JP2023034904A - Loading and unloading device for freeze dryer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a loading and unloading device for a freeze dryer for manufacturing pharmaceuticals arranged in a clean environment, in which in particular, a dust generation in the vicinity of a product is taken into consideration, a space-saving structure for securing a workability of an operator is achieved, and a decontamination performance by gas is greatly improved.SOLUTION: A loading and unloading device for a freeze dryer according to the present invention includes a connected type pusher formed by connecting a plurality of connection arms, a pusher push plate connected to the tip of a connected type pusher, and a connecting arm storage shelf for storing the plurality of connection arms before connecting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer, and more particularly to a loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer for loading/unloading objects such as vials into/from the freeze dryer.

Freeze-drying is a method in which the water content in a liquid product is frozen at a temperature below the freezing point, and the water content is removed by sublimation in that state. A device that performs this freeze-drying is called a freeze-dryer, and is widely used in the manufacturing process of pharmaceuticals. A loading/unloading device for a freeze-dryer has a function of aligning vials filled with liquid pharmaceuticals and partially stoppered with rubber stoppers and loading the vials into the freeze-dryer by means of a pusher. In addition, it also has the function of taking out vials from the shelf of the freeze-dryer by means of a pusher after freeze-drying and stoppering with rubber stoppers in the freeze-dryer. Since a large number of vials are transported by pushing them all at once from the outside of the freeze dryer onto the stainless steel shelves inside, it is necessary to take into account the occurrence of disordered rows and overturning of vials when carrying in and out of vials. There is

In the design of machines used in the manufacturing process of sterile pharmaceuticals such as injectable preparations, it is necessary to ensure that there are no structures that generate dust near or above the product in order to ensure sterility. Specifically, it is required to maintain a state in which the product is directly exposed to the laminar flow of highly clean air. In addition, it is not desirable to have a portion that moves or rubs near the opening of the vial bottle or at a position higher than the opening. Furthermore, the equipment used for manufacturing must have a structure and materials that can withstand decontamination using gases such as hydrogen peroxide. Freeze dryers for the production of sterile pharmaceutical products should also have these characteristics.

In the conventional freeze dryer, the pusher for entering the warehouse was installed in front of the entrance of the freeze dryer, and the pusher for leaving the warehouse was installed on the back side of the freeze dryer. Since the exit pusher is placed outside of an environment exposed to highly clean air (hereinafter referred to as a clean environment), it was necessary to cover it with a cover member called a bellows that expands and contracts.

After that, a pusher that functions as both an entry pusher and an exit pusher was also developed. When unloading from the warehouse, it is necessary to place the tip of the pusher at the back of the vials that are aligned from the front and hook them in the front direction to transport the vials. necessary. For this reason, the pusher itself has a structure that expands and contracts, and the structure that covers the expansion and contraction part with a bellows has been the mainstream.

However, when damage to the bellows is discovered, it is difficult to identify the time of damage, and there is a growing concern about the safety of pharmaceuticals. In addition, when decontamination is performed, it is necessary to shrink the bellows, resulting in the folds of the bellows sticking together. In this case, it has been pointed out that the use of bellows is not desirable from the viewpoint of ensuring sterility because it is not possible to kill bacteria on the surface to which it is attached.

Therefore, the recent freeze dryer loading and unloading device has a very long pusher that secures the length of the depth of the freeze dryer, and the structure that the whole pusher is arranged in a clean environment has become mainstream. ing. However, this structure requires several meters of protruding space on the side of the operator for drug production. This not only significantly lowers the workability of the operator, but also increases the cost of the barrier system by expanding the area to be decontaminated.

As a technology to solve this, there are products with pushers that can be rolled up to save space, and products with pushers that are self-propelled by electricity. We sometimes have to be skeptical about the effectiveness of gas decontamination in a wound state. A structure in which a vehicle runs by itself in the vicinity of a product poses a risk to product safety in terms of dust generation. It can be said that there is currently no loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer that satisfies space saving, dust generation consideration, and decontamination performance.

In order to save space in the overall device, DE 10 2005 003 003 A1 proposes a device in which the rod elements of the modular rod assembly are stored in a rotating holding drum. However, since dust is generated by the operation of the rotary holding drum itself, there is a problem that it is difficult to satisfy the dust generation prevention requirement. There is also a need to improve the efficiency of gas decontamination when the rod elements are wound up in the holding drum.

In addition, Patent Document 2 proposes a device in which a pusher is provided with wheels, and the pusher is self-propelled inside a freeze-drying chamber by supplying electric power to the pusher. However, since the self-propelled operation by the wheels provided on the pusher generates dust, there is also the problem that it is difficult to meet the requirement for preventing dust generation.

In this way, there is a product that satisfies all of the following: a structure that prevents dust from being placed in a clean environment, decontamination, and space-saving in the product manufacturing area in the loading and unloading device of a freeze dryer for aseptic pharmaceuticals. not.

Also, in the process of loading and unloading from the freeze dryer, there is a problem that the first bottle often topples at the timing of transfer due to the difference in level between the slider and the shelf, and when the vial moves and stops.

Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 2009-543746 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-532070

The present invention, as a loading/unloading device for a freeze-dryer for manufacturing pharmaceuticals to be placed in a clean environment, takes into consideration dust generation near the product and realizes a space-saving structure for ensuring workability of the operator. It is intended to greatly improve the decontamination performance by gas. In addition, stable transportation of bottles is greatly improved.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer, comprising a connecting pusher formed by connecting a plurality of connecting arms, and a pushing plate for the pusher connected to the tip of the connecting pusher. a connecting arm storage shelf (40) for storing a plurality of connecting arms before connection;
To provide a loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer, characterized by comprising:

In a loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to one aspect of the invention, each of the plurality of connecting arms may have a roller.

A loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to another aspect of the present invention further comprises front and rear frames for moving the vial group collectively by supporting the forefront and rearmost parts of the vial group consisting of a plurality of vials. may

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer, wherein the articulated pusher comprises a connecting portion connecting adjacent connecting arms.

In the loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to another aspect of the present invention, the connecting part has a protrusion and an opening, and the adjacent connecting part is moved by inserting and engaging the protrusion into the opening. You may make it connect an arm.

In the loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to another aspect of the present invention, adjacent connecting arms may be connected by magnetic connecting means provided in the connecting portion.

In the loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to another aspect of the present invention, the connecting arm storage shelf stores the plurality of connecting arms such that the plurality of connecting arms are positioned, for example, in a vertical stacking direction. may The method of storing the connecting arms in the connecting arm storage shelf is not limited to this, and the connecting arms may be stored in various ways such as horizontally or in multiple rows as long as the storage area can be kept small.

In the loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to another aspect of the present invention, the connecting arm storage shelf can be attached to the connecting portion provided at the end of each connecting arm by lowering the plurality of connecting arms, for example, in the vertical direction. may be used to connect adjacent connecting arms.

In a loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to another aspect of the present invention, the connecting arm storage shelf includes a movable gripping mechanism, the gripping mechanism grips one of the plurality of connecting arms and is adjacent to the connecting arm. Adjacent connecting arms may be connected at the connecting portion by moving the connecting arm so that the positions of the connecting portions of the connecting arms match.

A loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to another aspect of the present invention may have comb teeth provided on a portion of the slider.

A loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to another aspect of the present invention further includes a partition wall provided between the connecting arm storage shelf and the conveyor, wherein the partition wall is an opening for passing the connecting arm. It may have a certain hole.

A loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to another aspect of the present invention may further include a cushion stopper that receives a vial transported by the transport conveyor.

A loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to another aspect of the present invention may further comprise a vial guide extending along the freeze dryer shelf.

A loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to another aspect of the present invention may further include a non-contact drive mechanism that uses electromagnetic force to move the connecting arm and move the connecting arm storage shelf up and down. .

The drive mechanism of the loading/unloading device for the freeze dryer according to another aspect of the present invention is preferably a linear motor, but is not limited to this, and may be any non-contact drive mechanism using electromagnetic force. good.

In the present invention, the term "clean environment" refers to an environment exposed to highly clean air.

According to the present invention, as a loading/unloading device for a freeze-dryer for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals placed in a clean environment, a space-saving structure is realized to ensure the workability of the operator, taking into consideration the possibility of dust generation near the product. and the gas decontamination performance can be greatly improved.

In addition, according to the present invention, the stability of bottles during transportation can be greatly improved.

Also, according to the present invention, the size of the barrier system can be reduced because the area that must be kept clean is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to greatly reduce costs for the user of the device, and it is possible to provide a loading/unloading device with greatly improved added value compared to the conventional one.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, not only the performance of decontamination by gas but also the performance of washing with water is improved.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the entire loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the state of the loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to the present invention at the time of loading. FIG. 3 is a view showing how the articulated pushers of the loading/unloading device for the freeze dryer according to the present invention are connected. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a connecting portion of a connecting type pusher of a loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the operation of the front and rear frames at the time of warehousing of the loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the operation of the front and rear frames at the time of storage of the loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the position of the articulated pusher at the start of unloading of the loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the positions of the front and rear frames when the loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to the present invention is unloaded. FIG. 9 is a view showing a connecting arm storage rack of the loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the connecting arm storage shelf and the connecting arm of the loading/unloading device for the freeze dryer according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the state of the connecting arm storage shelf of the loading/unloading device for the freeze dryer according to the present invention when the connecting arm storage shelf is raised and lowered. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing comb teeth provided on a part of the slider. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the operation of the cushion stopper of the loading/unloading device for the freeze dryer according to the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an installation example of a conventional loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an installation example of a loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the entire loading/unloading device 1 for a freeze dryer according to the present invention.
A loading/unloading device 1 for a freeze dryer according to the present invention includes a connecting pusher 20 formed by connecting a plurality of connecting arms 10, a pusher push plate 30 connected to the tip of the connecting pusher 20, and a A connecting arm storage shelf 40 for storing a plurality of connecting arms 10 is provided.

The articulated pusher 20 has both a function as a vial entry pusher and a function as an exit pusher. The length of the articulated pusher 20 can be adjusted by connecting multiple connecting arms 10 . By connecting all the connecting arms 10, a length corresponding to the depth of the freeze dryer can be secured. That is, the length of the connecting pusher 20 when all the connecting arms 10 are connected can be made to match the depth of the freeze dryer.

The connecting arm 10 is stored in a connecting arm storage shelf 40 installed in a clean environment. When connecting the connecting arms 10, the connecting arms 10 are sent out one by one from the connecting arm storage shelf 40 and connected. This makes it possible to achieve both decontamination performance and space saving.

The pusher pressing plate 30 is connected to the tip of the articulated pusher 20 . The pusher push plate 30 moves along with the movement of the articulated pusher 20, and moves the vial B while pushing it.

A connecting arm storage shelf 40 is installed in a clean environment and stores a plurality of connecting arms 10 . The connecting arm storage shelf 40 feeds out the connecting arms 10 one by one and connects them to each other.

Each of the plurality of connecting arms 10 has rollers 42 . Each of the plurality of connecting arms 10 may have two or more rollers. For example, a total of two rollers 42 may be provided, one near each end of the connecting arm 10 , or a total of three rollers 42 may be provided, one each near both ends and the center of the connecting arm 10 . The rollers 42 of the connecting arm 10 move the connecting arm 10 on the rail.

The slider 50 is a conveying surface on which the vial B is conveyed, and is provided between the connecting arm storage shelf 40 and the freeze dryer shelf plate 70 . The freeze dryer shelf 70 has a lower linked dryer shelf 71 and an upper freeze dryer shelf 72 . Slider 50 extends toward lower connecting dryer shelf 71 .

A front and rear frame 60 may be further provided separately from the articulated pusher 20 . The front and rear frames 60 support the front and rear parts of a vial group consisting of a plurality of vials B, thereby moving the vial group together while holding the vial group.

When the group of vials passes through the entrance of the shelf plate 70 of the freeze dryer, the bottle is prevented from falling down by maintaining a state of supporting the front and rear of the group of vials in the traveling direction. In addition, by adopting a structure for sending the vial B to the freeze dryer by the front and rear frames 60, the role played by the articulated pusher 20 at the time of storage can be limited to only the function of sending the vial B from the conveyor to the slider 50. . Therefore, it is not necessary to connect the articulated pusher 20 at the time of warehousing.

A vial guide 80 may also be provided that extends along the freeze dryer shelf 70 . The vial guide 80 is used to adjust the width of the transport path. Vial bottles B of various sizes can be handled by adjusting the width of the conveying path using the vial guide 80 .

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the state of the loading/unloading device 1 for a freeze dryer according to the present invention at the time of storage.
When the vials B are stored in the storage/dispatching device 1, the vials B are arranged in a row on the conveyer C, and the connecting pusher 20 is the shortest state, that is, only one connecting arm 10 is used. The vial group of the vial bottle B is pushed by pitches. FIG. 2(a) shows a state in which the first pitch of vial B is pushed out in the direction of movement toward the freeze dryer, and FIG. 2(b) shows the next pitch of vial B. is pushed out in the direction of travel towards the freeze dryer. This is repeated until a desired amount of vials B are extruded, and the group of vials is sequentially sent in the advancing direction toward the freeze dryer.

FIG. 3 is a view showing how the connecting pusher 20 of the loading/unloading device 1 for a freeze dryer according to the present invention is connected.
FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing a state before the articulated pusher 20 reaches the vicinity of the entrance of the freeze dryer shelf board 70. FIG. FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the tip of the articulated pusher 20 has reached the vicinity of the entrance of the shelf plate 70 of the freeze dryer on the slider 50. As shown in FIG. (c) of FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the first connecting arm 11 following the tip of the connecting pusher 20 . (d) of FIG. 3 shows the first connecting arm 11, the second connecting arm 12 following the first connecting arm, and the first connecting portion J1 connecting the first connecting arm 11 and the second connecting arm 12. is. (e) of FIG. 3 shows the first connecting arm 11, the second connecting arm 12, the first connecting portion J1, and the second connecting portion J2 connecting the second connecting arm 12 and the third connecting arm 13. is. FIG. 3(f) is a diagram showing a third connecting portion J3 that similarly connects the first to third connecting arms 11, 12, 13, the fourth connecting arm 14 and the fifth connecting arm 15. . As shown in (a) to (f) of FIG. 3, the first to n-th connecting arms (11, 12, 13, . , . . . Jn) are connected to adjacent connecting arms 10 respectively.

The length of the articulated pusher 20 is the shortest when only the first connecting arm 11 is used. Only the first connecting arm 11 may be used when only sending is sufficient. On the other hand, the length of the connected pusher 20 is the longest when the pusher plate 30 reaches the deepest part of the inside of the freeze dryer when the vial bottle B is taken out of the freeze dryer. In this case, the push plate 30 for the pusher is hooked on the vial bottle B on the side to send the group of vials to the entrance side of the freeze dryer, and the number of connecting arms 10 to be connected is the largest.

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of the connecting portion J of the connecting pusher 20 of the loading/unloading device 1 for a freeze dryer according to the present invention.
The articulated pusher 20 includes a connecting portion J that connects adjacent connecting arms 10 . The connecting portion J may employ any connecting method, but in one example of FIG. The two joints J are connected by engaging the protrusions JP with the JH. That is, the connecting portion J has a protrusion JP and an opening JH, and the adjacent connecting arms 10 are connected by inserting and engaging the protrusion JP into the opening JH. In the example of FIG. 4, the opening JH provided at one end of the connecting arm 10 and the protrusion JP provided at one end of the connecting arm 10 adjacent to that connecting arm 10 are engaged. In the example of FIG. 4, the opening JH is a cylindrical opening and the protrusion JP is a substantially cylindrical pin, but not limited to, the shapes of the opening JH and the protrusion JP are such that they engage with each other. It may have any shape as long as it is possible. In addition to the example shown in FIG. 4, the connecting portion J may employ any mechanical, electrical, or magnetic connection, such as connection by magnetic means such as a magnet, connection by screws, or the like.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing the operation of the front and rear frames 60 during storage of the loading/unloading device 1 for a freeze dryer according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 5C, the front and rear frame 60 includes a front support portion 61 that supports the frontmost portion of the vial group in the traveling direction, a rear support portion 62 that supports the rearmost portion of the vial group in the traveling direction, It has an intermediate support portion 63 provided between the front support portion 61 and the rear support portion 62 .

(a) of FIG. 5 shows a state in which the number of vials B to be conveyed by the front and rear frames 60 are aligned. A predetermined number of vials B pushed out by the articulated pusher 20 are positioned between the front support portion 61 and the intermediate support portion 63 of the front and rear frame 60 . At this time, the space between the intermediate support portion 63 and the rear support portion 62 of the front and rear frame 60 is also filled with the vial B. As shown in FIG. The rows of vials B are provided with blank rows at positions corresponding to the front support portion 61 , intermediate support portion 63 and rear support portion 62 of the front and rear frame 60 .

Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, the front and rear frames 60 are lowered, and the front support portion 61, intermediate support portion 63 and rear support portion 62 are inserted into the positions of the blank rows. The front and rear frame 60 moves in the traveling direction toward the freeze dryer while the front support portion 61, the intermediate support portion 63, and the rear support portion 62 remain inserted in the positions of the blank rows. During this movement, the vial group of vial B passes through the entrance of the freeze dryer. By passing through the entrance of the freeze dryer while the vial group is supported by the front and rear frames 60 in this way, it is possible to prevent overturning of the vials.

After the movement of the vial B by the front and rear frame 60 is completed, as shown in FIG. 5C, the front and rear frame 60 is lifted to the position shown in FIG. move so that the front support part 61, the middle support part 63 and the rear support part 62 are arranged above.

The advantage of using the front and rear frames 60 is that the vials can be prevented from overturning, and that only the first connecting arm 11 can be used without connecting the connecting arms in the connecting pusher 20 . As a result, it is possible to prevent even a small amount of dust from being generated due to the connection, so that it can be applied even when high suppression of dust generation is required.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the operation of the front and rear frames 60 at the time of storage of the loading/unloading device 1 for a freeze dryer according to the present invention.
6(a) to 6(c), the number of vials B to be conveyed by the front and rear frame 60 is aligned between the front support portion 61 and the intermediate support portion 63 of the front and rear frame 60 by the connecting pusher 20. It shows the extrusion process. (d) of FIG. 6 shows a state after the movement by the front and rear frames 60 and the movement by the articulated pusher 20 are performed. FIG. 6(e) shows a state in which all the vial bottles B have finally reached their destinations on the shelf plate 70 of the freeze-dryer, and storage has been completed.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the position of the articulated pusher 20 at the start of unloading of the loading/unloading device 1 for a freeze dryer according to the present invention.
In FIG. 7, all the connecting arms 10 of the connecting type pusher 20 are connected, and the pushing plate 30 for the pusher is arranged at the innermost part of the freeze dryer. When the pusher plate 30 reaches the innermost part of the freeze dryer, the pusher plate 30 descends to a height at which the vial bottle B can be conveyed. When the pusher push plate 30 descends to a predetermined position, the connection type pusher 20 moves in the direction toward the entrance of the connection dryer, and the vial B is taken out. If necessary, the articulated pusher 20 is disengaged and moved toward the inlet of the articulated dryer.

By supporting the front side of the vial group with the front and rear frames 60 at the time of unloading, it is possible to prevent the vials B from overturning at the level difference between the slider 50 and the shelf plate 70 of the freeze dryer.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the positions of the front and rear frames 60 when the loading/unloading device 1 for a freeze dryer according to the present invention is unloaded.
At the time of unloading, the pusher push plate 30 moves in the direction toward the inlet of the connected dryer while contacting the row of vial bottles B on the innermost side of the freeze dryer. While supporting the row of vial bottles B on the inlet side of the freeze dryer by the front and rear frames 60, the vial group is moved until it moves from the shelf plate 70 of the freeze dryer to the slider 50 by the amount. As a result, it is possible to prevent overturning of vials when passing through the entrance of the drying machine.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a connecting arm storage shelf 40 of the loading/unloading device 1 for a freeze dryer according to the present invention.
In the example of FIG. 9 , the connecting arm storage shelf 40 stores the plurality of connecting arms 10 so that the plurality of connecting arms 10 are positioned in the vertical direction.

A partition wall 41 is provided between the transport conveyor C and the connecting arm storage shelf 40 . The connecting arm 10 is connected outside the connecting arm storage shelf with a partition wall 41 therebetween, that is, at a position on the conveying surface side. The partition wall 41 is provided with a hole 43 which is an opening with a small diameter. The diameter of hole 43 is large enough to pass the connecting arm and is at least larger than the diameter of the connecting arm. The connecting arm 10 passes through the hole 43 of the partition wall 41 and is sent to the slider 50, and a differential pressure is provided between the transfer area of the vial B and the area where the connecting arm is connected to transfer the vial B. A constant flow of air is maintained from the region to the region where the connecting arms are connected. As a result, the structure is designed to further prevent dust generation.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the connecting arm storage shelf 40 and the connecting arm 10 of the loading/unloading device 1 for a freeze dryer according to the present invention.
A rail 44 is attached to each stage of the connecting arm storage shelf 40 . Each connecting arm 10 has a roller 42 , and the connecting arm 10 is supported on the connecting arm storage shelf 40 by contacting the roller 42 with the rail 44 . The connecting arm storage shelf 40 is of a lifting type, and moves the connecting arm 10 in the vertical direction together with the rails 44 . Also, the connecting arm storage shelf 40 has a hook 45 and the connecting arm 10 is connected to the hook 45 .

11A and 11B are diagrams showing a state in which the connecting arm storage shelf 40 of the loading/unloading device 1 for a freeze dryer according to the present invention is raised and lowered.
(a) of FIG. 11 shows a state in which the first connecting arm 10 is sent out in the traveling direction. FIG. 11(b) shows, following the state of FIG. 11(a), the rail 44 of the connecting arm storage shelf 40 is vertically lowered by one step, and the connecting portion J positioned at the top of the second connecting arm 10 is shown. indicates the state of being connected to the end of the first connecting arm 10 . In this way, the delivery of the connecting arm 10 in the advancing direction and the connection with the next connecting arm 10 are sequentially performed, the length of the connecting arm 10 is extended, and the connecting arm 10 advances while extending in the advancing direction. direction.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing comb teeth T provided on a part of the slider 50. As shown in FIG. FIG. 12(a) shows a state in which the comb teeth T are engaged, and FIG. 12(b) shows a state in which the comb teeth T are separated. FIG. 12(c) is an enlarged view of part of the comb teeth T in the engaged state, and FIG. 12(d) is an enlarged view of part of the comb teeth T in the separated state. . Since the width of the gap generated when the comb teeth are separated from each other as shown in FIG. B will not fall. As shown in FIGS. 12(c) and 12(d), the comb teeth T are alternately meshed, so that the entire slider 50 expands and contracts. Since the freeze dryer has a door that opens and closes while turning up and down, the slider 50 needs to be retracted when the door is opened and closed. . Since the comb teeth T form a flat surface both in the engaged state and the separated state, the flat surface can be maintained between the conveyer C and the slider 50 .

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the operation of the cushion stopper of the loading/unloading device for the freeze dryer according to the present invention.
The cushion stopper 90 receives and stops the vial bottle B flowing on the conveyer C. 13(a) to the state of FIG. 13(b), the mechanical portion of the cushion stopper 90 rotates in accordance with the movement of the vial B, thereby absorbing the shock and moving the vial B. restrain. As shown in FIG. 13(c), after the vial bottle B is stopped, the cushion stopper 90 is housed on the side of the conveyer C by a pivoting motion, and can be used as a conveyor guide.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an installation example of a conventional loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer.
In the conventional loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer as shown in FIG. 14, in order to arrange the pusher in a clean environment, a barrier system with a narrow area like the conventional barrier system outer frame Pc shown in FIG. 14 is provided. necessary.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an installation example of a loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 15, in the loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to the present invention, the connecting arm 10 of the connecting pusher 20 is housed in the connecting arm storage shelf 40, so that the barrier system of FIG. Like the outer frame P, the area of the barrier system can be reduced as compared with the conventional loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer as shown in FIG.

In the embodiments described so far, the loading/unloading device 1 for a freeze dryer according to the present invention moves the connecting arm 10 to move the connecting arm storage shelf 40 up and down. You may make it further provide the drive mechanism of this. The drive mechanism is preferably a linear motor, but is not limited to this, and may be any non-contact drive mechanism that utilizes electromagnetic force. By moving the connecting arm 10 and raising and lowering the connecting arm storage shelf 40 with a non-contact drive mechanism using electromagnetic force such as a linear motor, grease is required, as typified by conventional ball screws and linear guides. In addition, unlike members that are always in surface contact or line contact, using a structure that can maintain a state of floating in the air can improve decontamination and water washability.

In the embodiments described so far, as shown in FIG. 4, the connecting portion J of the connecting arm 10 is connected by engaging the protrusion JP with the opening JH. It is not limited, and any other connection method may be employed. For example, the connecting part J may connect adjacent connecting arms 10 by other mechanical connecting methods or magnetic connecting methods. For example, the adjacent connecting arms 10 may be connected by magnetic connecting means provided in the connecting portion J. FIG. For example, magnets may be provided at both ends of the connecting arm 10 as magnetic connecting means, and the adjacent connecting arms 10 may be connected by magnetic force.

Further, in the embodiments described so far, an example has been shown in which the adjacent connecting arms 10 are connected at the connecting portion J of the connecting arm 10 by moving the connecting arm storage shelf 40 up and down. Not limited. In another embodiment, the linking arm storage shelf 40 includes a movable gripping mechanism that grips one of the plurality of linking arms 10 and grips the joint J of the adjacent linking arm 10. Adjacent connecting arms 10 may be connected at the connecting portion J by moving the connecting arms 10 so that the positions match. For example, the connecting arms 10 stored in the connecting arm storage shelf 40 are held and lifted one by one by a gripping mechanism such as a robot arm or a robot hand, and the connecting arms 10 are moved so that the positions of the connecting portions J of the adjacent connecting arms 10 are aligned. may be moved and connected.

In the embodiments described so far, the case where the article to be conveyed is a vial has been described as an example, but the article to be conveyed is not limited to the vial, and is a container other than a bottle, such as a syringe, cartridge, Any container such as an ampoule may be used. The syringe may be, for example, a syringe inserted into a hakama.

With the configuration described above, in the present invention, as a loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer for manufacturing pharmaceuticals to be placed in a clean environment, dust generation in the vicinity of the product is taken into consideration, and the workability of the operator is ensured. A space-saving structure has been realized, and a loading/unloading device for freeze dryers has been realized that can greatly improve decontamination performance with gas. According to the loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer of the present invention, it is possible to greatly improve the stability of bottles during transportation. Also, the size of the barrier system can be reduced because less area must be provided for a clean environment. Therefore, it is possible to greatly reduce costs for the user of the device, and it is possible to provide a loading/unloading device with greatly improved added value compared to the conventional one. Furthermore, not only the performance of decontamination by gas but also the performance of washing with water is improved. As long as at least one of these objects and effects can be achieved, various modifications other than the above-described configuration can be made for a part of the loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to the present invention. It is possible.
Although the above description has been made of examples, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited thereto and that various changes and modifications can be made within the principles of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

1 Entry/Exit Device 10 Connection Arm 20 Connection Type Pusher 30 Pusher Pusher 40 Connection Arm Storage Shelf 41 Partition Wall 42 Roller 43 Hole 44 Rail 45 Hook 50 Slider 60 Front and Rear Frame 70 Freeze Dryer Shelf 80 Vial Guide 90 Cushion Stopper B Vial C Conveyor J Joint JH Opening JP Projection P Barrier System Outer Frame T Comb Teeth

Claims (14)

A loading/unloading device (1) for a freeze dryer,
an articulated pusher (20) formed by connecting a plurality of articulated arms (10);
a pusher push plate (30) connected to the tip of the articulated pusher (20);
a connecting arm storage shelf (40) for storing the plurality of connecting arms before connection;
A loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer, characterized by comprising: The loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said plurality of connecting arms (10) has a roller. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a front and rear frame (60) for collectively moving the vial group by supporting the forefront and rearmost parts of the vial group consisting of a plurality of vials (B). Loading and unloading device for freeze dryer described. The loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the articulated pusher (20) comprises a connecting portion (J) that connects adjacent connecting arms. . Said connecting part (J) has a projection (JP) and an opening (JH), and said projection (JP) is inserted into said opening (JH) to engage the adjacent connecting arm. 5. The loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to claim 4, wherein (10) is connected. 5. The loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to claim 4, characterized in that adjacent connecting arms (10) are connected by magnetic connecting means provided in said connecting portion (J). Claim 1, characterized in that said connecting arm storage shelf (40) stores said plurality of connecting arms (10) so that said plurality of connecting arms (10) are positioned in a direction in which said plurality of connecting arms (10) are vertically stacked. 7. The loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to any one of -6. By lowering the plurality of connecting arms (10), the connecting arm storage shelf (40) can move the adjacent connecting arms ( 10). The connecting arm storage shelf (40) includes a movable gripping mechanism, the gripping mechanism grips one of the plurality of connecting arms (10), and the connecting portion of the adjacent connecting arm (10). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connecting arms (10) are moved so that the positions of (J) match, and the adjacent connecting arms (10) are connected at the connecting portion (J). A loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to any one of the items. The loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it has comb teeth (T) provided on a part of the slider (50). Further comprising a partition wall (41) provided between the connecting arm storage shelf (40) and the transfer conveyor (C),
The loading/unloading storage for a freeze dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the partition wall (41) has a hole (43) that is an opening for passing the connecting arm. Device. The loading/unloading storage for the freeze dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a cushion stopper (90) for receiving the vial bottle (B) transported by the transport conveyor (C). Device. Any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a non-contact drive mechanism using electromagnetic force that moves the connecting arm (10) and raises and lowers the connecting arm storage shelf (40). A loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to item 1. 14. The loading/unloading device for a freeze dryer according to claim 13, wherein the drive mechanism is a linear motor.

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