Multi-chamber sterilization and water removal device for infusion bags

Abstract

A multi-chamber sterilization and water removal device for infusion bags (3), the device comprising a sterilization tray (1), a sterilization mechanism, a sterilization tray in-place sensor (9) and a pickup mechanism, wherein several rows of flow guide holes (2) are formed at the bottom of the sterilization tray (1); the pickup mechanism comprises a manipulator (7), a frame (6) is provided on the manipulator (7), clamping fingers (8) are provided on the frame (6), an air injection mechanism (10) is provided on the frame (6), and an injection port of the air injection mechanism (10) is arranged above the frame (6); and a water collecting plate is provided below the frame (6). Air of a certain pressure is sprayed by the air injection mechanism (10) to disinfected infusion bags (3), such that remaining water on the infusion bags (3) is blown off and drops into the sterilization tray (1), flows out via the flow guide holes (2), and enters the water collecting plate, which prevents the remaining water from being splashed onto the sterilization tray in-place sensor (9) so as to ensure the whole sterilization process to go smoothly, thereby improving the sterilization effect.

Description

A multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dewatering device Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of pharmaceutical technology, in particular to a multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dewatering device. Background Art

[0002] During the production process of current soft-packaged infusion products, the infusion bags are placed on sterilization trays and then sent to a water bath sterilizer. They are sprayed and sterilized with high-temperature, high-pressure circulating water. After the sterilization of the infusion bags is completed within the specified time, the products are automatically pulled out of the sterilizer via an automatic rail system. Since there will be a lot of residual water on the surface of the product bag after sterilization, the sterilized product is sent to the next process to be unloaded from the sterilization tray. During the unloading process, the residual water will cause the detection sensor to malfunction.

[0003] The structure of one of the sterilization devices is shown in Figures 1 and 2. The working principle of the sterilization device is as follows: the sterilization tray 1 is made of stainless steel, and several rows of diversion holes 2 are evenly distributed on the bottom and sides of the sterilization tray. Its main function is to facilitate the spraying of the infusion bag products 3 with the circulating water in the sterilization mechanism during the sterilization process. The water can flow along the diversion holes 2 to each layer of products placed on the sterilization tray to achieve sterilization of the infusion bag products. The sterilized infusion bag products are removed from the sterilization tray one by one by an automatic robot and sent to the sterilization tray transfer track 10. Then, a special mechanism is used to unload the infusion bag products and send them to the next process.

[0004] 1. As can be seen from the above working principle, after sterilization, residual water remains on the surface of the infusion bag. When subjected to external forces, this residual water will drip onto the corresponding sterilization tray sensor and the sterilization tray position sensor, causing the sterilization tray sensor and the sterilization tray position sensor to fail to detect and cause equipment shutdown. After the shutdown, the operator will check the sensors one by one, troubleshoot the problem, and restart the equipment. However, the water will continue to exist throughout the entire process, resulting in frequent equipment shutdowns and significantly reducing production efficiency. The sensors mainly detect whether the lifting platform is in place and whether the tray removal robot is holding the sterilization tray.

[0005] 2. Since the equipment is installed in a safety guardrail, when the operator handles the fault, he needs to open the safety door to enter, then exit the machine area after handling the fault, and close the safety door to reset it before he can start the equipment. This further increases the time to handle the equipment and reduces production efficiency.

[0006] 3. Since there will be a lot of residual water, when the equipment is running, it will drip around the equipment and on the ground along the movement trajectory of the robot, resulting in a lot of water droplets on site and inconvenient cleaning.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that the existing sterilization device uses steam to sterilize the infusion bag. After the sterilization is completed, there will be residual water. When the residual water is subjected to external force, it will drip onto the corresponding sensor, causing the sensor detection to fail and causing the equipment to shut down.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dewatering device, including a sterilization tray, a sterilization mechanism, a sterilization tray in-place sensor and a picking mechanism, wherein several rows of diversion holes are opened at the bottom of the sterilization tray; the picking mechanism includes a manipulator, a frame is provided on the manipulator, a clamping finger is provided on the frame, an air jet mechanism is provided on the frame, and the injection port of the air jet mechanism is provided above the frame; a water collection tray is provided below the frame.

[0010] As a possible design, the multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device also includes a central controller, and the manipulator, clamping fingers, sterilization tray in-place sensor and jet mechanism are all communicatively connected to the central controller.

[0011] As a possible design, the multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device further includes a sterilization tray sensor, and the sterilization tray sensor is arranged on the side of the sterilization mechanism where the sterilization tray sensor exits.

[0012] As a possible design, the jet mechanism includes a gas cylinder, a gas outlet end of the gas cylinder is provided with a solenoid valve, and the solenoid valve is communicatively connected to the central controller.

[0013] As a possible design, the jet port of the jet mechanism is slanted downward.

[0014] As a possible design, the angle between the jet port of the jet mechanism and the vertical direction is 30 to 60 degrees.

[0015] As a possible design, the multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device also includes a human-computer interaction interface, and the human-computer interaction interface is communicatively connected to the central controller.

[0016] As a possible design, the jet mechanism further includes a gas distribution pipe connected to the gas storage cylinder, the gas distribution pipe is provided with the solenoid valve, and the solenoid valve is communicatively connected to the central controller.

[0017] As a possible design, the multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device further includes a moisture sensor for detecting moisture on the sterilization tray arrival sensor, and the moisture sensor is communicatively connected to the central controller.

[0018] As a possible design, the multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device also includes a transfer track, and the transfer track is arranged on one side of the picking mechanism.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0020] 1. The present invention is provided with an air jet mechanism, which sprays gas of a certain pressure onto the sterilized infusion bag, blows off the remaining water on the infusion bag and drops it onto the sterilization tray, flows out through the guide hole and enters the water collection tray, thereby preventing the remaining water from spilling onto the sterilization tray in-place sensor, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the entire sterilization process and improving the sterilization effect.

[0021] 2. By setting up a central controller, first send a command to the robot, the robot drives the frame to move to the appropriate position (the sterilization tray in place sensor can sense that the sterilization tray is in the appropriate position), and then the clamping fingers clamp the sterilization tray and at the same time transmit the clamping completion signal to the central controller. The central controller sends a command to start the jet mechanism, and the jet mechanism sprays the infusion bag to blow off the remaining water on its surface.

[0022] 3. By setting up a human-computer interaction interface, the opening degree and opening time of the solenoid valve can be adjusted to achieve the purpose of energy saving and consumption reduction while ensuring that the remaining water is blown away.

[0023] 4. The included angle between the jet port of the jet mechanism and the vertical direction is 30 to 60 degrees, so that the remaining water blown off can flow smoothly into the water collection tray along the guide holes on the sterilization tray and then be discharged uniformly, which greatly improves the cleanliness of the production line.

[0024] 5. By setting up an air distribution pipe, air can be blown directly to the detection sensor to prevent the influence of moisture on the sensor when there is high temperature and moisture, thereby better improving the operating stability of the equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the examples. It should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope. A person of ordinary skill in the art can also derive other relevant drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort. In the drawings:

[0026] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an existing sterilization device;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a sterilization tray;

[0028] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] The marks and corresponding component names in the attached figure are: 1- sterilization tray, 2- diversion hole, 3- infusion bag, 4- residual water, 5- sterilization tray sensor, 6- frame, 7- manipulator, 8- gripping fingers, 9- sterilization tray in place sensor, 10- jet mechanism, 11- water blowing nozzle, 12- transfer track, 13- sterilization tray to be transferred. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with examples and drawings. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being “fixed on” or “disposed on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being “connected to” another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined. "Several" means one or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0033] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0034] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and may encompass internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0035] Steam sterilization is currently used for sterilizing infusion bags. Therefore, a large amount of water remains on the infusion bags after steam sterilization. This water is called residual water. During the transportation of the infusion bags, the residual water will spill onto the sterilization tray sensor and the sterilization tray in place sensor, causing the sterilization tray sensor and the sterilization tray in place sensor to malfunction, thereby causing the equipment to shut down. After the equipment is shut down, the operator will check all sensors one by one, and after troubleshooting, the equipment will be restarted. However, water will always be present during the entire process, resulting in frequent equipment shutdowns, which greatly reduces production efficiency.

[0036] In response to the above-mentioned problems existing in the sterilization of the existing infusion bag 3, as shown in Figure 3, an embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dewatering device, including a sterilization tray 1, a sterilization mechanism (not shown in the figure), a sterilization tray in place sensor 9 and a picking mechanism. The sterilization tray 1 is provided with several rows of diversion holes 2 at the bottom; the picking mechanism includes a manipulator 7, a frame 6 is provided on the manipulator 7, a clamping finger 8 is provided on the frame 6, and an injection mechanism 10 is provided on the frame 6, and the injection port of the injection mechanism 10 is provided above the frame 6; a water collection tray is provided below the frame 6. During sterilization, the infusion bag 3 is placed in the sterilization tray 1, and then the sterilization tray 1 is placed in the sterilization mechanism for sterilization. After the sterilization is completed (the steam flow rate is certain, mainly to control the sterilization time), the picking mechanism transports the sterilization tray 1. Specifically, the manipulator 7 arrives at the sterilization tray 1, the clamping fingers 8 clamp the sterilization tray 1, and move the sterilization tray 1 to the required position, and then start the jet mechanism 10 to spray the residual water 4 to blow off the residual water 4. After completion, the jet mechanism 10 is closed. The blown residual water 4 enters the water collection tray through the diversion hole 2, and is then collected and discharged uniformly, which greatly improves the cleanliness of the production process and prevents the residual water 4 from spilling on the sensor under stress.

[0037] It should be noted that the structures and arrangements of the sterilization mechanism, the sterilization tray arrival sensor 9 and the picking mechanism are all existing, and therefore will not be elaborated here in detail.

[0038] The sterilization tray 1 is shown in FIG2 .

[0039] In order to achieve automatic control, the multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device also includes a central controller (not shown in Figure 3), and the manipulator 7, clamping fingers 8, sterilization tray in place sensor 9 and jet mechanism 10 are all communicatively connected to the central controller.

[0040] After the central controller instructs the manipulator 7 and the gripping fingers 8 to transfer and grip the sterilization tray 1, it then instructs the jet mechanism 10 to spray air at the infusion bag 3 to remove the remaining water 4 thereon. Alternatively, the jet mechanism 10 may be activated while the gripping fingers 8 grip the sterilization tray 1, thereby simultaneously removing the remaining water 4 during transfer, thus saving time.

[0041] As shown in FIG3 , the multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dewatering device further includes a sterilization tray sensor 5 , which is arranged on the side of the sterilization mechanism where the sterilization tray sensor exits. The sensor is used to sense whether the sterilization tray 1 has been removed from the sterilization mechanism so that the next sterilization tray 1 can be sterilized.

[0042] In one possible embodiment, the jet mechanism 10 includes a gas cylinder, the outlet of which is equipped with a solenoid valve, which is communicatively connected to the central controller. The central controller controls the opening, closing, and degree of opening of the solenoid valve to reduce energy consumption. In practical applications, the outlet port serves as a jet nozzle. In addition to the solenoid valve, the jet nozzle may also be equipped with a water blowing nozzle 11. A pressure regulating switch may also be installed at the front end of the water blowing nozzle 11 to adjust the pressure of the gas flowing out of the water blowing nozzle 11. The position of the pressure regulating switch is adjusted according to the actual water blowing effect to ensure stable water blowing.

[0043] In order to save cost, the gas stored in the gas cylinder is compressed air. The water blowing nozzle 11 is generally made of stainless steel with light weight, for example: 304 stainless steel pipe, which has light material and will not cause damage to the infusion bag 3.

[0044] In actual application, the connection between the air-jetting mechanism 10 and the frame 6 can be a detachable connection, so the air-jetting mechanism 10 can be moved on the frame 6 without affecting the picking mechanism.

[0045] In one possible embodiment, the jet outlet of the jet mechanism 10 is angled downward. This facilitates the gas to effectively blow away the remaining water 4 onto the sterilization tray 1. Generally, the angle between the jet outlet of the jet mechanism 10 and the vertical direction is 30 to 60 degrees, preferably 45 degrees, to improve the efficiency of the gas in blowing away the remaining water 4, reduce gas consumption, and achieve energy conservation and consumption reduction.

[0046] In one possible embodiment, to achieve greater efficiency and further reduce gas consumption (i.e., energy consumption), the multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dewatering device further includes a human-machine interface (HMI) communicatively connected to the central controller. The HMI allows for setting the air jet timing and solenoid valve opening.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the jet mechanism 10 further includes a gas distribution pipe connected to the gas cylinder, the gas distribution pipe is provided with the solenoid valve, and the solenoid valve is communicatively connected to the central controller.

[0048] The air distribution pipe is used to purge the sterilization tray in place sensor 9 to prevent the water vapor from affecting the sterilization tray in place sensor 9 when the temperature is high and there is water vapor, which is beneficial to the sterilization mechanism for more stable operation and avoid unplanned shutdown.

[0049] In one possible embodiment, the multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device further includes a moisture sensor for detecting moisture on the sterilization tray in place sensor 9, and the moisture sensor is communicatively connected to the central controller. The moisture sensor promptly feeds back the moisture detection status on the sterilization tray in place sensor 9 to the central controller. After determination, the central controller sends a command to the solenoid valve on the air distribution pipe. If air needs to be sprayed toward the sterilization tray in place sensor 9, the solenoid valve on the air distribution pipe opens to spray air to the solenoid valve on the air distribution pipe, thereby clearing the moisture on it, which helps to ensure that the data collected by the sterilization tray in place sensor 9 is clear and visible.

[0050] In one possible embodiment, the multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dewatering device further includes a transfer track 12 disposed on one side of the pickup mechanism. After the residual water 4 on the infusion bag 3 in the sterilization tray 1 is blown away, the pickup mechanism places the sterilization tray 13 to be transferred onto the transfer track 12 for subsequent processing.

[0051] The control logic of the central controller in the embodiment of the present invention is existing or can be obtained through conventional improvement of the existing one, so it will not be elaborated in detail in the present invention.

[0052] The control logic of the central controller in the embodiment of the present invention is existing or can be obtained through conventional improvement of the existing one, so it will not be elaborated in detail in the present invention.

[0053] The specific implementation methods described above further illustrate the objectives, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present invention in detail. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific implementation method of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device, comprising a sterilization tray, a sterilization mechanism, a sterilization tray in-place sensor and a picking mechanism, characterized in that: The bottom of the sterilization tray is provided with a plurality of rows of diversion holes; the picking mechanism comprises a manipulator, the manipulator is provided with a frame, the frame is provided with clamping fingers, the frame is provided with an injection mechanism, and the injection port of the injection mechanism is provided above the frame; a water collecting tray is provided below the frame.

2. The multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device also includes a central controller, and the manipulator, clamping fingers, sterilization tray in-place sensor and jet mechanism are all communicatively connected to the central controller.

3. The multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dewatering device also includes a sterilization tray sensor, and the sterilization tray sensor is arranged on the side of the sterilization mechanism where the sterilization tray sensor exits.

4. The multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The jet mechanism comprises a gas storage bottle, a gas outlet end of the gas storage bottle is provided with a solenoid valve, and the solenoid valve is communicatively connected with the central controller.

5. The multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The jet port of the jet mechanism is slanted downward.

6. The multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The included angle between the jet port of the jet mechanism and the vertical direction is 30 to 60 degrees.

7. The multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device also includes a human-computer interaction interface, and the human-computer interaction interface is communicatively connected with the central controller.

8. The multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The jet mechanism further comprises an air distribution pipe connected to the gas storage cylinder, the air distribution pipe is provided with the solenoid valve, and the solenoid valve is communicatively connected with the central controller.

9. The multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device also includes a moisture sensor for detecting moisture on the sterilization tray arrival sensor, and the moisture sensor is communicatively connected to the central controller.

10. The multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-chamber infusion bag sterilization and dehydration device also includes a transfer track, and the transfer track is arranged on one side of the picking mechanism.

Images