Vacuum-assisted powder filling mechanism

Abstract

The utility model discloses a vacuum auxiliary powder filling mechanism which comprises a limiting plate arranged above a tubular container, a vacuum suction assembly is arranged below the tubular container, and the limiting plate and the vacuum suction assembly move up and down in the height direction of the tubular container. A suction nozzle matched with the lower end of the tubular container is arranged at the upper end of the vacuum suction assembly, a filling needle capable of ascending and descending is arranged above the limiting plate, and the filling needle penetrates through the limiting plate to be communicated with the tubular container. Compared with the prior art, according to the utility model, the limiting plate moves downwards to limit the tubular container from the upper side, the vacuumizing assembly moves upwards and vacuumizes, the suction nozzle enables negative pressure to be formed at the bottom of the tubular container, and the filling needle sprays medicine into the tubular container. Vacuum negative pressure is introduced in the powder filling process, unnecessary adhesion of medicine powder in the filling process is reduced, and the medicine powder can fall to the bottom of a tubular container as much as possible. Secondly, the medicine powder is effectively prevented from overflowing out of the tubular container, and the production environment is prevented from being affected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of powder filling, in particular to a vacuum auxiliary powder filling mechanism. Background Art

[0002] In the production process of most inhalation preparations, powder filling is a key link of the entire equipment. During the powder filling process, due to the physical properties of the powder itself, such as small particle size, static electricity and other factors, fine powder is easy to float around in the air circulation. Patent No. CN109850192B discloses a device for metering and filling filling materials for drinking straws. The opening (24) of the filling material (22) falls into the compressed air channel (30), the drinking straw (40) moves to the air outlet end of the compressed air channel (30), and then the compressed air of the compressed air channel (30) blows the filling material (22) into the drinking straw (40). When the compressed air is blown into the filling material (22), the air pressure in the drinking straw (40) is greater than the air pressure outside the drinking straw (40). The fine powder is easy to overflow from the gap between the drinking straw (40) and the compressed air channel (30), thereby making the production environment harsh, and ultimately affecting the production quality of the inhaler. Other powders floating in the air will accumulate at the upper end of the tubular container, which will also affect the quality of the inhalant. Secondly, when the drinking straw (40) moves to the air outlet end of the compressed air passage (30), in order to make the sealing between the two better and reduce dust overflow, the gap between the drinking straw (40) and the compressed air passage (30) will be as small as possible, and the drinking straw (40) and the compressed air passage (30) are in hard contact when docking, which is easy to be damaged. Utility Model Content

[0003] The utility model provides a vacuum auxiliary powder filling mechanism, which is used to solve the problem that the existing equipment has overflow and affects the powder filling effect during powder filling.

[0004] The utility model provides a vacuum-assisted powder filling mechanism, comprising a limiting plate arranged above a tubular container, a vacuum suction component arranged below the tubular container, the limiting plate and the vacuum suction component both move up and down along the height direction of the tubular container, a suction nozzle matched with the lower end of the tubular container is arranged at the upper end of the vacuum suction component, a filling needle capable of being raised and lowered is arranged above the limiting plate, and the filling needle passes through the limiting plate and is connected with the tubular container.

[0005] Preferably, a floating base is provided below the tubular container, the vacuum suction assembly is arranged on the base, and the base moves up and down along the height direction of the tubular container.

[0006] Preferably, the base comprises a seat plate and a spring, the vacuum suction component is slidably connected to the seat plate, and two ends of the spring are respectively connected to the vacuum suction component and the seat plate.

[0007] Preferably, the vacuum suction assembly includes a vacuum tube and a sealing ring, the sealing ring is arranged in a suction nozzle, the aperture of the suction nozzle is adapted to the outer diameter of the tubular container, the suction nozzle is fixed to the upper end of the vacuum tube, and the vacuum tube is slidably connected to the seat plate.

[0008] Preferably, a linear bearing is provided between the vacuum tube and the seat plate, and two linear bearings are respectively provided above and below the spring.

[0009] Preferably, the seat plate is formed with a spring cavity, the spring is arranged in the spring cavity, the seat plate is provided with a vacuum channel connected to the spring cavity, and the vacuum tube is provided with an air hole connected to the spring cavity.

[0010] Preferably, two O-rings are provided between the vacuum tube and the seat plate, and the two O-rings are respectively provided above and below the spring cavity.

[0011] Preferably, a first guide hole cooperating with the filling needle is formed on the limiting plate, and the aperture of the first guide hole gradually decreases from top to bottom.

[0012] Preferably, a second guide hole matching with the upper end of the tubular container is formed on the limiting plate, the aperture of the second guide hole gradually increases from top to bottom, and the first guide hole is connected to the second guide hole.

[0013] Preferably, a bracket is provided under the seat plate, and a first connecting rod, a first cylinder, a second connecting rod and a second cylinder are provided on the bracket, the two ends of the first connecting rod are respectively fixed to the first cylinder and the limit plate, and the two ends of the second connecting rod are respectively fixed to the vacuum tube and the second cylinder.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, in the utility model, the limit plate moves downward to limit the tubular container from above, and the vacuum suction component moves upward so that the suction nozzle is tightly connected to the bottom of the tubular container. The vacuum suction component draws a vacuum, and the suction nozzle forms a negative pressure at the bottom of the tubular container, and the needle sprays the medicine into the tubular container. The utility model introduces vacuum negative pressure during the powder filling process, so that the falling trajectory of fine particles during the falling process of the entire powder is more reasonable, and the unnecessary adhesion of the powder during the filling process is reduced, so that the powder can fall to the bottom of the tubular container as much as possible. Secondly, the air pressure difference between the top and bottom of the tubular container can effectively ensure that the powder does not overflow from the tubular container to avoid affecting the production environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present invention or the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure in the middle.

[0019] Reference numerals:

[0020] 1. Tubular container, 2. Limiting plate, 3. Vacuum suction assembly, 4. Filling needle, 5. Base, 6. Bracket, 7. First connecting rod, 8. First cylinder, 9. Second connecting rod, 10. Second cylinder, 21. First guide hole, 22. Second guide hole, 31. Suction nozzle, 32. Sealing ring, 33. Vacuum tube, 331. Air hole, 51. Seat plate, 52. Spring, 53. Linear bearing, 54. Spring chamber, 55. Vacuum channel, 56. O-ring, 57. Retaining ring for shaft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the utility model clearer, the technical solution of the utility model will be described clearly and completely in conjunction with the drawings in the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0022] See attached Figure 1 and attached Figure 2The present embodiment provides a vacuum-assisted powder filling mechanism, including a limiting plate 2 arranged above a tubular container 1, a vacuum suction component 3 is arranged below the tubular container 1, the limiting plate 2 and the vacuum suction component 3 both move up and down along the height direction of the tubular container 1, a suction nozzle 31 adapted to the lower end of the tubular container 1 is arranged at the upper end of the vacuum suction component 3, a filling needle 4 that can be raised and lowered is arranged above the limiting plate 2, and the filling needle 4 passes through the limiting plate 2 and is connected with the tubular container 1. The tubular container 1 is transported to the powder filling station, the limit plate 2 moves downward, the limit plate 2 contacts the top of the tubular container 1, the vacuum suction component 3 moves upward, the suction nozzle 31 of the vacuum suction component 3 is connected to the bottom of the tubular container 1, and the vacuum suction component 3 below the tubular container 1 starts to evacuate, so that negative pressure is generated in the lower end area of ​​the tubular container 1. At this time, the top of the tubular container 1 is connected to the external environment, and a pressure difference is formed between the top and the bottom; the filling needle 4 passes through the limit plate 2 and connects to the tubular container 1, and the powder is sprayed out under the action of positive pressure. The powder mass falls to the bottom of the tubular container 1 to complete the filling. The filling process uses negative pressure vacuum to affect the air flow shape inside the tubular container 1, thereby optimizing the running trajectory of the powder during the entire descending process. Since a filter is provided at the bottom of the tubular container 1, it can ensure air circulation while preventing powder from entering the suction nozzle 31.

[0023] As another embodiment of the utility model: a floating base 5 is provided below the tubular container 1, and the vacuum suction component 3 is arranged on the base 5, and the base 5 moves up and down along the height direction of the tubular container 1. The upward movement of the base 5 drives the vacuum suction component 3 to move upward, and the suction nozzle 31 of the vacuum suction component 3 is connected with the bottom of the tubular container 1. The vacuum suction component 3 starts to draw a vacuum, so that a negative pressure is generated at the bottom of the tubular container 1. At this time, the top of the tubular container 1 is connected with the external environment, and a pressure difference is formed between the top and the bottom of the tubular container 1, which is beneficial to the subsequent powder filling. In the process of the vacuum suction component 3 moving upward, the vacuum suction component 3 is blocked after being connected to the bottom of the tubular container 1. Since the base 5 is floating, the base 5 moves upward relative to the vacuum suction component 3, that is, the vacuum suction component 3 no longer moves upward after being blocked, and the contact between the two is a flexible contact, thereby avoiding the vacuum suction component 3 from being damaged during the docking process with the tubular container 1.

[0024] A specific structure of the floating base 5 is as follows: Figure 2The base 5 includes a seat plate 51 and a spring 52. The vacuum suction component 3 is slidably connected to the seat plate 51, and the two ends of the spring 52 are respectively connected to the vacuum suction component 3 and the seat plate 51. Specifically, the spring 52 is sleeved on the vacuum suction component 3, and the spring 52 is arranged in the seat plate 51. The base 5 drives the vacuum suction component 3 to move upward. After the vacuum suction component 3 is docked with the tubular container 1, the vacuum suction component 3 remains stationary. At this time, the seat plate 51 compresses the spring 52 and continues to move upward. This setting makes the contact between the vacuum suction component 3 and the tubular container 1 flexible under the action of the spring 52, ensuring that the vacuum suction component 3 is tightly connected to the tubular container 1 without damaging the tubular container 1 or other components.

[0025] As another embodiment of the present utility model: the vacuum suction assembly 3 includes a vacuum tube 33 and a sealing ring 32, the sealing ring 32 is arranged in the suction nozzle 31, the aperture of the suction nozzle 31 is adapted to the outer diameter of the tubular container 1, the suction nozzle 31 is fixed to the upper end of the vacuum tube 33, the vacuum tube 33 is slidably connected to the seat plate 51, the spring 52 is sleeved on the vacuum tube 33, and the two ends of the spring 52 are respectively connected to the vacuum tube 33 and the seat plate 51. When the suction nozzle 31 moves upward, the sealing ring 32 forms a seal with the bottom of the tubular container 1, and the suction nozzle 31 can prevent external air from entering from the position where the tubular container 1 and the suction nozzle 31 are connected when the suction nozzle 31 is evacuated.

[0026] As another embodiment of the present invention: a linear bearing 53 is provided between the vacuum tube 33 and the seat plate 51, and two linear bearings 53 are respectively provided above and below the spring 52. The provision of the linear bearing 53 can make the sliding property of the vacuum tube 33 better.

[0027] As another embodiment of the present invention: Figure 3 The seat plate 51 is formed with a spring cavity 54, the spring 52 is arranged in the spring cavity 54, the seat plate 51 is provided with a vacuum channel 55 connected to the spring cavity 54, and the vacuum tube 33 is provided with an air hole 331 connected to the spring cavity 54. The vacuum channel 55 is externally connected to a vacuum pump, and this arrangement does not require the vacuum pump to be directly connected to the vacuum tube 33, thereby avoiding the vacuum pump from moving up and down with the vacuum tube 33, and reducing the difficulty of external equipment.

[0028] As another embodiment of the present invention, two O-rings 56 are provided between the vacuum tube 33 and the seat plate 51, and the two O-rings 56 are respectively provided above and below the spring cavity 54. Specifically, the two O-rings 56 are both located between the two linear bearings 53, and the provision of the O-rings 56 is conducive to improving the sealing performance of the spring cavity 54.

[0029] As another embodiment of the present utility model: a shaft retaining ring 57 is provided at the bottom of the seat plate 51 , and the vacuum tube 33 passes through the shaft retaining ring 57 .

[0030] As another embodiment of the present invention: the limiting plate 2 is provided with a first guide hole 21 that matches the filling needle 4, and the aperture of the first guide hole 21 gradually decreases from top to bottom. When the filling needle 4 is connected to the tubular container 1 along the first guide hole 21, the first guide hole 21 can play a guiding role.

[0031] As another embodiment of the present invention: the limiting plate 2 is provided with a second guide hole 22 that matches the upper end of the tubular container 1, the aperture of the second guide hole 22 gradually increases from top to bottom, and the first guide hole 21 is connected to the second guide hole 22. When the limiting plate 2 moves downward, the second guide hole 22 guides the tubular container 1 into the limiting plate 2, and this arrangement can better limit the tubular container 1 horizontally and vertically.

[0032] As another embodiment of the present utility model: a bracket 6 is provided below the seat plate 51, and a first connecting rod 7, a first cylinder 8, a second connecting rod 9 and a second cylinder 10 are provided on the bracket 6, and both ends of the first connecting rod 7 are respectively fixed to the first cylinder 8 and the limit plate 2, and both ends of the second connecting rod 9 are respectively fixed to the vacuum tube 33 and the second cylinder 10. Specifically, the first connecting rod 7 and the second connecting rod 9 are respectively slidably connected to the bracket 6, and there are two first connecting rods 7 and two second connecting rods 9, and the two first connecting rods 7 are fixed by the first connecting plate, the piston rod of the first cylinder 8 is fixed to the first connecting plate, the two second connecting rods 9 are fixed by the second connecting plate, and the piston rod of the second cylinder 10 is fixed to the second connecting plate.

[0033] As another embodiment of the present invention: there are multiple suction nozzles 31, vacuum tubes 33 and filling needles 4. The vacuum channels 55 in the seat plate 51 are connected, and the vacuum pump can generate negative pressure in the multiple suction nozzles 31 as long as it is connected to one of the vacuum tubes 33, or the spring chambers 54 in the seat plate 51 are connected, and the vacuum pump is connected to one of the spring chambers 54 through the vacuum tube 33, so that the multiple suction nozzles 31 can generate negative pressure; it is conducive to reducing the difficulty of external equipment.

[0034] The filling effect of the filling mechanism was tested with sugar granules, and the filling weight during the filling process was checked. The target filling weights were 25 mg, 50 mg, 250 mg, 750 mg, 1000 mg and 1500 mg, respectively. Each batch was filled 10 or 20 times, and a total of 6 batches were filled. The process specifications for each target filling weight refer to the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia, as shown in Table 1:

[0035] Table 1 Process specifications for various target filling weights of simulated sugar balls

[0036]

[0037] The results of the filling process for the 25 mg sugar granules are shown in Table 2 and all batches met the EU specifications.

[0038] Table 2 Filling weight results during the process (25 mg, n = 10)

[0039]

[0040] The filling results of the 50 mg sugar granules during the filling process are shown in Table 3. All batches met the EU specifications.

[0041] Table 3 In-process filling weight results (50 mg, n = 10)

[0042]

[0043] The filling results of the 250 mg sugar granules during the filling process are shown in Table 4. All batches met the EU specifications.

[0044] Table 4 Filling weight results during the process (250 mg, n = 20)

[0045]

[0046] The filling results of the 750 mg sugar granules during the filling process are shown in Table 5. All batches met the EU specifications.

[0047] Table 5 Filling weight results during the process (750 mg, n = 20)

[0048]

[0049]

[0050] The filling results of the filling process for 1000 mg sugar granules are shown in Table 6. All batches met the EU specifications.

[0051] Table 6 In-process filling weight results (1000 mg, n = 20)

[0052]

[0053] The filling results of the 1500 mg sugar granules during the filling process are shown in Table 7. All batches met the EU specifications.

[0054] Table 7 In-process filling weight results (1500 mg, n = 20)

[0055]

[0056] The filling weight of the sugar granules after filling was sampled and inspected. For each target filling volume, 2 or 3 batches were sampled and 30 samples were taken from each batch. The inspection results of the filling weight of batches with different target filling volumes after filling are shown in Table 8. The filling weights of the same batch and batches were consistent, and no batch did not meet the EU standards (25 mg, 50 mg and 250 mg ± 10.0%, 750 mg, 1000 mg and 1500 mg ± 7.5%).

[0057] Table 8 Filling weight test results after filling (n = 30 / batch)

[0058]

[0059] In the utility model, the limit plate 2 moves downward to limit the tubular container 1 from above, the vacuum suction component 3 moves upward, so that the suction nozzle 31 is tightly connected to the bottom of the tubular container 1, the vacuum suction component 3 draws a vacuum, the suction nozzle 31 forms a negative pressure at the bottom of the tubular container 1, and the filling needle 4 sprays medicine into the tubular container 1. The utility model introduces vacuum negative pressure during the powder filling process, so that the falling trajectory of fine particles during the falling process of the entire powder is more reasonable, reducing unnecessary adhesion of the powder during the filling process, so that the powder can fall as much as possible at the bottom of the tubular container 1. Secondly, the air pressure difference between the top and bottom of the tubular container 1 can effectively ensure that the powder does not overflow from the tubular container 1 to avoid affecting the production environment.

[0060] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the utility model, rather than to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the utility model.

Claims

1. A vacuum-assisted powder filling mechanism, characterized in that: The invention comprises a limiting plate (2) arranged above a tubular container (1); a vacuum suction assembly (3) is arranged below the tubular container (1); the limiting plate (2) and the vacuum suction assembly (3) both move up and down along the height direction of the tubular container (1); a suction nozzle (31) adapted to the lower end of the tubular container (1) is arranged at the upper end of the vacuum suction assembly (3); a filling needle (4) capable of being raised and lowered is arranged above the limiting plate (2); the filling needle (4) passes through the limiting plate (2) and is connected to the tubular container (1).

2. The vacuum-assisted powder filling mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: A floating base (5) is provided below the tubular container (1), the vacuum suction component (3) is arranged on the base (5), and the base (5) moves up and down along the height direction of the tubular container (1).

3. The vacuum-assisted powder filling mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The base (5) comprises a seat plate (51) and a spring (52); the vacuum suction component (3) is slidably connected to the seat plate (51); and two ends of the spring (52) are respectively connected to the vacuum suction component (3) and the seat plate (51).

4. The vacuum-assisted powder filling mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The vacuum suction assembly (3) comprises a vacuum tube (33) and a sealing ring (32). The sealing ring (32) is arranged in a suction nozzle (31). The aperture of the suction nozzle (31) is adapted to the outer diameter of the tubular container (1). The suction nozzle (31) is fixed to the upper end of the vacuum tube (33). The vacuum tube (33) is slidably connected to the seat plate (51).

5. The vacuum-assisted powder filling mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: A linear bearing (53) is provided between the vacuum tube (33) and the seat plate (51), and the two linear bearings (53) are respectively provided above and below the spring (52).

6. The vacuum-assisted powder filling mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The seat plate (51) is formed with a spring (52) cavity, the spring (52) is arranged in the spring (52) cavity, the seat plate (51) is provided with a vacuum channel (55) connected to the spring (52) cavity, and the vacuum tube (33) is provided with an air hole (331) connected to the spring (52) cavity.

7. The vacuum-assisted powder filling mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: Two O-rings (56) are arranged between the vacuum tube (33) and the seat plate (51), and the two O-rings (56) are arranged above and below the spring (52) cavity respectively.

8. The vacuum-assisted powder filling mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting plate (2) is provided with a first guide hole (21) matched with the filling needle (4), and the diameter of the first guide hole (21) gradually decreases from top to bottom.

9. The vacuum-assisted powder filling mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that: The limiting plate (2) is provided with a second guide hole (22) which matches the upper end of the tubular container (1); the diameter of the second guide hole (22) gradually increases from top to bottom; and the first guide hole (21) is communicated with the second guide hole (22).

10. The vacuum-assisted powder filling mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: A bracket (6) is provided below the seat plate (51), and a first connecting rod (7), a first cylinder (8), a second connecting rod (9) and a second cylinder (10) are provided on the bracket (6); the two ends of the first connecting rod (7) are respectively fixed to the first cylinder (8) and the limit plate (2), and the two ends of the second connecting rod (9) are respectively fixed to the vacuum tube (33) and the second cylinder (10).

Images