Turning device and method for handling a pharmaceutical product

Abstract

A turning device (1) for turning pharmaceutical products is provided. The turning device (1) comprises a base element (2) with a first control cam (3) and a second control cam (4) different therefrom, a main body (5) provided on the base element (2) which can be rotated relative to the base element (2) about an axis of rotation (A D ) is rotatable, a plurality of holding elements (6) which are fixed to the main body (5). Each holding element (6) has a holding head (7) and a control element (8). The holding head (7) is pivotable about a turning axis (A W ) and designed to hold a pharmaceutical product. The control element (8) is displaceable in a control direction (R1) along a movement path. The control element (8) is designed to cooperate with the holding head (7) in such a way that a rotation of the holding head (7) about the turning axis (A W) is dependent on a displacement of the control element (8) along the movement path. The control element (8) is designed and arranged to interact with the first control cam (3) or the second control cam (4), such that a displacement of the control element (8) on the movement path is dependent on the respective control cam (3, 4). The holding elements (6) are designed such that the control elements (8) of adjacent holding elements (6) can each come into contact with a different control cam (3, 4). Furthermore, a method for handling a pharmaceutical product is provided.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a turning device for turning pharmaceutical products and a method for handling pharmaceutical products.

[0002] Pharmaceutical products such as vials, ampoules, vials, or syringes may need to be turned during a manufacturing process. For example, the orientation of the pharmaceutical products may need to be changed for inspection. A change in orientation often refers to a change in the position of a pharmaceutical product's longitudinal axis.

[0003] The current state of the art uses so-called turning star wheels, which grip a product, turn it, and release it again. However, there are several limitations with these turning star wheels. Firstly, the diameter of the turning star wheel is limited, as excessive enlargement would require a significant increase in the path speed at which pharmaceutical products are moved. This can lead to damage to the pharmaceutical products. In particular, transferring pharmaceutical products to such a turning star wheel can be problematic at high accelerations. Furthermore, the high speed or acceleration can cause air bubbles to form in the pharmaceutical product, which can later lead to problems during inspection.Furthermore, the capacity of known turning modules is limited, as pharmaceutical products must have sufficient space on the turning module itself to be turned side by side, for example, synchronously one after the other. Therefore, the pharmaceutical products can only be picked up at a certain distance from the turning module for turning. In summary, the throughput of a turning module is severely limited in the current state of the art.

[0004] CN 111 439 576 A shows a device for turning and conveying containers.

[0005] However, with the increased handling capabilities of pharmaceutical product handling machines, it is advantageous to provide a higher throughput with such a turning module.

[0006] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a turning device which can have an increased throughput of pharmaceutical products.

[0007] The above problem is solved with a turning device having the feature of claim 1 and with a method for handling pharmaceutical products having the features of claim 10.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a turning device for turning pharmaceutical products is provided. The turning device may comprise a base element with a first control cam and a different second control cam. The turning device may comprise a main body provided on the base element, which is rotatable relative to the base element about a rotation axis. The turning device may comprise a plurality of holding elements fixed to the main body. Preferably, each holding element has a holding head and a control element. The holding head may be rotatable about a turning axis and configured to hold a pharmaceutical product. The control element may be displaceable in a control direction along a movement path.The control element can be configured to interact with the holding head such that rotation of the holding head about the pivot axis depends on a displacement of the control element along the movement path. The control element can be configured and arranged to interact with the first control cam or the second control cam, such that displacement of the control element along the movement path depends on the respective control cam. The holding elements can be configured such that the control elements of adjacent holding elements can each come into contact with a different control cam.

[0009] Compared to the known prior art, the present invention provides the advantage that a turning device with a higher capacity can be provided. In other words, the turning device of the present invention can process a higher number of pharmaceutical products compared to a machine known from the prior art. This is due, on the one hand, to the fact that the holding elements can be arranged closer to one another. This is possible with the present invention because adjacent holding elements are turned via the control element depending on two different control cams. As a result, collisions do not occur when the pharmaceutical products held by adjacent holding elements are turned. Thus, the throughput of the turning device can be increased without having to significantly increase the path speed of the turning device.In other words, throughput can be increased without significantly increasing the diameter of the turning device. Control via control cams also makes it possible to provide a very robust system that requires a minimum of control technology. This means that the entire system can be designed to be error-resistant. Furthermore, operation can be implemented particularly efficiently. Furthermore, it can ensure that the pharmaceutical products are transferred to the turning device because the speed does not have to be increased. In other words, only every second pharmaceutical product turned by the turning device can be turned depending on the same control cam. This means that each pharmaceutical product has sufficient space to be turned. In other words, the pharmaceutical products can be turned in staggered order, rather than directly one after the other.

[0010] The base element can be a type of base plate on which the control cams are arranged. The main body can be rotatably arranged on the base element. The control cam can also be referred to as a running cam. The main body can be a point-symmetrical body that can be rotated about a rotational axis. Furthermore, a drive can be provided that is designed to rotate the main body about the rotational axis. The rotational axis preferably extends in the direction of gravity. A plurality of holding elements can be provided on the main body. The holding elements can be detachably attached to the main body. This can ensure that the holding elements can be easily replaced during maintenance work, machine changes, or format changes. Each holding element preferably has a main extension direction in the direction of gravity. Each holding element can have a holding head and a control element.The holding head can be designed to hold a pharmaceutical product. The control element can interact with one of the control cams. The holding head can therefore be the element that contacts and holds the pharmaceutical product. The control element can be the connection between the holding head and one of the control cams. The holding head is rotatable about the pivot axis. In other words, the holding head can rotate about the pivot axis together with the pharmaceutical product. However, the entire holding head does not have to rotate about the pivot axis. Rather, it may be sufficient for the part of the holding head that is in direct contact with the pharmaceutical product to be able to rotate about the pivot axis. Such a rotation can be brought about by the control element. The control element can be translationally movable.In other words, the control element can be moved translationally in the control direction (also referred to as the first direction) depending on one of the control cams. In one embodiment of the present invention, the control direction extends in the direction of gravity. The translational movement of the control element can be translated into a rotary movement or turning movement of the holding head. This can provide a direct relationship between the design of the control cam and a turn or rotation of the holding head. The translational movement of the control element can take place along a movement path. The movement path can preferably correspond to a linear straight line. In other words, the control element can execute a straight movement. This prevents lateral or other tilted movements. This can prevent the control element from jamming or tilting.The control cams can, for example, have a wave-shaped contour. The contour can include peaks (high points) and valleys (low points). The control element can be in contact with the contour in such a way that, upon contact with a peak of the control cam, it is moved translationally in the control direction. If, on the other hand, the control element is in contact with a valley of the control cam, the control element can move in an opposite direction in the control direction. Thus, a dependent rotation of the holding head can be provided by the shape of the control cam. In other words, depending on the position of the main body, which can determine the position of the holding element along the control skids, the rotation of the holding head can always be identical. This ensures that no complex control system is necessary to provide rotation of the pharmaceutical products.In addition, it can be ensured that the pharmaceutical products are correctly aligned during transfer to and from the turning device. This can ensure the smooth operation of the turning device. Each of the control cams can have a contact surface. The contact surface can be in contact with the control element. Preferably, the running curve has a reduced coefficient of friction on its contact surface (e.g. compared to the rest of the control cam). This can reduce losses or abrasion during operation of the turning device. Because two control elements of adjacent holding elements follow a different contact surface, the pharmaceutical products can be turned even with the reduced product distance.The first control cam and the second control cam only need to be designed differently in the area that causes the pharmaceutical product to turn. After a product has been taken over or immediately before a product is dispensed, the first control cam and the second control cam can be designed identically. In other words, it is only necessary to design the control cams differently if the pharmaceutical products held by the holding head are to be turned. The turning device of the present embodiment can thus provide a significantly increased throughput of pharmaceutical products with a comparatively small increase in the track speed. The product spacing can, for example, be essentially 12 times Pi = 37.7 mm. Despite this small product spacing, turning the products by, for example, 180° can be easily achieved.All that's necessary is to increase the conveyor speed of the pharmaceutical products by approximately 25%. This does not negatively impact the pharmaceutical products, allowing the increased throughput to be achieved without damaging or impairing the pharmaceutical products.

[0011] Preferably, the main body is cylindrical. In other words, the main body can be rotationally symmetrical about a rotation axis. This allows the turning device to be integrated into continuous operation.

[0012] The holding elements are preferably arranged on a circumferential surface of the main body. In other words, the main body can define a mounting area for the holding elements, which preferably corresponds to a circumferential surface of a cylinder. The holding elements can be arranged side by side on this circumferential surface. The holding elements are preferably all spaced the same distance apart. This ensures simple, continuous operation. Adjacent holding elements are preferably in contact with one another. This allows the product spacing (i.e., the pharmaceutical products) to be reduced.

[0013] Preferably, the control cams are provided circumferentially around a periphery of the main body. In other words, the control cams can also be provided where no turning of a pharmaceutical product takes place. This simplifies the design of the control element, as it can always be in contact with a control cam (i.e., regardless of the angular position of the main body).

[0014] Preferably, the control cams are detachably mounted on the base element. This allows the operation of the turning device to be easily modified or adjusted. In other words, no programming adjustments to a control system are necessary; instead, the operation of the turning device can be modified based on mechanical changes (e.g., by replacing a control cam).

[0015] Preferably, the first control cam and the second control cam are arranged coaxially with the main body. In other words, the control cams can also form a circle.

[0016] Preferably, the first control cam and the second control cam have a waveform, at least in sections. The waveform can be defined by a contact surface. The contact surface can be in direct contact with the control element. The waveform allows a control element to be moved in the control direction when the control element is moved along the control cam. The control cams can have a continuous contact surface. This can prevent abrupt geometric changes in the control cams. This, in turn, can prevent knocking or jerky movement of the control element.

[0017] Preferably, the first control cam and the second control cam differ from one another in terms of their waveform. In other words, the first control cam can have a different waveform than the second control cam. This can ensure that two adjacent pharmaceutical products are not rotated in the same way and therefore potentially collide with each other. More specifically, the first control cam and the second control cam can be arranged offset on the base element such that, at the same circular position of the main body, they cause a different position of the control element on the movement path. This means that the control cams can be identical and merely arranged offset on the base element.

[0018] Preferably, the first control cam and the second control cam are arranged parallel to each other. This simplifies the design of the retaining element, since the retaining element can be designed symmetrically and can only come into contact with either the first control cam or the second control cam through different installation.

[0019] Preferably, the holding element can only come into contact with one control cam. This ensures that adjacent holding elements are controlled by different control cams. In other words, it can be achieved that the pharmaceutical products held by adjacent holding elements are rotated in different ways (i.e., not one after the other).

[0020] Preferably, the first control cam and the second control cam are spaced apart from each other. This ensures that at least part of the retaining element fits between the two control cams, allowing the overall design of the turning device to be more compact.

[0021] Preferably, at least 32 holding elements are attached to the main body. The 32 holding elements allow the throughput of the turning device to be increased so that more than 600 pharmaceutical products can be turned per minute. In a preferred embodiment, even approximately 1000 pharmaceutical products can be turned per minute.

[0022] Preferably, the holding elements are arranged such that they are designed to interact alternately with the first control cam and the second control cam. In other words, this prevents adjacent holding elements from interacting with the same control cam. This allows for offset turning of the pharmaceutical products.

[0023] Preferably, each holding element is arranged at an angle relative to a tangent of the main body. In other words, the holding elements can be arranged at an angle rather than straight along the circumference of the main body. This can simplify the transfer or dispensing of pharmaceutical products. More specifically, the contact time during which a pharmaceutical product is transferred from a transfer star to the turning device can be extended. This can ensure a smooth transfer.

[0024] Preferably, each holding element is arranged at an angle relative to a radial direction of the main body. In other words, a holding element cannot be arranged in an extension of the radial direction of the main body, but rather at an angle or angle to it. If a straight line is drawn from the center of the main body to its edge, a main extension direction of the holding element, in plan view, may not lie on this virtual straight line. This can also improve the transfer to and from the turning device. Furthermore, the attachment and removal of the holding elements to the main body can be simplified, since a tool in particular does not have to be aligned along the radial direction of the main body.

[0025] The holding head has an axle with a gear. The axle can be designed to be rotatable about the turning axis. The gear can be designed to convert a transverse movement of the control element into a rotational movement of the axle. The translational movement of the control element can occur along the movement path.

[0026] The axis preferably has a vacuum feedthrough. This is particularly advantageous because the negative pressure allows the pharmaceutical products to be held particularly gently on the holding head. Since the holding head rotates around the pivot axis with the pharmaceutical product, connecting a vacuum line is difficult. By placing the vacuum feedthrough in the axis, which can rotate around the pivot axis, complicated line routing can be avoided.

[0027] The gear preferably has a gear recess section. In other words, the rotation resulting from the translational movement of the control element can be limited. In other words, the recess in the gear can ensure that the gear cannot be rotated any further beyond a certain rotation, even if the control element continues to move along the movement path. This can provide maximum rotation of the holding head. This can prevent excessive or unwanted rotation of the pharmaceutical product. The gear recess section can be a section of the gear on which no teeth are provided. Thus, in the gear recess section, the control element and the gear can be displaced relative to one another without interaction occurring.

[0028] Preferably, the control element comprises a rod element and a toothed portion on the rod element. The rod element can have a rod-like shape. The toothed portion can comprise a plurality of teeth that can interact with the gear of the holding head. This allows a translational movement of the control element to be translated into a rotational movement of the holding head.

[0029] Preferably, the control element and the control head can interact via the gear and the toothed section. This ultimately allows the translational movement of the control element to be translated into a rotational movement of the gear and thus of the holding head.

[0030] The control element is preferably rod-shaped and has a first end and a second end. In other words, the control element can have a main extension direction that is greater than an extension direction in any other direction. This allows the control element to be rod-shaped. The main extension direction preferably extends in the direction of gravity (in the operating position). The first end can be arranged at the top in the direction of gravity, whereas the second end can be arranged at the bottom in the direction of gravity.

[0031] Preferably, a contact element is provided at the second end, which is designed to contact a control cam. Preferably, the contact element is designed so that it can only contact a single control cam. This ensures that a control element can only come into contact with a single control cam.

[0032] Preferably, the contact element comprises a roller that is rotatable about a roller axis. A roller offers the advantage of reducing friction between the control cam and the contact element. Furthermore, abrasion and noise emissions can be reduced.

[0033] Preferably, the contact element is arranged such that the roller axis and the turning axis are arranged at an angle α of substantially 25° in a plan view. This allows the control cam to be arranged coaxially with the main body, while still allowing the holding element to be angled so that a smooth transfer or dispensing of the pharmaceutical products is ensured.

[0034] Preferably, a preloading element is provided at the first end, which is designed to preload the control element in the first direction. In other words, the preloading element can be provided to press the control element in the direction of the control cam. The first direction can correspond to the control direction. This can ensure contact between the control element and the control cam. In particular, during rapid rotation of the main body about the axis of rotation and / or a steep incline of the control cam, the increased contact pressure can ensure that the control element follows the contact surface of the control cam.

[0035] The main element preferably comprises a housing, wherein the holding head and the control element are displaceable relative to the housing. In other words, the holding head can be rotatable relative to the housing. The control element can be translationally displaceable relative to the housing. Thus, the housing can serve as a fastening for securing the holding element to the main body. The holding head can be connected to the housing via a bearing, for example. The control element can be connected to the housing via a sliding bushing or the like. This allows the housing to move together with the main body.

[0036] Preferably, the holding element is designed to rotate a pharmaceutical product by 180°. In other words, the holding element can be used to completely turn a pharmaceutical product. This is advantageous because a base section or a lid section of a pharmaceutical product is often to be inspected in an inspection device. The 180° rotation can be defined, for example, by a control cam. To prevent over-rotation, the gear can have the recessed section described above.

[0037] Preferably, the ratio of a rotation of the main body about the axis of rotation to a rotation of the holding element about the turning axis is in a range of 0.5 to 0.8, more preferably in a range of 0.6 to 0.7. This ratio indicates how far the main body must rotate about the axis of rotation in order to turn a pharmaceutical product in a specific area. The range of 0.5 to 0.8 has been found to be particularly advantageous because it is possible to turn the pharmaceutical product by 180° within a 360° rotation of the main body. This ensures that the pharmaceutical products can be fed to and removed from the turning device without any problems. The range of 0.6 to 0.7 has proven to be particularly advantageous when a throughput of more than 600 pharmaceutical products per minute is to be handled.As already indicated above, there are limitations regarding the path speed of the individual pharmaceutical products. Furthermore, it is advantageous if a pharmaceutical product is already completely turned when the main body rotates by less than 150°. In this case, there is sufficient space around the turning device to ensure the removal and supply of the pharmaceutical products. A value of essentially 0.65 produced the best results, with a throughput of approximately 1,000 pharmaceutical products per minute. A 180° turn was achieved after just 120° of the main body. This makes it possible to provide a turning device that can operate particularly quickly and reliably while requiring minimal space.

[0038] Preferably, the control cams are designed such that a 120° rotation of the main body is sufficient to rotate a pharmaceutical product held by the holding element by 180°. In this case, the slopes of the control cams are designed such that rotation of the pharmaceutical products can be carried out without problems (such as the formation of air bubbles or the like).

[0039] The control element preferably has a compensating element, wherein the compensating element is preferably designed to come into contact with the first control cam or the second control cam, wherein the compensating element is designed to transmit a movement based on a control cam to the rod element only if the movement exceeds a limit value. In other words, the compensating element can be provided at the second end of the holding device. The compensating element can be designed such that a translational movement of the control element is not directly transmitted. Rather, a translational movement of the control element can only be transmitted by the compensating element if the movement exceeds a certain amount. This can provide a type of damping which prevents shocks or jerky movements from being transmitted to a pharmaceutical product.

[0040] Preferably, the compensating element is designed as a motion buffer. In other words, the compensating element can be designed such that not every motion profile indicated by the control cam on the control element is transmitted to the holding head.

[0041] Preferably, the compensating element can assume a first contact position and a second contact position relative to the rod element, wherein in the second contact position a force can be transmitted from the compensating element to the rod element. The first contact position can be a starting position. Between the first contact position and the second contact position, the compensating element can move translationally without any movement being exerted on the control element (more precisely on the rod element). Only when the compensating element reaches the second contact position can a force (and thus a movement) be transmitted to the rod element and thus to the holding head. In other words, a movement of the compensating element between the first position and reaching the second position cannot lead to a rotation of the holding head. This path or distance can be regarded as damping.This is advantageous, for example, if the control cam is dirty and / or worn. It prevents impacts or other unwanted high-amplitude movements from being transmitted to the pharmaceutical products held by the holding head.

[0042] Preferably, the rod element can be guided through a projection in an elongated hole of the compensating element. In other words, the compensating element can be connected to the rod element via an elongated hole. The elongated hole can extend in the first direction or the control direction. The first contact position can be a position in which the projection is arranged at an upper end of the elongated hole. In contrast, the second contact position can be a position in which the projection is arranged at a lower end of the elongated hole. In the second contact position, the compensating element can therefore transmit a translational movement in the first direction to the rod element. By varying the distance between the first contact position and the second contact position, a damping capacity of the compensating element can be adjusted. This can make the system less susceptible to impacts or wear.

[0043] The compensating element preferably has a preload element designed to apply a compressive force to the compensating element in the first direction. In other words, the compensating element can be preloaded by the preload element such that it is transferred into the first contact position without external influence. Thus, the preload element of the compensating element can also ensure that the control element is pressed against a control cam. In other words, two preload elements can be provided to increase the contact pressure of the control element on one of the control cams. The preload element can, for example, be a spring element.

[0044] The holding head preferably has a contact element designed to hold a pharmaceutical product. The pharmaceutical product can thus come into direct contact with the holding head. The holding head can be individually adapted to the pharmaceutical product to be turned. This ensures that the pharmaceutical product is securely held by the holding head. The old head can, for example, have a corresponding shape that can correspond to that of the pharmaceutical product. This ensures secure contact between the contact element and the pharmaceutical product.

[0045] Preferably, the contact element can be reversibly attached to the holding head. In other words, the contact element can be removed from the holding head. Thus, different contact elements can be attached to the holding head, depending on which pharmaceutical products are to be turned by the turning device. This allows a wide range of pharmaceutical products to be turned by the turning device.

[0046] Preferably, the contact element can be secured to a holding head using a clip mechanism. In other words, the contact element can be attached to and removed from the holding head without the need for tools. This makes changing the contact element particularly easy.

[0047] The holding head preferably comprises a retaining ring which can be moved between an operating position and a removal position, wherein the contact element is held on the holding head in the operating position and wherein the contact element can be removed from the holding head in a removal position. In other words, the retaining ring can be used to remove the contact element from the holding head without tools. Particularly in a case where the holding head is to be removed in a rotated position, it is advantageous that this can be done easily using the retaining ring. The retaining ring is always accessible in the same way regardless of the position about the turning axis of the holding head, whereby the contact element can also be removed in a rotated position. If, on the other hand, a screw or similar is provided to hold the contact element, this screw must be correspondingly accessible. This is not necessary with the retaining ring.

[0048] Preferably, the retaining ring is preloaded to urge it into the operating position. For example, the retaining ring may comprise a spiral spring that always urges the retaining ring into the operating position (i.e., the locking position). This can ensure that the contact element is not accidentally released during operation.

[0049] Preferably, the contact element comprises a suction cup designed to contact and suction a pharmaceutical product. The suction cup can be in contact with the vacuum feedthrough. Furthermore, the suction cup can have a shape corresponding to the pharmaceutical product, so that the pharmaceutical product can be optimally gripped by the suction cup.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for handling a pharmaceutical product is provided. The method may comprise providing a turning device according to one of the above embodiments. The method may further comprise picking up a pharmaceutical product with the holding head. The method may further comprise rotating the main body about the rotation axis so that the control element is displaced depending on one of the control cams. The method may further comprise turning the holding head about the turning axis depending on the movement of the control element. The method may further comprise dispensing the pharmaceutical product.

[0051] Preferably, the pharmaceutical product is turned 180°.

[0052] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a use of the above device in the handling of pharmaceutical products, in particular in turning the pharmaceutical products, is provided.

[0053] Features or embodiments can be combined with one another to form new embodiments. Further developments or advantages mentioned in connection with the features or embodiments also apply analogously to the new embodiments. Further developments and advantages mentioned in connection with the device also apply analogously to the method, and vice versa.

[0054] In the following, the invention is described in detail with reference to the attached figures. Fig. 1 shows a schematic and perspective view of a turning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a plan view of a turning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows in perspective and schematically a part of a turning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows in perspective and schematically a part of a turning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 shows in perspective and schematically a part of a turning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 shows a schematic and perspective view of a holding element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 shows a schematic section of a holding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 shows a plan view of a holding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a schematic and perspective view of a part of the holding element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a schematic flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Fig. 1 is a schematic and perspective view of a turning device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The turning device 1 of the present embodiment is part of a handling device for handling pharmaceutical products or articles. In one embodiment, the turning device is part of an inspection system in which pharmaceutical products are inspected. For this purpose, the pharmaceutical products must be rotated by 180°. The turning device 1 of the present embodiment is used for this purpose. The turning device 1 comprises a plurality of holding elements 6. More specifically, the present embodiment comprises 32 holding elements 6, which are arranged side by side along a lateral surface of a main body 5. The main body 5 is a cylindrical body which rotates about a rotation axis A. Dis rotatable. The individual holding elements 6 are firmly connected to the main body. In the present embodiment, the holding elements 6 are screwed to the main body. The holding elements 6 are thus detachably arranged on the main body 5. Each of the holding elements 6 is designed identically. A holding element 6 comprises a holding head 7 and a control element 8. The holding head 7 projects away from the main body 5 in a radial direction R. A pharmaceutical product can be secured to the holding head 7. In the present embodiment, the holding head 7 is designed to hold a pharmaceutical product by means of negative pressure. Furthermore, the holding head 7 is rotatable about a turning axis A W rotatable. The rotation of the holding head 7 is effected by the control element 8. The control element 8 runs on or contacts either a first control cam 3 or a second control cam 4. The control cams 3, 4 are mounted on a base element 2 (in Fig. 1 arranged under the control cams). The control elements 8 slide along a contact surface of the control cams 3, 4. Control elements 8 of adjacent holding elements 6 are in contact with different control cams 2, 3. In other words, control elements 8 of adjacent holding elements 6 are always alternately in contact with the first control cam 3 and the second control cam 4. The control cams 3, 4 differ in terms of their contour. In other words, holding heads 7 of adjacent holding elements 6 can be rotated in different ways. Differently rotated can mean that the pharmaceutical products do not perform the same rotation one after the other, but are rotated in such a way that the pharmaceutical products of adjacent holding elements 6 are not simultaneously aligned along a tangent of the main body.This prevents pharmaceutical products held on the holding head from colliding with an adjacent pharmaceutical product during rotation. In the present embodiment, the pharmaceutical products are taken over by the turning device 1 at an entry point and discharged from the turning device 1 at an exit point. Connecting the entry point and the exit point to the center of the main body 5 (i.e., to the rotation axis A) D) Both lines form an angle of substantially 120°. In other words, pharmaceutical products are guided through the turning device through an angle of 120°. While the pharmaceutical products are guided through the turning device 1, the pharmaceutical products are turned 180° around their longitudinal axis. Due to the closer arrangement of the holding elements 6 on the main body 5 compared to the prior art, 1000 pharmaceutical products can be turned per minute with the present embodiment.

[0056] Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the turning device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shown turning device 1 essentially corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 1 shown turning device. Furthermore, in Fig. 2, a radial direction R of the main body 5 is shown. Furthermore, it can be seen that the holding elements 6 are arranged obliquely on the main body 5. In other words, a turning axis A intersects W with the radial direction R of the main body at a single point. This allows for a more reliable transfer or dispensing of pharmaceutical products into or out of the turning device 1, as alignment with an upstream or downstream system is simplified.

[0057] Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic and perspective view of a portion of a turning device of the present invention. Fig. 3 schematically shows the side view of a lower part of the holding elements 6. In the foreground, the first control cam 3 can be seen. In the background, the second control cam 4 runs. The control elements 8 are alternately in contact with the first control cam 3 and the second control cam 4. In order to reduce friction between the control element 8 and the control cam 3, 4, the control element 8 has a roller 85 as a contact element at its second end 84. The contact element 85 is therefore a contact element 85 of the control element 8. As a result, the control element 8 can be easily guided through the control cam. Fig. 3, the control element 8 is not directly connected to the contact element 85. Rather, in the present embodiment, a compensating element 87 is interposed. The contact element 85 is directly connected to the compensating element 87. A translational displacement of the compensating element 87 is then passed on to the control element 8 (more precisely, to a rod element 88). The rod element 88 has a projection 881 that is guided in a long track 871 of the compensating element 87. A transmission of a translational movement to the rod element from the compensating element 87 can therefore only occur if the projection 881 is arranged at the edge of the elongated hole 871 located at the bottom in the first direction R1. In any other position of the projection 881, no translational movement can be transmitted to the rod element 88. This can provide a buffer for the translational movement.

[0058] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective and schematic representation of a holding head 7. The holding head 7 comprises a suction cup 77, which can be subjected to negative pressure. A pharmaceutical product can be held by the suction cup 77. By applying a negative pressure, a pharmaceutical product can be taken over from a preceding device and held. In the present embodiment, the negative pressure is in the range of 0.35 to 0.6 bar below atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, Fig. 4, a housing 9 of the holding element 6 is indicated. The housing 9 is provided so as to be stationary relative to the holding head 7 and the control element 8. The holding element can be secured to the main body 5 by means of the housing 9. The holding head 7 can be replaced in the present embodiment. To do so, a retaining ring 76 can simply be rotated in order to then open a clip closure 79. By rotating the retaining ring 76, the holding head can be rotated into a position such that the clip mechanism 79 is accessible. This is particularly necessary if those holding heads 7 which are already rotating are to be replaced. Because the retaining ring 76 is easily accessible in any position, the holding head 7 can be rotated so that it can be replaced without problems. In a further embodiment, the retaining ring 76 can also be directly responsible for releasing the holding head 7.By pre-tensioning it can be ensured that the retaining ring 76 always returns to an operating position.

[0059] Fig. 5 is a schematic and perspective view of a plurality of holding elements 6. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, a holding head 7 is removed. In other words, in the present embodiment, any holding head 7 can be attached to the holding element 6. In particular, this can be done quickly during a format change. In one embodiment, the changing of the holding head can be done without tools. Furthermore, in Fig. 6 shows the preload element 86, which presses the control element 8 in the first direction R1 toward the control cams 3, 4. In the present embodiment, the preload element 86 is a spring housed in the cylindrical part above the housing 9. The contact force can act directly or indirectly on the contact element 85. In the indirect action, the preload can be applied to the contact element 85 via the compensating element.

[0060] Fig. 6 is a schematic and perspective view of a holding element 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 6 shows a holding element 6 without a main body. A gear 72 is arranged in the housing 9. The gear is located on an axle 71. The holding head 7 is located at one end of the axle 71. At the other end of the axle 71, an inlet to a vacuum feedthrough 73 is arranged. In other words, a vacuum can be supplied to the holding head 7 through the axle 71. The gear 72, which is arranged on the axle 71, can interact with a toothed portion 81 of the control element 8. Through this interaction, a translational movement of the control element 8 can be translated into a rotational movement of the axle 71. To prevent over-rotation of the axle 71, the gear 72 has a gear recess portion 74. In other words, the gear can include a portion on its circumference on which no teeth are provided, so that this portion cannot interact with the toothed portion 81 of the control element 8.Thus, on the one hand, the axis 71 can be prevented from being rotated further than desired, and on the other hand, a relative position of the axis 71 relative to the control element 8 can be adjusted by displacing the gear recess portion 74 along the tooth portion 81. In other words, the control element 8 can be displaced relative to the axis 71 without the axis 71 rotating about the turning axis A. W turned.

[0061] Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view of a holding element 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control element 8 extends in the first direction R1 or the control direction R1. The toothed portion 81 cooperates with the gear 72. In Fig. 7, the gear recess section 74 is visible at the lower portion of the gear 72. Furthermore, a further preloading element 89 is arranged at the second end 84. The further preloading element 89 can press the compensating element 87 toward the control cams 3, 4. Thus, two preloading elements 86, 89 can be provided to ensure contact pressure against the control cam.

[0062] Fig. 8 is a schematic plan view of a holding element 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 6 it can be seen that a rotation axis of the contact element 85 A R relative to the turning axis A Wis inclined. This ensures that the contact element 85 is correctly guided on a control cam arranged coaxially with the main body, and that the contact element 75 of the holding head 7 can nevertheless advantageously take over the pharmaceutical product from a preceding unit and deliver it to a subsequent unit.

[0063] Fig. 9 is a schematic and perspective view of a part of a holding element 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 9 shows the gear recess section 74 of the gear 72. Furthermore, the vacuum feedthrough 73 is shown, which supplies the holding head 7 with a vacuum through the turning axis A. W Furthermore, it can be seen how the translational movement of the control element 8 in the first direction R1 is converted into a rotational movement (see arrow) around the turning axis A W can be provided around.

[0064] Fig.10 is a schematic flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step S1, a turning device 1 according to one of the above embodiments is provided. In step S2, a pharmaceutical product is received from an upstream handling unit. In particular, the pharmaceutical product can be received at an entry point. In step S3, the main body 5 is rotated about the rotation axis A D rotates, so that the control element 8 is translationally displaced depending on one of the control cams 3, 4. Through the interaction of the translational movement of the control element 8 with the gear 74, the holding head 7 can be rotated about the turning axis A W In step S4, the holding head is rotated around the turning axis A Wdepending on the movement of the control element 8. In step S5, the pharmaceutical product is dispensed again. In other words, the pharmaceutical product can be dispensed again from the turning device 1 at an output point. Preferably, the pharmaceutical product has been turned 180° around its longitudinal axis. The angular distance between the input point and the output point is 120° in the present embodiment. List of reference symbols: 1 turning device 2 Basic element 3 first control curve 4 second control curve 5 main bodies 6 Holding element 7 Holding head 8 Control 9 housings 71 Axis 72 gear 73 Vacuum feedthrough 74 Gear recess section 75 Contact element of the holding head 76 Retaining ring 77 suction cup 81 tooth section 82 Tooth section-recess section 83 first end 84 second end 85 Contact element of the control 86 Preload element 87 Compensating element 88 rod element 89 additional preload element 881 lead 871 slot R1 first direction or control direction R Radial direction A D axis of rotation A W Turning axis A R axis of rotation α Angle between turning axis and rotation axis

Claims

[1] Turning device (1) for turning pharmaceutical products, comprising: a base element (2) with a first control cam (3) and a second control cam (4) different therefrom, a main body (5) provided on the base element (2) which is pivotable relative to the base element (2) about an axis of rotation (A D ) is rotatable, a plurality of holding elements (6) fixed to the main body (5), wherein each holding element (6) has a holding head (7) and a control element (8), wherein the holding head (7) is pivoted about a turning axis (A W ) is rotatable and is designed to hold a pharmaceutical product, wherein the control element (8) is displaceable in a control direction (R1) along a movement path, wherein the control element (8) is designed to cooperate with the holding head (7) in such a way that a rotation of the holding head (7) about the turning axis (A W) depends on a displacement of the control element (8) along the movement path, wherein the control element (8) is designed and arranged to cooperate with the first control cam (3) or the second control cam (4), so that a displacement of the control element (8) on the movement path depends on the respective control cam (3, 4), wherein the holding elements (6) are designed such that the control elements (8) of adjacent holding elements (6) can each come into contact with a different control cam (3, 4). [2] Turning device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the holding elements (6) are arranged such that they are designed to cooperate alternately with the first control cam (3) and with the second control cam (4). [3] Turning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding head (7) has an axle (71) with a gear (72), wherein the control element (8) comprises a rod element (88) and a toothed portion (81) on the rod element (88), and wherein the control element (8) and the control head (7) can cooperate via the gear (72) and the toothed portion (81). [4] Turning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control element (8) is rod-shaped and has a first end (83) and a second end (84). [5] Turning device (1) according to claim 4, wherein a contact element (85) is provided at the second end (84) which is designed to contact a control cam (3). [6] Turning device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 5, wherein a biasing element (86) is provided at the first end (83) and is designed to bias the control element (8) in the first direction (R1). [7] Turning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio of rotation of the main body (5) about the rotation axis (A D ) to a turning of the holding element (6) around the turning axis (A W ) is in a range of 0.5 to 0.8, preferably in a range of 0.6 to 0.

7. [8] Turning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control element (8) has a compensating element (87), wherein the compensating element (87) is designed to come into contact with the first control cam (3) or the second control cam (4), wherein the compensating element (87) is designed to transmit a movement based on one of the control cams (3, 4) to the rod element (88) only when the movement exceeds a limit value. [9] Turning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding head (7) has a contact element (75) designed to hold a pharmaceutical product, and wherein the contact element (75) is preferably reversibly attachable to the holding head (7). [10] A method for handling a pharmaceutical product, comprising: Providing a turning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, Picking up a pharmaceutical product with the holding head (7), rotating the main body (5) around the rotation axis (A D ), so that the control element (8) is displaced depending on one of the control cams (3,4), Turning the holding head (7) around the turning axis (A W ) depending on the movement of the control element (8), Dispensing the pharmaceutical product.

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