Tablet carrier for an intermediate transport of tablets in a blister-packaging process, filling device for a tablet carrier, and method for filling a tablet carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a tablet carrier for an intermediate transport of tablets in a blister-packaging process. The tablet carrier has a main part and a plurality of recesses, wherein each recess is delimited by delimiting walls and has a base opening. A receiving body is provided in each recess, and the receiving body has a receiving chamber for receiving one or a low number of tablets. The receiving chamber has an opening on one face, said opening allowing the tablets to be introduced into the receiving chamber, and the receiving body is pivotally arranged in the recess about a pivot axis. The receiving body can be pivoted from a closure position, in which the opening is arranged opposite a delimiting wall and is thereby closed, into an open position, in which the opening is at least partly flush with the base opening.

Description

[0001] "Tablet carrier for intermediate transport of tablets in a blister packaging process, filling device for a tablet carrier and method for filling a tablet carrier"

[0002] The invention relates to a tablet carrier for the intermediate transport of tablets in a blister packaging process. Furthermore, the invention relates to a filling device for a tablet carrier. The invention also relates to a method for filling a tablet carrier.

[0003] EP 2 993 133 A1 discloses a system and a method for repackaging medications from the respective original blisters into blister packs referred to therein as “filling blisters.” Within the scope of the method described therein, blister carriers are used which are suitable for receiving an original blister with the medication packaged therein. These blister carriers are shown as examples in EP 2 993 133 A1 in Figures 2 and 3. Within the method described therein, the original blisters are placed in the blister carrier and introduced together with the blister carrier into the repackaging system. The repackaging system provides that the blister carrier is moved into a deblistering position where the respective medication is pressed out of the original blister with the aid of a suitable ejection plunger and then ejected into compartments of a pre-dosing magazine.To implement the method described therein, EP 2 993 133 A1 proposes providing blister trays for all desired medications, whereby different medications with similarly shaped original blister packs could be assigned to identical blister trays. The approach described in EP 2 993 133 A1, of assigning different medications with similarly shaped original blister packs to identical blister trays, carries the risk of problems when extruding the tablets due to the only approximate match between the original blister pack and the blister tray. The tray holder must guide the tablet tightly so that the punch only pushes the tablet through the aluminum foil and does not extrude the entire surrounding blister material, which would hinder the tearing of the aluminum foil.At the same time, the carrier must leave enough space so that the pre-perforation of the foil with a needle, also provided for in EP 2 993 133 A1, can be carried out reliably and without damaging the tablets. This results in a separate blister carrier having to be designed and manufactured for each original blister pack. The multiple use of a blister carrier for different medications with only similar, but not identically shaped, original blister packs, as proposed in EP 2 993 133 A1, has not been adopted.

[0004] If we now assume that, contrary to the proposal in EP 2 993 133 A1, a separate blister carrier must be provided for each original blister pack in practice, this presents further problems. If a filling order is placed for a new patient, new medications are often required. In Germany alone, 103,700 medicinal products are approved, of which 48,300 are prescription-only medications. A blister packaging company usually has around 1,000 to 4,000 different medications in stock. The new medication then typically requires new blister carriers specifically tailored to the specific original blister packaging. Obtaining such a special blister carrier often takes longer than the patient can wait for their medication. In addition, there are tablets to be filled that are delivered loose, as bulk goods in vials, not in blisters.In addition, doctors sometimes prescribe half tablets. However, half tablets are not supplied in original blister packs. Furthermore, some tablet types carry the risk of being easily destroyed or damaged when pressed out with a punch, despite pre-perforation.

[0005] In all of these cases where human contact may be necessary to intervene in the repackaging process, there is a risk that the effect of the reliable, monitored repackaging process without human contact described in EP 2 993 133 A1 is lost, or that these disadvantages mean that blister packaging cannot be used with the system according to EP 2 993 133 A1 and the corresponding orders have to be rejected. In addition, in the case of non-fillable tablets, individual tablets have to be added later. In the case of broken tablets, the compartment has to be emptied and cleaned, and an unbroken tablet and the old ones have to be completely re-entered. In addition, individual tablets have to be served outside of the normal logistics flow. In addition, work is then carried out with open tablets, which requires corresponding room conditions (clean room).In addition, the need to maintain a specific blister carrier for each specific original blister pack results in a large number of different blister carriers having to be maintained, which results in high costs and excessive space requirements.

[0006] Against this background, the task was to further expand the fields of application of the process known from EP 2 993 133 A1 and the system described therein. In particular, it should be possible to feed special tablets into the system in such a way that the system, including storage, conveyor technology, ejection mechanism, etc., can remain untouched and eliminates the need for "side paths."

[0007] This object is achieved by the tablet carrier according to claim 1, the filling device according to claim 7 and the method for filling a tablet carrier according to claim 10. Advantageous embodiments are set out in the subclaims and the description below.

[0008] The invention is based on the basic idea of ​​creating a tablet carrier for the intermediate transport of tablets in a blister packaging process. The tablet carrier according to the invention can be used, for example, in the method known from EP 2 993 133 A1 and in the system described therein as a supplement to the blister carriers described therein. With the tablet carrier according to the invention, it is possible to provide medications that are present in original blister packs for which there is currently no blister carrier, or medications that are not delivered in blister packs but are delivered loose, for example, in the tablet carrier according to the invention for the intermediate transport of tablets, instead of in a blister carrier that has yet to be created separately. The invention is also suitable for original blisters that are too large for existing systems. The invention is likewise suitable for tablets that are prone to breakage.The invention is also suitable for partial tablets (i.e., half tablets, which are not usually contained in original blister packs). For tablets that are not delivered in original blister packs at all, the tablet carrier can then be used permanently. For medications that are provided in original blister packs, but for which no suitable blister carrier is available at the time, the tablet carrier according to the invention can be used as a bridging technology to bridge the time until a blister carrier tailored to the respective original blister pack is available. Compared to the use of a blister carrier tailored to the original blister pack, the tablet carrier according to the invention is more complex.While the blister carrier described in EP 2 993 133 A1 allows the original blister pack to be inserted into the blister carrier and the lid of the blister carrier to be closed in just a few steps, so that the blister carrier is then immediately ready for use, loading the tablet carrier according to the invention requires the tablets to be inserted individually into the respective receiving space of the receiving body of the tablet carrier according to the invention. This can mean, among other things, that the medications first have to be removed from the original blister pack and then possibly even divided in order to be placed in the respective receiving space of the receiving body of the tablet carrier. These disadvantages of the tablet carrier according to the invention compared to the blister carrier described in EP 2 993 133 A1 only exist as long as there is actually a corresponding blister carrier for an original blister pack.If such a blister carrier is not available at the time in question, the tablet carrier according to the invention offers the advantage that the method can still be carried out and there is no need to wait until the corresponding blister carrier becomes available.

[0009] The tablet carrier according to the invention is suitable for the intermediate transport of tablets in a blister packaging process. Reference to this suitability is intended to emphasize that an essential suitability of the tablet carrier is to transport the tablets arranged in it to a blister packaging system so that they can then be removed from the tablet carrier and used in the further blister packaging process. However, the reference to the suitability of the tablet carrier for the intermediate transport of tablets in a blister packaging process does not preclude the tablet carrier from being used for the temporary intermediate storage of tablets in addition to its suitability for the intermediate transport of tablets. EP 2 993 133 A1, with reference to Figs. 1A and 1B therein, describes possibilities for temporarily storing blister carriers in a drawer storage system 50 with extendable drawers 52.A tablet carrier according to the invention filled with tablets can also be used for intermediate storage in such a warehouse. Embodiments in which the tablet carrier according to the invention is stored in an overstock warehouse are also conceivable.

[0010] The tablet carrier according to the invention has a base body. The base body essentially determines the shape of the tablet carrier. The shape of the base body is tailored to how the tablet carrier according to the invention is to be handled within a blister packaging process and in particular how it is to be handled within a blister packaging system. If the tablet carrier according to the invention is used, for example, in the system described in more detail in EP 2 993 133 A1, the shape of the base body of the tablet carrier can be used to fulfill the design criterion described in EP 2 993 133 A1, according to which the external dimensions of all blister carriers should be standardized, preferably identical. By suitable selection of the shape of the base body, the shape of the tablet carrier according to the invention can be tailored to existing shapes of blister carriers in a system according to EP 2 993 133 A1.In particular, the tablet carrier according to the invention can have a marking or writable chip by means of which the content can be clearly linked to the carrier in the computer system or the chip can be written with all information about the medication.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the base body is made of plastic. The base body can be a cast body, preferably an injection-molded body, for example. It is also conceivable for the base body to be produced from a plastic block by primary forming, for example, by separation processes such as milling, planing, or drilling.

[0012] The tablet carrier according to the invention has a plurality of recesses, wherein the respective recess is delimited by boundary walls and has a bottom opening.

[0013] Just as the blister carriers from EP 2 993 133 A1 are intended to transport a plurality of tablets, namely the number of tablets provided in the original blister pack, the tablet carrier according to the invention should also be intended, in a preferred embodiment, to transport a plurality of tablets in separately controllable recesses and to make them available in the blistering process. The tablet carrier therefore provides a plurality of recesses. In a preferred embodiment, the tablet carrier has more than two recesses, particularly preferably more than three recesses, particularly preferably more than 5 recesses and particularly preferably more than 7 recesses. In a preferred embodiment, the tablet carrier has fewer than 200, particularly preferably fewer than 100, particularly preferably fewer than 50, particularly fewer than 25, particularly preferably fewer than 20 recesses.

[0014] In this description, the recesses of the tablet carrier are described, which are provided for receiving a receiving body, since the receiving body with its receiving space is the location where the tablet is located. This focus on this type of recess in the tablet carrier according to the invention does not preclude the tablet carrier according to the invention from having further recesses that serve other purposes. For example, the tablet carrier can have recesses into which pins are inserted, with which the tablet carrier can be transported, for example, pushed forward on a rail.For stacking tablet carriers according to the invention, it is also conceivable for projections to be provided on one side of the base body of each tablet carrier and recesses to be provided on the opposite side, so that several tablet carriers can be stacked on top of one another in such a way that the respective projection of one tablet carrier engages the respective recess of the other tablet carrier. The projections can be designed as stacking pins. The projections, in particular the stacking pins, can be distributed asymmetrically across the tablet carrier, so that the orientation can be controlled or enforced by a simple guide on a conveyor system.

[0015] The recesses in the tablet carrier intended to accommodate the receiving body are each delimited by boundary walls. Embodiments are conceivable in which a single boundary wall without corners is provided surrounding the recess. In a preferred embodiment, however, a recess is delimited by boundary walls extending at an angle to one another and adjoining one another at corners. In a preferred embodiment, a recess is delimited by four boundary walls adjoining one another at corners, for example, in the manner of a shaft.

[0016] The respective recess has a bottom opening. A bottom opening is understood to be an opening provided in a surface of the base body, for example, in a bottom surface of the base body. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom opening has a cross-sectional area that is large enough and is shaped so that a tablet can pass through the bottom opening. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom opening is square, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, elliptical, or circular. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom opening has a cross-sectional area of ​​more than 5 mm. 2 , particularly preferably more than 25mm 2 , particularly preferably more than 100mm 2 In a preferred embodiment, the bottom opening has a cross-sectional area of ​​less than 400mm 2 , particularly preferably less than 300mm 2, particularly preferably less than 200 mm 2 on.

[0017] The invention provides that a receiving body is provided in the respective recess. The receiving body has a receiving space for receiving one or a small number of tablets. A small number of tablets is particularly preferably understood to mean 10 tablets, even more preferably 7 tablets, even more preferably 5 tablets. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the receptacle is provided solely for receiving one or two tablets. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the receptacle is provided solely for receiving a single tablet. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the receptacle is provided solely for receiving a piece of a tablet, for example half a tablet, a quarter of a tablet, or an eighth of a tablet.

[0018] The size of the receiving space of the receiving body can be selected depending on the desired use of the tablet carrier. If the tablet carrier is intended as a direct replacement for a blister carrier according to EP 2 993 133 A1, it is expedient to select the receiving space so that it can only accommodate one tablet. The receiving space thus reflects the arrangement of the one medication in one pocket (in one blister region) of the original blister pack. However, embodiments are also conceivable in which the tablet carrier is used for pre-ordering and several tablets are arranged in one receiving space. The use of the tablet carrier according to the invention makes it necessary for it to be filled separately anyway.Instead of loading a plurality of individual tablet carriers, each with one tablet in the receiving space, in order to then empty these tablet carriers individually into the compartments of the pre-dosing magazine, for example within the scope of the method according to EP 2 993 133 A1, it could also make sense in a preferred embodiment to arrange several tablets in a receiving space of the tablet carrier and then to empty them all into the compartments of the pre-dosing magazine in one work step.If, in the case of outer packaging according to the method according to EP 2 993 133 A1, several medications are provided in each blister pocket in a newly produced blister and in the specific individual case there are no blister carriers available for the individual medications, the tablet carrier according to the invention can certainly be used expediently for pre-order picking, in that the various tablets are already introduced into the receiving space when the tablet carrier is filled, whereby fillings with several mixed tablets or several single-variety tablets are also possible. For such applications it can be expedient to make the receiving space larger so that it can accommodate more than one but still only a small number of tablets. In a preferred embodiment the volume of the receiving space is greater than 500mm. 3 , particularly preferably greater than 1,000mm 3 ' especially larger than 1,200mm 3, particularly preferably larger than 1,500mm 3 In a preferred embodiment, the volume of the receiving space is less than 27,000 3 , particularly preferably less than 20,000mm 3 , particularly preferably less than 15,000mm 3 , particularly preferably less than 10,000mm 3 , particularly preferably less than 8,000mm 3 , particularly preferably less than 5,000mm 3 .

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving space has an opening on one side. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving space has only one opening. In this preferred embodiment, the receiving space is therefore only supplied with the tablet to be received in the receiving space through one opening, whereby the same opening is used to remove the tablet from the receiving space again. The opening of the receiving space allows the tablet to be inserted into the receiving space. Particularly preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening is large enough to allow the insertion of a tablet. In a preferred embodiment, the opening is square, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, elliptical, or circular. In a preferred embodiment, the opening has a cross-sectional area of ​​more than 5mm 2 , particularly preferably more than 25mm 2 , particularly preferably more than 100mm 2In a preferred embodiment, the opening has a cross-sectional area of ​​less than 800mm 2 , especially less than 600mm 2 , especially less than 400mm 2 , particularly preferably less than 300mm 2 , particularly preferably less than 200 mm 2 on.

[0020] In the tablet carrier according to the invention, the receiving body is arranged in the recess so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis. The term "pivot axis" initially refers only to the line (the axis) about which the receiving body pivots. In a preferred embodiment, it is conceivable, but not absolutely necessary for the realization of the tablet carrier, that the receiving body is penetrated by an axis, for example a metal axis, whose longitudinal axis is then the pivot axis. The pivotable mounting of the receiving body about the pivot axis can also be achieved, for example, in that the receiving body provides two lateral projections that project on opposite sides of the receiving body and lie on the pivot axis, wherein these projections engage in recesses in the boundary walls and thereby provide the pivotable mounting of the receiving body about the pivot axis.The kinematic reversal of this solution is also conceivable, namely equipping the boundary walls with projections that engage in recesses in the receiving body.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, only a slight gap is provided between the surfaces of the receiving body and the boundary walls opposite them, for example a gap of less than 4 mm, particularly preferably less than 3 mm, particularly preferably less than 2 mm, particularly preferably approximately 1 mm or less than 1 mm. The gap between the surfaces of the receiving body and the boundary walls of the recess opposite them is preferably selected such that it allows sufficient play for the receiving body to pivot easily in the recess, but is small enough that even small tablets or even half tablets cannot become jammed in the gap. In a preferred embodiment, no gap is provided between the surfaces of the receiving body and the boundary walls opposite them.Avoiding a gap prevents dust from entering the receiving space during transport of the tablet carrier and contaminating the tablet contained therein.

[0022] In the tablet carrier according to the invention, the receiving body has a closed position and an open position. In the closed opening, the opening of the receiving space is arranged opposite a boundary wall and is closed by the latter. In the open position, the opening of the receiving space is at least partially, and particularly preferably entirely, aligned with the base opening.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the closed position is an end position of the possible pivoting movements of the receiving body. In a preferred embodiment, a part of the receiving body comes into contact with a part of the base body when the receiving body reaches the closed position. This stop can prevent the receiving body from being pivoted beyond the closed position. In such an embodiment, the receiving body can only be pivoted out of the closed position in one pivoting direction.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the open position is a limit position of the possible pivoting movements of the receiving body. In a preferred embodiment, a part of the receiving body comes into contact with a part of the base body when the receiving body reaches the open position. This stop can prevent the receiving body from being pivoted beyond the open position. In such an embodiment, the receiving body can only be pivoted out of the open position in one pivoting direction.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the opening of the receiving space is arranged at a distance from the bottom opening in the open position, wherein the recess between the opening and the bottom opening has the shape of a shaft which feeds tablets entering through the bottom opening to the opening of the receiving space in the open position, or guides tablets emerging from the opening of the receiving space in the open position in the direction of the bottom opening.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving body pivots from the closure opening into the open position about the pivot axis by less than 135 degrees, particularly preferably by less than 110 degrees, particularly preferably by less than 90 degrees, particularly preferably by less than 75 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving body pivots from the closure position into the open position about the pivot axis by more than 5 degrees, particularly preferably by more than 15 degrees, particularly preferably by more than 25 degrees, particularly preferably by more than 30 degrees.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving body is made of plastic, particularly preferably an injection-molded part or a part produced by additive manufacturing, for example, by 3D printing. In another embodiment, the receiving body is made of stainless steel. The tablet carrier can be made of plastic. Parts of the tablet carrier, in particular the boundary of the receiving space or any closures, can be made of stainless steel.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving body is wedge-shaped and has a tip through which the pivot axis passes. Furthermore, in this preferred embodiment, the receiving body has a base opposite the tip, in which the opening of the receiving space is arranged. In this embodiment, the receiving space is arranged in the wedge-shaped receiving body between the base and the tip. In an alternative embodiment, the receiving body has a horseshoe-shaped or U-shaped cross-section, which can also be referred to as trough-shaped. In this preferred embodiment, the pivot axis passes through the material of the receiving body at the base of the U, or at the base of the horseshoe, while the opening of the receiving space is formed between the two ends of the U, or the two ends of the horseshoe, and the receiving space is formed by the free space in the U, or the horseshoe.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional size of the receiving body does not change in the direction of the pivot axis or at most changes in end regions. In a preferred embodiment, the majority, particularly preferably the vast majority, in particular all cross-sections of the receiving body perpendicular to the pivot axis have the same cross-sectional area and / or the same cross-sectional shape. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving space of the receiving body is delimited by side walls. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving space has a wedge-shaped or trough-shaped cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving space is delimited by two side walls running at an angle to one another, which lead to a base of the receiving space or meet at an acute angle (which would then form the base of the receiving space).In a preferred embodiment, the receiving space is trough-shaped. In such an embodiment, the receiving space is delimited by two opposing side walls, while the receiving space is open at two opposite ends and closed there by the presence of the boundary walls of the recess. In a trough-shaped receiving space that is open at its ends and delimited there by boundary walls, the preferred embodiment provides that the end openings of the trough-shaped receiving space are closed by boundary walls in every pivoted position of the receiving body between the closed position and the open position. This prevents the tablets from escaping from the end openings of a trough-shaped receiving space and ensures that the tablets can only exit through the openings of the receiving space.In an alternative embodiment, the receiving space has no end openings, but is bounded on all sides by side walls and has only the opening.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, a boundary wall of the recess has a surface portion that has the shape of a portion of the peripheral surface of a cylinder. In such an embodiment, a side wall of the receiving body is provided, which ends in an edge of the receiving body, wherein the edge is moved along the surface portion upon pivoting of the receiving body about the pivot axis.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the surface section, which has the shape of a section of the circumferential surface of a cylinder, merges into a surface section of the recesses, which forms part of a shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the surface section designed in the shape of a section of the circumferential surface of a cylinder is curved around an axis running parallel to the pivot axis, or particularly preferably around the pivot axis. The axis running parallel to the pivot axis, or the pivot axis, thus conceptually form the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, and the surface section forms the shape of a section of the circumferential surface of this cylinder.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, a spring element is provided which, when a receiving body is pivoted from the closed position, exerts a restoring force on the receiving body in the direction of the closed position. This spring element makes it possible for the closed position to be the preferred position of the receiving body. The spring element can be a spring, for example, a coil spring. However, embodiments are also conceivable in which the spring element is designed in the manner of a hydraulic damper.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the base body has a bottom surface in which the bottom openings of the recesses are provided. Furthermore, the base body particularly preferably has an upper surface opposite the bottom surface, in which upper openings of the recesses are provided, so that the respective recess extends from its respective upper opening through the base body to the bottom opening. In a preferred embodiment, the upper opening and the bottom opening are arranged at least partially in alignment. In a preferred embodiment, the upper opening is larger than the bottom opening. In a preferred embodiment, the upper opening is closed by a side wall of the receiving body when the receiving body is in the closed position.In a preferred embodiment, in the closed position of the receiving body, a side wall of the receiving body is located in the plane of the upper surface or in a plane offset from the upper surface. In a preferred embodiment, this side surface, if not located in the plane of the upper surface, is offset by less than 5 mm, particularly preferably by less than 3 mm, particularly preferably by less than 1 mm, from the plane of the upper surface in a plane parallel to the plane of the upper surface.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the base body of the tablet carrier according to the invention is cuboid-shaped. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom surface is rectangular. In a preferred embodiment, the upper surface is rectangular. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the bottom surface and the upper surface have the same cross-sectional shape and / or the same cross-sectional size. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom surface and / or the upper surface are at least 1.5 times, particularly preferably at least 2 times, larger than the side surfaces of the base body connecting the upper surface and the bottom surface.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the recesses of the tablet carrier, in which a receiving body is provided, are arranged in a row or in the manner of a matrix. Embodiments are also conceivable in which the recesses are arranged adjacent to one another in several rows, wherein recesses in adjacent rows can be arranged offset from one another. Such offset arrangements can simplify the provision of structural elements for pivoting the receiving body and at the same time enable the rows of recesses to be arranged as close as possible next to one another. Embodiments are also possible in which the individual recesses are deliberately arranged at a distance from one another in order to prevent a tablet that is to be inserted into one base opening from falling into the base opening of an adjacent recess.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the bottom opening of a first recess and the bottom opening of a second recess adjacent to the first recess is greater than 3 mm, particularly preferably greater than 5 mm, particularly preferably greater than 10 mm, wherein the distance is understood to be the measurement between the point on the edge of the bottom opening of the first recess that is closest to the edge of the bottom opening of the adjacent recess and the point on the edge of the bottom opening of the second recess that is closest to the edge of the bottom opening of the first recess.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, a status signal light is provided in the base body next to a recess. A status signal light is understood to be a light source, for example a light bulb, but particularly preferably an LED. The status signal light can be arranged next to the recess so as to protrude beyond the wall of the base body that defines the bottom opening of the recess, for example the bottom surface. In a preferred embodiment, however, the status signal light is designed inside the base body or is flush with a surface of the base body. The status signal light can be used, for example, to indicate the pivoted position of the receiving body. In a preferred embodiment, an electrical contact is provided on the receiving body, which electrical contact comes into contact with a contact on a boundary wall of the recess in a specific pivoted position.This coming into contact can be used to illuminate the status signal light. In a preferred embodiment, the status signal light illuminates when the receiving body is in the open position. Such a status signal light can be used to indicate to the person filling the tablet carrier which receiving body is in the open position. Embodiments are also possible in which the color of the status signal light changes or in which two status signal lights of different colors are provided next to a recess. In such an embodiment, the status signal light can illuminate in a first color (or the status signal light that has the first color can illuminate) when the receiving body is in a first pivoted position, for example in the open position, and the status signal light can illuminate in a second color (orthe status signal light lights up in the second color) when the receiving body is in a second swivel position, for example the closed position.

[0038] A design is also possible in which the holding bodies are transparent, allowing light to pass through them and / or allowing a view into them. This allows the chambers to be filled to be indicated. Furthermore, after filling, the holding body can be illuminated from below, and the contents, which appear as a shadow, can be analyzed and checked for completeness or missing contents using image processing.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, a status signal light is provided next to each recess of the base body in which a receiving body is provided.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the base body has a machine-readable code printed on one of its surfaces. Additionally or alternatively, an RFID tag can be provided in the base body of the tablet carrier, by means of which the tablet carrier can be identified.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment, no receiving body is provided in the respective recess, but the bottom openings are closed with a layer of sealing material, wherein a slot is provided in the layer in the region of the bottom opening, through which slot a tablet could be pressed onto the tablet under the action of pressure, and an upper surface protrudes opposite the bottom surface, in which upper openings of the recesses are provided, so that the respective recess extends from its respective upper opening through the base body to the bottom opening and the respective upper opening is closed with a layer of sealing material, wherein the sealing material is so flexible that it can be pressed into the recess under the action of pressure by a plunger and can press a tablet located there through the slot.In a preferred embodiment, the slot is sealed against dust before the tablet passes through. This can be achieved by an overlapping design of the edges bordering the slot. In a matrix-like arrangement, this can be achieved by overlapping strips, which are then welded again between the recesses, for example, to increase the sealing force.

[0042] The invention also relates to a filling device for a tablet carrier according to the invention. The filling device has a receptacle for the tablet carrier and a plunger. The plunger can be moved towards the receptacle by a movement in a direction of impact. Additionally or alternatively, the receptacle can be moved towards the plunger by a movement counter to the direction of impact. In a system according to the invention comprising such a filling device and a tablet carrier according to the invention, the plunger can be brought into contact with the receptacle body by the movement in the direction of impact and can pivot the receptacle body from the closed position into the open position, or the receptacle is moved towards the plunger counter to the direction of impact so that the latter comes into contact with the receptacle body and pivots the receptacle body from the closed position into the open position.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the plunger is fixedly mounted in the filling device, while the receptacle is arranged to be movable within the filling device by means of drives. The receptacle can be moved toward the plunger by a movement counter to the direction of impact. In addition, the receptacle, which can be designed, for example, as a receiving frame, can be moved relative to the plunger in one or more directions that are at an angle, preferably at an angle of 90 degrees, to the direction of impact.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment, the receptacle, which can be designed as a receptacle frame for the tablet carrier, is arranged in a fixed position in the filling device, while the plunger can be moved by drives in a direction of impact toward the receptacle. In a preferred embodiment, it is additionally provided that a plunger carrier, in which the plunger is mounted, can be moved relative to the receptacle in one or, particularly preferably, in several directions, which are at an angle, particularly preferably at an angle of 90 degrees, to the direction of impact.

[0045] Both embodiments can also be combined in such a way that both the receptacle and the plunger are arranged in the filling device in a movable manner by means of drives.

[0046] Embodiments are possible in which the filling device has a single plunger. In such embodiments, in addition to the relative movement of the plunger to the receptacle in the direction of impact, the possibility must also be created to provide relative movements between the plunger and the receptacle in at least one other direction at an angle to the direction of impact, preferably at an angle of 90 degrees to the direction of impact, so that, through corresponding relative movements, the plunger can be brought into contact with not just one but with several receptacles, preferably with all receptacles of the tablet carrier.

[0047] However, embodiments are also conceivable in which the filling device has a plurality of plungers. The plungers can be provided in rows. If, for example, tablet carriers are filled with recesses in which a plurality of recesses are arranged in a row and a plurality of rows next to one another, such tablet carriers can be filled with filling devices that have a row of plungers. In such an embodiment, the rows of recesses in the tablet carrier are then filled one after the other and after one row has been filled, the receptacle and the plunger are moved relative to one another in at least one direction perpendicular to the direction of impact. However, embodiments are also conceivable in which the number of impacts corresponds to the number of recesses with receiving bodies in the tablet carrier.In such an embodiment, the receptacle and the plunger would only be moved relative to each other in the direction of impact and, in one operation, all the receptacle bodies would be pivoted by the plunger from the closed position into the open position.

[0048] The decision as to how the filling device is designed and whether a plunger or a series of plungers is provided also depends on how the tablet carrier is to be filled in the filling device. Usage scenarios are conceivable in which each receiving chamber of the tablet carrier is to be filled with the same tablet. In such usage scenarios it may make sense to pivot all receiving bodies into the open position at the same time in order to then fill the respective receiving chambers of the receiving bodies with tablets of the same type in one or a few work steps. However, usage scenarios are also conceivable in which the receiving chambers of the receiving bodies have to be filled according to a specific pattern, but not in such a way that the same tablet is arranged in all receiving chambers.In such usage scenarios, it may also prove expedient from a safety perspective to use the plunger to pivot only a single receiving body into the open position at a time in order to fill its receiving space. If all other receiving bodies remain in the closed position during this filling step, this can prevent a tablet from accidentally entering another receiving space. Even if this leads to more relative movement between the receiving body and the plunger, or the plungers, it may be expedient in some usage scenarios, and particularly with high safety requirements, to equip the filling device with only a single plunger, even if it is used to pivot several receiving bodies into the open position one after the other, requiring a relatively large number of relative movements between the plunger and the receiving body.

[0049] The selective opening of receiving spaces can also be achieved in embodiments of the filling device that have multiple rams that can be moved independently of one another. For example, the rams can be moved by their own hydraulic cylinders. In such embodiments, it is possible to control the respective hydraulic cylinder to move only a single ram in the direction of impact, while the other rams are not moved in the direction of impact. "Hydraulic cylinder" refers to any form of extending ram, including magnetic or electric cylinders.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, a circulating belt is provided, particularly preferably a belt circulating between two rollers running parallel to one another, wherein at least one knob is provided on the belt, which knob can be moved by the belt into a position relative to the plunger, in which position the knob lifts the plunger. Such a design can be used, for example, to lift the plungers one after the other in a row of plungers arranged in line with one another. If the plungers are preloaded into the retracted position by a spring element, this can enable the plunger to retract in the opposite direction to the direction of impact when the knob is no longer in contact with the plunger.

[0051] In an embodiment in which several plungers are provided which are to be moved simultaneously, it can be provided that the plungers are arranged on a frame or on a board and that by moving the board, for example by means of a lever, for example by means of a cam, the frame or the plate are moved, for example lifted, and thereby all tablets are moved simultaneously.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, in which a status signal light is provided in the base body next to a recess, it is possible for the plunger to have a contact that comes into contact with a contact on the base body. The status signal light illuminates after this contact is established, or illuminates in a specific color, particularly preferably changing its color from a first color to another color. In such an embodiment, the status signal light is controlled not by the relative position of the receiving body in the recess, but by a relative position of the plunger relative to a recess.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, a receiving frame for the tablet carrier, designed as a two-axis slide, is moved back and forth such that the respective receiving body to be pivoted is guided over a stationary ram, above which an insertion slot is located. The stationary ram pivots the receiving body from the closed position to the open position.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment, a plunger carrier designed as a two-axis slide is moved under a receiving body of a tablet carrier, whereby, for example, receiving bodies arranged next to one another can also be approached one after the other and can each be pivoted from the closed position into the open position.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the filling device has a device for generating a light grid. In a preferred embodiment, this device generates the light grid in a plane above the base opening or in a plane below the base opening. The light grid can be used to determine whether a tablet is falling downwards from a specific base opening (if the base opening is facing downwards and the light grid is located below the base opening) or whether a tablet is falling from above into a specific base opening if the base opening is facing upwards and the light grid is located above the base opening. Such a light grid can also be used to check whether the tablet carrier is being filled correctly.

[0056] Instead of a light grid, capacitive sensors can also detect when a tablet falls through.

[0057] The invention also relates to a method for filling a tablet carrier using a filling device. The method according to the invention provides that, with a tablet carrier located in the receptacle, the plunger and the receptacle are moved relative to one another such that the plunger is brought into contact with the receptacle body and, by further movement of the plunger, pivots the receptacle body from the closed position into the open position, as a result of which the opening of the receptacle body is at least partially aligned with the base opening of the tablet carrier. With the method according to the invention, with the opening of the receptacle body at least partially aligned with the base opening, it is possible to insert a tablet into the receptacle space through the base opening and through the opening of the receptacle body, for example by inserting it from above following gravity.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle and the plunger are then moved again relative to each other so that the plunger is guided out of the base body and allows the receptacle body to pivot back from the open position into the closed position.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving space is x-rayed after filling. This x-raying can be used to determine whether the receiving space is occupied at all. This alone can detect filling errors, namely if the specific receiving space was forgotten during filling. The x-raying can be supplemented by recording the image that the x-rayed receiving space casts onto a surface (outline image or shadow image). By evaluating the image, it is possible to recognize a characteristic shape of the tablet when there is a large number of tablets and thus to determine whether the tablet in the receiving space is the correct one (or at least has a shape that corresponds to the desired tablet).

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the filling device can be designed so that several tablet carriers can be filled simultaneously; for example, two tablet carriers arranged directly next to one another.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, during filling, the opening of a receiving space is communicated to a software (for example, a software of the filling device, but possibly also a software of a higher-level system) so that it can monitor the process; for example,

[0062] • when the box of medication is scanned,

[0063] • when the tablets are stored,

[0064] • when the recording room is closed,

[0065] • when an opened pack is returned or an empty pack is disposed of.

[0066] When discarding, the empty pack can be scanned again. This prevents the first pack from being taken, scanned, then another pack being taken, and tablets from the other pack being mistakenly filled instead of the first. At the very latest, when the pack is thrown away, it will be recognized that it is not the first pack that was scanned that is being thrown away, but a different one.

[0067] If tablets remain, the software can be designed to know this in advance and, after the targeted and planned filling with the desired number of tablets, then stores the remaining tablets in used blisters in a warehouse. If, in a preferred embodiment, it is determined that the filling was carried out according to the forecast, an operator can acknowledge this and a small printer can, for example, print a label with all the information (expiry date, batch, PZN, remaining tablets, etc.) as a data matrix code. In a preferred embodiment, the used pack with the new label is scanned after use and returned to the warehouse. There, the new label can be used to distinguish between the started pack and a new one, even in automated operations.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the tablet carrier according to the invention can be used in a process for repackaging a large number of different medicines from their respective original blisters into filling blisters, which process comprises the following process steps:

[0069] - Assigning the original blisters filled with medication to a blister carrier with standardized external dimensions intended for the respective original blister type

[0070] - Packing the original blisters filled with medication in the assigned blister tray,

[0071] - Intermediate storage of the original blisters packed in the blister carriers in an intermediate warehouse,

[0072] - upon request, removal of the original blister pack of a selected one of the many medicines from the interim storage facility, packed in the blister carrier, and

[0073] - Ejection of a defined number of units of the selected medication from the original blister into the filling blister.

[0074] In addition to the ejection of a defined number of units of the selected medication from the original blister into the filling blister, in a further process step a defined number of selected medications are ejected from the receiving spaces of the tablet carrier according to the invention into the filling blister.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the method according to EP 2 993 133 A1 can be carried out using the tablet carrier according to the invention. Reference is made to EP 2 993 133 A1 for a detailed description of the method to be carried out. If a blister carrier is mentioned therein, then this tablet carrier is used when carrying out the method described therein with the tablet carrier according to the invention.

[0076] The invention can be used, for example, in the blister packaging of individual tablets in weekly blisters.

[0077] The invention is explained in more detail below using a drawing that merely illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the drawings:

[0078] Fig. 1 is a schematic, perspective top view of the bottom surface of a tablet carrier according to the invention;

[0079] Fig. 2 is a perspective, schematic plan view of the upper surface of a tablet carrier according to the invention; Fig. 3 is a sectional view through three recesses of a tablet carrier according to the invention in a first operating situation;

[0080] Fig. 4 is a sectional view through three recesses of a tablet carrier according to the invention in a second operating situation;

[0081] Fig. 5 is a sectional view through a tablet carrier according to the invention in a second embodiment,

[0082] Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a filling station according to the invention in a first embodiment,

[0083] Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a filling station according to the invention in a second embodiment with tablet carriers inserted into the filling station,

[0084] Fig. 8 is a schematic view of the filling station according to the invention according to Fig. 7 with a tablet carrier arranged next to the filling station,

[0085] Fig. 9 is a schematic view of a filling station according to the invention in a third embodiment

[0086] Fig. 10 is a schematic view of a filling station according to the invention in a first embodiment,

[0087] Fig. 11 is a representation of an illuminated receiving space of a tablet carrier according to the invention with the outlines of a tablet located in the receiving space and

[0088] Fig. 12 is a schematic view of a possible image section for a recording.

[0089] The tablet carrier 1 according to the invention is suitable for the intermediate transport of tablets during a blister packaging process. The tablet carrier 1 comprises a base body 2 and a plurality of recesses 3 (three in Figures 1 to 3). Each recess 3 is defined by boundary surfaces 4 and has a bottom opening 5.

[0090] A receiving body 6 is provided in the respective recess 3. The respective receiving body 6 has a receiving space 7. The receiving space 7 is suitable for receiving a tablet 8. The receiving space 7 has an opening 9 on one side, which allows the tablet to be inserted into the receiving space 7. The receiving body 6 is arranged in the recess 3 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis A, wherein the receiving body 6 can be pivoted from a closed position shown in Figure 3, in which the opening is arranged opposite a boundary wall 4 and closed by the boundary wall 4, into an open position (shown in Figure 4) in which the opening 9 is at least partially aligned with the base opening 5.

[0091] The receiving body 6 is wedge-shaped and has a tip 10 through which the pivot axis A passes. A base 11 opposite the tip 10, which can also be referred to as a closure leg, is provided, in which the opening 9 of the receiving space 7 is arranged.

[0092] The receiving body 6 has a first side wall 12. In the closed position shown in Figure 3, this side wall faces the bottom opening 5. Furthermore, the wedge-shaped receiving body 6 has a second side wall 13, which can also be referred to as a pressure leg surface, which, in the closed position shown in Figure 3, faces an upper opening 14 of the recess 6 and closes it (see Figure 2).

[0093] If the receiving body 6 is transferred from the closed position shown in Figure 3 into the open position shown in Figure 4, the tablet 8, which was still held in the receiving space 7 when the receiving body 6 was in the closed position, can fall downwards out of the tablet carrier 1 through the opening 9 and the bottom opening 5.

[0094] To fill the tablet carrier 1 according to the invention, it can be held at an angle of 180 degrees to the position shown in Figures 3 and 4, i.e., with the bottom opening 5 facing upwards and the upper opening 14 facing downwards. If, in such a position of the tablet carrier 1, the receiving body 6 is pivoted from the closed position into the open position, a tablet 8 can be thrown from above through the bottom opening 5 and the opening 9 into the receiving space 7. If the receiving body 6 is moved from this open position into the closed position, the opening 9 is closed by the boundary wall 4 opposite it (comparable to the position of the opening 9 relative to the boundary wall 4 in Figure 2).If the tablet carrier according to the invention is then rotated from the position rotated by 180 degrees for filling back into the position shown in Figure 3, the tablet 8 remains in the receiving space 7 due to the closure of the opening 9 by the boundary wall 4 opposite the opening 9.

[0095] The receiving body 6 is held in the closed position shown in Figure 3 by a spring element (not shown in detail). This prevents the receiving body 6 from pivoting downwards and exposing the opening 9, even when the base body 2 is aligned as shown in Figure 3. The tablets 8 are thus securely held in the receiving space 7 by the spring element and the resulting preload of the receiving body 6 into the closed position, even when the base body 2 is in this position. Only when the receiving body 6 is moved from the closed position (Figure 3) to the open position (Figure 4) by interaction with a plunger acting on the second side surface 13, does the tablet 8 fall downwards out of the tablet carrier 1 through the opening 9 and the bottom opening 5.

[0096] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, no receiving body is provided in the respective recess 3, but the bottom openings 5 ​​are closed with a layer 30 of sealing material, wherein a slot 31 is provided in the layer 30 in the region of the bottom opening 5, through which slot a tablet could be pressed onto the tablet under the action of pressure, and an upper surface protrudes opposite the bottom surface, in which upper openings 14 of the recesses 3 are provided, so that the respective recess 3 extends from its respective upper opening 14 through the base body 2 to the bottom opening 5 and the respective upper opening 14 is closed with a layer 32 of sealing material, wherein the sealing material is so flexible that it can be pressed into the recess under the action of pressure by a plunger and can press a tablet located there through the slot.5 the indented layer 32 is shown in dashed lines.

[0097] Fig. 6 shows a filling device 20 in a first embodiment. A tablet carrier 1 according to the invention is arranged on a table of the filling device 20. Plungers 24 are movably arranged in the table. A belt 22 circulating between two parallel rollers 21 is provided, with at least one stud 23 provided on the belt 22, which can be moved by the belt 22 into a position relative to the plungers 24, in which the stud 23 lifts the respective plunger 24.

[0098] Figs. 7 and 8 show a second embodiment of a filling device 20. Here, the filling device has several plungers 24 that can be moved simultaneously. The plungers are arranged on a board and can be raised by moving the board, namely by means of a lever 25, for example, by means of a cam connected to the lever.

[0099] Fig. 9 shows a filling device 20 in a third embodiment. The tablet carrier 1 is arranged on a receiving frame 26 designed as a two-axis carriage. The receiving frame 26 is moved back and forth such that the respective receiving body 6 to be pivoted is guided over a stationary ram, above which an insertion opening 27 is located. The stationary ram pivots the receiving body from the closed position to the open position.

[0100] Fig. 10 shows a filling device 20 in a fourth embodiment. Here, a ram carrier 28 designed as a two-axis slide is moved beneath a receiving body 6 of a tablet carrier 1. For example, receiving bodies arranged side by side can be approached in sequence and each pivoted from the closed position to the open position.

[0101] Fig. 11 shows a schematic view of an image such as would be obtained by shining a tablet through a recording chamber. It can be seen that a characteristic tablet shape can be revealed in this way.

[0102] Fig. 12 shows, as frame 29, the image section of a camera in use with a filling device of the type shown in Figs. 7 and 8, with a lever 25. The filling device 20 of Fig. 12 has been modified to have two locations where it can accommodate tablet carriers according to the invention. In the illustration of Fig. 12, the left location is occupied.

Claims

Claims: Tablet carrier (1) for intermediate transport of tablets (8) in a blister packaging process, wherein the tablet carrier (1) • a basic body (2) and • has a plurality of recesses (3), wherein each recess (3) is bounded by boundary walls (4) and has a bottom opening (5), wherein a receiving body (6) is provided in each recess (3), wherein • the receiving body (6) has a receiving chamber (7) for receiving one or a small number of tablets (8), wherein the receiving chamber (7) has an opening (9) on one side which allows the tablet (8) to be inserted into the receiving chamber (7), and • the receiving body (6) is arranged in the recess (3) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (A), • wherein the receiving body (6) can be pivoted from a closed position in which the opening (9) is arranged opposite a boundary wall (4) and is thereby closed, into an open position in which the opening (9) is at least partially aligned with the bottom opening (5) or in which no receiving body is provided in the respective recess (3), but the bottom openings (5) are closed with a layer (30) of closing material, wherein a slot (31) is provided in the layer (30) in the area of ​​the bottom opening (5) through which a tablet could be pressed onto the tablet under pressure, and an upper surface opposite the bottom surface is provided in which upper openings (14) of the recesses (3) are provided,such that the respective recess (3) extends from its respective upper opening (14) through the base body (2) to the bottom opening (5) and the respective upper opening (14) is closed with a layer (32) of sealing material, wherein the sealing material is flexible in such a way that it can be pressed into the recess under pressure by a plunger and can push a tablet located there through the slot. Tablet carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving body (6), • is wedge-shaped and has a tip (10) through which the pivot axis (A) passes, and has a base (11) opposite the tip (10) in which the opening (9) of the receiving space (7) is arranged, and the receiving space (7) is arranged in the wedge-shaped receiving body (6) between the base (11) and the tip (10). • or • is trough-shaped and has a trough bottom through which the pivot axis (A) passes, and a base (11) opposite the trough bottom in which the opening (9) of the receiving chamber (7) is arranged, and the receiving chamber (7) is arranged in the trough-shaped receiving body (6) between the base (11) and the tip (10). Tablet carrier according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that • a boundary wall (4) of the recess (3) has a surface section which has the shape of a section of the circumferential surface of a cylinder, and • a side wall (13) of the receiving body (6) is provided, which terminates in an edge of the receiving body (6), wherein the edge is moved along the surface section when the receiving body (6) is pivoted about the pivot axis (A). Tablet carrier according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by a spring element which, when the receiving body (6) is pivoted from the closed position, exerts a restoring force on the receiving body (6) in the direction of the closed position. Tablet carrier according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the base body (2) has a bottom surface in which the bottom openings (5) of the recesses (3) are provided, and has an upper surface opposite the bottom surface in which upper openings (14) of the recesses (3) are provided, such that the respective recess (3) extends from its respective upper opening (14) through the base body (2) to the bottom opening (5).Tablet carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a status indicator light, for example an LED, is provided in the base body (5) in addition to a recess. Filling device for a tablet carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, with a receptacle for the tablet carrier (1) and a plunger, wherein the plunger is moved by a movement in a thrust direction towards the receptacle. can be moved and / or the intake can be moved by a movement against the direction of impact towards the plunger. Filling device according to claim 7, characterized by a circumferential belt, wherein a stud is provided on the belt which can be moved by the belt into a position relative to the plunger in which the stud lifts the plunger. Filling device according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by • a plunger carrier in which the plunger is mounted, wherein the plunger carrier can be moved relative to the receptacle in a direction that is at an angle to the direction of impact, and / or • a receiving frame in which the receptacle for the tablet carrier is provided, wherein the receiving frame can be moved relative to the plunger in a direction that is at an angle to the direction of impact. System comprising a filling device according to one of claims 7 to 9 and a tablet carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the plunger can be brought into contact with the receiving body (6) by a movement in an impact direction and can pivot the receiving body (6) from the closed position to the open position.A method for filling a tablet carrier according to one of claims 1 to 6 with a filling device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, with a tablet carrier (1) located in the receiving chamber, the plunger is moved in a thrust direction and brought into contact with the receiving chamber (6), and by further moving the plunger in the thrust direction, the receiving chamber (6) is pivoted from the closed position to the open position, whereby the opening (9) of the receiving chamber (6) is at least partially aligned with the bottom opening (5) of the tablet carrier (1), wherein, with the opening (9) of the receiving chamber being at least partially aligned with the bottom opening (5), a tablet is inserted through the bottom opening (5) and the opening (9) of the receiving chamber (6) into the receiving chamber (7).

Images