A carousel feed system

Abstract

This application relates to a rotary feeding system for use in syringe manufacturing. The system includes a base with a conveying mechanism for feeding syringes. The conveying mechanism comprises a first annular conveying device and a second annular conveying device. A plurality of syringes are mounted on the first annular conveying device with their front faces facing the outer edge of the first annular conveying device. The discharge end of the first annular conveying device communicates with the inlet end of the second annular conveying device. A plurality of syringes are mounted on the second annular conveying device with their back faces facing the outer edge of the second annular conveying device. The base is equipped with a drive device for simultaneously driving the first and second annular conveying devices, with the first and second annular conveying devices moving in opposite directions. The technical advantages of this application are: reducing the possibility of syringe position deviation during feeding, and improving the accuracy and efficiency of syringe detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of syringe manufacturing technology, and in particular to a rotary feeding system. Background Technology

[0002] Syringes are a common medical device, typically consisting of a syringe barrel, piston, needle hub, and needle. During the syringe manufacturing process, the transparent syringe barrel needs to undergo quality inspection.

[0003] During the production process, the front and back of the syringe need to be photographed for inspection, with a focus on checking for printing defects, such as blurred or incomplete graduation lines or lettering. Generally, the side with the graduation lines is considered the front. In related technologies, the syringe is placed face up on a conveyor belt and transported by the belt. A vision inspection system photographs the front of the syringe. Then, a flipping mechanism picks up the syringe from the conveyor belt and flips it so that the back side is facing up. The back side is then photographed again by the vision inspection system.

[0004] During the conveying process, the syringes are prone to positional shifts as they are fed along the belt conveyor, resulting in poor visual inspection accuracy and affecting the efficiency of syringe inspection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problem in related technologies where positional shifts easily occur during the feeding process of belt conveyors, leading to poor visual inspection accuracy and affecting the inspection efficiency of syringes, this application provides a turntable feeding system with the following technical solution: It includes a base, on which a conveying mechanism for conveying syringes is provided. The conveying mechanism includes a first annular conveying device and a second annular conveying device. Several syringes are mounted on the first annular conveying device with their front faces facing the outer edge of the first annular conveying device. The discharge end of the first annular conveying device is connected to the inlet end of the second annular conveying device. Several syringes are mounted on the second annular conveying device with their back faces facing the outer edge of the second annular conveying device. The base is provided with a driving device for simultaneously driving the first and second annular conveying devices, and the movement directions of the first and second annular conveying devices are opposite.

[0006] In one specific implementation, the first annular conveying device includes a first feeding tray rotatably connected to a base, a plurality of syringes mounted on the first feeding tray with the front of the syringes facing the outer edge of the first feeding tray, and a plurality of first limiting units that respectively limit the position of the syringes on the first feeding tray.

[0007] In one specific implementation, the first limiting unit includes a first chuck disposed on the outer edge of the first feeding tray. The first chuck has a plurality of limiting grooves that match the syringes. The base is provided with a support frame, and the support frame is provided with a limiting plate corresponding to the chuck. The plurality of syringes are respectively located between the limiting grooves and the limiting plate.

[0008] In one specific implementation scheme, the second annular conveying device includes a second feeding plate rotatably connected to the base, a plurality of syringes mounted on the second feeding plate with the reverse side of the syringes facing the outer edge of the second feeding plate, the discharge end of the first feeding plate communicating with the feed end of the second feeding plate, and the second feeding plate being provided with a plurality of second limiting units that respectively limit the movement of the syringes.

[0009] In one specific implementation, the driving device includes a mounting bracket mounted on a base. A first gear and a second gear are rotatably connected to the mounting bracket, and the first gear and the second gear mesh with each other. The mounting bracket is provided with a driving part for driving the first gear to rotate. A first rotating shaft is provided on the first feeding plate, and a third gear is provided at the end of the first rotating shaft facing the mounting bracket. A second rotating shaft is provided on the second feeding plate, and a fourth gear is provided at the end of the second rotating shaft facing the mounting bracket. The third gear meshes with the first gear, and the fourth gear meshes with the second gear.

[0010] In one specific implementation, a groove is provided on the surface of the first feeding tray away from the base, and a pressure ring is provided on the first feeding tray. A pressure plate matching the groove is slidably connected in the groove. The pressure plate is located between the pressure ring and the bottom of the groove. A placement hole is provided on the pressure plate, and an elastic element is provided in the placement hole. The syringe is pressed between the limiting plate and the pressure plate. The pressure ring is provided with a plurality of control components for limiting the position of the pressure plate.

[0011] In one specific implementation, the control component includes a first sliding hole formed at the bottom of the slide groove, a second sliding hole corresponding to the first sliding hole formed on the pressure ring, a cam bearing follower formed on the pressure ring that passes through the second sliding hole, the pressure plate and the first sliding hole in sequence, a track ring formed on the support frame, and the cam bearing follower in contact with the inner wall of the track ring.

[0012] In one specific implementation, the base is provided with a feeding rack, the feeding rack is provided with a first feeding plate and a second feeding plate, the first feeding plate and the second feeding plate are arranged opposite to each other, and a feeding channel is formed between the first feeding plate and the second feeding plate, and the discharge end of the feeding channel corresponds to one of the limiting grooves of the first chuck.

[0013] In one specific implementation, the first and second feeding plates are inclined toward the first feeding tray.

[0014] In one specific implementation, the base is provided with a feeding rack, the feeding rack is provided with a first feeding plate and a second feeding plate, the first feeding plate and the second feeding plate are arranged opposite to each other, and a feeding channel is formed between the first feeding plate and the second feeding plate, and one end of the feeding channel facing the second feeding tray is located between the second feeding tray and the base.

[0015] In summary, this application has the following beneficial technical effects: When visual inspection of defects on both sides of the syringe is required, the first annular conveyor is activated, causing several syringes to be conveyed with their front sides facing the outer edge of the first annular conveyor, facilitating the operator's photographic inspection of the front side of the syringes. Subsequently, several syringes are conveyed along the first annular conveyor to the second annular conveyor, and the second annular conveyor is activated, causing several syringes to be conveyed with their back sides facing the outer edge of the second annular conveyor, facilitating the operator's photographic inspection of the back side of the syringes. Through the first and second annular conveyor devices, the inspection of both sides of the syringe can be achieved without the need for an additional flipping mechanism, reducing the possibility of syringe position shift during feeding and improving the accuracy and efficiency of syringe inspection. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram illustrating the first feeding tray in the embodiments of this application.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram illustrating the first gear in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Enlarged diagram of point A in the middle.

[0020] Reference numerals: 1. Base; 2. First feed tray; 3. First chuck; 4. Limiting groove; 5. Support frame; 6. Limiting plate; 7. Second feed tray; 8. First gear; 9. Second gear; 10. First rotating shaft; 11. Third gear; 12. Fourth gear; 13. Sliding groove; 14. Pressure ring; 15. Pressure plate; 16. Elastic element; 17. Cam bearing follower; 18. Track ring; 19. Second sliding hole; 20. Feeding rack; 21. First feeding plate; 22. Second feeding plate; 23. Unloading rack; 24. First unloading plate; 25. Second unloading plate; 26. Syringe; 27. Drive unit; 28. Mounting frame. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-4 This application will be described in further detail.

[0022] This application discloses a rotary feeding system.

[0023] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The turntable feeding system includes a base 1, on which a conveying mechanism for conveying syringes 26 is provided. The conveying mechanism includes a first annular conveying device and a second annular conveying device. Several syringes 26 are mounted on the first annular conveying device with their front faces facing the outer edge of the first annular conveying device. The discharge end of the first annular conveying device is connected to the inlet end of the second annular conveying device. Several syringes 26 are mounted on the second annular conveying device with their back faces facing the outer edge of the second annular conveying device. A driving device is provided on the base 1 for simultaneously driving the first and second annular conveying devices, and the movement directions of the first and second annular conveying devices are opposite. In this embodiment, multiple sets of visual inspection devices can be set on the base 1 according to the actual site conditions. The visual inspection devices adopt cameras commonly used in the prior art. The cameras are used to capture and collect image information of the surface of the syringes 26, and then transmit the collected image information to the control terminal. The control terminal processes the image information to determine whether the syringes 26 have defects.

[0024] Therefore, when visual inspection of the front and back of the syringe 26 is required, the first annular conveyor is activated, causing several syringes 26 to be conveyed with their front sides facing the outer edge of the first annular conveyor. This facilitates the operator's photographic inspection of the front of the syringes 26. Subsequently, several syringes 26 are conveyed along the first annular conveyor to the second annular conveyor, which is then activated, causing several syringes 26 to be conveyed with their back sides facing the outer edge of the second annular conveyor. This facilitates the operator's photographic inspection of the back of the syringes 26. Through the first and second annular conveyors, the inspection of both sides of the syringes 26 can be achieved without the need for an additional flipping mechanism, reducing the possibility of positional shift of the syringes 26 during feeding and improving the accuracy and efficiency of syringe inspection.

[0025] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The first annular conveying device includes a first feeding tray 2 rotatably connected to a base 1. A plurality of syringes 26 are mounted on the first feeding tray 2 with their front faces towards the outer edge of the first feeding tray 2. The first feeding tray 2 is provided with a plurality of first limiting units that respectively limit the position of the syringes 26. Each first limiting unit includes a first chuck 3 located on the outer edge of the first feeding tray 2. The first chuck 3 has a plurality of limiting grooves 4 matching the size of the syringes 26, evenly distributed in a circumferential array along the first chuck 3. A support frame 5 is bolted to the base 1, and a limiting plate 6 corresponding to the chuck is mounted on the support frame 5. The syringes 26 are respectively located between the limiting grooves 4 and the limiting plate 6. In this embodiment, the limiting plate 6 is annular, referencing the shape of the first chuck 3. Therefore, the limiting grooves 4 and the limiting plate 6 limit the position of the syringes 26, reducing the possibility of positional deviation during conveying and improving the stability of the syringes 26 mounted on the first chuck 3.

[0026] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A feeding rack 20 is installed on the base 1. A first feeding plate 21 and a second feeding plate 22 are installed on the feeding rack 20. The first feeding plate 21 and the second feeding plate 22 are arranged opposite to each other, and a feeding channel is formed between the first feeding plate 21 and the second feeding plate 22. The discharge end of the feeding channel corresponds to one of the limiting grooves 4 of the first chuck 3. The first feeding plate 21 and the second feeding plate 22 are inclined toward the first feeding tray 2, so as to facilitate the feeding of the syringe 26 from the feeding channel to the first feeding tray 2. In this embodiment, in order to further improve the feeding efficiency, an air blowing device can also be set on the feeding rack 20. The air blowing device adopts the air nozzle in the prior art. The air nozzle is connected to the air blowing equipment, and the air outlet end of the air nozzle is set toward the feeding channel.

[0027] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second annular conveying device includes a second feeding disc 7 rotatably connected to the base 1. A plurality of syringes 26 are mounted on the second feeding disc 7 with their reverse sides facing the outer edge of the second feeding disc 7. The discharge end of the first feeding disc 2 is connected to the feed end of the second feeding disc 7. In this embodiment, the height of the first feeding disc 2 is greater than the height of the second feeding disc 7, so that the syringes 26 can fall from the discharge end of the first feeding disc 2 into the feed end of the second feeding disc 7. The second feeding disc 7 is provided with a plurality of second limiting units that limit the syringes 26 respectively. In this embodiment, the second limiting units are set with reference to the structure of the first limiting units.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3The driving device includes a mounting bracket 28 mounted on a base 1. A first gear 8 and a second gear 9 are rotatably connected to the mounting bracket 28, and the first gear 8 and the second gear 9 mesh with each other. The mounting bracket 28 is provided with a driving part 27 for driving the first gear 8 to rotate. In this embodiment, the driving part 27 can be a drive motor. The output end of the drive motor is provided with a reducer according to the actual situation, and the output end of the reducer is connected to the first gear 8. A first rotating shaft 10 is installed at the center of the first feeding tray 2. A third gear 11 is fixedly sleeved on one end of the first rotating shaft 10 facing the mounting bracket 28. A second rotating shaft is installed at the center of the second feeding tray 7. A fourth gear 12 is fixedly sleeved on one end of the second rotating shaft facing the mounting bracket 28. The third gear 11 meshes with the first gear 8, and the fourth gear 12 meshes with the second gear 9.

[0029] Therefore, when the drive unit 27 is activated, the first gear 8 at the output end of the drive unit 27 rotates. Since the first gear 8 and the second gear 9 mesh with each other, the third gear 11 meshes with the first gear 8, and the fourth gear 12 meshes with the second gear 9, the first gear 8 drives the third gear 11 and the first rotating shaft 10 to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the first feeding disc 2 to rotate. The second gear 9 drives the fourth gear 12 and the second rotating shaft 10 to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the second feeding disc 7 to rotate. At this time, the first feeding disc 2 and the second feeding disc 7 move synchronously but in opposite directions. In this embodiment, the first feeding disc 2 moves clockwise, and the second feeding disc 7 moves counterclockwise.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A feeding rack 23 is installed on the base 1. The feeding rack 23 is located at the discharge end of the second feeding tray 7. A first feeding plate 24 and a second feeding plate 25 are installed on the feeding rack 23. The first feeding plate 24 and the second feeding plate 25 are arranged opposite to each other, and a feeding channel is formed between the first feeding plate 24 and the second feeding plate 25. One end of the feeding channel facing the second feeding tray 7 is located between the second feeding tray 7 and the base 1, and the feeding channel is inclined towards the base 1. The syringe 26 fed by the second feeding tray 7 is fed into the feeding channel, and then fed into the next process for subsequent operations.

[0031] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4The first feeding tray 2 has several sliding grooves 13 on its surface opposite to the base 1. A pressure ring 14 is bolted to the first feeding tray 2, and the pressure ring 14 is coaxially arranged with the first feeding tray 2. Each of the sliding grooves 13 has a pressure plate 15 that matches the size of the sliding groove 13. The pressure plate 15 is located between the pressure ring 14 and the bottom of the sliding groove 13. In this embodiment, the number of sliding grooves 13 corresponds to the number of upper limit grooves 4 of the first chuck 3. The pressure plate 15 has a placement hole, and an elastic element 16 is provided in the placement hole. In this embodiment, the elastic element 16 is a compression spring. The syringe 26 is pressed between the limiting plate 6 and the pressure plate 15. Therefore, when the syringe 26 is mounted in the limiting groove 4 of the first chuck 3, the elastic element 16 has an elastic compression amount, which pushes the pressure plate 15 to always press against the limiting plate 6 and the pressure plate 15, reducing the possibility of positional deviation of the syringe 26 during delivery, improving the stability of the position of the syringe 26, and facilitating the camera to capture and collect image information of the surface of the syringe 26.

[0032] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 The pressure ring 14 is provided with several control components for limiting the position of the pressure plate 15. Each control component includes a first sliding hole at the bottom of the slide groove 13, and a second sliding hole 19 corresponding to the first sliding hole on the pressure ring 14. The first and second sliding holes 19 are vertically aligned on the same straight line, and both are oblong holes of the same size. A cam bearing follower 17 is provided on the pressure ring 14, passing sequentially through the second sliding hole 19, the pressure plate 15, and the first sliding hole. A track ring 18 is mounted on the support frame 5, and the cam bearing follower 17 contacts the inner wall of the track ring 18. In this embodiment, the track ring 18 is coaxially arranged with the pressure ring 14, and the pressure ring 14 is located between the track ring 18 and the first feeding tray 2. The track ring 18 is configured according to the feeding trajectory of the syringe 26, and the second feeding tray 7 can be configured with reference to the structure of the first feeding tray 2.

[0033] Therefore, the clamping force of the pressure plate 15 on the syringe 26 on the first feeding tray 2 needs to be adjusted according to the feeding position of the syringe 26. For example, when the syringe 26 is fed to the discharge end near the first feeding tray 2, the clamping force of the pressure plate 15 on the syringe 26 needs to be appropriately reduced, so that the syringe 26 can be smoothly fed to the second feeding tray 7. The cam bearing follower 17 is limited by the inner wall of the track ring 18 and moves according to the change of the inner wall of the track ring 18. During the movement of the cam bearing follower 17, it drives the pressure plate 15 to move synchronously along the slide groove 13, thereby realizing the control of the clamping force of the pressure plate 15 on the syringe 26.

[0034] The implementation principle of this application embodiment is as follows: The syringe 26 produced in the previous process moves sequentially through the feeding channel to the limiting groove 4 of the first chuck 3. The drive unit 27 is activated, which drives the first gear 8 at the output end of the drive unit 27 to rotate. Since the first gear 8 and the second gear 9 mesh with each other, the third gear 11 meshes with the first gear 8, and the fourth gear 12 meshes with the second gear 9, the first gear 8 drives the third gear 11 and the first rotating shaft 10 to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the first feeding plate 2 to rotate. The second gear 9 drives the fourth gear 12 and the second rotating shaft 10 to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the second feeding plate 7 to rotate. At this time, the first feeding plate 2 and the second feeding plate 7 move synchronously and in opposite directions.

[0035] The syringe 26 is conveyed with its front facing the outer edge of the first feeding tray 2, facilitating operator inspection by photographing the front of the syringe 26. When several syringes 26 are sequentially conveyed along the first feeding tray 2 to the second feeding tray 7, the syringes 26 are conveyed with their back facing the outer edge of the second feeding tray 7, facilitating operator inspection by photographing the back of the syringe 26. After inspection, the syringes 26 are conveyed from the second feeding tray 7 to the unloading channel, and then from the unloading channel to the next process for subsequent operations. Through the first and second annular conveying devices, the inspection of both sides of the syringe 26 can be achieved without the need for an additional flipping mechanism, reducing the possibility of positional deviation of the syringe 26 during feeding and improving the accuracy and efficiency of syringe inspection.

[0036] This specific embodiment is merely an explanation of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to this embodiment without contributing any inventive step, but such modifications are protected by patent law as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A carousel feed system characterized by: The device includes a base (1) on which a conveying mechanism for conveying syringes (26) is provided. The conveying mechanism includes a first annular conveying device and a second annular conveying device. A plurality of syringes (26) are mounted on the first annular conveying device with their front faces facing the outer edge of the first annular conveying device. The discharge end of the first annular conveying device is connected to the inlet end of the second annular conveying device. A plurality of syringes (26) are mounted on the second annular conveying device with their back faces facing the outer edge of the second annular conveying device. The base (1) is provided with a driving device for simultaneously driving the first annular conveying device and the second annular conveying device to move. The movement directions of the first annular conveying device and the second annular conveying device are opposite.

2. The rotary table feed system of claim 1, wherein: The first annular conveying device includes a first feeding plate (2) rotatably connected to the base (1), a plurality of syringes (26) are mounted on the first feeding plate (2) with the front of the syringes (26) facing the outer edge of the first feeding plate (2), and the first feeding plate (2) is provided with a plurality of first limiting units that limit the syringes (26) respectively.

3. The rotary feeding system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first limiting unit includes a first chuck (3) disposed on the outer edge of the first feeding tray (2). The first chuck (3) has a plurality of limiting grooves (4) that match the syringes (26). The base (1) is provided with a support frame (5). The support frame (5) is provided with a limiting plate (6) corresponding to the chuck. A plurality of syringes (26) are respectively located between the limiting grooves (4) and the limiting plate (6).

4. The rotary feeding system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second annular conveying device includes a second feeding plate (7) rotatably connected to the base (1), a plurality of syringes (26) are mounted on the second feeding plate (7) with the reverse side of the syringes (26) facing the outer edge of the second feeding plate (7), the discharge end of the first feeding plate (2) is connected to the feed end of the second feeding plate (7), and the second feeding plate (7) is provided with a plurality of second limiting units that limit the syringes (26) respectively.

5. The rotary feeding system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The driving device includes a mounting bracket (28) mounted on a base (1). A first gear (8) and a second gear (9) are rotatably connected to the mounting bracket (28). The first gear (8) and the second gear (9) mesh with each other. The mounting bracket (28) is provided with a driving part (27) for driving the first gear (8) to rotate. A first rotating shaft (10) is provided on the first feeding plate (2). A third gear (11) is provided at one end of the first rotating shaft (10) facing the mounting bracket (28). A second rotating shaft is provided on the second feeding plate (7). A fourth gear (12) is provided at one end of the second rotating shaft facing the mounting bracket (28). The third gear (11) meshes with the first gear (8), and the fourth gear (12) meshes with the second gear (9).

6. The rotary feeding system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first feeding tray (2) has a sliding groove (13) on the surface away from the base (1). The first feeding tray (2) has a pressure ring (14). A pressure plate (15) matching the sliding groove (13) is slidably connected in the sliding groove (13). The pressure plate (15) is located between the pressure ring (14) and the bottom of the sliding groove (13). The pressure plate (15) has a placement hole. An elastic element (16) is provided in the placement hole. The syringe (26) is pressed between the limiting plate (6) and the pressure plate (15). The pressure ring (14) has several control components for limiting the position of the pressure plate (15).

7. The rotary feeding system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The control component includes a first sliding hole opened at the bottom of the sliding groove (13), a second sliding hole (19) corresponding to the first sliding hole opened on the pressure ring (14), a cam bearing follower (17) that passes through the second sliding hole (19), the pressure plate (15) and the first sliding hole in sequence on the pressure ring (14), and a track ring (18) on the support frame (5), and the cam bearing follower (17) contacts the inner wall of the track ring (18).

8. The rotary feeding system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The base (1) is provided with a feeding rack (20), and the feeding rack (20) is provided with a first feeding plate (21) and a second feeding plate (22). The first feeding plate (21) and the second feeding plate (22) are arranged opposite to each other, and a feeding channel is formed between the first feeding plate (21) and the second feeding plate (22). The discharge end of the feeding channel corresponds to one of the limiting grooves (4) of the first chuck (3).

9. The rotary feeding system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first feeding plate (21) and the second feeding plate (22) are inclined toward the first feeding tray (2).

10. The rotary feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (1) is provided with a feeding rack (23), and the feeding rack (23) is provided with a first feeding plate (24) and a second feeding plate (25). The first feeding plate (24) and the second feeding plate (25) are arranged opposite to each other, and a feeding channel is formed between the first feeding plate (24) and the second feeding plate (25). One end of the feeding channel facing the second feeding plate (7) is located between the second feeding plate (7) and the base (1).

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