Automatic control system for isolator

Abstract

The utility model relates to an automatic control system for an isolator, which comprises an automatic door, a middle door body rotationally connected with a cabin body of the isolator, a driving motor used for driving the middle door body to rotate, an inflatable sealing strip arranged on the edge of the middle door body, an electric lock body arranged on the middle door body and an induction plate, the sensing plate is matched with a lock seat on the cabin body to sense the opening and closing state of the middle door body; the automatic trolley comprises a sterilization trolley body and an electric push rod assembly arranged on the sterilization trolley body; the communication module is in communication connection with the driving motor, the electric lock body, the sensor and the electric push rod assembly; and the control button is in communication connection with the communication module. Automatic operation can be achieved, the sterile environment in the cabin is guaranteed, and accidents are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of isolators, in particular to an automatic control system for isolators. Background Art

[0002] In the existing technical field of sterile isolators (CN215260821U), the middle door is usually designed as a manual door, such as a fan-shaped manual door opening and an up and down manual door opening. However, during operation, the door needs to be opened and closed by a sleeve. However, the speed of the sleeve operation is difficult to accurately control, which will directly cause pressure fluctuations inside the isolator. For example, in some emergency situations, the operator may operate the sleeve in a hurry, resulting in a sharp change in pressure. Such pressure fluctuations will significantly increase the risk of the sterile environment in the isolator being destroyed, thereby affecting the accuracy and safety of related operations in the isolator.

[0003] Sterilization carts are currently primarily manual push-pull types. In actual use, the cart often becomes too far from the sleeve to be pushed or pulled directly. In these cases, a hook is required for push-pull operations. This method not only increases the risk of compromising the sterile environment within the isolator, but can also easily cause items on the cart to tip over due to improper force applied by the hook. For example, if the operator fails to accurately control the direction and strength of the hook's force, the cart may become unbalanced and fall.

[0004] Furthermore, the order in which the intermediate door and sterilization cart are opened, opened, and closed is entirely at the discretion of the operator. Due to the lack of clear regulations and automated controls, errors can easily occur. For example, operators may operate the sterilization cart before opening and closing the intermediate door, or they may misplace the order of operations. These improper operations significantly increase the risk of compromising the sterile environment, ultimately resulting in the rejection of inspected products and unnecessary losses to production and research. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of the utility model is to provide an automatic control system for an isolator in view of the above problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] In order to achieve the above application objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: an automatic control system for an isolator includes:

[0007] The automatic door comprises an intermediate door body rotatably connected to the cabin body of the isolator, a drive motor for driving the intermediate door body to rotate, an inflatable sealing strip provided on the edge of the intermediate door body, an electric lock body and a sensing plate provided on the intermediate door body, the sensing plate cooperates with a sensor in a lock seat on the cabin body to sense the open and close status of the intermediate door body;

[0008] The automatic trolley includes a sterilization trolley body and an electric push rod assembly provided on the sterilization trolley body, and the electric push rod assembly drives the automatic trolley away from and toward the automatic door;

[0009] The communication module is respectively connected to the drive motor, the electric lock body, the sensor and the electric push rod assembly;

[0010] The control button is connected to the communication module for controlling the opening and closing of the automatic door and the power on and off of the automatic trolley.

[0011] Furthermore, a motor housing is provided outside the driving motor, and the motor housing is fixedly connected to the cabin body of the isolator.

[0012] Furthermore, the driving motor is connected to a fixed hinge via a coupling, and the fixed hinge is connected to the middle door body via a movable hinge.

[0013] Furthermore, the movable hinge and the coupling are provided with openings for the air pipe of the inflatable sealing strip to pass through.

[0014] Furthermore, a detachable sealing strip cover is provided on the middle door body.

[0015] Furthermore, the automatic car is powered on and off by controlling a relay, and the relay is communicatively connected to the communication module.

[0016] Furthermore, the electric push rod assembly includes a first push rod and a second push rod. The tail end of the first push rod is connected to the body of the sterilization trolley. The output end of the first push rod is connected to the tail end of the second push rod through a connecting rod. The output end of the second push rod is provided with a push rod seat, which is fixed on the isolator.

[0017] Furthermore, rollers are provided at both ends of the connecting rod in the length direction.

[0018] Furthermore, a sealing ring is provided on the coupling to seal the drive motor.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] 1. Effectively stabilizes the pressure within the isolator and reduces the risk of damage to the sterile environment: The automatic door design replaces traditional manual operation, avoiding pressure fluctuations caused by the speed of cuff operation, and ensuring the stability and sterility of the isolator environment. For example, during frequent door opening and closing operations, the automatic door can always maintain smooth and uniform movement without causing abnormal changes in internal pressure.

[0021] 2. Improved Sterilization Cart Operational Convenience and Safety: The automated cart and its electric push rod assembly address the limitations of manually pushing and pulling the cart, as well as the potential for tipping over due to improper force. By eliminating the need for auxiliary tools such as hooks, the automated cart reduces the risk of compromised sterile environments and prevents item loss due to improper operation. For example, within confined spaces, the automated cart can precisely maneuver to a designated location without collision or dropping items.

[0022] 3. Standardize operating procedures to ensure a sterile environment: Using communication modules and control buttons to precisely control the intermediate door and sterilization cart avoids relying on human awareness and improper operation, significantly reducing the possibility of damage to the sterile environment and the scrapping of inspected products. For example, strictly following pre-set procedures ensures consistency and accuracy in each item transfer process.

[0023] 4. Enhanced system reliability and maintainability: The design of the drive motor housing and coupling seals improves the system's protection performance and service life. The removable sealing strip cover on the middle door facilitates replacement and maintenance of the sealing strip, ensuring long-term stable operation of the system.

[0024] 5. Optimize the material transfer process: Precise control methods make the material transfer process more efficient and orderly. From the opening of the automatic door and the movement of the automatic trolley to the final closing operation, the entire process is highly automated, reducing the uncertainty caused by human intervention and improving work efficiency and quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the automatic door of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of middle AA;

[0027] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the lock seat of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the air pipe routing of the utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of the automatic trolley of the utility model;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the electric push rod assembly of the utility model;

[0031] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the electric push rod assembly of the utility model in the expanded state.

[0032] In the figure, 1. middle door body; 2. lock seat; 3. induction plate; 4. sealing strip cover; 5. movable hinge; 6. second fixed hinge; 7. second coupling housing; 8. motor housing; 9. first coupling housing; 10. first fixed hinge; 11. first linkage shaft; 12. first O-ring; 13. second coupling; 14. second O-ring; 15. second linkage shaft; 16. drive motor; 17. first coupling; 18. inflatable sealing strip; 19. electric lock body; 20. lock seat body; 21. sensor; 22. control button; 23. sterilization trolley body; 24. electric push rod assembly; 25. caster; 26. roller; 27. second rotating shaft; 28. first push rod; 29. hook; 30. first rotating shaft; 31. push rod seat; 32. second push rod; 33. air pipe; 34. connecting rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the disclosure of the present invention, the terms "longitudinal", "transverse", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] This embodiment provides an automatic control system for an isolator, including:

[0037] Automatic door parts, such as Figure 1-4As shown, the middle door body 1 is rotatably connected to the cabin body of the isolator via a hinge. The drive motor 16 is a high-performance brushless DC motor with a sturdy motor housing 8. The motor is fixed to the motor housing 8 by screws, and the motor housing 8 is firmly connected to the cabin body of the isolator by welding. The coupling is connected to the linkage shaft of the motor via a flat key, and the linkage shaft flat key is connected to the coupling. The movable hinge 5 is fixed to the fixed hinge by screws, and the fixed hinge is fixed to the motor by screws. The middle door body 1 is fixed to the movable hinge 5 by welding, and the lock seat 2 is fixed to the cabin body by welding. The sensor 21 corresponding to the sensor plate 3 is fixed to the lock seat 2 by screws, and the sensor plate 3 is fixed to the middle door body 1 by welding. Among them, the sensing plate 3 is a part of the electric lock body 19, which is used to cooperate with the sensor 21. When the sensor 21 detects the sensing plate 3, it means that the middle door body 1 is closed. When it is not detected, it means that the middle door body 1 is open. When the driving motor 16 rotates for a certain time or a certain angle, combined with the signal of the sensor 21, it can indicate that the middle door body 1 is opened.

[0038] The lock base 2 includes a lock base cover and a lock base body 20 installed in the lock base cover. The sensor 21 and the control button 22 are both installed on the lock base 2. Preferably, the electric lock body 19 can be a magnetic type or a traditional electronic lock structure, which is not limited here, as long as it can achieve the locking of the middle door body 1 and can be controlled.

[0039] The movable hinge 5 and the coupling are provided with openings specifically for the passage of the air pipe 33 of the inflatable sealing strip 18. That is, the inflatable sealing strip 18 uses a hidden air pipe 33 to the outside of the isolator, ensuring the internal appearance. The inflatable sealing strip 18 passes through the movable hinge 5, then through the fixed hinge, and then through the linkage shaft and then through the coupling housing. The linkage shaft allows the inflatable sealing strip 18 to pass smoothly through the axial opening and the circumferential opening. The inflatable sealing strip 18 is installed on the edge of the middle door body 1 and can effectively seal the door gap. The middle door body 1 is provided with a removable sealing strip cover 4 to facilitate the maintenance and replacement of the sealing strip. The electric lock body 19 and the sensor plate 3 are also installed on the middle door body 1. The sensor plate 3 can accurately sense the open and close status of the middle door body 1 by cooperating with the sensor 21 in the lock seat 2 on the cabin body. The sensor 21 here can be a photoelectric sensor 21, such as a presence sensor 21 or a contact switch.

[0040] Preferably, the automatic door uses a dynamic seal to prevent motor corrosion. Specifically, a sealing ring groove is provided on the linkage shaft, and the O-ring (seal ring) compression rate is designed to be 9-25%. During the rotation of the linkage shaft, the O-ring is sealed against the motor housing 8, preventing hydrogen peroxide gas from entering the motor during the sterilization process and corroding the motor.

[0041] Automatic trolley part, such as Figure 5-7As shown, the sterilization trolley body 23 is mounted with an electric push rod assembly 24, and casters 25 are also installed at the bottom. The electric push rod assembly 24 includes a first push rod 28 and a second push rod 32. The tail end of the first push rod 28 is connected to the sterilization trolley body 23 via a hook 29. The output end of the first push rod 28 is connected to the tail end of the second push rod 32 via a connecting rod 34. The output end of the second push rod 32 is equipped with a push rod seat 31, which is fixed to the isolator. Rollers 26 are installed at both ends of the connecting rod 34 along its length to ensure smooth movement.

[0042] The communication module adopts a stable wireless communication method to achieve reliable communication connection with the drive motor 16, the electric lock body 19, the sensor plate 3 and the electric push rod assembly 24 respectively.

[0043] The control button 22 is arranged at a position convenient for operation and is connected to the communication module for communication. The operator can conveniently control the opening and closing of the automatic door and the power on and off of the automatic trolley by pressing the control button 22 .

[0044] When material transfer is required, the operation button is pressed, the electric lock 19 is unlocked, and the drive motor 16 controls the middle door 1 to open at a constant speed until it is fully opened. When the sensor plate 3 senses that the middle door 1 is fully opened, it outputs a door opening signal, and the electric push rod assembly 24 is activated, driving the automatic trolley to move smoothly from the initial position to the set position. At this time, manual operation can be carried out.

[0045] After the material transfer is complete, the operating button is pressed again, and the electric push rod assembly 24 activates, precisely moving the automatic trolley to its initial position. Once the trolley is in position, the drive motor 16 closes the intermediate door 1. Sensor 21 detects the closure of the intermediate door 1 and outputs a closed signal. The inflatable sealing strip 18 then inflates to seal the door, successfully completing the item transfer process.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] In this embodiment, the structure of the automatic control system for the isolator is basically the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0048] As for the driving motor 16, a higher-precision AC servo motor is adopted to achieve more accurate control of the middle door body 1.

[0049] The first push rod 28 and second push rod 32 in the electric push rod assembly 24 are made of a higher-strength alloy material, which improves the push rod's load capacity and service life. The electric push rod assembly 24 includes the electric push rod, a push rod seat 31, a roller 26, a first rotating shaft 30, an adapter plate, a hook 29, and a second rotating shaft 27. The electric push rod is fixed to the push rod seat 31 with screws, the first rotating shaft 30 is fixed to the electric push rod with a nut, the roller 26 is connected to the electric push rod via the first rotating shaft 30, the adapter plate is fixed to the first rotating shaft 30 and the second rotating shaft 27 with a nut, and the hook 29 is fixed to the electric push rod with screws.

[0050] The communication module has been upgraded to Bluetooth 5.0 technology, further improving the stability and speed of communication.

[0051] The control button 22 adopts a touch-type design, which makes the operation more sensitive and convenient.

[0052] Example 3

[0053] In this embodiment of the isolator automatic control system, a high-quality sealing ring is installed on the coupling, effectively sealing the drive motor 16 and preventing the ingress of dust and moisture. The coupling comprises a first coupling 17 and a second coupling 13, the coupling housing comprises a first coupling housing 9 and a second coupling housing 7, the corresponding linkage shaft comprises a first linkage shaft 11 and a second linkage shaft 15, the fixed hinge comprises a first fixed hinge 10 and a second fixed hinge 6, and the sealing ring comprises a first O-ring 12 and a second O-ring 14.

[0054] The automatic car achieves precise on-off control through a relay, which maintains a stable communication connection with the communication module.

[0055] The remaining structures and components are similar to those of the first embodiment, but are optimized in terms of material selection and process precision to improve the performance and reliability of the entire system.

[0056] Example 4

[0057] This embodiment proposes a control logic implementation method of this automatic control system:

[0058] 1. Hardware

[0059] 1.1 A high-performance microcontroller, such as an STM32 series chip, is used as the control core, which is responsible for processing input signals from the sensor board 3, control button 22, etc., and outputting control instructions to the drive motor 16, electric push rod assembly 24 and electric lock body 19.

[0060] 1.2 Equip the sensor 21 and communication module with a high-precision sensor 21 and a stable communication chip, such as a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module, to ensure accurate signal transmission and fast response.

[0061] 1.3 The drive motor 16 and the electric push rod assembly 24 use a driver with a closed-loop control function, such as a stepper motor driver or a DC motor driver, which can accurately adjust the speed and position of the motor according to the feedback signal.

[0062] 2. Software

[0063] 2.1 Write embedded software programs in C or C++ to run on a microcontroller. Set various status flags and timers in the program to achieve precise control and timing management of different operation stages.

[0064] 2.2 Use a real-time operating system (RTOS), such as FreeRTOS or RT-Thread, to manage task scheduling and resource allocation to ensure the real-time performance and stability of the control logic.

[0065] 2.3 Use the interrupt mechanism to process the sudden signals from the sensor 21 and the control button 22 to ensure that the system can respond in time and take corresponding actions.

[0066] 3. Communication protocol

[0067] 3.1 Define a concise and efficient communication protocol for data exchange between the control button 22, the communication module, the microcontroller, and each execution component. For example, the Modbus protocol or a custom serial communication protocol can be used.

[0068] 3.2 Verify and encrypt communication data to improve communication reliability and security and prevent misoperation and external interference.

[0069] 4. Power management

[0070] 4.1 Design a stable and reliable power supply module for the entire automatic control system, using voltage stabilizing chips and filtering circuits to ensure that accurate voltage and current can be provided to each component under different working conditions.

[0071] 4.2 Introduce a power monitoring circuit to monitor the power status in real time. When voltage anomalies or power failures occur, an alarm will be issued in time and corresponding protective measures will be taken, such as stopping the system operation or performing an emergency shutdown operation.

[0072] 5. Human-computer interaction

[0073] 5.1 Equipped with a liquid crystal display (LCD) or touch screen to display the system's working status, operation prompts and fault information, so that operators can intuitively understand the system's operating conditions.

[0074] 5.2 Design sound prompts or indicator lights to provide additional reminders when key operation steps are completed or abnormalities occur.

[0075] For example, when control button 22 is pressed, the microcontroller receives an interrupt signal, immediately reads the button's status, and determines the type of operation (opening, closing, moving the trolley, etc.). Then, based on the preset control logic and the current system state, it calculates the corresponding control parameters (such as motor speed and push rod travel) and sends the control instructions to the actuator via the communication module. As the actuator operates, sensor 21 continuously provides real-time status feedback to the microcontroller, which adjusts and optimizes the control strategy based on this feedback until the entire operation is successfully completed.

[0076] The parts not described in detail in this utility model are prior art, so this utility model does not describe them in detail.

[0077] It is to be understood that the term "one" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more", that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element may be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the elements may be multiple, and the term "one" should not be understood as a limitation on the quantity.

[0078] Although this article uses terms such as the middle door body 1, lock seat 2, sensor plate 3, sealing strip cover 4, movable hinge 5, second fixed hinge 6, second coupling housing 7, motor housing 8, first coupling housing 9, first fixed hinge 10, first linkage shaft 11, first O-ring 12, second coupling 13, second O-ring 14, second linkage shaft 15, drive motor 16, first coupling 17, inflatable sealing strip 18, electric lock body 19, lock seat body 20, sensor 21, control button 22, sterilization trolley body 23, electric push rod assembly 24, caster 25, roller 26, second rotating shaft 27, first push rod 28, hook 29, first rotating shaft 30, push rod seat 31, second push rod 32, air pipe 33, connecting rod 34 and other terms more frequently, it does not exclude the possibility of using other terms. These terms are used only to more conveniently describe and explain the essence of the present invention; interpreting them as any additional limitations is contrary to the spirit of the present invention.

[0079] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned optimal implementation mode. Anyone can derive other forms of products under the inspiration of the present invention. However, no matter what changes are made in the shape or structure, any product with the same or similar technical solutions as the present invention falls within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic control system for an isolator, characterized in that: include: An automatic door comprising an intermediate door body rotatably connected to a cabin body of an isolator, a drive motor for driving the intermediate door body to rotate, an inflatable sealing strip provided on an edge of the intermediate door body, an electric lock body and a sensing plate provided on the intermediate door body, wherein the sensing plate cooperates with a sensor in a lock seat on the cabin body to sense the open / close state of the intermediate door body; An automatic trolley comprises a sterilization trolley body and an electric push rod assembly provided on the sterilization trolley body, and the electric push rod assembly drives the automatic trolley away from and toward the automatic door; a communication module, respectively connected to the drive motor, the electric lock body, the sensor, and the electric push rod assembly; A control button is connected to the communication module for controlling the opening and closing of the automatic door and the power on and off of the automatic trolley.

2. An automatic control system for an isolator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving motor is provided with a motor housing outside, and the motor housing is fixedly connected to the cabin body of the isolator.

3. The automatic control system for an isolator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving motor is connected to a fixed hinge via a coupling, and the fixed hinge is connected to the middle door body via a movable hinge.

4. An automatic control system for an isolator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The movable hinge and the coupling are provided with openings for the air pipe of the inflatable sealing strip to pass through.

5. An automatic control system for an isolator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The middle door body is provided with a detachable sealing strip cover.

6. The automatic control system for an isolator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The automatic car is powered on and off by a relay, and the relay is in communication connection with the communication module.

7. An automatic control system for an isolator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The electric push rod assembly includes a first push rod and a second push rod. The tail end of the first push rod is connected to the body of the sterilization trolley. The output end of the first push rod is connected to the tail end of the second push rod through a connecting rod. The output end of the second push rod is provided with a push rod seat, which is fixed on the isolator.

8. An automatic control system for an isolator according to claim 7, characterized in that: Rollers are provided at both ends of the connecting rod in the length direction.

9. An automatic control system for an isolator according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The coupling is provided with a sealing ring to seal the drive motor.

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