to the screw (323) in the height direction, so that the inner end (3221) of the swing rod (322) can leave or abut against the upper surface (22) of the upper cover end edge (21). The limiting mechanism (33) includes a limiting piece (331), a first micro switch (332), an electromagnet (333) and an electromagnet core (334). The electromagnet core (334) is movably sleeved inside the electromagnet (333), and the limiting piece (331) is fixed on the linkage ring (321). The limiting piece (331) includes a fixing piece (3311) for fixing to the linkage ring (321), and two L-shaped pieces extending downward alternately from both sides of the fixing piece (3311). The two L-shaped pieces respectively form a baffle (3312) and a position switch pressure plate (3315). The baffle (3312) has a first baffle (3313) and a second baffle (3314) on both sides. When the linkage ring (321) is in the closed position, the position switch plate (3315) presses the switch spring of the first micro switch (332) to trigger the first micro switch (332). The first micro switch (332) feeds back the signal to the controller. The controller issues an instruction to the electromagnet (333) according to a preset program so that the electromagnet core (334) rises to the second stop edge (3314) of the stop plate (3312) and interferes with the limit plate (331), thereby preventing the linkage ring (321) from swinging in the open position.

2. The interlocking device for a sterilizer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The motion bearing component (324) includes a guide rod (3241) and a guide groove (3242). The guide rod (3241) is fixed to the outer end (3222) of the swing rod (322). The guide groove (3242) is disposed on the linkage ring (321). The guide rod (3241) is inserted into the guide groove (3242) and moves under the constraint of the trajectory of the guide groove (3242). The curvature of the guide groove (3242) is suitable for the guide rod (3241) to move within it when the linkage ring (321) drives the swing rod (322) to rotate around the screw (323) as the rotation center, so as to avoid the guide rod (3241) and the guide groove (3242) locking each other when the swing rod (322) swings between the open position and the closed position.

3. The interlocking device for a sterilizer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The frame (31) is also provided with baffles (311) in the same number as the swing rods (322), and the baffles (311) are opposite to the outer end (3222) of the swing rods (322) in the closed position.

4. The interlocking device for a sterilizer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A handle (3211) is also fixedly connected to the linkage ring (321).

5. An interlocking device suitable for a sterilizer as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The frame (31) is also provided with a number of support rods (312) equal to the number of the swing rods (322). The support rods (312) are located below the outer end (3222) of the swing rod (322) in the closed position, and are used to support from below and push against the outer end (3222) of the swing rod (322) upward.

6. An interlocking device suitable for a sterilizer as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: It also includes a second micro switch (341), which has a second switch spring (3411). The outer diameter of the electromagnet core (334) is provided with a touch plate (3341). When the electromagnet core (334) rises, the touch plate (3341) touches the second switch spring (3411) to trigger the second micro switch (341). The second micro switch (341) is used to monitor whether the electromagnet core (334) has risen to the correct position and to feed back the corresponding signal to the controller.

7. The interlocking device for a sterilizer as described in claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a second micro switch (341), which has a second switch spring (3411). The outer diameter of the electromagnet core (334) is provided with a touch plate (3341). When the electromagnet core (334) rises, the touch plate (3341) touches the second switch spring (3411) to trigger the second micro switch (341). The second micro switch (341) is used to monitor whether the electromagnet core (334) has risen to the correct position and to feed back the corresponding signal to the controller.

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