Apparatus for processing containers and related method

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for processing containers having the features of claim 1, and to a method for processing containers having the features of the further independent claims.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing containers having the features of claim 1, and a method for processing containers having the features of another independent claim. Background Technology

[0002] In the case of nested and typically pre-sterilized containers, the containers are typically arranged in a nest or tray at varying intervals depending on their size. If different containers are to be processed at corresponding intervals, all format components of the processing machine must be replaced to achieve those specific intervals. This is time-consuming and costly because a suitable (different) format component must be available for each interval between containers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for processing containers and a method for processing containers, wherein the above-mentioned disadvantages are eliminated.

[0004] The aforementioned objective is achieved by an apparatus for handling containers having the features of claim 1. The apparatus includes at least two retainers arranged adjacent to each other along the direction of movement for receiving a container, respectively. The container may be, for example, a container used for medical products, such as a syringe, ampoule, vial, and / or vial. The container may have an elongated, particularly cylindrical, shape. In this context, "handling" specifically means holding, securing, and / or moving.

[0005] The retainer is configured to move along the direction of movement to a first position. In the first position, a first gap exists between two adjacent retainers. The retainer is configured to move along the direction of movement to at least one second position. In the second position, a second gap exists between two adjacent retainers. The first gap and the second gap are different. In other words, the first gap and the second gap are different, and specifically, not the same.

[0006] Two adjacent retainers are coupled to each other by means of at least one elastic element (particularly mechanically). In particular, elastic coupling can be achieved between two adjacent retainers due to the elastic element.

[0007] In this case, the movement of the retainers can refer to relative movement. Thus, for example, the first retainer can be moved while the second retainer can be held (fixed). Similarly, the second retainer can be moved while the first retainer can be held (fixed). It is also conceivable that the first retainer and the second retainer can be moved simultaneously (if applicable, differently or in the same manner).

[0008] As a result, for example, containers can be removed from nested containers or trays, where the containers are arranged with a first spacing relative to each other. The containers can then be transferred to the device or its holder by means of a processing device (e.g., a robot (arm)). Within the device, the containers can be moved to a second spacing by moving the device's holder from a first position with the first spacing to a second position with the second spacing. Here, the spacing between the containers can be increased or decreased. The containers, now arranged with a second spacing relative to each other, can then be removed from the holder or transferred to a processing machine (e.g., a sealing station and / or a filling station).

[0009] Therefore, the spacing between containers can be adjusted as needed using simple methods. In particular, the spacing between containers in nests or trays can be adapted (decreasing and / or increasing) to machine-specific spacing. There is no need to modify the processing machine with formatted components corresponding to the specific spacing of containers in nests or trays.

[0010] According to a further improvement of the device, the device may include a guiding device, wherein the guiding device may be configured to move at least one retainer, particularly at least two retainers, in a guided manner along the direction of movement.

[0011] Because of the elastic coupling between two adjacent retainers of the elastic element, the retainers are evenly distributed along the direction of movement. It is not necessary to guide all the retainers. Therefore, the device can be configured to be smaller, thus saving installation space.

[0012] According to a further improvement of the device, the guiding device may include at least one track and at least one guiding element, the guiding element being configured to move along the track in a guided manner (particularly linearly guided). The track may form a guide (linear guide) for the guiding element. The guiding element may be fixedly coupled and / or connected to at least one retainer. Therefore, the movement of the guiding element may be coupled to the movement of the retainer coupled and / or connected to the guiding element. The guiding element may serve as a driver for the retainer coupled and / or connected to the guiding element.

[0013] As a result, the guiding device can be implemented using simple means.

[0014] According to a further improvement of the device, the device may include a fixing device. The fixing device may be configured to fix at least one retainer along the direction of movement.

[0015] As a result, at least one retainer can be fixed (statically) along the direction of movement using simple means. Therefore, more precise position determination and / or position realization is possible.

[0016] With further improvements to the device, the elastic element can be formed as a spring, helical spring, leaf spring, disc spring, volute spring, spring clip, and / or rubber band.

[0017] As a result, the elastic element can be implemented using simple means.

[0018] According to further improvements to the device, the elastic element may be formed of metal, plastic and / or elastomer.

[0019] As a result, the elastic element can be implemented using simple means.

[0020] According to a further improvement of the device, at least one retainer can be configured as a clamp for holding the container securely. In particular, all retainers can each be configured as a clamp for holding the container securely.

[0021] In this case, "clamping retention" specifically means securing the container within a retainer by frictional engagement. In particular, it means applying force from the outside on two opposite sides of a particular container.

[0022] As a result, receiving a container in a particular holder or securing a container in a particular holder can be achieved using simple means.

[0023] With further improvements to the device, all retainers can be formed identically. If multiple elastic elements are provided, these elements can also all be formed identically.

[0024] As a result, the device can be implemented as simply as possible. In particular, individual components of the device (such as, for example, retainers and / or elastic elements) can be easily replaced or substituted.

[0025] According to a further improvement of the device, the device may include at least three retainers. All retainers may be arranged in a row adjacent to each other. The row is oriented particularly along the direction of movement. The first and / or last retainer in the row may be configured to be movable in a guided manner along the direction of movement by means of the guiding device (or by means of its guiding element).

[0026] Because of the flexible coupling between the individual retainers, it is not necessary to guide all the retainers. As a result, the cost and installation space of additional guides can be saved.

[0027] According to further improvements to the device, the first retainer and / or the last retainer of the row can be configured to be fixed along the direction of movement by means of the fixing device.

[0028] As a result, the fixing of the first and / or last retainer of the row can be achieved using simple means. Therefore, more precise position determination and / or position implementation is possible.

[0029] The above objective is achieved by a method for processing containers using at least one device according to the above embodiments, having the features of the additional independent claims. The method includes the following steps: The retainer of the device is provided in the first position.

[0030] The container is placed in the holder of the device.

[0031] The retainer is moved to the second position along the direction of movement.

[0032] Remove the container from the holder of the device.

[0033] Regarding the advantages that can be achieved using the method, refer to the statement of the device in this regard. Further embodiments of the method can be used in conjunction with the description of the device and / or the measures explained below. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an apparatus for processing containers according to a first exemplary embodiment; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an apparatus for processing containers according to a second exemplary embodiment; and Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a device for processing containers according to a third exemplary embodiment.

[0035] In the following description and accompanying drawings, corresponding parts and elements have the same reference numerals. For improved clarity, not all reference numerals are reproduced in all drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a device 10 for processing containers according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0037] The device 10 may include at least two retainers 14 arranged adjacent to each other along the direction of movement 12 for receiving a container, respectively. In this embodiment, the device 10 includes ten retainers 14. In this embodiment, the retainers 14 are formed as elongated, wherein the longitudinal extension of the retainer 14 is oriented orthogonally to the direction of movement 12. For clarity, the container is not shown in the image. Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the image.

[0038] The retainer 14 is configured to move along the direction of movement 12 to a first position, in which a first gap exists between two adjacent retainers 14. The retainer 14 is also configured to move along the direction of movement 12 to at least one second position, in which a second gap exists between two adjacent retainers 14. The first gap and the second gap are different from each other. In other words, the first gap and the second gap are different.

[0039] Two adjacent retainers 14 are coupled to each other (mechanically) by means of at least one elastic element 16.

[0040] The elastic element 16 can be formed as a spring, a helical spring 24, a leaf spring, a disc spring, a volute spring, a spring clip 26, and / or a rubber band.

[0041] The elastic element 16 may be formed of metal, plastic and / or elastomer.

[0042] In this embodiment, a corresponding elastic element 16 is arranged between two adjacent retainers 14. Therefore, the device 10 in this embodiment includes nine elastic elements 16. In this embodiment, the elastic element 16 is formed as a spring clip 26. In this embodiment, the elastic element 16 formed as a spring clip 26 extends perpendicular to the direction of movement 12. In this embodiment, the retainers 14 and the elastic element 16 formed as a spring clip 26 extend in the same direction (e.g., the direction of gravity).

[0043] At least one retainer 14 may be configured as a clamp 28 for holding the container in a clamping manner. In this case, all retainers 14 are each configured as a clamp 28 for holding the container in a clamping manner.

[0044] In this case, all retainers 14 are formed identically. In this case, all elastic elements 16 are formed identically.

[0045] The device 10 may include a guiding device 18. The guiding device 18 may be configured to move at least one retainer 14 in a guided manner along the direction of movement 12. The guiding device 18 may include at least one track 20 and at least one guiding element 22, the guiding element 22 being configured to move along the track 20 in a guided manner. The guiding element 22 may be fixedly coupled and / or connected to at least one retainer 14, such that the movement of the guiding element 22 is coupled to the movement of the retainer 14 coupled and / or connected to the guiding element 22.

[0046] In this embodiment, the device 10 includes ten retainers 14 arranged adjacent to each other in a row 30 along the direction of movement 12. In this embodiment, the first retainer 14 and the last retainer 14 in the row 30 are each configured to be moved in a guided manner along the direction of movement 12 by means of the guide device 18.

[0047] In this case, the guiding device 18 includes two guiding elements 22, each configured to move in a guided (linearly guided) manner along the direction of movement 12 on two tracks 20. The first guiding element 22 is connected to or fixedly coupled to a first retainer 14 within the row 30. The second guiding element 22 is connected to or fixedly coupled to a last retainer 14 within the row 30.

[0048] Therefore, by moving the first guide element 22 and / or the second guide element 22, the first and / or the last retainer 14 within the row 30 can move along the direction of movement 12. Due to the elastic coupling between the retainers 14 via the elastic element 16, the retainers 14 are evenly distributed along the direction of movement 12. In other words, there is the same spacing between each pair of adjacent retainers 14.

[0049] The device 10 may include a fixing device (not shown). The fixing device may be configured to fix at least one retainer 14 (statically) along the direction of movement 12. By means of the fixing device, the first and / or the last retainer 14 within the row 30 can be (statically) fixed along the direction of movement 12. It is conceivable that, for this purpose, one or both of the two guide elements 22 can be (statically) fixed.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a device 10 for processing containers according to a second exemplary embodiment. The second exemplary embodiment is... Figure 1 The differences in the first exemplary embodiment shown are as follows: The longitudinal extensions of the elastic element 16, which is formed as a spring clip 26, and the longitudinal extensions of the retainer 14 are oriented orthogonally to each other. Therefore, the elastic element 16 and the retainer 14, which are formed as a spring clip 26, do not extend in the same direction. Specifically, the elastic element 16, which is formed as a spring clip 26, may be oriented transversely to the direction of gravity. The longitudinal extensions of the elastic element 16, which is formed as a spring clip 26 according to the first exemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment, are oriented orthogonally to each other.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a device 10 for processing containers according to a third exemplary embodiment. The third exemplary embodiment is... Figure 1 The differences in the first exemplary embodiment shown are as follows: In this case, each of the elastic elements 16 is formed as a helical spring 24.

[0052] Below, based on Figures 1 to 3 A method for processing a container using at least one device 10 according to the above embodiments is described. The device 10 may in particular be such as... Figures 1 to 3 The device shown is 10.

[0053] The method includes the following steps: The retainer 14 of the device 10 is provided in a first position.

[0054] The container is arranged in the holder 14 of the device 10. This can be achieved by means of a processing device (e.g., a robot (arm)) or a transfer device.

[0055] The retainer 14 is moved to the second position along the direction of movement 12. The spacing between two corresponding adjacent retainers 14 is changed (decreased or increased).

[0056] The container is removed from the holder 14 of the device 10. This can be achieved by means of an additional processing device (e.g., a robot (arm)) or an additional transfer device.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for handling containers, having at least two holders (14) arranged adjacent to each other along a direction of movement (12) for receiving one container each. in, The retainer (14) is configured to move along the direction of movement (12) to a first position, in which a first gap exists between two adjacent retainers (14). The retainer (14) is configured to move along the direction of movement (12) to at least one second position, wherein at the at least one second position, there is a second spacing between two adjacent retainers (14) that is different from the first spacing. Two adjacent retainers (14) are coupled to each other by means of at least one elastic element (16).

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device (10) includes a guide (18) configured to guide at least one retainer (14) along the direction of movement (12) in a guided manner.

3. The device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The guiding device (18) includes at least one track (20) and at least one guiding element (22), the at least one guiding element (22) being configured to move along the track (20) in a guided manner, wherein the guiding element (22) is fixedly coupled and / or connected to at least one retainer (14) such that the movement of the guiding element (22) is coupled to the movement of the retainer (14) coupled and / or connected to the guiding element (22).

4. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The device (10) includes a fixing device, wherein the fixing device is configured to fix at least one retainer (14) along the direction of movement (12).

5. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The elastic element (16) is formed as a spring, a helical spring (24), a leaf spring, a disc spring, a volute spring, a spring clip (26), and / or a rubber band.

6. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The elastic element (16) is formed of metal, plastic and / or elastomer.

7. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one retainer (14), and in particular all retainers (14), are respectively formed as clamps (28) for holding the container in a clamping manner.

8. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, All retainers (14) are formed identically.

9. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and in conjunction with claim 2, characterized in that, The device (10) includes at least three retainers (14) arranged in a row (30) adjacent to each other, wherein the first retainer (14) and / or the last retainer (14) in the row (30) are configured to be moved in a guided manner along the direction of movement (12) by means of the guide device (18).

10. The device (10) according to claims 4 and 9, characterized in that, The first retainer (14) and / or the last retainer (14) of the row (30) are configured to be fixed along the direction of movement (12) by means of the fixing device.

11. A method for processing a container using at least one device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: - The holder (14) of the device (10) is provided in a first position; - Arrange the container in the holder (14) of the device (10); - Move the retainer (14) to the second position along the direction of movement (12); - Remove the container from the holder (14) of the device (10).

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