Storage container for a storage and dispensing station and storage and dispensing station
By introducing a discharge device into the storage container, the problem of drug adhesion caused by electrostatic charging in blister packaging machines was solved, enabling accurate sorting and dispensing of drug portions.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BECTON DICKINSON ROWA GERMANY GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2021-10-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
Smart Images
Figure CN116456951B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a storage container for a storage and distribution station, which is suitable for blister packaging machines for sortable small items, particularly pharmaceutical doses and small doses of nutritional supplements, as well as a storage and distribution station itself. Background Technology
[0002] For example, as disclosed in WO 2013 / 034504 A1, modern blister packaging machines, depending on their extension level, include hundreds of storage and dispensing stations. These stations store multiple sortable small items and can dispense individual small items upon request. These small items are typically pharmaceutical doses and small doses of nutritional supplements.
[0003] Blister packaging machines can be used to combine medication doses stored in storage and dispensing stations, according to the prescribed dosage and timing for each patient, and package them into blister packs. To combine multiple medication doses, the control equipment of the blister packaging machine operates the corresponding storage and dispensing stations to dispense one or more doses. For dispensing, the sorting device at the storage and dispensing station separates the medication doses stored in storage containers and delivers them through the dispensing port to the guiding device of the blister packaging machine. Using the guiding device, the dispensed medication doses are fed to the packaging equipment, if necessary, through an intermediate collection device, and the packaging equipment packages single or multiple medication doses into blister packs.
[0004] To sort drug portions stored in storage containers at storage and dispensing stations, a sorting device includes multiple channels typically arranged around the periphery of the sorting device base. The channels are sized to fit the respective drug portions to be sorted, such that the drug portions can be arranged vertically but not side-by-side within the channels. The channel dimensions can, for example, be configured such that only one drug portion can be accommodated in each channel.
[0005] To dispense medication from the channel, the channel moves above a dispensing port within the bottom surface of the storage container's shell, and the medication disposed in the channel (at its lowest position) slides or falls into the dispensing port due to gravity. To prevent the dispensing of other medications stored in or above the channel—that is, to dispense an unknown number of medications—a restraining segment of a restraining device, or separator, is guided or disposed at least in or above the channel, with the channel aligned with the dispensing port, in the region above the dispensing port. The restraining segment is disposed in or above the channel with reference to its height, such that only one medication can be disposed below the restraining segment. If the restraining segment is guided into the channel to separate the lowest medication from those disposed above it, the protrusions of the separating channel have grooves to receive the restraining segment. If the restraining segment is disposed or guided above the channel, it is typically only guided slightly above the upper end of the protrusion, thus preventing other medications from entering the channel during dispensing.
[0006] During the sorting or dispensing of medication, the sorting device rotates as described above. In this process, the medication units stored in the containment space are continuously moved, causing friction between the medication units and on the housing. This friction, due to triboelectricity, causes the medication units to become charged, resulting in electrostatic charging. This electrostatic charging causes the medication units to be partially "stuck" to the inner wall of the housing or to sections of the sorting device. This results in either the quantity of medication units placed in the storage container not actually being the quantity that can be sorted (because the medication units are "stuck" somewhere inside) or the medication units not being dispensed correctly, both of which can lead to incorrect medication combinations. Summary of the Invention
[0007] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a storage container for a storage and distribution station of a blister packaging machine, which can reduce the static electricity generation of small items during the sorting process.
[0008] This objective is achieved by a storage container according to the invention. The storage container for a storage and dispensing station of a blister packaging machine according to the invention comprises a housing including an internally cylindrical section, a receiving space (for drug portions) disposed above the cylindrical section, and a bottom surface having a dispensing port; a sorting device disposed within the cylindrical section inside the housing, the sorting device including a surface facing the receiving space and a plurality of channels extending vertically through the sorting device, the channel width KB accommodating at least one small item to be sorted; and a restraining device having a restraining section disposed above the dispensing port inside the cylindrical housing.
[0009] According to the present invention, the sorting device includes a discharge device capable of discharging, wherein the discharge device has at least one discharge protrusion extending from the surface of the sorting device into the receiving space and a discharge contact coupled to the at least one discharge protrusion in a dischargeable manner for coupling the discharge device to a dischargeable component belonging to the storage container and having a driver at a discharging station.
[0010] By using a discharge device extending into the receiving space, the electrostatic charge of small items generated by friction is released to the distribution station through discharge contacts, reducing or even (to a large extent) eliminating, or releasing, the electrostatic charge of the small items. This avoids the effect described above—small items not adhering to the inner wall or parts of the sorting device, thus preventing incorrect assembly. The discharge device is capable of discharge from the discharge protrusion to the discharge contact. This does not necessarily mean that the entire discharge device itself must be made of a dischargeable material; sections can, for example, be covered and otherwise surrounded by non-dischargeable materials. Here, materials with a discharge resistance (surface resistance) of less than 1 TΩ (10¹² Ω) are considered dischargeable materials.
[0011] Because the discharge device has at least one discharge protrusion extending into the receiving space, it ensures that the electrostatic charge on smaller items located "higher up" is reduced, thus preventing them from adhering to the inner wall. This ensures that all smaller items loaded into the receiving space can also be sorted and distributed. However, by discharging in the upper region of the receiving space, it also ensures that the electrostatic charge on smaller items entering the passage is reduced.
[0012] The detailed structural design of the discharge device, and the specific connection method between the discharge protrusion and the discharge contact, depends on the detailed design of the sorting device. In a structurally very simple (and therefore cost-effective) configuration, the discharge protrusion and discharge contact are designed as a discharge rod with an intermediate connecting section.
[0013] As described above, the key aspect of this invention is the electrical coupling between the discharge contact of the discharge device and a conductive structural component of the dispensing station, which is associated with the storage container and has a driver. In a preferred embodiment of the storage container according to the invention, the discharge contact is designed to be coaxial (preferably on) with the rotation axis of the sorting device. In a corresponding design, the discharge contact can be electrically coupled to a component of the driver of the dispensing station, with the discharge contact almost "sitting" on the driver component (therefore, the component must naturally be capable of discharging and the charge must be able to be discharged through the dispensing station).
[0014] In particular, if the discharge contact is designed to be coaxial with the rotation axis of the sorting device, it is more advantageous to design the discharge contact as a discharge needle with a spring-preloaded contact pin. By preloading the contact pin with a spring, the contact between the discharge device and the dispensing station is specially supported.
[0015] The discharge protrusion of the discharge device extends into the receiving space, thereby reducing the electrostatic charge, especially on small items arranged above the surface of the sorting device. To ensure or enhance the discharge of any remaining or re-accumulated electrostatic charge on smaller items arranged "further below," a preferred embodiment of the storage container according to the invention includes a discharge device having at least one discharge element coupled in a dischargeable manner to a discharge contact element, which forms the surface area of the sorting device that contacts the small items.
[0016] As explained above, electrostatic charging of small items can also cause them to remain within the channel (on the channel wall). Although the discharge protrusions have reduced electrostatic charging of small items, in a preferred embodiment, to further reduce this before the small items enter the channel, at least one segment of the contact surface formed between the two channels is pre-set by at least one discharge element. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for very light small items (because these items are prone to retention or "adhesion" even with very little charge).
[0017] The present invention also relates to a storage and dispensing station for a blister packaging machine, comprising a storage container and a dispensing station according to the invention, the dispensing station having a driver for moving a dispensing device and a dispensing station contact, the dispensing station contact being designed to be electrically coupled to a discharge contact of a discharge device of the storage container and to a conductor device in a dischargeable manner, thereon on which charge can be released from the storage and dispensing station. In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing station contact is pre-designed as a coupling element of the driver. Attached Figure Description
[0018] The preferred embodiments of the storage container according to the invention and the storage and distribution station according to the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein...
[0019] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the storage container is shown.
[0020] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A top view of a first embodiment of the storage container is shown, in which... Figure 3 The sorting device was omitted.
[0021] Figure 4a and Figure 4bA cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the storage container is shown, wherein Figure 4a For oblique view Figure 4b This is a side view.
[0022] Figures 5a-5c Different views of the sorting and discharging devices of a second embodiment of the storage container are shown.
[0023] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the sorting device and the discharge device of the second embodiment is shown.
[0024] Figure 7a and Figure 7b An oblique view of one embodiment of the storage and distribution station is shown.
[0025] Figure 8a and Figure 8b A cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the storage container of the storage and distribution station, or a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the storage and distribution station, is shown.
[0026] Figure 9 It shows the relationship with the data. Figure 8a and Figure 8b A view of the discharge device in contact with the drive of the storage and distribution station, and
[0027] Figure 10a and Figure 10b A discharge device for a third embodiment of the storage container is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0028] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the storage container 1 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 and 3 A top view of a first embodiment of the storage container is shown, in which... Figure 3 The sorting device is omitted. The storage container 1 according to the invention includes a holding space 2 for drug portions (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 The storage container 1 is surrounded by a housing 10, which has an internally cylindrical section 11 within its lower section. The storage container 1 also includes a base plate 12 and a lid 13, the lid being positioned on the housing 10 during storage and distribution station operation and removable for refilling. For better handling, the storage container 1 includes a handle 14 in its "forward" area. In this embodiment, a housing protrusion 15 is designed in the "rear" section of the cylindrical section 11, on which a fastening section of the restraint device 40 is arranged.
[0029] As it is Figure 2As can be discerned, a sorting device 30 with a (conical) surface 31 is arranged within a cylindrical section. Raises 34 are arranged on the surface itself, primarily to prevent the drug from stagnating on the surface. These also facilitate the movement of the drug, allowing it to slide into channels 32 arranged on the outer edge of the sorting device. The channels are defined by tabs 33, which can be designed to be integral with the base of the sorting device 30. Alternatively, they can be inserted into the base.
[0030] As explained above, the channel is adapted to the shape of the drug portions to be sorted, allowing only a limited number of portions to be arranged within the channel or its sections. For example, it can be... Figure 3 As can be seen, the sorting device is omitted in the design. The housing includes a bottom surface 20 having a central opening 21 for accommodating the coupling of the sorting device and a dispensing port 22 through which drug portions are dispensed, or more precisely, first dispensed to a dispensing station and then to other components of the blister packaging machine. Figure 2 The discharge protrusion of the discharge device can be identified in the center of the sorting device.
[0031] Figure 4a and Figure 4b A cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the storage container is shown, in which... Figure 4a For oblique view Figure 4b This is a side view. Figure 4a and Figure 4b The detailed internal structure of the sorting device can be identified. In the illustrated embodiment, the sorting device includes a base 35 having a conical surface 31 with a plurality of protrusions 34 arranged on the conical surface. The base 35 is hollow and connected to an upper coupling member 36, which is connected to a lower coupling member 37. The lower coupling member can be detachably coupled to a coupling member (also not shown) of a drive shaft (not shown) of a driver in a dispensing station by means of its inner contour. The detachable coupling is advantageous because it allows the storage container to be easily removed from the storage and dispensing station for refilling of the drug dose. The lower coupling member 37 has a surrounding groove into which a housing protrusion 23 is embedded to prevent the sorting device from "rising".
[0032] exist Figure 4aAs can be seen in the cross-sectional view of Figure b, the discharge device extends along the rotation axis of the sorting device, including a discharge protrusion 51 extending into the receiving space 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge protrusion is designed to be quite long; alternatively, it may be shorter or have other shapes. Although this is preferred, it is not critical for the invention that the discharge protrusion extends along the rotation axis of the sorting device along its entire length. How far the discharge protrusion extends into the receiving space depends primarily on the type of drug portion to be sorted, but preferably, the discharge protrusion extends into the receiving space (viewed from the surface at the protrusion point) by at least two channel widths KB. Crucially, at least one discharge protrusion (depending on the drug portion to be sorted) extends a certain distance into the receiving space to be responsible for adequately releasing the charge of the drug portion.
[0033] The discharge device includes a discharge contact 53 at its other end, which is simply designed as a rod in the illustrated embodiment. The discharge device 53 is connected to the discharge protrusion 51 in a dischargeable manner, wherein, in the simplest (and shown here) case, the discharge protrusion 51 and the discharge contact 53 are designed as an integral rod coaxial with (or on) the rotation axis of the sorting device. The discharge device is preferably made of stainless steel; generally, any dischargeable material (as defined above) is suitable as long as there is a dischargeable connection between the discharge protrusion and the discharge contact.
[0034] exist Figure 4a and Figure 4b The arrangement of the restraint device 40 can also be identified; in this embodiment, the restraint device is fastened to the housing protrusion 15. The restraint segment 41 of the restraint device 40 is guided into the housing through a narrow slit and aligned with the dispensing port 22 on the bottom surface. This alignment ensures that no additional drug can slide into the channel located above the dispensing port.
[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the restraining segment can be guided into a narrow slit in the inter-channel sheet, in which case the slit, or restraining segment, divides the channel into an upper channel segment and a lower channel segment. The type of channel used depends on the drug fraction to be sorted and has no effect on the present invention.
[0036] Figures 5a-5c Different views of the sorting and discharging devices of a second embodiment of the storage container are shown, while Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the sorting device and the discharge device of the second embodiment is shown. Figures 5a-5c as well as Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the discharge device, in addition to the components described above, includes two discharge elements 55 that, in this case, form a surface segment of the channel indirection sheet. These discharge elements pass through (only in...) Figure 6The connecting segment 54 (shown in the diagram) is coupled to the discharge contact 53 (or, if necessary, via the connecting segment 52) in a dischargeable manner. The discharge element 55 is responsible for additionally (or repeatedly) releasing the charge, especially that of the drug portion about to enter the channel. This ensures that the entering drug portion has a lower charge level, thereby preventing (due to charge) retention on the channel wall. Figure 5b The width of the channel is indicated by KB, and this width should be adapted to the shape of the drug portions to be sorted.
[0037] Figure 7a and 7b A perspective view of an embodiment of a storage and distribution station having a storage container 1 and a distribution station 100 is shown, in which the storage container and the distribution station are designed as separate components.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, distribution station 100 is part of a conjoined structure consisting of five distribution stations 100. In alternative embodiments, the distribution stations may be designed to be separate from each other. The components mentioned in the following description of distribution station 100 are present on each distribution station 100, regardless of whether these distribution stations are designed as a conjoined structure (e.g., Figure 7a and Figure 7b (In Chinese) or separate.
[0039] Each dispensing station 100 includes a lower section 130 and an upper section 120. The upper section 120 includes a protrusion 121 on which a storage container 1 can be placed. For this purpose, the lower housing section of the storage container 1 is adapted to the geometry of the protrusion 121. The protrusion 121 includes an opening 123 that aligns with a dispensing port in the bottom surface of the housing when the storage container 1 is placed thereon. During the sorting process, the medication falls from the channel through the dispensing port into the opening 123.
[0040] The dispensing station can be fastened to a blister packaging machine (not shown) at the end 122 / 132 formed by the housing portions of the upper section 120 and the lower section 130. An opening 140 is drawn within the aforementioned end 122, extending through the dispensing station and terminating in an opening 123. A chute (not shown) for dispensing drug portions can be inserted into these openings. Separate drug portions are delivered from the storage and dispensing station to a guide device inside the blister packaging machine via a slide. The chute 140 extends through the dispensing station 100 to a protrusion 121, in which an opening 123 for receiving drug portions is formed.
[0041] At the aforementioned end of the distribution station 100, it is possible (only) Figure 7bThe section of conductor device 124 is identified, and the storage and distribution station can be coupled to the blister packaging machine in a dischargeable manner through this section, and the charge can be released on the blister packaging machine through the conductor device. In the illustrated embodiment, conductor device 124 is arranged in the end section 122 of the upper section of the distribution station 100; in an alternative embodiment, conductor device 124 can also be arranged in the end section 132 of the lower section 130. Alternatively, the conductor device can be designed, for example, as a plug. Crucially, the charge can be released to the blister packaging machine (not shown) through the conductor device. Figure 7a and Figure 7b It is not possible to identify how the discharge coupling between the storage container and the distribution station occurs, as described in detail in the accompanying drawings according to the preferred embodiment.
[0042] Figure 8a and Figure 8b A cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the storage container of the storage and distribution station, or a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the storage and distribution station, is shown. Figure 8a and Figure 8b The discharge contact of the discharge device is specially designed, more precisely, as a discharge needle having a contact pin 59 and a spring (shown only in later figures), the spring pressing the contact pin (see depiction in the figures) downwards. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact pin 59 is arranged on the rotating shaft of the sorting device 30, and thus on the rotating shaft of the driver 150 of the dispensing station. The driver 150 includes a rotating shaft 151 on which a coupling member 152 is arranged torsionally, wherein the rotating shaft and the coupling member 152 are form-fittedly connected.
[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the distribution station contact, which is critical to the invention, is therefore designed as a coupling element 152 for the driver. The distribution station contact is coupled with ( Figure 8a and 8b The conductor device (not shown) is coupled in a dischargeable manner, allowing charge to be released from the storage and distribution station. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotating shaft 151 also needs to be designed to be dischargeable. How the conductor device is specifically connected to the driver in a dischargeable manner is not critical to this invention; however, many possible embodiments are known to those skilled in the art. The key is the release of charge, i.e., the "grounding" of the storage container through the conductor device, primarily the distribution station.
[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge device is coupled to the conductor device 124 via the rotating shaft of the driver, ultimately releasing the charge from the storage and distribution station to the blister packaging machine via the conductor device. Alternatively, numerous other couplings between the storage container and the distribution station are also possible. However, the embodiment shown here is structurally simple and allows for easy modification of existing distribution stations.
[0045] Figure 9 The coupling of the coupling element 152 of the discharge device / driver 150 is illustrated again, and a view showing the contact between the discharge device and the driver of the distribution station is shown. Figure 9 As can be seen, the contact pin 59 of the discharge device is centrally positioned on the coupling member 152 and is therefore responsible for providing excellent coupling / discharge between the discharge device and the distribution station.
[0046] Figure 10a and Figure 10b A detailed view of the discharge device of a third embodiment of the storage container is shown, in which... Figure 10b A cross-sectional view is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge device includes a central discharge rod 56, which includes a discharge protrusion 51, an intermediate connecting section 52, and a discharge contact designed as a discharge needle 57. The discharge needle 57 further includes a contact needle 59 extending into the discharge rod recess and pre-tensioned "downward" (i.e., towards the dispensing station contact) by means of a spring 58. A stop (not shown here) prevents the contact needle from sliding downward when the storage container is removed or the sorting device is removed from the storage container.
[0047] According to this embodiment, the discharge device 50 also includes two discharge elements 55, which are connected to the central discharge rod in a discharge-capable manner, more precisely, via a connecting section 54. This results in a simple structure for the discharge device, which can be retrofitted onto existing sorting equipment without significant effort.
Claims
1. A storage container (1) suitable for storage and distribution stations of blister packaging machines, comprising: The housing (10) that surrounds the receiving space (2) has a cylindrical section (11) in the lower section and the housing includes a bottom surface (20) with a dispensing port (22). A sorting device (30) is arranged inside a cylindrical section (11) inside the housing (10). The sorting device has a conical surface (31) facing the accommodating space and multiple channels (32) extending vertically through the sorting device with a channel width of KB. The channels are used to accommodate at least one small item to be sorted. as well as The restraint device (40) has a restraint section (41) arranged above the dispensing port (22) inside the cylindrical housing. The sorting device (30) includes a discharge device (50) capable of discharging electricity. Its features are, The discharge device (50) has at least one discharge protrusion (51) extending from the conical surface (31) of the sorting device (30) into the receiving space (2) and a discharge contact (53) coupled to at least one discharge protrusion (51) in a dischargeable manner, the discharge contact (53) being used to electrically couple the discharge device (50) to a dischargeable component of a dispensing station (100) belonging to the storage container (1) and having a driver, thereby reducing the electrostatic charge of the small items arranged above the conical surface of the sorting device.
2. The storage container (1) for a storage and distribution station of a blister packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge protrusion (51) and the discharge contact (53) are designed as a discharge rod (56) with an intermediate connecting section (52).
3. The storage container (1) for a storage and distribution station of a blister packaging machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The discharge contact (53) is designed to be coaxial with the rotation axis of the sorting device (30).
4. The storage container (1) for a storage and distribution station of a blister packaging machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The discharge contact (53) is designed as a discharge needle (57) with a contact needle (59) preloaded by a spring (58).
5. The storage container (1) for a storage and distribution station of a blister packaging machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The discharge device (50) has at least one discharge element (55) that is electrically coupled to the discharge contact (53), and the discharge element forms a surface area of the sorting device (30) that comes into contact with small items.
6. The storage container (1) for a storage and distribution station of a blister packaging machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one segment of the surface of the tab (33) designed between the two channels (32) is formed by at least one of the discharge elements (55).
7. A storage and dispensing station suitable for a blister packaging machine, comprising a storage container (1) and a dispensing station (100) according to any one of claims 1-6, the dispensing station having a driver (150) for moving the sorting device (30) and a dispensing station contact (152) designed to be electrically coupled to a discharge contact (53) of a discharge device (50) of the storage container (1) and to a conductor device (124) in a dischargeable manner, through which charge can be released from the storage and dispensing station.
8. The storage and distribution station according to claim 7, characterized in that, The distribution station contact is designed as a coupler to the driver (150).