Backing paper orienting and dispensing apparatus and isolator

Abstract

The application relates to a backing paper directional discharging device and an isolator. The backing paper directional discharging device comprises a conveying platform arranged in the isolator and comprising a first end and a second end arranged opposite to the first end, the first end being used for carrying backing paper to be discharged; a pushing mechanism arranged in the isolator and configured to apply a pushing force to the backing paper on the conveying platform to move from the first end to the second end; and a closing guiding assembly installed at a discharging port of the isolator. The backing paper directional discharging device and the isolator are designed to actively push the backing paper through the pushing mechanism and cooperate with the closing guiding assembly to discharge the backing paper from a waste paper outlet with a controlled caliber, thereby solving the problems that the preset positive pressure environment in the isolator is out of control and external pollutants invade due to the large opening of the waste paper outlet in the prior art, and overcoming the possible jamming of the easily curled backing paper during the discharging process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of pharmaceutical equipment waste treatment technology, and in particular to a liner paper directional discharge device and isolator. Background Technology

[0002] In the biopharmaceutical industry, many manufacturing and experimental processes need to be conducted in strictly controlled isolated environments, such as isolators, restricted access barrier systems (RABS), or high-class cleanrooms. The core technical requirements for these isolated environments are precisely maintaining preset internal air cleanliness, positive pressure differentials, or specific gas compositions to ensure process stability, product sterility, and operator safety. Inevitably, solid waste is generated during this process, such as packaging material linings, films, or process scraps.

[0003] Currently, a common method for handling waste materials within controlled environments is to directly discard the waste into an external collection container through an opening or channel in the outer wall of the environment. This method is simple and intuitive, but it has significant drawbacks in situations requiring high standards of isolation, such as isolators maintaining positive pressure or sterility. First, to facilitate the rapid passage of waste materials, the size of this disposal opening is usually designed to be relatively large. When the controlled environment maintains positive pressure, such a large opening will cause a large amount of internal gas to continuously leak to the outside, making it difficult to maintain the required pressure differential, resulting in energy waste, and may even lead to uncontrolled internal pressure or gas composition. Conversely, if there are fluctuations in external pressure or airflow disturbances, unclean air, pollutants, or moisture from the outside can easily flow back into the internal environment through this opening, severely damaging the internal cleanliness or sterility, thereby causing the entire process or product batch to be scrapped, resulting in significant losses.

[0004] Secondly, for flexible and easily curled waste materials such as liner paper and film, a simple downward discarding method can easily cause the material to get stuck, fold, or entangled when passing through the opening, making it impossible to discharge smoothly. Material jamming not only affects discharge efficiency but may also further increase the exposure time or area of ​​the opening, exacerbating the risk of the aforementioned environmental isolation failure, or even completely blocking the discharge channel, leading to equipment shutdown or requiring complex intervention methods that may damage the isolation for cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a paper liner directional discharge device and isolator that solves the problems of uncontrolled internal positive pressure and jamming of soft materials caused by traditional large-opening waste discharge methods.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a paper liner directional discharge device, applied to an isolator that maintains a preset positive pressure environment, wherein the isolator has a discharge port on its outer wall, comprising: A conveying platform, located inside the isolator, includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to the first end, wherein the first end is used to carry the liner paper to be discharged. A pushing mechanism, located inside the isolator, is configured to apply a pushing force to the liner paper placed on the conveying platform, moving it from the first end to the second end; A guide assembly is installed at the outlet of the isolator; The converging guide assembly includes a partition and a discharge channel. The partition is located at the discharge outlet and has a waste paper outlet with a diameter smaller than that of the discharge outlet. The front opening of the discharge channel is connected to the waste paper outlet, and the rear opening of the discharge channel is flared. The second end of the conveying platform extends into the rear opening of the discharge channel. The pushing mechanism pushes the liner paper placed on the conveying platform out of the isolator through the waste paper outlet.

[0007] Preferably, the closing guide assembly further includes a door panel, the top edge of which is pivotally connected to the partition, and the door panel is configured to cover the waste paper outlet when no external force is applied; the door panel has a plurality of vent holes on its surface that connect to the interior of the discharge channel.

[0008] Preferably, the discharge channel includes a guide plate and support plates disposed on the left and right sides of the guide plate. The front edge of the guide plate is inclined forward relative to the platform surface of the conveying platform, and the two support plates are detachably installed on the conveying platform.

[0009] Preferably, both support plates have downward-facing positioning notches on their bottom edges; the conveying platform has locking studs protruding from the corresponding positioning notches, and the locking studs extend into the corresponding positioning notches and are connected to the support plates by hand-tightening nuts, so as to achieve a detachable connection between the support plates and the conveying platform.

[0010] Preferably, the bottom edges of both support plates are provided with outwardly bent skirts.

[0011] Preferably, the discharge channel further includes an ear plate, which is arranged parallel to the partition and connected to the guide plate and the support plate on the side away from the partition.

[0012] Preferably, the ear plate and / or the guide plate are provided with a lifting member, and the end of the lifting member away from the ear plate is connected to the partition.

[0013] Preferably, the conveying platform includes a frame and a platform body disposed on the frame. The platform body has side plates extending from the first end to the second end on its left and right sides. One end of the side plates and one end of the platform body extend into the discharge channel.

[0014] Preferably, the pushing mechanism includes a linear drive mechanism and a pawl mounted on the frame. The pawl is slidably mounted on the frame and configured to move from the first end to the second end under the drive of the linear drive mechanism. A guide groove adapted to the movement path of the pawl is provided on the platform surface of the platform. The top end of the pawl extends out of the platform surface of the platform from the guide groove. The end of the pawl movement path is located at the part of the platform that extends into the discharge channel.

[0015] Secondly, this application provides an isolator, including a main body, a paper dispensing device, and a gripping mechanism; the outer wall of the main body is provided with a discharge port; the paper dispensing device is installed on the main body and cooperates with the discharge port; the gripping mechanism is disposed inside the main body for gripping the liner paper and placing it on the paper dispensing device; wherein, the paper dispensing device is the liner paper directional discharge device described in any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0016] The paper liner discharge device and isolator designed in this application actively push the paper liner through a pushing mechanism and, together with a closing guide component, discharge it directionally from a waste paper outlet with a controlled opening. This solves the problems in the prior art where waste paper discharges through a large opening, leading to the loss of control of the preset positive pressure environment inside the isolator and the intrusion of external pollutants. At the same time, it overcomes the problem of jamming that may occur during the discharge of easily curled paper liner. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the paper liner discharge device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the paper liner discharge device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the isolator provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the door panel arrangement provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the closing guide component provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0022] The components include: a paper directional discharge device 100, a main body 200, a discharge outlet 201, a conveying platform 10, a platform body 11, a guide groove 111, a side plate 12, a frame 13, a first end 10a, a second end 10b, a pushing mechanism 20, a linear drive mechanism 21, a motor 211, a synchronous belt 212, a guide rod 213, a slide table 214, a pawl 22, a closing guide assembly 30, a partition 31, a discharge channel 32, a guide plate 321, a support plate 322, a positioning notch 3221, a skirt 3222, a waste paper outlet 33, a door panel 34, a vent hole 341, an ear plate 35, a lifting component 36, and a hand-tightening nut 40. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0024] Please see Figures 1 to 5 This application provides a paper liner discharge device 100 and an isolator including the paper liner discharge device 100.

[0025] like Figure 3 As shown, the isolator includes a main body 200, which forms an isolation environment that needs to maintain a preset positive pressure. An outlet 201 is provided on the wall of the main body 200. The isolator also includes a gripping mechanism (not shown) and a paper discharge device, namely the paper liner discharge device 100 provided in this embodiment, disposed inside the main body 200. The gripping mechanism is used to grip the waste paper liner generated within the isolation environment and place it on the paper liner discharge device 100. Specifically, the paper liner discharge device 100 is installed on the main body 200 and cooperates with the outlet 201. The gripping mechanism can be a combination of a robotic arm and a gripper. The gripper holds a corner or one edge of the waste paper liner, and the robotic arm transfers it to the paper liner discharge device 100 to discharge the paper liner outside the isolator. This achieves active and directional discharge of waste paper liner from within the isolation environment with minimal disturbance to the isolation environment.

[0026] The following will be combined with the appendix Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 The specific structure of the paper liner discharge device 100 is described in detail.

[0027] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the liner paper orientation discharge device 100 includes a conveying platform 10, a pushing mechanism 20, and a closing guide assembly 30.

[0028] The conveying platform 10 is located inside the isolator body 200 and includes a first end 10a and a second end 10b disposed opposite to each other. The first end 10a serves as a bearing end for bearing the liner paper to be discharged, placed by the gripping mechanism. In this embodiment, the first end 10a is preferably located near the working range of the gripping mechanism to simplify the movement path of the gripping mechanism.

[0029] The pushing mechanism 20 is also located inside the main body 200. It is configured to apply a horizontal pushing force from the first end 10a to the second end 10b to the liner paper carried on the conveying platform 10, so as to realize the active and controllable conveying of the liner paper along a predetermined path, thereby avoiding the uncertainty caused by relying solely on the gravity of the liner paper in the prior art. The specific structure of the pushing mechanism 20 will be further described in subsequent embodiments.

[0030] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the closing guide assembly 30 is installed at the outlet 201 of the isolator body 200 to guide the liner paper and protect the isolation environment. In this embodiment, the closing guide assembly 30 includes a partition 31 and a discharge channel 32.

[0031] The partition 31 is located at the outlet 201 to close the larger outlet 201. The partition 31 has a waste paper outlet 33 with a diameter smaller than that of the outlet 201. By significantly reducing the channel area for the discharge of the liner paper, the gas exchange between the inside and outside of the isolator is effectively reduced without affecting the discharge of the liner paper. This effectively maintains the positive pressure stability inside the isolation environment and prevents external pollutants from entering.

[0032] Specifically, the front opening of the discharge channel 32 communicates with the waste paper outlet 33, and the rear opening of the discharge channel 32 is flared to form a guide inlet for receiving the liner paper. This flared structure can gather and correct the posture of the liner paper as it is pushed, ensuring that even easily curled liner paper can be smoothly aligned and enter the smaller waste paper outlet 33. To ensure the continuity of conveying, the second end 10b of the conveying platform 10 extends into the rear flared opening of the discharge channel 32. Finally, the pushing mechanism 20 pushes the liner paper along the conveying platform 10, and guided by the discharge channel 32, it passes through the waste paper outlet 33 and is discharged outside the isolator.

[0033] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4As shown, the closing guide assembly 30 also includes a door panel 34, the top edge of which is pivotally connected to the partition 31. The door panel 34 is configured to cover the waste paper outlet 33 when no external force is applied, and the door panel 34 is normally closed. When the liner paper is pushed to the waste paper outlet 33, its thrust, together with the positive pressure airflow inside the isolation environment, will push the door panel 34 outward, thereby discharging the liner paper. In addition, the door panel 34 has multiple vent holes 341 on its surface that connect to the interior of the discharge channel 32, in order to release excess pressure in a timely manner and maintain the stability of the internal pressure of the isolator.

[0034] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 5 As shown, the discharge channel 32 includes a guide plate 321 and support plates 322 disposed on the left and right sides of the guide plate 321. The front edge of the guide plate 321 is inclined forward relative to the platform surface of the conveying platform 10. The two support plates 322 are detachably mounted on the conveying platform 10. With this structural design, the bottom of the discharge channel 32 is open, the guide plate 321 forms the top surface of the discharge channel 32, and the two support plates 322 are vertically fixed on the conveying platform 10, forming the side walls of the discharge channel 32. The guide plate 321, the support plates 322, and the platform surface of the conveying platform 10 together define the channel for the discharge of waste paper. The front edge of the guide plate 321 faces the waste paper outlet 33 and is connected to the top opening edge of the waste paper outlet 33 to ensure that any potentially curled paper can be guided into the waste paper outlet 33. The two support plates 322, connected to the left and right opening edges of the waste paper outlet 33, provide lateral restraint and guidance for the paper, preventing it from deviating.

[0035] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, both support plates 322 have downward-facing positioning notches 3221 on their bottom edges. The conveying platform 10 has locking studs (not shown) protruding from the corresponding positioning notches 3221. These locking studs extend into the corresponding positioning notches 3221. During installation, the operator simply aligns the positioning notches 3221 of the support plate 322 and inserts the locking studs for quick and accurate initial positioning. The locking studs are connected to the support plate 322 via hand-tightened nuts 40, enabling a detachable connection between the support plate 322 and the conveying platform 10. This allows the operator to quickly remove the support plate 322 along with the guide plate 321 when cleaning, sterilizing, or repairing the equipment, fully exposing the entire platform surface of the conveying platform 10 and all inner surfaces of the discharge channel 32, making them easy to wipe and clean without any unsanitary corners.

[0036] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, both support plates 322 have outwardly bent skirts 3222 on their bottom edges. The skirts 3222 serve two purposes: firstly, they add a reinforcing rib, improving the overall bending resistance of the discharge channel 32; secondly, the outward bending of the skirts 3222 relative to the support plates 322 creates an flared opening at the bottom of the discharge channel 32, providing assembly guidance when assembling the entire discharge channel 32.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the discharge channel 32 also includes an ear plate 35, which is arranged parallel to the partition 31 and connected to the guide plate 321 and the support plate 322 on the side away from the partition 31. Specifically, the ear plate 35 is a generally vertically arranged plate, which connects the guide plate 321 and the support plate 322 to further improve the overall structural strength of the discharge channel 32.

[0038] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the ear plate 35 and / or the guide plate 321 are provided with a lifting member 36. In specific implementations, the lifting member 36 can be a sturdy rod-shaped or strip-shaped structure, for example, a handle formed by bending a metal rod. Specifically, it can be provided separately on the ear plate 35 or the guide plate 321, or one can be provided on both the ear plate 35 and the guide plate 321. In addition, the end of the lifting member 36 away from the ear plate 35 is connected to the partition plate 31, thereby integrating the entire detachable discharge channel 32, that is, the unit composed of the partition plate 31, the guide plate 321, the support plate 322, the ear plate 35 and the lifting member 36, into a whole, which can be easily lifted and removed from the conveying platform 10.

[0039] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the conveying platform 10 includes a frame 13 as its structural foundation and a platform 11 mounted on the frame 13. The platform 11 is mounted on the frame 13, and its flat upper surface forms the main bearing surface for the sliding conveying of the liner paper. To ensure that the liner paper always moves along a predetermined path during conveying without lateral deviation or falling, side plates 12 extending from the first end 10a to the second end 10b are provided on the left and right sides of the platform 11. One end of both the side plates 12 and the platform 11 extends into the discharge channel 32. In this way, the bearing surface of the platform 11 and the side plates 12 together form a clear conveying channel with a U-shaped cross-section. This channel provides continuous lateral constraint for the liner paper, ensuring the stability of its linear conveying. In this embodiment, locking studs protrude from the outer walls of the two side plates 12.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the pushing mechanism 20 includes a linear drive mechanism 21 mounted on the frame 13 and a pawl 22 that directly contacts the backing paper and applies a pushing force. The pawl 22 is slidably mounted on the frame 13 and configured to move from the first end 10a to the second end 10b under the drive of the linear drive mechanism 21. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, the linear drive mechanism 21 may include: a motor 211 serving as the power source for the entire mechanism, a synchronous belt 212 driven by the motor 211, a guide rod 213 parallel to the conveying direction, and a slide 214 that can slide smoothly on the guide rod 213. The slide 214 is securely connected to the belt by a clamp. Thus, when the motor 211 drives the synchronous belt 212 to rotate, the slide 214 will reciprocate linearly along the guide rod 213, thereby driving the pawl 22 to achieve a pushing stroke from the first end 10a to the second end 10b.

[0041] The platform 11 has a guide groove 111 adapted to the moving path of the pawl 22. The hook-shaped or block-shaped portion of the top of the pawl 22 extends out of the guide groove 111 from the platform surface of the platform 11. In this embodiment, in order to ensure that a uniform and stable pushing force is applied to the thin and flexible backing paper and to avoid wrinkles or displacement caused by uneven force, multiple pawls 22 are preferably provided. These pawls are arranged at equal intervals along the width direction of the platform 11 on the slide table 214, forming a wide and uniform pushing front.

[0042] The end of the moving path of the pawl 22 is located at the part of the platform 11 that extends into the discharge channel 32. This means that the pushing stroke of the pawl 22 will not end at the entrance of the discharge channel 32, but will continue to move forward for a distance to ensure that the tail of the liner paper can also be completely and reliably fed into the discharge channel 32, avoiding the risk of the liner paper stopping or getting stuck at the entrance of the channel.

[0043] The paper liner discharge device and isolator provided in this application embodiment actively push the paper liner by setting a pushing mechanism, and cooperate with the closing guide component to discharge it directionally from a waste paper outlet with a controlled opening. This solves the problem in the prior art that the pre-set positive pressure environment inside the isolator is out of control and external pollutants are intruded due to waste paper being discharged through a large opening. At the same time, it overcomes the jamming that may occur during the discharge of easily curled paper liner.

[0044] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "vertical", "up", "down", "horizontal", 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 application 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 application.

[0045] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" 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 application according to the specific circumstances.

[0046] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A paper liner discharge device, applied to an isolator that maintains a preset positive pressure environment, wherein the isolator has a discharge port on its outer wall, characterized in that, include: A conveying platform, located inside the isolator, includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to the first end, wherein the first end is used to carry the liner paper to be discharged. A pushing mechanism, located inside the isolator, is configured to apply a pushing force to the liner paper placed on the conveying platform, moving it from the first end to the second end; A guide assembly is installed at the outlet of the isolator; The converging guide assembly includes a partition and a discharge channel. The partition is located at the discharge outlet and has a waste paper outlet with a diameter smaller than that of the discharge outlet. The front opening of the discharge channel communicates with the waste paper outlet, and the rear opening of the discharge channel is flared. The second end of the conveying platform extends into the rear opening of the discharge channel. The pushing mechanism pushes the liner paper placed on the conveying platform out of the isolator through the waste paper outlet. The closing guide assembly further includes a door panel, the top edge of which is pivotally connected to the partition. The door panel is configured to cover the waste paper outlet when no external force is applied. The door panel has multiple vent holes on its surface that connect to the interior of the discharge channel. The conveying platform includes a frame and a platform mounted on the frame. The platform has side plates extending from the first end to the second end on its left and right sides. Both the side plates and one end of the platform extend into the discharge channel.

2. The liner paper directional discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge channel includes a guide plate and support plates disposed on the left and right sides of the guide plate. The front edge of the guide plate is inclined forward relative to the platform of the conveying platform, and the two support plates are detachably installed on the conveying platform.

3. The liner paper directional discharge device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both support plates have downward-facing positioning notches on their bottom edges; the conveying platform has locking studs protruding from the corresponding positioning notches, and the locking studs extend into the corresponding positioning notches and are connected to the support plates by hand-tightening nuts, so as to realize the detachable connection between the support plates and the conveying platform.

4. The liner paper directional discharge device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both of the support plates have outwardly bent skirts on their bottom edges.

5. The liner paper directional discharge device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The discharge channel also includes an ear plate, which is arranged parallel to the partition and connected to the guide plate and the support plate on the side away from the partition.

6. The liner paper directional discharge device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ear plate and / or the guide plate are provided with a lifting member, and the end of the lifting member away from the ear plate is connected to the partition plate to integrate the partition plate, guide plate, support plate, ear plate and lifting member into a detachable whole.

7. The liner paper directional discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing mechanism includes a linear drive mechanism and a pawl mounted on the frame. The pawl is slidably mounted on the frame and configured to move from the first end to the second end under the drive of the linear drive mechanism. A guide groove adapted to the movement path of the pawl is provided on the platform surface of the platform. The top end of the pawl extends out of the platform surface of the platform from the guide groove. The end of the pawl movement path is located at the part of the platform that extends into the discharge channel.

8. An isolator, characterized in that, The device includes a main body, a paper output device, and a gripping mechanism; the outer wall of the main body is provided with a discharge port; the paper output device is installed on the main body and cooperates with the discharge port; the gripping mechanism is disposed inside the main body and is used to grip the liner paper and place it on the paper output device; wherein, the paper output device is a liner paper directional discharge device as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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