Automatic ampoule medicine discharging device
By using the flexible clamping mechanism and the axial force applied by the pushing mechanism, the problems of force concentration and insufficient coordination in the automatic ampoule dispensing device are solved, thereby improving the stability and coordination of the dispensing process.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing automatic ampoule dispensing devices are prone to force concentration during pushing, and the coordination between pushing and clamping actions is insufficient, resulting in an unstable dispensing process.
The sliding clamping component of the clamping mechanism cooperates with the elastic component to form a flexible individual clamping. The push rod of the push mechanism applies force along the axis of the through channel. Combined with the precise positioning and dynamic control of the transmission mechanism, the clamping and pushing actions are seamlessly connected.
It significantly improves the stability of the ampoule dispensing process, reduces the risk of ampoule breakage, and ensures the smoothness and synergy of the dispensing process.
Smart Images

Figure CN121470101B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated drug dispensing technology, and in particular to an automatic drug dispensing device for ampoules. Background Technology
[0002] As fragile, slender glass containers, ampoules require extremely high stability from their automatic dispensing devices.
[0003] In the prior art, referring to the automatic ampoule dispensing device disclosed in CN202510252796.8, the ampoule is housed in a magazine-type structure and uses a double-arc wheel or similar structure to push the medication out. However, the double-arc wheel makes frictional contact with the ampoule body through its fine arc surface, which creates a force concentration. This causes the force during pushing to be concentrated in a local area of the ampoule body (especially the weak area of the neck), which may lead to ampoule breakage or medication leakage, resulting in high instability in the medication dispensing process.
[0004] Furthermore, in the magazine-type structure of the aforementioned automatic dispensing device, the ampoules are in direct contact with each other. Under full load, the clamping action of the ampoules is prone to forming a "rigid clamp." During the dispensing process, the clamping action lacks or is difficult to achieve elastic buffering or avoidance adjustment capabilities, resulting in insufficient coordination between the pushing and clamping actions. The force concentration cannot be improved, further exacerbating the instability of the dispensing process. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem that existing automatic drug dispensing devices are prone to force concentration during pushing, and the lack of coordination between pushing and clamping actions makes it impossible to improve the force concentration, ultimately resulting in very poor drug dispensing stability.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an automatic ampoule dispensing device, comprising a transmission mechanism and a clamping mechanism connected to the transmission mechanism.
[0007] The clamping mechanism has a clamping member that can slide along a preset direction, an elastic member that applies a preload to the clamping member, and a through channel that runs vertically through the clamping mechanism.
[0008] The through channel extends to the clamping area of the clamping member so that the ampoule can enter from the upper end of the through channel and be clamped by the clamping member.
[0009] The automatic ampoule dispensing device also includes a pushing mechanism that cooperates with the clamping mechanism. The pushing mechanism has a pushing rod that is adapted to the through channel. The pushing rod contacts the ampoule in the through channel to push it to move, thereby overcoming the pre-tightening force of the elastic element and causing the clamping element to open, thus dispensing the medicine.
[0010] In the above technical solution, the implementation stages of the present invention are as follows:
[0011] The ampoule is inserted from the top of the through-channel of the clamping mechanism and slides downwards along the channel using its own weight or a slight external force. The through-channel extends vertically to the clamping area of the clamping member. When the ampoule reaches this area, the clamping member naturally closes under the pre-tightening force of the elastic element, forming a clamping state that matches the outer diameter of the ampoule. Because the clamping member can slide in a preset direction, its clamping range can adapt to the shape of the ampoule, ensuring stable clamping without excessive compression of the ampoule body and avoiding clamping instability caused by slight differences in size.
[0012] The transfer phase then begins. The clamping mechanism holding the ampoule moves as the transfer mechanism is activated. Driven by its own power, the transfer mechanism smoothly delivers the clamping mechanism to the corresponding working position of the pushing mechanism. During this process, the clamping mechanism and the pushing mechanism gradually align, preparing for the subsequent pushing operation.
[0013] Next is the positioning stage. When the clamping mechanism approaches the pushing mechanism, the two cooperate with each other, with the clamping mechanism positioned directly below the pushing mechanism, ensuring that the pushing rod is coaxially aligned with the through channel, thus avoiding uneven force during pushing due to positional misalignment.
[0014] After positioning, the process enters the pushing and dispensing stage. The pushing mechanism's push rod begins to move, applying a pushing force to the ampoule along the axis of the through channel. The push rod is adapted to the through channel, and its pushing force acts directly on the bottom of the ampoule, forcing it to move downwards. As the pushing force increases, the ampoule exerts an outward force on the clamping member. This force gradually overcomes the preload of the elastic element, pushing the clamping member to slide open in a preset direction (such as left or right). When the opening width of the clamping member is greater than the outer diameter of the ampoule, the ampoule, under the continuous pushing of the push rod, disengages from the clamping area and dispenses the medication along the bottom of the through channel.
[0015] Finally, there is the reset phase. After dispensing the drug, the push rod moves in the reverse direction, exiting the through channel and returning to its initial position. Simultaneously, the preload of the elastic element drives the clamping parts to close again, returning to the initial clamping state, ready for the next feeding. The transmission mechanism then transports the empty clamping mechanism to the initial feeding position, completing one cycle of the entire device and preparing for the next round of drug dispensing.
[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are:
[0017] This invention utilizes a flexible clamping mechanism with a sliding clamping element that works in conjunction with an elastic element to form a flexible, individual clamping grip. This increases the contact area with the ampoule and ensures a uniform distribution of clamping force, fundamentally avoiding localized force concentration. Simultaneously, the pushing mechanism's pushing rod applies force along the axis of the through-channel, ensuring a smooth pushing process without localized impacts and further reducing the risk of ampoule breakage. Furthermore, the device utilizes the pre-tension force of the elastic element and the pushing force of the pushing rod to achieve a dynamic balance, allowing the opening of the clamping element to adjust synchronously with the pushing process. This achieves seamless integration of clamping and pushing actions, effectively solving the problem of insufficient coordination. The guiding function of the through-channel ensures precise coordination of each step, ultimately significantly improving the stability of the dispensing process.
[0018] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the transmission mechanism is a medicine bottle conveyor belt, which is connected to a power source for driving its cyclical movement to transport the clamping mechanism.
[0019] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the power source is a transmission motor, and the medicine bottle conveyor belt is equipped with a driving wheel and a driven wheel. The driving wheel is connected to the rotating end of the transmission motor via a transmission belt.
[0020] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the jacking mechanism further includes a drive motor, which is poweredly connected to the jacking rod to drive it to move along the axis of the through channel.
[0021] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the jacking mechanism further includes a transmission assembly, which includes a traction wheel and a lifting seat. The traction wheel is connected to the drive motor, and the traction wheel and the lifting seat are movably connected via a spherical bearing. The jacking rod is fixed to the lifting seat.
[0022] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the clamping mechanism has sliding openings on both sides of its bottom, and the clamping member is installed in the sliding openings to guide the clamping member to slide left and right through the sliding openings.
[0023] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the elastic element is an elastic rubber ring, and each clamping member is provided with a groove to accommodate the elastic element. The clamping members are brought together or brought closer together by the force of the elastic element.
[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the clamping mechanism is equipped with a sensing chip, which integrates a photoelectric sensor for positioning detection and a signal transmitter for sending signals from the medicine bottle.
[0025] The pushing mechanism is equipped with a control unit, which is connected to an infrared signal sensing rod that cooperates with the sensing chip, and a signal receiver for receiving signals from the medicine bottle.
[0026] The control unit is also electrically connected to the power source of the transmission mechanism and the drive motor of the jacking mechanism, respectively, so as to control the coordinated action of the transmission mechanism and the jacking mechanism through the positioning sensing of the photoelectric sensor and the infrared signal sensing rod, and the signal interaction between the signal transmitter and the signal receiver.
[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the photoelectric sensor and the infrared signal sensing rod form a sensing relationship in at least one of the following ways:
[0028] (1) The photoelectric sensor has a concave structure, with an infrared emitting end on one side and an infrared receiving end on the other side. When the infrared signal sensing rod is located in the concave structure, the infrared light from the infrared emitting end to the receiving end is blocked, and the signal of the infrared receiving end changes from high level to low level.
[0029] (2) The infrared signal sensing rod can emit infrared light. When the photoelectric sensor is aligned with the infrared signal sensing rod, the infrared receiving end of the photoelectric sensor receives the infrared light, and its signal jumps from low level to high level.
[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the sensing chip triggers the signal transmitter to emit the medicine bottle signal in at least one of the following ways:
[0031] (1) The clamping mechanism is provided with a detection hole communicating with the through channel. An infrared sensor connected to the sensing chip is provided in the detection hole. The infrared sensor integrates a transmitter and a receiver. When the ampoule is located in the through channel, the infrared light emitted by the transmitter is diffusely reflected by the ampoule to the receiver, and the receiver outputs a high level. When there is no ampoule, it outputs a low level.
[0032] (2) The clamping mechanism is provided with a detection hole communicating with the through channel, and the sensing chip is connected to a capacitive sensor installed in the detection hole through a flexible circuit board. When the ampoule is located in the through channel, the detection electrode of the capacitive sensor forms a capacitor with the side of the ampoule. At this time, the medium of the equivalent plate pair formed by the detection electrode and the side of the ampoule changes from air to the glass and / or liquid of the ampoule, and the output electrical signal of the capacitive sensor changes from low level to high level.
[0033] (3) The clamping mechanism has a detection hole communicating with the through channel. The sensing chip is connected to a photoelectric sensing unit. The transmitting end and receiving end of the photoelectric sensing unit are respectively installed on both sides of the detection hole. The through channel is located between the transmitting end and the receiving end. When the ampoule is located in the through channel, the light emitted by the transmitting end is blocked, and the receiving end outputs a low level. When there is no ampoule, the output is a high level. Attached Figure Description
[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the automatic ampoule dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the pushing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] Figure 4 This is a plan view of the pushing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] Figure 5 This is a plan view of the automatic ampoule dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] 10. Transmission mechanism; 11. Driving pulley; 12. Driven pulley; 13. Transmission motor; 14. Transmission belt;
[0040] 20. Clamping mechanism; 21. Clamping component; 22. Elastic component; 23. Through channel; 24. Sensing chip; 25. Photoelectric sensor; 26. Signal transmitter.
[0041] 30. Pushing mechanism; 31. Pushing rod; 32. Pulling wheel; 33. Spherical bearing; 34. Lifting seat; 35. Infrared signal sensing rod; 36. Signal receiver. Detailed Implementation
[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clear and complete, the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only some, not all, embodiments of the present invention, and are merely illustrative of the embodiments of the present invention. They are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "middle," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "top," "bottom," "side," "vertical," and "horizontal," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for 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 the invention. Furthermore, the terms "a," "first," "second," "third," "fourth," "fifth," and "sixth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0044] 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.
[0045] For purposes of simplicity and illustration, the principles of the embodiments are described primarily by way of example. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these embodiments may not be limited to these specific details in practice. In some instances, well-known mechanical sealing methods and structures applied between the submarine's center shaft and hull have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring these embodiments. Furthermore, all embodiments can be used in combination with each other. Example 1
[0046] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are part of the content of the instruction manual. The structural shapes, connections, fits, and positional relationships that can be clearly seen in the accompanying drawings should all be understood as part of the content of the instruction manual.
[0047] An automatic ampoule dispensing device, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes a transmission mechanism 10 and a clamping mechanism 20 connected to the transmission mechanism 10.
[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the clamping mechanism 20 has a clamping member 21 that can slide along a preset direction, an elastic member 22 that applies a preload to the clamping member 21, and a through channel 23 that runs vertically through the clamping mechanism 20.
[0049] The through channel 23 extends to the clamping area of the clamping member 21 so that the ampoule can enter from the upper end of the through channel 23 and be clamped by the clamping member 21.
[0050] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the automatic ampoule dispensing device also includes a pushing mechanism 30 that cooperates with the clamping mechanism 20. The pushing mechanism 30 has a pushing rod 31, which is adapted to the through channel 23. The pushing rod 31 contacts the ampoule in the through channel 23 to push it to move, thereby overcoming the pre-tightening force of the elastic member 22 and causing the clamping member 21 to open, thus realizing the dispensing of medicine.
[0051] The specific implementation stages are as follows:
[0052] The ampoule is placed into the clamping mechanism 20 through the channel 23 from the top and slides downward along the channel 23 by its own weight or a slight external force. The channel 23 extends vertically to the clamping area of the clamping member 21. When the ampoule reaches this area, the clamping member 21 naturally closes under the pre-tightening force of the elastic member 22, forming a clamping state that matches the outer diameter of the ampoule. Since the clamping member 21 can slide in a preset direction, its clamping range can adapt to the shape of the ampoule, ensuring stable clamping without excessive compression of the ampoule body, and avoiding clamping instability caused by slight differences in size.
[0053] The transfer phase then begins. The clamping mechanism 20, holding the ampoule, moves as the transfer mechanism 10 is activated. Driven by its own power, the transfer mechanism 10 smoothly transports the clamping mechanism 20 to the corresponding working position of the pushing mechanism 30. During this process, the clamping mechanism 20 and the pushing mechanism 30 gradually align, preparing for the subsequent pushing operation.
[0054] Next is the positioning stage. When the clamping mechanism 20 approaches the pushing mechanism 30, the two cooperate with each other, and the clamping mechanism 20 stops directly below the pushing mechanism 30, so that the pushing rod 31 and the through channel 23 are coaxially aligned, avoiding uneven force during pushing due to positional deviation.
[0055] After positioning is completed, the pushing and dispensing stage begins. The pushing rod 31 of the pushing mechanism 30 starts to move, applying a pushing force to the ampoule along the axis of the through channel 23. The pushing rod 31 is adapted to the through channel 23, and its pushing force acts directly on the bottom of the ampoule, forcing the ampoule to move downward. As the pushing force increases, the ampoule generates an outward force on the clamping member 21. This force gradually overcomes the pre-tightening force of the elastic member 22, pushing the clamping member 21 to slide open in a preset direction (such as the left-right direction). When the opening width of the clamping member 21 is greater than the outer diameter of the ampoule, the ampoule is disengaged from the clamping area under the continuous pushing of the pushing rod 31, and the medication is dispensed below the through channel 23.
[0056] Finally, there is the reset phase. After dispensing the medicine, the push rod 31 moves in the reverse direction, exiting the through channel 23 and returning to its initial position. At the same time, the preload of the elastic element 22 drives the clamping element 21 to close again, returning to the initial clamping state, ready for the next feeding. The transmission mechanism 10 then transports the empty clamping mechanism 20 to the initial feeding position, completing one cycle of the entire device and preparing for the next round of dispensing.
[0057] The advantages of this invention are that the sliding clamping member 21 of the clamping mechanism 20, in cooperation with the elastic member 22, forms a flexible, individual clamping mechanism. This increases the contact area with the ampoule and ensures a uniform distribution of clamping force, fundamentally avoiding localized force concentration. Simultaneously, the pushing rod 31 of the pushing mechanism 30 applies force along the axis of the through channel 23, ensuring a smooth pushing process without localized impacts, further reducing the risk of ampoule breakage. Furthermore, the device utilizes the pre-tightening force of the elastic member 22 and the pushing force of the pushing rod 31 to achieve a dynamic balance, allowing the opening of the clamping member 21 to adjust synchronously with the pushing process. This achieves seamless connection between clamping and pushing actions, effectively solving the problem of insufficient coordination. The guiding function of the through channel 23 ensures precise coordination of each step, ultimately significantly improving the stability of the dispensing process.
[0058] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the transmission mechanism 10 is a medicine bottle conveyor belt, which is connected to a power source for driving its cyclical movement to transport the clamping mechanism 20.
[0059] When the device is started, the power source outputs power to drive the medicine bottle conveyor belt to move cyclically along a preset track. The clamping mechanism 20, which is connected to the conveyor belt, is sequentially transported to different workstations as the conveyor belt moves: from the initial loading position to the dispensing position corresponding to the pushing mechanism 30, and after dispensing the medicine, it is transported back to the loading position, forming a continuous conveying cycle. During this process, the cyclical movement of the conveyor belt ensures that the clamping mechanism 20 can pass through each operation step in an orderly manner, realizing a seamless process from clamping to dispensing the ampoule.
[0060] The medicine bottle conveyor belt serves as the carrier for the clamping mechanism 20. Its cyclical motion ensures that multiple clamping mechanisms 20 rotate at a fixed rhythm, while the stable output of the power source provides a continuous and uniform driving force to the conveyor belt, avoiding jamming or speed fluctuations during transmission. The innovation of this design lies in deeply integrating the conveying of the clamping mechanism 20 with the overall medicine dispensing process, achieving automated processing of batch ampoules through continuous transmission.
[0061] More specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the power source is a transmission motor 13, and the medicine bottle transmission belt is equipped with a drive wheel 11 and a driven wheel 12. The drive wheel 11 is connected to the rotating end of the transmission motor 13 through a transmission belt 14.
[0062] During operation, after the transmission motor 13 starts, the torque at its rotating end is transmitted to the drive wheel 11 through the transmission belt 14. The drive wheel 11 rotates and drives the medicine bottle transmission belt to move. The driven wheel 12 rotates synchronously with the movement of the transmission belt, assisting in maintaining the tension of the transmission belt. During this process, the speed of the transmission motor 13 is stable, and the speed of the transmission belt is controlled by the transmission ratio of the transmission belt 14, so that the clamping mechanism 20 moves at a uniform speed between each station, ensuring that the positional accuracy of each clamping mechanism 20 is consistent when it reaches the pushing mechanism 30.
[0063] More specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the jacking mechanism 30 also includes a drive motor, which is poweredly connected to the jacking rod 31 to drive it to move along the axis of the through channel 23.
[0064] More specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the jacking mechanism 30 also includes a transmission assembly, which includes a traction wheel 32 and a lifting seat 34. The traction wheel 32 is connected to the drive motor, and the traction wheel 32 and the lifting seat 34 are movably connected through a spherical bearing 33. The jacking rod 31 is fixed to the lifting seat 34.
[0065] During operation, the drive motor rotates the traction wheel 32, and the rotational motion of the traction wheel 32 is transmitted to the lifting seat 34 through the spherical bearing 33, causing the lifting seat 34 to rise and fall vertically, which in turn drives the push rod 31 fixed on the lifting seat 34 to move synchronously. The spherical bearing 33 can adapt to slight angular deviations during movement, ensuring that the movement direction of the lifting seat 34 is always consistent with the axis of the through channel 23. Even if there is a slight error in the installation of the traction wheel 32 and the lifting seat 34, the adjustment function of the spherical bearing 33 can ensure that the push rod 31 is accurately inserted into the through channel 23.
[0066] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the clamping mechanism 20 has sliding openings on both sides of its bottom, and the clamping member 21 is installed in the sliding openings to guide the clamping member 21 to slide left and right through the sliding openings.
[0067] When the ampoule is placed into the through channel 23 and falls into the clamping area, the clamping member 21 closes towards the center along the sliding opening under the pre-tightening force of the elastic member 22, forming a clamp on the ampoule. When the push rod 31 pushes the ampoule downward, the ampoule exerts an outward force on the clamping member 21, forcing the clamping member 21 to overcome the pre-tightening force of the elastic member 22 and slide open to both sides along the sliding opening until the opening width is greater than the outer diameter of the ampoule, allowing the ampoule to disengage smoothly. After the medicine is dispensed, the pre-tightening force of the elastic member 22 drives the clamping member 21 to slide in the opposite direction along the sliding opening and re-close and reset.
[0068] The sliding opening provides a directional movement trajectory for the clamping member 21, constraining it to slide only in the left and right directions, thus preventing it from shifting or wobbling during clamping or opening. The cooperation between the sliding opening and the clamping member 21 forms a guiding structure, ensuring that the movement direction of the clamping member 21 is fixed, so that the preload force of the elastic member 22 and the force generated by the push are transmitted along the preset direction, avoiding force dispersion or directional deviation.
[0069] More specifically, the elastic element 22 is an elastic rubber ring, and each clamping element 21 is provided with a groove to accommodate the elastic element. The clamping elements 21 are brought together or brought closer together by the force of the elastic element 22.
[0070] When the rubber ring is stretched by an external force, it generates a contraction force. This force is evenly applied to the clamping member 21 through the groove, so that the clamping member 21 always has a tendency to close. The groove design ensures that the elastic force of the rubber ring can be accurately transmitted to the force point of the clamping member 21, avoiding the dispersion of elastic force.
[0071] More specifically, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the clamping mechanism 20 is equipped with a sensing chip 24, which integrates a photoelectric sensor 25 for positioning detection and a signal transmitter 26 for sending signals from the medicine bottle.
[0072] The pushing mechanism 30 is equipped with a control unit, which is connected to an infrared signal sensing rod 35 that cooperates with the sensing chip 24, and a signal receiver 36 for receiving signals from the medicine bottle.
[0073] The control unit is also electrically connected to the power source of the transmission mechanism 10 and the drive motor of the jacking mechanism 30, respectively, so as to control the coordinated action of the transmission mechanism 10 and the jacking mechanism 30 through the positioning sensing of the photoelectric sensor 25 and the infrared signal sensing rod 35, and the signal interaction between the signal transmitter 26 and the signal receiver 36.
[0074] Once the ampoule is clamped by the clamping member 21 of the clamping mechanism 20, the sensing chip 24 on the clamping mechanism 20 immediately detects the presence of the ampoule and triggers the signal transmitter 26 to continuously emit a signal from the ampoule. The signal receiver 36 of the pushing mechanism 30 captures this signal and transmits it to the control unit. Based on this, the control unit determines that the clamping mechanism 20 is in a "medication-loaded state" and controls the power source of the transmission mechanism 10 to drive the clamping mechanism 20 to move towards the pushing mechanism 30. The moving speed during this process can be gradually reduced to allow for better alignment between the photoelectric sensor 25 and the infrared signal sensing rod 35, preventing jerking during instantaneous braking.
[0075] As the clamping mechanism 20 gradually approaches the pushing mechanism 30, the photoelectric sensor 25 on the sensing chip 24 and the infrared signal sensing rod 35 of the pushing mechanism 30 begin to correspond in position. As transmission continues, the two gradually transition from "misalignment" to "alignment". When fully aligned, the photoelectric sensor 25 outputs an electrical signal that changes (from high level to low level or from low level to high level). This signal is fed back to the control unit via the sensing chip 24. The control unit immediately sends a stop command to the power source of the transmission mechanism 10, and the transmission mechanism 10 brakes instantly, so that the clamping mechanism 20 stops precisely below the pushing mechanism 30, ensuring that the pushing rod 31 and the through channel 23 are strictly coaxial.
[0076] After positioning is completed, the control unit sends a start signal to the drive motor of the push mechanism 30. The drive motor drives the push rod 31 to move along the axis of the through channel 23 to perform the push operation. After the medicine is dispensed, the push rod 31 reset signal is fed back to the control unit. The control unit then commands the transmission mechanism 10 to start again, transporting the empty clamping mechanism 20 to the next station. At the same time, it prepares to receive the signal of the next medicine-loading clamping mechanism 20, forming a continuous cycle.
[0077] By achieving "dynamic adaptive collaboration" through multi-level sensing and centralized control, the limitations of "mechanical linkage" in the transmission and pushing actions of existing technologies are overcome. The sensing chip 24, as the core of the front-end detection, integrates a photoelectric sensor 25 and a signal transmitter 26. It can not only identify the presence of ampoules (providing a prerequisite for subsequent actions), but also achieve high-precision positioning through the cooperation of the photoelectric sensor 25 and the infrared signal sensing rod 35. The control unit, as the central hub, logically integrates the "drug-loaded signal" obtained by the signal receiver 36 with the "positioning signal" of the photoelectric sensor 25, and then outputs control commands to the power source of the transmission mechanism 10 and the drive motor of the pushing mechanism 30, so that the time difference between the transmission stop and the pushing start is controlled within an extremely small range (such as milliseconds).
[0078] Another advantage of this invention is that it does not force the timing of actions through mechanical structures, but relies on the high-speed transmission and processing of electrical signals to dynamically adapt the transmission, positioning, and pushing actions according to the real-time state. That is, the pushing action will only be activated when both the conditions of "drug loading" and "precise positioning" are met simultaneously, thus avoiding the abnormal force on the bottle caused by misalignment of actions in the prior art from a logical perspective.
[0079] More specifically, the photoelectric sensor 25 and the infrared signal sensing rod 35 establish a sensing relationship in at least one of the following ways:
[0080] (1) The photoelectric sensor 25 has a concave structure with an infrared transmitter on one side and an infrared receiver on the other side. When the infrared signal sensing rod 35 is located in the concave structure, the infrared light from the infrared transmitter to the receiver is blocked, and the signal of the infrared receiver changes from high level to low level.
[0081] (2) The infrared signal sensing rod 35 can emit infrared light. When the photoelectric sensor 25 is aligned with the infrared signal sensing rod 35, the infrared receiving end of the photoelectric sensor 25 receives the infrared light, and its signal jumps from low level to high level.
[0082] The two infrared sensing methods described above achieve precise positioning of the clamping mechanism 20. The signal transitions are clear and distinct, ensuring that the control unit can quickly respond and stop the transmission mechanism 10, resulting in minimal positioning error. Both methods can adapt to different environments (such as light interference), improving positioning reliability. Precise positioning ensures that the push rod 31 and the through channel 23 are strictly coaxial, avoiding lateral forces during pushing, reducing the risk of bottle breakage, and further improving the stability and accuracy of the dispensing process.
[0083] More specifically, the sensing chip 24 triggers the signal transmitter 26 to transmit the medicine bottle signal in at least one of the following ways:
[0084] (1) The clamping mechanism 20 is provided with a detection hole communicating with the through channel 23. An infrared sensor connected to the sensing chip 24 is provided in the detection hole. The infrared sensor integrates a transmitter and a receiver. When the ampoule is located in the through channel 23, the infrared light emitted by the transmitter is diffusely reflected by the ampoule to the receiver, and the receiver outputs a high level. When there is no ampoule, the output is low level.
[0085] (2) The clamping mechanism 20 is provided with a detection hole communicating with the through channel 23. The sensing chip 24 is connected to a capacitive sensor installed in the detection hole through a flexible circuit board. When the ampoule is located in the through channel 23, the detection electrode of the capacitive sensor forms a capacitor with the side of the ampoule. At this time, the medium of the equivalent plate pair formed by the detection electrode and the side of the ampoule changes from air to the glass and / or liquid of the ampoule. The output electrical signal of the capacitive sensor jumps from low level to high level.
[0086] (3) The clamping mechanism 20 is provided with a detection hole communicating with the through channel 23. The sensing chip 24 is connected to a photoelectric sensing unit. The transmitting end and receiving end of the photoelectric sensing unit are respectively installed on both sides of the detection hole. The through channel 23 is located between the transmitting end and the receiving end. When the ampoule is located in the through channel 23, the light emitted by the transmitting end is blocked, and the receiving end outputs a low level. When there is no ampoule, the output is a high level.
[0087] The first type involves an infrared sensor emitting infrared light, which is diffusely reflected by the ampoule and received, outputting a high-level trigger signal.
[0088] The second type is a capacitive sensor that outputs a high-level trigger signal because the capacitance value changes abruptly due to the change in medium of the ampoule (glass + liquid).
[0089] The third type involves the light from the photoelectric sensing unit being blocked by the ampoule, causing the receiver to output a low-level trigger signal.
[0090] In all three modes, when the ampoule is located in the through channel 23, the sensor generates an electrical signal jump. After being processed by the sensing chip 24, the signal transmitter 26 is triggered to transmit the medicine bottle signal, starting the subsequent transmission and pushing process. When there is no ampoule, the signal is not triggered to prevent an empty clamping mechanism from entering the operation.
[0091] Infrared detection is adaptable to glass materials, capacitive detection is unaffected by light, and photoelectric detection has a rapid response. Multiple methods can be selected or complemented to ensure a low rate of missed or false detections. The clear transition of electrical signals enables the sensing chip 24 to accurately trigger the signal transmitter 26, ensuring that only the drug-carrying mechanism enters the subsequent process and avoiding invalid operations. The accuracy of detection provides a basis for the coordinated action of various mechanisms, further improving the automation level and drug dispensing stability of the device.
[0092] Although the illustrative specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above to enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention, the invention is not limited to the scope of the specific embodiments. For those skilled in the art, all inventions utilizing the concept of the present invention are protected as long as various variations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined and determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. An automatic ampoule dispensing device, comprising a conveying mechanism and a clamping mechanism connected to the conveying mechanism; Its features are, The clamping mechanism has a clamping member that can slide along a preset direction, an elastic member that applies a preload force to the clamping member, and a through channel that runs vertically through the clamping mechanism. The through channel extends to the clamping area of the clamping member so that the ampoule can enter from the upper end of the through channel and be clamped by the clamping member. The automatic ampoule dispensing device also includes a pushing mechanism that cooperates with the clamping mechanism. The pushing mechanism has a pushing rod that is adapted to the through channel. The pushing rod contacts the ampoule in the through channel to push it to move, thereby overcoming the pre-tightening force of the elastic element and causing the clamping element to open, thus dispensing the medicine. The transmission mechanism is a medicine bottle conveyor belt, which is connected to a power source for driving its cyclical movement to transport the clamping mechanism. The jacking mechanism also includes a drive motor, which is poweredly connected to the jacking rod to drive it to move along the axis of the through channel. The jacking mechanism further includes a transmission assembly, which includes a traction wheel and a lifting seat. The traction wheel is connected to the drive motor, and the traction wheel and the lifting seat are movably connected via a spherical bearing. The jacking rod is fixed to the lifting seat. The clamping mechanism has sliding openings on both sides of its bottom, and the clamping member is installed in the sliding opening to guide the clamping member to slide left and right through the sliding opening; The clamping mechanism is equipped with a sensing chip, which integrates a photoelectric sensor for positioning detection and a signal transmitter for sending signals from the medicine bottle. The pushing mechanism is equipped with a control unit, which is connected to an infrared signal sensing rod that cooperates with the sensing chip, and a signal receiver for receiving signals from the medicine bottle. The control unit is also electrically connected to the power source of the transmission mechanism and the drive motor of the jacking mechanism, respectively, so as to control the coordinated action of the transmission mechanism and the jacking mechanism through the positioning sensing of the photoelectric sensor and the infrared signal sensing rod, and the signal interaction between the signal transmitter and the signal receiver.
2. The automatic ampoule dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power source is a transmission motor, and the medicine bottle conveyor belt is equipped with a drive wheel and a driven wheel. The drive wheel is connected to the rotating end of the transmission motor through a transmission belt.
3. The automatic ampoule dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element is an elastic rubber ring, and each clamping member is provided with a groove to accommodate the elastic element. The clamping members are brought together or brought closer together by the force of the elastic element.
4. The automatic ampoule dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photoelectric sensor and the infrared signal sensing rod form a sensing relationship in at least one of the following ways: (1) The photoelectric sensor has a concave structure, with an infrared emitting end on one side and an infrared receiving end on the other side. When the infrared signal sensing rod is located in the concave structure, the infrared light from the infrared emitting end to the receiving end is blocked, and the signal of the infrared receiving end changes from high level to low level. (2) The infrared signal sensing rod can emit infrared light. When the photoelectric sensor is aligned with the infrared signal sensing rod, the infrared receiving end of the photoelectric sensor receives the infrared light, and its signal jumps from low level to high level.
5. The automatic ampoule dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing chip triggers the signal transmitter to emit the medicine bottle signal in at least one of the following ways: (1) The clamping mechanism is provided with a detection hole communicating with the through channel. An infrared sensor connected to the sensing chip is provided in the detection hole. The infrared sensor integrates a transmitter and a receiver. When the ampoule is located in the through channel, the infrared light emitted by the transmitter is diffusely reflected by the ampoule to the receiver, and the receiver outputs a high level. When there is no ampoule, it outputs a low level. (2) The clamping mechanism is provided with a detection hole communicating with the through channel. The sensing chip is connected to a capacitive sensor installed in the detection hole through a flexible circuit board. When the ampoule is located in the through channel, the detection electrode of the capacitive sensor forms a capacitor with the side of the ampoule. At this time, the medium of the equivalent plate pair formed by the detection electrode and the side of the ampoule changes from air to the glass and / or liquid of the ampoule. The output electrical signal of the capacitive sensor changes from low level to high level. (3) The clamping mechanism is provided with a detection hole communicating with the through channel. The sensing chip is connected to a photoelectric sensing unit. The transmitting end and receiving end of the photoelectric sensing unit are respectively installed on both sides of the detection hole. The through channel is located between the transmitting end and the receiving end. When the ampoule is located in the through channel, the light emitted by the transmitting end is blocked and the receiving end outputs a low level. When there is no ampoule, it outputs a high level.
Citation Information
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Automatic medicine dispensing device for ampoule bottle
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