Storage container for a storage and dispensing station for a blister machine, and method for adapting the storage container

Abstract

The present invention relates to a storage container for a storage and dispensing station for small items and to a method for adapting the storage container. In the case of known storage containers, the positioning of the holding means for preventing small items from advancing is elaborate. The storage container (1) according to the invention comprises: a housing (10) having an upper housing portion (11) and a lower housing portion (12), which define an accommodation space (20) having a lower accommodation-space portion (21); a singulating device (30) disposed in the lower accommodation-space portion (21); and a holding-means positioning device (50) comprising - a cavity (60) having an opening which can be covered (61) and a feed and removal opening (62), - a guide device (70) having at least one guide means (71a, 71b), at least one filling element (80) and a holding element (90), wherein the holding element comprises a protruding holding means (91) and wherein the elements can be inserted into the cavity (60) through the feed and removal opening (61) and can be positioned in the cavity, wherein a filling element surface (82) and a holding element surface (92) are, in each case, adapted to an inner periphery U(UAA) of the lower accommodation-space portion (21) and wherein the holding-means positioning device (50) is or can be disposed in the lower housing portion (12) such that the holding means (91) is positioned over the dispensing opening (18).

Description

[0001] Storage container for a storage and dispensing station for a blister machine and method for adapting the storage container

[0002] The present invention relates to a storage container for a storage and dispensing station for small items, in particular individual portions of medicines or food supplements, as well as a method for adapting such a storage container to the small items to be dispensed.

[0003] Modern blister pack machines, such as those disclosed in WO 2013 / 034504 A1, comprise, depending on their configuration, several hundred storage and dispensing stations. These stations can store, for example, several drug portions of a specific drug, and individual drug portions can be dispensed upon request. The blister pack machines combine and blister pack the drug portions stored in the storage and dispensing stations for each patient, according to the dosage times prescribed by the physician.

[0004] To put together the medication portions, the corresponding storage and dispensing stations are controlled to dispense one or more medication portions. When a storage and dispensing station is controlled, a single medication portion is separated by a separating device located in the storage container of the storage and dispensing station and transferred via a dispensing opening in the storage container to a guide device of the blister packaging machine. By means of the guide device, a dispensed medication portion is fed, if necessary with the interposition of a collecting device, to a packaging device, which blisters one or more medication portions according to a doctor's prescription.

[0005] For the isolation of medication portions stored in a storage container of a storage and dispensing station, the isolation device comprises a rotor with a large number of channels, which are usually arranged on the outer circumference of the rotor and defined by webs. The dimensions of the channels must be adapted to the respective medication portions to be isolated in such a way that the medication portions in a channel can only be arranged one above the other, but not next to each other. The channels can, for example, be dimensioned so that only one medication portion can be accommodated in one channel. To dispense a medication portion from a channel, one channel is moved over the dispensing opening in the base of the housing of the storage container and the medication portion arranged in the channel (at the lowest point) slides or falls into the dispensing opening due to gravity.To prevent additional medication portions stored in or above the channel from also being dispensed, i.e., to prevent an unknown number of medication portions from being dispensed, a holding means of a holding device is guided or arranged above the channel in the area above the dispensing opening and is aligned with the dispensing opening. The holding means is arranged above the channel in such a way that only one medication portion can be arranged below the holding means.

[0006] In an alternative design, all webs have a horizontal slot which together define a "slot plane". In this design, the holding means is held in this slot plane above the discharge opening. When the separating device rotates, the slots in the webs rotate above the holding means. The channels and slots are tailored to the small piece goods to be separated in such a way that only a defined number of small piece goods - usually exactly one small piece goods - can be stored in a channel section below the slot plane.

[0007] The need to adapt the channels or channel sections means that in known storage containers the separating device has to be replaced if the size of the small items to be separated changes. This is time-consuming and also requires that a large number of separating devices / storage containers always have to be kept on hand. Furthermore, if the separating device changes, it is necessary to adapt the position of the holding means to the slot level or the height of the channels. In storage containers according to the state of the art, for example, a plurality of vertically offset slots are provided in the lower housing section, through which the holding means is guided depending on the design of the separating device. Creating the slots is complex and abraded material from medication portions can escape through these slots.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a storage container in which the positioning of the holding means can be easily changed. Furthermore, a method for adapting a storage container to different holding means positions is to be provided.

[0009] The object is achieved by a storage container according to claim 1. This storage container according to the invention for a storage and dispensing station for a blister machine comprises a housing with an upper housing section, a lower housing section and a base plate with a dispensing opening, wherein the upper and lower housing sections define a receiving space with a lower, inner circular cylindrical receiving space section with a height H (UAA) and an inner circumference U (UAA) and an upper receiving space section extending thereabove; a separating device arranged in the lower circular cylindrical receiving space section with a circular cylindrical base body with a plurality of vertically extending channels open to the outer circumference of the separating device, separated by vertical webs and adapted to the small piece goods to be separated; a holding means positioning device,comprising: a recess with a cover opening and a supply and removal opening, a guide device with at least one guide means that extends along a recess side in the holding means positioning device, at least one filling element and a holding element, wherein the holding element comprises a projecting holding means and wherein the at least one filling element and the holding element can be inserted into the recess through the supply and removal opening and can be positioned in the recess by a coupling with the guide means, wherein a filling element surface and a holding element surface are each adapted to the inner circumference U (UAA) of the lower circular-cylindrical receiving space section and the at least one filling element and the holding element close the cover opening with the adapted surfaces in the inserted state,and wherein the holding means positioning device is arranged or can be arranged in the lower housing section such that the holding means is positioned above the dispensing opening.,

[0010] According to the invention, it is therefore provided to provide a "modular" holding means positioning device. Modular in the sense that the holding element and the filling elements are at least spatially interchangeable components of the holding means positioning device, which are adapted depending on the precise design of the separating device. If a separating device with "short" vertical webs / channels is used, the holding element can be positioned further "down" in the recess of the holding means positioning device (with the remaining space of the recess being filled with filling elements). In a separating device with "longer" vertical webs / channels, at least one filling element is arranged below the holding element. The ability to vary can be flexibly influenced depending on the height of the holding element and the filling elements.Filling elements of different heights can also be used, as long as it is ensured that the recess is completely filled.

[0011] In order to avoid damage to the small piece goods to be separated, it is essential that the surfaces of the at least one filling element and of the holding element facing the lower circular cylindrical receiving space section are adapted to the inner circumference of the lower circular cylindrical receiving space section, i.e. they simulate a section of the inner wall of the lower circular cylindrical receiving space section.

[0012] By providing a modular holding means positioning device, the positioning of the holding means (i.e. the spatial arrangement with respect to the height in the lower circular cylindrical receiving space section) can be easily influenced.

[0013] In the context of this application, the term recess refers to a space provided for the elements (short form for the holding element and the at least one filling element), into which the elements can be inserted. In the operating state of the storage container according to the invention, the recess is filled with the elements, the adapted surfaces of which then form part of the wall of the lower, internally circular, cylindrical receiving space section. As stated above, the holding means positioning device is arranged or can be arranged in the lower housing section, i.e. it can be a "fixed", i.e. non-detachable component of the lower housing section or it can itself be a component that can be detachably arranged in the lower housing section.In an application in which it is to be expected that small items which tend to generate dust will often have to be separated, it is preferred if the holding means positioning device is an integral component of the housing, the recess is formed in the housing itself and the guide device with the at least one guide means is formed by a section of the lower housing section. In this way, an opening in the lower housing section can be avoided, as a result of which dust escape is minimized. In such a case, it is also structurally sensible for the recess not to penetrate the material of the lower housing section, but merely to be formed as a depression in it. However, this is not absolutely necessary.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, a through-opening is formed in the lower housing section, in which the holding means positioning device can be arranged. This embodiment can be useful if the small items to be separated do not tend to generate dust. An advantage of this embodiment is that the holding means positioning device can be completely removed for cleaning, which naturally facilitates cleaning.

[0015] The holding element and the at least one filling element can be arranged in the recess of the holding means positioning device according to the above specification (i.e. the design of the surfaces, the complete filling of the recess). The design of the recess and the way in which the elements are fixed or held in this recess when inserted is, however, variable. For example, the feed and removal opening can run along one "side" (i.e. vertically) with regard to the orientation of the recess in the lower housing section. Alternatively, it can be provided "at the top" or "at the bottom". The arrangement of the feed and removal opening determines the arrangement of the guide device; both together determine the way in which the elements are to be fastened or held in the recess.

[0016] In one embodiment, the at least one guide means and a coupling section of the at least one filling element and the holding element are designed such that a frictional connection between the guide means and the coupling section releasably fixes the at least one filling element and the holding element in the recess. This embodiment has the advantage that the arrangement of the feed and removal opening is completely free - it can be provided "at the bottom" in the recess. In this case, the elements are pushed into the recess from "below", and the frictional connection holds them firmly in position. The frictional connection is to be selected accordingly so that the insertion and removal of the elements is practically possible without there being any risk of the elements slipping out of the recess.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the holding means positioning device comprises an element stop opposite the feed and removal opening, which element stop limits vertical movement of the at least one filling element and of the holding element, and the at least one guide means and a coupling section of the at least one filling element and of the holding element are designed such that a positive connection is formed between the guide means and the coupling section, which prevents movement of the at least one filling element and of the holding element. In this embodiment, the element stop is usually provided below the recess or arranged in the lower region of the recess. The element stop can be arranged fixedly or detachably. The element stop is detachable if it can be arranged in the recess.

[0018] The elements can then simply be inserted into the recess "from above". With appropriate design of the at least one guide means and the coupling sections, the individual elements slide downwards in the recess when inserted until the element stop or an element stops the movement. The positive locking prevents radial displacement (and rotation) of the elements. This embodiment is particularly easy to handle in practice.

[0019] The exact design of the elements depends, among other things, on the recess and the at least one guide means. If the elements are inserted from "above", for example, it can be provided that a coupling section is only provided on one side of the elements. This has the consequence that the elements must be inserted with a predetermined orientation. In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the at least one filling element and / or the holding element are mirror-symmetrical with respect to a vertical mirror axis. With a corresponding design, the filling elements can be introduced into the recess with any orientation with respect to the coupling sections.

[0020] The task of the holding means positioning device is to make the positioning of the holding means simple and flexible. According to the invention, this is achieved by a variable and flexible arrangement of the at least one filling element and the holding element. In order to further increase the positioning options, one embodiment provides for the holding means to protrude off-center in the vertical direction, i.e. to be arranged further up or down on the holding element as viewed in the vertical direction. A rotation of the holding element by 180° therefore also leads to a (slight) change in the position of the holding means when inserted into the recess.

[0021] As already mentioned above, in the case of small item goods which are prone to dust formation, it can be provided that the recess does not penetrate the material in which it is provided. In order to additionally prevent (or further reduce) the escape of dust (or to do so on its own if the recess does penetrate the material), a preferred embodiment provides for the at least one filling element to have a filling element sealing means (and / or the holding element to have a holding element sealing means) which is / are arranged at a contact surface and which is / are preferably designed to be elastic. A contact surface is meant the area between two elements.

[0022] The positioning of the holding element is predetermined by the precise design of the separating device. In particular, if there is great variability in positioning due to the number and design of the filling elements, incorrect positioning can easily occur. To prevent this, a preferred embodiment provides for the guide device to comprise a vertically extending positioning aid which supports the arrangement of the holding means. The positioning aid can comprise a plurality of different markers, and the separating device can specify that the holding means is to be arranged at marker M3, for example.

[0023] The function of the holding means is to prevent small items arranged above it from entering the channel arranged below the holding means. The holding means can be made of a non-elastic material, which can affect the adaptation of the storage container to a different type of separating device. In a preferred embodiment, the holding means comprises a plurality of elastic bristles. By designing the holding means accordingly, the storage container can be more easily adapted to a new separating device.

[0024] The object is also achieved by a method according to claim 11. According to the invention, a storage container for a storage and dispensing station and a holding means positioning device are provided without a separating device and without a holding element and filling element. The storage container is thus in a state in which it can be adapted to a new separating device. The holding means positioning device can be provided together as an integral part of the storage container or as a separate component without the elements.

[0025] Subsequently, at least one filling element and the holding element are introduced into the recess via the feed and removal opening and fixed in such a way that the holding means of the holding element is arranged in a position predetermined by the separating device to be used after the introduction of the holding element and the at least one filling element, and the cover opening of the recess is filled by the surfaces of the filling element and the holding element.

[0026] If necessary, the holding means positioning device is arranged in the opening of the lower housing section, the separating device is introduced into the circular cylindrical receiving space section, wherein the introduction of the separating device takes place together with the introduction of the holding means or before or after the introduction of the holding element and the at least one filling element.

[0027] When and how the separating device is inserted depends on whether the holding means positioning device is an integral part of the lower housing section, how the holding means of the holding element is designed - whether it is elastic or inelastic - and how the separating device is designed. These three conditions result in a number of different scenarios, all of which are, however, easy for a person skilled in the art to determine. These three conditions determine whether the separating device must be attached together with, after, or before the holding element.

[0028] For example, if the holding means positioning device is an integral part of the lower housing part and the holding means is not elastic, the separating device must be inserted together with the holding element (if the separating device has a slot for the holding means) or before the holding element. If the holding means is elastic, the separating device can usually also be inserted after all elements have been arranged.

[0029] Between the outer circumference of the separating device and the inner circumference of the lower circular-cylindrical receiving section, there is an annular gap whose width can vary. However, the width is usually large enough that a retaining element with elastic holding means can be inserted even after the separating device has been positioned.

[0030] In the following, preferred embodiments of the storage container according to the invention for a storage and dispensing station of a blister machine as well as preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention for adapting a storage container are described with reference to the drawing, in which:

[0031] Figures 1A - 1D show partially sectioned oblique views of a first embodiment of the storage container according to the invention,

[0032] Figures 2A - 2B show sectional oblique views of a second embodiment of the storage container according to the invention,

[0033] Figures 3 and 4 show detailed views of the first and second embodiments, Figures 5A and 5B show detailed views of the holding means positioning device of the first embodiment, Figures 6A and 6B show detailed views of the holding means positioning device of the second embodiment, Figures 7A and 7B show detailed views of an embodiment of the holding means positioning device,

[0034] Figures 8A - 8D show partially sectioned oblique views of a third embodiment of the storage container according to the invention,

[0035] Figure 9 shows a detailed oblique view of a portion of the embodiment of the storage container according to the invention, and

[0036] Figure 10 shows a detailed plan view of a portion of the third embodiment.

[0037] Figures 1A - 1D show partially sectioned oblique views of a first embodiment of the storage container 1 according to the invention. The storage container 1 comprises a housing 10 with an upper housing section 11 and a lower housing section 12, wherein the two housing sections 11, 12 define a receiving space 20. This receiving space 20 comprises a lower, internally circular, cylindrical receiving space section 21 (see Figure 1B) and an upper receiving space section 22, the circumference of which projects beyond the circumference of the lower receiving space section 21. The storage container 1 further comprises a base frame 16 on which the lower housing section 12 is arranged. A handle 17 extends between the base frame 16 and the upper housing section 11 for simplified handling of the storage container.As can be seen in Figures 1A and 1C, the lower housing section 12 in the illustrated first embodiment has a vertically extending fastening projection 15 on which a holding means positioning device 50 is arranged, via a fastening section 51, which in the illustrated embodiment has a plurality of fastening means 52, and extends from a back plate 53 of the holding means positioning device 50.

[0038] Figure 1B shows a partially sectioned oblique view of the first embodiment, wherein only the "outer" parts of the storage container 1 are sectioned, namely the housing 10, comprising the lower and upper housing sections 11, 12, the base frame 16 and the handle 17. In the sectioned storage container 1, the receiving space 20 can be seen, comprising the upper receiving space section 22 and the lower circular cylindrical receiving space section 21. This lower circular cylindrical receiving space section 21 has a height H (UAA) and an inner circumference U (UAA), which are each indicated in Figure 1B. In the lower region of the lower circular cylindrical receiving space section 21, a separating device 30 is arranged, which rests on a base plate not visible in Figure 1B.In the embodiment shown, the separating device 30 extends only over a small section of the height H (UAA) of the lower circular-cylindrical receiving space section 21. In other embodiments, the separating device 30 can fill the entire height H (UUA) or, if necessary, also protrude into the upper receiving space section 22. The height of the separating device 30 depends on the height of the small piece goods to be separated and their nature. The height of the separating device 30 also depends on whether it has one or more slot planes, which is not the case in the embodiment shown in Figure 1B (see Figure 3).The singling device 30 comprises a circular-cylindrical base body 38 with a plurality of vertically extending channels 32 which are open to the circumference 39 of the singling device 30, separated by vertical webs 31 and adapted to the small piece goods to be singulated. The base body 38 further comprises a conical cover surface 36 on which three projections 37 are arranged. When the singling device 30 rotates, these projections ensure that small piece goods arranged above the conical cover surface move. The part of the receiving space 20 which is not filled by the singling device 30 is used for the random storage of small piece goods to be singulated. Since the height of the singling device can vary depending on the small piece goods to be singulated, the spatial extent of the section of the receiving space 20 in which the small piece goods to be singulated are arranged also varies.In contrast to the chaotically arranged small piece goods above the singling device 30, the small piece goods arranged in the channels 32 are already pre-separated for subsequent delivery.

[0039] In the embodiment of the storage container 1 according to the invention shown, an opening is provided in the lower housing section 12 (see Figure 1C for this), in which opening the holding means positioning device 50 is arranged. In the embodiment shown, this comprises a guide device with two vertically extending guide means 71a, 71b, between which three filling elements 80 and a holding element 90 are arranged. In the embodiment shown, the holding element 90 is the lowest element between the guide means 71a, 71b of the guide device of the holding means positioning device 50. This arrangement of the holding element 90 is due to the fact that the height of the small items to be separated and thus the height of the vertical webs 31 and vertical channels 32 is very low.The holding means positioning device 50 is described in more detail with reference to subsequent figures; however, the arrangement of the holding means positioning device 50 in the lower housing section 12 can be clearly seen in Figure 1B. It can also be seen that both the filling elements 80 and the holding element 90 have an adapted filling element surface or holding element surface facing the lower circular-cylindrical receiving space section 21, which are adapted to the inner circumference U (UAA) of the lower circular-cylindrical receiving space section 21. The same applies to the surfaces of the guide means 71a, 71b facing the lower circular-cylindrical receiving space section 21. In alternative embodiments, the guide means can also be designed such that they do not have a surface facing the lower circular-cylindrical receiving space section.By adapting the above-mentioned surfaces to the inner circumference U (UAA) of the lower circular cylindrical receiving space section 21, it is ensured that no damage to the small piece goods occurs when small piece goods are guided past these surfaces.

[0040] In Figure 1B it can be seen that the holding element 90 comprises a holding means 91 which projects into the lower circular-cylindrical receiving space section 21 and is positioned via the arrangement of the holding means positioning device 50 such that no further piece goods can penetrate into the channel 32 which is arranged below the holding means 91. In the embodiment shown, the holding means 91 projects into an annular groove 35 which is formed above the vertical webs 31 between the circular-cylindrical base body 38 and the wall of the lower circular-cylindrical receiving space section 21.

[0041] As will be seen in subsequent figures, a discharge opening (also not visible) is provided below the holding means 91 in the base plate of the lower housing section 12 (not visible in Figure 1B). Due to the arrangement of the holding means 91 (via the arrangement of the holding means positioning device 50), this prevents small item goods arranged above the holding means from being discharged when a channel is aligned with the discharge opening. In the embodiment shown, the holding means 91 comprises a plurality of elastic bristles, which can be seen more clearly in subsequent figures. In alternative embodiments, the holding means can also be made of a non-elastic material. This has no influence on the functioning of the storage container, but may influence the method for adapting the storage container, which is described in more detail below.

[0042] Figure 1C shows a further oblique view of the first embodiment of the storage container 1 according to the invention. In Figure 1C it can be seen that an opening 13 is provided in the lower housing section 12, in which opening the holding means positioning device 50 can be arranged. In the first embodiment the holding means positioning device 50 is therefore not an integral part of the housing of the storage container 1, but can be inserted into the housing, and in particular the lower housing section 12. In order to adapt the storage container 1 to a different type of small piece goods to be separated, the holding means positioning device 50 is removed from the lower housing section 12, and the filling elements 80 and the holding element 90 can be moved or replaced according to the required arrangement of the holding means.In the illustration according to Figure 1C, the separating device 30 can also be seen through the opening 13 in the lower housing section 12.

[0043] Figure 1D shows a further partially sectioned oblique view of the first embodiment of the storage container according to the invention, wherein the separating device 30, which is shown in Figure 1B, has been omitted in this view. In the view according to Figure 1D, the holding means positioning device 50 is shown in the lower housing section 12, wherein it can be seen in Figure 1D that the holding means 91 of the holding element 90 is positioned above the discharge opening 19 in the base plate 18. In the middle of the base plate 18 there is also a central opening 14 through which a coupling means (not shown) of the separating device 30 can be guided, wherein a connection to a drive can be established with the coupling means.

[0044] As already indicated, the holding means 90 in this embodiment comprises a plurality of elastic bristles or tufts of bristles (comparable to a cleaning brush) 91a which project from the surface of the holding element 90 into the lower circular-cylindrical receiving space section 21. In Figure 1D it can also be seen that the holding means does not extend vertically centrally into the lower circular-cylindrical receiving space section 21, but is arranged in the lower half with respect to the vertical orientation of the holding element. As can already be seen in Figure 1D, both the holding element 90 and the filling elements 80 are mirror-symmetrical with respect to a vertical mirror axis, so that a change in the height or positioning of the holding means can be achieved by rotating the holding element 90 by 180°.In Figure ID, a positioning aid 75 can also be seen, which is arranged on the surface of the guide means 71b.

[0045] Figure 2A shows a partially sectioned oblique view of a second embodiment of the storage container 1 according to the invention, wherein again only the "outer" parts of the storage container 1 are sectioned, but the separating device 30 is shown in full. In Figure 2B, the separating device has been completely omitted in order to illustrate the differences in the holding means positioning device 50. In the following description of the second embodiment, only those components are discussed which differ from the first embodiment or are arranged differently. Components which are designed according to the first embodiment are shown with reference numerals, but these will not be discussed in more detail.

[0046] In the second embodiment of the storage container according to the invention shown in Figures 2A and 2B, a different separating device 30 is installed. In this variant of the separating device 30, the separating device 30 itself is designed to be considerably higher and extends close to the transition from the upper housing section 11 to the lower housing section 12. This has the result that the lower circular-cylindrical receiving space section 21 is almost completely filled by the separating device 30, so that only a small part of the receiving space 20 is available for unsorted storage of small piece goods. In the separating device 30 of the second embodiment, the vertical webs 31 comprise a lower web section 31b and an upper web section 31a.Between the web sections 31a, 31b, a slot plane 33 is formed, into which the holding means 91 of the holding element 90 extends, as can be seen in Figure 4 described below. In the second embodiment, the vertical positioning of the slot plane 33 differs from the vertical positioning of the annular groove 35 of the first embodiment, so that it is necessary that the vertical positioning of the holding means 91 of the holding element 90 is also adapted.

[0047] Figure 2B shows how the different vertical positioning of the holding means is achieved in the second embodiment. Unlike in the first embodiment, the holding means positioning device 50 comprises an element stop 64 between the guide means (of which only 71a is shown in Figure 2B), above which a filling element 80, the holding element 90, a further filling element 80 and a closing element 80a (a filling element with a lower height than the filling element 80) are arranged. Due to the use of the element stop 64, it is possible to design the manner in which the holding element 90 and the filling elements 80 are arranged and fastened differently than in the first embodiment, these aspects being discussed in more detail in the following figures.Figure 2B clearly shows that the different arrangement of the elements between the guide means allows for simple adjustment of the vertical positioning of the holding means. In the first and second embodiments, several filler elements 80 are shown in addition to the holding element 90. In an alternative embodiment, it is conceivable that only one filler element is present. How many filler elements of which height are used depends solely on how many possible variations in the positioning of the holding means 91 of the holding element 90 are to be achieved.

[0048] Figures 3 and 4 show detailed views of the first and second embodiments, specifically the combination of holding means, positioning device 50 and separating device 30. In Figure 3 it can be seen that the holding element 90 is the lowest element between the guide means 71a, 71b (which together form a guide device 70), since the small piece goods to be separated are very small and thus the annular groove 35, in which the holding means 91 is guided, is arranged very "deep" in the lower circular cylindrical receiving space section 21. In Figure 4 it can be seen that the holding means 91 is guided in the slot plane 33, and since this is arranged "higher" in the lower circular cylindrical receiving space section, the holding element 90 is also arranged higher between the guide means 71a, 71b of the guide device 70.

[0049] Figures 5A and 5B show detailed views of the holding means positioning device 50 of the first embodiment. The holding means positioning device 50 comprises a guide device 70 with two parallel, vertically extending guide means 71a, 71b. Furthermore, the holding means positioning device 50 comprises a fastening section 51 with two fastening means openings 54, via which the holding means positioning device 50 can be secured in the opening 13 on the fastening projection 15 of the lower housing section 12. Finally, the holding means positioning device 50 comprises a back plate 53 to which the two guide means 71a, 71b are fastened.

[0050] In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the two guide means 71a, 71b are connected to one another only via, for example, a horizontal web. Since the space between the two guide means 71a, 71b (see Figure 5B) is filled by the filler elements 80 and the holding element 90 in the "operating state," no back plate is required if the small-piece goods to be separated do not tend to generate dust. In Figure 5B, the filler elements 80 are at least partially moved upwards out of the space between the guide means 71a, 71b.

[0051] As can be seen particularly clearly in Figures 7A and 7B, a recess 60 is formed between the guide means 71a, 71b, which serves to accommodate the various elements. This recess 60 has a cover opening 61 and a feed and removal opening 62. In Figures 7A and 7B, two auxiliary lines 66a, 66b are indicated, which are intended to indicate the space occupied by the various elements in the operating state of the holding means positioning device 50. In Figures 7A and 7B it can also be seen that the recess 60 in the embodiment shown has the shape of a vertically extending ring segment. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the boundary of the recess 60 defined by the rear back plate 53 is designed differently.The embodiment shown has the advantage that at least the filling elements 80 can be arranged in any horizontal orientation in the recess 60, since the spatial configuration of the recess allows the filling elements to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane (as can be clearly seen in Figures 5B and 6B). Figures 7A and 7B also show that in the embodiment shown, the recess 60 is not limited downwards.

[0052] In order to prevent the holding element 90 and the filling elements 80 from "falling out" of the recess 60, the first embodiment shown in Figures 5A and 5B provides for the filling elements 80 and the holding element 90 to be held by at least one frictional connection between the guide means 71a, 71b. As can be seen in Figure 5B, the filling elements 80 have two coupling sections 83a, 83b which are designed to be complementary to guide grooves 72a, 72b which extend vertically in the guide means 71a, 71b. The filling elements 80 are held in the guide grooves 72a, 72b by means of the coupling sections 83a, 83b via a frictional connection. In order to securely fix the elements, it is sufficient if this frictional connection is present in the lower and the upper element.

[0053] In the second embodiment shown in Figures 6A, 6B, an element stop 64 is arranged in the lower section of the recess 60. This can be removably or permanently positioned. Since the element stop 64 prevents the filling elements 80 and the holding element 90 from falling out, it is sufficient in this embodiment that the filling elements 80 and the holding element 90 are held in place by a positive fit. For this purpose, the filling elements 80 and the holding element 90 have coupling sections, whereby only the coupling sections 83a, 83b of the filling elements 80 are shown. The coupling sections engage in guide grooves 72a, 72b of the guide means 71a, 71b. Although the guide grooves and the coupling sections in Figures 5A, 5B and 6A, 6B are shown to be visually identical, in the second embodiment according to Figures 6A, 6B the elements can be held vertically "loosely" in guide means.This simplifies replacement when adjusting the reservoir.

[0054] As already indicated, depending on the individual items to be separated, it may be advantageous to provide a back plate 53 on the holding means positioning device 50. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable to provide a sealing means 84, 94 in at least one contact area of ​​the filling elements 80 and the holding element 90, which sealing means prevents the escape of dust.

[0055] In the embodiments of Figures 5A - 7B, the feed and removal opening 62 is arranged "at the top". In alternative embodiments, it is also conceivable for it to be arranged laterally, although this requires an adjustment of how the elements are held in the recess. However, this is easy to implement for a person skilled in the art.

[0056] Figures 5A-6B also show the adapted surfaces 92, 82 of the holding element and the filling elements. These are adapted to the inner circumference U (UAA) of the lower circular-cylindrical receiving section, so that passing small items will not damage them. In the embodiment shown, the corresponding surfaces of the guide means 71a, 71b are also designed accordingly. However, this is only necessary if such surfaces are provided at all.

[0057] Figures 8A - 8D show oblique views of a third embodiment of the storage container according to the invention, wherein in Figures 8B - 8D the "outer" components of the storage container are again sectioned. In Figure 8B the separating device 30 is shown, in Figures 8C and 8D this is omitted. In the third embodiment the holding means positioning device 50 cannot be arranged in the lower housing section 12 (and can be removed from the lower housing section 12 to adapt the arrangement of the holding element), but is a permanent component of the storage container 1, wherein components can be temporarily removed to adapt the storage container. For this purpose a recess 60 is provided in the lower housing section (see in particular Figure 8D), in which a holding element 90 and filling elements 80 can be arranged (see Figures 8B and 8C).In the third embodiment shown, the recess 60 does not extend completely through the material of the lower housing section, as can be seen in Figure 8A. In alternative embodiments, however, it can certainly be provided that the recess completely penetrates the lower housing section 12. This is particularly conceivable if no small-piece goods that tend to form dust need to be separated. In the third embodiment, the guide means 71a, 71b are formed or defined by vertical sections of the lower housing section, specifically in the side regions of the recess 60, as can be seen in particular in Figure 8D. Corresponding to the embodiments described above, the guide means 71a, 71b of the third embodiment also have vertical guide grooves 72a, 72b, via which the filling elements 80 and the holding element 90 are held in the recess 60.In Figure 8D, an element stop 64 is arranged in the lower section of the recess 60, which prevents vertical movement of the filling elements and the holding element arranged above it. In this embodiment, it is therefore sufficient that the filling elements 80 and the holding element 90 are secured by a positive connection. In an alternative further embodiment, it is conceivable that the filling elements and the holding element are held by a force connection between the guide means 71a, 71b, as in the first embodiment.

[0058] Figures 9 and 10 show a sectional oblique view and a plan view of a section of the third embodiment of the storage container 1 according to the invention. In these views of the third embodiment, the recess 60 can be seen once again. This comprises a cover opening 61, which is the opening of the recess facing the lower circular-cylindrical receiving space section 21. This cover opening 61 is closed in the "operating state", i.e. when filling elements and the holding element are inserted, by the adapted surfaces (adapted to the inner circumference U (UAA) of the lower circular-cylindrical receiving space section) of the holding element and the filling elements, as already explained above with reference to another embodiment.The recess 60 further comprises the supply and removal opening 62, which in this embodiment is arranged on the upper side surface of the recess 60 and opens towards the upper receiving space section 22. The recess 60 is closed off at the bottom by an element stop 64, which is intended to prevent elements from slipping through. Due to the presence of this element stop 64, the holding element and the filling elements can be secured in the recess 60 merely by means of a positive connection. For this purpose, the two guide means 71a, 71b are provided (which are designed here as sections of the lower housing section), which in this embodiment also have vertical guide grooves 72a, 72b, which provide the positive connection with the coupling sections of the filling elements and the holding element.As already indicated in the previous figures, the recess 60 does not penetrate the material of the lower housing section 12, but the recess 60 is closed to the "outside" via the back plate 53.

[0059] In an alternative embodiment to the third embodiment, it is also conceivable for the recess 60 to be closed at the top and for the feed and removal opening to be arranged at the bottom, i.e., near the discharge opening 19. In such a case, however, it is necessary for the elements to be arranged and held in the recess 60 (also) via a frictional connection. Various embodiments of the method according to the invention are briefly described below with reference to the various embodiments, with particular attention being paid to the sequence of insertion of the holding element and the separating device.

[0060] As already mentioned, there is always a certain annular gap between the outer circumference of the separating device and the inner circumference of the lower circular-cylindrical receiving section, even if this is not explicitly shown in the figures. This annular gap can be sufficient (as is assumed here) to allow the holding means to be guided past an inserted separating device (and vice versa) by the holding means being pressed into the annular gap and returning to its intended orientation at its destination.

[0061] In the first embodiment, an elastic holding means 91 is shown. Due to the above considerations and the fact that the holding means positioning device 50 is designed as a separate component, the order of insertion is arbitrary. If the holding means were designed to be inelastic, the separating device would have to be inserted first. The same applies to the second embodiment (due to the elastic holding means).

[0062] In the third embodiment, the sequence is also arbitrary. With a non-elastic retaining means, the two lower filling elements 80 would have to be inserted first, followed by the separating device 30 with the retaining element 90 (where the retaining means is arranged in the slot plane), and then the remaining filling elements.

Claims

<pat:ClaimStatement>Claims< / pat:ClaimStatement> <pat:Claims com:id="claims"> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00001"> <pat:ClaimNumber>1< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>1. A storage container (1) for a storage and dispensing 5 station for a blister pouch packaging machine, comprising: a housing (10) having an upper housing portion (11), a lower housing portion (12) and a bottom plate (18) with a dispensing opening (19), wherein the upper and lower housing portions (11, 12) 10 define a receiving space (20) having a lower internally circular-cylindrical receiving-space portion (21) with a height H(UAA) and an inner periphery U(UAA) and an upper receiving-space portion (22) extending thereabove; 15 a singulating device (30) disposed in the lower circular- cylindrical receiving-space portion (21), the singulating device having a circular-cylindrical base body (38) with a plurality of vertically extending channels (32), which are open toward the outer periphery (39) of the singulating device, separated by vertical projections (31), and adapted to small piece goods to be singulated; a holding-means positioning device (50), comprising: a cavity (60) with an opening which can be covered (61) and a feed and removal opening (62), a guide device (70) having at least one guide means (71a, 71b) extending along one cavity side (63a, 63b) in the holding-means positioning device, at least one filling element (80) and a holding element (90), wherein the holding element comprises a projecting 30 holding means (91), and wherein the at least one filling element (80) and the holding element (90) can be inserted into the cavity (60) through the feed and removal opening (62) and can be positioned in the cavity by coupling with the guide means (71a, 71b), wherein, in each case, a filling element surface (82) and a holding element surface (92) are adapted to the inner periphery U(UAA) of the lower circular-cylindrical receiving- space portion (21), and wherein the at least one filling element and the holding element close the opening which can be covered with the adapted surfaces (82, 92) in the inserted state, and wherein the holding-means positioning device (50) is or can be disposed in the lower housing portion (12) in such a way that the holding means (91) is positioned over the dispensing opening (18). < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00002"> <pat:ClaimNumber>2< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>2. The storage container (1) for a storage and dispensing station for a blister pouch packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding-means positioning device (50) is an integral component of the housing (10), the cavity (60) is formed in the housing itself and the guide device (70) having the at least one guide means (71a, 71b) is formed by a portion of the lower housing portion (12). < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00003"> <pat:ClaimNumber>3< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>3. The storage container (1) for a storage and dispensing station for a blister pouch packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that a through-opening (13) is formed in the lower housing portion (12), in which the holding-means positioning device (50) can be disposed. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00004"> <pat:ClaimNumber>4< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>4. The storage container (1) for a storage and dispensing station for a blister pouch packaging machine according to one of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the at least one guide means (71a, 71b) and a coupling portion (83a, 83b; 93a, 93b) of the at least one filling element (80) and of the holding element (90) are formed in such a way that a force fit between the guide means (71a, 71b) and the coupling portion (83a, 83b; 93a, 93b) fixes the at least one filling element (80) and the holding element (90) in the cavity in a releasable fixed position. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00005"> <pat:ClaimNumber>5< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>5. The storage container (1) for a storage and dispensing station for a blister pouch packaging machine according to one of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the holding-means positioning device (50) comprises, opposite the feed and removal opening (62), an element stop (64) which limits the vertical movement of the at least one filling element (80) and of the holding element (90), and the at least one guide means (71a, 71b) and a coupling portion (83a, 83b; 93a, 93b) of the at least one filling element (80) and of the holding element (90) are formed in such a way that between the guide means and the coupling portion a form fit is formed which prevents the movement of the at least one filling element and of the holding element. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00006"> <pat:ClaimNumber>6< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>6. The storage container (1) for a storage and dispensing station for a blister pouch packaging machine according to one of claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the at least one filling element (80) and / or the holding element (90) are formed mirror-symmetrically with respect to a 30 vertical mirror axis. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00007"> <pat:ClaimNumber>7< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>7. The storage container (1) for a storage and dispensing station for a blister pouch packaging machine according to claims 1 - 6, characterized in that the holding means (91) projects vertically off-center. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00008"> <pat:ClaimNumber>8< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>8. The storage container (1) for a storage and dispensing station for a blister pouch packaging machine according to one of claims 1 - 7, characterized in that the at least one filling element (80) has a filling-element sealing means (83a, 83b) and / or the holding element (90) has a holding-element sealing means (93a, 93b), which are disposed at a contact surface and are preferably formed to be elastic. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00009"> <pat:ClaimNumber>9< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>9. The storage container (1) for a storage and dispensing station for a blister pouch packaging machine according to one of claims 1 - 8, characterized in that the guide device (70) comprises a vertically extending positioning aid (75), which supports the arranging of the holding means. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00010"> <pat:ClaimNumber>10< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>10. The storage container (1) for a storage and dispensing station for a blister pouch packaging machine according to one of claims 1 - 9, characterized in that the holding means (91) comprises a plurality of elastic bristles (91a). < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00011"> <pat:ClaimNumber>11< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>11. A method for adapting a storage container (1) according to one of claims 1 - 10 to small piece goods to be singulated, wherein a storage container (1) for a storage and dispensing station and a holding-means positioning device (50) without a singulating device and without a holding element (90) and filling element (80) are provided, at least one filling element (80) and the holding element (90) are introduced into the cavity (60) via the feed and removal opening (62), specifically in such a way that the holding means (91) of the holding element (90), after introduction of the holding element (90) and of the at least one filling element (80), is disposed at a position predetermined by the singulating device (30) to be used, and the opening which can be covered (61) of the cavity (60) is filled by filling-element and holding-element surfaces (82, 92), and the singulating device (30) is introduced into the circular-cylindrical receiving-space portion (21), wherein the introduction of the singulating device (30) is performed depending on the configuration of the holding means (91) of the holding element (90), of the holding-means positioning device (50) and also of the configuration of the singulating device (30). < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> < / pat:Claims>