Needle loading mechanism for syringe production and needle supplying method

Abstract

This invention discloses a needle loading mechanism and needle supply method for syringe production, belonging to the field of needle delivery technology. The needle loading mechanism includes: a syringe barrel transport unit, a needle supply unit, a needle transfer unit, a detection unit, a needle alignment unit, and a needle loading unit. The syringe barrel transport unit clamps the syringe barrel and transports it to the needle loading station. The needle supply unit is located at the needle picking station. The needle transfer unit is positioned above the needle loading station, clamping the needle with both ends exposed, and sequentially transferring the needle to the detection station, alignment station, and needle loading station. The detection unit detects the relative positions of the two ends of the needle transferred to the detection station by the needle transfer unit. The needle alignment unit is located at the alignment station to ensure the depth of needle insertion into the syringe barrel. This invention has the advantages of ensuring needle insertion depth and improving yield.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of needle delivery technology, specifically relating to a needle loading mechanism and needle supply method for syringe manufacturing. Background Technology

[0002] In the syringe manufacturing process, the syringe barrel is first prepared and then the needle is inserted into the syringe barrel. To improve production efficiency, a needle supply device is often used to supply the needles one by one to a robotic arm. The robotic arm then picks up the needles and inserts them into the syringe barrel. However, during the process of the needle supply device transferring the needles to the robotic arm, the gripping position of the robotic arm is not uniform, resulting in insufficient insertion depth between the needle and the syringe barrel, causing defective products. In order to improve the pass rate, a needle loading mechanism and needle supply method for syringe production are proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention proposes a needle loading mechanism and needle supply method for syringe production. The needle loading mechanism for syringe production has the advantages of ensuring needle insertion depth and improving yield.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a syringe manufacturing needle loading mechanism includes: a syringe barrel transport unit, a needle supply unit, a needle tip transfer unit, a detection unit, a needle tip alignment unit, and a needle loading unit; the syringe barrel transport unit is used to clamp the syringe barrel and transport it to the needle loading station; the needle supply unit is located at the needle picking station and is used to deliver needles one by one; the needle tip transfer unit is located above the needle loading station and is used to clamp the needles delivered by the needle supply unit, with both ends of the needle tip exposed, and sequentially transfers the needles to the detection station, the alignment station, and the needle loading station; the detection unit is used to detect the relative positions of the two ends of the needle tip transferred to the detection station by the needle tip transfer unit; the needle tip alignment unit is located at the alignment station and is used to adjust the position of the needle tip on the needle tip transfer unit to ensure the depth of needle insertion into the syringe barrel; the needle loading unit is used to grasp the needles transferred to the needle loading station by the needle tip transfer unit and insert the needles into the syringe barrel.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the needle transfer unit includes a mounting plate, a first drive assembly, and a plurality of first grippers. The plurality of first grippers are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the mounting plate. The output end of the first drive assembly is fixedly connected to the mounting plate. The first drive assembly is used to drive the mounting plate to rotate around its central axis, so as to drive the plurality of first grippers to pass sequentially through the needle supply unit, the detection station, the alignment station, and the needle loading station.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the syringe transport unit includes a rotating platform, a fixed platform, a fixed plate, a second gripper, a third gripper, and a second drive assembly; the rotating platform and the fixed platform are concentric, the rotating platform rotates around the circumference of the fixed platform, the fixed plate is mounted on the rotating platform, the second drive assembly is mounted on the fixed platform, the second gripper and the third gripper are both mounted on the fixed plate, the second gripper is used to fix the needle, the third gripper is used to fix the syringe, and the second drive assembly is used to drive the second gripper to an open or closed state.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the needle supply unit includes a needle storage chamber, a needle distribution wheel, and a third drive assembly; the needle distribution wheel is cylindrical, and a groove is formed on the circumferential surface of the needle distribution wheel along its axial direction, the groove passing through both ends of the needle distribution wheel; the third drive assembly is used to drive the needle distribution wheel to rotate around the central axis of the needle distribution wheel; one end of the needle storage chamber is provided with a first opening, the first opening being in contact with the circumferential surface of the needle distribution wheel.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a clamping chamber and a flow guiding chamber are formed in the needle storage chamber, the clamping chamber and the flow guiding chamber are connected, the first opening is located at one end of the flow guiding chamber, a clip is provided in the clamping chamber, and a second opening is formed on the end of the clip facing the flow guiding chamber. The clip is used to store and supply needles to the flow guiding chamber, and the flow guiding chamber is used to guide the needles to the needle distribution wheel.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the magazine is provided with a pressure block, which is slidably connected to the magazine along the direction of needle flow. The pressure block is used to push the needle toward the second opening, or to pull the needle in the magazine and the second opening apart by a certain distance, so as to fill the magazine with the needle.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the needle storage compartment includes two side plates, a front baffle and a rear baffle. The two side plates are arranged opposite to each other. The front baffle is used to connect one side of the two side plates, and the rear baffle is used to connect the other side of the two side plates. One end of the front baffle protrudes from the two side plates. A first boss is formed on the side of the front baffle facing the needle wheel. The height difference between the upper surface of the first boss and the upper surface of the needle wheel is the same as the diameter of the needle tip.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit is a vision camera, and the detection unit is used to detect the relative position of the two ends of the needle and the curvature of the needle.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the needle loading unit includes a fourth driving component and a fourth gripper. The fourth gripper is disposed on the output end of the fourth driving component. The fourth driving component is used to drive the fourth gripper to approach the first gripper at the needle loading station to grip the needle tip, or to drive the fourth gripper to approach the third gripper to insert the needle tip into the syringe.

[0014] A needle feeding method, employing the needle loading mechanism for syringe manufacturing as described in any one of the above-mentioned methods, includes the following steps: S1. The needle supply unit outputs the needle tip, and the syringe transport unit transports the syringe to the needle loading station. At this time, the needle transfer unit takes out the needle tip output by the needle supply unit. S2. The needle transfer unit guides the needle to the detection station. At this time, the detection unit detects the position of the needle and determines whether the position of the needle meets the standard. S3. If the detection unit detects that the needle position is standard, the needle transfer unit will guide the needle to the needle loading station; if the detection unit detects that the needle position is adjustable, the needle transfer unit will guide the needle to the alignment station, wait for the needle alignment unit to adjust the needle position, and then guide the needle to the needle loading station; if the detection unit detects that the needle position is not adjustable, the needle transfer unit will guide the needle to the alignment station and then discard the needle. S4. After the needle reaches the needle loading station, the needle loading unit grabs the needle and inserts it into the syringe to complete the needle insertion operation.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are that by setting up a detection unit and a needle alignment unit on the path of the needle transfer unit, the position of the needle is adjusted so that the needle transfer unit transfers the needle to the needle loading station in a uniform position, which ensures the depth of the needle when it is inserted into the syringe and improves the yield.

[0016] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention.

[0017] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure and installation position of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of area A of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a left-side view of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of region B of the present invention; Figure 5 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of region C of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a right-side view of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the needle supply unit of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a partially disassembled schematic diagram of the needle supply unit of the present invention; Figure label: 11. Rotary table; 12. Fixed table; 31. Fixed plate; 32. Second gripper; 321. Second jaw; 322. Connecting rod; 323. Connecting block; 324. Guide rod; 33. Third gripper; 34. Second drive assembly; 42. Needle magazine; 421. Side plate; 422. Front baffle; 4221. First boss; 4222. Second boss; 423. Rear baffle; 43. Magazine; 432. Pressure block; 43 21. Column; 4322. Second spring; 44. Dividing pin wheel; 441. Third drive assembly; 442. Groove; 511. Mounting plate; 512. First drive assembly; 513. First gripper; 5131. Two-way cylinder; 5132. First claw; 52. Detection unit; 521. Background plate; 531. Fourth drive assembly; 532. Fourth gripper; 541. Fifth drive assembly; 542. Push plate. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0021] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] The needle loading mechanism and needle supply method for syringe manufacturing according to embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] like Figure 1-8 As shown, the syringe manufacturing needle loading mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a syringe transport unit, a needle supply unit, a needle transfer unit, a detection unit 52, a needle alignment unit, and a needle loading unit; the syringe transport unit is used to clamp the syringe and transport it to the needle loading station; the needle supply unit is located at the needle picking station and is used to deliver the needles one by one; the needle transfer unit is located above the needle loading station and is used to clamp the needles delivered by the needle supply unit, clamping the needles and exposing both ends of the needles, and sequentially transferring the needles to the detection station, the alignment station, and the needle loading station; the detection unit 52 is used to detect the relative positions of the two ends of the needles transferred by the needle transfer unit to the detection station; the needle alignment unit is located at the alignment station and is used to adjust the position of the needles on the needle transfer unit to ensure the depth of needle insertion into the syringe; the needle loading unit is used to grasp the needles transferred by the needle transfer unit to the needle loading station and insert the needles into the syringe.

[0024] In this embodiment, the syringe transport unit transports syringes on a horizontal plane, while the needle picking station, detection station, alignment station, and needle loading station are arranged sequentially on a vertical plane. During the loading process, the central axis of the syringe is vertically aligned. The loading station is located directly above the syringe, the detection station is directly above the loading station, the needle picking station is located to the upper left of the loading station, and the alignment station is located to the upper right of the loading station. Thus, in the path of the syringe transport unit, the syringe loading mechanism only occupies one station, saving space and facilitating the setting of other work stations in the path of the syringe transport unit, thereby improving the compactness of the entire production process and reducing the area occupied by the entire production process. In addition, before loading, the needle position is pre-detected by the detection unit 52, and the needle position is adjusted by the needle alignment unit, so that when the needle transfer unit transfers the needle to the loading station, the needle position is uniform, ensuring the depth of needle insertion into the syringe and the uniformity of needle direction, thereby improving the yield rate.

[0025] The needle transfer unit includes a mounting plate 511, a first drive assembly 512, and multiple first grippers 513. The multiple first grippers 513 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the mounting plate 511. The output end of the first drive assembly 512 is fixedly connected to the mounting plate 511. The first drive assembly 512 is used to drive the mounting plate 511 to rotate around its central axis, so as to drive the multiple first grippers 513 to pass through the needle supply unit, the detection station, the alignment station, and the needle loading station in sequence.

[0026] In this embodiment, the first gripper 513 includes a bidirectional cylinder 5131 and two first claws 5132. The two first claws 5132 are respectively mounted on the two output ends of the bidirectional cylinder 5131. The bidirectional cylinder 5131 is used to drive the two first claws 5132 to move closer or further apart. One first claw 5132 has a first protrusion in the direction facing the other first claw 5132, and the other first claw 5132 has a first groove in the direction facing one first claw 5132. The first protrusion and the first groove are opposite to each other. Each surface has a first V-shaped groove. The two first V-shaped grooves are arranged opposite each other. When the two first claws 5132 are close to each other, the first protrusion and the first groove fit together. The two first V-shaped grooves form the first hole for fixing the needle. The first V-shaped groove increases the contact area with the needle. The first protrusion and the first groove limit the needle and prevent the needle on the first claw 513 from being tilted. This prevents the needle from bending when adjusting its position and ensures the vertical state of the needle during insertion, which is convenient for the needle loading unit to grasp and insert.

[0027] Furthermore, there are four first grippers 513, which are evenly arranged along the circumference of the mounting plate 511, with a 90-degree interval between them. This provides sufficient installation space for the arrangement of the needle supply unit, the detection unit 52, the needle alignment unit, and the needle loading unit. At the same time, the four first grippers 513 can operate simultaneously, avoiding downtime waiting time for the needle supply unit, the detection unit 52, the needle alignment unit, and the needle loading unit. This increases the number of work steps while ensuring work efficiency.

[0028] The syringe transport unit includes a rotary table 11, a fixed table 12, a fixed plate 31, a second gripper 32, a third gripper 33, and a second drive assembly 34. The rotary table 11 and the fixed table 12 are concentric, and the rotary table 11 rotates around the circumference of the fixed table 12. The fixed plate 31 is mounted on the rotary table 11, and the second drive assembly 34 is mounted on the fixed table 12. The second gripper 32 and the third gripper 33 are both mounted on the fixed plate 31. The second gripper 32 is used to fix the needle, and the third gripper 33 is used to fix the syringe. The second drive assembly 34 is used to drive the second gripper 32 to be in an open or closed state.

[0029] In this embodiment, the second drive assembly 34 is installed at the corresponding position of the needle loading station. The second gripper 32 and the third gripper 33 both include a guide rod 324, a connecting block 323, two second claw teeth 321, and two connecting rods 322. One end of the guide rod 324 passes through the fixing plate 31. A first spring is sleeved on the guide rod 324. One end of the guide rod 324 has a nut. The two ends of the first spring abut against the fixing plate 31 and the nut, respectively. The connecting block 323 is fixed to the other end of the guide rod 324. One end of the connecting rod 322 is movably connected to the connecting block 323. The two connecting rods 322 are arranged opposite to each other. One end of the second claw teeth 321 is movably connected to the fixing plate 31. The two second claw teeth 321 are arranged opposite to each other. The other ends of the two connecting rods 322 are movably connected to the two second claw teeth 321, respectively. The other end of the connecting rod 322 is connected to the middle position of the second claw teeth 321. The other ends of the two second claw teeth 321 cooperate to clamp the needle.

[0030] In the initial state, the first spring pushes the guide rod 324 to bring the connecting block 323 close to the fixed plate 31. At this time, under the pull of the two connecting rods 322, the other ends of the two second claws 321 approach each other. When the needle loading unit inserts the needle into the syringe, the second drive assembly 34 pushes one end of the guide rod 324 of the second claw 32, causing the nut to squeeze the first spring. At this time, the connecting block 323 moves away from the fixed plate 31. Under the push of the two connecting rods 322, the other ends of the two second claws 321 separate from each other, so that the needle loading unit can insert the needle into the syringe. Then the second drive assembly 34 releases the guide rod 324, causing the first spring to return to its original position, completing the second claw... The needle is held by 321. During this process, due to the avoidance of the second claw 321, the needle loading unit is located between the second claw 321 and the syringe when the needle is inserted. That is to say, the needle loading unit holds the middle position of the needle, thus improving the stability when inserting the needle into the syringe and increasing the yield. The second drive component 34 is used to drive the second claw 321, avoiding the use of electrical components to control the second claw 321. Therefore, the second claw 321 is not affected by the connection wires of electrical components, so that multiple second claws 321 can rotate freely with the rotary table 11, reducing the load-bearing weight of the rotary table 11 and improving its service life.

[0031] Furthermore, a second protrusion is formed on one second claw 321 facing the other second claw 321, and a second groove is formed on the other second claw 321 facing the first second claw 321. A second V-shaped groove is formed on the opposite surface of the second protrusion and the second groove. The two second V-shaped grooves are arranged opposite each other. When the two second claws 321 are close together, the second protrusion and the second groove fit together, and the two second V-shaped grooves form a second hole for fixing the needle. The second V-shaped groove increases the contact area with the needle. The second protrusion and the second groove realize the fixing and limiting of the needle, so that the needle always maintains a vertical and stable state during subsequent transportation and glue injection, thereby improving the yield.

[0032] The needle supply unit includes a needle storage chamber 42, a needle dispensing wheel 44, and a third drive assembly 441. The needle dispensing wheel 44 is cylindrical, and a groove 442 is formed on its circumferential surface along its axial direction. The groove 442 passes through both ends of the needle dispensing wheel 44. The third drive assembly 441 is used to drive the needle dispensing wheel 44 to rotate around the central axis of the needle dispensing wheel 44. One end of the needle storage chamber 42 is provided with a first opening, which fits against the circumferential surface of the needle dispensing wheel 44. When the groove 442 passes through the inside of the first opening, the needle falls into the groove 442 so that the groove 442 can carry the needle out of the first opening.

[0033] The needle storage chamber 42 has a clamping chamber and a flow guide chamber, which are connected. The first opening is located at one end of the flow guide chamber. The clamping chamber is equipped with a clip 43. The end of the clip 43 facing the flow guide chamber has a second opening. The clip 43 is used to store and supply needles to the flow guide chamber. The flow guide chamber is used to guide the needles to the needle distribution wheel 44.

[0034] In this embodiment, the flow guide chamber and the clamping chamber are smoothly connected. When the magazine 43 is loaded, the flow guide chamber contains a certain number of needles to shorten the falling distance of the needles from the second opening to the flow guide chamber, thereby avoiding the needles from tilting and causing one end of the needle to fall into the groove 442 while the other end is higher than the groove 442. This would cause the groove 442 to cause a jam when it pulls the needles out from the first opening, thus achieving the smoothness of the needle guide wheel 44.

[0035] The magazine 43 is provided with a pressure block 432. The pressure block 432 is slidably connected to the magazine 43 along the direction of needle flow. The pressure block 432 is used to push the needle towards the second opening, or to pull the needle in the magazine 43 and the second opening apart by a certain distance, so as to fill the magazine 43 with the needle.

[0036] In this embodiment, a column 4321 is mounted on the pressure block 432. One end of the column 4321 passes through the magazine 43. A second spring 4322 is sleeved on the column 4321. The second spring 4322 is located inside the magazine 43. One end of the second spring 4322 abuts against the pressure block 432, and the other end abuts against the inner surface of the magazine 43. In its natural state, the second spring 4322 always pushes the pressure block 432 towards the second opening, so that the pressure block 432 pushes the needle inside the magazine 43, thus replenishing the needle. When the needle is inserted, pull one end of the column 4321 to move the pressure block 432 away from the second opening, so that a new needle can be placed from the second opening. This shortens the movement space for the needle to fall into the magazine 43 when replacing the needle, and avoids the needle from turning over or tilting due to the large space. The column 4321 is marked so that the operator can observe the distance from the pressure block 432 to the second opening, so as to determine whether the magazine 43 needs to be replaced. By setting the magazine 43 in the needle storage chamber 42, the replacement speed is improved and the horizontality of the needle in the needle storage chamber 42 is ensured.

[0037] The needle storage compartment 42 includes two side plates 421, a front baffle 422, and a rear baffle 423. The two side plates 421 are arranged opposite to each other. The front baffle 422 is used to connect one side of the two side plates 421, and the rear baffle 423 is used to connect the other side of the two side plates 421. One end of the front baffle 422 protrudes from the two side plates 421. A first boss 4221 is formed on the side of the front baffle 422 facing the needle wheel 44. The height difference between the upper surface of the first boss 4221 and the upper surface of the needle wheel 44 is the same as the diameter of the needle.

[0038] In this embodiment, after removing the front baffle 422, the needle is added to the flow guide compartment to avoid needle rotation or tilting caused by inserting the needle from the top of the needle storage compartment 42, thus ensuring the needle's horizontality. A second protrusion 4222 is also formed on the side of the front baffle 422 facing the needle storage compartment 42. After connecting the front baffle 422 to the two side plates 421, the second protrusion 4222 is located inside the needle storage compartment 42. The thickness of the second protrusion 4222 is the same as the thickness of the side wall of the magazine 43, meaning... The side wall of the second protrusion 4222 is on the same plane as the inner side wall of the same surface as the magazine 43, so as to reduce the movable range of the needle when it slides from the magazine 43 into the needle storage chamber 42, and reduce the position difference of the needle removal wheel 44 to facilitate subsequent adjustment. When one end of the needle falls into the groove 442, the other end protruding from the groove 442 contacts the first protrusion 4221 to avoid the needle tip from tilting up when the other end of the needle is unsupported, which would cause jamming.

[0039] The detection unit 52 is a vision camera. The detection unit 52 is used to detect the relative position of the two ends of the needle, the curvature of the needle, and the direction of the needle. A waste trough is set below the needle alignment unit. An upper limit value for the needle curvature is preset. When the detection unit 52 detects that the needle direction is inconsistent or the needle curvature exceeds the upper limit value, the needle transfer unit releases its grip on the needle when the needle is transferred to the alignment station, so that the needle falls into the waste trough, in order to ensure the yield of finished products after the needle is loaded.

[0040] The needle loading unit includes a fourth drive assembly 531 and a fourth gripper 532. The fourth gripper 532 is located on the output end of the fourth drive assembly 531. The fourth drive assembly 531 is used to drive the fourth gripper 532 to approach the first gripper 513 of the needle loading station to grip the needle tip, or to drive the fourth gripper 532 to approach the third gripper 33 to insert the needle tip into the syringe.

[0041] The needle alignment unit includes a fifth drive assembly 541 and a push plate 542. The fifth drive assembly 541 is used to drive the push plate 542 to move linearly back and forth along the radial direction of the needle at the alignment station, so that the push plate 542 pushes the needle to adjust the position of the needle. When the detection unit 52 detects that the position of the needle cannot reach the required position after adjustment by the push plate 542, the needle transfer unit releases the clamp on the needle when the needle is transferred to the alignment station, so that the needle falls into the waste trough.

[0042] Both the first drive assembly 512 and the third drive assembly 441 are motors. The third drive assembly 441 has a torque detection function. Before operation, a torque upper limit value is preset. If the torque value is higher than the preset torque upper limit value during the rotation of the needle wheel 44 by the third drive assembly 441, the needle wheel 44 will reverse. During the reversal, the needle in the slot 442 will be reset. Then, the needle will be rotated forward again to remove the needle. This is to avoid the needle bending or damage to the needle supply unit by forcibly rotating the needle wheel 44 when the needle is stuck. If the needle cannot be removed after multiple reversals, the third drive assembly 441 will stop operating. At this time, the operator needs to remove the needle.

[0043] The second drive assembly 34, the fourth drive assembly 531, and the fifth drive assembly 541 are all cylinders.

[0044] If the needle position cannot be satisfied even after multiple detections by the detection unit 52 and correction by the needle alignment unit, it means that the needle position gripped by the first gripper 513 is too centered. At this time, the needle transfer unit stops operating and reminds the staff to move the needle supply unit to the left to reduce the amount of discarded needles.

[0045] A needle supply method, employing the aforementioned needle loading mechanism for syringe manufacturing, includes the following steps: S1. The needle supply unit uses the needle distribution wheel 44 to deliver the needles one by one. The syringe transport unit transports the syringe to the needle loading station. At this time, the needle transfer unit takes out the needles delivered by the needle supply unit. S2. The needle transfer unit guides the needle to the detection station. At this time, the detection unit 52 detects the position of the needle and determines whether the position of the needle meets the standard, whether the direction of the needle is correct, and whether the curvature of the needle exceeds the upper limit. S3. If the detection unit 52 detects that the needle position is standard, the needle direction is correct, and the needle curvature is below the upper limit, the needle transfer unit will guide the needle to the needle loading station; if the detection unit 52 detects that the needle direction is correct, the needle curvature is below the upper limit, and the needle position is adjustable, the needle transfer unit will guide the needle to the alignment station, wait for the needle alignment unit to adjust the needle position, and then guide the needle to the needle loading station; if the detection unit 52 detects that the needle position is not adjustable, the needle direction is incorrect, or the needle curvature exceeds the upper limit, the needle transfer unit will guide the needle to the alignment station and then discard the needle. S4. After the needle reaches the needle loading station, the needle loading unit grabs the needle and inserts it into the syringe to complete the needle insertion operation.

[0046] In another embodiment, there are eight first grippers 513, arranged in pairs along the circumference of the mounting plate 511. Each pair of first grippers 513 is arranged side-by-side along the axial direction of the mounting plate 511. There are two needle feeding units, two needle loading units, and two detection units 52. The two needle feeding units feed needles to the two first grippers 513 in each pair. A background plate 521 is provided between the two first grippers 513 in each pair. The two detection units 52 are arranged opposite each other, located within the pair of first grippers 513. On both sides of 3, two detection units 52 respectively detect two first grippers 513 of a group, and two needle loading units respectively insert needles into two syringes to improve needle insertion efficiency; there is one needle alignment unit, which simultaneously aligns the needles on the two first grippers 513 of the same group. Since the first gripper 513 is provided with a first protrusion and a first groove, it avoids the needle from tilting at the alignment station, so that the two needles are in closer contact with the push plate 542, ensuring the accuracy of simultaneous alignment of multiple needles.

[0047] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0048] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A needle loading mechanism for syringe manufacturing, characterized in that, include: A syringe transport unit is used to hold a syringe and transport it to the needle loading station; A needle supply unit, located at the needle picking station, is used to feed out needles one by one; A needle transfer unit is located above the needle loading station. The needle transfer unit is used to pick up the needles exported from the needle supply unit. The needle transfer unit picks up the needles and exposes both ends of the needles, and then transfers the needles sequentially to the detection station, the alignment station and the needle loading station. The detection unit (52) is used to detect the relative positions of the two ends of the needle transferred by the needle transfer unit to the detection station; A needle alignment unit is located at an alignment station and is used to adjust the position of the needle on the needle transfer unit to ensure the depth of needle insertion into the syringe. The needle loading unit is used to pick up the needles that have been transferred to the needle loading station by the needle transfer unit and insert the needles into the syringe.

2. The needle loading mechanism for syringe manufacturing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The needle transfer unit includes a mounting plate (511), a first drive assembly (512), and a plurality of first grippers (513). The plurality of first grippers (513) are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the mounting plate (511). The output end of the first drive assembly (512) is fixedly connected to the mounting plate (511). The first drive assembly (512) is used to drive the mounting plate (511) to rotate around its central axis, so as to drive the plurality of first grippers (513) to pass through the needle supply unit, the detection station, the alignment station and the needle loading station in sequence.

3. The needle loading mechanism for syringe manufacturing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The syringe transport unit includes a rotating platform (11), a fixed platform (12), a fixed plate (31), a second gripper (32), a third gripper (33), and a second drive assembly (34). The rotating platform (11) and the fixed platform (12) are concentric. The rotating platform (11) rotates around the circumference of the fixed platform (12). The fixed plate (31) is mounted on the rotating platform (11). The second drive assembly (34) is mounted on the fixed platform (12). The second gripper (32) and the third gripper (33) are both mounted on the fixed plate (31). The second gripper (32) is used to fix the needle. The third gripper (33) is used to fix the syringe. The second drive assembly (34) is used to drive the second gripper (32) to be in an open or closed state.

4. The needle loading mechanism for syringe manufacturing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The needle supply unit includes a needle storage chamber (42), a needle distribution wheel (44), and a third drive assembly (441). The needle distribution wheel (44) is cylindrical, and a groove (442) is formed on the circumferential surface of the needle distribution wheel (44) along its axial direction. The groove (442) passes through both ends of the needle distribution wheel (44). The third drive assembly (441) is used to drive the needle distribution wheel (44) to rotate around the central axis of the needle distribution wheel (44). One end of the needle storage chamber (42) is provided with a first opening, which is in contact with the circumferential surface of the needle distribution wheel (44).

5. The needle loading mechanism for syringe manufacturing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The needle storage chamber (42) has a clamping chamber and a flow guiding chamber, which are connected. The first opening is located at one end of the flow guiding chamber. The clamping chamber is provided with a clip (43). The clip (43) has a second opening at one end facing the flow guiding chamber. The clip (43) is used to store and supply needles to the flow guiding chamber. The flow guiding chamber is used to guide the needles to the needle distribution wheel (44).

6. The needle loading mechanism for syringe manufacturing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The magazine (43) is provided with a pressure block (432). The pressure block (432) is slidably connected to the magazine (43) along the direction of needle flow. The pressure block (432) is used to push the needle towards the second opening, or to pull the needle in the magazine (43) and the second opening apart by a certain distance, so as to fill the magazine (43) with the needle.

7. The syringe manufacturing needle loading mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The needle storage compartment (42) includes two side plates (421), a front baffle (422), and a rear baffle (423). The two side plates (421) are arranged opposite to each other. The front baffle (422) is used to connect one side of the two side plates (421), and the rear baffle (423) is used to connect the other side of the two side plates (421). One end of the front baffle (422) protrudes from the two side plates (421). A first boss (4221) is formed on the side of the front baffle (422) facing the needle wheel (44). The height difference between the upper surface of the first boss (4221) and the upper surface of the needle wheel (44) is the same as the diameter of the needle.

8. The needle loading mechanism for syringe manufacturing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection unit (52) is a vision camera, and the detection unit (52) is used to detect the relative position of the two ends of the needle and the curvature of the needle.

9. The syringe manufacturing needle loading mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The needle loading unit includes a fourth drive assembly (531) and a fourth gripper (532). The fourth gripper (532) is located on the output end of the fourth drive assembly (531). The fourth drive assembly (531) is used to drive the fourth gripper (532) to approach the first gripper (513) of the needle loading station to grip the needle tip, or to drive the fourth gripper (532) to approach the third gripper (33) to insert the needle tip into the syringe.

10. A needle feeding method, employing a needle loading mechanism for syringe manufacturing as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. The needle supply unit outputs the needle tip, and the syringe transport unit transports the syringe to the needle loading station. At this time, the needle transfer unit takes out the needle tip output by the needle supply unit. S2. The needle transfer unit guides the needle to the detection station. At this time, the detection unit (52) detects the position of the needle and determines whether the position of the needle meets the standard. S3. If the detection unit (52) detects that the needle position is standard, the needle transfer unit will guide the needle to the needle loading station; if the detection unit (52) detects that the needle position is adjustable, the needle transfer unit will guide the needle to the alignment station, wait for the needle alignment unit to adjust the needle position, and then guide the needle to the needle loading station; if the detection unit (52) detects that the needle position is not adjustable, the needle transfer unit will guide the needle to the alignment station and then discard the needle. S4. After the needle reaches the needle loading station, the needle loading unit grabs the needle and inserts it into the syringe to complete the needle insertion operation.

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