An automated contact lens hydration apparatus

Abstract

The utility model relates to contact lens automation production technical field, concretely is a kind of contact lens automation hydration equipment, the partition is arranged in equipment casing and the inside space of equipment casing is divided into hydration bin for carrying out hydration operation and equipment bin for placing equipment;Gas exhaust unit is installed with hydration bin intercommunication on the outside of equipment casing;Each hydration groove body unit is provided with groove cover mechanism for closing hydration groove body unit;The transfer unit is slidably installed on the partition;A kind of contact lens automation hydration equipment can reduce solvent evaporation and dispersion, avoid the erosion of volatile hydration solvent to equipment, improve equipment adaptability, expand application scenarios. Avoid the influence of volatile gas of hydration solvent on environment and artificial;The overall equipment arrangement is reasonable, compact structure, improve hydration efficiency at the same time, reduce the influence of hydration operation on equipment, working environment and operator, improve production safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automated production technology of contact lenses, specifically to an automated hydration device for contact lenses. Background Technology

[0002] Silicone hydrogel is an organic polymer material that is hydrophilic and has a dual-phase material framework, meaning it has both fluorosilicone and hydrogel channels. Silicone hydrogel lenses are a newly introduced contact lens manufacturing process in recent years. In the production of contact lenses, whether colorless or colored, the hydration process is crucial. It involves hydrating dry contact lenses to achieve the necessary water content and stabilize their shape. The hydration process also extracts low-molecular-weight substances or impurities from the lens. The hydration extraction process is critical to whether contact lenses will cause irritation or other reactions to the human eye. The extraction time, temperature, and amount of liquid used all affect the extraction results. In the current technology, there is no mature automated hydration extraction equipment in China for contact lenses made of silicone hydrogel materials with relatively complex hydration processes. Furthermore, due to the special nature of the hydration process, the hydration solvent is prone to volatilization and dispersion, which poses safety hazards to the work site and workers. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a hydration equipment with strong safety and a high degree of automation to meet the needs of the relevant processes of silicone hydrogel contact lenses. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automated contact lens hydration device that can automatically transfer the hydration basket, has high hydration efficiency, and provides strong protection.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution.

[0005] An automated hydration device for contact lenses includes a frame, a hydration station consisting of multiple hydration tank units, and a transfer unit for moving hydration baskets. The device frame is characterized by having a partition dividing its internal space into a hydration chamber for hydration operations and an equipment chamber for placing the device; a gas exchange unit connected to the hydration chamber is installed outside the frame; each hydration tank unit has a cover mechanism for sealing the hydration tank; and the transfer unit is slidably mounted on the partition. During operation, the transfer unit moves the hydration basket sequentially along the hydration station line and immerses it in multiple hydration tank units for hydration operations. When the transfer unit moves the hydration basket to the tank cover mechanism, the tank cover mechanism opens so that the transfer unit can place the hydration basket into the hydration tank unit. The gas exchange unit exchanges the volatile gases escaping from the hydration tank unit with the air outside the equipment frame.

[0006] Furthermore, the transfer unit includes a transfer frame covered on the partition, a lifting drive device installed on the transfer frame, a hook assembly driven by the execution end of the lifting drive device, and a transfer drive device for driving the transfer frame to move. During operation, the transfer drive device drives the transfer frame to move above the hydration station, thereby driving the lifting drive device to the hydration tank unit. The lifting drive device drives the hook assembly to extend into the hydration tank unit to pick up and place the hydration basket.

[0007] Furthermore, the lifting drive device and hook assembly are both located in the hydration chamber; the lifting drive device, hook assembly, transfer frame and partition surfaces are all covered with explosion-proof coating; the frame, sheet metal and doors and windows of the equipment frame are all rust-proofed, and nitrogen shielded welding is used during welding and installation.

[0008] Furthermore, a crossbeam is also provided inside the equipment frame, and the transfer unit also includes a transfer toothed plate installed on the crossbeam. The transfer frame is slidably connected to the crossbeam by a transfer slide rail. The transfer drive device is fixed on the transfer frame, and the actuator of the transfer drive device is connected to a gear that meshes with the transfer toothed plate. During operation, the transfer drive device drives the gear to rotate, causing the transfer drive device to move along the transfer toothed plate, thereby driving the transfer frame to slide to the designated hydration tank unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the hydration tank unit includes a tank body, a bracket installed in the tank body for placing the hydration basket, a temperature control component extending into the tank body for changing the liquid temperature, and a filter pump for circulating the hydration solvent; a perforated drain pipe is provided at the bottom of the tank body, one of the holes of the perforated drain pipe is connected to the circulating filter pump, and the other hole is a drain hole; the outlet end of the circulating filter pump is connected to a circulation hole on the side wall of the tank body; an overflow port is provided on the tank body; during operation, the bracket is used to place the hydration basket immersed in the tank body, the circulating filter pump circulates and agitates the hydration solvent and filters impurities; the temperature control component keeps the hydration solvent at a set temperature.

[0010] Furthermore, the hydration tank unit also includes a throwing disc located inside the tank, an eccentric wheel assembly disposed outside the tank and driven to be connected to the throwing disc, and a throwing drive device for driving the eccentric wheel assembly to rotate. During operation, the bracket is mounted on the throwing disc, the throwing drive device drives the eccentric wheel assembly to rotate, and the output end of the eccentric wheel assembly drives the throwing disc to repeatedly throw, thereby driving the hydration basket mounted on the bracket to repeatedly oscillate and shake.

[0011] Furthermore, the hydration tank unit also includes an ultrasonic oscillation device disposed on the inner wall of the tank; during operation, the ultrasonic oscillation device drives the hydration solvent to generate micro-jet streams, which flush the material in the hydration basket.

[0012] Furthermore, the hydration station is equipped with mobile material platform units at both ends. Each mobile material platform unit includes a carrying rack for placing the hydration basket. The bottom of the carrying rack is equipped with an auxiliary wheel set, and the side of the carrying rack is equipped with a hand push rod.

[0013] Furthermore, the trough cover mechanism includes a push-cover drive device and a trough cover plate driven and connected to the execution end of the push-cover drive device; the trough cover plate slides in contact with the top of the hydration tank unit; during operation, the push-cover drive device drives the trough cover plate to move, thereby opening and closing the top of the hydration tank unit.

[0014] Furthermore, the gas exchange unit includes a waste gas condensation device and a ventilation device.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: In practical use, the hydration tank and equipment tank are separated, and the working space and equipment space are rationally planned. The transfer unit realizes unmanned and automated transfer and handling of the hydration basket, reducing manual operation. The tank cover mechanism reduces the escape of volatile gases in the hydration tank unit, and works with the gas exchange unit to recover and exchange the escaped gases, thus avoiding the impact of volatile gases of the hydration solvent on the environment and human beings. The overall equipment layout is reasonable and the structure is compact, which improves hydration efficiency while reducing the environmental impact of hydration operations and improving production safety. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a planar structural schematic diagram from another perspective of Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a planar structural schematic diagram from another perspective of Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the transfer unit in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a planar structural schematic diagram of the transfer unit in Embodiment 1 of this utility model from another perspective.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the slot cover mechanism in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the movable material platform unit in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the hydration tank unit in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a planar structural schematic diagram of the hydration tank unit from another perspective in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the water tank unit in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a planar structural schematic diagram of the water tank unit in Embodiment 2 of this utility model from another perspective.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the water tank unit in Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a plane view of the hydration tank unit in Embodiment 3 of this utility model from another perspective. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Example 1:

[0030] refer to Figure 1-9 As shown, an automated contact lens hydration device includes a frame 100, a hydration station consisting of multiple hydration tank units 400, and a transfer unit 200 for transporting hydration baskets 600. A partition 110 divides the internal space of the frame 100 into a hydration chamber 130 for performing hydration operations and an equipment chamber 120 for placing the device. A gas exchange unit 500 communicating with the hydration chamber 130 is installed outside the frame 100. Each hydration tank unit 400 is equipped with a tank cover mechanism 700 for sealing the hydration tank unit 400. The transfer unit 200 is slidably mounted on the partition 110. During operation, the transfer unit 200 sequentially transfers the hydration basket 600 along the hydration station's movement line and immerses it in multiple hydration tank units 400 for hydration operations. When the transfer unit 200 moves the hydration basket 600 to the tank cover mechanism 700, the tank cover mechanism 700 opens so that the transfer unit 200 can place the hydration basket 600 into the hydration tank unit 400. The gas exchange unit 500 exchanges the volatile gases escaping from the hydration tank unit 400 with the air outside the equipment frame 100.

[0031] This automated contact lens hydration equipment separates the hydration chamber 130 from the equipment chamber 120, rationally planning the work space and equipment space. The transfer unit 200 enables unmanned automated transfer and handling of the hydration basket 600, reducing manual operation. The tank cover mechanism 700 reduces the escape of volatile gases from the hydration tank unit 400, and works with the gas exchange unit 500 to recover and exchange the escaped gases, thus avoiding the impact of volatile gases from the hydration solvent on the environment and human operations. The overall equipment layout is reasonable and the structure is compact, improving hydration efficiency while reducing the environmental impact of hydration operations and improving production safety.

[0032] In this embodiment, the transfer unit 200 includes a transfer frame 220 covered on the partition 110, a lifting drive device 230 installed on the transfer frame 220, a hook assembly 240 drivenly connected to the execution end of the lifting drive device 230, and a transfer drive device 210 that drives the transfer frame 220 to move. During operation, the transfer drive device 210 drives the transfer frame 220 to move above the hydration station, thereby driving the lifting drive device 230 to the hydration tank unit 400. The lifting drive device 230 drives the hook assembly 240 to extend into the hydration tank unit 400 to pick up and place the hydration basket 600.

[0033] Specifically, both the lifting drive device 230 and the transfer drive device 210 can be linear motor mechanisms; the transfer frame 220 is slidably mounted on the partition 110 and reciprocates under the drive of the transfer drive device 210 to achieve horizontal transfer of the hydration basket 600; the lifting drive device 230 realizes the lifting and lowering movement of the hydration basket 600; thus achieving automated operation of the hydration basket 600, reducing manual labor, improving hydration efficiency, and reducing the impact of harmful volatile gases on personal safety.

[0034] In this embodiment, the lifting drive device 230 and the hook assembly 240 are both located in the hydration chamber 130; the surfaces of the lifting drive device 230, the hook assembly 240, the transfer frame 220 and the partition 110 are all covered with an explosion-proof coating; the frame, sheet metal and doors and windows of the equipment frame 100 are all rust-proofed, and nitrogen shielded welding is used during welding and installation.

[0035] Specifically, the lifting drive device 230 and hook assembly 240 located in the hydration tank 130 are both explosion-proof, including but not limited to applying explosion-proof coatings and selecting explosion-proof materials; the equipment frame 100 is composed of multiple frames, sheet metal and door and window structures, made of stainless steel, and nitrogen shielded welding is used for structures and installations that require welding, and anti-corrosion sealing strips are applied to door and window gaps; the overall protection performance of the equipment is improved, the risk of flammability and explosion caused by the volatilization gases of the hydration solvent is reduced, and the threat of harmful volatilization gases to the working environment and human safety is reduced.

[0036] In this embodiment, a crossbeam 150 is also provided inside the equipment frame 100, and the transfer unit 200 also includes a transfer toothed plate 260 installed on the crossbeam 150; the transfer frame 220 is slidably connected to the crossbeam 150 by a transfer slide rail 250; the transfer drive device 210 is fixed on the transfer frame 220, and the execution end of the transfer drive device 210 is driven to connect to a gear that meshes with the transfer toothed plate 260; during operation, the transfer drive device 210 drives the gear to rotate, so that the transfer drive device 210 moves along the transfer toothed plate 260, thereby driving the transfer frame 220 to slide to the designated hydration tank unit 400.

[0037] Specifically, driven by the transfer drive device 210, the transfer frame 220 achieves flexible and rapid horizontal movement, and the stability of the horizontal movement during the transfer process is further improved by the transfer slide rail 250; thus improving the efficiency of the hydration transfer process.

[0038] In this embodiment, the hydration tank unit 400 includes a tank 410, a bracket 450 installed in the tank 410 for placing the hydration basket 600, a temperature control component 460 extending into the tank 410 for changing the liquid temperature, and a filter pump 470 for circulating the hydration solvent. A perforated drain pipe 420 is provided at the bottom of the tank 410, with one hole of the perforated drain pipe 420 connected to the circulating filter pump 470 and the other hole serving as a drain hole. The outlet end of the circulating filter pump 470 is connected to a circulation hole 430 on the side wall of the tank 410. An overflow port 440 is provided on the tank 410. During operation, the bracket 450 is used to place the hydration basket 600 immersed in the tank 410, the circulating filter pump 470 circulates and agitates the hydration solvent and filters impurities, and the temperature control component 460 maintains the hydration solvent at a set temperature.

[0039] Specifically, the number of hydration tank units 400 is multiple and can be selected as needed to adapt to the requirements of different hydration processes and complete soaking, cleaning, and other operations. The temperature control component 460 can use an electrically controlled heating tube in conjunction with a temperature sensor 461 to achieve real-time temperature control and sensing. The tank 410 is used to hold the hydration solvent. Through the circulation filter pump 470 and circulation holes 430, the hydration solvent can be circulated and filtered to avoid impurity accumulation, improve solvent flow, and enhance hydration and cleaning efficiency. The multi-hole drain pipe 420 is equipped with a solenoid valve, which can select to circulate and filter or discharge the solution as needed. An overflow port 440 is provided to prevent excessive overflow of hydration solvent from the tank 410. The addition of the temperature control component 460 enables adaptation to multiple temperatures. Overall, the adaptability to multiple hydration operations is improved, and the efficiency of hydration operations is enhanced.

[0040] In this embodiment, the hydration station is provided with mobile material platform units 300 at both ends. The mobile material platform unit 300 includes a carrying rack 303 for placing the hydration basket 600. The bottom of the carrying rack 303 is provided with an auxiliary wheel set 301, and the side of the carrying rack 303 is provided with a hand push rod 302.

[0041] Specifically, the mobile material platform unit 300 is set at both ends of the hydration station. One side is used to provide the hydration basket 600 waiting for the hydration operation, and the other side is used to carry the hydration basket 600 after the hydration operation is completed, so as to realize the turnover of materials entering and leaving the hydration station.

[0042] In this embodiment, the trough cover mechanism 700 includes a push-cover drive device 710 and a trough cover plate 720 driven and connected to the execution end of the push-cover drive device 710; the trough cover plate 720 slides in contact with the top of the hydration tank unit 400; during operation, the push-cover drive device 710 drives the trough cover plate 720 to move, thereby opening and closing the top of the hydration tank unit 400.

[0043] Specifically, the push-cover drive device 710 can be a cylinder, and the lower end face of the trough cover plate 720 is also provided with multiple rolling wheels 730; when the push-cover drive device 710 pushes the trough cover plate 720 to move, the rolling wheels 730 roll into contact with the top of the hydration tank unit 400, realizing smooth and fast opening and closing, ensuring that the hydration tank unit 400 is in a closed state most of the time, reducing the escape of volatile gases and improving the safety of the overall equipment.

[0044] In this embodiment, the gas exchange unit 500 includes a waste gas condensation device and a ventilation device. Specifically, the waste gas condensation device can quickly condense and collect the volatile solvents to avoid polluting the work environment, and the ventilation device can quickly exchange air to prevent residual volatile gases in the equipment frame 100 from affecting personal safety and equipment facilities. Example 2:

[0045] refer to Figure 1 - Figure 11 As shown, compared with Embodiment 1, the hydration tank unit 400 in this embodiment further includes a throwing disk 482 located inside the tank 410, an eccentric wheel assembly 483 disposed outside the tank 410 and drivenly connected to the throwing disk 482, and a throwing drive device 481 that drives the eccentric wheel assembly 483 to rotate. During operation, the bracket 450 is used to place the hydration basket 600 immersed in the tank 410. The bracket 450 is mounted on the throwing disk 482. The throwing drive device 481 drives the eccentric wheel assembly 483 to rotate. The output end of the eccentric wheel assembly 483 drives the throwing disk 482 to repeatedly throw, thereby driving the hydration basket 600 mounted on the bracket 450 to repeatedly oscillate and shake. Specifically, the hydration station includes two types of hydration tank units 400. Based on the first embodiment, the second type of hydration tank unit 400 is equipped with a throwing drive device 481 that drives the eccentric wheel assembly 483 to rotate, thereby driving the throwing disc 482 to reciprocate and circulate the support 450, so that the hydration basket 600 can be repeatedly shaken and rinsed in the hydration solvent, improving the efficiency of material soaking and cleaning in the hydration process and improving the overall quality of the hydration process; the number of the two types of hydration tank units 400 can be arranged as needed. Example 3:

[0046] refer to Figure 1 - Figure 13 As shown, compared with Embodiment 2, the hydration tank unit 400 in this embodiment further includes an ultrasonic oscillation device 490 disposed on the inner wall of the tank 410. During operation, the ultrasonic oscillation device 490 drives the hydration solvent to generate micro-jet streams, which flush the material in the hydration basket 600.

[0047] Specifically, the hydration station includes three types of hydration tank units 400. Based on the second embodiment, the third type of hydration tank unit 400 is equipped with an ultrasonic oscillation device 490, which can perform ultrasonic oscillation cleaning, further improving the cleaning efficiency of the materials in the hydration basket 600. The number of the three types of hydration tank units 400 can be arranged as needed.

[0048] The hydration tank unit 400 in Embodiments 1 to 3 above can be reasonably matched according to the hydration process of contact lenses of different materials to meet the different needs of soaking, water quenching or cleaning of contact lenses, realize the equipment for multiple purposes and improve the equipment expandability.

[0049] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative examples illustrating the spirit of this utility model. Those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to replace them, without departing from the scope defined by the spirit of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automated contact lens hydration device, comprising a device frame (100), a hydration station composed of multiple hydration tank units (400), and a transfer unit (200) for transporting hydration baskets (600), characterized in that, The equipment frame (100) is provided with a partition (110) to divide the internal space of the equipment frame (100) into a hydration tank (130) for hydration operations and an equipment tank (120) for placing equipment; a gas exchange unit (500) communicating with the hydration tank (130) is installed on the outside of the equipment frame (100); each hydration tank unit (400) is provided with a tank cover mechanism (700) for closing the hydration tank unit (400); the transfer unit (200) is slidably installed on the partition (110); During operation, the transfer unit (200) sequentially transfers the hydration basket (600) along the hydration station line and immerses it in multiple hydration tank units (400) for hydration operations; when the transfer unit (200) moves the hydration basket (600) to the tank cover mechanism (700), the tank cover mechanism (700) opens so that the transfer unit (200) can place the hydration basket (600) into the hydration tank unit (400); the gas exchange unit (500) exchanges the volatile gases that escape from the hydration tank unit (400) with the air outside the equipment frame (100).

2. The automated hydration device for contact lenses according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer unit (200) includes a transfer frame (220) covered on a partition (110), a lifting drive device (230) installed on the transfer frame (220), a hook assembly (240) driven to the execution end of the lifting drive device (230), and a transfer drive device (210) for driving the transfer frame (220) to move. During operation, the transfer drive device (210) drives the transfer frame (220) to move above the water mixing station, thereby driving the lifting drive device (230) to the water mixing tank unit (400). The lifting drive device (230) drives the hook assembly (240) to extend into the water mixing tank unit (400) to pick up and place the water mixing basket (600).

3. The automated hydration device for contact lenses according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting drive device (230) and hook assembly (240) are both located in the hydration chamber (130); the lifting drive device (230), hook assembly (240), transfer frame (220) and partition (110) are all covered with explosion-proof coating; the frame, sheet metal and doors and windows of the equipment frame (100) are all rust-proofed, and nitrogen shielded welding is used during welding and installation.

4. The automated hydration device for contact lenses according to claim 2, characterized in that, The equipment frame (100) is also provided with a cross frame (150), and the transfer unit (200) also includes a transfer toothed plate (260) installed on the cross frame (150). The transfer frame (220) is slidably connected to the cross frame (150) by a transfer slide rail (250). The transfer drive device (210) is fixed on the transfer frame (220), and the execution end of the transfer drive device (210) is driven to connect to a gear that meshes with the transfer toothed plate (260). During operation, the transfer drive device (210) drives the gear to rotate, causing the transfer drive device (210) to move along the transfer tooth plate (260), thereby driving the transfer frame (220) to slide to the designated hydration tank unit (400).

5. The automated hydration device for contact lenses according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydration tank unit (400) includes a tank (410), a bracket (450) installed in the tank (410) for placing a hydration basket (600), a temperature control component (460) extending into the tank (410) for changing the liquid temperature, and a filter pump (470) for circulating the hydration solvent; a perforated drain pipe (420) is provided at the bottom of the tank (410), one of the holes of the perforated drain pipe (420) is connected to the circulating filter pump (470), and the other hole is a drain hole; the outlet end of the circulating filter pump (470) is connected to a circulation hole (430) on the side wall of the tank (410); an overflow port (440) is provided on the tank (410). During operation, the bracket (450) is used to place the hydration basket (600) immersed in the tank (410), the circulating filter pump (470) circulates and agitates the hydration solvent and filters impurities; the temperature control unit (460) positions the hydration solvent at the set temperature.

6. The automated hydration device for contact lenses according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water tank unit (400) also includes a throwing disk (482) located inside the tank (410), an eccentric wheel assembly (483) disposed outside the tank (410) and driven to the throwing disk (482), and a throwing drive device (481) for driving the eccentric wheel assembly (483) to rotate. During operation, the bracket (450) is mounted on the throwing disc (482), and the throwing drive device (481) drives the eccentric wheel set (483) to rotate. The output end of the eccentric wheel set (483) drives the throwing disc (482) to throw repeatedly, thereby driving the water basket (600) mounted on the bracket (450) to oscillate and shake repeatedly.

7. An automated hydration device for contact lenses according to claim 6, characterized in that, The hydration tank unit (400) also includes an ultrasonic oscillation device (490) disposed on the inner wall of the tank (410). During operation, the ultrasonic oscillation device (490) drives the hydrated solvent to generate micro-jet streams, which flush the material in the hydrated basket (600).

8. An automated hydration device for contact lenses according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydration station is equipped with mobile material platform units (300) at both ends. The mobile material platform unit (300) includes a carrying rack (303) for placing the hydration basket (600). The bottom of the carrying rack (303) is equipped with an auxiliary wheel set (301), and the side of the carrying rack (303) is equipped with a hand push rod (302).

9. An automated hydration device for contact lenses according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trough cover mechanism (700) includes a push-cover drive device (710) and a trough cover plate (720) driven and connected to the execution end of the push-cover drive device (710); the trough cover plate (720) slides in contact with the top of the hydration tank unit (400); During operation, the push-cover drive device (710) drives the tank cover plate (720) to move, thereby opening and closing the top of the water tank unit (400).

10. An automated hydration device for contact lenses according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas exchange unit (500) includes a waste gas condensation device and a ventilation device.

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