Plant module for collection and removal of rejects

Abstract

The invention relates to a system comprising a first trough (21) and a second trough (22), the openings of which face in different directions, and a rotary mechanism suitable for rotating the first and the second trough about a common axis of rotation; to a wet-chemical production plant comprising such a system; and to a method for removing objects from a transporting and handling means using such a system.

Description

[0001] System module for collecting and removing rejects

[0002] The present invention relates to a system module for collecting and removing rejects. In particular, the invention relates to a system module for collecting and removing objects that are to be sent to the rejects, disposed of, and / or recycled. The invention preferably relates to a system module that is suitable for removing, collecting, and / or disposing of objects that are transported through an inline system on suction lances.

[0003] In wet-chemical production systems, particularly inline systems and preferably systems used for the production of contact lenses, objects, preferably contact lenses, are often transported through the system using suction lances. For example, the objects are moved between trays and cuvettes, or transported back and forth between different system modules, as described, for example, in German patent application 10 2023 108 649.9, filed on April 4, 2023. For this purpose, suction lances can preferably be provided, which can suck in the contact lenses using a negative pressure prevailing in the lance and thus pick them up individually. In other words, suction lances can preferably be used as transport handling devices to transport contact lenses within the system.

[0004] For the smooth operation of inline systems, it is necessary that objects, such as contact lenses, located on suction lances or removal handlers are transported through the system according to a specific or predefined process cycle. If a malfunction occurs in a system module and, for example, contact lenses that have passed through this system module cannot be transported further in the intended system sequence but are to be sent to waste, it is advantageous to provide a module in such inline systems at which these objects can be safely released from the suction lances and sent to waste. It can also be advantageous to provide such a module in the event that an error occurs in a downstream system module and it is therefore necessary to dispose of objects upstream of this module, for example to prevent a build-up of congestion in the system.

[0005] Various modules are known from the prior art which could ensure such a function. For example, it is known to provide modules in systems which are equipped with spray nozzles so that objects, e.g. contact lenses, can be detached from the suction lances by means of a spray mist. The known modules generally also have a collecting container into which the objects detached from the suction lances should fall, in order to collect them and then, for example, to be disposed of. Modules with this type of technology do, however, have disadvantages. In particular, the strict requirements which are now being placed on process reliability, efficiency and system cycle times, among other things, often cannot be fully met using the known modules. For example, it cannot always be guaranteed that the contact lenses will be safely removed from the lances by the spray nozzles.In addition, such spray nozzles have a relatively high AP (Aqua Purificata) water consumption. Furthermore, suitable adjustment of the spray nozzles is difficult to implement and requires regular readjustment, as the optimal setting range allows only very small fluctuations. It is therefore important to ensure, on the one hand, that the pressure of the spray nozzles is sufficient to safely remove the objects from the suction lances, and, on the other hand, to ensure that excessive pressure does not cause objects, especially contact lenses, to be unpredictably scattered throughout the system and not fall into defined positions, for example, into a collecting container. In addition, the spray nozzles should ideally deliver enough water not only to detach the lenses from the lances, but also to rinse them into the collecting container so that the contact lenses do not stick to the side walls.However, the operation of such reject modules with spray nozzles shows that objects such as contact lenses often do not end up in the collection containers, but are distributed at undefined positions within the system, thereby contaminating the system or clogging drains. Adjusting such system modules is complex, and a short cycle time with satisfactory process reliability is hardly achievable. It is an object of the present invention to provide a reject module that at least partially overcomes the disadvantages described above.

[0006] This object is achieved by the present invention by a system having a first and a second tub, the openings of which point in different directions, and a rotating mechanism which is suitable for rotating the first and the second tub about a common axis of rotation.

[0007] Preferably, the rotating mechanism is suitable and configured to rotate the troughs incrementally and / or non-uniformly. In other words, the rotating mechanism is preferably suitable and configured to rotate the troughs in a stop-and-go movement, i.e. preferably abruptly. Preferably, the rotating mechanism is suitable and configured to rotate the first and second troughs about a common axis of rotation by a maximum of 190° along a first direction of rotation, to then stop and, after the first and second troughs have preferably been completely at rest, to perform a further rotation by a maximum of 190°, preferably along the first direction of rotation or alternatively preferably counter to the first direction of rotation. In other words, the rotating mechanism can preferably be clocked step by step in one direction, more preferably by means of an indexing gear, for example a disc-cam indexing gear from TAKTOMAT kurvengesteuerte Antriebssysteme GmbH, Pöttmes, Germany.Alternatively, the rotary mechanism may preferably be configured for 180° forward-backward indexing, preferably by means of a 180° rotary drive, for example, a 180° rotary drive from Festo Vertrieb GmbH & Co. KG, Esslingen, Germany. In other words, the rotary mechanism may alternatively preferably be suitable and configured for partial circular rotation "back and forth" (preferably by a maximum of 190°, more preferably by 180°) and / or may not be suitable and / or not configured to complete a full rotation, i.e., a 360° rotation.

[0008] Preferably, the first and second troughs extend along a longitudinal direction parallel to the rotation axis. Further preferably, the rotation mechanism can be adapted to rotate the first and second troughs together, preferably by an angle between 170° and 190°, more preferably between 150° and 210°, more preferably between 130° and 230°, and particularly preferably between 110° and 250°.

[0009] Preferably, the system may comprise one or more further trays in addition to the first and second trays. Preferably, the system comprises a total of a maximum of eight, more preferably a maximum of six, more preferably a maximum of four trays, whose openings point in different directions. The rotation mechanism may preferably be suitable for rotating the two or more trays in several angular steps, each angular step preferably corresponding to a rotation through an angle of (360° / <Anzahl der Wannen> ), more preferably with a tolerance of ± 10°. Between each rotation by one angular step, each trough preferably remains in its orientation, more preferably for at least 100 ms, more preferably for at least 500 ms, more preferably for at least 1 second. This allows a stop-and-go movement of the rotatable troughs to be realized.Preferably, it can be achieved that the system can be optimally adapted to a cycle time of an inline system in which the system is intended.

[0010] The system preferably further comprises a controller. The controller can be integrated into a system controller which controls the system according to the invention, preferably as part of a system module, and preferably also further system modules and / or an entire inline system. The controller is therefore also referred to as a system controller. The controller is preferably configured to control the rotation mechanism, i.e. to activate and stop it, so that the first and the second tub are rotated in several, preferably identical, increments of preferably a maximum of 190° each, wherein the rotation is preferably stopped completely between the individual increments. In other words, the controller is preferably configured to actuate the rotation mechanism in a stop-and-go operation.In a first alternative, the controller is preferably configured to initiate a complete rotation of the rotating mechanism and / or the first and second tubs about the rotation axis at an inconstant rotational speed, for example by a stop-and-go movement. The controller is preferably configured to divide a complete rotation of the rotating mechanism and / or the first and second tubs about the rotation axis into at least two partial steps, wherein no rotation of the rotating mechanism and / or the first and second tubs about the rotation axis occurs between the two partial steps, i.e. the rotation is paused. The pause can be at least 100 ms, preferably at least 500 ms, more preferably at least 1 second. The number of partial steps can preferably correspond to the number of tubs.The controller can preferably be suitable and configured to control an indexing gear, for example a disk-cam indexing gear from TAKTOMAT kurvengesteuerte Antriebssysteme GmbH, Pöttmes, Germany. In a second alternative, in addition to or alternatively to the first alternative, the controller is preferably configured to cause a partial circle rotation of the rotary mechanism, preferably by a maximum of 190° in a first direction, to stop the rotary mechanism, and then to rotate the rotary mechanism back again opposite to the first direction. In other words, in the second alternative, the controller can be suitable and configured to implement a 180° forward-backward indexing of the rotary mechanism. The controller can, for example, be suitable and configured to control a 180° rotary drive, for example a 180° rotary drive from Festo Vertrieb GmbH & Co. KG, Esslingen, Germany.In the second alternative, the control may preferably not be suitable and / or not designed to cause a full rotation, ie a 360° rotation, of the rotating mechanism.

[0011] Preferably, the troughs can be rigidly connected to one another to form a multiple trough. More preferably, the axis of rotation can be located in the center of the multiple trough and / or the troughs can be arranged symmetrically to one another and the axis of rotation can lie on the axis of symmetry. More preferably, the troughs can be watertight and / or the troughs can each have a watertight trough base that is opposite the opening. In other words, the multiple trough can preferably be formed from two opposing troughs, the trough bases of which preferably face one another, and wherein the axis of rotation is preferably arranged in a space between the two trough bases. More preferably, this multiple trough formed from two troughs can rotate in 180° steps so that one opening of one trough always points upwards and one opening of the other trough points downwards.Such a construction of the multiple tank can have a particularly positive effect on the shortest possible cycle times of an inline system connected to it and, more preferably, on the highest possible process reliability.

[0012] The system can preferably further comprise a subsystem by means of which a liquid, preferably AP water, can be fed into one of the tanks, wherein the subsystem preferably comprises one or more of the following components: a supply line, a pressure reducer, a pressure gauge, and a fluid valve. AP water, or aqua purificata, can be understood to mean purified water that can preferably be used to produce pharmaceutical preparations that do not have to be sterile. AP water preferably contains fewer than 100 germs per ml of water and, in particular, no fecal germs. Preferably, in at least a first operating state of the system, the opening of the first tank can point upwards, and the first tank can preferably be at least partially filled with liquid, preferably with AP water. In contrast, the opening of the second tank can preferably point downwards in this first operating state.Furthermore, in a second operating state of the system, the opening of the second tank can preferably point upwards and the second tank can preferably be at least partially filled with liquid, preferably with AP water. The opening of the first tank can preferably point downwards in this second operating state. Preferably, by means of such an arrangement and more preferably a suitable control of the system, preferably by means of the system control system, a minimum cycle time can be achieved, wherein the rotation and filling of the tank can take place within 5, preferably within 3 seconds. More preferably, the rotation of the multiple tanks by preferably at least 170°, more preferably by at least 180° can increase process reliability, since it can be ensured that the AP water contained in the tank is rinsed or tipped out as completely as possible by the rotation.As will be apparent, in a double-tub (multiple tubs with a first and a second tub), the preferential rotation occurs in a single rotation step. In a multiple tub with three, four, or more angularly arranged tubs, the preferential rotation can also occur in two or more rotation steps.

[0013] The system can further preferably comprise a collecting container, wherein the collecting container preferably comprises a funnel and more preferably an interface to a wastewater line. The first and second trays and / or the rotational axis can preferably be arranged in or above the collecting container. Preferably, the multiple trays or the first and / or second trays can be arranged in or above the collecting container in such a way that upon rotation of the rotational axis or the multiple trays or the first and / or second trays, the contents of the trays can preferably be emptied as completely as possible into the collecting container.

[0014] The system can preferably also be suitable for monitoring the fill level of the first or second tank or the fill level of the collecting container, wherein the system preferably comprises a fill level sensor. This can be particularly advantageous for detecting a malfunction of the system in a timely manner or for preventing an overflow of the tanks and / or the collecting container in a timely manner. Information about the fill level, preferably an output of the fill level sensor, can preferably be used by the system control system to initiate a subsequent process step or sequence.

[0015] The system can further preferably comprise an AP water valve, by means of which AP water can be directed into the first and / or second tub. The pressure at the AP water valve can preferably be at least 0.1 bar, more preferably at least 0.2 bar and more preferably at least 0.3 bar and / or preferably a maximum of 1 bar, more preferably a maximum of 0.9 bar and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.8 bar. The pressure specifications preferably relate to a differential pressure of approximately 1 bar compared to atmospheric pressure. These pressures at the AP water valve can preferably lead to, on the one hand, advantageous rapid filling of the tubs (preferably within 3 seconds, more preferably within 2 seconds and particularly preferably within 1 second) being possible, and on the other hand, water can be prevented from splashing over the tub edge when filling the tubs.

[0016] The system can preferably further comprise a transport handling device with suction lances, wherein the transport handling device can preferably be suitable for picking up objects, preferably contact lenses, by means of negative pressure applied to the suction lances and for repelling them from the suction lances by means of a compressed air pulse. The transport handling device, in particular the suction lances, can be arranged in the plant and / or in the system such that the transport handling device, in particular the suction lances, are located above the first and second tanks at at least one operating point of the plant and / or the system. The transport handling device can preferably be a transport handling device of the type disclosed in DE application DE 10 2023 108 649.9. The disclosure content of this application is hereby incorporated into the present application by reference.The pressure for the compressed air pulse can preferably be at least 0.1 bar, more preferably at least 0.2 bar, more preferably at least 0.4 bar, more preferably at least 0.6 bar and particularly preferably at least 0.8 bar and / or preferably at most 1.6 bar, more preferably at most 1.4 bar, more preferably at most 1.2 bar and particularly preferably at most 1 bar. The specified pressures preferably relate to a pressure difference compared to atmospheric pressure or a pressure of 1 bar. The compressed air pulse can preferably have a pulse time which preferably limits a period over which the compressed air pulse can be emitted. The pulse time of the compressed air pulse can preferably be at most 0.4 seconds, more preferably 0.05 to 0.3 seconds.

[0017] This can preferably ensure safe detachment of the objects from the transport handling, wherein furthermore, splashing out of AP water contained in the trays is preferably prevented by the compressed air pulse, since the compressed air pulse is preferably not strong enough for this. By detaching the contact lenses from the suction lances by means of a compressed air pulse emitted by the suction lances, it can preferably be ensured that the detached objects fall in a defined direction, preferably downwards, and in particular preferably do not spread in undefined directions within the system. This can preferably increase process reliability, and preferably prevent contamination of the system and / or cross-contamination of the products and system components.

[0018] At least the first and / or the second trough can be arranged in at least one operating point of the plant and / or the system below the transport handling, in particular below the suction lances.

[0019] Preferably, the first and / or second trough, preferably the multiple trough, can extend in the longitudinal direction by at least 100 mm, preferably at least 500 mm and / or by a maximum of 1,000 mm, preferably by a maximum of 800 mm. More preferably, the first and / or second trough can have a volume of at least 0.5 liters, preferably at least 1 liter, more preferably at least 2 liters and / or a maximum of 4 liters, preferably a maximum of 3 liters. This can preferably ensure that the lenses are reliably collected after they have been detached from the suction lances, and at the same time it can be achieved that AP water consumption can be kept low. More preferably, the first and / or second trough can have filler pieces by means of which the volume of the troughs can be reduced, preferably to a maximum of 1 liter, more preferably to a maximum of 0.5 liters. Thus, water consumption can preferably be further reduced, preferably to 0.5 liters per process.The use of filler pieces can simultaneously increase the flexibility of the system module. In other words, depending on the system in which the module is used, an appropriate selection of filler pieces can achieve an optimal volume of the tanks. This represents a favorable compromise between sufficient water volume to collect the lenses, on the one hand, and not too much water volume to keep water consumption low, on the other. In addition, the use of filler pieces can preferably be used to subdivide a tank, so that several parallel tank sections are formed within a tank, with each tank section preferably having the shape of a tank.

[0020] It can often be advantageous to incorporate an integrated CIP (cleaning in process) process into such a system. According to the state of the art, this is often carried out using hydrogen peroxide. It is therefore preferable for the tanks to be designed so that they can be rinsed with hydrogen peroxide. By using appropriate tank sizes or filler pieces, hydrogen peroxide consumption can also be minimized as much as possible, preferably to less than 0.5 liters.

[0021] The system can further preferably have at least one first sensor suitable for registering a first position of the rotary mechanism, wherein the system can have a second sensor suitable for registering a second position of the rotary mechanism, wherein more preferably the first and / or second sensor are proximity switches. Information registered by means of these sensors can preferably be passed on to the system control system and thus a malfunction of the system or the system module can preferably be registered in a timely manner. Furthermore, information registered by means of these sensors and preferably passed on to the system control system can preferably be used to start a subsequent process step or a subsequent sequence.

[0022] Preferably, the system, more preferably the first and / or second tank, can comprise a material with at least one of the following properties: Certificate 3.1 for metals and FDA, BSE / TSE-free according to GMP regulations. More preferably, the system, or preferably the first and / or second tank, can comprise at least one or a combination of the following materials: stainless steel, particularly preferably 1.4404, plastic, composite material, glass, ceramic. The system module can preferably be used in various industries, in particular in electrical engineering, pharmaceuticals, food technology, and medical technology. A preferred material selection can favor use in various industries.

[0023] The invention further relates to a wet-chemical production plant comprising a system according to one of the features described above, wherein the production plant can preferably be suitable for use in the production of contact lenses. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various features and advantages described for the system described above apply equally to the wet-chemical production plant.

[0024] The invention further relates to a method for removing objects from a transport handling device by means of a system or a wet-chemical production plant according to one of the preceding features, comprising the following sequences: a. Immersing the objects located on the transport handling device into the first tub, wherein the opening of the first tub faces upwards and wherein the first tub is at least partially filled with liquid; b. Detaching the objects from the transport handling device while the objects are immersed in the liquid of the first tub.

[0025] Preferably, step b. may involve introducing a compressed air pulse into the first tank, preferably via a suction lance. The described method can preferably be carried out within 5 seconds, more preferably within 3 seconds.

[0026] The method can further preferably comprise at least one of the following sequences: c. Lifting a part of the transport handling device out of the first trough, so that preferably a part of the transport handling device which is suitable for being immersed in the first trough in sequence a. is no longer in the first trough. d. Rotating the first trough by at least 110°, preferably by at least 130°, more preferably by at least 150° and particularly preferably by at least 170°; e. Rotating the second trough so that the opening of the second trough points upwards; f. Filling the second trough at least partially with liquid.

[0027] Preferably, sequences a. and b. can take place before sequence c. Preferably, sequences a. to c. can be performed within 5 seconds, more preferably within 3 seconds.

[0028] Preferably, the method can be a method for removing objects from suction lances of a transport handling device. In sequence a, a portion of the suction lances can preferably be immersed in the first trough. In sequence c, the portion of the suction lances that is immersed in the first trough in sequence a (or is at least suitable or configured for this purpose) can preferably be lifted.

[0029] The rotation of the first and second tanks can preferably occur simultaneously, more preferably by the same angle of rotation. Sequences d. to f. can preferably run within 5 seconds, more preferably within 3 seconds. More preferably, sequences a. to f. can run within 8 seconds, and particularly preferably within 6 seconds. The short cycle times can preferably be achieved in particular because the system has the at least two tanks according to the invention, and the AP water and the compressed air are delivered through the suction lances using the preferred pressures.

[0030] The method can preferably be suitable for removing contact lenses from the transport handling system between two production steps of a production process (preferably within one cycle of the system), preferably an inline process, and preferably for disposing of them, in order to further preferably ensure the smooth functioning of upstream systems even in the event of a malfunction of a downstream system. Alternatively, the system can be suitable for disposing of contact lenses from a faulty upstream system, preferably within one cycle of the system, so that downstream systems are not affected.

[0031] The invention further relates to the following aspects.

[0032] 1. System comprising a first and a second tub, the openings of which point in different directions, and a rotating mechanism suitable for rotating the first and the second tub about a common axis of rotation.

[0033] 2. The system of aspect 1, wherein the first and second troughs extend along a longitudinal direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0034] 3. System according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the rotating mechanism is suitable for rotating the first and the second tub together, preferably by an angle between 170° and 190°, more preferably between 150° and 210°, more preferably between 130° and 230° and particularly preferably between 110° and 250°.

[0035] 4. System according to one of the preceding aspects, which in addition to the first and the second trough has one or more further troughs, wherein the rotation mechanism is suitable for rotating the troughs in several angular steps, wherein each angular step preferably corresponds to a rotation through an angle of (360° / <Anzahl der Wannen> ), more preferably with a tolerance of ± 10°.

[0036] 5. System according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the trays are rigidly connected to one another so that a multiple tray is formed.

[0037] 6. System according to aspect 5, wherein the axis of rotation is located in the center of the multiple tray and / or wherein the trays are arranged symmetrically to one another and the axis of rotation lies in the plane of symmetry.

[0038] 7. System according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the trays are watertight and / or wherein the trays each have a watertight tray bottom opposite the opening.

[0039] 8. System according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the system further comprises a subsystem by means of which a liquid, preferably AP water, can be fed into one of the trays, wherein the subsystem preferably comprises one or more of the following components: a supply line, a pressure reducer, a pressure gauge, a fluid valve.

[0040] 9. System according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein in at least a first operating state of the system, the opening of the first tub points upwards and the first tub is preferably at least partially filled with liquid, preferably with AP water, wherein the opening of the second tub preferably points downwards in this first operating state. System according to aspect 9, wherein further in a second operating state of the system, the opening of the second tub points upwards and the second tub is preferably at least partially filled with liquid, preferably with AP water, wherein the opening of the first tub preferably points downwards in this second operating state.System according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the system further comprises a collecting container, wherein the collecting container preferably has a funnel and more preferably an interface to a wastewater line; wherein the first and the second tub and / or the axis of rotation are arranged in or above the collecting container. System according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the system is further suitable for monitoring a fill level of the first and / or second tub or a fill level of the collecting container, preferably wherein the system has a fill level sensor. System according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the system further comprises an AP water valve, by means of which AP water can be fed into the first and / or second tub. System according to aspect 13, wherein the pressure at the AP water valve is at least 0.1 bar, preferably a maximum of 1 bar.The system according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the system further comprises a transport handling system with suction lances, wherein the transport handling system is suitable for picking up objects, preferably contact lenses, by means of negative pressure applied to the suction lances and for repelling them from the suction lances by means of a compressed air pulse. The system according to aspect 15, wherein the pressure for the compressed air pulse is at least 0.1 bar, preferably a maximum of 1 bar, wherein a pulse time of the compressed air pulse is preferably a maximum of 0.4 seconds, more preferably 0.05 to 0.3 seconds.

[0041] 17. System according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first and / or second tray, preferably the multiple tray, extends in the longitudinal direction by at least

[0042] 100 mm, preferably at least 500 mm and / or by a maximum of 1,000 mm, preferably by a maximum of 800 mm.

[0043] 18. System according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first and / or second tub has a volume of at least 0.5 liters, preferably at least 2 liters and / or a maximum of 4 liters, preferably a maximum of 3 liters.

[0044] 19. System according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first and / or second tub has filler pieces by means of which the volume is preferably reduced to a maximum of 1 liter, more preferably to a maximum of 0.5 liters.

[0045] 20. System according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the system comprises at least a first sensor which is suitable for registering a first position of the rotary mechanism, preferably wherein the system comprises a second sensor which is suitable for registering a second position of the rotary mechanism, further preferably wherein the first and / or second sensor are proximity switches.

[0046] 21. System according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the system, preferably the first and / or second tank, comprises a material with at least one of the following properties: Certificate 3.1 for metals and FDA, BSE / TSE freedom according to GMP rules, further preferably wherein the system, preferably the multiple tank, comprises at least one or a combination of the following materials: stainless steel, particularly preferably 1.4404, plastic, composite material, glass, ceramic.

[0047] 22. A wet-chemical production plant comprising a system according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the production plant is preferably suitable for use in the production of contact lenses. 23. A method for removing objects from a transport handling device using a system according to any one of the preceding aspects, comprising the following sequences: a. Immersing the objects located on the transport handling device into the first tub, wherein the opening of the first tub faces upwards and wherein the first tub is at least partially filled with liquid; b. Detaching the objects from the transport handling device while the objects are immersed in the liquid of the first tub.

[0048] 24. The method of aspect 23, wherein step b. comprises: introducing a pulse of compressed air into the first tub.

[0049] 25. The method according to aspect 23 or 24, further comprising at least one of the following sequences: c. Lifting a part of the transport handling device out of the first trough, so that preferably a part of the transport handling device which is suitable for being immersed in the first trough in sequence a. is no longer in the first trough. d. Rotating the first trough by at least 110°, preferably by at least 130°, more preferably by at least 150°, and particularly preferably by at least 170°; e. Rotating the second trough so that the opening of the second trough points upwards; f. Filling the second trough at least partially with liquid.

[0050] 26. The method according to aspect 25, wherein the rotation of the first and second tubs occurs simultaneously, preferably by the same angle of rotation.

[0051] 27. The method according to any one of aspects 23 to 26, wherein sequences a. and b. run before sequence c., and / or wherein sequences a. to f. run within 8 seconds, preferably within 6 seconds. 28. The method according to any one of aspects 23 to 27, wherein the method is suitable for removing contact lenses from the transport handling system between two production steps of a production process and preferably disposing of them, in order to further preferably ensure the smooth functioning of upstream systems even in the event of a malfunction of a downstream system.

[0052] A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the following figures. The figures show:

[0053] Fig. 1 is a 3D view of the system in a preferred embodiment, wherein the system is preferably part of a wet chemical production plant;

[0054] Fig. 2 is a section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the system of Fig. 1; and

[0055] Fig. 3 shows detail X from Fig. 2.

[0056] The figures show a preferred embodiment of the invention, without the invention being limited to this specific embodiment.

[0057] The structure of the system according to the invention can be seen in Figures 1 and 2. A double tub (multiple tub) 2 is arranged in the collecting container 3 and mounted so as to be rotatable with respect to the axis of rotation 6. The collecting container 3 has a funnel in its lower region, so that the volume of the collecting container tapers downwards towards a connection 4 for a wastewater line (not shown). The double tub 2 shown is explained in more detail below in connection with Figure 3. In Figure 1, it can be seen that the double tub 2 has two upward-facing openings that are arranged parallel to one another and extend longitudinally along the axis of rotation 6. In the area above these openings, a removal handling device with suction lances can be moved over the double tub 2 so that the suction lances can immerse themselves in the double tub 2.In the exemplary embodiment shown, the extraction handling with the suction lances is not shown; in principle, any extraction handling method can be used. Preferably, an extraction handling method according to the disclosure of the DE application DE 102023108649.9 can be used. This extraction handling method consists of two parallel rows of suction lances, which is why the double tub in the exemplary embodiment shown consists of two longitudinally extending, upwardly open openings or tub sections. In principle, the system can be expanded or minimized as desired, so that, for example, only one upwardly facing opening or tub is present, or more than two, for example three, four or more openings or tubs or tub sections. The system further comprises a supply line 7, by means of which the double tub 2 can be filled with AP water.The supply line 7 has a pressure reducer 71 and a pressure gauge 72, as well as a fluid valve 8 at its end. Preferably, a suitable pressure can be set at the fluid valve 8 using the pressure reducer 71, so that the double tub 2 can be filled with AP water within a short period of time, preferably within 3 seconds, more preferably within 2 seconds. In the left front area of ​​Figure 1, it can be seen that the system has a controller 9, by means of which the double tub 2 can be rotated. In the present case, the controller primarily consists of a rotary cylinder 91 and a pneumatic valve 92. A fill level sensor 5 is provided to register or monitor the fill level of the double tub 2 with AP water. The detail marked with an X in Figure 2 is shown in an enlarged view in Figure 3.

[0058] The two troughs of the double trough 2 are clearly visible in Figure 3. The double trough 2 has a first trough 21 and a second trough 22. Figure 3 shows a first operating state in which the opening of the first trough 21 points upwards and the opening of the second trough 22 points downwards. In the example shown, both the first trough 21 and the second trough 22 each have a filler piece or filler pieces 23. This allows the volume of the troughs to be reduced. The double trough 2 shown is thus optimized for use in combination with a removal handling system that has two parallel rows of suction lances. This allows two areas 211 and 212 to be characterized in the first trough 21. Likewise, two areas 221 and 222 can be characterized in the second trough 22. As shown, the first trough 21, the opening of which points upwards, is filled with AP water. In this case, the first tub contains 21, ieboth areas 221 and 222 together, in approximately 0.5 liters of AP water. The fill level of the first tray 21 is monitored by the fill level sensor 5. The second tray 22 points vertically downwards and is thus emptied. Both trays are arranged such that the tray bottoms face each other and the trays are symmetrical to one another. The axis of rotation 6 lies in the plane of symmetry between the two trays 21, 22. Even if the axis of rotation 6 is arranged centrally in the axis of symmetry of the two trays in the illustrated embodiment, alternative embodiments are conceivable in which the axis of rotation can be arranged, for example, above, below, to the left or right of the trays 21, 22. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the exemplary embodiment represents a multiple tray, which is therefore referred to as a double tray 2 because only two tray areas are provided, the openings of which point in different directions.In other words, all openings of the troughs or trough sections point in only two directions. Of course, according to this understanding, a double trough can also have more than two troughs or four sections, as long as they are arranged parallel to the existing troughs. Only when troughs are arranged in relation to the axis of rotation such that openings point in, for example, three or four directions, does a multiple trough arise, which can be referred to as a triple trough or quadruple trough. These designations are preferably independent of the actual number of troughs or trough sections; thus, preferably, several parallel troughs can be provided whose openings point in the same directions.

[0059] In the following, with reference to the figures, it will be described how objects, in this case contact lenses, can be removed and disposed of by a removal handling device and by means of the system in the preferred embodiment. The handling device disclosed in the German application DE 102023108649.9 is preferably used as the removal handling device for this purpose. Firstly, the removal handling device is positioned in an area above the double tub 2. The removal handling device then moves downwards until the contact lenses attached to the suction lances are immersed in the AP water contained in the first tub 21. Only then is a compressed air pulse applied by means of the suction lances, so that the contact lenses are released from the suction lances and float freely in the AP water or in the first tub 21. The suction lances or the removal handling device with the suction lances orthe part of the removal handling which was immersed in the AP water is moved upwards again so that the suction lances are again arranged in an area above the double tub 2. The process described so far can preferably take place within 5 seconds, more preferably within 3 seconds. The double tub 2 is then rotated 180° about the axis of rotation 6. The rotation is initiated by the controller 9, wherein the pneumatic valve 92 is controlled such that the 180° rotation can be implemented by the rotating cylinder 91. After the rotation, the second tub 22 is in the position where the first tub 21 was previously. This means that the opening of the second tub 22 points upwards. In contrast, the opening of the first tub 21 points downwards. In other words, the first tub 21 is now in the position where the second tub 22 was previously.This tipping of the first tray causes the liquid, together with the contact lenses contained therein, to be emptied into the collecting container 3 and, through the funnel shape of the collecting container 3, fed to the wastewater line 4. The arrangement of the double tray 2 in the collecting container ensures that the surge of liquid, including the contact lenses, also lands completely in the collecting container 3. The abrupt rotation of the double tray 2 results in the contact lenses from the first tray 21 being preferably completely rinsed out with the surge of liquid and not remaining stuck in the tray. Preferably, at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, and especially preferably at least 95% of all objects or contact lenses can be rinsed out of the first tray after the rotation. The second tray 22, the opening of which now points upwards, is refilled with AP liquid via the supply line 7.The entire process of rotating the double tub by 180° and refilling the second tub with AP water, preferably with a volume of approximately 0.5 liters, can preferably take place within 5 seconds, more preferably within 3 seconds.

[0060] The system described can preferably ensure that, on the one hand, all contact lenses in the removal handling area can be safely removed from the suction lances and placed into the AP water in the first tank. This is because spray nozzles that rinse the lenses with a spray mist or strong spray jet are preferably not used. Instead, a compressed air pulse emitted by the suction lances themselves is preferred. This preferably occurs while the suction lance tips, with the objects attached to them, are immersed in AP water, i.e., submerged. This preferably prevents objects from being detached from the suction lances but not absorbed by the tank or the AP water.In other words, after being detached by the compressed air pulse, the lenses float in the AP water already present, which can preferably prevent contact lenses from being sprayed into areas of the system where they are unwanted. The rotation of the double tub, preferably by 180°, preferably within 3 seconds, more preferably within 2 seconds and particularly preferably within 1 second, results in as many contact lenses in the tub as possible being emptied into the collecting container with a gush of AP water and not sticking to the side walls of the tub. The inventive design of the double tub 2 means that the tipped-over first tub does not have to be rotated back up to be filled and able to accept objects again. Instead, a second tub can be filled directly.As a result, this system can also be used in inline systems with significantly shorter cycle times, preferably with cycle times of up to 8 seconds (one cycle is up to 8 seconds long), more preferably of up to 6 seconds (one cycle is up to 6 seconds long). It should be clear to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to a double tank 2 as shown in the exemplary embodiment. It is also conceivable that instead of a double tank, but rather a triple or quadruple tank can be used, with accordingly three or four tanks whose tank bottoms are aligned with one another and whose openings point outwards. If contact lenses have been dispensed into the AP water in a triple or quadruple tank and the tank is to be rotated further in order to align a new tank upwards, it is sufficient to rotate it not by 180° in one step, but rather by only 120° or 90° in a first step.

[0061] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the double trough 2 is constructed such that a first trough 21 and a second trough 22 are each divided by a filler piece 23 such that a first region 211 and a second region 212 of the first trough or a first region 221 and a second region 222 of the second trough are formed. Alternatively, it is equally possible for the first trough 21 to have two partial troughs 211 and 212 (i.e., to be formed from two separate troughs) and the second trough 22 to have two partial troughs 221 and 222 (i.e., to be formed from two separate troughs). Accordingly, depending on the number of rows of suction lances that the removal handling has, several partial troughs (or regions or troughs) can also be provided in the first or second trough 21 or 22. In the system shown in the figures, the trays, filler pieces and the collecting container are made of PVDF and / or 1.4404.This ensures the durability of the parts, both for use in wet areas and when an automatic disinfection process, a so-called CIP process, is also planned, which can be carried out using, for example, a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. All materials used preferably have 3.1 certificates for metals and are FDA-approved and / or BSE / TSE-free according to GMP regulations. This makes the system ideal for use in food technology, as well as in the chemical, medical, pharmaceutical, and electrical engineering industries.

[0062] For better monitoring of the system shown, a proximity switch can be used in addition to the fill level sensor 5, so that in addition to the fill level of the double tub 2, the orientation or positioning of the double tub 2 can also be registered. Thus, the system control system 9 can preferably monitor at any time whether a tub 21, 22 is in a suitable position to receive objects and whether this tub 21, 22 is filled with AP water. In order to monitor the fill level of the tubs using the fill level sensor 5, it is advantageous for the fill pieces 23 to be water-permeable. Thus, it is sufficient to visually monitor the fill level of the tub at one point, since the fill level within the tub is regulated to a constant level by the water-permeable fill element 23.

[0063] The system shown is preferably part of a wet-chemical production plant, preferably a wet-chemical production plant for the production of contact lenses. The system shown is preferably used when such a wet-chemical production plant is part of an inline plant. The system is preferably provided at a position within the inline plant that is located between the extraction module and a downstream process in which the contact lenses are finished. Thus, the system shown can be accessed at any time by the unloading system if contact lenses located at the unloading system are declared as rejects.

Claims

Claims 1. System comprising a first and a second tub, the openings of which point in different directions, and a rotating mechanism suitable for rotating the first and the second tub about a common axis of rotation.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second troughs extend along a longitudinal direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotating mechanism is suitable for rotating the first and the second tub together, preferably by an angle between 170° and 190°, more preferably between 150° and 210°, more preferably between 130° and 230° and particularly preferably between 110° and 250°.

4. System according to one of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more further trays in addition to the first and second trays, wherein the rotation mechanism is suitable for rotating the trays in several angular steps, wherein each angular step preferably corresponds to a rotation through an angle of (360° / <Anzahl der Wannen> ), more preferably with a tolerance of ± 10°.

5. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the trays are rigidly connected to one another so that a multiple tray is formed.

6. System according to claim 5, wherein the axis of rotation is located in the center of the multiple tray and / or wherein the trays are arranged symmetrically to one another and the axis of rotation lies in the plane of symmetry.

7. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the trays are watertight and / or wherein the trays each have a watertight tray bottom opposite the opening.

8. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a subsystem by means of which a liquid, preferably AP water, can be fed into one of the trays, wherein the subsystem preferably comprises one or more of the following components: a supply line, a pressure reducer, a pressure gauge, a fluid valve.

9. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in at least a first operating state of the system the opening of the first tub points upwards and the first tub is preferably at least partially filled with liquid, preferably with AP water, wherein the opening of the second tub preferably points downwards in this first operating state.

10. System according to claim 9, wherein further in a second operating state of the system the opening of the second tub points upwards and the second tub is preferably at least partially filled with liquid, preferably with AP water, wherein the opening of the first tub preferably points downwards in this second operating state.

11. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a collecting container, wherein the collecting container preferably has a funnel and more preferably an interface to a sewer line; wherein the first and second trays and / or the rotation axis are arranged in or above the collecting container.

12. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is further suitable for controlling a fill level of the first and / or second tub or a fill level of the collecting container, preferably wherein the system comprises a fill level sensor has.

13. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises an AP water valve by means of which AP water can be directed into the first and / or second tub.

14. System according to claim 13, wherein the pressure at the AP water valve is at least 0.1 bar, preferably a maximum of 1 bar.

15. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a transport handling device with suction lances, wherein the transport handling device is suitable for picking up objects, preferably contact lenses, by means of negative pressure applied to the suction lances and for repelling them from the suction lances by means of a compressed air pulse.

16. System according to claim 15, wherein the pressure for the compressed air pulse is at least 0.1 bar, preferably a maximum of 1 bar.

17. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second tray, preferably the multiple tray, extends in the longitudinal direction by at least 100 mm, preferably at least 500 mm and / or by a maximum of 1000 mm, preferably by a maximum of 800 mm.

18. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second tub has a volume of at least 0.5 liters, preferably at least 2 liters and / or a maximum of 4 liters, preferably a maximum of 3 liters.

19. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second tub has filler pieces by means of which the volume is preferably reduced to a maximum of 1 liter, more preferably to a maximum of 0.5 liters.

20. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises at least a first sensor which is suitable for registering a first position of the rotary mechanism, preferably wherein the system comprises a second sensor which is suitable for registering a second position of the rotary mechanism, further preferably wherein the first and / or second sensor are proximity switches.

21. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system, preferably the first and / or second tank, comprises a material with at least one of the following properties: Certificate 3.1 for metals and FDA, BSE / TSE freedom according to GMP rules, further preferably wherein the system, preferably the multiple tank, comprises at least one or a combination of the following materials: stainless steel, particularly preferably 1.4404, plastic, composite material, glass, ceramic.

22. A wet chemical production plant comprising a system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the production plant is preferably suitable for use in the production of contact lenses.

23. A method for removing objects from a transport handling device using a system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following sequences: a. Immersing the objects located on the transport handling device into the first trough, wherein the opening of the first trough faces upwards and wherein the first trough is at least partially filled with liquid; b. Detaching the objects from the transport handling device while the objects are immersed in the liquid of the first trough.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein step b comprises: introducing a pulse of compressed air into the first tub.

25. The method of claim 23 or 24, further comprising at least one of the following sequences: c. Lifting a portion of the transport handling device out of the first trough, so that preferably a portion of the transport handling device suitable for being immersed in the first trough in sequence a. is no longer in the first trough. d. Rotating the first trough by at least 110°, preferably by at least 130°, more preferably by at least 150°, and particularly preferably by at least 170°; e. Rotating the second trough so that the opening of the second trough points upwards; f. Filling the second trough at least partially with liquid.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the rotation of the first and second tubs occurs simultaneously, preferably by the same angle of rotation.

27. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein sequences a. and b. occur chronologically before sequence c., and / or wherein sequences a. to f. occur within 8 seconds, preferably within 6 seconds.

28. Method according to one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the method is suitable for removing contact lenses from the transport handling between two production steps of a production process and preferably for disposing of them, in order to further preferably ensure a smooth function of upstream systems even in the event of a malfunction of a downstream system.

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