Conveying apparatus and method for conveying bulk materials

Abstract

A conveying device (2) for conveying bulk material comprising product (32) and its broken product (36) along a conveying direction (F) has a first conveying element (8) and a second conveying element (12) disposed downstream of the first conveying element (8), resulting in a gap (18) between the first conveying element (8) and the second conveying element (12). A covering element (22) is disposed above the gap (18). The gap (18) has a first width (B1) according to a predetermined separation criterion, which allows the broken product (36) to pass through the gap (18) and prevents the product (32) from passing through the gap (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a conveying device and method for conveying bulk materials, which include multiple products, particularly pharmaceutical or drug products and their damaged products. Background Technology

[0002] Products existing in bulk form can be, for example, pharmaceutical or drug products, food, and food supplements. In packaging machines used to package such products, the products are fed via a conveying device to a filling device, which fills the products into corresponding packages. Examples include blister pack machines for packaging products into blister packs and bottle lines for packaging products into bottle-shaped containers.

[0003] If the product exists in bulk, this bulk material typically includes, in addition to substantially undamaged products, products damaged during production, transportation, or filling of the conveyor system—so-called broken products. If broken products enter packaging, the corresponding packaging usually becomes non-conforming and is ejected and destroyed. Therefore, packaging machine output decreases, and material consumption and handling incur costs. Furthermore, broken products can lead to disruptions in conveyor systems, filling systems, and potentially further processing stations.

[0004] To avoid this situation, control systems are known for identifying and separating damaged products before the actual filling of the packaging. Such control systems may include a camera system for identifying damaged products, wherein a mechanical ejector or suction device separates the identified damaged product from the mains. However, such systems are expensive and require a relatively large amount of installation space.

[0005] A more cost-effective approach may be the so-called perforated plate, which has multiple holes through which the product, in bulk form, is conveyed. In this case, broken products are intended to fall through the holes and be separated. However, with perforated plates, reliable separation is typically only possible for very small fragments and certain product forms. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a conveying device and method for conveying bulk materials comprising multiple products and their damaged products, which achieves reliable separation of damaged products while maintaining high output.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a conveying device for conveying bulk material along a conveying direction, the bulk material comprising a plurality of products, particularly pharmaceutical or drug products and their breakable products, the conveying device comprising: a first conveying element having a first conveying surface on which the bulk material can be conveyed along the conveying direction; a second conveying element having a second conveying surface on which the bulk material can be further conveyed along the conveying direction, wherein the second conveying element is arranged downstream of the first conveying element along the conveying direction; and a covering element having a covering surface arranged substantially parallel to and facing the first and second conveying surfaces to form at least one conveying channel for the bulk material between the first conveying surface, the second conveying surface and the covering surface. The first and second conveying elements are arranged in a first position spaced apart from each other along the conveying direction, such that a gap is formed between the first and second conveying elements, wherein the covering element is arranged above the gap and, in each case, above a portion of the adjacent gap between the first and second conveying elements. The gap has a first width along the conveying direction according to a separation criterion, such that breakable products are allowed to pass through the gap and products are prevented from passing through the gap.

[0008] Therefore, the gap is formed in such a way that broken products fall through the gap while other products move beyond it. In this way, broken products are automatically and reliably separated, while the products are further conveyed without significantly affecting the output. Thus, broken products do not enter the packaging, resulting in the control and ejection of defective packaging in this respect. A conveying channel is formed between the covering element and the first and second conveying elements, and the resulting upward definition of the conveying channel by the covering surface allows for at least partial influence on the orientation of the product in the gap area and enables reliable separation of broken products through the gap.

[0009] The bulk material products are preferably pharmaceutical or drug products. Pharmaceutical or drug products can exist as solids, for example, in the form of (coated) tablets, capsules, oval-shaped tablets, etc. Bulk material products can also be, for example, food or food supplements such as chewing gum, lozenges, and candy, as well as minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, etc., in tablet or capsule form.

[0010] In this document, "product" is defined as a substantially intact product. Conversely, "damaged product" refers to a damaged product that is no longer substantially intact. Products and damaged products are distinguished according to predetermined separation criteria. These criteria depend on the size of the product and can vary depending on the product type. Therefore, due to the precisely specified dosage of the active ingredient contained in a pharmaceutical or drug product, it may be necessary to package only completely undamaged products, or even separate slightly damaged products. Conversely, in the case of food products such as chewing gum or candy where taste is the primary concern, it may be sufficient to separate only significantly damaged products and package the rest.

[0011] The dependence of separation criteria on product size and condition becomes clear based on the following example. A completely intact product has a predetermined size, such as diameter or length L1. A damaged product has a smaller diameter or shorter length. Therefore, it can be said that a slightly damaged product with a diameter or length L2 greater than 90% of L1 is still considered a "good product," while a product with a diameter or length L3 less than or equal to 90% of L1 is considered a "bad product" and thus indicates a damaged product to be separated. For another product type, a distinction can also be made only at 60% of length L1 or even at 95% of length L1.

[0012] Then, a first width of the gap is selected according to the predetermined separation criterion, such that the broken product is reliably separated through the gap, and the product can move out of the gap in a manner that is as unobstructed as possible. Therefore, the gap has a first width that ensures the broken product passes through it. In other words, the gap with the first width is formed in such a way that the broken product is reliably separated through it, that is, it prevents the broken product from moving beyond the gap. This ensures that no broken product is passed to the second conveying element and thus added to the further processing stage.

[0013] Specifically, the gap is created by the free fall of the broken product through the gap, and therefore no additional deflection device is needed, such as flaps, sliders, air nozzles, etc., to target and remove the broken product. Similarly, the product moves beyond the free gap, and therefore no additional support or deflection device is needed to temporarily close or block the gap. A collection container for collecting the broken product can be positioned below the gap.

[0014] The gap preferably extends over the entire width of the first and second conveying surfaces. The widths of the first and second conveying surfaces are defined perpendicular to the conveying direction, and in the case of substantially planar conveying surfaces, in the plane of the first and second conveying surfaces.

[0015] Further preferably, the first and second conveying surfaces are arranged substantially in a plane. This reduces the risk of the product tilting during its journey from the first conveying surface to the second conveying surface and of blockage between the first and second conveying elements and the covering element.

[0016] The distance of the covering surface from the first conveying surface or the second conveying surface in a direction perpendicular to the covering surface defines the height of at least one conveying channel. The height of the at least one conveying channel is preferably determined by the product size and may depend on the product geometry. For example, the at least one conveying channel may have a height less than that of two products arranged vertically above each other on the first or second conveying surface, such that bulk material can enter the at least one conveying channel in only a single layer. If the products have different dimensions in different orientations, the height of the at least one conveying channel can also be selected such that products can enter the conveying channel only in one orientation, or products in one orientation cannot enter the conveying channel.

[0017] To prevent product blockage at or within the gap and to allow the product to move across the gap as unimpeded as possible, at least one conveying channel preferably has a height that prevents the product from tilting at the edge of the first conveying element defining the gap. Therefore, the height of the at least one conveying channel is preferably between 1.0 and 1.5 times the height of the product perpendicular to the first or second conveying surface, more preferably between 1.05 and 1.4 times, and even more preferably between 1.1 and 1.2 times. In particular, the height of the at least one conveying channel is less than the length of the product along the conveying direction. This ensures that the product moves across the gap as reliably as possible by properly forming the gap and the at least one conveying channel, thereby increasing the output of the conveying device.

[0018] The cover element is preferably fastened to the first conveying element and / or the second conveying element. That is, the cover element is always positioned at a fixed distance from the first or second conveying surface, thereby ensuring that a predetermined height of at least one conveying channel is always maintained. Specifically, the cover element cannot move relative to either the first or second conveying element to which it is fastened. However, to allow access to this gap, the cover element can be releasably connected to the corresponding one of the first and second conveying elements.

[0019] The first and second conveying elements are preferably in the form of plates. Each conveying element may then be a generally rectangular plate, for example, made of metal or plastic. The upper side of the first and second conveying elements includes a first conveying surface or a second conveying surface. Bulk material moves relative to the first or second conveying element, for example, by vibration of the conveying elements on the first and second conveying surfaces. The first and second conveying elements particularly do not include conveyor belts or other movable conveying devices for transporting products, where the products generally do not move relative to the conveying surface in the conveying direction. Therefore, the first and second conveying elements can be formed in the simplest possible manner.

[0020] The conveying device is preferably a vibrating conveyor, for example, in the form of a vibrating trough, such as a known conveyor for conveying bulk materials, particularly pharmaceutical or drug products. The first and second conveying elements then form part of the vibrating trough.

[0021] The conveying device may include a drive unit coupled to a first conveying element or a second conveying element to cause them to vibrate. The drive unit is preferably coupled to the first conveying element, and the first and second conveying elements are connected to each other to transmit vibration.

[0022] Typically, and preferably, the first conveying element and the second conveying element are formed as separate components. They can be connected to each other. In particular, the first conveying element and the second conveying element are movably connected to each other, for example, in a manner that allows the first conveying element and the second conveying element to move relative to each other parallel to the conveying direction.

[0023] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first conveying element and / or the second conveying element are movable relative to each other along the conveying direction, and the width of the gap is adjustable. Specifically, the first conveying element and / or the second conveying element are movable relative to each other only along the conveying direction. The first and second conveying surfaces are then substantially kept in a plane, while the width of the gap is adjustable. This adjustability of the gap allows the conveying device to be adapted in a particularly simple manner to predetermined separation criteria and different product sizes and geometries.

[0024] The fact that the first and / or second conveying elements are movable relative to each other ensures that only one of the two conveying elements can move relative to the other. The second conveying element is preferably movable back and forth relative to the first conveying element, while the first conveying element is not movable relative to the second conveying element. However, both conveying elements may also be movable.

[0025] For this purpose, the conveying device may include at least one actuating drive that moves a first conveying element and a second conveying element relative to each other. The actuating drive may be, for example, a hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, or mechanical linear drive. Preferably, a fixed portion of the at least one actuating drive is connected to the first conveying element and a movable portion of the at least one actuating drive is connected to the second conveying element.

[0026] To release product potentially clogging the gap area, it is further preferred that the first and second conveying elements are movable relative to each other between a first and a second position along the conveying direction, wherein the gap has a second width greater than the first width at the second position. If the gap has a second width, the product can pass through it. Product clogging the gap area thus falls through the gap, resulting in the clogging being released. If the second width is greater than the maximum dimension of the product along the conveying direction, clogging can be released in the most reliable manner possible.

[0027] The conveying device can be designed to move a first conveying element and a second conveying element from a first position to a second position at predetermined time intervals, remain in the second position for a predetermined period of time, and then move them back to the first position. Any obstructions that may exist are then automatically released without the need for complex identification of products and obstructions, and corresponding controllers. However, the first and second conveying elements can also be moved from the first position to the second position under sensor control, as will be described in more detail herein with reference to suitable sensors.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, at least one conveying channel is subdivided into multiple conveying channels, such that the conveying device has multiple conveying channels extending along the conveying direction and arranged adjacent to each other in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. The characteristics described with respect to the at least one conveying channel, particularly its height, similarly apply to the multiple conveying channels. The conveying device preferably has multiple conveying channels at least in the portion of the first conveying element covered by the covering element. However, the multiple conveying channels may also extend beyond the covering element on the first conveying element and optionally extend on the second conveying element. The conveying channels among the multiple conveying channels may have, for example, rectangular, V-shaped, or U-shaped cross-sections.

[0029] Particularly preferably, the conveyor channels are arranged in such a way that products arranged in a precise, continuous row can move through the conveyor channels. However, two or more adjacent products will not fit into the conveyor channels. Therefore, the width of each of the multiple conveyor channels is preferably less than the width of two products, and this width is, in its respective case, defined in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and perpendicular to the height of the conveyor channel.

[0030] The gap preferably extends across the width of the plurality of conveying channels, particularly preferably across the width of all conveying channels and thus across the entire width of the first conveying surface. If the gap does not extend across the entire width of all conveying channels, at least one second gap extending across the remaining width is provided. All of the plurality of conveying channels lead to the gap or to a gap that ensures the separation of broken products within the conveying device.

[0031] To form multiple conveying channels, the conveying device may further include multiple guiding elements extending along the conveying direction, arranged adjacent to each other in a direction transverse to the conveying direction, and laterally defining multiple conveying channels for bulk materials transverse to the conveying direction (that is, in a first transverse direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and perpendicular to the height of the conveying channels). The multiple guiding elements preferably extend at least in the portion of the first conveying element covered by a covered element to the gap.

[0032] The second lateral direction is defined as a height perpendicular to the conveying direction and parallel to the conveying channels, or perpendicular to the covering surface. The covering element may define multiple conveying channels upwards, that is, parallel to the second lateral direction. The first conveying surface, and optionally a second conveying surface, may define multiple conveying channels downwards in a portion of the adjacent gap between the first or second conveying elements.

[0033] To ensure reliable product movement across the gap and further reduce the risk of blockage, it is preferable that multiple guide elements also extend across the gap. This ensures that the product's orientation along the conveying direction remains unaffected in the first lateral direction during movement across the gap.

[0034] It is desirable that multiple guide elements are arranged only in the downstream portion of the first conveying element relative to the conveying direction, and that no guide elements are arranged in the upstream portion of the first conveying element. The bulk material can thus be guided onto the first conveying element in the upstream portion, and during the conveying of the bulk material in the conveying direction, the product of the bulk material and any broken products contained therein can be inserted into the conveying channel.

[0035] Multiple guide channels can be formed, for example, by multiple strips, which are preferably mounted on the upper side of the first conveying element. However, it is also conceivable that multiple grooves for forming the multiple conveying channels are incorporated in the upper side of the first conveying element. The sidewalls of the grooves held between the grooves then form multiple guide elements. Similarly, multiple guide elements can also be formed on a second conveying element.

[0036] Multiple guide elements are preferably fastened or mounted to the first conveying element and extend beyond the first conveying element in the conveying direction, resulting in the multiple guide elements extending across the gap. Particularly preferably, the multiple guide elements extend across the gap and at least partially onto the second conveying element. In this way, the product is reliably guided onto the gap. The multiple guide elements are then preferably not connected to the second conveying element, such that the second conveying element continues to be movable relative to the first conveying element.

[0037] In each case, the distance between two adjacent guide elements in a plurality of guide elements defines the width of the conveying channel in a plurality of conveying channels defined by the two adjacent guide elements.

[0038] The conveyor channels in the plurality of conveyor channels preferably have a width and height such that the products are oriented in a predetermined direction relative to the conveying direction and that this predetermined orientation is maintained at least in the areas of the plurality of guide elements. Therefore, the products only engage with the conveyor channels when oriented in the predetermined orientation. As long as the products are oriented in an orientation deviating from the predetermined orientation, they will not enter the plurality of conveyor channels and will be blocked in front of them.

[0039] Preferably, the first dimension of the product in the predetermined orientation is defined as parallel to the conveying direction, wherein the separation criterion is defined based on the first dimension. For example, the first dimension of the product may correspond to the length of the product, and the separation criterion may be defined as described at the beginning.

[0040] In the case of elongated products, length is the maximum dimension of the product. In this case, the conveyor channel can have a width and height smaller than the product's length. In this way, the product can only enter the conveyor channel if its longitudinal direction is oriented parallel to the conveying direction.

[0041] The height of each of the multiple conveying channels is preferably between 1.0 and 1.5 times the height of the product in the predetermined orientation, more preferably between 1.05 and 1.4 times, and even more preferably between 1.1 and 1.2 times.

[0042] The width of each of the multiple conveying channels is preferably between 1.0 and 1.5 times the width of the product in the predetermined orientation, more preferably between 1.05 and 1.4 times, and even more preferably between 1.1 and 1.2 times.

[0043] The conveying device preferably includes a guiding device designed to orient the bulk material product, particularly along a first predetermined orientation. For this purpose, the guiding device is preferably positioned directly in front of or at the beginning of a plurality of guide elements upstream of the conveying direction, for example, above the starting portions of the guide elements. Products not oriented as required are stopped by the guiding device, held in front of it, and reoriented. The guiding device may include, for example, rollers, particularly cloth rollers or brush rollers or brushes, and has a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the first transverse direction.

[0044] The orienting device is arranged relative to the first conveying surface such that it engages with the bulk material being conveyed along the conveying direction. By engaging with the orienting device, the bulk material and any broken products contained therein are reoriented, and once the product has achieved the desired orientation, it passes through multiple guide elements. Depending on the size of the broken products, they can enter multiple conveying channels in any orientation or independently of the desired orientation. The orienting device also has the effect that the bulk material downstream of the orienting device is arranged in only one layer.

[0045] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the conveying device includes at least one sensor for identifying blockages in the gap caused by bulk material, particularly product blockages, but also potentially blockages caused by broken products. Therefore, if a blockage to be released is identified, the gap can be opened to a second width in a targeted manner. The need to open the gap at regular time intervals, which is associated with the separation of whole products and thus with a reduction in production volume, can then be eliminated.

[0046] In this embodiment, the actuating actuator that moves the first and second conveying elements relative to each other can be designed to move the first and second conveying elements relative to each other from a first position to a second position in response to a signal from at least one sensor. For example, the conveying device includes a control device and at least one sensor is designed to send a signal characterizing product blockage to the control device, and the control device is designed to actuate the actuating actuator in response to the received signal to open the gap.

[0047] At least one sensor can be designed and arranged in different ways as described below. The at least one sensor is preferably designed to detect blockages in all of the multiple conveyor channels. For this purpose, one or more sensors can be provided precisely. In the case of multiple sensors, each sensor is preferably assigned to a portion of the multiple conveyor channels. The sensors in the multiple sensors can be designed and arranged according to one of the embodiments described below, or combined in any desired manner from these embodiments.

[0048] In a first embodiment, at least one sensor may be arranged above the gap and designed to detect whether bulk material or broken product remains in the gap. Specifically, at least one sensor may be arranged above a covering element, which is then preferably designed to be at least partially or completely transparent. To detect whether bulk material or broken product remains in the gap, at least one sensor may be designed to identify bulk material or broken product in the area of ​​the gap and detect the time period during which the bulk material or broken product is located in the area of ​​the gap. If the detected time period exceeds a predetermined limit, a blockage can be assumed and such a blockage can be identified. At least one sensor may also record the movement of the identified product along the conveying direction, and a blockage is identified if no further movement of the identified product is detected.

[0049] In a second embodiment, at least one sensor may be arranged in or below the gap, preferably below the first and / or second conveying elements, and is designed to detect whether bulk material remains in the gap or passes through the gap. For example, at least one sensor in this embodiment is designed as a light-blocking plate, wherein light is preferably arranged in the gap. If a broken product falls through the gap, the passage of bulk material is identified due to the brief interruption of the light beam. If a product or a large broken product tilts into the gap and becomes blocked, the product or broken product remaining in the area of ​​the gap is identified, for example, by relying on the relatively long duration or permanent interruption of the light beam.

[0050] In the third embodiment, at least one sensor is arranged upstream of the gap, preferably upstream of the cover element, relative to the conveying direction, and is designed to detect whether bulk material is accumulating. For example, if a product becomes clogged in the gap or one of the multiple conveying channels, it blocks subsequent products and damages existing products. Thus, bulk material accumulates. At least one sensor can be designed to detect bulk material in front of the cover element and identify whether the bulk material is accumulating in the conveying direction or not moving further. A blockage can then be assumed and identified.

[0051] In the first and third embodiments, at least one sensor may be configured as, for example, a photoelectric sensor.

[0052] In a fourth embodiment, at least one sensor may be arranged downstream of the gap relative to the conveying direction, preferably assigned to a processing station after the conveyor, and designed to detect whether the output of the conveyor has decreased. For example, at least one sensor in this embodiment is designed as a fill level sensor in a subsequent processing station, which is designed to identify that too little product is being supplied from the conveyor, resulting in the inference that there is a blockage in the product in the conveying direction.

[0053] According to another aspect of the invention, a blister pack machine having the conveying device described above is provided. The blister pack machine includes: a product storage container for receiving bulk material comprising multiple products, particularly pharmaceutical or drug products and their broken products; a conveying device as described above for separating broken products and conveying products along a conveying direction; and a filling station for filling products into blister packs. The product storage container is designed to distribute the bulk material onto the conveying device, particularly onto a first conveying element, and the conveying device is designed to convey the bulk material to the filling station. Therefore, all the features and advantages described herein with respect to the conveying device also apply to the blister pack machine, and vice versa.

[0054] The blister pack machine may further include: a forming station for forming blister packs into a forming film, the forming station being arranged upstream of the filling station; and a sealing station for sealing a cover foil onto the forming film, the sealing station being arranged downstream of the filling station. Additionally, the blister pack machine may include a stamping station for stamping blister packs from a film-foil composite of the forming film and the cover foil.

[0055] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for conveying and sorting bulk materials, the bulk materials comprising multiple products, particularly pharmaceutical products or drug products and their damaged products, the method comprising the following steps:

[0056] Bulk material is conveyed along the conveying direction to a gap on a first conveying surface. The gap has a first width along the conveying direction according to a predetermined separation standard, which allows broken products to pass through the gap and prevents products from passing through the gap.

[0057] The product is moved along the conveying direction beyond the gap onto the second conveying surface and the damaged product is separated through the gap; and

[0058] The product is further conveyed along the conveying direction on the second conveying surface.

[0059] Therefore, the gap is formed in such a way that broken products fall through the gap, while other products move beyond it. In this way, broken products are automatically and reliably sorted, and the remaining products are further conveyed without significantly affecting output.

[0060] For the formation of bulk materials, products, damaged products, separation criteria, and gaps, the definitions, statements, and advantageous features given at the beginning are similar and apply independently of the design of the conveying device.

[0061] Particularly preferably, the method is performed by the aforementioned conveying device or a blister packing machine including the conveying device described above. Therefore, all the features and advantages described in conjunction with the conveying device and the blister packing machine can be similarly applied to this method, and vice versa.

[0062] Separating broken products preferably involves the broken products falling freely through a gap, particularly when the broken products are not captured and removed by additional deflection devices (e.g., vanes, sliders, air nozzles, etc.). The movement of the product occurs within the free gap, and therefore does not require the assistance of additional support or deflection devices that would temporarily close or block the gap. This results in a very reliable yet simple and cost-effective method for separating broken products, one that requires no additional driving or control components.

[0063] The movement of a product in a gap can include, for example, lateral guidance of the product in the region of the gap using multiple guiding elements, in order to ensure a specific orientation of the product and reduce the risk of the product becoming clogged in the region of the gap.

[0064] The movement of the product in the gap can also include preventing the product from tilting into the gap, particularly by keeping the product within the area of ​​the gap (e.g., by using a cover element). This also reduces the risk of clogging in the area of ​​the gap.

[0065] Lateral guidance of the product and prevention of product tilting ensure that the product essentially maintains its assigned orientation (e.g., predetermined orientation) as it moves over the gap, and thus moves reliably over the gap without getting stuck.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, conveying the bulk material to the gap further includes:

[0067] Preferably, the product of bulk material is oriented by an orienting device, resulting in the product having a predetermined orientation relative to the conveying direction, wherein a first dimension of the product in the predetermined orientation is defined parallel to the conveying direction, and wherein the separation criterion is defined based on the first dimension.

[0068] The bulk material is guided into the gap, so that the product maintains its intended orientation.

[0069] In this way, the product always passes through the gap in a predetermined orientation, resulting in the first width of the gap and the separation criteria being selectable based on the first dimension, and ensuring reliable separation.

[0070] The movement of the product beyond the gap can then include guiding the product onto the gap so that the product is substantially maintained in a predetermined orientation, for example by lateral guidance and preventing tilting as described above.

[0071] Maintaining a predetermined orientation means that the product has a predetermined orientation both directly upstream and directly downstream of the gap. The product can also have a predetermined orientation within the gap's region. However, due to the small distances of the product from the guide element and the cover element, and due to the tolerances in the product's dimensions, the product can tilt to a minimum when it intersects the edges of the first and second conveying elements that limit the gap. However, as described above, further tilting is directly prevented.

[0072] Before conveying the bulk material into the gap, the method may further include defining or selecting a suitable separation criterion, particularly a separation criterion as described by way of example at the beginning.

[0073] Particularly preferably, the method includes setting a first width of the gap according to a predetermined separation criterion before conveying the bulk material into the gap. Setting the first width may include moving the first conveying element and the second conveying element relative to each other, for example by moving the second conveying element relative to the first conveying element.

[0074] The first width can be set manually or automatically via a control device based on the width input by the user, the width selected by the user, or the separation standard predetermined by the user.

[0075] To release any blockage, the method preferably includes opening the gap from a first width to a second width greater than the first width by an actuating actuator. The opening of the gap can occur at predetermined time intervals, or, as described above, under sensor control.

[0076] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the method therefore further includes:

[0077] Blockage of bulk material or damaged product in the gap is identified by at least one sensor; if blockage is identified, a signal characterizing the blockage is provided by at least one sensor; and

[0078] In response to the signal, the gap is opened to a second width to release the blockage.

[0079] At least one sensor preferably provides a signal to a control device, which, in response to the signal, controls an actuation driver to open the gap. The gap is then opened by the actuation driver. Blockages can also be identified jointly by at least one sensor and the control device. For example, the control device can compare the actual value determined by the sensor with a setpoint value.

[0080] At least one sensor may be selected from embodiments of the sensors already described. Multiple sensors may also be provided according to one or a combination of these embodiments.

[0081] Blockages in gaps can be identified in different ways. According to one embodiment, identifying a blockage involves detecting a time period in which a product or damaged product is located within the gap's area, comparing the detected time period to a predetermined limit value, and determining a blockage if the detected time period exceeds the predetermined limit value. To detect the time period, all products or only slightly damaged products can be identified initially. In this case, at least one sensor is preferably designed according to the first embodiment described above.

[0082] According to another embodiment, identifying a blockage includes detecting whether a damaged product has passed through the gap, and determining a blockage if no passage is detected or can no longer be detected (e.g., due to product blocking at least one sensor). In this case, at least one sensor is preferably designed according to the second embodiment described above.

[0083] According to a further embodiment, identifying blockage includes detecting bulk material upstream of the gap, identifying whether the bulk material has accumulated upstream of the gap, and determining a blockage if accumulated bulk material is detected. In this case, at least one sensor is preferably designed according to the third embodiment described above.

[0084] According to yet another embodiment, identifying blockage includes detecting multiple products of bulk material downstream of the gap, identifying whether the output of the products downstream of the gap has decreased, and determining a blockage if a decrease in output is detected. In this case, at least one sensor is preferably designed according to the fourth embodiment described above. Attached Figure Description

[0085] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the conveying device according to the present invention.

[0086] Figure 2 It is based on Figure 1 A schematic side view of the orientation device of the conveying device.

[0087] Figure 3 The conveying device is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of line III-III in the diagram.

[0088] Figure 4a , Figure 4b It is based on Figure 1 A side view of the conveying device in the gap area.

[0089] Figure 5 It is based on Figure 1 A perspective view of the key components of the conveying device.

[0090] Figure 6a , Figure 6b It is a plan view of the cross-section of the conveying device in the gap region.

[0091] Figure 7 yes Figure 6a , Figure 6b A corresponding plan view showing a schematic diagram of the sensor.

[0092] Figure 8 The conveying device is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of line VIII-VIII in the diagram.

[0093] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a blister pack machine having a conveying device according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0094] Figure 1 An embodiment of the conveying device 2 according to the invention is schematically shown in a side view. The conveying device 2 is designed to supply products in bulk material form to a processing station 4. In addition to the products, the bulk material also includes damaged products, which will be separated during transport to the processing station 4 so that only products of a predetermined quality are further processed. The processing station 4 may be, for example, a filling station of a blister pack machine, as referenced. Figure 9 The explanation given.

[0095] Bulk materials, including multiple products, particularly pharmaceutical or drug products and their damaged products, are disposed, for example, in product storage 6. Product storage 6 is designed to receive bulk materials and distribute them to conveying device 2.

[0096] The conveying device 2 includes a first conveying element 8 having a first conveying surface 10 and a second conveying element 12 having a second conveying surface 14. The first conveying surface 10 and the second conveying surface 14 are arranged above the respective conveying elements 8 and 12. Bulk materials are conveyed along the conveying direction F on the first conveying surface 10 and the second conveying surface 14. The second conveying element 12 is arranged downstream of the first conveying element 8 along the conveying direction F.

[0097] The first conveying element 8 and the second conveying element 12 can be in the form of plates, for example, those found in known vibrating conveyors. Here, bulk material is advanced by the vibration of the first conveying element 8 and the second conveying element 12 relative to the conveying surfaces 10, 14. To generate the vibration, the conveying device 2 can have a drive device 16 connected to one of the first conveying element 8 and the second conveying element 12, specifically to the first conveying element 8. To transmit the vibration from the first conveying element 8 to the second conveying element 12, they can be connected to each other, for example, in… Figure 5 As shown in Figure 6.

[0098] The first conveying element 8 and the second conveying element 12 are arranged spaced apart from each other along the conveying direction F, such that a gap 18 with a width B is formed between the first conveying element 8 and the second conveying element 12. In a first position of the first conveying element 8 and the second conveying element 12, the gap 18 has a first width B1. The first width B1 is selected in such a way as, according to a predetermined separation criterion, that broken products fall through the gap 18 and move beyond the gap 18, so as to separate the broken products in this way and only further process products of sufficient quality. A collection container 20 may be arranged below the gap 18 to receive the broken products falling through the gap 18.

[0099] The width B of the gap 18 is particularly preferably adjustable so that it can be adjusted according to a predetermined separation criterion and to release product that may become congested in the area of ​​the gap 18. For this purpose, the first conveying element 8 and the second conveying element 12 are movable relative to each other along the conveying direction F, as shown in [reference needed]. Figure 6a and Figure 6b Described in more detail. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, an actuation driver 21 is provided, which is at least coupled to the second conveying element 12 to move the second conveying element 12 relative to the first conveying element 8.

[0100] The conveying device 2 further includes a covering element 22 having a covering surface 24 arranged substantially parallel to and facing the first conveying surface 10 and the second conveying surface 12. The covering element 22 is arranged above the gap 18 and, in each case, above portions 8a, 12a of the adjacent gap 18 between the first conveying element 8 and the second conveying element 12.

[0101] The covering surface 24, the first conveying surface 10, and the second conveying surface 14 form at least one conveying channel 26, wherein bulk material on the first conveying surface 18 is conveyed to the gap 18 and the product on the second conveying surface 14 is further conveyed along the conveying direction F. The at least one conveying channel 26 has a height H, which is defined by the distance of the covering surface 24 from the conveying surfaces 10, 14 and is perpendicular to the covering surface 24.

[0102] To ensure reliable separation of broken products or movement of products in the gap 18, the products in the region of the gap 18 preferably have a predetermined orientation. On the one hand, for this purpose, at least one conveying channel 26 may have a height H such that products fit into at least one conveying channel 26 only in one orientation, or products in some orientations do not fit into at least one conveying channel 26.

[0103] Additionally or alternatively, the conveying device 2 may include a plurality of guiding elements 28 and / or orienting devices 30, which are arranged upstream of the covering element 22 relative to the conveying direction F, as shown below. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Detailed description.

[0104] exist Figure 2 As can be seen, product 32 of bulk material is located upstream and downstream of the orientation device 30 relative to the conveying direction F. Figure 3 The conveying device 2 is along the area of ​​the first conveying element 8 and the covering element 22. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of line III-III in the diagram.

[0105] The orienting device 30 may include, for example, a roller 34 in the form of a cloth roller or a brush roller. The roller 34 is arranged such that its longitudinal axis 34a extends perpendicular to the conveying direction F and parallel to the first conveying surface 10. Upstream of the orienting device 30, bulk material may be arranged in a disordered manner and in multiple layers on the first conveying element 8. The roller 34 is arranged in such a way that it engages with the bulk material conveyed along the conveying direction F, resulting in the partial obstruction and reorientation of the bulk material. For this purpose, the roller 34 is advantageously rotated. The direction of rotation of the roller 34 is preferably opposite to the conveying direction F in the region where it engages with the bulk material.

[0106] Furthermore, roller 34 can define a passage between roller 34 and the first conveying surface 10, such that bulk material or product 32 is further conveyed in only a single layer. The passage is preferably limited to the height H of at least one conveying channel 26. In addition, orientation device 30 can be arranged above the plurality of guide elements 28 and redirect the bulk material until product 32 and broken products enter the conveying channel 26 between the guide elements 28.

[0107] like Figure 3As can be seen, a plurality of guide elements 28 (three of which are illustrated here, 28a, 28b, and 28c) subdivide the conveying channel 26 into a plurality of conveying channels, of which three are 26a, 26b, and 26c. The plurality of conveying channels 26 and the plurality of guide elements 28 extend along the conveying direction F and are arranged adjacent to each other in a first lateral direction Q1 perpendicular to the conveying direction F and parallel to the first conveying surface 10 or the covering surface 24. The plurality of guide elements 28 define the plurality of conveying channels 26 in the first lateral direction Q1. The covering element 22 defines the plurality of conveying channels 26 upwards, and the first conveying surface defines the plurality of conveying channels 26 downwards. Therefore, each conveying channel 26a, 26b, and 26c is laterally defined by two guide elements 28a, 28b, and 28c, and is defined upwards and downwards by the covering surface 24 and the first conveying surface 10. The distance between two adjacent guide elements 28a and 28b defines the width BF of the plurality of conveying channels 26.

[0108] like Figure 2 and 3 As illustrated, the plurality of transport channels 26 may have a width BF and a height H such that the product 32 has a predetermined orientation relative to the transport direction F, and maintains this predetermined orientation at least in the regions of the plurality of guide elements 28. For this purpose, the width BF and height H of the plurality of transport channels 26 are substantially no greater than the width and height of the product 32, resulting in the avoidance of tilting of the product about an axis parallel to the transport direction F. Specifically, the width BF of the plurality of transport channels 26 is here less than the height of the product 32, and both the width BF and height H of the plurality of transport channels 26 are less than the length L of the product 32. Therefore, the product 32 can be received in the transport channels 26 only in the illustrated predetermined orientation.

[0109] The first dimension of product 32 (here, the length L1 of product 32) is defined in a predetermined orientation parallel to the conveying direction F. The separation criterion is preferably defined based on this first dimension.

[0110] Now refer to Figure 4a and Figure 4b To explain in more detail the separation of the damaged product 36, which is in... Figure 4b The example is shown with reference to segment 36 of product 32. First, bulk material comprising multiple products 32 and their broken products 36 is conveyed along the conveying direction F onto the first conveying surface 10 to gap 18. Here, as just described, the bulk material can be pre-sorted or oriented by the orienting device 30. Upon reaching gap 18, the products 32 move outside gap 18, as... Figure 4a As illustrated, the damaged product 36 falls through gap 18 and separates therefrom, as shown. Figure 4b As shown in the diagram.

[0111] For this purpose, a first width B1 of the gap 18 is set according to a predetermined separation criterion in such a way that the product 32 moves beyond the gap 18. Here, the width B1 is less than the length L1 of the product 32 in the predetermined orientation, and the products 32 are guided in the region of the gap 18 such that they substantially maintain the predetermined orientation. Therefore, the product 32 cannot fall through the gap 18. In particular, the cover element 22 prevents the product 32 from tilting into the gap 18 above the edge 8b of the first conveying element 8 that defines the gap 18. Due to the small clearance between the product 32 and the first conveying surface 10 and the cover surface 24, and the tolerance of the size of the product 32, the product 32 may tilt slightly at most, but is then blocked by the cover element 22 and moves further reliably in the conveying direction F over the gap 18.

[0112] If, for example, the separation criteria are defined such that only products with a length L greater than 90% of the length L1 of the complete product 32 will be further processed, then all fragments of products with a length L2 less than 90% of the length L1 form the damaged product 36, for example... Figure 4b The illustrated segment 36. A first width B1 is then set in the gap 18 such that the broken product 36 falls through the gap 18, thereby separating from the product 32. Therefore, the width B1 of the gap should be substantially not less than 90% of the length L1. To allow reliable separation according to predetermined separation criteria, the first width B1 in this exemplary embodiment should be approximately 90% of the length L1.

[0113] exist Figure 5 In the perspective view, the key components of the conveying device 2 are illustrated in more detail. The first conveying element 8, the second conveying element 12, and the covering element 22 can be seen. The features described for each component are largely independent of the design of the other components.

[0114] The first conveying element 8 is essentially in the form of a plate. A plurality of guide elements 28 are arranged on the first conveying element 8 or on the first conveying surface 10 to form a plurality of conveying channels 26. In this case, the plurality of guide elements 28 extend only in the downstream portion of the first conveying element 8, and no guide elements 28 are provided in the upstream portion of the first conveying element 8, and the first conveying surface 10 is designed to be substantially planar. The product reservoir 6 dispenses bulk material onto the first conveying element 8 in this upstream portion. The plurality of guide channels 26 may take the form of grooves incorporated into the upper side of the first conveying element 8. Thus, during conveying along the conveying direction F, at least some of the bulk material has already fallen into the guide channels 26 in a specific orientation.

[0115] The cover element 22 is here fastened to the first conveying element 8. In order to obtain a path to the gap 18, the cover element 22 is preferably releasably connected to the first conveying element 8, in particular screwed to the first conveying element 8. Here, the cover element 22 covers a plurality of conveying channels 26 in the portion 8a of the adjacent gap 18 of the first conveying element 8.

[0116] Regarding the second conveying element 12, see also Figure 6a and Figure 6b They showed Figure 5 The component shown in the diagram is in the corresponding plan view within the area of ​​gap 18. Here, the cover element 22 is cut off.

[0117] The second conveying element 12 is also plate-shaped, and the second conveying surface 14 is substantially planar. A plurality of guide elements 28 may extend beyond the first conveying element 8 and at least partially above the second conveying element 12, so as to form a plurality of conveying channels 26, also at least in the upstream portion 12a of the abutment gap 18 of the second conveying element 12. The covering element 22 also extends upward and into the portion 12a of the second conveying element 12.

[0118] For movable relative to the first conveying element 8, the second conveying element 12 can be movably connected to the first conveying element 8. As illustrated, the second conveying element 12 can be mounted movable on two guide pins 38a, 38b, which in turn are fastened to the first conveying element 8. Stop elements can also be provided to restrict the movement of the second conveying element 12 toward the first conveying element 8 and thereby precisely define the width of the gap 18. The stop elements can be formed, for example, as spacer sleeves 40a, 40b arranged on the guide pins 38a, 38b. However, it is also conceivable that the width B of the gap 18 can be precisely set without the stop elements, thus eliminating the need for stop elements.

[0119] To move the second conveying element 12, two actuators 21a, 21b are provided and coupled to the second conveying element 12. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the actuators 21a, 21b are in the form of pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, with their piston rods connected to the second conveying element 12. The actuators 21a, 21b can thus move the second conveying element 12 parallel to the conveying direction F. It is understood that only one guide pin 38, more than two guide pins 38a, 38b, or similar guiding devices may be provided, and only one actuator 21 or more than two actuators 21a, 21b may also be provided.

[0120] exist Figure 6aIn the first position, the first conveying element 8 and the second conveying element 12 are located, wherein the width of the gap 18 corresponds to a first width B1 set according to a predetermined separation standard. The first width B1 can be determined as the minimum width of the gap 18 by the spacer sleeves 40a and 40b. The spacer sleeves 40a and 40b can be interchanged in order to adjust the minimum width of the gap 18 according to the predetermined separation standard.

[0121] exist Figure 6b In this configuration, the first conveying element 8 and the second conveying element 12 are located in a second position, where the gap 18 has a second width B2 greater than the first width B1. The gap 18 is opened by moving the second conveying element 12 relative to the first conveying element 8 from the first position to the second position. Therefore, the product 32 that may be blocked in the area of ​​the gap 18 can be released and separated through the gap 18. It can be seen that, in both the first and second positions, a plurality of guide elements 28 preferably extend across the gap 18 to the second conveying element 12.

[0122] The actuators 21a and 21b can move the second conveying element 12 from the first position to the second position and return it again at regular time intervals to automatically release any blockages that occur. While this indicates the possibility of releasing blockages in a simple and cost-effective manner, it results in the loss of product 32 through each opening in the gap 18 and thus reduces production output.

[0123] Therefore, opening gap 18 to remove blockages in product 32 preferably occurs under sensor control, resulting in gap 18 opening only when a blockage is actually determined. For this purpose, the conveying device 2 may include at least one sensor for identifying blockages of bulk material in gap 18. See below for reference. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Various embodiments of at least one sensor 42, 44, 46, 48 are described. Sensors 42, 46, 48 are... Figure 7 The illustrations are for illustrative purposes only. It will be understood that only at least one sensor according to one of these embodiments may be provided. However, combinations of sensors according to various embodiments are also contemplated.

[0124] Figure 7 A plan view of the conveyor 2 in the region of gap 18 is shown, and Figure 8 The conveyor 2 is shown along the region of gap 18. Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of line VIII-VIII in the diagram.

[0125] Figure 7The illustration shows a first sensor 42 according to a first embodiment. The first sensor 42 is arranged above the gap 18 and detects whether bulk material remains in the gap 18. In this case, the cover element 22 can be designed to be transparent so that the first sensor 42 can detect whether bulk material is in the region of the gap 18 through the cover element 22. If the first sensor 42 detects only a portion of the plurality of conveying channels 26 in the region of the gap 18, as illustrated, the plurality of first sensors 42 are preferably arranged adjacent to each other in the first lateral direction Q1, so that all conveying channels 26 in the region of the gap 18 can be monitored. The first sensor 42 then identifies one of the bulk materials, specifically one of the products 32, in the region of the gap 18 and detects the time period during which the identified bulk material is in the region of the gap 18. If the detected time period is greater than a predetermined limit, a blockage can be assumed. The same applies if the first sensor 42 identifies that the product 32 has not moved further along the conveying direction F.

[0126] Figure 8 The illustration shows a second sensor 44 according to a second embodiment. The second sensor is arranged in or just below the gap 18. The second sensor 44 can detect whether bulk material remains in the gap 18 or whether bulk material passes through the gap 18. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the second sensor 44 takes the form of a light-blocking plate including a transmitter 45a and a receiver 45b, with a light beam 45c, indicated by a dashed line, extending between the transmitter 45a and the receiver 45b. If product 32 moves beyond the gap 18, it does not interrupt the light beam 45c. If product 36 falls through the gap 18, it only briefly interrupts the light beam 45c. If product 32 or broken product 36 tilts into the gap 18 and becomes blocked there, the light beam 45c is interrupted for a longer period or permanently, resulting in the detection of a blockage.

[0127] exist Figure 7 The third sensor 46, according to the third embodiment, can then be seen. The third sensor 46 is arranged upstream of the gap 18 and ideally upstream of the cover element 22, and detects whether bulk material is accumulating. If product 32 becomes blocked in the area of ​​the gap 18 in one of the conveying channels 26, it blocks subsequent bulk material, resulting in bulk material accumulation. The third sensor 46 identifies such accumulation, thus recognizing a blockage. As described with respect to the first sensor 42, the third sensor may detect only a portion or all of the multiple conveying channels 26.

[0128] at last, Figure 7A fourth sensor 48 according to the fourth embodiment is also illustrated. The fourth sensor 48 is arranged downstream of the gap 18 relative to the conveying direction F and can be assigned to the processing station 4, for example. The fourth sensor 48 detects whether the output of the conveying device 2 has decreased. If the output of the conveying device 2 drops below a predetermined limit, it can be assumed that the blocked product 32 is blocking at least one conveying channel 26, resulting in the identification of a blockage.

[0129] The conveying device 2 preferably includes a control device 50 for controlling at least one actuation driver 21. The control device 50 can also control the drive device 16 of the conveying device 2. The control device 50 is preferably communicatively connected to at least one sensor by connecting a first sensor 42, a second sensor 44, a third sensor 46, and a fourth sensor 48 to the control device 50, such as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As indicated. At least one sensor 42, 44, 46, 48 provides a signal, which is sent to a control device 50. In response to the signal, the control device 50 controls at least one actuating driver 21 to move the first conveying element 8 and the second conveying element 12 from a first position to a second position. Thus, the blockage is released and the first conveying element 8 and the second conveying element 12 can be moved back to the first position.

[0130] Finally, Figure 9 The diagram schematically illustrates a blister packing machine 52 having the conveying device 2 described above. In the blister packing machine 52, a mesh forming film 54 is preferably provided on a first supply roller 56. The forming film 54 is first supplied to a forming station 58, which forms blister packs for receiving products 32 into the forming film 54. The forming film 54 is then supplied to a filling station 4, where products 32 are filled into the blister packs of the forming film 54. For this purpose, products 32 in bulk form (including broken products 36) are disposed in a product storage tank 6. The product storage tank 6 is used to receive bulk materials and distribute them onto the conveying device 2. As described above, the conveying device 2 conveys the bulk materials along the conveying direction F, while broken products 36 are separated. Only products 32 of a predetermined quality are conveyed by the conveying device 2 to the filling station 4.

[0131] The mesh cover foil 60 is preferably disposed on the second supply roller 62 in the blister pack machine 52. The cover foil 60 is supplied to the forming film 54 filled with product 32 and sealed onto the forming film 54 in the sealing station 64 for sealing the blister pack. Individual blister packs are then stamped out from the film-foil composite material consisting of the forming film 54 and the cover foil 60 in the stamping station 66.

[0132] It is understood that the conveyor 2 can also be used alternatively in other packaging machines, such as in a bottle line, where tablets, capsules, chewing gum, etc. are filled into bottle-shaped containers.

Claims

1. A blister packaging machine (52), characterized in that, have: Product storage container (6) for receiving bulk material comprising multiple products (32) and their broken products (36), said products being tablets or capsules. A conveying device (2) for separating the damaged product (36) and conveying the product (32) along the conveying direction (F), and separating the damaged product (36) from the product (32), the conveying device (2) being a vibrating conveyor, wherein the conveying device (2) comprises: A vibratory first conveying element (8) has a first conveying surface (10) on which the bulk material is conveyed along the conveying direction (F); A vibratory second conveying element (12) having a second conveying surface (14) on which the bulk material is further conveyed along the conveying direction (F), wherein the second conveying element (12) is arranged downstream of the first conveying element (8) along the conveying direction (F); and A covering element (22) having a covering surface (24) arranged substantially parallel to the first conveying surface (10) and the second conveying surface (14) and facing the first conveying surface (10) and the second conveying surface (14) to form at least one conveying channel (26) for the bulk material between the first conveying surface (10), the second conveying surface (14) and the covering surface (24). The first conveying element (8) and the second conveying element (12) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the conveying direction (F), such that a gap (18) is formed between the first conveying element (8) and the second conveying element (12), wherein the covering element (22) is arranged above the gap (18) and above a portion of the first conveying element (8) and a portion of the second conveying element (12) adjacent to the gap (18); The conveying device (2) further includes a plurality of guide elements (28) extending along the conveying direction (F) over the gap (18), arranged adjacent to each other in a direction (Q1) transverse to the conveying direction (F) and laterally defining a plurality of conveying channels (26) for the bulk material transverse to the conveying direction (F), wherein the covering element (22) defines the plurality of conveying channels (26) from above, and wherein the first conveying surface (10) and the second conveying surface (14) define the plurality of conveying channels (26) downward in the portions (8a, 12a) of the first conveying element (8) and the second conveying element (12) adjacent to the gap (18). In the first position of the first conveying element (8) and the second conveying element (12), the gap (18) has a first width (B1) along the conveying direction (F) according to a predetermined separation standard. The first width (B1) allows the broken product (36) to pass through the gap (18) but prevents the product (32) from passing through the gap (18). and filling station (4) for filling the product (32) into blister packs, wherein the product storage (6) is configured to distribute the bulk material to the conveying device (2), and the conveying device (2) is configured to convey the product (32) to the filling station (4).

2. The blister pack machine (52) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first conveying element (8) and / or the second conveying element (12) are capable of moving relative to each other along the conveying direction (F), and the width (B) of the gap (18) is adjustable.

3. The blister pack machine (52) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first conveying element (8) and / or the second conveying element (12) are movable between the first position and the second position along the conveying direction (F); wherein, in the second position, the gap (18) has a second width (B2) and the second width (B2) is greater than the first width (B1).

4. The blister pack machine (52) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The plurality of guide elements (28) are mounted on the first conveying element (8) and protrude beyond the first conveying element (8) along the conveying direction (F), wherein the plurality of guide elements (28) extend over the gap (18) and at least partially extend over the second conveying element (12).

5. The blister pack machine (52) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The distance between two adjacent guide elements (28) of the plurality of guide elements (28) defines the width (BF) of the plurality of conveying channels (26), and the distance of the covering surface (24) from the first conveying surface (10) and the second conveying surface (14) defines the height (H) of the plurality of conveying channels (26), wherein the plurality of conveying channels (26) have a width (BF) and a height (H) configured to hold the product (32) in a predetermined orientation relative to the conveying direction (F). Wherein, the first dimension (L1) of the product (32) in the predetermined orientation is defined parallel to the conveying direction (F), wherein the separation criterion is defined depending on the first dimension (L1).

6. The blister pack machine (52) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying device (2) includes at least one sensor (42, 44, 46, 48) for identifying blockages of bulk material in the gap (18).

7. The blister pack machine (52) according to claim 6, characterized in that, in, The at least one sensor (42) is arranged above the gap (18) and is designed to detect whether bulk material remains in the gap (18), or The at least one sensor (44) is arranged in or below the gap (18) and is designed to detect whether bulk material remains in the gap (18), or The at least one sensor (46) is arranged upstream of the gap (18) relative to the conveying direction (F) and is designed to detect whether bulk material is accumulating, or The at least one sensor (48) is arranged downstream of the gap (18) relative to the conveying direction (F) and is designed to detect whether the output of the conveying device (2) is reduced.

8. A method for conveying and sorting bulk material comprising a plurality of products (32) and their broken products (36), wherein the products are tablets or capsules, the method being carried out in a blister packing machine (52); the blister packing machine (52) having a product storage tank (6) for receiving the bulk material, a conveying device (2) for conveying the products (32) in a conveying direction (F) and separating the broken products (36) from the products (32), and a filling station (4) for filling the products (32) into blister packs; wherein, The product storage container (6) is configured to dispense bulk material to a conveying device (2), which is a vibrating conveyor, and is configured to convey the product (32) to a filling station (4), characterized in that the method includes the following steps: The bulk material is conveyed along the conveying direction (F) to the gap (18) on the first conveying surface (10) of the vibrating conveyor. The gap (18) has a first width (B1) according to a predetermined separation standard along the conveying direction (F). The first width (B1) allows the broken product (36) to pass through the gap (18) and prevents the product (32) from passing through the gap (18). The product (32) is moved along the conveying direction (F) beyond the gap (18) onto the second conveying surface (14) and the broken product (36) is separated through the gap (18); and The product (32) is further conveyed along the conveying direction (F) on the second conveying surface (14) of the vibrating conveyor. The process of conveying the bulk material to the gap (18) includes: The product (32) of the bulk material is oriented by an orienting device (30) such that the product (32) has a predetermined orientation relative to the conveying direction (F), wherein a first dimension (L1) of the product in the predetermined orientation is defined parallel to the conveying direction (F), and wherein the predetermined separation criterion is defined based on the first dimension (L1); and The product (32) of the bulk material is guided into the gap (18) such that the product (32) maintains the predetermined orientation; Moving the product (32) beyond the gap (18) includes guiding the product (32) onto the gap (18) such that the product (32) substantially maintains the predetermined orientation.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, in, Before conveying the bulk material into the gap (18), the method includes: The first width (B1) of the gap (18) is set according to the predetermined separation standard.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Further includes: The gap (18) is opened from the first width (B1) to a second width (B2) greater than the first width (B1) by actuating the actuator (21).

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Further includes: Blockage of the bulk material product (32) or broken product (36) in the gap (18) is identified by at least one sensor (42, 44, 46, 48); When the blockage is detected, a blockage characterization signal is provided by the at least one sensor (42, 44, 46, 48); and In response to the signal, the gap (18) is opened to the second width (B2) to release the blockage.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, in, The steps for identifying blockages in the gap (18) by the product (32) or broken product (36) include: The time period during which the product (32) or the damaged product (36) of the bulk material is located in the region of the gap (18) is detected, the detected time period is compared with a predetermined limit value, and if the detected time period is greater than the predetermined limit value, a blockage is determined; or Detect whether bulk material remains in the area of ​​the gap (18) or whether a broken product (36) passes through the gap (18), and if bulk material is detected remaining in the gap (18) or no broken product (36) passes through, then a blockage is determined; or Detect the bulk material upstream of the gap (18), identify whether the bulk material has accumulated upstream of the gap (18), and determine a blockage if accumulated bulk material is detected; or The plurality of products (32) of the bulk material downstream of the gap (18) are detected, and it is determined whether the output of the products (32) of the bulk material downstream of the gap (18) has decreased, and if a decrease in output is detected, a blockage is determined.

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