A device for introducing a vial into a hopper of a cartoning machine

Abstract

This utility model discloses a vial feeding device for a cartoning machine hopper, relating to the field of cartoning machine technology. It includes a conveyor belt, a cartoning machine hopper, an alignment assembly, an alignment pusher plate, and a guide shaft. The cartoning machine hopper is located at the front end above the conveyor belt; the alignment assembly is located at the rear end above the conveyor belt and includes multiple parallel alignment channels; the alignment pusher plate is located at the output end of the cartoning machine hopper and can reciprocate linearly along a second horizontal direction; the guide shaft is rotatably mounted on the inlet end of each alignment channel, with its axis set vertically. When the vial is pushed to the inlet end of the alignment channel by the alignment pusher plate, the guide shaft rolls into contact with the side of the vial, causing the vial to rotate into the alignment channel. This effectively reduces friction, scratching, and squeezing phenomena when the vial contacts the fixed sidewall in existing automated cartoning machines, thereby effectively avoiding damage to the drug label and improving product appearance quality and information accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cartoning machine technology, and in particular to a vial feeding device for a cartoning machine hopper. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional pharmaceutical production, vial filling typically relies on manual labor, which is not only inefficient but also prone to errors, breakage, or improper placement. For example, a worker's hand might tremble during filling, causing the vial to collide and break; or the vial might be misplaced, preventing the box from closing. This method was manageable when production was small-scale, but with the rapid development of the pharmaceutical industry and increasingly higher demands for production efficiency and product quality, manual operation can no longer meet the requirements.

[0003] Therefore, the introduction of automation technology has become an inevitable trend. The emergence of automated cartoning machines is precisely to solve this problem. They can quickly and accurately complete the dispensing and cartoning of vials, greatly improving production efficiency, reducing human error, and lowering production costs. Compared with manual operation, automated cartoning machines are not only faster and more precise, but also can operate stably for extended periods without being affected by fatigue, thus improving product consistency and reliability.

[0004] In existing automated cartoning machines used in pharmaceutical processes, vials labeled with drug labels are typically fed into the storage area of ​​the cartoning machine's hopper via a conveyor belt. These vials are usually manufactured using molds. The cartoning machine's swing arm oscillates left and right, pushing the vials in the storage area to the front of the alignment unit in an orderly fashion. However, existing alignment units typically employ fixed sidewalls (see Appendix). Figure 1 As shown in the image, due to potential issues such as uneven surface smoothness or slight deformation in the molded vials, they are prone to friction, scratching, or squeezing when pushed into the alignment device by the oscillating arm of the cartoning machine. These problems not only affect the cartoning efficiency but may also damage the drug labels on the vials, thereby affecting the product's appearance quality and information accuracy.

[0005] Therefore, how to effectively prevent damage to drug labels has become an urgent problem to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a vial feeding device for the hopper of a cartoning machine, which aims to effectively avoid damage to drug labels.

[0007] The technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0008] A vial feeding device for a cartoning machine hopper includes:

[0009] A conveyor belt, set and running along the first horizontal direction, is used to transport vials;

[0010] The cartoning machine hopper is located at the front end above the conveyor belt and is used to temporarily store vials to be aligned.

[0011] The alignment assembly, located at the rear end above the conveyor belt, includes multiple parallel alignment channels, each alignment channel having an inlet end;

[0012] The aligning pusher plate is set at the output end of the cartoning machine hopper and can reciprocate linearly along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction to push vials from the cartoning machine hopper to the inlet end of the corresponding aligning channel.

[0013] A guide shaft is rotatably mounted on the entrance end of each of the alignment channels, with its axis set in the vertical direction. When the vial is pushed to the entrance end of the alignment channel by the alignment pusher plate, the guide shaft makes rolling contact with the side of the vial, causing the vial to rotate into the alignment channel.

[0014] Furthermore, the array assembly includes two side plates arranged opposite each other and a plurality of partitions disposed between the two side plates, the plurality of partitions being arranged in parallel and spaced apart.

[0015] Furthermore, each of the side plates and each of the partitions has a mounting groove at its end facing the row of push plates, and the guide shaft is rotatably mounted in the corresponding mounting groove.

[0016] Furthermore, the mounting groove is a U-shaped groove with its opening facing the direction of the row of push plates.

[0017] Furthermore, the vial feeding device of the cartoning machine hopper also includes a pair of first baffles, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the upper surface of the front end of the conveyor belt;

[0018] The upper surface of the front end of the conveyor belt and the two first baffles together form the hopper of the cartoning machine.

[0019] Furthermore, the vial feeding device of the cartoning machine hopper also includes a pair of second baffles, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the upper surface of the rear end of the conveyor belt;

[0020] The array assembly is installed between the two second baffles.

[0021] Furthermore, the vial feeding device in the cartoning machine hopper also includes a robotic arm, located behind the assemblies, for gripping the arranged vials.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the vial feeding device for the cartoning machine hopper provided in this embodiment of the utility model has at least the following technical effects:

[0023] The vial feeding device of the cartoning machine hopper includes a conveyor belt, a cartoning machine hopper, an alignment assembly, an alignment pusher plate, and a guide shaft. The conveyor belt is arranged and runs along a first horizontal direction to transport vials. The cartoning machine hopper is located at the front end above the conveyor belt and is used to temporarily store vials to be aligned. The alignment assembly is located at the rear end above the conveyor belt and includes multiple parallel alignment channels, each with an inlet end. The alignment pusher plate is located at the output end of the cartoning machine hopper and can reciprocate linearly along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction to push vials from the cartoning machine hopper to the inlet end of the corresponding alignment channel. The guide shaft is rotatably mounted on the inlet end of each alignment channel, with its axis arranged vertically. When a vial is pushed to the inlet end of the alignment channel by the alignment pusher plate, the guide shaft rolls into contact with the side of the vial, causing the vial to rotate into the alignment channel. The vial feeding device in the cartoning machine's hopper effectively reduces friction, scratching, and squeezing when vials contact the fixed sidewalls in existing automated cartoning machines, thus effectively preventing damage to drug labels and improving product appearance quality and information accuracy. Furthermore, the aligning pusher, through reciprocating linear motion, pushes the vials to the corresponding aligning channel entrance. Combined with the rotation of the guide shaft, this allows the vials to enter the aligning channel more smoothly and steadily, reducing jamming and improving cartoning efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an alignment device in the prior art;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the vial feeding device of a cartoning machine hopper according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the array component in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle.

[0029] Reference numerals: 10, conveyor belt; 20, vial; 30, cartoning machine hopper; 40, alignment assembly; 41, alignment channel; 42, inlet end; 43, side plate; 44, partition; 45, mounting groove; 50, alignment push plate; 60, guide shaft; 70, first baffle; 80, second baffle. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this utility model, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0031] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly set on the other component; when a component is referred to as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to the other component.

[0032] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0033] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" or "several" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings of this specification are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which this utility model can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and purposes that this utility model can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this utility model.

[0035] Please refer to the attached document. Figure 2 To be continued Figure 4 As shown, one embodiment of this utility model provides a vial feeding device for a cartoning machine hopper, including a conveyor belt 10, a cartoning machine hopper 30, an alignment assembly 40, an alignment pusher plate 50, and a guide shaft 60; wherein, the conveyor belt 10 is along a first horizontal direction (see attached diagram). Figure 2 The unidirectional arrow (in the direction indicated by the arrow) is set and operated to transport vials 20; the cartoning machine hopper 30 is located at the front end above the conveyor belt 10 to temporarily store vials 20 to be aligned; the alignment assembly 40 is located at the rear end above the conveyor belt 10, including multiple parallel alignment channels 41, each alignment channel 41 having an inlet end 42; the alignment pusher 50 is located at the output end of the cartoning machine hopper 30, and can move along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction (see attached diagram). Figure 2 The guide shaft 60 (in the direction indicated by the double-headed arrow) makes a reciprocating linear motion to push the vials 20 from the cartoning machine hopper 30 to the inlet end 42 of the corresponding alignment channel 41; the guide shaft 60 is rotatably mounted on the end of the inlet end 42 of each alignment channel 41, and its axis is set in the vertical direction. When the vial 20 is pushed to the inlet end 42 of the alignment channel 41 by the alignment push plate 50, the guide shaft 60 makes rolling contact with the side of the vial 20, so that the vial 20 rotates into the alignment channel 41.

[0036] In this embodiment, the vial feeding device of the cartoning machine hopper includes a conveyor belt 10, a cartoning machine hopper 30, an alignment assembly 40, an alignment pusher 50, and a guide shaft 60; wherein, the conveyor belt 10 is arranged and runs along a first horizontal direction for conveying vials 20; the cartoning machine hopper 30 is located at the front end above the conveyor belt 10 for temporarily storing vials 20 to be aligned; the alignment assembly 40 is located at the rear end above the conveyor belt 10 and includes multiple parallel alignment channels 41, each alignment channel 41 having an inlet end 42; the alignment pusher 50... The guide shaft 60, located at the output end of the cartoning machine's hopper 30, is capable of reciprocating linear motion along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. It pushes vials 20 from the hopper 30 to the inlet end 42 of the corresponding alignment channel 41. A guide shaft 60 is rotatably mounted on the inlet end 42 of each alignment channel 41, with its axis vertically aligned. When the vial 20 is pushed to the inlet end 42 of the alignment channel 41 by the alignment pusher plate 50, the guide shaft 60 rolls against the side of the vial 20, causing the vial 20 to rotate into the alignment channel 41. This vial feeding device in the cartoning machine's hopper effectively reduces friction, scratching, and squeezing when the vial 20 contacts the fixed sidewall in existing automated cartoning machines, thereby effectively preventing damage to the drug label and improving the product's appearance quality and information accuracy. In addition, the pusher plate 50 pushes the vials 20 to the entrance end 42 of the corresponding alignment channel 41 through reciprocating linear motion. Combined with the rotation of the guide shaft 60, the vials 20 can enter the alignment channel 41 more smoothly and steadily, reducing jamming and improving the packing efficiency of the vials 20.

[0037] In some alternative embodiments, the aligning assembly 40 includes two side plates 43 disposed opposite to each other and a plurality of partitions 44 disposed between the two side plates 43. The plurality of partitions 44 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart, and each side plate 43 forms an aligning channel 41 between itself and its adjacent partition 44, as well as between any two adjacent partitions 44.

[0038] In some alternative embodiments, each side plate 43 and each partition plate 44 has a mounting groove 45 at the end facing the row of push plates 50, and the guide shaft 60 is rotatably mounted in the corresponding mounting groove 45.

[0039] In some alternative embodiments, the mounting slot 45 is a U-shaped slot with its opening facing the direction of the row of push plates 50.

[0040] In some optional embodiments, the vial feeding device of the cartoning machine hopper further includes a pair of first baffles 70, respectively disposed on opposite sides of the upper surface of the front end of the conveyor belt 10; the upper surface of the front end of the conveyor belt 10 and the two first baffles 70 together form the cartoning machine hopper 30. Vials 20 with drug labels are temporarily stored haphazardly in the cartoning machine hopper 30. Driven by the conveyor belt 10, the vials 20 are conveyed to the position of the alignment pusher 50. The alignment pusher 50 reciprocates linearly along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, neatly pushing these haphazard vials 20 to the entrance end 42 of the corresponding alignment channel 41.

[0041] In some optional embodiments, the vial feeding device of the cartoning machine hopper further includes a pair of second baffles 80, respectively disposed on opposite sides of the upper surface of the rear end of the conveyor belt 10; the alignment assembly 40 is installed between the two second baffles 80. Specifically, the alignment assembly 40 is installed between the two second baffles 80 by fixing two side plates 43 to the inner sides of the two second baffles 80 respectively.

[0042] In some optional embodiments, the vial feeding device of the cartoning machine hopper also includes a robotic arm positioned behind the aligning assembly 40 for gripping the arranged vials 20. Further, after gripping the arranged vials 20, the robotic arm moves them onto a tank conveyor belt and pushes the vials 20 into the packaging box using pushers located on the side of the tank conveyor belt.

[0043] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A vial feeding device for a cartoning machine hopper, characterized in that, include: A conveyor belt, set and running along the first horizontal direction, is used to transport vials; The cartoning machine hopper is located at the front end above the conveyor belt and is used to temporarily store vials to be aligned. The alignment assembly, located at the rear end above the conveyor belt, includes multiple parallel alignment channels, each alignment channel having an inlet end; The aligning pusher plate is set at the output end of the cartoning machine hopper and can reciprocate linearly along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction to push vials from the cartoning machine hopper to the inlet end of the corresponding aligning channel. A guide shaft is rotatably mounted on the entrance end of each of the alignment channels, with its axis set in the vertical direction. When the vial is pushed to the entrance end of the alignment channel by the alignment pusher plate, the guide shaft makes rolling contact with the side of the vial, causing the vial to rotate into the alignment channel.

2. The vial feeding device for the cartoning machine hopper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The array assembly includes two side plates arranged opposite each other and a plurality of partitions disposed between the two side plates, the plurality of partitions being arranged in parallel and spaced apart.

3. The vial feeding device for the cartoning machine hopper according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the side plates and each of the partitions has a mounting groove at its end facing the row of push plates, and the guide shaft is rotatably mounted in the corresponding mounting groove.

4. The vial feeding device for the cartoning machine hopper according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting groove is a U-shaped groove, with its opening facing the direction of the row of push plates.

5. The vial feeding device for the cartoning machine hopper according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a pair of first baffles, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the upper surface of the front end of the conveyor belt; The upper surface of the front end of the conveyor belt and the two first baffles together form the hopper of the cartoning machine.

6. The vial feeding device for the cartoning machine hopper according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a pair of second baffles, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the upper surface of the rear end of the conveyor belt; The array assembly is installed between the two second baffles.

7. The vial feeding device for the cartoning machine hopper according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a robotic arm, positioned behind the array of components, for grasping the arranged vials.

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