JP3980815B2 - Container alignment equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention is a state in which small chemical containers such as vials and ampoules filled with chemicals to be dried, for example, are assembled and aligned by aseptic operation on the shelf surface of the drying shelf that is installed in the freeze drying chamber of the freeze dryer. It is related to the arrangement for carrying in and out small chemical containers filled with a chemical solution to be dried in a freeze-drying machine that is loaded as lyophilized and then carried out aseptically.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The majority of freeze-dried pharmaceuticals, particularly injections, are manufactured by the following process. (1) In a sterile air-conditioned room, a chemical solution is filled in a small amount of a chemical container such as a vial or ampoule, and in the case of a vial, a rubber stopper for sealing is half-plugged at the top opening (to a depth that leaves a water vapor escape hole). Half-plug). In the case of an ampoule container, it is filled and the top remains open. (2) A small chemical container filled with a chemical solution is carried into a freeze-drying chamber of a freeze-dryer having a front door on the aseptic air-conditioning chamber side, and is placed on a drying shelf equipped in the drying chamber. (3) After the front door is closed, a lyophilization process of the chemical solution filled in the small chemical container is performed inside the freeze-drying chamber. At the end of this process, in the case of vials, all rubber stoppers are stoppered inside the freeze dryer. In the case of ampoules, the process ends with the opening state. (4) The small chemical container after the freeze-drying treatment of the chemical solution is carried out from the freeze-drying chamber to the aseptic air-conditioning chamber. (5) When the ampule is used for ampules, it should be closed under aseptic air conditioning, and for vials, it should be transferred to the coronating process using aluminum or the like.
[0003]
Currently, many small chemical containers are carried in and out under the intervention of operators who enter the interior of the sterile room. However, as a result of regulations such as Japan GMP, WHP-GMP, EU-GMP, etc. In order to improve performance, people are restricted from entering the space above the small chemical container. The loading / unloading operation needs to be remote controlled and fully automated.
[0004]
For example, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2928107 is a method of carrying in and out with a widening frame without providing a guide or the like on the shelf. This is a method in which the small chemical container is constrained to an assembled state by an enclosure frame when it is transferred to the shelf, the frame is expanded to release the small chemical container, and the frame is removed. In this case, the small chemical container is a method that is established when there is no danger of falling over bottles, and can be reasonably processed without the need for trays, guides, or the like.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the case of Japanese Patent No. 2928107, a tray is not used, and no regulating member such as a fixed guide is provided on the shelf, and small chemical containers are aligned and assembled, and can be carried in or out of the upper surface of the drying shelf. be able to. The difficulty of using a regulating member such as a fixed guide on the shelf top of the freeze-drying cabinet is as described in detail in the above patent. However, since there are no trays, frames, guides, etc. that regulate the small chemical containers after transfer on the shelf, depending on the relationship between the height of the small chemical containers such as ampoules and the bottom diameter, There is a demand for safety so that it does not fall down during transportation and freeze-drying, and there is room for improvement in this regard.
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an alignment apparatus and an alignment method characterized in that an alignment holding frame that expands and contracts is attached to a container, for example, a small chemical container such as an ampule, and that means for avoiding a fall bottle during alignment. There is. In addition, the present invention has an advantage in that the frame is cleaned, sterilized, and stored, but the regulating member is not provided on the shelf, and the container is not overturned, and safer alignment and conveyance are automated. In addition, for example, the transfer method on the shelf in the freeze-drying chamber uses an alignment holding frame, and allows the containers to be smoothly carried in and out while being aligned and assembled.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To solve the above problems,On a flat surfaceAn alignment holding frame for holding a plurality of containers aligned so as to be in close contact with each other, wherein the frame main body is disposed so as to surround the plurality of aligned containers; An alignment holding frame for containers is provided, comprising a pressing member that is provided on the inner surface side so as to protrude freely and is biased so as to contact the periphery of a plurality of aligned containers.
[0008]
  thisAccording to the alignment holding frame, a plurality of aligned containers are bundled and held together by surrounding the plurality of aligned containers with a frame body and pressing the periphery of the plurality of containers with a pressing member. be able to.
[0009]
  thisIn the alignment holding frame, it is preferable that the container has a cylindrical side surface, and the plurality of containers are aligned in a staggered arrangement on a flat table. For example, containers having cylindrical side surfaces such as ampoules and vials are arranged in a staggered pattern (adjacent containers are staggered), and many containers are held in close contact with each other. Is possible.
[0010]
  According to the present invention, supply means for supplying a plurality of containers to be progressed in series on a flat table, and extrusion means for extruding a plurality of containers supplied by the supply means in a direction crossing the advancing direction every predetermined number. And an alignment device comprising frame mounting means for mounting an alignment holding frame around a plurality of containers aligned so as to be in close contact with each other on the flat table by being pushed out by the pushing means. A guide member that guides the plurality of containers from both sides, and a pressing member that presses the front row and the last row of the plurality of aligned containers that are movable in the push-out direction by the push-out means on the flat table. , Pushing the rear surface of the container in the last row with the pressing member while holding the front surface of the container in the foremost row with the pressing member to prevent falling And by and characterized by moving a plurality of containers that are aligned to be in close contact with each other on a plane base, the container of the alignment device is provided.
  A pressing member for pressing the last row of the aligned plurality of containers protrudes on a flat table at the same time as it moves away from the last row of the aligned plurality of containers, and the aligned plurality of the plurality of aligned containers instead of the pressing member. A guide member for holding the last row of containers; a holding member for holding the foremost row of the plurality of aligned containers; and a guide member for holding the last row of the arranged plurality of containers on a flat table. Free to protrudeis there.
[0011]
  The present inventionAccording to this aligning apparatus, a plurality of containers are fed in series on the flat table by the supply means and supplied, and the plurality of containers are pushed out in a direction crossing the advancing direction by a predetermined number. By repeating this operation, the plurality of containers are arranged in close contact with each other on the flat table. In this case, there is provided a shifting means for shifting the supplied container by a half pitch, the container has a cylindrical side surface, and the plurality of containers are aligned in a staggered arrangement on the flat table by being pushed out by the pushing means. Is preferred. The half pitch means, for example, the half width of the container (when the container is a small chemical container such as an ampoule or a vial as described above, the radius of the container).
[0012]
  Then, an alignment holding frame is mounted around the plurality of containers aligned on the flat table by the frame mounting means. In this way, a plurality of containers can be bundled together by the alignment holding frame. A plurality of containers bundled by the alignment holding frame can be transferred without falling down by transferring the entire alignment holding frame. For example, the containers can be adjusted to the same height on the shelf in the freeze-drying chamber and aligned and held. By moving the frame horizontally, it becomes possible to carry in and out smoothly.
[0013]
  SaidIt is preferable that a guide member for guiding a plurality of containers supplied while proceeding in series by the supply means is provided, and the guide member can freely protrude on the flat table. According to such a configuration, the guide member is arranged on the side of the pushing-out direction of the pushing-out means with a width that allows just one container to pass. If it does so, a some container can be advanced and supplied in the state arranged in series between the guide member and the extrusion means, and the fall of the container in progress can be prevented.Also,The guide member is preferably configured to descend to a height that does not protrude from the flat table when the container is pushed out by the pushing means. That way, it won't get in the way of extrusion.
[0014]
  SaidA stopper for stopping the progress of the container supplied by the supply means;SaidThe stopper is preferably configured so that the stopping position of the container can be freely changed within half the width of the container. According to this configuration, each time the container is pushed out by the pushing means as described above, the stopper sets the stop position of the container at half the width of the container (as described above, the container is a small chemical container such as an ampule or vial). If there are, shift them alternately by the radius of the container. Then, a plurality of containers can be arranged in a staggered arrangement on the flat table.
[0015]
  SaidYou may provide the front pressing member which hold | suppresses the front surface of the container extruded by the extrusion means. Then, the container can be prevented from falling by pressing the front surface of the container when being pushed out by the pre-extrusion means.further,The front pressing member is preferably configured to move together with the container pushed out by the pushing-out means.
[0016]
  Note thatA step (a) of supplying a plurality of containers by proceeding in series on a flat table, a step (b) of extruding the supplied plurality of containers in a direction crossing the advancing direction every predetermined number, and the step (a And a step (c) of attaching the alignment holding frame of claim 1 or 2 around a plurality of containers aligned so as to be in close contact with each other on a flat table by repeating step (b). A method for aligning containers is provided.
[0017]
  thisThe container alignment method is shown above.The present inventionIt can implement suitably by the alignment apparatus of.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the overall arrangement of the freeze-drying system 1. In this freeze-drying system 1, freeze-drying processing is performed on a chemical solution filled in a cylindrical small chemical container (hereinafter simply referred to as “container”) such as an ampule or a vial. The freeze-drying system 1 is provided with two supply lines 2 and 3, an alignment device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a freeze-drying chamber 5, a frame removing device 6, and two carry-out lines 7 and 8. A loader 9 is provided in front of the freeze-drying chamber 5 along the rails 10 and 10 so as to be movable between the aligning device 4 and the frame removing device 6.
[0019]
The supply lines 2 and 3 supply each container (ampoule and vial) to the aligning device 4. The alignment device 4 aligns a plurality of supplied containers, attaches an alignment holding frame 22 according to an embodiment of the present invention described later to the aligned containers, and freezes them via a loader 9. It is carried into the drying chamber 5. In the freeze-drying chamber 5, the chemical solution filled in each container is freeze-dried, and then the container is carried out to the frame removing device 6 via the loader 9. The frame removing device 6 is configured to remove the alignment holding frame 22 and place the containers on the supply lines 7 and 8. The alignment device 4 and the frame removal device 6 have the same configuration.
[0020]
Here, the configuration of the alignment device 4 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, ampules 11 filled with a chemical solution are successively loaded and carried into the supply line 2, and placed on the front surface of a pusher member 21 to be described later on a flat table 4 a formed on a horizontal plane. It is possible to supply the ampule 11 continuously. The supply line 2 is provided with an accumulator 12, and the accumulator 12 can freely adjust the supply amount of the ampoule 11 to the flat table 4a to increase or decrease as appropriate. Further, the supply line 3 for supplying the vial 14 is joined to the supply line 2. Similarly, the vial 14 can be continuously supplied to the front surface of the pusher member 21. In the following description, for the sake of explanation, the ampule 11 is supplied from the supply line 2 and aligned.
[0021]
The aligning device 4 includes a feed screw 20 as supply means for feeding the ampule 11 in series on the flat table 4a, and an extrusion that pushes the ampule 11 in a direction intersecting the advancing direction by the feed screw 20 every predetermined number. A pusher member 21 as means and four frame mounting arms 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d as frame mounting means for mounting the alignment holding frame 22 around the ampule 11 aligned on the flat table 4a are provided. Yes.
[0022]
The feed screw 20 is disposed on the flat table 4 a of the aligning device 4, and rotational power from the spiral motor 30 is transmitted to the feed screw 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the feed screw 20 advances while arranging a plurality of ampoules 11 in series on the flat table 4a by rotating the ampule 11 passing through the supply line 2 while being held in the screw groove 31. Thus, the ampoule 11 is supplied to the front surface of the pusher member 21. When supplying, the number of ampoules 11 can be counted by the counter 32. The ampule 11 supplied by the feed screw 20 is sequentially supplied to the pusher member 21 side while being sandwiched between the guide members 35 and 36 so as not to fall over. The guide members 35 and 36 guide the plurality of ampoules 11 that are advanced by the feed screw 20. One guide member 35 has, for example, a spring 37 or the like embedded therein, and between the guide members 35 and 36. By sandwiching the ampule 11, the ampule 11 is prevented from being overturned.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 4, the pusher member 21 is movable forward and backward in the X ′ direction in FIG. 4 on the flat table 4 a, and a predetermined number of ampules 11 supplied to the front surface of the pusher member 21 by the feed screw 20. Each can be pushed in a direction crossing the traveling direction (in FIG. 4, the direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the ampoule 11 by the feed screw 20: the X ′ direction). Further, a guide member 40 is disposed in front of the pusher member 21 at a position that is spaced apart from the front surface of the pusher member 21 so that the ampoule 11 can pass through (an interval substantially equal to the diameter of the body portion of the ampoule 11). . The guide member 40 is configured to protrude on the flat table 4a. Then, the ampule 11 is supplied to the front surface of the pusher member 21 in a line while moving between the pusher member 21 and the guide member 40 with the guide member 40 protruding on the flat table 4a. come.
[0024]
A stopper 41 is provided on the exit side of the passage formed between the pusher member 21 and the guide member 40. The stopper 41 stops the progress of the ampule 11 by pressing the leading ampule 11 that has traveled between the pusher member 21 and the guide member 40. Thus, a predetermined number of ampules 11 are sequentially arranged on the front surface of the pusher member 21 without being overturned. The stopper 41 is rotatable to a position indicated by a solid line 41 and a two-dot chain line 41 ′ in FIG. 4, and a stop position of a predetermined number of ampules 11 supplied to the front surface of the pusher member 21 is set to the radius of the ampule 11. It can be shifted by (half pitch).
[0025]
The alignment holding frame 22 is conveyed above the flat table 4a by a frame supply mechanism (not shown). As shown in FIG. 5, the alignment holding frame 22 includes a frame main body 45 formed in a rectangular shape, and a pair of pressing members 46 and 46 that can protrude to the inner surface side of the frame main body 45. The frame main body 45 includes side frames 45a (short sides), 45b (long sides), 45c (short sides), and 45d (long sides). The holding members 46, 46 are arranged inside the side frames 45a, 45c, and both end portions of the holding members 46, 46 are slidably attached to slide rods 51 arranged in the side frames 45b, 45d. ing. Further, spring springs 52 are arranged between the pressing member 46 and the side frame 45a and between the pressing member 46 and the side frame 45c, respectively, and the pressing members 46, 46 are pressed by the pressing force of the spring spring 52. It is urged to project toward the inner surface side of 45.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 6, the four frame mounting arms 23 a to 23 d constituting the frame mounting means are each provided with a claw 55 and a shaft 56 that supports the claw 55. Each shaft 56 passes through a bearing portion 57 and is configured to be movable up and down (Z direction in FIG. 6) and rotated (θ direction in FIG. 6) by a drive mechanism (not shown) such as a cylinder and a slider crank. ing.
[0027]
The frame mounting arms 23a to 23d are configured to expand and contract the interval between the pressing members 46 and 46 provided on the alignment holding frame 22 and to move the alignment holding frame 22 up and down on the flat table 4a. That is, first, as shown in FIG. 6, when the alignment holding frame 22 is supplied to the upper side of the flat table 4a by a frame supply mechanism (not shown), the frame mounting arms 23a to 23d respectively raise the shafts 56 and move the claws 55. lift. When the claws 55 are lifted, the claws 55 are open to the outside of the alignment holding frame 22 as indicated by two-dot chain lines 55 ′ in FIG. 6. After each claw 55 is lifted, each shaft 56 is rotated to rotate the claw 55 by 90 °. By this rotation, the claws 55 enter the corresponding side frames 45b and 45d, respectively, rotate the side surfaces of the pressing members 46 and 46 in the direction of contracting the spring spring 52, push the pressing members 46 and 46, and press the pressing members 46. , 46 is widened. As a result, the alignment holding frame 22 is supported by the frame mounting arms 23a to 23d. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7, the shafts 56 are lowered and the alignment holding frame 22 is lowered. Each shaft 56 rotates in the opposite direction to the claw 55 by 90 °. Each claw 55 comes out of the corresponding side frame 45b, 45d and leaves the side surface of the pressing members 46, 46, respectively. Thereby, each frame mounting arm 23a-23d will be in the state which opened the alignment holding frame 22. As shown in FIG. Then, the pressing members 46, 46 again project to the inner surface side of the alignment holding frame 22 by the urging of the spring spring 52, and the interval between the pressing members 46, 46 is narrowed. In the illustrated example, the alignment holding frame 22 released from the respective frame mounting arms 23a to 23d is placed on vertical movement guide members 61 and 61 described later.
[0028]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the aligning device 4 includes fixed guide members 60 and 60 fixed on the flat table 4a, vertical guide members 61 and 61 that can freely protrude on the flat table 4a, and a flat table. An intermediate guide member 62 that can protrude above 4a, a front pressing member 63 that can move in the horizontal direction (X 'direction in FIG. 6) and can move up and down (Z direction in FIG. 6) on the flat table 4a, and a flat surface There is provided a second front pressing member 64 that is movable in the horizontal direction (X ′ direction in FIG. 6) on the table 4a and that can protrude on the plane table 4a. The fixed guide members 60 and 60 and the vertical movement guide members 61 and 61 are configured to guide the plurality of ampoules 11 pushed out by the pusher member 21 from both sides. The front pressing member 63 and the second front pressing member 64 are movable in the X ′ direction (same as the pushing direction by the pusher member 21 described above) on the flat table 4a, and are pushed out in the X ′ direction on the flat table 4a. It moves with the ampule 11 while pressing the front surface of the front row ampule 11.
[0029]
In the freeze-drying system 1, a plurality of ampoules 11 filled with a chemical solution are supplied to the alignment device 4 through the supply line 2. In the aligning device 4, a plurality of ampoules 11 are aligned on the flat table 4 a, an alignment holding frame 22 is mounted around the aligned ampules 11, and the ampule 11 is placed in the freeze-drying chamber 5 via the loader 9. Carry in. After carrying out the freeze-drying process of the chemical solution in the freeze-drying chamber 5, the loader 9 carries out a plurality of ampoules 11, removes the alignment holding frame 22, places the ampules 11 on the supply line 7, for example, and puts it on the next fusing machine send.
[0030]
Here, the process performed by the alignment apparatus 4 will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 3, the feed screw 20 supplies the ampule 11 supplied through the supply line 2 while proceeding in series on the flat table 4 a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, a predetermined number of ampoules 11 that have been advanced while being sandwiched between the guide members 40 so as not to fall over are supplied to the front surface of the pusher member 21.
[0031]
When a predetermined number of ampules 11 are arranged on the front surface of the pusher member 21 in this way, as shown in FIG. 8, the pusher member 21 moves the ampule 11 in the X ′ direction in FIG. 8 (the direction intersecting the traveling direction of the previous ampule 11). ). When the ampoule 11 is pushed out by the pusher member 21 as described above, the fixed guides 60, 60 shown above hold both sides of the ampoule 11 (both sides of the ampoule 11 arranged in a predetermined number) as shown in FIG. Further, the front pressing member 63 comes into contact with the front side of the ampoule 11, and the front pressing member 63 moves together while pressing the front surface of the ampoule 11 pushed out by the pusher member 21. As a result, the ampoule 11 is prevented from falling. When the ampoule 11 is pushed out in the X ′ direction by the pusher member 21 in this way, the guide member 40 is lowered to a height that does not protrude onto the flat table 4a so as not to obstruct the pushing.
[0032]
Next, as shown in FIG. 10, a predetermined number of ampules 11 are supplied and arranged on the front surface of the pusher member 21 again. When supplying the ampule 11 of the pusher member 21 in this way, the guide member 40 is projected again on the flat table 4a, and the ampule 11 is advanced while being sandwiched between the front surface of the pusher member 21 and the guide member 40. Let In this case, the stopper 41 is appropriately rotated to a position indicated by a solid line 41 and a two-dot chain line 41 ′ in FIG. 4 to alternately shift the position at which the ampoule 11 stops moving by the radius of the ampoule 11 (half pitch). Like that. That is, each time the ampule 11 is pushed in the X ′ direction by the pusher member 21 on the flat table 4a, the stopper 41 is rotated to the position indicated by the solid line 41 and the two-dot chain line 41 ′ in FIG. The stop positions of the ampules 11 arranged in the above are alternately shifted by the radius (half pitch) of the ampule 11.
[0033]
Thus, as shown by the solid line 41 or the two-dot chain line 11 'in FIG. 4, when a predetermined number of ampoules 11 are arranged on the front surface of the pusher member 21 with a half-pitch shift, as shown in FIG. The member 21 pushes out a predetermined number of ampoules 11 in the X ′ direction. Thus, when the ampoule 11 is pushed out in the X ′ direction by the pusher member 21, the guide member 40 is lowered to a height that does not protrude onto the flat table 4 a as before. In this way, the predetermined number of ampules 11 extruded in the process described above with reference to FIG. 9 are also extruded together. Further, when the ampoule 11 is pushed out in the X ′ direction by the pusher member 21 in this way, the front pressing member 63 moves while pressing the front surface of the ampoule 11 in the foremost row, as in the process described in FIG. Therefore, the ampoule 11 is prevented from falling. Thus, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of ampoules 11 are aligned on the flat table 4a.
[0034]
Thus, a step of arranging a predetermined number of ampoules 11 on the front surface of the pusher member 21 while alternately shifting the stop positions of the ampules 11 by a half pitch by the stopper 41, and a step of pushing a predetermined number of ampoules 11 by the pusher member 21 in the X ′ direction. And are repeated alternately.
[0035]
After repeating these steps a plurality of times alternately, as shown in FIG. 12, the front pressing member 63 that has been in contact with the front surface of the ampules 11 in the front row of the plurality of ampules 11 that are aligned is raised, Leave the ampoule 11 at the forefront. On the other hand, the second front pressing member 64 slides in the X ′ direction on the flat table 4a, and the second front pressing member 64 is aligned instead of the front pressing member 63 as shown in FIG. The plurality of ampules 11 are in contact with the front surface of the ampules 11 in the front row. Thereafter, instead of the front pressing member 63, the second front pressing member 64 moves while pressing the front surface of the ampule 11 in the foremost row, and the ampule 11 is placed on the front surface of the pusher member 21 while preventing the ampule 11 from overturning. The step of arranging the number and the step of pushing out a predetermined number of ampules 11 in the X ′ direction by the pusher member 21 are alternately repeated. Thus, the plurality of ampules 11 are sequentially aligned on the flat table 4a.
[0036]
Thus, until the push-out by the pusher member 21 is repeated a predetermined number of times, as shown in FIG. 14, the alignment holding frame 22 is supplied above the flat table 4a by a frame supply mechanism (not shown).
[0037]
Then, when the plurality of ampoules 11 are aligned on the flat table 4a due to the pushing by the pusher member 21 being repeated a predetermined number of times, the front pressing member 63 is moved above the guide member 40 as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the front pressing member 63 is lowered, and the guide member 40 is lowered to a height that does not protrude on the flat table 4a. Accordingly, the front surface of the ampules 11 in the front row of the plurality of ampules 11 aligned on the plane table 4a is pressed by the second front pressing member 64, and the ampules 11 are arranged in the last row of the ampules 11 aligned on the plane table 4a. The rear surface of the ampule 11 is pressed by the front pressing member 63.
[0038]
Next, the front surface of the ampule 11 in the foremost row is pressed by the second front pressing member 64 in the same manner as described above to prevent falling, and this time, the rear surface of the ampule 11 in the last row is pushed out by the front pressing member 63. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 15, the plurality of ampoules 11 aligned so as to be in close contact with each other on the flat table 4 a are moved to below the alignment holding frame 22. As described above, even when the ampoule 11 is moved below the alignment holding frame 22 by the front pressing member 63, the subsequent ampoule 11 is placed on the front surface of the pusher member 21 by projecting the guide member 40 on the flat table 4 a. It is possible to supply.
[0039]
Thus, after the plurality of ampules 11 are moved below the alignment holding frame 22 by the front pressing member 63, the front pressing member 63 is separated from the last row of the plurality of ampoules 11 aligned below the alignment holding frame 22. Therefore, the ampoule 11 which moves again to the vicinity of the guide member 40 and is pushed out by the pusher member 21 is prevented from falling down. Further, at the same time as the front pressing member 63 moves away from the last row of the plurality of ampoules 11 aligned below the alignment holding frame 22, as shown in FIG. 16, the intermediate guide member 62 protrudes on the flat table 4a. The intermediate guide member 62 presses the last row of the plurality of ampoules 11 aligned below the alignment holding frame 22 instead of the front pressing member 63.
[0040]
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 17, the alignment holding frame 22 is lowered, and the alignment holding frame 22 is mounted around the plurality of ampoules 11 aligned on the flat table 4a. Thus, when the alignment holding frame 22 is mounted around the ampoule 11, the intermediate guide member 62 and the second front pressing member 64 are lowered to a height that does not protrude on the flat table 4a. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 18, the aligned plural ampoules 11 are transported together with the alignment holding frame 22 and are carried into the freeze-drying chamber 5.
[0041]
Here, the manner in which the alignment holding frame 22 is mounted around the plurality of ampoules 11 aligned on the flat table 4a will be described in more detail. First, as shown in FIG. 19, the alignment holding frame 22 conveyed by a frame supply mechanism (not shown) is lifted and supported above the flat table 4a by frame mounting arms 23a to 23d. At this time, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the claws 55 of the frame mounting arms 23 a to 23 d are rotated by 90 ° and placed in the side frames 45 b and 45 d, so that the pressing members 46 and 46 resist the pressing force of the spring spring 52. Then, the distance between the pressing members 46 and 46 is increased.
[0042]
Then, as shown in FIG. 20, after the plurality of aligned ampoules 11 are moved below the alignment holding frame 22, the shafts 56 are moved down in the frame mounting arms 23a to 23d, so as to be shown in FIG. In this manner, the alignment holding frame 22 is lowered, and the alignment holding frame 22 is moved around the aligned ampules 11. At this time, since the gap between the pressing members 46 and 46 is expanded by being pushed by the claws 55, the alignment holding frame 22 can be smoothly moved (lowered) around the aligned ampoules 11. it can.
[0043]
Further, as shown in FIG. 22, the vertically moving guide members 61 and 61 are lowered to a height that does not protrude on the flat table 4a, and the intermediate guide member 62 and the second front pressing member 64 do not protrude on the flat table 4a. The height is lowered to the height, and accordingly, the alignment holding frame 22 is reliably moved around the aligned ampules 11. Thus, the periphery of the plurality of ampoules 11 aligned is surrounded by the frame body 45 of the alignment holding frame 22.
[0044]
Next, as shown in FIG. 23, the claws 55 of the frame mounting arms 23a to 23d are rotated by 90 ° in the direction opposite to the previous direction, are taken out from the side frames 45b and 45d, and are separated from the pressing members 46 and 46. Then, the pressing members 46, 46 project to the inner surface side of the alignment holding frame 22 due to the urging of the spring spring 52, and the distance between the pressing members 46, 46 is reduced, and the periphery of the aligned ampoules 11 is pressed by the pressing force of the spring spring 52. I will hold it down. In this way, the plurality of ampoules 11 aligned on the flat table 4a can be bundled and held together without falling down.
[0045]
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 24, the aligned plural ampoules 11 are transported together with the alignment holding frame 22, adjusted to the same height, for example, on a shelf in the freeze-drying chamber 5, and the alignment holding frame 22 is By moving horizontally, it can be smoothly carried into the freeze-drying chamber 5. Then, the lyophilization process of the chemical solution is performed in the lyophilization chamber 5.
[0046]
Here, FIG. 25 is a plan view showing a state of the plurality of ampoules 11 bundled and held together by the alignment device 4 and the alignment holding frame 22 of this embodiment. As described above, each time the ampule 11 is pushed out in the X ′ direction by the pusher member 21, the stopper 41 is rotated to the position indicated by the solid line 41 and the two-dot chain line 41 ′ in FIG. 4 and arranged on the front surface of the pusher member 21. As shown in FIG. 25, the plurality of ampoules 11 are arranged in a staggered pattern (adjacent ampoules 11 on the plane table 4a) by alternately shifting the stop positions of the ampules 11 by the radius of the ampule 11 (half pitch). Are arranged in a staggered arrangement). In this way, the plurality of ampoules 11 are arranged in a hexagonal lattice shape (arrangement where the six ampules 11 are in contact with the periphery of one ampule 11) on the flat table 4a.
[0047]
The ampules 11 have a shape (elongated shape) that is higher than the bottom area, so that the ampules 11 are easy to fall down. Since the alignment holding frame 22 is attached around the plurality of aligned ampules 11 and bundled together, and the plurality of ampules 11 are conveyed together with the alignment holding frame 22, it is possible to prevent overturning bottles during conveyance. . By restraining it, it is possible to prevent creaking between containers, breakage bottles, and ascent. Moreover, since the overturning bottle of the ampoule 11 can be avoided, it becomes possible to automatically carry it in and out of the freeze-drying chamber 5 without manual intervention, and automation can be promoted.
[0048]
In particular, since the plurality of ampoules 11 are arranged in a staggered pattern on the plane table 4a and the alignment holding frame 22 is mounted, a large number of ampoules 11 can be firmly adhered to each other. Therefore, the danger of falling bottles can be reliably reduced and the stability can be increased.
[0049]
When a plurality of ampoules 11 are supplied to the front surface of the pusher member 21 by the feed screw 20, the progress of the ampules 11 is guided by the guide members 35, 36, 40, and the plurality of ampoules 11 are pushed out by the pusher member 21. In this case, since the guides are enclosed while surrounding the plurality of ampoules 11 pushed out by the fixed guide member 60, the front pressing member 63, the second front pressing member 64, etc., the plurality of ampoules 11 are aligned on the flat table 4a. , Can prevent falling bottles. In particular, when a thin glass plate or the like is used as the material of the ampoule 11, there is a possibility that the ampoule will break if it falls down, but it is effective to restrict the movement of the ampoule 11 by each guide member in this way.
[0050]
Moreover, since the alignment holding frame 22 is put on the plurality of aligned ampules 11 from above after the interval between the pressing members 46 is increased, the end of the ampule 11 may be caught on the alignment holding frame 22. Instead, the alignment holding frame 22 can be smoothly mounted around the plurality of ampoules 11 aligned.
[0051]
Further, since the plurality of ampoules 11 can be smoothly carried in and out of the shelf surface in the freeze-drying chamber 5 by the alignment holding frame 22, it is not necessary to use a tray and to provide a fixed guide or the like on the shelf surface. It becomes like this. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the generation of dust, malfunction of the carry-in / out operation, and further processing failure due to the tray and the fixed guide.
[0052]
In the alignment device 4, like the ampoule 11, a plurality of vials 14 can be aligned on the flat table 4 a and the alignment holding frame 22 can be attached. Since the ampule 11 and the vial 14 have different diameters, the frame size of the frame main body 45 may be designed to be a length proportional to the least common multiple of the diameters of the ampule 11 and the vial 14. Then, the common alignment holding frame 22 can be used for both the ampoule 11 and the vial 14.
[0053]
The number of ampules 11 may be different every time the ampule 11 is pushed out in the X ′ direction by the pusher member 21. That is, in the example of FIG. 25, a plurality of ampoules 11 are arranged in the same number of staggered lattices, but the stoppers 41 are compared with the number of the ampules 11 aligned when the stoppers 41 are at the positions indicated by the solid lines 41 in FIG. The number of ampoules 11 in the position indicated by a two-dot chain line 41 ′ in FIG. 4 may be reduced by one, and a plurality of ampoules 11 may be aligned in an odd-numbered staggered pattern.
[0054]
Further, the example in which the stop position of the ampoule 11 is shifted by the radius (half pitch) of the ampoule 11 by the stopper 41 has been described. However, the counter 32 is controlled to be slidable by a slide mechanism (not shown) and is shifted. May function as In this case, each time the ampule 11 is pushed out in the X ′ direction by the pusher member 21 on the flat table 4a, the counter 32 is slid by the radius (half pitch) of the ampule 11 and the supplied ampule 11 is moved by the radius ( It is also possible to align the plurality of ampoules 11 in a staggered pattern by alternately shifting each half pitch).
[0055]
Moreover, although the example which has arrange | positioned a pair of pressing members 46 and 46 inside the side frames 45a and 45c (short side) in the frame main body 45 was demonstrated, only one of the side frames 45a and 45c (short side) is demonstrated. The pressing member 46 may be disposed inward, or a pair of pressing members 46 and 46 may be disposed inward of the side frames 45b and 45d (long sides), or the side frames 45b and 45d ( The pressing member 46 may be disposed inside only one of the long sides. Moreover, you may arrange | position the holding member 46 in all the inner sides of the side frames 45a (short side), 45b (long side), 45c (short side), and 45d (long side).
[0056]
Further, the frame supply mechanism supplies the alignment holding frame 22 above the flat table 4a, and the alignment holding frame 22 descends to the flat table 4a so that the alignment holding frame 22 is attached to the aligned ampules 11. As described above, for example, the alignment holding frame 22 may be supplied and attached from below the flat table 4a. In this case, it is necessary to appropriately change how the guides on the flat table 4a escape.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
  The present inventionAccording to the above, since the alignment holding frames are attached around the plurality of containers and bundled together to convey the plurality of containers together with the alignment holding frames, the containers can be prevented from overturning. Secondly, for a plurality of containers having different diameters, it is possible to cope with a plurality of containers by determining the dimensions within the frame so as to be the least common multiple. Third, since the frame body has a function to expand and contract, smooth loading and unloading can be realized, and favorable freeze-drying processing can be performed. Fourthly, when the frame is put on, the frame can be easily attached and detached by the function of expanding and contracting when removing the frame.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a freeze-drying system.
FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the alignment apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing a state in which a plurality of ampoules are fed in series on a flat table and supplied by a feed screw.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state in which a plurality of ampoules are arranged on the front surface of the pusher member.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alignment holding frame.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the alignment holding frame is supported by the frame mounting arm above the flat table.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which an alignment holding frame is lowered on a flat table.
FIG. 8 is a first process diagram for explaining an alignment process;
FIG. 9 is a second process diagram for explaining the alignment process;
FIG. 10 is a third process diagram for explaining the alignment process;
FIG. 11 is a fourth process diagram for explaining the alignment process;
FIG. 12 is a fifth process diagram for explaining the alignment process;
FIG. 13 is a sixth process diagram for explaining the alignment process;
FIG. 14 is a seventh process diagram for explaining the alignment process;
FIG. 15 is an eighth process diagram for explaining the alignment process;
FIG. 16 is a ninth process diagram for explaining the alignment process;
FIG. 17 is a tenth process diagram for explaining the alignment process;
FIG. 18 is an eleventh process diagram for explaining the alignment process;
FIG. 19 is a first process perspective view for explaining a state of mounting the alignment holding frame.
FIG. 20 is a second process perspective view for explaining a state of mounting the alignment holding frame.
FIG. 21 is a third process perspective view for explaining how the alignment holding frame is mounted;
FIG. 22 is a fourth process perspective view for explaining a state of mounting the alignment holding frame.
FIG. 23 is a fifth process perspective view for explaining a state of mounting the alignment holding frame.
FIG. 24 is a sixth process perspective view for explaining a state of mounting the alignment holding frame.
FIG. 25 is a plan view showing a state in which an alignment holding frame is attached to a plurality of aligned ampoules.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Freeze drying system
4 alignment device
4a Plane stand
11 Ampoule
14 vials
20 Feed screw
21 Pusher member
22 Alignment holding frame
23a, 23b, 23c, 23d Frame mounting arm
40 Guide member
45 Frame body
46 Holding member
60, 60 fixed guide member
63 Front holding member
64 Second front pressing member

Claims (10)

A supply means for supplying a plurality of containers to advance in series on a flat table, an extrusion means for extruding a plurality of containers supplied by the supply means in a direction crossing the advancing direction every predetermined number, and an extrusion means. An alignment apparatus comprising frame mounting means for mounting an alignment holding frame around a plurality of containers aligned so as to be in close contact with each other on a flat table,
Pressing a guide member for guiding a plurality of containers which are to the alignment from both sides, which is movable in the extrusion direction by the extrusion means on said plane base, the front row and the most rear row of a plurality of containers which are to the alignment A holding member,
A plurality of containers that are aligned so as to be in close contact with each other on a flat table by pressing the rear surface of the container in the last row with the pressing member while pressing the front surface of the container in the front row with the pressing member to prevent the body from collapsing move the,
A pressing member that presses down the last row of the plurality of aligned containers protrudes on a flat table at the same time as it moves away from the last row of the plurality of aligned containers, and a plurality of the aligned plurality of rows are arranged instead of the pressing member. A guide member for holding the last row of containers;
A holding member that presses down the front row of the plurality of aligned containers and a guide member that holds down the last row of the aligned containers can freely protrude on a flat table. Alignment device. 2. The container aligning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide member for guiding the aligned containers from both sides can protrude on a flat table. 3. The container aligning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a shifting means for shifting the supplied container by a half pitch. 4. The container alignment apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the container has a cylindrical side surface, and the plurality of containers are aligned in a staggered arrangement on a flat table by being pushed out by the pushing means. 5. A guide member for guiding a plurality of containers supplied while proceeding in series by the supply means, wherein the guide member is freely projectable on a flat table. Container alignment device. 6. The container alignment apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the guide member is configured to descend to a height that does not protrude from the flat table when the container is pushed out by the push-out means. The container alignment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a stopper for stopping the progress of the container supplied by the supply unit. 8. The container alignment apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the stopper is configured so that the stop position of the container can be freely changed within a half width of the container. The alignment holding frame includes a frame main body arranged to surround the plurality of aligned containers, and is provided so as to protrude on the inner surface side of the frame main body, around the plurality of aligned containers. The container aligning device according to claim 1, further comprising a pressing member biased to come into contact. The container according to claim 9, wherein the frame mounting means has a function of expanding and contracting the pressing member when the alignment holding frame is put around the plurality of aligned containers and when the alignment holding frame is removed. Alignment device.

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