Method for replacing wound film holder of cartridge

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for replacing a winding film holder (3) of a cartridge (2) comprising a cartridge base plate (4) provided with a shaft (6) for supporting the winding film holder and a protective plate fitted on the shaft for supporting and protecting the winding film, the method comprising the following steps; a. Separating the wound film holder (3) from the protective plate in order to form a defined space between the wound film holder and the protective plate, and subsequently b. Pressing the wound film holder away from the protective plate and depressing the wound film holder from the shaft (6).

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for replacing a roll film holder for a cassette and an apparatus for replacing a roll film holder for a cassette.

[0002] Such a box is known in itself, and is used in devices and methods for packaging discrete medications into pouches. This type of packaging device is used to package a large number of pouches, typically containing a small selection of dose units, each dose unit administered to a patient once. Data needs to be printed on each pouch, and the film in the box is consumable during the printing process. Although the amount of film in the box can be 1000 meters, the box still needs to be replaced periodically.

[0003] Such a packaging device is known from US 2014 / 0366489 A1, which relates to an apparatus for dispensing solid substances for medical use. The apparatus comprises a plurality of feeder units (also referred to as “canisters”) arranged in a radial grid about a rotation axis. Each feeder unit contains a specific amount of solid substance specific to that feeder unit. Thus, these feeder units can collectively dispense a wide variety of solid substances. The apparatus further comprises a collection frame rotatable about a rotation axis below the array of feeder positions 20. The collection frame is provided with a series of collection trays for collecting solid substances dispensed from any feeder unit in the array of feeder positions. The apparatus further includes packaging units 25 arranged in a stationary position below the collection frame for packaging the solid substances received from the collection trays. The collection frame rotates about the rotation axis such that each collection tray passes each feeder unit in the array of feeder positions before reaching packaging unit 30.

[0004] Each packaging unit 61, 62 includes a storage member for containing packaging material (a foil in this example), a printer 20 for printing information about the agent 90 on the foil, a filling member for positioning the foil to receive the agent 90, a sealing member for forming a pouch around the received agent 90, a perforating member for providing perforations between the pouches subsequently formed 25, and an output member for discharging the packaged agent F from the dispensing device 1.

[0005] Therefore, known packaging devices are arranged to form pouches in a long roll of material and fill the pouches with a discrete agent. The pouches are then sealed to contain the discrete agent. Known packaging devices include a driven roller that pulls the long roll of material along a path passing through the sealing and filling components of the packaging device. The printer "Indivion" of this known packaging device uses a printing film, also known as a printing ribbon. This ribbon is placed in the printer by means of a cassette. When the ribbon is completely used up, the cassette must be replaced. At this time, the ribbon coil must be removed from the cassette. Removing the coil from the shaft requires considerable force. The cassette also includes a protective ring on the shaft. The protective ring contacts and supports the coil and guides the ribbon. Often, the operator accidentally removes the protective ring from the shaft when removing the coil from the cassette. This removal of the protective ring can subsequently lead to production failures due to poor printing of information on the pouches. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus that facilitates the removal of a reel without pulling on the protective ring.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention provides a method for replacing a roll film support for a box, the box including a box base plate, the box base plate being provided with a shaft for supporting the roll film support and a protective plate mounted on the shaft for supporting and protecting the roll film, the method including the following steps; a. Separate the wound film support from the protective plate to form a defined space between the wound film support and the protective plate, and then... b. Press the wound film support away from the protective plate and remove it from the shaft.

[0008] The solution according to the invention is a method in which a wound film support is removed from a shaft in two separate steps. In step a), the roll is moved from a protective plate, for example, until halfway down the shaft. Importantly, a defined space is created between the protective plate and the wound film support. The defined space is configured to allow a pressing tool to extend into the space to press the wound film support from the shaft. In other words, in step b), the space between the roll and the loop is used to complete the removal of the wound film support from the shaft.

[0009] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, step a) includes moving the winding film support and the protective plate integrally along the axis. Moving the winding film support and the protective plate integrally allows the winding film to be pressed from the axis, rather than pulled from the axis. Pulling the winding film support from the axis is more complex and less controllable.

[0010] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, between step a) and step b), the cartridge substrate is moved from a first position to a second position, wherein, in the second position of the substrate, the pressing member extends between the protective plate and the winding film support. Moving the cartridge substrate from the first position to the second position allows the protective plate to be repositioned relative to the pressing member.

[0011] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the protective plate is loosely fitted onto the shaft, and the method includes driving the protective plate away from the winding film support by gravity prior to step b). Loosely fitting the protective plate onto the shaft facilitates driving the protective plate away from the winding film support and obtaining a defined space.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a box obtained by the method according to the invention.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a roll film holder for changing cartridges and an apparatus suitable for the method according to the preceding claim, the apparatus comprising: - Holding station, which is used to receive the substrate of the box. - A pressing system for pressing the wound film holder against and / or releasing it from the shaft mounted on the substrate. The holding station is configured to define a first position and a second position of the cartridge substrate relative to the pressing system, wherein the first position and the second position are offset. The holding station's configuration of the first and second positions of the cartridge substrate facilitates the controlled repositioning of the protective plate relative to the pressing member of the pressing system. This device may also be referred to as a "ribbon changing tool".

[0014] In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the pressing system includes a stationary pressing member and a movable pressing member that is movable relative to the stationary pressing member in a pressing direction, wherein a first position and a second position of the box substrate are offset from each other in the pressing direction. This facilitates the controlled repositioning of the protective plate relative to the pressing member of the pressing system and allows for a simple sequence of movements of the pressing system. The pressing direction is typically vertical; however, different orientations of the pressing direction are conceivable.

[0015] In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the holding station includes a movable frame movable in a pressing direction and includes opposing slots for receiving the cartridge substrate. The movable frame facilitates controlled pressing because the holding system maintains engagement with the cartridge substrate during pressing. The opposing slots allow for defining a first position and a second position for the cartridge substrate.

[0016] In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, a pair of opposing slots define a first position for the cartridge substrate. This further contributes to the robust positioning of the cartridge substrate relative to the holding system.

[0017] In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the holding station includes a detection system for detecting the presence of the cartridge substrate in a first position on the cartridge substrate. The detection system enables control of the position of the pressing system based on the presence of the cartridge substrate in the first position on the cartridge substrate.

[0018] In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the pressing system includes a control unit for controlling the position of the movable pressing member, wherein a detection system is coupled to the control unit, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the position of the movable pressing member depending on the presence of the cartridge substrate in a first position on the cartridge substrate. Compared to step b), the control unit enables the pressing system to have a different stroke in step a). In other words, the control unit can control a stroke limiter that ensures that the pressing stroke is limited in the first step a) but unrestricted in step b).

[0019] In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the holding station includes a spring system for spring-loading the movable frame toward the stationary pressing member. This further contributes to the robust initial positioning of the cartridge substrate relative to the holding system, as the movable frame is spring-loaded against a defined stop surface. Moreover, the movable frame helps define the defined space between the wound film support and the protective plate, since movement of the movable frame corresponds to the defined space.

[0020] In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the stationary pressing member includes a plate portion having a plate thickness less than the offset in the pressing direction between a first position and a second position of the cartridge substrate. This plate thickness, less than the offset between the first and second positions of the cartridge substrate, facilitates extending the stationary pressing member into the defined space.

[0021] In embodiments of the device according to the invention, the pressing system includes a tool changing station for changing pressing tools. The tool station facilitates the use of the device to press the wound film support onto and off the shaft. In other words, the pressing system can also be used to place a new roll with a certain pressure, as a mechanism is provided for switching functions, pressing on the shaft in one position to press the shaft out of the roll, and pressing on the roll in another position to press the roll onto the shaft.

[0022] In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the tool changing station includes a turntable for supporting the pressing tool. The turntable facilitates controlled tool changing and defined pressing of the wound film holder.

[0023] When the pressing tool is in the pressing position, the pressing system is released to press the wound film support onto and / or depress it from the shaft disposed on the cartridge substrate. When the pressing tool leaves the pressing position, the pressing tool is preferably blocked, particularly to prevent movement of the movable pressing member to avoid damage to the cartridge.

[0024] The aspects and features described and illustrated in the specification may be applied individually where possible. These aspects, and in particular the aspects and features described in the appended dependent claims, may be the subject of a divisional patent application. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The present invention will be described based on exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An embodiment of the device according to the present invention is shown in a perspective view. Figure 2A A box supporting a pair of wound film supports is shown. Figure 2B The box in Figure 2b is shown in part in an exploded view, and Figures 3A to 3C A schematic diagram of a cross-sectional side view of the box and details of the device are shown during the method steps according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Figure 1 An embodiment of the device 1 according to the present invention is shown in a perspective view.

[0027] Device 1 is suitable for replacing the film holder 24 of cartridge 2. This cartridge 2 is... Figure 2A The device 1 is shown in the diagram and is known in itself. Device 1 is adapted to the method according to the invention. Device 1 without the housing 2 is shown here.

[0028] Device 1 includes a holding station 7. The holding station 7 is configured to receive the box substrate 4.

[0029] The holding station 7 is configured to define a first position and a second position of the cartridge substrate 4. The first position of the cartridge substrate 4 is... Figure 3A As shown in the diagram. The second position of the substrate 4 is in Figure 3C As shown in the image.

[0030] Device 1 includes a pressing system 8. The pressing system 8 is configured to press the wound film holder 24 onto and / or release it from the shafts 6a, 6b disposed on the box substrate 4.

[0031] The first and second positions of the cartridge substrate 4 are defined relative to the pressing system 8. The first and second positions of the cartridge substrate 4 are offset along the pressing direction 11.

[0032] The pressing system 8 includes a stationary pressing member 9. In use, the stationary pressing member 9 presses against the wound film support 24. The pressing system 8 also includes a movable pressing member 10. The movable pressing member 10 is movable relative to the stationary pressing member 9. The movable pressing member 10 is movable in the pressing direction 11. The first position and the second position of the cartridge substrate 4 are offset from each other in the pressing direction 11. In this case, the pressing direction 11 coincides with verticality. Therefore, the first position and the second position of the cartridge substrate 4 are offset from each other in the vertical direction.

[0033] The stationary pressing member 9 includes a plate portion having a plate thickness 18. The plate thickness 18 is less than the offset between the first position and the second position of the box base plate 4 in the pressing direction 11.

[0034] The pressing system 8 includes a tool changing station 19. The tool changing station 19 is configured for changing pressing tools. In this case, the pressing tool includes a pair of pressing pins 21 and a pair of pressing molds 22. Figure 3A As shown, pressing pin 21 applies pressing force on shaft 6 to remove the wound film holder 3 from shaft 6. Pressing die 22 applies pressing force on the wound film holder 3 to press the wound film holder 3 onto shaft 23. Pressing die 22 applies pressing force on shoulder 32 of wound film holder 3. Pressing pin 21 applies pressing force on shaft 6, as... Figure 3A As shown. Therefore, the tool changing station 19 is configured to change between pressing tools 21, 22 to press the wound film holder 3 onto or off the shaft 6 as needed. The tool changing station 19 includes a handle 13 to move the desired pressing tool 21, 22 to the pressing position. Here, the tool changing station 19 includes a turntable 20 for supporting the pressing tools 21, 22. The turntable 20 is rotatable about a turntable rotation axis 31. The handle 13 is rotatable about a handle rotation axis 12.

[0035] When the desired pressing tools 21 and 22 are in the pressing position, the movable pressing member 10 is allowed to move relative to the stationary pressing member 9. When the desired pressing tools 21 and 22 leave the pressing position, the movement of the movable pressing member 10 is preferably blocked.

[0036] The holding station 7 includes a movable frame 14. The movable frame 14 is movable in the pressing direction 11. The movable frame 14 includes opposing slots 15. The opposing slots 15 are configured to receive the cartridge substrate 4 at a first position and a second position. A pair of opposing slots 15 are associated with the first position of the cartridge substrate 4, and a different pair of opposing slots 15 are associated with the second position of the cartridge substrate 4. In other words, a pair of opposing slots 15 defines the first position of the cartridge substrate 4.

[0037] The holding station 7 includes a detection system 16. The detection system 16 is configured to detect the presence of the cartridge substrate 4 in a first position on the cartridge substrate 4, such as... Figure 3A As shown.

[0038] The pressing system 8 includes a control unit (not shown) for controlling the position of the movable pressing member 10. A detection system 16 is coupled to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to control the position of the movable pressing member 10 based on the presence of the cartridge base plate 4 in a first position on the cartridge base plate 4. Specifically, the control unit controls the stroke of the movable pressing member 10.

[0039] The holding station 7 includes a spring system 17. The spring system 17 is connected to a movable frame 14 for spring loading (i.e., pretensioning), with the movable frame 14 facing a stop (not shown) that defines the position of the movable frame 14. The movable frame 14 is pretensioned towards a stationary pressing member 9.

[0040] Figure 2A Box 2 is shown. Box 2 itself is known. Box 2 supports a pair of wound film supports 24. Wound film supports 24 are also referred to as "rolls". Reference numeral 24 refers to the wound film support, which is a support plus film in a wound form. Reference numeral 3 refers to the support itself, also called a bobbin 3. Box 2 includes a box base 4, which is provided with two shafts 6a, 6b for supporting the pair of wound film supports 24. Film 26 extends between the two rolls. During operation of the packaging apparatus, film is fed from one roll to another, so that new film sections are available for printing.

[0041] Figure 2B Partially shown in exploded view Figure 2A Box 2. As shown in the figure, the protective plate 5 is assembled on each shaft 6a, 6b to support the winding film itself and the winding film support 24.

[0042] Figures 3A to 3C Each shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the box 2 and details of the device 1 during the method steps according to the invention. The method replaces the wound film support 3 of the box 2. The box 2 includes a box base plate 4, which is provided with a shaft 6 supporting the wound film support 3 and a protective plate 5, as shown below. Figure 3A As shown. The protective plate 5 is mounted on the shaft 6 to support and protect the wound film. The protective plate 5 rests on the flange 28. The protective plate 5 is loosely fitted to the shaft 6. Therefore, the protective plate 5 can easily slide relative to the shaft 6.

[0043] The wound film holder 3 is connected to the shaft 6 via a press-fit connection. Therefore, the shaft 6 includes a spring or ball spring 29 for securely holding the wound film holder 3. The ball spring 29 is shown here as a simple spherical thickened portion 29 of the shaft 6. The ball spring 29 also helps to hold the protective plate 5 on the shaft 6, as it prevents the protective plate 5 from sliding along the shaft 6.

[0044] Now we proceed to the method steps. First, the cartridge substrate 4 is placed in the holding station 7. The cartridge substrate 4 is positioned in a first position in the holding station 7. The first position of the cartridge substrate 4 is defined by a pair of opposing sleeves 15a of the frame 14, which is part of the holding station 7. When the cartridge substrate 4 is in the first position, both the winding film support 3 and the protective plate 5 are above the stationary pressing member 9. The protective plate 5 faces the stationary pressing member 9 from above.

[0045] Then, pressing pin 21 applies pressing force F to shaft 6. Here, shaft 6 has an inner shaft portion 23 and an outer shaft portion 27. The inner shaft portion 23 is coupled to the cartridge base plate 4. Pressing pin 21 applies pressing force F to the inner shaft portion 23. The outer shaft portion 27 is rotatably mounted on the inner shaft portion 23. A flange 33 prevents the outer shaft portion 27 from detaching from the inner shaft portion 23. The film winding support 3 is coupled to the outer shaft portion 27 by a press-fit connection. Therefore, the film winding support 3 can be rotatably driven relative to the cartridge base plate 4. The outer shaft portion 27 is spring-supported relative to the cartridge base plate 4 by a spring system 30. This facilitates the engagement of shaft 6 with a drive system (not shown) to wind or unwind film 26.

[0046] Third, such as Figure 3B As shown, shaft 6 is pressed downward relative to stationary pressing member 9. The film winding support 3 and protective plate 5 are supported by the stationary pressing member 9. Therefore, the film winding support 3 is pressed from shaft 6. The film winding support 3 and protective plate 5 move integrally along shaft 6. The film winding support 3 is pressed from shaft 6 to approximately half the height of shaft 6, wherein the film winding support 3 remains in press-fit contact with shaft 6.

[0047] Fourth, the substrate 4 moves from the first position to the second position. For example... Figure 3C As shown, the cartridge base plate 4 is repositioned in a second position within the holding station 7. This second position is defined by a pair of opposing sleeves 15b of the frame 14, which is part of the holding station 7. When the cartridge base plate 4 is in the second position, the winding film support 3 is above the stationary pressing member 9. When the cartridge base plate 4 is in the second position, the protective plate 5 is below the stationary pressing member 9. The protective plate 5 still faces the stationary pressing member 9, but from below. In other words, when the cartridge base plate 4 is in the second position, the stationary pressing member 9 extends between the protective plate 5 and the winding film support 3.

[0048] As a next step, the film carrier 3 is separated from the protective plate 5 to form a defined space 6 between the film carrier 3 and the protective plate 5. Since the protective plate 5 is loosely fitted onto the shaft 6, the method involves driving the protective plate 5 away from the film carrier 3 by gravity. Therefore, this step is typically taken during the movement of the cartridge substrate 4 from a first position to a second position.

[0049] Finally, the wound film holder 3 is pressed away from the protective plate 5 and discharged from the shaft 6. The wound film holder 3 is finally in the position as follows: Figure 2B The situation is shown.

Claims

1. A method for replacing a roll film support (3) of a box (2), the box including a box base plate (4) having a shaft (6) for supporting a roll film support (24) and a protective plate (5) mounted on the shaft for supporting and protecting the roll film, the method comprising the following steps; a. Separate the wound film support from the protective plate to form a defined space between the wound film support and the protective plate, and then... b. Press the wound film support away from the protective plate and press it off from the shaft.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Step a) includes moving the wound film support along the axis integrally with the protective plate.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Between step a) and step b), the box substrate moves from a first position to a second position, wherein, at the second position of the box substrate, the pressing member (9) extends between the protective plate and the winding film support.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The protective plate is loosely fitted onto the shaft, and the method includes driving the protective plate away from the wound film support by gravity prior to method step b).

5. An apparatus (1) for replacing a film holder and adapted to the method according to any one of the preceding claims, the apparatus comprising: Holding station (7), which is used to receive the box substrate. Pressing system (8), which is used to press the wound film holder onto and / or release it from the shaft provided on the box substrate. in, The holding station is configured to define a first position and a second position of the cartridge substrate relative to the pressing system, wherein the first position and the second position are offset.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein, The pressing system includes a stationary pressing member (9) and a movable pressing member (10) which is movable relative to the stationary pressing member along the pressing direction (11), wherein a first position and a second position of the box substrate are offset from each other in the pressing direction.

7. The device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The holding station includes a movable frame (14) that is movable in the pressing direction and includes opposing slots (15) for receiving the box substrate.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein, A pair of opposing slots define the first position of the substrate.

9. The device according to any one of claims 5-8, wherein, The holding station includes a detection system (16) for detecting the presence of the substrate in the first position of the substrate.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The pressing system includes a control unit for controlling the position of the movable pressing member, wherein the detection system is coupled to the control unit, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the position of the movable pressing member depending on the presence of the box substrate in the first position of the box substrate.

11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The holding station includes a spring system (17) for spring-loading the movable frame toward the stationary pressing member.

12. The device according to any one of claims 5-11, wherein, The stationary pressing member includes a plate portion having a plate thickness (18) that is less than the offset between the first and second positions of the box substrate in the pressing direction.

13. The device according to any one of claims 5-12, wherein, The pressing system includes a tool changing station (19) for changing pressing tools between them.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein, The tool changing station includes a turntable (20) for supporting these pressing tools.

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