Dosing transfer device with buffer and pharmaceutical production line

Abstract

This application relates to a buffered spacing transfer device and a pharmaceutical production line. The buffered spacing transfer device includes: a spacing platform for carrying a first quantity of packaging materials and capable of adjusting the spacing between two adjacent packaging materials to a preset distance; a buffer platform for buffering a second quantity of remaining packaging materials separated from upstream materials; and a transfer mechanism configured to: group packaging materials from upstream materials according to the first and second quantities and place them on the spacing platform and the buffer platform; and when the cumulative quantity of packaging materials buffered on the buffer platform reaches or exceeds the first quantity, transfer the first quantity of packaging materials on the buffer platform to the spacing platform. The buffered spacing transfer device and pharmaceutical production line designed in this application automatically complete grouping, remaining quantity buffering, batch integration, and precise spacing of upstream materials of different specifications through the coordinated work of the transfer mechanism, the buffer platform, and the spacing platform.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automated production line technology, and in particular to a buffered spacing transfer device and a pharmaceutical production line. Background Technology

[0002] In modern automated production processes, especially on production lines for high-value-added products such as pharmaceuticals and biological agents, materials are typically transported and processed in standardized array-type packaging containers, such as nest boxes. The materials within these nest boxes are arranged in fixed arrays, for example, a row containing 10, 8, or 6 packages.

[0003] However, in order to achieve the highest processing efficiency and accuracy, the processing capacity of each process unit on the production line, such as filling, weighing, capping, testing, or assembly stations, is often designed to be a fixed quantity. This often leads to a mismatch between the quantity of materials received from upstream and the quantity processed by downstream processes per batch.

[0004] Currently, the common approach to addressing these issues is to design and build a dedicated production line that perfectly matches each type of nest box. This solution involves huge equipment investments and extremely poor production flexibility. When changing to different product specifications, the entire line must be replaced or a lengthy shutdown for modification is required, making it unsuitable for the current trend of flexible production with small batches and multiple varieties. Another solution involves setting up manual workstations between upstream and downstream processes, where operators manually recombine different quantities of incoming materials to meet downstream requirements. However, in sterile production environments such as pharmaceuticals, introducing manual operation is not only inefficient but, more importantly, introduces significant risks of contamination and operational errors. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a buffered spacing transfer device and a pharmaceutical production line that achieves quantity and spacing matching between upstream multi-specification incoming materials and downstream fixed processes.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a buffered interval transfer device, comprising:

[0007] The spacing platform is used to carry a first number of packaging materials and can adjust the spacing between two adjacent packaging materials to a preset distance;

[0008] The caching platform is used to cache the remaining packaging materials that are separated from the upstream incoming materials and whose quantity is the second largest quantity.

[0009] The transfer mechanism is configured as follows:

[0010] Packaging materials from upstream are grouped and placed on the separating platform and the buffer platform according to the first quantity and the second quantity; and

[0011] When the cumulative number of packaging materials cached on the caching platform reaches or exceeds the first number, the packaging materials on the caching platform that are equal to the first number are transferred to the splitting platform.

[0012] Preferably, the transfer mechanism includes multiple independently controllable clamping or adsorption parts to achieve group gripping and release of the packaging material from the upstream.

[0013] Preferably, the second quantity is the difference between the quantity of a single incoming material from the upstream and the first quantity.

[0014] Preferably, it further includes a rack and a first drive assembly and a second drive assembly disposed on the rack, wherein the first drive assembly is used to drive the cache platform to reciprocate along a first direction, and the second drive assembly is used to drive the pitch platform to reciprocate along the first direction.

[0015] Preferably, the first drive assembly includes a first servo motor, a first synchronous belt drive mechanism, and a first slide block, as well as a first slide rail arranged along a first direction; the first servo motor is connected to the first slide block via the first synchronous belt drive mechanism to drive the first slide block to slide on the first slide rail; wherein, the buffer platform is detachably mounted on the first slide block.

[0016] Preferably, the second drive assembly includes a second servo motor, a second synchronous belt drive mechanism, a second slide block, and a second slide rail arranged along a second direction; the second servo motor is connected to the second slide block via the second synchronous belt drive mechanism to drive the second slide block to slide on the second slide rail; wherein, the spacing platform is disposed on the second slide block.

[0017] Preferably, the spacing platform includes a third drive assembly, a third slide rail, a fourth slide rail, a spacing plate, and a packaging material holder. The third slide rail is arranged on the second slide block along a first direction, and the third slide block is slidably disposed on the third slide rail. The packaging material holder is detachably mounted on the third slide block. The fourth slide rail is arranged on the second slide block along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The spacing plate is slidably mounted on the fourth slide rail, and the spacing plate has a spacing groove extending along a third direction intersecting the first direction. The width of the spacing groove decreases unidirectionally along the third direction. The third slide block is provided with a guide member that at least partially extends into the spacing groove. The third drive assembly is used to drive the spacing plate to slide on the third slide rail. Multiple packaging material holders are arranged side-by-side, and each packaging material holder is used to carry one packaging material. Multiple third slide blocks, spacing grooves, and guide members are respectively provided for each packaging material holder.

[0018] Preferably, the third drive assembly includes a third servo motor and a swing arm that is drivenly connected to the third servo motor. The bottom plate of the split plate is provided with a guide groove arranged along the first direction. The end of the swing arm away from the third servo motor is pivotally connected to a guide pulley that slides in the guide groove.

[0019] Preferably, the packaging material is a pharmaceutical container.

[0020] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a pharmaceutical production line, including the buffered interval transfer device described in any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0021] The buffered spacing transfer device and pharmaceutical production line designed in this application automatically group, buffer, integrate batches, and precisely separate upstream materials of different specifications through the coordinated work of the transfer mechanism, buffer platform, and spacing platform. This allows for compatibility with various incoming material quantities and specifications, improves the versatility and production flexibility of the device, ensures continuous material supply to downstream processes, avoids production stoppages, and enhances the overall line efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the buffered interval transfer device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of point A in the middle.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The front view.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the buffered distance transfer device provided in the embodiments of this application from another perspective.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a buffered interval transfer device provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The front view.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a packaging material holder provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0029] The components include: a spacing platform 10, a third drive assembly 11, a third servo motor 111, a swing arm 112, a guide pulley 113, a third slide rail 12, a fourth slide rail 13, a spacing plate 14, a spacing groove 141, a guide groove 142, a packaging material seat 15, a third slide block 16, a guide slide component 161, a buffer platform 20, a frame 30, a cover 40, a clearance opening 41, a first drive assembly 50, a first servo motor 51, a first synchronous belt transmission mechanism 52, a first slide block 53, a first slide rail 54, a second drive assembly 60, a second servo motor 61, a second synchronous belt transmission mechanism 62, a second slide block 63, a second slide rail 64, and a U-shaped connecting frame 70. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0031] Firstly, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the figure, this application provides a buffered split-transfer device, mainly including a split platform 10, a buffer platform 20, and a transfer mechanism (not shown). In this embodiment, the transfer mechanism can be a multi-axis robotic arm or other automated mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom of motion. Its end effector is provided with multiple independently controllable gripping or adsorption parts, such as grippers or vacuum suction cups, to realize the grouping and release of the packaging materials from upstream, thereby accurately placing the packaging materials on the split platform 10 or the buffer platform 20.

[0032] Specifically, the main function of the spacing platform 10 is to carry a first quantity of packaging materials and to adjust the spacing between two adjacent packaging materials to a preset distance to meet the alignment requirements of downstream processes. The main function of the buffer platform 20 is to buffer the remaining packaging materials, a second quantity, separated from the upstream incoming materials. In this embodiment, the packaging materials are, for example, pharmaceutical containers such as cryovials, vials, and cartridges.

[0033] The transfer mechanism works in conjunction with the spacing platform 10 and the caching platform 20. Its working logic is configured as follows:

[0034] First, the packaging materials from upstream are grouped and placed on the separation platform 10 and the buffer platform 20 according to a pre-set first quantity and a second quantity. Then, when the cumulative number of packaging materials buffered on the buffer platform 20 reaches or exceeds the first quantity, the working mode of the transfer mechanism will switch, and the packaging materials on the buffer platform 20 with the first quantity will be transferred to the separation platform 10 for separation processing.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the second quantity is the difference between the quantity of a single incoming material from the upstream source and the first quantity, which enables the device to accurately process each batch of incoming material without waste.

[0036] In this way, by utilizing the coordinated work of the aforementioned spacing platform 10, buffer platform 20, and transfer mechanism, automatic compatibility and processing of various specifications and quantities of incoming materials are achieved, improving the flexibility of the production line. At the same time, by buffering and integrating the remaining packaging materials, continuous material supply to downstream processes is ensured, production stoppages are avoided, and overall operating efficiency is improved.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the system also includes a frame 30 as a supporting foundation, on which a first drive assembly 50 and a second drive assembly 60 are mounted. Specifically, the first drive assembly 50 drives the buffer platform 20 to reciprocate along a first direction, and the second drive assembly 60 drives the spacing platform 10 to reciprocate along the first direction. Through independent control of these two drive assemblies, the buffer platform 20 or the spacing platform 10 can be flexibly moved to a predetermined pick-up / place-up position of the transfer mechanism, thereby simplifying the movement trajectory of the transfer mechanism. In this embodiment, the first direction is... Figure 1 The length direction of the middle frame 30.

[0038] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, the first drive assembly 50 includes a first servo motor 51, a first synchronous belt drive mechanism 52, a first slide block 53, and a first slide rail 54 arranged along a first direction. The first servo motor 51 is connected to the first slide block 53 via the first synchronous belt drive mechanism 52 to drive the first slide block 53 to slide on the first slide rail 54. Thus, with the first servo motor 51 as the power source, when its output shaft rotates, the synchronous belt drives the first slide block 53 to slide smoothly and precisely along the first slide rail 54. The buffer platform 20 is detachably mounted on the first slide block 53, for example, by bolts or quick-locating pins. This detachable design allows operators to quickly replace the buffer platform 20 with a matching one when handling different sizes or types of packaging materials, thereby enhancing the versatility of the device.

[0039] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the second drive assembly 60 includes a second servo motor 61, a second synchronous belt drive mechanism 62, a second slide block 63, and a second slide rail 64 arranged along a second direction. The second servo motor 61 is connected to the second slide block 63 via the second synchronous belt drive mechanism 62 to drive the second slide block 63 to slide on the second slide rail 64. The splitting platform 10 is mounted on the second slide block 63. Thus, by driving the second drive assembly 60, the entire splitting platform 10 can be accurately positioned at the handover point of the downstream process or moved to a position convenient for the transfer mechanism to operate.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4As shown, the spacing platform 10 includes a third drive assembly 11, a third slide rail 12, a fourth slide rail 13, a spacing plate 14, and a packaging material holder 15. Multiple packaging material holders 15 are arranged side-by-side, each holding one packaging material. Specifically, the third slide rail 12 is arranged on the second slide block 63 along a first direction, and a third slide block 16 is slidably mounted on the third slide rail 12. The packaging material holder 15 is detachably mounted on the third slide block 16. The fourth slide rail 13 is arranged on the second slide block 63 along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, i.e., the width direction of the frame 30. The spacing plate 14 is slidably mounted on the fourth slide rail 13, and the spacing plate 14 has a spacing groove 141 extending obliquely along a third direction intersecting the first direction. The width of the spacing groove 141 decreases unidirectionally along the third direction, for example, a wedge-shaped groove. The third slide block 16 is provided with a guide slide member 161 that extends at least partially into the spacing groove 141 and forms a sliding engagement with it. The third drive assembly 11 is used to drive the spacing plate 14 to slide on the third slide rail 12; wherein, the third slide block 16, the spacing groove 141 and the guide slide member 161 are provided in multiples corresponding to the packaging material seat 15.

[0041] With this structural design, when the third drive assembly 11 drives the spacing plate 14 to slide along the second direction on the fourth slide rail 13, when the spacing plate 14 moves, since the spacing groove 141 on it is inclined, the groove wall will apply a force to the guide slide member 161 in the groove, which has both the first direction component force and the second direction component force. The third slide block 16 is constrained by the third slide rail 12 and can only move along the first direction. Therefore, the linear movement of the spacing plate 14 along the second direction is converted into the synchronous movement of multiple third slide blocks 16 moving closer or further away along the first direction. That is, by precisely controlling the displacement of the spacing plate 14, the stepless and precise adjustment of the spacing between multiple packaging material seats 15 can be achieved.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the third drive assembly 11 includes a third servo motor 111 and a swing arm 112 driven by the third servo motor 111. The bottom plate of the spacing plate 14 is provided with a guide groove 142 arranged along the first direction. The end of the swing arm 112 away from the third servo motor 111 is pivotally connected to a guide pulley 113 that slides in the guide groove 142. Thus, when the third servo motor 111 drives the swing arm 112 to swing around its output shaft center, the guide pulley 113 at the free end of the swing arm will move in an arc. Since the guide pulley 113 is simultaneously constrained by the groove wall of the guide groove 142, the component of its arc motion in the first direction is restricted by the guide groove 142, while the component in the second direction will push the entire spacing plate 14 to reciprocate linearly along the fourth slide rail 13, thereby achieving precise control of the displacement of the spacing plate 14 and completing the precise adjustment of the packaging material spacing. This driving method has a simple structure, reliable transmission, and can utilize the high-precision positioning characteristics of servo motors to ensure the repeatability of the positioning accuracy of the interval action.

[0043] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, a cover 40 is also provided on the frame 30. The synchronous belt drive mechanism, slide rail, slide block, and other moving parts of the first drive assembly 50 and the second drive assembly 60 are all housed within the cover 40. The cover 40 has two clearance openings 41 on its side wall facing the second direction. A U-shaped connecting frame 70 is provided within each of these two clearance openings 41. The packaging material holder 15 is mounted on the third slide block 16 via the corresponding U-shaped connecting frame 70, while the buffer platform 20 is mounted on the first slide block 53 via the corresponding U-shaped connecting frame 70, thus isolating contamination inwards and providing protection outwards. In this embodiment, the packaging material holder 15 can be further configured as follows, depending on the type of packaging material being processed. Figure 7 The style shown.

[0044] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a pharmaceutical production line, including the buffered, segmented transfer device described in any embodiment of the first aspect. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the pharmaceutical production line described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing embodiments of the segmented transfer device, and will not be repeated here.

[0045] The buffered spacing transfer device and pharmaceutical production line designed in this application automatically group, buffer, integrate batches, and precisely separate upstream materials of different specifications through the coordinated work of the transfer mechanism, buffer platform, and spacing platform. This allows for compatibility with various incoming material quantities and specifications, improves the versatility and production flexibility of the device, ensures continuous material supply to downstream processes, avoids production stoppages, and enhances the overall line efficiency.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "vertical", "up", "down", "horizontal", etc., 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 application 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 application.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0048] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A buffered interval transfer device, characterized in that, include: The spacing platform is used to carry a first number of packaging materials and can adjust the spacing between two adjacent packaging materials to a preset distance; The caching platform is used to cache the remaining packaging materials that are separated from the upstream incoming materials and whose quantity is the second largest quantity. The transfer mechanism is configured as follows: Packaging materials from upstream are grouped and placed on the separation platform and the buffer platform according to the first quantity and the second quantity; as well as When the cumulative number of packaging materials cached on the caching platform reaches or exceeds the first number, the packaging materials on the caching platform that are equal to the first number are transferred to the splitting platform.

2. The buffered interval transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer mechanism includes multiple independently controllable clamping or adsorption parts to achieve group gripping and release of the packaging material from upstream.

3. The buffered interval transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second quantity is the difference between the quantity of a single incoming material from the upstream and the first quantity.

4. The buffered interval transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a rack and a first drive assembly and a second drive assembly disposed on the rack. The first drive assembly is used to drive the cache platform to reciprocate along a first direction, and the second drive assembly is used to drive the pitch platform to reciprocate along the first direction.

5. The buffered interval transfer device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first drive assembly includes a first servo motor, a first synchronous belt drive mechanism, and a first slide block, as well as a first slide rail arranged along a first direction; the first servo motor is connected to the first slide block via the first synchronous belt drive mechanism to drive the first slide block to slide on the first slide rail; wherein, the buffer platform is detachably mounted on the first slide block.

6. The buffered interval transfer device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second drive assembly includes a second servo motor, a second synchronous belt drive mechanism, a second slide block, and a second slide rail arranged along a second direction; the second servo motor is connected to the second slide block via the second synchronous belt drive mechanism to drive the second slide block to slide on the second slide rail; wherein, the spacing platform is disposed on the second slide block.

7. The buffered interval transfer device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The spacing platform includes a third drive assembly, a third slide rail, a fourth slide rail, a spacing plate, and a packaging material holder. The third slide rail is arranged on the second slide block along a first direction, and the third slide block is slidably disposed on the third slide rail. The packaging material holder is detachably mounted on the third slide block. The fourth slide rail is arranged on the second slide block along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The spacing plate is slidably mounted on the fourth slide rail, and the spacing plate has a spacing groove extending along a third direction intersecting the first direction. The width of the spacing groove decreases unidirectionally along the third direction. The third slide block is provided with a guide member that at least partially extends into the spacing groove. The third drive assembly is used to drive the spacing plate to slide on the third slide rail. Multiple packaging material holders are arranged side by side, and each packaging material holder is used to carry one packaging material. Multiple third slide blocks, spacing grooves, and guide members are respectively provided for each packaging material holder.

8. The buffered interval transfer device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The third drive assembly includes a third servo motor and a swing arm that is driven by the third servo motor. The bottom plate of the split plate is provided with a guide groove arranged along the first direction. The end of the swing arm away from the third servo motor is pivotally connected to a guide pulley that slides in the guide groove.

9. The buffered interval transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The packaging material is a pharmaceutical container.

10. A pharmaceutical production line, characterized in that, Includes the buffered interval transfer device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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