Conveyor device for containers, especially pharmaceutical containers

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device for containers, in particular for pharmaceutical containers made of a plastic material, which may specifically be plastic bottles. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to applications with pharmaceutical packaging.

[0002] Machines for processing pharmaceutical containers frequently employ so-called "conveyor bowls," which are conveying devices for containers typically supplied via pouches. At the outlet of the conveying bowl, the containers are usually fed via a feed conveyor for the conveying device of the type described above, where they are then processed. A conveying device designed as a conveying bowl is described, for example, in the unpublished patent application DE 10 2022 118 875.4 of the same applicant.

[0003] Containers in the form of vials typically exhibit two different orientations at the outlet of the conveying hopper, without any user intervention, with the orientations of the vials being randomly distributed. For example, vials can be transported through the infeed conveyor with the neck leading or with the base leading. For further processing, however, it is desirable for the containers to have a uniform orientation. To change the orientation of the containers, conveying devices are known to be used, for example, with discs, screws, hooks, pendulums, switches, or drop chutes. These devices aim to bring a misaligned container into the correct orientation.

[0004] Pharmaceutical containers, in particular, can exhibit a high degree of variation. For example, the containers can differ in their geometry and / or material, and consequently in their center of gravity. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to process containers of different designs using a single conveying system. Furthermore, it is advantageous if processing is possible under varying influencing factors such as temperature, humidity, potential electrostatic charging of the containers due to the material, and surface finish.

[0005] DE 37 09 933 A1 describes a conveying device for, in particular, pharmaceutical containers made of a plastic material, comprising a stator device with a transfer opening for the containers which can be fed successively via a feed track in a feed direction, in particular in an unaligned manner, and a rotor device which includes a rotating body rotatable on the stator device about an axis of rotation and a drive unit for the rotating body, wherein the at least one rotating body includes at least one receptacle for a container which is aligned with the transfer opening in a transfer position, and wherein the stator device includes a discharge opening at a distance from the transfer opening, to which the container can be fed by rotation of the at least one rotating body.

[0006] JP 2004 203524 A shows a device that rotates articles with differently sized diameter sections individually and aligns them via a selection mechanism so that the smaller section always falls downwards. This ensures a uniform orientation of all articles.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a conveying device that enables improved processing of containers, particularly pharmaceutical ones.

[0008] This problem is solved by a conveying device according to the invention for, in particular, pharmaceutical containers made of a plastic material, comprising a stator device with a transfer opening for the containers, which can be fed successively via a feed track in a feed direction, in particular in an unaligned manner, and a rotor device comprising a rotating body rotatable on the stator device about an axis of rotation and a drive unit for the rotating body, wherein the at least one rotating body comprises at least one receptacle for the container which is aligned with the transfer opening in a transfer position, and wherein the stator device comprises a discharge opening at a distance from the transfer opening, to which the container can be fed by rotation of the at least one rotating body, and a guide element for the container in the direction of the discharge opening, in the form of a guide track tapering towards the discharge opening.and support elements for the container on opposite sides of the dispensing opening, wherein the guide track has a recess into which the container engages during the rotation of the at least one rotating body, and wherein the support elements are formed by an edge of the dispensing opening raised relative to the recess.

[0009] In the conveying device according to the invention, the containers to be processed, for example pharmaceutical vials made of a plastic material, are preferably fed to the transfer opening on the stator device via a feed conveyor. The vials can, for example, have a random orientation in two directions. The feed conveyor can, for example, be connected to an outlet of a conveying bowl. Depending on their design, the containers can, for example, be fed "in a build-up," whereby subsequent containers push a preceding container in the feed conveyor and / or into the transfer opening. The containers can be conveyed one after the other from the transfer opening to the discharge opening by means of the at least one rotating element. If the at least one receiving element aligns with the transfer opening, the container can enter the receiving element.In this context, "alignment" can be understood to mean, in particular, a relative arrangement of the transfer opening and the receiving area such that the container can move transversely to its longitudinal direction from the transfer opening into the receiving area, with the receiving area being located, for example, below the transfer opening. The guide element directs the container towards the dispensing opening so that, with the receiving area aligned with the dispensing opening, it can assume the desired position. "Alignment" can also refer, in particular, to a relative arrangement of the receiving area and the dispensing opening such that the container can move from the receiving area into the dispensing opening, with the receiving area being located, for example, above the dispensing opening. Particularly in the case of vials, for instance, a neck section on one of the attachment elements may rest against the dispensing opening, depending on the initial orientation.In particular, a tilting moment can act on the container, so that it can consequently be dispensed through the dispensing opening with the bottom first and thus in the correct intended orientation.

[0010] According to the invention, the guide element is a guide track that tapers towards the dispensing opening and thereby guides the container.

[0011] One axis of the at least one receiving device is preferably aligned parallel to the axis of rotation of the at least one rotating body and / or parallel to the alignment of the transfer opening, which is preferably aligned with the feed direction.

[0012] The discharge opening preferably has a smaller opening cross-section than the transfer opening.

[0013] Perpendicular to the transfer direction into the at least one intake, the transfer opening has, for example, an elongated cross-section. Perpendicular to the transfer direction from the at least one intake to the discharge opening, the discharge opening has, for example, a more rectangular cross-section.

[0014] The guide element can, for example, be or comprise a cam guide. An edge of the guide track can, for instance, form a cam for the container, against which the container rests and is guided towards the dispensing opening.

[0015] The guide element, in particular the guide track, is preferably arranged along an inner circumferential surface of a receiving opening of the stator assembly that accommodates the at least one rotating body. The container can, for example, rest against the stator assembly while it is positioned in the receiving opening during the rotation of the rotating body.

[0016] The guide element can, for example, extend from the transfer opening.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, the guide element can extend to the dispensing opening.

[0018] The guide element, in particular the guide track, advantageously has a continuous taper, at least in sections. Abrupt tapers in the guide element, which could lead to the container tilting, can thus be avoided.

[0019] It may be provided that the guide element, in particular the guide track, only has a tapering in sections along its length.

[0020] The taper can be conical, for example.

[0021] Preferably, the guide track tapers on two sides opposite each other along the axis of rotation, for example in a V-shape.

[0022] The system components are positioned opposite each other, for example, parallel to the feed direction.

[0023] It may be stipulated, in particular, that the orientation of the container is not changed during transport in the at least one receiving area from the transfer opening to the discharge opening. For example, the container is oriented in the feed direction at the transfer opening and enters the at least one receiving area in this orientation, maintaining this orientation until reaching the discharge opening.

[0024] The guide track has a recess into which the container engages during the rotation of the at least one rotating body, with the contact elements being formed by a raised rim of the dispensing opening relative to the recess. For example, a neck section of a container can rest on the rim, causing the container to tip into the dispensing opening or assisting the tipping motion.

[0025] The transfer opening is advantageously located above the discharge opening in a vertical direction. In particular, the transfer opening can be located directly above the discharge opening in the direction of gravity.

[0026] The angular distance between the transfer opening and the discharge opening, relative to the axis of rotation, can be, for example, 180°, particularly in the last-mentioned advantageous embodiment.

[0027] It is advantageous if the container moves under the influence of gravity from the transfer opening into the at least one receiving point and / or from the at least one receiving point into the discharge opening.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is beneficial if the at least one rotating body is a cylinder or comprises a cylinder, wherein a container arranged in the transfer opening rests against a shell of the cylinder until the at least one receptacle is aligned with the transfer opening. This allows for a structurally simple design of the conveying device. The shell of the cylinder can retain the container in the transfer opening. Only when the receptacle is aligned with the transfer opening does the container enter the receptacle, preferably by falling under the influence of gravity.

[0029] In the embodiment mentioned above, the rotating body can also be considered cylindrical, at least in sections.

[0030] The cylinder is, for example, a vertical circular cylinder.

[0031] The conveying device preferably includes a drop chute for the container, connected to the discharge opening. The container can fall through the drop chute under the influence of gravity, thus simplifying its conveyance for further processing. The drop chute is formed, for example, by a pipe or a hollow profile.

[0032] The drop shaft can be formed, at least in sections, by the stator assembly.

[0033] The at least one rotating body advantageously includes two or more receptacles, thereby enabling an increased number of containers to be processed by the conveying device.

[0034] The recordings can advantageously have equal angular distances from each other in the circumferential direction of the axis of rotation.

[0035] As explained at the beginning, one possibility is that the containers are fed "in a queue", whereby a leading container can be pushed into the transfer opening by following containers.

[0036] It can be advantageous if the transfer opening is a through-opening of the stator assembly and if the conveying device includes a stop element coupled to the at least one rotating body, whereby a fed container can be moved in the transfer opening until it makes contact with the stop element. The container is pushed into the transfer opening by means of the back pressure exerted on it, for example, until it contacts the stop element.

[0037] Preferably, the stop element retracts relative to the transfer opening during the rotation of the at least one rotating body. This allows the container sufficient clearance within the transfer opening to enter the receptacle aligned with the transfer opening, for example, under the influence of gravity. A subsequent container can be retained, for example, by means of a locking element as explained below.

[0038] In this case, the "retraction" can occur particularly as a result of the shape or contour of the stop element, which, during rotation, can move away from the transfer opening in sections in order to allow further movement of the container.

[0039] Alternatively, the "retraction" can be achieved, for example, by actively moving the stop element away from the transfer opening using a drive element.

[0040] In another embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that, as the stop element recedes, the container can be moved further in the feed direction into the transfer opening under the thrust of a following container until it reaches the receptacle aligned with the transfer opening. Subsequent containers can move the leading container further in the feed direction until the at least one receptacle is aligned with the transfer opening and can receive the container.

[0041] The stop element can, for example, be connected to or formed by the at least one rotating body.

[0042] For example, the stop element is a disc element that projects radially beyond the at least one rotating body with respect to the axis of rotation and covers the transfer opening. For example, if the rotating body is arranged in the aforementioned receiving opening, the disc element can be arranged outside the receiving opening and project radially beyond the rotating body. The disc element is, for example, fixed to an end face of the rotating body.

[0043] The stop element can, for example, have a height profile with a rising flank and a falling flank in the direction of the stator assembly. The at least one receptacle preferably aligns with the transfer opening when the height profile is positioned at a transition area from the falling flank to the rising flank, or at the falling flank itself, at the transfer opening. When the height profile is moved past the transfer opening by rotation of the rotating body, the stop element can, as explained above, retract due to the rotation, thereby creating clearance for the container within the transfer opening, allowing the container, for example, to fall into the receptacle if it is aligned with the transfer opening.

[0044] On the rising flank, at a transition area between the rising flank and the falling flank, and on the falling flank near the latter transition area, the distance of the height profile from the transfer opening is smaller, so that the container can initially hit the surface and be blocked against further movement into the transfer opening.

[0045] The height profile is, for example, arranged or formed radially on an outer edge of the aforementioned disc element.

[0046] The conveying device preferably includes a locking element which, in a locking position, can fix a subsequent container in the transfer opening or on the feed side of the transfer opening when the container enters the at least one receptacle, and which releases subsequent containers for further movement into the transfer opening in a release position, wherein the locking element can be moved from the locking position to the release position and / or vice versa by means of a drive unit. For example, in the case of containers being fed towards a build-up, a subsequent container can be fixed by means of the locking element to hold it back when the leading container enters the receptacle aligned with the transfer opening. Upon release via the locking element, the subsequent container can proceed further into the transfer opening and be subsequently processed.For example, as explained above, play can be given to the leading container via the retracting stop element.

[0047] The conveying device can, for example, include a control unit that synchronizes the drive unit for the at least one rotating body and the drive unit for the locking element. This ensures that the operating cycles of the at least one rotating body and the locking element are coordinated so that the containers can be processed reliably.

[0048] For example, it is envisaged that a sensor device, such as an optical one, can detect when the container is in contact with the stop element. If this is the case, the drive unit can be activated to move the locking element into the fixing position and secure the next container. The first container can then be given sufficient clearance to be transferred into the receiving area.

[0049] When the locking element assumes the fixing position, in a preferred embodiment the receptacle is not yet aligned with the transfer opening, but only, for example, after rotation of the rotating body around the axis of rotation for a predetermined or predeterminable angle of rotation.

[0050] For the locking element, for example, a pneumatically designed drive unit can be used, which actuates a coupling element (for example, a plunger or lever) that is coupled to the locking element in order to move it from the locking position to the release position and / or vice versa.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking element can, for example, be a clamping element by which the subsequent container can be clamped to an edge of the transfer opening.

[0052] The drive unit for the at least one rotating body can, for example, be or comprise an electric drive unit. For instance, a stepper motor or servo motor is used, whose drive force can be transmitted directly or indirectly, for example via a gearbox, to the at least one rotating body.

[0053] As mentioned, the conveying device according to the invention comprises at least one rotating body, and a plurality of rotating bodies may be provided.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the conveying device comprises two or more rotating bodies, transfer openings, discharge openings, and guide elements (preferably optionally disc elements and / or locking elements), with each rotating body being assigned a transfer opening, a discharge opening, and a guide element. This allows an increased number of containers to be processed by the conveying device. The containers can, for example, be fed via parallel feed tracks and processed side by side, above each other, or below each other. Preferably, the rotating bodies can have the same operating cycle and / or be operated synchronously.

[0055] It is advantageous if the rotating bodies can be driven together by a single drive unit. This eliminates the need for separate drive units. For example, one drive unit can drive a gearbox that is operatively connected to two or more rotating bodies.

[0056] The conveying device can include a stator assembly, which forms the transfer openings, discharge openings, and guide elements, and which is used together with the two or more rotating bodies. Separate stator assemblies can thus be eliminated, for example.

[0057] It is advantageous if the conveying device comprises several format sets that differ in their container-specific properties, with each format set including at least one of the following: stator assembly, rotating body, stop element, or locking element. The format sets offer a structurally simple way to adapt the conveying device to different containers being processed. For example, the conveying device can be relatively easily reconfigured by using different format parts for the stator assembly, rotating body, and stop element. This results in a high degree of versatility for the conveying device.

[0058] For a preferably simple design, it may be advantageous if the stator assembly comprises two stator parts that are directly or indirectly connected to each other in a service position and, in particular, are detachably connected to each other, and which together form the transfer opening, a receiving opening for the at least one rotating body and the discharge opening.

[0059] The stator components can, for example, be designed in a plate-like form, at least in sections, and in the operating position, preferably rest planarly against each other via their respective contact surfaces. A normal to the contact surfaces is, for example, aligned along the feed direction.

[0060] It can be advantageous if the conveying device includes a holding device and at least one holding element connected to or formed by the holding device, wherein the at least one holding element is connected to a first stator element positioned at a distance from the holding device, and a second stator element is arranged between the holding device and the first stator element and includes at least one through-opening through which the at least one holding element extends. This offers, for example, the possibility of fixing the second stator element to the at least one holding element and thus to the holding device via the first stator element.

[0061] The holding device can, for example, be connected to a substructure or frame for the conveying device.

[0062] The first stator section is preferably detachably fixed to the at least one retaining part. Advantageously, corresponding magnetic elements are provided on the first stator section and on the at least one retaining part to enable pharmaceutically clean and user-friendly handling of the conveying device from a cleaning perspective.

[0063] The second stator part is preferably free from any connection with the holding device and is fixed to it via the first stator part.

[0064] At least one retaining element can engage the at least one through-hole on the second stator part, for example with some play, thereby allowing movement of the second stator part relative to the first stator part and / or to the retaining device in the operating position of the stator parts relative to each other. This allows, at least partially, a kind of floating bearing for the second stator part. In practice, this has been shown to promote tilt-free operation of the conveying device. If, for example, the stator parts jointly form the transfer opening, the discharge opening, and / or the receiving opening for the rotating body, the second stator part can be moved slightly within the existing play if tilting occurs or is imminent, thus preventing or eliminating the tilting.

[0065] Two or more retaining parts may be provided.

[0066] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining element can, for example, be pin-shaped and extend through the through-opening. At least one magnetic element can be provided on the end face for interaction with a corresponding magnetic element of the first stator part.

[0067] The first and second stator parts can, for example, engage with each other, with a projection on the first stator part engaging in a receptacle of the second stator part, or vice versa. This engagement may involve some play. Similarly, the retaining element may extend through the through-hole with some play. The retaining element may be a single piece or comprise multiple parts.

[0068] It is advantageous if the stator assembly and / or the at least one rotating body can be sterilized non-destructively and / or washed non-destructively using a cleaning fluid, especially water. This results in advantageous cleaning behavior for the conveying device.

[0069] The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, in conjunction with the drawing, serves to explain the invention in more detail. The drawing shows: Figure 1 : a schematic representation of a machine for processing containers, particularly pharmaceutical ones, which includes a conveying device according to the invention in a preferred embodiment; Figure 2 : a partial representation of the conveying device from Figure 1 in a perspective exploded view; Figure 3 : an enlarged representation of two stator parts of the conveyor device in a perspective exploded view; Figure 4: a perspective view of a disc-shaped stop element of the conveyor device; Figure 5 : a front view of the conveying device at an initial point in time during the processing of the containers; Figure 6 : a sectional view along line 6-6 in Figure 5 ; Figure 7 : a representation accordingly Figure 6 at a later point in time during the processing of the containers; Figure 8 : a representation accordingly Figure 7 excluding a rotating body of the conveying device; Figure 9 : a representation at a later point in time during the processing of the containers, again with the rotating body hidden; Figure 10 : a front view of the conveying device at a later point during the processing of the containers, with a disc-shaped stop element hidden; Figure 11 : a sectional view along line 11-11 in Figure 10 , where the stop element is shown; Figure 12 : a representation accordingly Figure 11 at a later point in time during the processing of the containers; Figure 13 : a sectional view along line 13-13 in Figure 5 ; and Figure 14 : an enlarged view of magnetic elements of the conveyor device.

[0070] The following section, with reference to the drawing, describes an advantageous embodiment of the conveying device according to the invention, designated in its entirety by reference numeral 100. In this case, the conveying device 100 is used for conveying containers 102. In this exemplary embodiment, the containers 102 are pharmaceutical containers 102, in particular vials 104, which are made, for example, of a plastic material. The vials 104 have a body section 106 and a neck section 108.

[0071] Figure 1Figure 1 shows the conveying device 100 as part of a machine 110 for processing the containers, wherein the machine 110 comprises at least one processing station 112.

[0072] The conveying device 110 is arranged downstream in the processing direction of a further conveying device 114, which includes a so-called conveying pot 116.

[0073] At least one feed lane 118 connects to the outlet side of the conveying bowl. Containers 102 are typically introduced into the conveying bowl 116 via bags and transferred from there to the feed lane 118. The containers 102 can have two opposing orientations. On the one hand, as shown in the drawing, a bottom 120 of the container 102 can be the guiding side. On the other hand, as is only shown here in the drawing, the bottom 120 of the container 102 can be the guiding side. Figure 11 schematically shown, the neck section 108 of the container 102 is arranged in a leading position.

[0074] As explained in detail below, the conveying device 100 comprises a stator assembly 122, a rotor assembly 124, and a holding device 126. The holding device 126 serves, for example, to fix the conveying device 100 to a substructure or frame of the machine 110 and, in particular, to hold the stator assembly 122 and the rotor assembly 124.

[0075] The rotor device 124 comprises at least one rotating body 128, a drive unit 130 for the rotating body 128 and a stop element 132.

[0076] In the present case, the conveying device 100 is advantageously designed with two stages. This makes it possible to simultaneously process containers 102, which are fed from the conveying pot 116 via two feed tracks 118.

[0077] For processing, the conveying device 100 therefore comprises more than one rotary body 128, in particular two rotary bodies 128 for double-digit operation.

[0078] The operating principle of the rotating bodies 128 and the corresponding components of the stator assembly 122 is identical, so the following discussion will focus solely on the operation of one rotating body 128 together with the stator assembly 122. The explanations provided apply analogously to the other rotating body 128.

[0079] The stator assembly 122 is designed in such a way that it accommodates both rotating bodies 128 and no separate stator assemblies 122 need to be provided.

[0080] In the conveyor device 100, it is advantageous that the drive unit 130 is assigned to both rotating bodies 128. This avoids the need for separate drive units 130 for the rotating bodies 128.

[0081] The drive unit 130, for example, is electrically designed and includes a servo motor or stepper motor 134. The motor 134 can be connected to the respective rotating body 128 via a Figure 1 The schematically represented gear unit 136 is in operative connection to drive the respective rotating body 128 about a rotary axis 138.

[0082] For example, a belt drive 136 is used, which can be held directly or indirectly on the holding device 126. Drive elements that are operatively connected to the rotating bodies 128 can be driven together via a belt to drive the rotating bodies 128. The rotating bodies 128 can rotate in the same or opposite directions. A different type of drive can also be used instead of the belt drive 126.

[0083] For example, the drive motor is arranged in a base of the machine 110. The gearbox 136 can, for example, be positioned below the feed tracks 118.

[0084] As can be seen particularly from the Figures 2 and 3 As can be seen, the stator assembly 122 forms a housing 140 for the rotating body 128. It forms a receiving opening 142, the axis of which is aligned with the axis of rotation 138. The rotating body 128 is inserted into the receiving opening 142. In this case, the rotating body 128 projects beyond the stator assembly 122 on its rear side facing the gearbox 136. The rotating body 128 also projects beyond the stator assembly 122 in the opposite forward direction.

[0085] At least within the section arranged in the receiving opening 142, the rotating body 128 is preferably designed as a cylinder 144 whose axis is aligned with the axis of rotation 138. The cylinder 144 comprises a shell 146 on its outer circumference and an end face 148 at the front.

[0086] The rotating body 128 is dimensioned such that the cylinder 144 is positively engaged in the receiving opening 142, but can be rotated about the axis of rotation 138 under the action of the drive unit 130. The cylinder 144 moves along an inner circumferential surface 150. An arrow 152 indicates the direction of rotation of the rotating body 128. It is possible for the direction of rotation 152 to be in the opposite direction or even reversible.

[0087] The rotating body 128 has at least one receptacle 154 for a container 102 on the cylinder 144. In this case, two receptacles 154 are provided, which are diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the axis of rotation 138.

[0088] The receptacles 154 are formed as groove-shaped recesses 156, open at the front towards the end face 148. An axis 158 of the receptacle 154 is aligned parallel to the axis of rotation 138. The receptacle 154 is also open on the rear side of the cylinder 144, facing away from the end face 148.

[0089] Towards the gearbox 136, a mounting section 160 is attached to the cylinder 144, which is coupled to the gearbox 136.

[0090] The rotor device 124 further comprises the stop element 132 assigned to each rotating body 128. In this case, the stop element 132 is a disk element 162, which is preferably detachably fixed to the end face 148.

[0091] In a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation 138, the disk element 162 projects beyond the cylinder 144. Facing the stator assembly 122, the disk element 162 has a stop section 164 on its radial outer side.

[0092] As can be seen particularly from the Figures 4 As can be seen from Figures 6 to 9, 11 and 12, the stop section 164 is not planar. Instead, the stop section 164 has a height profile 166 that changes in the axial direction. As a result of the height profile 166, the stop section 164 can retract relative to the transfer opening 176 when the rotating body 128 rotates.

[0093] In the present example, the elevation profile 166 comprises at least one rising flank 168 and at least one falling flank 170 in the direction of rotation 152. In the present case, corresponding to the number of images 154, there are two rising flanks 168 and two falling flanks 170, each opposite each other.

[0094] While flank 168 rises relatively steeply in this case, flank 170 falls relatively gently in contrast.

[0095] Between the flanks 168 and 170 there is a transition area 172 of the stop section 164. At the transition area 172, the disc element 162 is aligned, for example, with a middle section 174 of the disc element 162 facing the end face 148.

[0096] For example, the disk element 162 is arranged on the rotating body 128 such that the receptacle 154 is adjacent to the transition area 172 or the flank 170, particularly near the transition area 172, in the axial direction.

[0097] The disk element 162 is rotationally fixed to the rotating body 128. When the rotating body 128 rotates, the stop section 164 retracts relative to the stator assembly 122 at the sloping flank 170 and at the transition area 172. With further rotation, the stop section 164 moves forward along the rising flank 168 towards the stator assembly 122. It is understood that this retraction and advancement are caused by the height profile 166, whereas the stop element 162 itself maintains its distance relative to the stator assembly 122.

[0098] The stator assembly 122 comprises a transfer opening 176 and a discharge opening 178, each associated with a rotating body. The transfer opening 176 and the discharge opening 178 are diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the axis of rotation 138. In this case, the transfer opening 176 is arranged vertically above the discharge opening 178, in particular directly above it in the direction of gravity 180.

[0099] Position and orientation information refers here to the intended use of the conveying device 100.

[0100] The transfer opening 178 extends as a through-opening through the stator assembly 122 and is open, in particular, at the front facing the stop section 164. The feed track 118 is arranged on the opposite rear side. The containers 102 can be fed via the feed track 118 in a feed direction 182 parallel to the axis of rotation 138 ( Figure 6 ).

[0101] One axis of the transfer opening 176 is aligned parallel to the axis of the receiving 154 and to the axis of rotation 138.

[0102] In its intended use, it can be particularly advantageous if the containers 102 are fed "in a stall," whereby a leading container 102 is pushed by subsequent containers 102. Accordingly, a back pressure exists in the chain of successive containers 102.

[0103] In the present case, the transfer opening 176 is advantageously dimensioned such that a first container 102 can fit in the transfer opening 176 and a second container 102 can fit up to a section with the largest diameter ( Figure 6 ) in order to be fixed with a locking element 184.

[0104] At the transfer opening 176, the conveying device 100 includes the locking element 184. In this case, the locking element 184 is a clamping element 186 that can be brought into contact with the container 102 to clamp it against an edge of the transfer opening 176. For this purpose, a recess 190 is arranged laterally on the stator assembly 122, into which the locking element 184 engages ( Figure 2 , wherein the locking element 184 is arranged at a distance from the stator assembly 122 in the exploded view).

[0105] A drive unit 192 is assigned to the locking element 184, which is located in Figure 1 The diagram is shown schematically. In the present case, the drive unit 192 comprises a pneumatic drive 193 which acts on a coupling element 194. The coupling element 194 is, for example, a movable plunger or lever to which the locking element 184 is attached.

[0106] The locking element 184 can be moved into a release position by means of the drive unit 192. In the release position, the container 102 is released and can be further inserted into the unobstructed transfer opening 176 in front of it. From the release position, the locking element 184 can be moved into a locking position, in which the container 102 is clamped in place.

[0107] Advantageously, the drive units 130 for the rotary body 128 and 192 for the locking element 184 are synchronized with each other. For this purpose, the conveying device 100 can include a control unit 196.

[0108] It may be provided that the two locking elements 184 can be actuated by means of a common drive unit 192 or that separate drive units 192 are provided.

[0109] The discharge opening 178 is located on the underside of the stator assembly 122. The cross-section of the discharge opening 178, perpendicular to the transfer direction to the receiving 154, is smaller than that of the transfer opening 176. If the transfer opening 176 is longitudinally elongated, the discharge opening 178 has an approximately rectangular cross-section.

[0110] Two system elements 198 are positioned opposite each other with respect to the discharge opening 178, in this case parallel to the feed direction 182 and thus along the axis 158 of the receiving 154 (see, for example, Figures 3 and 11 ).

[0111] A drop shaft 200 extends downwards from the discharge opening 178, initially forming part of the stator assembly 122 itself. A support element 202, in this case in the form of a tube 204, is connected to the underside of the stator assembly 122, continuing the drop shaft 200. The containers 102 can pass through the discharge opening 178 into the drop shaft 200 and are conveyed via this shaft to further processing.

[0112] As can be seen particularly from the Figures 3 , 8 and 9 As can be seen, the stator assembly 122 has a guide element 206 for the transported containers 102. The guide element 206 is designed in this case as a guide track 208, which is arranged along the inner circumferential surface 150 of the receiving opening 142.

[0113] The guide track 208 forms a cam 210 and has a recess 212 with a corresponding edge 214. The edges 214 are opposite each other and define the recess 212 in the axial direction.

[0114] In the area of ​​the depression 212, the radius of the receiving aperture 142 is larger than at the edge 214.

[0115] The guide track 208 includes a tapering section 216 towards the discharge opening 178. The edge 214, which protrudes relative to the recess 212, forms the installation element 198 in the area of ​​the discharge opening 178.

[0116] The guide track 208 extends essentially over the entire length from the transfer opening 176 to the discharge opening 178, in the present example with the exception of a section 218 adjacent to the transfer opening 176 on the inner circumferential surface 150.

[0117] Section 218 has approximately the same radial extent as the receptacle 154. For example, the radius of the receiving opening 142 on section 218 can be larger than that of the recess 212 to facilitate the insertion of the container 102 into the receptacle 154 by providing clearance.

[0118] The tapering section 216 is formed continuously following section 218 up to the discharge opening 178.

[0119] The tapering 216 towards the transfer opening 176 can be designed differently and enables the guidance of the container 102. In the present example, the tapering 216 occurs along the axis of rotation 138 on both sides, essentially in a V-shape.

[0120] Alternatively, it may be provided that only a one-sided tapering 216 is provided along the axis of rotation 138, which is arranged facing forward (towards the stop element 132) or backward (away from the stop element 132).

[0121] The following explains the operation of the conveyor device 100.

[0122] The containers 102, fed into the reservoir, travel from the conveying pot 116 via the feeder track to the transfer opening 176. A leading container 102 (right in Figure 6 The container 102 can thus reach the stop section 164 under the thrust of the following container 102. The stop section 164 covers the transfer opening 176. The container 102 strikes, for example, at a transition area between the rising flank 168 and the falling flank 170, or at the falling flank 170 itself, for example near the latter transition area.

[0123] The rotational position of the rotating body 128 is set so that the jacket 146 supports the container 102 from below until it can subsequently enter the receptacle 154.

[0124] Due to the rotation of the rotating body 128, the stop section 164 retracts from the transfer opening 176 as explained above, thus providing clearance for the container 102. The height profile 166 is located at the transition area 172 or, near the transition area 172, on the sloping flank 170 at the transfer opening 176. When the receptacle 154 is aligned with the transfer opening 176, the container 102 can fall into the receptacle 154 under the influence of gravity and due to the clearance within the transfer opening 176. Figures 7 and 8 ).

[0125] The locking element 184 is preferably moved into the fixing position beforehand in order to clamp the subsequent container 102 in place when the first container 102 abuts the stop section 164. This prevents the second container 102 from further impacting the first container 102, and the first container 102 can then be given clearance by rotating the stop element 132.

[0126] The Figures 7 and 8 show the same point in time while excluding the rotating body 128, so that the view of the guide track 208 with the tapering 216 is revealed due to the course of the edges 214.

[0127] Subsequent rotation of the rotating body 128 moves the container 102 along the inner circumferential surface 150 in the receptacle 154. In doing so, the container 102 engages in the recess 212 of the guide track 208 and comes into contact with the edge 214.

[0128] Container 102 is centered via the guide track 208 and guided towards the discharge opening 178. This is exemplified in Figure 9 shown, wherein the container 102 contacts the edge 214 with the bottom 120 and is thereby axially displaced while being carried in the receptacle 154.

[0129] The Figure 9 represents a point in time at which the recording 154 is rotated by essentially 90° with respect to the transfer opening 176.

[0130] At this point, another container 102 has already been fed in via the feeder track 118. The second container 102 has meanwhile been released again via the locking element 184 and can be pushed into the transfer opening 176 under the back pressure of the following containers 102.

[0131] As the rotating body 128 continues to rotate, the container 102 is guided further towards the discharge opening 178. To the Figures 10 and 11 At the time shown, the rotating body 128 has completed a 180° rotation since receiving the first container 102. The first container 102 reaches the discharge opening 178. The neck section 108 can contact one of the system elements 198. This causes a tilting moment to act on the container 102, which can cause it to tip downwards along with the belly section 106. The tilted container 102, with the belly section 106 leading, falls under the influence of gravity into the drop shaft 200. Figure 12 ).

[0132] Figure 11 further shows how the second container 102 is in one of the Figure 7 The third container 102 has been moved from the transfer opening 176 into the receiving chamber 154 under the influence of gravity. Prior to this, the third container 102 is clamped to the edge of the transfer opening 176 by means of the locking element 184.

[0133] Contrary to the representation according to the Figures 7 and 8 Is the second container 102 compared to the first container 102 in the Figures 7 and 8 axially displaced in the receptacle 154. This results in the present case from the fact that the respective container 102 is arranged with play in the transfer opening 176, so that a different axial position can result depending on the load when falling into the receptacle 154.

[0134] It proves advantageous that the guide track 208 allows the containers 102 to be centered relative to the discharge opening 178. This centering is independent of the orientation of the containers 102. So far, the case has been considered in which the container 102 is transported with its base 120 leading and the neck section 108 contacts the support element 198 on the side facing away from the stop element 132 ( Figure 11 , left).

[0135] Even if the container 102 is oriented differently, the neck section 108 can contact a contact element 198, in this case the contact element 198 facing the stop element 132 ( Figure 11 , on the right with thinner contour 220 of the container 102).

[0136] Thus, regardless of the orientation of the containers 102, it is possible via the conveying device 100 to decouple them in the correct target position via the drop shaft 200, namely in an upright orientation.

[0137] The following section will discuss the design, in particular of the stator assembly 122.

[0138] As can be seen particularly from the Figures 2 , 3 and 13 As becomes clear, the stator assembly 122 comprises a first stator part 222 and a second stator part 224. The stator parts 222, 224 are each essentially plate-shaped and can lie planarly against each other via mutually facing contact surfaces 226 to form the housing 140.

[0139] The receiving opening 142 and the openings 176, 178 are each formed by half of the stator parts 222, 224. The same applies to the drop shafts 200 ( Figures 2 and 3 ).

[0140] In the present case, the stator part 222 is held on the holding device 126. As can be seen, for example, from the Figures 2 and 13 As can be seen, the conveying device 100 comprises two holding parts 228 connected to the holding device 126.

[0141] The respective holding part 228 in the present example is in two parts and comprises a sleeve element 230 and a pin element 232. The sleeve element 230 is fixed to the edge of a receptacle 234 of the holding device 126 and surrounds the pin element 232 which engages in the receptacle 234.

[0142] Due to the two-part design of the retaining part 228, it is possible to design only the sleeve element 230 in accordance with pharmaceutical standards, whereas the pin element 232 does not need to be, because it is completely surrounded and sealed off by the sleeve element 230.

[0143] In an alternative embodiment, the retaining part 228 can be designed as a single piece.

[0144] The elements 230, 232 pass through a through-opening 236 on the second stator part 224 and protrude towards the first stator part 222.

[0145] The first stator section 222 comprises a plurality of magnetic elements 238, which are arranged in their associated receptacles on the side facing the stator section 224. A cover element 240, for example in the form of a disc, covers the magnetic elements 238. The cover element is connected to the stator section 222, for example by screws.

[0146] On its end face, the pin element 232 includes corresponding magnetic elements 242, which can interact with the magnetic elements 238. Figure 14Figure 1 shows the magnetic elements 242 in an end-face view of the pin element 232, which are preferably encapsulated within it, in particular potted or covered by a cover element. A plurality of magnetic elements 242 are arranged across the end face of the pin element 232.

[0147] The use of magnetic elements 238, 242 enables a pharmaceutically compliant implementation of the conveying device 100 with good cleaning properties. Instead of the magnetic connection of the stator parts 222, 224 to each other, a different type of connection can be provided, either directly or via the retaining part 228.

[0148] Furthermore, a ring-shaped projection 244 is arranged on the stator part 222, which engages in a corresponding recess 246 on the stator part 224. The projection 244 surrounds the sleeve element 230.

[0149] The end face of the pin element 232 is flush with the contact surface 226 of the stator part 224. In the operating position, the stator part 222 is detachably connected to the pin element 232 and rests flush against the stator part 224 via the contact surfaces 226, which in turn is held by the sleeve element 230 and the pin element 232. Axial displacement is prevented by the stator part 222.

[0150] In the present case, two elements 230, 232, two through openings 236 and two projections 244 with two recesses 246 and corresponding magnetic elements 238, 242 are provided ( Figure 13 In this arrangement of components, the retaining part 228 is positioned with play within the through-opening 236, in this case the upper one. This play allows movement of the stator part 224 relative to the stator part 222, even in the operating position. This proves advantageous in preventing the containers 102 from tilting.

[0151] In the event of jamming, the stator part 222 can be released by overcoming the magnetic force. This also offers the advantage that, due to the respective division of the openings 142, 176, and 178, both stator parts 22, 224 can be accessed easily, as can any jammed containers 102 located therein.

[0152] The conveying device 100 comprises a plurality of format sets 248 ( Figure 1 Each format set comprises a stator assembly 122, a rotary body 128, a stop element 132, and / or a locking element 184. The format components of a format set are container-specific and can be exchanged for the format components of another format set 248. This allows the conveying device 100 to be used with containers 102 of different designs in a simple and user-friendly manner. Reference symbol list

[0153] 100 Conveyor device 102 Container 104 Bottle 106 Belly section 108 Neck section 110 Machine 112 Processing station 114 Conveyor device 116 Conveyor pot 118 Feed track 120 Bottom 122 Stator assembly 124 Rotor assembly 126 Holding device 128 Rotating body 130 Drive unit 132 Stop element 134 Motor 136 Gearbox 138 Shaft of rotation 140 Housing 142 Receipt opening 144 Cylinder 146 Shell 148 End face 150 Inner circumferential surface 152 Direction of rotation 154 Receipt 156 Recess 158 Shaft 160 Mounting section 162 Disc element 164 Stop section 166 Height profile 168 Ascending Flank 170 sloping flank 172 transition area 174 middle section 176 transfer opening 178 discharge opening 180 gravity 182 feed direction 184 locking element 186 clamping element 190 recess 192 drive unit 193 drive 194 coupling element 196 control device 198 system element 200 drop shaft 202 support element 204 pipe 206 guide element 208 guide track 210 cam 212 recess 214 edge 216 taper 218 section 220 contour 222224 Stator part 226 Mounting surface 228 Retaining part 230 Sleeve element 232 Pin element 234 Receptacle 236 Through opening 238 Magnet element 240 Cover element 242 Magnet element 244 Projection 246 Recess 248 Format set

Claims

1. A conveying apparatus (100) for in particular pharmaceutical containers (102) made of a plastic material, comprising a stator device (122) having a transfer opening (176) for the containers (102), which are successively feedable via a feed track (118) in a feed direction (182), in particular in an unaligned manner, and comprising a rotor device (124), which comprises a rotating body (128), rotatable about an axis of rotation (138) on the stator device (122), and a drive unit (130) for the rotating body (128), wherein the at least one rotating body (128) comprises at least one receptacle (154) for a container (102), which receptacle aligns with the transfer opening (176) in a transfer position, and wherein the stator device (122) comprises a dispensing opening (178) at a distance from the transfer opening (176), to which dispensing opening the container (102) is feedable by rotation of the at least one rotating body (128), a guide element (206) for the container (102) in the direction of the dispensing opening (178), in the shape of a guide track (208) that tapers in the direction of the dispensing opening (178), and support elements (198) for the container (102) on opposite sides of the dispensing opening (178), wherein the guide track (208) has a depression (212) in which the container (102) engages during the rotation of the at least one rotating body (128), and wherein the support elements (198) are formed by an edge of the dispensing opening (178), which edge is raised relative to the depression (212).

2. The conveying apparatus (100) in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: - an axis (158) of the at least one receptacle (154) is aligned in parallel with the axis of rotation (138) of the at least one rotating body (128) and / or in parallel with the alignment of the transfer opening (176); - the guide element (206) is arranged along an inner circumferential surface (150) of a receiving opening (142) of the stator device (122) receiving the at least one rotating body (128); - the guide element (206) extends from the transfer opening (176) and / or the guide element (206) extends to the dispensing opening (178); - the guide track (208) has, at least in sections, a continuous taper (216).

3. The conveying apparatus (100) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: - an orientation of the container (102) is unchanged during transport in the at least one receptacle (154) from the transfer opening (176) to the dispensing opening (178); - the transfer opening (176) is arranged above the dispensing opening (178) in relation to a height direction, wherein the transfer opening (176) is in particular arranged directly above the dispensing opening (178) in the direction of gravity; - the at least one rotating body (128) is a cylinder (144) or comprises a cylinder (144), wherein a container (102) arranged in the transfer opening (176) abuts a lateral surface (146) of the cylinder (144) until the at least one receptacle (154) aligns with the transfer opening (176); - the conveying apparatus (100) comprises a drop shaft (200) for the container (102), which drop shaft (200) adjoins the dispensing opening (178) and is formed in particular by a tube (204) or a hollow profile.

4. The conveying apparatus (100) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one rotating body (128) comprises two or more receptacles (154) which, in particular, have equal angular distances from one another in the circumferential direction of the axis of rotation (138).

5. The conveying apparatus (100) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer opening (176) is a through-opening of the stator device (122) and in that the conveying apparatus (100) comprises a stop element (132) coupled to the at least one rotating body (128), wherein a fed container (102) is movable in the transfer opening (176) until contacting with the stop element (132).

6. The conveying apparatus (100) in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that the stop element (132) retreats relative to the transfer opening (176) under the rotation of the at least one rotating body (128).

7. The conveying apparatus (100) in accordance with claim 5 or 6, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: - the stop element (132) is connected to or formed by the at least one rotating body (128), wherein the stop element (132) is in particular a disk element (162) which projects radially beyond the at least one rotating body (128) and covers the transfer opening (176); - the stop element (132) has a height profile (166), which has a rising flank (168) and a falling flank (170) toward the stator device (122), wherein the at least one receptacle (154) preferably aligns with the transfer opening (176) when the height profile (166) at a transition region (172) from the falling flank (170) to the rising flank (168) or at the falling flank (170) is arranged at the transfer opening (176).

8. The conveying apparatus (100) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying apparatus (100) comprises a locking element (184) via which in a fixing position a following container (102) is fixable in the transfer opening (176) or on the feed side of the transfer opening (176), and which releases the following container (102) for further movement into the transfer opening (176) in a release position, wherein the locking element (184) is transferable by means of a drive unit (192) from the fixing position to the release position and / or vice versa.

9. The conveying apparatus (100) in accordance with claim 8, characterized in that the conveying apparatus (100) comprises a control device (196) via which the drive unit (130) for the at least one rotating body (128) and the drive unit (192) for the locking element (184) are synchronized.

10. The conveying apparatus (100) in accordance with claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the locking element (184) is a clamping element (186) via which the following container (102) is clampable to an edge of the transfer opening (176).

11. The conveying apparatus (100) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: - the conveying apparatus (100) comprises two or more rotating bodies (128), transfer openings (176), dispensing openings (178) and guide elements (206), wherein each rotating body (128) is assigned a transfer opening (176), a dispensing opening (178) and a guide element (206), wherein preferably the rotating bodies (128) are jointly drivable by means of one drive unit (130); - the conveying apparatus (100) comprises a plurality of format sets (248), which differ from one another with regard to their container-specific properties, wherein a respective format set (248) comprises at least one of the set of stator device (122), rotating body (128) or stop element (132).

12. The conveying apparatus (100) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stator device (122) comprises two stator parts (222, 224) which are directly or indirectly, preferably detachably, connected to one another in a position of use and which together form the transfer opening (176), a receiving opening (142) for the at least one rotating body (128), and the dispensing opening (178), wherein preferably the stator parts (222, 224) are at least partially plate-shaped and, in the position of use, abut one another, preferably flat, via respective contact surfaces (226).

13. The conveying apparatus (100) in accordance with claim 12, characterized in that the conveying apparatus (100) comprises a holding device (126) and at least one holding part (228) connected to or formed by the holding device (126), wherein the at least one holding part (228) is connected to a first stator part (222) that is positioned at a distance from the holding device (126), and a second stator part (224) is arranged between the holding device (126) and the first stator part (222) and comprises at least one through-opening (236) through which the at least one holding part (228) extends.

14. The conveying apparatus (100) in accordance with claim 13, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: - the first stator part (222) is detachably securable on the at least one holding part (228), preferably by means of corresponding magnetic elements (238, 242); - the second stator part (224) is free of a connection to the holding device (126).

15. The conveying apparatus (100) in accordance with claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the at least one holding part (228) extends through the at least one through-opening (236) with play and thereby allows movement of the second stator part (224) relative to the first stator part (222) and / or to the holding device (126) in the position of use of the stator parts (222, 224) relative to one another.