Positionable adjustable in-line aseptic feed device for a lyophilizer

Abstract

The utility model relates to freeze dryer technical field, concretely relates to a kind of on-line aseptic feeding device of positionable adjustment for freeze dryer, including feed pipe, feed pipe is arranged in the upper side wall of freeze dryer and is inserted into freeze dryer inside;Still including lifting system, for driving feed pipe to ascend or descend;Still including sliding seal assembly, feed pipe and upper side wall are connected by sliding seal assembly between, so that feed pipe can slide or rotate under sealing condition relative to upper side wall;Freeze dryer inside has multilayer storage rack, feed pipe is driven under lifting system, so that the liquid medicine in feed pipe can be sent to different storage rack in turn;The end of feed pipe at freeze dryer outside is connected feed system by valve door.The utility model can reduce the pollution risk of freeze-dried goods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of freeze dryer technology, specifically to an online aseptic feeding device for freeze dryers that can be positioned and adjusted. Background Technology

[0002] A freeze dryer is a device that dries materials based on the fundamental principle of vacuum freeze-drying. The device rapidly freezes the material at low temperatures, and then, under a suitable vacuum environment, the frozen water molecules sublimate directly into water vapor and escape. Freeze dryers have wide applications in the fields of pharmaceuticals, biological products, food, and blood products.

[0003] When using a freeze dryer to freeze-dry liquid pharmaceutical raw materials, the raw material needs to be injected into a sterile tray, and then the sterile tray is placed on the freeze dryer's freeze-drying rack. This method requires continuous door opening, which can easily lead to recontamination of the raw material. Although there are currently laminar flow protection mechanisms during door opening operations, it is still unavoidable that bacteria can enter the freeze dryer.

[0004] Based on this, the present invention provides an online aseptic feeding device for a freeze dryer that can be positioned and adjusted. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an online aseptic feeding device for a freeze dryer that can be positioned and adjusted, so as to solve the technical problem of contamination risk in the feeding method of the freeze dryer in the prior art.

[0006] Terminology Explanation: Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms in this document have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the claims pertains. Unless otherwise stated, all patents, patent inventions, and publications cited in this document are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. If multiple definitions exist for terms in this document, the definitions in this chapter shall prevail.

[0007] It should be understood that the above brief description and the following detailed description are exemplary and for illustrative purposes only, and do not limit the subject matter of this utility model in any way. In this utility model, the singular is used in conjunction with the plural unless otherwise specified. It should also be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the use of “or” or “or” means “and / or”. Furthermore, the use of the term “comprising” and other forms such as “including,” “containing,” and “contains” are not limiting.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows: An online aseptic feeding device for a freeze dryer with adjustable positioning includes a feeding pipe that passes through the upper side wall of the freeze dryer and extends into the interior of the freeze dryer. It also includes a lifting system for driving the feed pipe to rise or fall; It also includes a sliding sealing assembly, through which the feed pipe and the upper sidewall are connected, so that the feed pipe can slide or rotate relative to the upper sidewall under sealing conditions; The freeze dryer has multiple shelves inside. Driven by the lifting system, the feed tube allows the liquid medicine in the feed tube to be sequentially delivered to different shelves. The feed tube includes a vertical part and a horizontal part. The vertical part passes through the upper side wall, and the horizontal part connects to the vertical part and delivers the liquid medicine to the shelves. The horizontal part slides or rotates synchronously with the vertical part. The feed pipe is located at one end outside the freeze dryer and is connected to the feed system via a valve.

[0009] Furthermore, the lifting system includes a fixed frame, a support is provided above the fixed frame, a vertical lead screw is provided inside the support, a slider passes through the lead screw, and the slider is connected to the feed pipe through a connecting assembly.

[0010] Furthermore, the lifting system also includes a motor, which is located inside the fixed frame and connected to one end of the lead screw.

[0011] Furthermore, guide rods are provided on both sides of the lead screw, and the two ends of the guide rods are fixed to the bracket. The guide rods pass through the slider to provide guidance for the slider.

[0012] Furthermore, the connecting assembly includes a connecting plate and a fixing plate; The connecting plate is connected below the slider. The other end of the connecting plate has an arc-shaped groove. One side of the fixing plate has an arc-shaped groove. After the connecting plate and the fixing plate are horizontally fixed and connected, a circular through hole is formed. The feed pipe passes through the circular through hole. An annular plate is provided on the outer wall of the feed pipe. One end face of the connecting plate with an arc-shaped groove has a horizontal slot, and one side of the annular plate is inserted into the slot. One end face of the fixing plate with an arc-shaped groove has a horizontal slot, and the other side of the annular plate is inserted into the slot. When the feed tube is inserted into the connecting plate and the fixing plate through the slot, the connecting plate and the fixing plate are fixedly connected, and the feed tube can rotate within the slot.

[0013] Furthermore, the sliding sealing assembly includes a first sleeve and a second sleeve, wherein the first sleeve is fixedly disposed on the outer side of the upper sidewall, and the second sleeve is threadedly connected to the first sleeve; A bearing and a lip seal are provided on the inner side wall of the second sleeve. The bearing is located above the lip seal. The feed pipe passes through the bearing, the lip seal, the first sleeve, and the upper side wall in sequence to enter the freeze dryer.

[0014] Furthermore, the lip seal includes an upper first ring, a lower second ring, and a sealing gasket below the second ring, with a receiving space between the first ring and the second ring for receiving debris from the feed tube during sliding or rotation. The inner diameter of the sealing gasket is smaller than the inner diameter of the second ring, and the inner wall of the second sleeve is divided into a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall from top to bottom. The inner diameter of the first side wall is larger than the inner diameter of the second side wall, the inner diameter of the second side wall is smaller than the inner diameter of the third side wall, and the inner diameter of the third side wall is smaller than the inner diameter of the fourth side wall. The bearing is installed in the first sidewall, the first ring and the second ring are installed in the third sidewall, and the sealing gasket is installed in the fourth sidewall, with the lower surface of the sealing gasket contacting the upper surface of the first sleeve.

[0015] Furthermore, the first ring extends upward and extends between the second sidewall and the outer sidewall of the feed tube.

[0016] Furthermore, the second ring extends downward and into the space between the inner wall of the sealing gasket and the outer wall of the feed tube.

[0017] Furthermore, there is a certain gap between the outer sidewall of the first ring and the third sidewall, and an annular spring is disposed in the gap, the annular spring being tightly wound around the outer sidewall of the first ring.

[0018] Furthermore, a handle is provided on the outer wall of the feed tube.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention provides an adjustable online aseptic feeding device for a freeze dryer. The feeding pipe extends directly into the freeze dryer and is sealed using a sliding sealing assembly. The feeding pipe can then connect to the feeding system for feeding, eliminating the need to open the freeze dryer door and preventing external contamination of the freeze-dried items. Furthermore, a lifting system allows for raising and lowering of the feeding pipe, enabling feeding to different shelves. This invention significantly reduces the risk of contamination of freeze-dried items. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model. To show the internal structure, the door of the freeze dryer is hidden. Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the lifting system; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the sliding seal assembly; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Feed pipe; 101. Vertical part; 102. Horizontal part; 103. Annular plate; 104. Handle; 2. Lifting system, 201. Fixed frame, 202. Bracket, 203. Lead screw, 204. Slider, 205. Motor, 206. Guide rod, 207. Connecting plate, 208. Fixed plate, 209. Slot; 3. Sliding sealing assembly, 301. First sleeve, 302. Second sleeve, 303. Bearing, 304. Lip seal, 3401. First ring, 3402. Second ring, 3403. Sealing gasket, 305. Annular spring; 4. Freeze dryer; 5. Shelf; 6. Valve. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solution of this utility model will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are not all 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.

[0024] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement and numerical expressions of the components and steps described in these embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model.

[0025] The following description of exemplary embodiments is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the present invention or its application or use in any way. Techniques, methods, and apparatus known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail herein, but where applicable, such techniques, methods, and apparatus should be considered part of this specification.

[0026] 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 the present invention. 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.

[0027] For ease of description, the words "up," "down," "left," and "right" appearing in this utility model only indicate that they are consistent with the up, down, left, and right directions of the accompanying drawings. They do not limit the structure and are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of this utility model and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or component 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.

[0028] Terminology Explanation: The terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing" in this utility model should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction relationship between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] This embodiment provides a positionable and adjustable online aseptic feeding device for a freeze dryer, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a feed pipe 1, which passes through the upper side wall of the freeze dryer 4 and extends into the interior of the freeze dryer 4. It also includes a lifting system 2, which is used to drive the feed pipe 1 to rise or fall; It also includes a sliding sealing assembly 3, through which the feed pipe 1 and the upper sidewall are connected, so that the feed pipe 1 can slide or rotate relative to the upper sidewall under sealing conditions; The freeze dryer 4 has multiple shelves 5 inside. Driven by the lifting system 2, the feed pipe 1 allows the liquid medicine in the feed pipe 1 to be sequentially delivered to different shelves 5. The feed pipe 1 includes a vertical part 101 and a horizontal part 102. The vertical part 101 passes through the upper side wall, and the horizontal part 102 connects to the vertical part 101 and delivers the liquid medicine to the shelves 5. The horizontal part 102 slides or rotates synchronously with the vertical part 101. The feed pipe 1 is located at one end outside the freeze dryer 4 and is connected to the feed system via valve 6.

[0030] In this embodiment, the freeze dryer 4 is prior art, and its internal shelf 5 is also prior art. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The shelf shown is for illustrative purposes only. The online aseptic feeding device provided by this utility model is not limited to the freeze dryer to which it is applicable, nor are the internal shelves limited. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure shown is as follows.

[0031] Combination Figure 1 He Ru Figure 2 As shown, the lifting system 2 is placed on one side of the freeze dryer 4. The lifting system 2 includes a fixed frame 201, a support 202 is provided above the fixed frame 201, a vertical lead screw 203 is provided inside the support 202, and a slider 204 passes through the lead screw 203. The slider 204 is connected to the feed pipe 1 through a connecting assembly.

[0032] The structure of the fixing frame 201 is not specifically limited, as long as it can support the upper components and install the motor 205.

[0033] The two ends of the lead screw 203 and the bracket 202 are rotatably connected. The rotatable connection can be achieved by setting bearings on the bracket 202 and inserting the two ends of the lead screw 203 into the bearings, or by directly setting through holes on the bracket 202 and embedding the two ends of the lead screw 203 into the through holes.

[0034] The lifting system 2 also includes a motor 205, which is installed inside the fixed frame 201 and connected to one end of the lead screw 203. The motor 205 can drive the lead screw 203 to rotate, and the rotation of the lead screw 203 can drive the slider 204 to move up and down.

[0035] A guide rod 206 is provided on each side of the lead screw 203. The two ends of the guide rod 206 are fixed to the bracket 202. The guide rod 206 passes through the slider 204 and provides guidance for the slider 204.

[0036] Additionally, the connecting assembly includes a connecting plate 207 and a fixing plate 208; and is combined with Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the connecting plate 207 is connected to the lower part of the slider 204. The other end of the connecting plate 207 has an arc-shaped groove. One side of the fixing plate 208 has an arc-shaped groove. After the connecting plate 207 and the fixing plate 208 are horizontally fixed and connected, a circular through hole is formed. The feed pipe 1 passes through the circular through hole. An annular plate 103 is provided on the outer wall of the feed pipe 1. The connecting plate 207 has a horizontal slot 209 on one end face of the arc-shaped groove. One side of the annular plate 103 is inserted into the slot 209. The fixing plate 208 has a horizontal slot 209 on one end face of the arc-shaped groove. The other side of the annular plate 103 is inserted into the slot 209. When the feed tube 1 is inserted into the connecting plate 207 and the fixing plate 208 through the slot 209, the connecting plate 207 and the fixing plate 208 are fixedly connected, and the feed tube 1 can rotate within the slot 209.

[0037] After the feed tube 1 finishes feeding the first shelf 5, it needs to feed the next shelf 5. This requires rotating the feed tube 1 by a certain angle so that the vertical movement of the horizontal part 102 of the feed tube 1 does not interfere with the shelf 5. Then, the feed tube 1 is moved upwards. Since the feed tube 1 is secured between the connecting plate 207 and the fixing plate 208 via the slot 209, the feed tube 1 can move up and down with the connecting plate 207 using the annular plate 103 without affecting its rotational freedom.

[0038] In addition, to facilitate the rotation of the feed pipe 1, a handle 104 is provided on the outer wall of the upper end of the feed pipe 1, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the feed tube 1 can be manually rotated using the handle 104.

[0039] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 The sliding sealing assembly 3 includes a first sleeve 301 and a second sleeve 302. The first sleeve 301 is fixedly disposed on the outer side of the upper sidewall and can be fixed to the upper sidewall by welding. The second sleeve 302 is threadedly connected to the first sleeve 301. Specifically, the second sleeve 302 has an internal thread and the first sleeve 301 has an external thread. The internal and external threads enable the detachable connection between the first sleeve 301 and the second sleeve 302.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, a bearing 303 and a lip seal 304 are provided on the inner wall of the second sleeve 302. The bearing 303 is a sliding bearing and is located above the lip seal 304. The feed pipe 1 passes through the bearing 303, the lip seal 304, the first sleeve 301, and the upper side wall in sequence to enter the freeze dryer 4.

[0041] The lip seal 304 includes an upper first ring 3401, a lower second ring 3402, and a sealing gasket 3403 below the second ring 3402. There is a receiving space between the first ring 3401 and the second ring 3402 for receiving debris from the feed pipe 1 when it slides or rotates. The inner diameter of the sealing gasket 3403 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second ring 3402, and the inner wall of the second sleeve 302 is divided into a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall from top to bottom. The inner diameter of the first side wall is larger than the inner diameter of the second side wall, the inner diameter of the second side wall is smaller than the inner diameter of the third side wall, and the inner diameter of the third side wall is smaller than the inner diameter of the fourth side wall. The bearing 303 is installed in the first sidewall, the first ring 3401 and the second ring 3402 are installed in the third sidewall, and the sealing gasket 3403 is installed in the fourth sidewall, with the lower surface of the sealing gasket 3403 in contact with the upper surface of the first sleeve 301.

[0042] The first ring 3401 extends upward and extends into the space between the second sidewall and the outer sidewall of the feed pipe 1; the second ring 3402 extends downward and extends into the space between the inner sidewall of the sealing gasket 3403 and the outer sidewall of the feed pipe 1; there is a certain gap between the outer sidewall of the first ring 3401 and the third sidewall, and an annular spring 305 is provided in the gap, the annular spring 305 being tightly wound around the outer sidewall of the first ring 3401.

[0043] When the second sleeve 302 and the first sleeve 301 are threaded together, the sealing gasket 3403 between them is squeezed, thereby sealing the end faces of the first sleeve 301 and the second sleeve 302. In addition, the first ring 3401 and the second ring 3402 can be used to seal the second sleeve 302 and the feed pipe 1, thereby achieving a complete seal between the feed pipe 1 and the upper side wall of the freeze dryer 4, and realizing aseptic feeding.

[0044] The working process of this utility model is as follows: Before feeding, the feed pipe 1 is connected to the second sleeve 302 via the bearing 303 and the lip seal 304. Then, the second sleeve 302 is connected to the first sleeve 301, and the outlet of the horizontal part 102 of the feed pipe 1 is located between the lowest shelf 5 and the next lowest shelf 5. A valve 6 is connected to the end of the feed pipe 1 outside the freeze dryer 4. Then, the freeze dryer 4 with the feed pipe 1 is sterilized as a whole.

[0045] The specific overall sterilization process is as follows: Valve 6 is opened, and the feed pipe is used as the high-temperature steam inlet. Steam is introduced through the gas inlet on the freeze dryer and circulated through the condensate outlet on the freeze dryer to sterilize the inside of the freeze dryer and the inner and outer walls of the feed pipe. Then, the feed pipe is used as the sterilization air inlet, and sterilization air is introduced through the gas inlet on the freeze dryer and circulated through the condensate outlet on the freeze dryer to dry the freeze dryer and the inner and outer walls of the feed pipe. After drying, the overall sterilization process is completed.

[0046] Next, close valve 6 and disconnect the sterilization air source. Assemble the lifting system 2, connect the slider 204 and the feed pipe 1 using the connecting assembly, and then start feeding the bottom shelf 5. Specifically, connect the feed pipe 1 to the feeding system through valve 6, open valve 6, and start feeding. Following the bottom-up sequence, after the bottom shelf 5 has finished feeding, rotate the feed pipe 1 using handle 104, and then use the lifting system 2 to raise the feed pipe 1 until the outlet of the horizontal part 102 of the feed pipe 1 is positioned between the next lower shelf 5 and the adjacent shelf 5 above; use handle 104 to rotate the feed pipe 1 back to its original angle, and then feed the next lower shelf 5. After completing the feeding of all shelves 5 in the above order, complete all feeding procedures, close valve 6, disconnect the feeding system and the lifting system, and then start the freeze-drying process.

[0047] The above specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to examples, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A positionable and adjustable online aseptic feeding device for a freeze dryer, comprising a feeding pipe, characterized in that, The feed pipe passes through the upper side wall of the freeze dryer and extends into the interior of the freeze dryer; It also includes a lifting system for driving the feed pipe to rise or fall; It also includes a sliding sealing assembly, through which the feed pipe and the upper sidewall are connected, so that the feed pipe can slide or rotate relative to the upper sidewall under sealing conditions; The freeze dryer has multiple shelves inside. Driven by the lifting system, the feed tube allows the liquid medicine in the feed tube to be sequentially delivered to different shelves. The feed tube includes a vertical part and a horizontal part. The vertical part passes through the upper side wall, and the horizontal part connects to the vertical part and delivers the liquid medicine to the shelves. The horizontal part slides or rotates synchronously with the vertical part. The feed pipe is located at one end outside the freeze dryer and is connected to the feed system via a valve.

2. The positionable and adjustable online aseptic feeding device for a freeze dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting system includes a fixed frame, a support is provided above the fixed frame, a vertical lead screw is provided inside the support, a slider passes through the lead screw, and the slider is connected to the feed pipe through a connecting assembly.

3. The positionable and adjustable online aseptic feeding device for a freeze dryer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting system also includes a motor, which is located inside the fixed frame and connected to one end of the lead screw.

4. The positionable and adjustable online aseptic feeding device for a freeze dryer according to claim 2, characterized in that, Guide rods are provided on both sides of the lead screw, and the two ends of the guide rods are fixed to the bracket. The guide rods pass through the slider to provide guidance for the slider.

5. The positionable and adjustable online aseptic feeding device for a freeze dryer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connection assembly includes a connecting plate and a fixing plate; The connecting plate is connected below the slider. The other end of the connecting plate has an arc-shaped groove. One side of the fixing plate has an arc-shaped groove. After the connecting plate and the fixing plate are horizontally fixed and connected, a circular through hole is formed. The feed pipe passes through the circular through hole. An annular plate is provided on the outer wall of the feed pipe. One end face of the connecting plate with an arc-shaped groove has a horizontal slot, and one side of the annular plate is inserted into the slot. One end face of the fixing plate with an arc-shaped groove has a horizontal slot, and the other side of the annular plate is inserted into the slot. When the feed tube is inserted into the connecting plate and the fixing plate through the slot, the connecting plate and the fixing plate are fixedly connected, and the feed tube can rotate within the slot.

6. The positionable and adjustable online aseptic feeding device for a freeze dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding sealing assembly includes a first sleeve and a second sleeve. The first sleeve is fixedly disposed on the outer side of the upper sidewall, and the second sleeve is threadedly connected to the first sleeve. A bearing and a lip seal are provided on the inner side wall of the second sleeve. The bearing is located above the lip seal. The feed pipe passes through the bearing, the lip seal, the first sleeve, and the upper side wall in sequence to enter the freeze dryer.

7. The positionable and adjustable online aseptic feeding device for a freeze dryer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lip seal includes an upper first ring, a lower second ring, and a sealing gasket below the second ring. There is a receiving space between the first ring and the second ring for receiving debris when the feed tube slides or rotates. The inner diameter of the sealing gasket is smaller than the inner diameter of the second ring, and the inner wall of the second sleeve is divided into a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall from top to bottom. The inner diameter of the first side wall is larger than the inner diameter of the second side wall, the inner diameter of the second side wall is smaller than the inner diameter of the third side wall, and the inner diameter of the third side wall is smaller than the inner diameter of the fourth side wall. The bearing is installed in the first sidewall, the first ring and the second ring are installed in the third sidewall, and the sealing gasket is installed in the fourth sidewall, with the lower surface of the sealing gasket contacting the upper surface of the first sleeve.

8. The positionable and adjustable online aseptic feeding device for a freeze dryer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first ring extends upward and into the space between the second sidewall and the outer sidewall of the feed tube; The second ring extends downward and penetrates between the inner wall of the sealing gasket and the outer wall of the feed tube.

9. The positionable and adjustable online aseptic feeding device for a freeze dryer according to claim 7, characterized in that, There is a certain gap between the outer side wall of the first ring and the third side wall, and a ring spring is provided in the gap, the ring spring being tightly wound around the outer side wall of the first ring.

10. The positionable and adjustable online aseptic feeding device for a freeze dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, A handle is provided on the outer wall of the feed tube.

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