Freeze dryer

Abstract

To provide a freeze dryer capable of quickly drying an object to be processed.SOLUTION: A freeze dryer 1 comprises a cylinder 2 which is rotatable on its axis and comprises a drying chamber 203 for freeze-drying an object to be processed W, a vacuum pump 3 depressurizing the drying chamber 203, a cold trap 4 disposed between the drying chamber 203 and the vacuum pump 3 to cool, solidify and catch water vapor sublimating from the object to be processed W by depressurization, and a sliding unit 5 disposed between the drying chamber 203 and the cold trap 4. The drying chamber 203 and the cold trap 4 are disposed adjacent to each other via the sliding unit 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a freeze-drying apparatus used, for example, for drying medicines, foods, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a tumbler type rotary dryer (freeze-drying device). The tumbler type rotary dryer in this document is equipped with a rotatable dryer body. During freeze-drying processing, the inside of the dryer body is depressurized via a rotary joint, an external exhaust pipe, an exhaust flexible tube, a condenser, and a vacuum pump. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-42867 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A rotary joint, an external exhaust pipe, and an exhaust flexible tube are interposed between the dryer body and the condenser. During freeze-drying, water vapor is generated from the object to be treated in the dryer body. The water vapor flows into the condenser via the external exhaust pipe and the exhaust flexible tube, where it is cooled and solidified. Here, the water vapor is transported in a large volume gas state through the external exhaust pipe and the exhaust flexible tube. For this reason, it is difficult to quickly exhaust the water vapor from the dryer body. In other words, it is difficult to quickly dry the object to be treated. Therefore, the freeze-drying device of the present disclosure aims to provide a freeze-drying device that can quickly dry the object to be treated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] (1) In order to solve the above problems, the freeze-drying apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a cylindrical section rotatable about its own axis and having a drying chamber for freeze-drying an object to be treated, a vacuum pump for reducing the pressure in the drying chamber, a cold trap disposed between the drying chamber and the vacuum pump for cooling, solidifying and collecting water vapor sublimated from the object to be treated by the reduced pressure, and a sliding section disposed between the drying chamber and the cold trap, wherein the drying chamber and the cold trap are disposed adjacent to each other via the sliding section.

[0006] A sliding part is disposed between the drying chamber and the cold trap. The drying chamber and the cold trap are disposed adjacent to each other via the sliding part. In other words, the cold trap is disposed immediately adjacent to the drying chamber. Therefore, the water vapor sublimated from the object to be treated can be rapidly solidified. Therefore, the object to be treated can be rapidly dried compared to a case where the drying chamber and the cold trap are disposed apart from each other.

[0007] (1-1) In the above configuration (1), it is preferable that the cooling temperature of the cold trap when depressurizing the drying chamber is set to −30° C. or lower. With this configuration, the ultimate vacuum degree can be made higher (pressure can be made lower) compared to the case where the cooling temperature exceeds −30° C.

[0008] (1-2) In any of the above configurations, it is preferable that the pressure in the drying chamber when the drying chamber is decompressed is set to 600 Pa or less. With this configuration, the object can be sublimated without liquefying during freeze-drying, as compared with the case where the pressure exceeds 600 Pa.

[0009] (1-3) In any of the above configurations, it is preferable to provide a stirring member disposed in the drying chamber for stirring the object to be treated. With this configuration, the object to be treated can be moved by stirring the stirring member in addition to the rotation of the cylindrical portion. Therefore, the object to be treated can be dried quickly.

[0010] (2) In any of the above configurations, it is preferable that the objects to be treated are batch-treated in the drying chamber. If the objects to be treated are treated continuously, the upstream end (supply port for continuously supplying the objects to be treated) and downstream end (discharge port for continuously discharging the objects to be treated) of the drying chamber (cylindrical portion) are always open. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce the pressure in the drying chamber. In contrast, with this configuration, the objects to be treated are batch-treated (a process in which the objects to be treated are freeze-dried in fixed amounts). Therefore, the drying chamber can be easily depressurized.

[0011] Furthermore, if the objects to be processed are processed continuously, the undried objects to be processed are continuously transported into the drying chamber one after another. As a result, a certain amount of evaporation inevitably occurs continuously in the drying chamber. In the final stage of freeze-drying, the pressure in the drying chamber is reduced to a predetermined vacuum level (for example, 100 Pa or less) in order to dry the objects to an almost bone dry state (absolute dry state. State in which free water inside the objects to be processed has been removed. State in which water no longer evaporates from the objects to be processed). At this time, the above-mentioned "certain amount of evaporation" hinders the reduction in pressure in the drying chamber. In contrast, according to the present configuration, the objects to be processed are processed in batches. As a result, the pressure in the drying chamber can be easily reduced to a predetermined vacuum level.

[0012] (3) In any of the above configurations, it is preferable to further include a stand that supports the cylindrical portion so that the cylindrical portion can tilt in a direction in which the axis tilts. According to this configuration, the workpiece can be easily moved in the axial direction in the drying chamber as the cylindrical portion tilts.

[0013] (4) In any of the above configurations, it is preferable that a heat medium passage is defined inside the cylindrical wall of the cylindrical portion, and the heat medium passage is shared by a hot medium for heating the object to be treated and a refrigerant for cooling the object to be treated. With this configuration, the structure of the freeze-drying apparatus can be simplified compared to a case in which the heat medium passage for the hot medium and the heat medium passage for the refrigerant are arranged independently of each other.

[0014] (4-1) In the above configuration (4), it is preferable to have a temperature-adjustable heat medium used as the hot medium and the refrigerant. With this configuration, the same heat medium can be used as the hot medium and the refrigerant.

[0015] (4-2) In the above configuration (4-1), it is preferable that the temperature adjustment range of the heat medium is from −40° C. to 60° C. According to this configuration, the temperature of the heat medium can be adjusted in the range of −40° C. to 60° C. depending on the process during freeze-drying.

[0016] (4-3) In any of the above configurations (4) to (4-2), it is preferable to further include a heat medium supplying unit which supplies the heat medium (the hot medium, the refrigerant) to the heat medium flow path, the sliding unit having a first rotary joint and a second rotary joint, the first rotary joint airtightly connecting the drying chamber and the cold trap, the second rotary joint airtightly connecting the heat medium flow path and the heat medium supplying unit, and the first rotary joint and the second rotary joint being separable.

[0017] Let us assume that the two joints (first rotary joint, second rotary joint) are inseparable and integral. In this case, even if a malfunction occurs in only one of the joints, it is necessary to replace both joints at the same time. This results in high maintenance costs. In this regard, according to the present configuration, the first rotary joint and the second rotary joint are separable. Therefore, of the two joints (first rotary joint, second rotary joint), it is possible to replace only the one that has a malfunction. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the freeze-drying apparatus of the present disclosure, the object to be processed can be quickly dried. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a right side view of the freeze-drying apparatus of the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the freeze-drying apparatus in a rocking state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the freeze-drying apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the area within the frame V in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a sliding portion of the freeze-drying apparatus. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the first rotary joint of the sliding portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the second rotary joint (excluding the joint-side flange) of the sliding portion. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a radial cross-sectional view of the freeze-drying apparatus according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the freeze-drying apparatus of the present disclosure will be described.

[0021] First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a right side view of the freeze-drying apparatus of this embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the freeze-drying apparatus in an oscillating state. FIG. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the freeze-drying apparatus (front-rear cross-sectional view of the upper part of the tilting bed). FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view in the IV-IV direction in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the inside of frame V in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of the sliding part of the freeze-drying apparatus. FIG. 7 shows an exploded perspective view of the first rotary joint of the sliding part. FIG. 8 shows an exploded perspective view of the second rotary joint of the sliding part (excluding the joint side flange).

[0022] [Freeze-drying equipment configuration] First, the configuration of the freeze-drying apparatus of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, the freeze-drying apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a cylindrical section 2, a vacuum pump 3, a cold trap 4, a sliding section 5, a workpiece supply section 60, a workpiece carry-in section 61, a heat medium supply section 62, a refrigerant supply section 63, and a stand 9.

[0023] (Frame 9) 1 and 2, the stand 9 supports the cylindrical part 2, which will be described later, so as to be tiltable in a direction in which an axis (cylinder axis) D of the cylindrical part 2 is tilted. The stand 9 includes a fixed base 90, a tilting bed 91, a tilting bed driving part (hydraulic cylinder) 92, a carry-in part support part 93, and a cylindrical part support part 94.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the fixed base 90 includes a tabletop 900 and legs 901. The legs 901 support the tabletop 900 from below. The tilting floor 91 is flat and disposed above the tabletop 900. The tilting floor 91 is connected to the tabletop 900 via a first swing axis A so as to be able to swing. The tilting floor driver 92 is interposed between the legs 901 and the tilting floor 91. The tilting floor driver 92 is connected to the legs 901 via a second swing axis B so as to be able to swing. The tilting floor driver 92 is connected to the tilting floor 91 via a third swing axis C so as to be able to swing. As shown in FIG. 2, the tilting floor driver 92 expands and contracts to change the position of the third swing axis C, so that the tilting floor 91 can swing around the first swing axis A. That is, the tilting floor 91 can tilt (swing about the first swing axis A) in a range from a forward tilted state H (a state in which the front end is lower than the rear end) to a backward tilted state K (a state in which the rear end is lower than the front end).

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the carry-in section support part 93 is disposed on the upper surface of the tilting floor 91. The carry-in section support part 93 is equipped with two bearings 930, one in the front and one in the rear. The cylindrical section support part 94 is disposed on the upper surface of the tilting floor 91. The cylindrical section support part 94 is equipped with two roller devices 940, one in the front and one in the rear.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the rear roller device 940 is equipped with two roller units 940a, one on the left and one on the right. The right roller unit 940a is equipped with two bearings 940b, one on the front and one on the back, and a roller 940c. The roller 940c is disposed between the two bearings 940b, one on the front and one on the back. The roller 940c is capable of rotating around its own axis by the two bearings 940b, one on the front and one on the back.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 4, in the rear roller device 940, the configuration of the left roller unit 940a is the same as the configuration of the right roller unit 940a described above. As shown in Fig. 3, the configuration of the front roller device 940 is the same as the configuration of the rear roller device 940.

[0028] (Cylindrical part 2) 1, 3, and 4, the cylindrical portion 2 includes a cylindrical wall 20, a cover wall 21, a cylindrical portion side flange 22, and two front and rear tires 23. The cylindrical wall 20 is cylindrical and extends in the front-rear direction (axial direction, parallel to the tilting floor 91). The cylindrical wall 20 includes an outer peripheral wall 200 and an inner peripheral wall 201. The inner peripheral wall 201 is disposed radially inward of the outer peripheral wall 200 (radial direction centered on the axis D of the cylindrical portion 2).

[0029] 4, a drying chamber 203 for freeze-drying a material to be treated (material to be dried) W is defined radially inside the inner circumferential wall 201. The material to be treated W is batch-processed in the drying chamber 203. A heat medium flow path 202 for adjusting the temperature of the drying chamber 203 is defined between the outer circumferential wall 200 and the inner circumferential wall 201 (inside the cylindrical wall 20).

[0030] 3, the cover wall 21 is disk-shaped and detachably disposed at the front end (one axial end) of the cylindrical wall 20. The cover wall 21 covers the front end opening of the cylindrical wall 20. The cover wall 21 is capable of opening and closing the front end opening of the cylindrical wall 20.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 3, the tubular portion side flange 22 is disk-shaped and is disposed at the rear end (the other axial end) of the tubular wall 20. The tubular portion side flange 22 is fixed to the rear end opening of the tubular wall 20. As shown in Fig. 5, a tubular portion side communication hole 220 is provided in the radial center of the tubular portion side flange 22.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3, the two front and rear tires 23 are provided to protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the outer circumferential wall 200. As shown in Fig. 4, the rear tire 23 is rotatably mounted on two left and right roller portions 940a (specifically, rollers 940c) of the rear roller device 940. Similarly, the front tire 23 is rotatably mounted on two left and right roller portions 940a (specifically, rollers 940c) of the front roller device 940. The two front and rear tires 23, i.e., the cylindrical portion 2, are rotatable around their own axis D.

[0033] (Vacuum Pump 3) 3, the vacuum pump 3 is disposed on the upper surface of the tilting bed 91. The vacuum pump 3 is capable of reducing the pressure in the drying chamber 203. Between the drying chamber 203 and the vacuum pump 3, an exhaust path E is formed that follows the path of "drying chamber 203 → cooling chamber 41 (described later) → vacuum pump 3."

[0034] (Cold Trap 4) 3, the cold trap 4 is disposed between the drying chamber 203 and the vacuum pump 3. The cold trap 4 cools and solidifies (sublimes) water vapor sublimated from the workpiece W by reducing pressure. The cold trap 4 includes a housing 40, a cooling chamber 41, a cooling pipe 42, and legs 44.

[0035] As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the leg 44 is disposed on the upper surface of the tilting floor 91. The housing 40 is disposed above the leg 44. The housing 40 is box-shaped. As shown in Fig. 5, a trap-side communication hole 400a is opened in a front wall 400 of the housing 40. The cooling chamber 41 is disposed inside the housing 40. As shown in Fig. 3, the cooling pipe 42 is disposed in the cooling chamber 41. The cooling pipe 42 is spiral-shaped (coil-shaped) extending in the front-rear direction. A refrigerant flow path 420 is disposed inside the cooling pipe 42.

[0036] (Sliding part 5) As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the sliding part 5 is disposed between the cylindrical part 2 (drying chamber 203) and the cold trap 4 (cooling chamber 41). The drying chamber 203 and the cooling chamber 41 are disposed adjacent to each other via the sliding part 5. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the sliding part 5 includes a first rotary joint 50 and a second rotary joint 51.

[0037] (First rotary joint 50) 3, 5 and 7, the first rotary joint 50 airtightly connects the drying chamber 203 on the rotating side (the side that rotates with the rotation of the cylindrical portion 2) to the cooling chamber 41 on the fixed side (the side that does not rotate even when the cylindrical portion 2 rotates). The first rotary joint 50 includes a first rotating side inner member 500, a first fixed side outer member 501, two front and rear bearings 502, and two front and rear seal rings 503.

[0038] The first rotation side inner member 500 is fixed to the rear surface of the cylindrical portion side flange 22 of the cylindrical portion 2 (the hole edge portion of the cylindrical portion side communication hole 220). The first rotation side inner member 500 is cylindrical and extends in the front-rear direction. The rear end of the first rotation side inner member 500 is inserted into the trap side communication hole 400a of the front wall 400 of the housing 40 of the cold trap 4.

[0039] The first fixed side outer member 501 is disposed radially outside the first rotation side inner member 500. The first fixed side outer member 501 is airtightly fixed to the hole edge portion of the trap side communication hole 400a. The first fixed side outer member 501 is cylindrical and extends in the front-rear direction.

[0040] Two annular bearing accommodating grooves 501a, one at the front and one at the rear, and two annular seal ring accommodating grooves 501b, one at the front and one at the rear, are recessed in the inner circumferential surface of the first fixed side outer member 501. The two annular bearing accommodating grooves 501a, one at the front and one at the rear, are disposed at both ends of the first fixed side outer member 501 in the front-rear direction. An annular bearing 502 is accommodated in the bearing accommodating groove 501a. The bearing 502 rotatably supports the first rotating side inner member 500 relative to the first fixed side outer member 501.

[0041] The two front and rear seal ring accommodating grooves 501b are disposed midway between the two front and rear bearing accommodating grooves 501a in the front-rear direction. An annular seal ring 503 is accommodated in the seal ring accommodating groove 501b. The seal ring 503 is fixed to the first fixed-side outer member 501 and is in sliding contact with the first rotating-side inner member 500. The seal ring 503 seals the gap between the first fixed-side outer member 501 and the first rotating-side inner member 500.

[0042] (Second rotary joint 51) 3, 5 and 8, the second rotary joint 51 air-tightly connects the heat medium passage 202 on the rotating side and the heat medium supply unit 62 on the fixed side. The second rotary joint 51 includes a second fixed side inner member 510, a second rotating side outer member 511, two front and rear bearings 512, three front and rear seal rings 513, and a joint side flange 514.

[0043] The second fixed side inner member 510 is annularly mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the first fixed side outer member 501. The second fixed side inner member 510 is cylindrical and extends in the front-rear direction. The first fixed side outer member 501, i.e., the first rotary joint 50, is disposed radially inside the second fixed side inner member 510, i.e., the second rotary joint 51. The first rotary joint 50 and the second rotary joint 51 can be easily separated by pulling out the first rotary joint 50 from the radially inside of the second rotary joint 51. That is, the first rotary joint 50 and the second rotary joint 51 can be maintained (repaired, replaced, etc.) independently of each other.

[0044] The outer peripheral surface of the second fixed side inner member 510 is provided with an annular heat medium supply groove 510a, an annular heat medium discharge groove 510b, and three annular seal ring accommodating grooves 510c in the front and rear. These grooves are arranged alternately in the front-rear direction. Specifically, these grooves are arranged from the front side to the rear side in the order of "seal ring accommodating groove 510c → heat medium supply groove 510a → seal ring accommodating groove 510c → heat medium discharge groove 510b → seal ring accommodating groove 510c". In this way, two seal ring accommodating grooves 510c are arranged on both sides of the heat medium supply groove 510a in the front-rear direction. Similarly, two seal ring accommodating grooves 510c are arranged on both sides of the heat medium discharge groove 510b in the front-rear direction.

[0045] The seal ring accommodating groove 510c accommodates an annular seal ring 513. The seal ring 513 is fixed to the second fixed side inner member 510 and is in sliding contact with the second rotation side outer member 511. The seal ring 513 seals the gap between the second fixed side inner member 510 and the second rotation side outer member 511.

[0046] An inner-side heat medium supply hole 510d and an inner-side heat medium discharge hole 510e are formed inside the cylindrical wall of the second fixed-side inner member 510. The inner-side heat medium supply hole 510d connects the rear end surface of the second fixed-side inner member 510 to the groove bottom surface of the heat medium supply groove 510a. The inner-side heat medium discharge hole 510e connects the rear end surface of the second fixed-side inner member 510 to the groove bottom surface of the heat medium discharge groove 510b. The inner-side heat medium supply hole 510d and the inner-side heat medium discharge hole 510e are arranged with a central angle of 180° (the center is axis D shown in FIG. 1; the same applies below) offset (diametrically opposed).

[0047] The second rotating side outer member 511 is disposed radially outside the second fixed side inner member 510. The second rotating side outer member 511 is cylindrical and extends in the front-rear direction. Two annular bearing accommodating grooves 511a, one in front and one in back, are recessed in the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating side outer member 511. The two annular bearing accommodating grooves 511a, one in front and one in back, are disposed at both ends of the second rotating side outer member 511 in the front-rear direction (outside the three seal ring accommodating grooves 510c in the front-rear direction). An annular bearing 512 is accommodated in the bearing accommodating groove 511a. The bearing 512 rotatably supports the second rotating side outer member 511 with respect to the second fixed side inner member 510.

[0048] An outer heat medium supply hole 511d and an outer heat medium discharge hole 511e are formed inside the cylindrical wall of the second rotating side outer member 511. The outer heat medium supply hole 511d penetrates the cylindrical wall in the radial direction. The radial inner end of the outer heat medium supply hole 511d communicates with the heat medium supply groove 510a. The outer heat medium discharge hole 511e penetrates the cylindrical wall in the radial direction. The radial inner end of the outer heat medium discharge hole 511e communicates with the heat medium discharge groove 510b. The outer heat medium supply hole 511d and the outer heat medium discharge hole 511e are arranged with a central angle of 180° offset (diametrically opposed).

[0049] 5, the joint side flange 514 has an annular plate shape. The joint side flange 514 is fixed to a front end surface of the second rotating side outer member 511. The joint side flange 514 and the tubular portion side flange 22 are connected by a plurality of connecting members (bolts with spacers) 99.

[0050] (Material supply unit 60) 3, the workpiece supplying section (hopper) 60 is disposed on the upper surface of the tilting floor 91 via legs 600. The workpiece supplying section 60 is disposed on the front side of the cylindrical section 2. In the workpiece supplying section 60, workpieces W before treatment are stored.

[0051] (Workpiece loading section 61) As shown in Fig. 3, the workpiece carry-in section (screw feeder) 61 is disposed at the front side of the cylindrical section 2. The workpiece carry-in section 61 is connected to the lower side of the workpiece supply section 60 via a supply pipe 98. The rotation axis (coaxial with the axis D) of the workpiece carry-in section 61 is rotatably supported by two bearings 930 of the carry-in section support section 93. The rear portion of the workpiece carry-in section 61 is inserted into the drying chamber 203 through the cover wall 21. The workpiece carry-in section 61 transports the workpiece W that flows down from the workpiece supply section 60 to the drying chamber 203.

[0052] (heat medium supply section 62) As shown in Fig. 3, the heat medium supplying unit 62 is disposed on the upper surface of the tilting bed 91. The heat medium supplying unit 62 supplies a heat medium (hot medium, refrigerant) to the heat medium flow path 202 via the second rotary joint 51. The heat medium supplying unit 62 includes a temperature adjusting unit (not shown, such as a heat exchanger) and a liquid transporting unit (not shown, such as a pump). The temperature adjusting unit can adjust the temperature of the heat medium to a predetermined temperature. The liquid transporting unit can pump the heat medium.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , a heat medium path F is formed between the heat medium supply unit 62 and the heat medium flow path 202, which follows a path (circulation path) of "heat medium supply unit 62 → second rotary joint 51 (more specifically, inner heat medium supply hole 510d → heat medium supply groove 510a → outer heat medium supply hole 511d) → heat medium flow path 202 → second rotary joint (more specifically, outer heat medium discharge hole 511e → heat medium discharge groove 510b → inner heat medium discharge hole 510e) → heat medium supply unit 62 again."

[0054] (coolant supply unit 63) As shown in FIG. 3, the refrigerant supply unit 63 is disposed on the upper surface of the tilting bed 91. The refrigerant supply unit 63 supplies the refrigerant to the refrigerant flow path 420. The refrigerant supply unit 63 includes a temperature adjustment unit (not shown, such as a heat exchanger) and a liquid transfer unit (not shown, such as a pump). The temperature adjustment unit can adjust the temperature of the refrigerant to a predetermined temperature. The liquid transfer unit can pump the refrigerant. A refrigerant path G is formed between the refrigerant supply unit 63 and the refrigerant flow path 420, following a route (circulation path) of "refrigerant supply unit 63 → refrigerant flow path 420 → refrigerant supply unit 63 again."

[0055] [Lyophilization method] Next, a freeze-drying method using the freeze-drying apparatus of this embodiment will be described. The freeze-drying method includes a supplying step, a freezing step, a depressurizing step, a pressure recovery step, and a discharging step. In the supplying step, the workpiece carrying-in section 61 shown in FIG. 3 is driven to transport the workpiece W before processing (before drying) from the workpiece supplying section 60 to the drying chamber 203. A fixed amount of the workpiece W is supplied to the drying chamber 203. Next, a supply valve (not shown) arranged in the supply piping 98 is closed to block communication between the workpiece supplying section 60 and the drying chamber 203.

[0056] In the freezing step, first, the roller device 940 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 is driven to rotate the cylindrical part 2 around its own axis D. Then, as shown in Fig. 2, the tilting bed 91, i.e., the cylindrical part 2, is swung in a range from a forward tilted state H to a backward tilted state K. Next, while the cylindrical part 2 is being rotated and swung, a low-temperature heat medium (refrigerant) is supplied to the heat medium flow path 202 via the heat medium path F to cool the drying chamber 203 to a predetermined temperature. The workpiece W is quickly frozen while moving in the drying chamber 203 in accordance with the complex movement of the cylindrical part 2.

[0057] In the depressurization step, first, a refrigerant is supplied to the refrigerant flow path 420 via the refrigerant path G to cool the cooling chamber 41 to a predetermined temperature. Next, a depressurization valve (not shown) arranged in the exhaust path E is opened, and the vacuum pump 3 is driven to depressurize the drying chamber 203 to a predetermined pressure via the exhaust path E.

[0058] Due to the reduced pressure at low temperatures, water vapor is generated (sublimation) from the frozen workpiece W. That is, the workpiece W dries. The water vapor generated from the workpiece W adheres to the cooling pipe 42 in the cold trap 4, where it is cooled and solidifies (sublimation). That is, the water vapor turns into ice. Note that non-condensable gases other than water vapor (such as air) pass through the cold trap 4 and are exhausted from the vacuum pump 3.

[0059] Next, the temperature adjusting unit of the heat medium supplying unit 62 heats the heat medium (makes it hot) to raise the temperature of the drying chamber 203 to a temperature above the freezing point. At the same time, the pressure in the drying chamber 203 is further reduced to a predetermined pressure. That is, the remaining moisture in the workpiece W is further evaporated.

[0060] In the pressure recovery process, the movement (rotation, swing) of the cylindrical part 2 is stopped, and dry air (or inert gas) is introduced into the drying chamber 203 via a gas supply pipe (not shown). That is, the pressure in the drying chamber 203 is returned to atmospheric pressure. In the discharge process, the cylindrical part 2 is changed to the forward inclination state H shown in FIG. 2, and the cover wall 21 is removed from the cylindrical part 2. Then, the treated (dried) workpiece W is taken out from the drying chamber 203.

[0061] [Effects] Next, the function and effect of the freeze-drying device of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the drying chamber 203, the sliding part 5, and the cold trap 4 are aligned in a row in the front-rear direction. The sliding part 5 is disposed between the drying chamber 203 and the cold trap 4. The sliding part 5 is essential for ensuring the rotation of the cylindrical part 2 relative to the cold trap 4. The drying chamber 203 and the cold trap 4 are disposed adjacent to each other via the sliding part 5. In other words, the cold trap 4 is disposed immediately adjacent to the drying chamber 203. Therefore, the water vapor sublimated from the workpiece W can be rapidly solidified. Therefore, the workpiece W can be rapidly dried compared to the case where the drying chamber 203 and the cold trap 4 are disposed at a distance from each other. In addition, only the sliding part 5 is disposed between the drying chamber 203 and the cold trap 4. Therefore, the distance between the drying chamber 203 and the cold trap 4 can be minimized.

[0062] 5 and 6 connects the drying chamber 203, which is the target of pressure reduction, to the cooling chamber 41. Therefore, the first rotary joint 50 is required to have high airtightness. On the other hand, the second rotary joint 51 connects the heat medium passage 202 to the heat medium supply unit 62. Therefore, the second rotary joint 51 is not required to have such high airtightness as the first rotary joint 50.

[0063] Let us assume that the two joints (first rotary joint 50, second rotary joint 51) are an inseparable unit. In this case, even if a malfunction occurs in only one of the joints, both joints need to be replaced at the same time. This results in high maintenance costs. In particular, if a malfunction occurs in only the low-airtightness second rotary joint 51, it is necessary to replace not only the second rotary joint 51 but also the high-airtightness first rotary joint 50, which results in high maintenance costs.

[0064] In this regard, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the freeze-drying apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the first rotary joint 50 and the second rotary joint 51 can be easily separated by pulling out the first rotary joint 50 from the radially inner side of the second rotary joint 51. In other words, the first rotary joint 50 and the second rotary joint 51 can be maintained (repaired, replaced, etc.) independently. Therefore, of the two joints (the first rotary joint 50 and the second rotary joint 51), only the one in which a malfunction has occurred can be replaced.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 5, the two joints are stacked in the radial direction. That is, the two joints are disposed at the same position in the front-rear direction (axial direction). Therefore, the front-rear direction length of the sliding part 5 can be shortened compared to a configuration in which the two joints are disposed offset in the front-rear direction (of course, this configuration is also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure).

[0066] In the depressurization step, the cooling temperature of the cold trap 4 (the temperature of the cooling chamber 41) is set to −30° C. or lower. Therefore, the ultimate vacuum level can be made higher (pressure lower) compared to when the cooling temperature exceeds −30° C.

[0067] In the depressurization step, the pressure in the drying chamber 203 is set to be equal to or lower than 600 Pa. Therefore, compared to a case where the pressure exceeds 600 Pa, the workpiece W can be sublimated without being liquefied during freeze-drying.

[0068] If the workpieces W are continuously processed, the upstream end (supply port for continuously supplying the workpieces W) and downstream end (discharge port for continuously discharging the workpieces W) of the cylindrical portion 2 shown in FIG. 3 are always open. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce the pressure in the drying chamber 203 in the depressurization step. In contrast, according to the freeze-drying apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the workpieces W are transported into the drying chamber 203 in a fixed amount at a time in the supply step. In the subsequent steps (freezing step, depressurization step, pressure recovery step, discharge step), the workpieces W are also processed in fixed amounts at a time. That is, the workpieces W are batch-processed. Therefore, the drying chamber 203 can be easily depressurized in the depressurization step.

[0069] 2, the stand 9 supports the cylindrical portion 2 so as to be tiltable in the direction in which the axis D is tilted. Therefore, in the drying chamber 203, the workpiece W can be easily moved in the axial direction (the extension direction of the axis D) as the cylindrical portion 2 tilts.

[0070] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the inner peripheral surface of the inner peripheral wall 201 is a smooth surface. That is, no unevenness is formed on the inner peripheral surface. In this respect, the workpiece W can be easily moved in the axial direction with the tilting of the cylindrical part 2. Also, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the stand 9 supports the cylindrical part 2 rotatably around the axis D. Therefore, the workpiece W can be easily moved in the circumferential direction with the rotation of the cylindrical part 2. In this way, the workpiece W moves in the axial direction and the circumferential direction in the drying chamber 203. Therefore, compared with the case where the workpiece W is left to dry, the upper surface of the workpiece W is less likely to be covered with a water vapor layer (film) in the depressurization step. Therefore, the depressurization time, that is, the drying time, can be shortened.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a heat medium flow path 202 is defined inside the cylindrical wall 20 of the cylindrical portion 2. The heat medium flow path 202 is shared by a hot medium for heating the workpiece W and a refrigerant for cooling the workpiece W. Therefore, the structure of the freeze-drying device 1 can be simplified compared to a case where a heat medium flow path for a hot medium and a heat medium flow path for a refrigerant are arranged independently (of course, this case is also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure). In addition, the heat medium supplied to the heat medium flow path 202 can be used as both a hot medium and a refrigerant. That is, the heat medium is used as either a hot medium or a refrigerant by temperature adjustment (heating, cooling) in the temperature adjustment section of the heat medium supply section 62. Therefore, the structure of the freeze-drying device 1 can be simplified compared to a case where the hot medium and the refrigerant are each dedicated (of course, this case is also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure). In addition, the temperature of the heat medium in the heat medium flow path 202 can be adjusted within a temperature adjustment range of -40°C to 60°C. Therefore, within the temperature adjustment range, the temperature of the heat medium can be switched between a hot medium temperature and a cold medium temperature.

[0072] The freeze-drying apparatus 1 is of a batch type. In addition, in the depressurizing step, the drying chamber 203 can be rotated and tilted. Therefore, the entire workpiece W can be evenly dried. Therefore, the workpiece W can be homogenized.

[0073] Second Embodiment The freeze-drying apparatus of this embodiment differs from the freeze-drying apparatus of the first embodiment in that a stirring member is disposed in the drying chamber. Here, only the difference will be described. FIG. 9 shows a radial cross-sectional view of the freeze-drying apparatus of the second embodiment. Note that parts corresponding to those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The cross section of FIG. 9 corresponds to the cross section in the IV-IV direction shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0074] 9, a plurality of stirring members (stirring fins) 201a are arranged at intervals of 45° in the drying chamber 203. The stirring members 201a stand radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the inner circumferential wall 201. The stirring members 201a extend in the front-rear direction.

[0075] The freeze-drying apparatus 1 of this embodiment and the freeze-drying apparatus of the first embodiment have similar effects with respect to the common parts of the configuration. The freeze-drying apparatus 1 of this embodiment is provided with a stirring member 201a. Therefore, the workpiece W can be stirred up as the cylindrical portion 2 rotates. In addition, the stirred up workpiece W can be dropped by utilizing the weight of the workpiece W. Therefore, the workpiece W can be dried quickly. In addition, the workpiece W can be easily homogenized.

[0076] <Other> The freeze-drying apparatus according to the present disclosure has been described above. However, the freeze-drying apparatus according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The freeze-drying apparatus according to the present disclosure may be embodied in various modified and improved forms that can be achieved by those skilled in the art.

[0077] The locations of the vacuum pump 3, the workpiece supply unit 60, the heat medium supply unit 62, and the refrigerant supply unit 63 shown in Fig. 1 are not particularly limited. These components may or may not be placed on the tilting floor 91. For example, at least one of these components may be placed on the floor surface of the factory (the floor surface on which the fixed base 90 is placed), etc. The shape of the housing 40 is not particularly limited. It may be a square shape, a cylindrical shape, a polygonal tubular shape, etc. The housing 40 may be any container that can secure the cooling chamber 41 inside.

[0078] 5 is not particularly limited. The first rotary joint 50 and the second rotary joint 51 may be disposed at separate locations. For example, only the first rotary joint 50 may be disposed between the drying chamber 203 and the cold trap 4.

[0079] The juxtaposition direction of the drying chamber 203, the sliding part 5, and the cold trap 4 shown in FIG. 5 is not particularly limited. It may be the front-rear direction (see FIG. 5) or the radial direction. When the drying chamber 203, the sliding part 5, and the cold trap 4 are juxtaposed in the radial direction, for example, the trap side communication hole 400a of the front wall 400 shown in FIG. 5 may be enlarged in diameter, and the rear end of the cylindrical part 2 may be inserted into the trap side communication hole 400a. Then, the sliding part 5 may be disposed in the annular gap (radial gap) between the inner peripheral surface of the trap side communication hole 400a and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical part 2. Even in this case, the drying chamber 203 and the cold trap 4 are disposed adjacent to each other via the sliding part 5.

[0080] The mounting state of the second rotary joint 51 relative to the first rotary joint 50 is not particularly limited. The first rotary joint 50 and the second rotary joint 51 do not have to be connected to each other. Alternatively, the first rotary joint 50 and the second rotary joint 51 may be connected to each other by a connecting member (such as a bolt, a screw, or a clamp). Even in this case, the first rotary joint 50 and the second rotary joint 51 can be easily separated by removing the connecting member.

[0081] The cylindrical part 2 shown in FIG. 2 may not be tilted. That is, the stand 9 may support the cylindrical part 2 so that it cannot be tilted. When it cannot be tilted, the extending direction of the axis D of the cylindrical part 2 is not particularly limited. It may be a horizontal direction or a direction intersecting the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. The shape of the tube wall 20 of the cylindrical part 2 shown in FIG. 4 is not particularly limited. It may be a cylindrical shape, a polygonal shape (such as a square, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon), or a cylindrical shape. A member other than the stirring member (stirring fin) 201a shown in FIG. 9 may be arranged in the drying chamber 203. For example, a rolling member that rolls in response to the rotation of the cylindrical part 2 may be arranged in the drying chamber 203.

[0082] There are no particular limitations on the type of hot medium flowing through the heat medium path F shown in Fig. 3, the heat medium that also serves as a refrigerant, and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant path G. As the heat medium, gases such as air and nitrogen can be used, and liquids such as silicon oil, antifreeze (ethylene glycol) and ethanol can be used. As the refrigerant, silicon oil, liquid nitrogen, ethanol, methanol, non-freon refrigerants (isobutane, ethylene, methane), etc. can be used.

[0083] The freezing step may be performed outside the freeze-drying apparatus 1. That is, the workpiece W that has been frozen in advance may be carried into the drying chamber 203 and dried. In this case, the freeze-drying method is performed in the order of the freezing step, the supply step, the depressurization step, the pressure recovery step, and the discharge step.

[0084] There is no particular limitation on the method of using the temperature adjustment unit of the heat medium supplying unit 62. In the depressurization step, water vapor is generated from the frozen workpiece W due to the depressurization at a low temperature (sublimation). That is, the workpiece W is dried. Here, sublimation (ice → water vapor) is an endothermic reaction. The temperature of the drying chamber 203 drops due to the heat of sublimation. At this time, the temperature adjustment unit of the heat medium supplying unit 62 may heat the heat medium in response to the drop in temperature of the drying chamber 203. That is, thermal energy capable of offsetting the temperature drop due to the heat of sublimation may be supplied to the drying chamber 203 via the heat medium.

[0085] The type of the object W to be treated is not particularly limited. It may be medicines (human medicines, veterinary medicines, reagents, pesticides, fertilizers, pest control drugs, etc.), food (fruits, grains, human food, animal food, etc.), industrial raw materials, waste, etc. The properties of the object W to be treated are not particularly limited. It may be in the form of powder, granules, lumps, or a mixture of these. The pressure, temperature, and atmosphere of the drying chamber 203 and the cooling chamber 41 are not particularly limited. It is sufficient that the object W to be treated can be dried to the desired level. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1: freeze-drying device, 2: cylindrical part, 20: cylindrical wall, 200: outer peripheral wall, 201: inner peripheral wall, 201a: stirring member, 202: heat medium flow path, 203: drying chamber, 21: cover wall, 22: cylindrical part side flange, 220: cylindrical part side communication hole, 23: tire, 3: vacuum pump, 4: cold trap, 400: front wall, 400a: trap side communication hole, 5: sliding part, 9: stand, 40: housing, 41: cooling chamber, 42: cooling Pipe, 420: refrigerant flow path, 44: leg portion, 50: first rotary joint, 500: first rotating side inner member, 501: first fixed side outer member, 501a: bearing accommodating groove, 501b: seal ring accommodating groove, 502: bearing, 503: seal ring, 51: second rotary joint, 510: second fixed side inner member, 510a: heat medium supply groove, 510b: heat medium discharge groove, 510c: seal ring accommodating groove, 510d: inner side heat medium supply hole, 510e: inner side heat medium discharge hole, 511: second rotating side outer member, 511a: bearing housing groove, 511d: outer side heat medium supply hole, 511e: outer side heat medium discharge hole, 512: bearing, 513: seal ring, 514: joint side flange, 60: workpiece supply part, 600: leg, 61: workpiece carry-in part, 62: heat medium supply part, 63: refrigerant supply part, 90: fixing base, 9 00: top plate, 901: legs, 91: tilting floor, 92: tilting floor drive unit, 93: loading unit support unit, 930: bearing, 94: cylindrical unit support unit, 940: roller device, 940a: roller unit, 940b: bearing, 940c: roller, 98: supply piping, A: first oscillation shaft, B: second oscillation shaft, C: third oscillation shaft, D: shaft, E: exhaust path, F: heat medium path, G: refrigerant path, H: forward tilting state, K: backward tilting state, W: workpiece

Claims

1. A cylindrical part that is rotatable about its axis and has a drying chamber for freeze-drying the object to be processed; a vacuum pump for reducing the pressure in the drying chamber; a cold trap disposed between the drying chamber and the vacuum pump, for cooling, solidifying and collecting water vapor sublimated from the object to be treated by reducing pressure; a sliding part disposed between the drying chamber and the cold trap; Equipped with The drying chamber and the cold trap are disposed adjacent to each other via the sliding portion.

2. The freeze-drying apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the objects to be processed are batch-processed in the drying chamber.

3. The freeze-drying apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a stand that supports the cylindrical portion so that the cylindrical portion can tilt in a direction in which the axis of the cylindrical portion is tilted.

4. A heat medium flow path is defined inside the cylindrical wall of the cylindrical portion, 2. The freeze-drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat medium passage is shared by a hot medium for heating the object and a coolant for cooling the object.

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