Automatic filling nozzle for vials

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of automatic filling spray heads of medicine bottle, comprising: pass through pipe, its upper end is used to connect material supply equipment, lower end is equipped with throttle valve;Filter, it is detachably connected in the outlet end of the throttle valve, its inside is equipped with the screen plate for filtering impurity;First flowmeter, it is detachably connected in the outlet end of the filter;Controller, with the throttle valve and the first flowmeter electrically connected;Wherein, the controller is configured as: in response to the cumulative flow detected by the first flowmeter reaches first preset threshold, control the throttle valve closes, and reset operation is executed to the cumulative flow value of the first flowmeter.This spray head can avoid the influence of impurities in material on filling accurate measurement and control to some extent, improve filling measurement accuracy to some extent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of industrial automation technology, and in particular to an automated filling nozzle for medicine bottles. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of industrial automation technology, especially in the liquid filling process of the pharmaceutical industry, automated equipment is often used to complete the quantitative filling of medicine bottles. These devices typically involve material supply, flow control, and filling execution, with one of their core objectives being to achieve accuracy and consistency in filling volume. Filling accuracy directly affects the dosage per dose of medicine and production costs; therefore, precise measurement and control of the filling process are required.

[0003] In some existing filling systems, it is common practice to achieve quantitative control by installing flow meters and valves in the flow path. However, during long-term operation, such systems may experience adverse effects on the normal operation of the flow meters or the sealing performance of the valves due to the gradual accumulation of minute impurities carried by the material in the flow path.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design a filling nozzle that can avoid the impact of impurities in the material on the accurate metering and control of filling. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above situation and to overcome the defects of the prior art, this utility model provides an automated filling nozzle for medicine bottles. This nozzle can, to a certain extent, avoid the impact of impurities in the material on the accurate metering and control of filling, and improve the metering accuracy of filling to a certain degree.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0007] This utility model provides an automated medicine bottle filling nozzle, comprising:

[0008] The pipe has an upper end for connecting to the material supply equipment and a throttle valve at the lower end.

[0009] A filter is detachably connected to the outlet end of the throttle valve and has a sieve plate inside for filtering impurities.

[0010] The first flow meter is detachably connected to the outlet end of the filter;

[0011] The controller is electrically connected to the throttle valve and the first flow meter;

[0012] The controller is configured as follows:

[0013] In response to the cumulative flow detected by the first flow meter reaching a first preset threshold, the throttle valve is controlled to close, and a reset operation is performed on the cumulative flow value of the first flow meter.

[0014] Furthermore, the filter includes:

[0015] The pressure reducing section is connected to the upstream side of the sieve plate, and its inner cavity gradually expands along the material flow direction;

[0016] The confluence section is connected to the downstream side of the sieve plate, and its inner cavity gradually narrows along the material flow direction.

[0017] in,

[0018] The internal cavity of the pressure-reducing section is used to reduce the material flow pressure.

[0019] Furthermore, the sieve plate further comprises:

[0020] A buffer section is provided on the side of the screen plate facing the material inflow and is positioned directly opposite the inlet of the filter.

[0021] Furthermore, the buffer section is conical in shape.

[0022] Furthermore, the buffer section is hemispherical.

[0023] Furthermore, it further includes:

[0024] The second flow meter is located upstream of the throttle valve and is electrically connected to the controller;

[0025] in,

[0026] The controller is configured to:

[0027] The cumulative flow difference detected by the second flow meter and the first flow meter is compared in real time. When the difference is greater than a second preset threshold, the throttle valve is controlled to close and the cumulative flow value of the first flow meter is reset.

[0028] When a reset operation is performed on the cumulative flow value of the first flow meter, a reset operation is also performed on the cumulative flow value of the second flow meter.

[0029] Furthermore, it further includes:

[0030] A buzzer, which is electrically connected to the controller;

[0031] in,

[0032] The controller is configured to:

[0033] The cumulative flow difference detected by the second flow meter and the first flow meter is compared in real time. When the difference is greater than a first preset threshold, the buzzer is activated.

[0034] This utility model has at least the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0035] This invention employs a flow path structure including a filter, which is detachably located downstream of the throttling valve. This filter effectively filters the material, reducing the amount of impurities entering the downstream flow path. It also incorporates a controller electrically connected to the throttling valve and a first flow meter. This controller controls the opening and closing of the throttling valve based on the cumulative flow feedback from the first flow meter and resets the flow meter after each filling cycle. Overall, this invention enables automatic quantitative control during the filling process, filters the material, helps reduce the impact of impurities on the metering elements, and facilitates continuous filling.

[0036] This utility model's filter employs a pressure-reducing section with a gradually expanding inner cavity, which helps reduce fluid flow velocity and mitigate pressure fluctuations; it also employs a converging section with a gradually narrowing inner cavity, which helps guide the fluid smoothly towards the outlet. Overall, this utility model, through improvements to the flow channel, guides the fluid before and after passing through the screen plate, helping to improve the stability of the fluid as it passes through the screen plate. The screen plate incorporates a buffer section located on its upstream face, directly opposite the filter inlet, which guides and disperses the impact of fluid from upstream. Overall, this utility model, through the buffer section, changes the fluid flow direction, helping to mitigate the direct impact of fluid on the screen plate, thus providing a certain degree of protection for the screen plate.

[0037] This invention also employs a second flow meter located upstream of the throttle valve. This flow meter is connected to the controller and can compare its flow rate with that of the first flow meter downstream. The controller is also configured to perform valve closure and reset operations when the flow rate difference between the two is abnormal. Overall, this invention can help identify possible leaks and other anomalies through cross-verification of upstream and downstream flow rates, and trigger corresponding control actions to improve system reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of an automated medicine bottle filling nozzle;

[0040] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Front view of the automated filling nozzle for Chinese medicine bottles;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the filter structure;

[0042] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Front view of the filter.

[0043] Figure label:

[0044] 1-Connecting pipe; 2-Throttle valve; 3-Filter; 31-Sieve plate; 32-Pressure reducing section; 33-Manifold section; 311-Buffer section; 4-First flow meter; 5-Second flow meter. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0046] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and intended to provide further illustration of this application. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0047] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0048] In this utility model, terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "back", "vertical", "horizontal", "side", and "bottom" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only used to facilitate the description of the structural relationship between the various parts or elements of this utility model and do not specifically refer to any part or element in this utility model. They should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0049] In this utility model, terms such as "fixed", "connected", and "linked" should be interpreted broadly, indicating that it can be a fixed connection, an integral connection, or a detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For relevant scientific researchers or technicians in this field, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be determined according to the specific circumstances, and should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0050] The embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below.

[0051] This utility model discloses an automated medicine bottle filling nozzle, which, through the coordinated operation of its components, demonstrates comprehensive technical effectiveness in terms of filling accuracy, system stability, and operational reliability.

[0052] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of an automated medicine bottle filling nozzle; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Front view of the automated filling nozzle for Chinese medicine bottles.

[0053] The through-tube 1 constitutes the main flow channel of the filling nozzle, and its function is to provide a transport channel for the liquid medicine from the material supply equipment to the filling target. In this embodiment, the through-tube 1 is made of stainless steel using a precision tube drawing process, and its inner wall is polished to reduce fluid resistance. In other embodiments, the material of the through-tube 1 can also be medical-grade polytetrafluoroethylene. The upper end of the through-tube 1 is connected to the material supply equipment via a quick-connect chuck, and the lower end is connected to the inlet end of the throttle valve 2 via a flange. The length and inner diameter of the through-tube 1 are determined according to the layout requirements of the filling station. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the through-tube 1 is 8mm; in other embodiments, the inner diameter of the through-tube 1 can be 6mm or 10mm.

[0054] Throttling valve 2 is located at the downstream end of the through pipe 1. Its function is to precisely control the opening and closing of the flow channel, thereby controlling the start and stop of the filling process. In this embodiment, throttle valve 2 adopts a two-position two-way solenoid valve structure, which drives the valve core to open and close by receiving pulse signals from the controller. The valve body of throttle valve 2 is made of stainless steel, and the sealing material is polytetrafluoroethylene. In other embodiments, depending on different control accuracy requirements, throttle valve 2 may also be an electric ball valve or a pneumatic diaphragm valve.

[0055] The filter 3 is detachably connected to the outlet end of the throttle valve 2 via a quick-connect coupling. Its function is to filter out solid impurities from the liquid medicine. The outer shell of the filter 3 is made of medical-grade polypropylene material through injection molding, with a wall thickness of 3mm. A sieve plate 31 is installed inside the filter 3. The seal between the filter 3 and the throttle valve 2 is achieved using a silicone O-ring. In this embodiment, the filter 3 and the throttle valve 2 are connected by a flange; in other embodiments, a threaded connection may also be used.

[0056] The sieve plate 31 is the core filter element of the filter 3, and its function is to intercept impurities through evenly distributed through holes. The thickness of the sieve plate 31 is 1 mm. The pore size of the sieve plate 31 is determined according to the filtration requirements. In this embodiment, the pore size of the sieve plate 31 is 100 μm, and the porosity is 60%; in other embodiments, the pore size of the sieve plate 31 can also be 50 μm or 150 μm, and the porosity can be adjusted within the range of 40%-80%.

[0057] The sieve plate 31 further includes a buffer section 311, which is disposed on the side of the sieve plate 31 facing the material inflow and directly opposite the center of the inlet of the filter 3. The function of the buffer section 311 is to guide and disperse the high-speed jet from the throttle valve 2, changing the impact direction of the fluid. The buffer section 311 and the sieve plate 31 are manufactured using an integral molding process. In this embodiment, the buffer section 311 is conical with a cone angle of 60° and a height of 30 mm; in another embodiment, the buffer section 311 is hemispherical with a radius of 20 mm; in other embodiments, the buffer section 311 may also be parabolic or ellipsoidal, wherein the focal length of the parabolic shape is 20 mm, and the major semi-axis of the ellipsoidal shape is 15 mm and the minor semi-axis is 10 mm.

[0058] The filter 3 is equipped with a special flow channel structure to optimize the fluid state. The pressure-reducing section 32 is connected to the upstream side of the screen plate 31, and its inner cavity gradually expands along the material flow direction, forming a gradually expanding channel. The function of the pressure-reducing section 32 is to reduce the fluid velocity and alleviate fluid pressure fluctuations by increasing the flow cross-sectional area. The diffusion angle design of the pressure-reducing section 32 affects the degree of fluid separation. In this embodiment, the cone angle of the pressure-reducing section 32 is 30° and its length is 50mm; in other embodiments, the cone angle can be selected within the range of 20° to 40°, and the length can be adjusted between 30 and 80mm. The converging section 33 is connected to the downstream side of the screen plate 31, and its inner cavity gradually contracts along the material flow direction, forming a gradually contracting channel. The function of the converging section 33 is to guide the fluid passing through the screen plate 31 smoothly towards the outlet direction. In this embodiment, the contraction angle of the converging section 33 is 30° and its length is 40mm; in other embodiments, the contraction angle can be selected within the range of 25° to 35°.

[0059] The first flow meter 4 is detachably connected to the outlet end of the filter 3 via another set of quick-connect fittings. Its function is to accurately measure the cumulative flow of the liquid medicine passing through the filling nozzle. In this embodiment, the first flow meter 4 is an elliptical gear volumetric flow meter, which measures the flow rate by detecting the rotor speed inside the chamber. The speed signal is transmitted to the counter via magnetic coupling. In other embodiments, the first flow meter 4 can also be an electromagnetic or turbine flow meter. The electrode material of the electromagnetic flow meter can be a platinum-iridium alloy or a Hastelloy alloy, and the lining material can be polytetrafluoroethylene or rubber.

[0060] The controller employs a programmable logic controller (PLC), whose CPU module is electrically connected to the throttle valve 2 and the first flow meter 4 via a shielded cable. The controller's function is to process the flow signal from the first flow meter 4 and control the operation of the throttle valve 2. The controller internally stores a first preset threshold, corresponding to the target capacity for a single filling operation, which can be set via a human-machine interface. When the controller receives feedback from the first flow meter 4 that the cumulative flow has reached the first preset threshold, it sends a DC pulse signal to the throttle valve 2. After confirming that the throttle valve 2 is closed, it resets the cumulative flow value of the first flow meter 4, preparing for the next filling operation.

[0061] To further improve system reliability, this embodiment of the invention also provides a configuration scheme for a second flow meter 5. The second flow meter 5 is installed upstream of the throttle valve 2 and electrically connected to the controller. The function of the second flow meter 5 is to compare and monitor the flow rate with that of the first flow meter 4. The selection of the second flow meter 5 is consistent with that of the first flow meter 4, and its installation position is 100mm from the inlet of the throttle valve 2. The controller is configured to calculate the cumulative flow difference detected by the second flow meter 5 and the first flow meter 4 in real time, with a sampling interval of 100ms. When this difference exceeds a second preset threshold, it indicates that the system may have a leak or other abnormal situation. The controller will immediately close the throttle valve 2 and simultaneously reset the cumulative flow values ​​of the first flow meter 4 and the second flow meter 5. In this embodiment, the second preset threshold is determined based on the system's allowable leakage, generally 1%-2% of the single filling volume; in other embodiments, this threshold can also be adjusted according to different safety requirements.

[0062] To further enhance the system's warning function, this embodiment of the invention also includes a buzzer. The buzzer is connected to the controller via a relay module. When the controller detects that the cumulative flow difference between the second flow meter 5 and the first flow meter 4 exceeds a second preset threshold, it will activate the buzzer to emit an intermittent audible alarm.

[0063] Overall, this utility model combines a through-pipe 1, a throttling valve 2, a filter 3, a first flow meter 4, and a controller. Through the synergistic effect of filtration and purification, precise metering, and automatic control, it can achieve a certain degree of filtration of impurities in the liquid medicine and precise control of the filling volume, thus having a positive effect on improving filling accuracy and ensuring stable equipment operation. Furthermore, through the optimized flow field design of the pressure reducing unit 32, the manifold unit 33, and the buffer unit 311, combined with the safety monitoring mechanism of the second flow meter 5 and the buzzer, a multi-layered technical solution is formed, providing corresponding technical solutions for improving system reliability and control accuracy.

[0064] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. 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. An automated medicine bottle filling nozzle, characterized in that, include: The upper end of the pipe (1) is used to connect to the material supply equipment, and the lower end is equipped with a throttle valve (2). The filter (3) is detachably connected to the outlet end of the throttle valve (2), and has a sieve plate (31) inside for filtering impurities. The first flow meter (4) is detachably connected to the outlet end of the filter (3); The controller is electrically connected to the throttle valve (2) and the first flow meter (4); The controller is configured as follows: In response to the cumulative flow detected by the first flow meter (4) reaching a first preset threshold, the throttle valve (2) is controlled to close, and a reset operation is performed on the cumulative flow value of the first flow meter (4).

2. The automated medicine bottle filling nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter (3) includes: Pressure reducing section (32) is connected to the upstream side of the sieve plate (31), and its inner cavity gradually expands along the material flow direction; The confluence section (33) is connected to the downstream side of the sieve plate (31), and its inner cavity gradually narrows along the material flow direction; in, The internal cavity of the pressure reducing section (32) is used to reduce the material flow pressure.

3. The automated medicine bottle filling nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sieve plate (31) further includes: A buffer section (311) is provided on the side of the sieve plate (31) facing the material flow and is positioned directly opposite the inlet of the filter (3).

4. The automated medicine bottle filling nozzle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The buffer section (311) is conical.

5. The automated medicine bottle filling nozzle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The buffer section (311) is hemispherical.

6. The automated medicine bottle filling nozzle according to claim 2, characterized in that, Further includes: The second flow meter (5) is located upstream of the throttle valve (2) and is electrically connected to the controller; in, The controller is configured to: The cumulative flow difference detected by the second flow meter (5) and the first flow meter (4) is compared in real time. When the difference is greater than the second preset threshold, the throttle valve (2) is controlled to close and the cumulative flow value of the first flow meter (4) is reset. When the cumulative flow value of the first flow meter (4) is reset, the cumulative flow value of the second flow meter (5) is also reset.

7. The automated medicine bottle filling nozzle according to claim 6, characterized in that, Further includes: A buzzer, which is electrically connected to the controller; in, The controller is configured to: The cumulative flow difference detected by the second flow meter (5) and the first flow meter (4) is compared in real time. When the difference is greater than the second preset threshold, the buzzer is activated.

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