How to replace the coiled film holder in a cassette

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for replacing a coiled film holder (3) of a cassette (2), the cassette comprising a cassette base plate (4) having a shaft (6) for supporting the coiled film holder and a protective plate attached to the shaft for supporting and protecting the coiled film, the method comprising a. separating the coiled film holder (3) from the protective plate and forming a predetermined space between the coiled film holder and the protective plate, and then b. pushing the coiled film holder away from the protective plate and removing it from the shaft (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Background The present disclosure relates to a method for replacing a coiled film holder of a cassette and an apparatus for replacing a coiled film holder of a cassette.

Background Art

[0002] Such cassettes themselves are known and are used in devices for packaging individual pharmaceuticals in bags and in methods for packaging individual pharmaceuticals in bags. Such packaging devices are typically used to package selected dosage units, each to be administered to a patient once at a time, into a large number of bags. Data needs to be printed on each bag, and the film in the cassette can be consumed during the printing process. The amount of film in the cassette can be 1000 meters, but even then the cassette needs to be replaced regularly.

[0003] Such a packaging device is known from US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0366489 A1 relating to a device for dispensing medical solid substances. This device comprises a number of feeder units (also known as "cannisters"), which are distributed in a radial grid around a rotational axis 15. Each feeder unit holds a solid substance specific to that respective feeder unit. Thus, a variety of solid substances can be dispensed by the entire set of feeder units. Further, the device comprises a collection frame disposed below the arrangement of feeder positions 20 and rotatable about the rotational axis. The collection frame is provided with a series of collection trays for collecting the solid substances dispensed from any of the feeder units within the arrangement of feeder positions. Further, the device comprises a packing unit 25 disposed in a stationary position below the collection frame for packing the solid substances received from the collection trays. The collection frame rotates about the rotational axis such that each collection tray moves along each of the feeder units within the arrangement of feeder positions 30 before reaching the packing unit.

[0004] Each packaging unit 61, 62 includes a stock member for holding packaging material (foil in this example), a printer for printing information about the pharmaceutical product 90 on the foil, a filling member for positioning the foil to receive the pharmaceutical product 90, a sealing member for forming a bag around the received pharmaceutical product 90, a perforating member for perforating the foil between the subsequently formed bags, and a discharge member for discharging the packaged pharmaceutical product F from the dispensing device 1.

[0005] Therefore, known packaging devices are configured to form bags within an elongated web and fill these bags with individual pharmaceuticals. The bags are then sealed to contain the individual pharmaceuticals. Known packaging devices have driven rollers that pull the elongated web along a path through the sealing and filling sections of the packaging device. The printer of this known packaging device, "the Indivion," uses printer film (also called a printer ribbon). This ribbon is placed inside the printer by a cassette. When the ribbon is completely used up, the cassette needs to be replaced. At that time, the ribbon coil must be removed from the cassette. Considerable force is required to remove the coil from the shaft. The cassette also has a protective ring on the shaft. The protective ring contacts and supports the coil and guides the ribbon. When removing the coil from the cassette, workers often accidentally remove the protective ring from the shaft. This detachment of the protective ring can lead to defective products because information is incompletely printed on the bags. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] overview The object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for easily removing a coil without pulling on a protective ring. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Therefore, the present invention relates to a method for replacing a coiled film holder of a cassette, wherein the cassette comprises a cassette base plate having a shaft for supporting the coiled film holder and a protective plate attached to the shaft for supporting and protecting the coiled film, and the method is a. Separating the coiled film holder from the protective plate and forming a predetermined space between the coiled film holder and the protective plate, and thereafter, b. Steps to push the coiled film holder away from the protective plate and remove it from the shaft. This provides a method that includes [something].

[0008] The solution according to the present invention is a method for removing a coiled film holder from a shaft in two separate steps. In step a), the coil is moved away from the protective plate, for example, to the midpoint of the shaft. Importantly, a predetermined space is formed between the protective plate and the coiled film holder. This predetermined space is configured to allow a pressing tool to extend into the space to press the coiled film holder away from the shaft. In other words, in step b), the space between the coil and this ring is used to complete the removal of the coiled film holder from the shaft.

[0009] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, step a) includes moving the coiled film holder along the shaft together with the protective plate. Moving the coiled film holder together with the protective plate makes it possible to push the coiled film from the shaft instead of pulling the coiled film holder from the shaft. Pulling the coiled film holder from the shaft is more complex and difficult to control.

[0010] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, between step a) and step b), the cassette base plate is moved from a first position to a second position, and at the second position of the base plate, the pressing member extends between the protective plate and the coiled film holder. Moving the cassette base plate from the first position to the second position makes it possible to reposition the protective plate relative to the pressing member.

[0011] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the protective plate is attached to the shaft by a loose fit, and the method includes separating the protective plate from the coiled film holder by gravity before step b). The loose fit of the protective plate to the shaft makes it easy to separate the protective plate from the coiled film holder and secure a predetermined space.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a cassette obtained by the method according to the present invention.

[0013] The present invention also relates to an apparatus for replacing a coiled film holder of a cassette, and is suitable for the method according to the prior claims, - A holding station for receiving the cassette base plate, - A pressing system for pressing a coiled film holder against a shaft provided on a cassette base plate and / or pushing it away from the shaft. Equipped with, The device relates to a holding station configured to determine first and second positions of a cassette base plate relative to a pressing system, wherein the first and second positions are offset. The configuration of the holding station to determine the first and second positions of the cassette base plate facilitates the controllable repositioning of the protective plate relative to the pressing member of the pressing system. This device is sometimes referred to as a "ribbon changing tool."

[0014] In one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the pressing system comprises a fixed pressing member and a movable pressing member that is movable in the pressing direction relative to the fixed pressing member, and the first and second positions of the cassette base plate are offset from each other in the pressing direction. This makes it easier to reposition the protective plate relative to the pressing member of the pressing system in a controllable manner and enables a simple operation sequence of the pressing system. The pressing direction is usually perpendicular, but different pressing direction orientations are also possible.

[0015] In one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the holding station comprises a movable frame that is movable in the pressing direction and has opposing slots for receiving a cassette base plate. The movable frame facilitates controlled pressing so that the holding system maintains engagement with the cassette base plate during pressing. The opposing slots allow for the determination of a first position and a second position of the cassette base plate.

[0016] In one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, a pair of opposing slots define a first position of the cassette base plate. This makes it easier to securely position the cassette base plate relative to the holding system.

[0017] In one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the holding station includes a detection system for detecting that the cassette base plate is in a first position. This detection system makes it possible to control the position of the pressing system in response to the cassette base plate being in the first position.

[0018] In one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the pressing system comprises a control unit for controlling the position of a movable pressing member, a detection system coupled to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to control the position of the movable pressing member in accordance with the cassette base plate being in a first position of the cassette base plate. The control unit makes it possible to make the stroke of the pressing system different in step a) and step b). In other words, the control unit can control a stroke limiter such that the pressing stroke is limited in the first step a) and not limited in step b).

[0019] In one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the holding station includes a spring system for spring-pressing a movable frame toward a fixed pressing member. This makes it easier to achieve a robust initial positioning of the cassette base plate relative to the holding system, as the movable frame is spring-pressed toward a predetermined stopping surface. Furthermore, since the movement of the movable frame corresponds to a predetermined space, the movable frame helps to determine a predetermined space between the coiled film holder and the protective plate.

[0020] In one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the fixed pressing member comprises a plate portion having a plate thickness thinner than the offset amount between the first and second positions of the cassette base plate in the pressing direction. Having a plate thickness thinner than the offset amount between the first and second positions of the cassette base plate makes it easier to extend the fixed pressing member into a predetermined space.

[0021] In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the pressing system comprises a tool changing station for changing the pressing tool. This tool station facilitates the use of the device for pressing the coiled film holder against the shaft and separating it from the shaft. In other words, the pressing system is provided with a mechanism for switching between the function of pushing the shaft into and out of the coil at one position and pressing the coil into and against the shaft at another position, so that it can also be used for mounting a new coil with a certain pressure.

[0022] In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the tool changing station comprises a turntable for supporting the pressing tool. This turntable further facilitates controlled tool changing and defined pressing of the coiled film holder.

[0023] When the pressing tool is in the pressing position, the pressing system is released for pressing the coiled film holder against and / or separating it from the shaft provided on the cassette base plate. When the pressing tool is out of the pressing position, the pressing tool is preferably blocked, and in particular the movable pressing member is prevented from moving to avoid damage to the cassette.

[0024] The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied individually as much as possible. These individual aspects, particularly those described in the appended dependent claims, can be the subject of a divisional patent application.

[0025] Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will be described based on exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying schematic drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] An embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown in a perspective view. [Figure 2a] A cassette supporting a pair or coiled film holders is shown. [Figure 2b]Figure 2b shows a partially exploded view of the cassette. [Figure 3a] A schematic diagram of the cassette and apparatus in the method step according to the present invention is shown in a cross-sectional side view. [Figure 3b] A schematic diagram of the cassette and apparatus in the method step according to the present invention is shown in a cross-sectional side view. [Figure 3c] A schematic diagram of the cassette and apparatus in the method step according to the present invention is shown in a cross-sectional side view. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Detailed description of the invention Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the apparatus 1 according to the present invention.

[0028] Apparatus 1 is suitable for replacing the coiled film holder 24 of cassette 2. Such cassette 2 is shown in Figure 2a and is known in itself. Apparatus 1 is suitable for the method according to the present invention. Apparatus 1 is shown here without cassette 2.

[0029] Device 1 includes a holding station 7. The holding station 7 is configured to receive a cassette base plate 4.

[0030] The holding station 7 is configured to determine the first and second positions of the cassette base plate 4. The first position of the cassette base plate 4 is shown in Figure 3a. The second position of the cassette base plate 4 is shown in Figure 3c.

[0031] The device 1 includes a pressing system 8. The pressing system 8 is configured to press the coiled film holder 24 against and / or away from the shafts 6a and 6b provided on the cassette base plate 4.

[0032] The first and second positions of the cassette base plate 4 are determined with respect to the pressing system 8. The first and second positions of the cassette base plate 4 are offset along the pressing direction 11.

[0033] The pressing system 8 includes a fixed pressing member 9. When in use, the fixed pressing member 9 presses the coiled film holder 24. The pressing system 8 also includes a movable pressing member 10. The movable pressing member 10 is movable relative to the fixed pressing member 9. The movable pressing member 10 is movable in the pressing direction 11. The first and second positions of the cassette base plate 4 are offset from each other in the pressing direction 11. In this case, the pressing direction 11 coincides with the vertical direction. Therefore, the first and second positions of the cassette base plate 4 are offset from each other in the vertical direction.

[0034] The fixed pressing member 9 includes a plate portion having a plate thickness 18. The plate thickness 18 is smaller than the offset amount between the first position and the second position of the cassette base plate 4 in the pressing direction 11.

[0035] The pressing system 8 includes a tool change station 19. The tool change station 19 is configured to change between pressing tools. In this case, the pressing tool includes a pair of pressing pins 21 and a pair of pressing stamps 22. The pressing pins 21 apply a pressing force to the shaft 6 in order to remove the coiled film holder 3 from the shaft 6, as shown in Figure 3A. The pressing stamps 22 apply a pressing force to the coiled film holder 3 in order to press the coiled film holder 3 against the shaft 23. The pressing stamps 22 apply a pressing force to the shoulder portion 32 of the coiled film holder 3. As shown in Figure 3A, the pressing pins 21 apply a pressing force to the shaft 6. Thus, the tool change station 19 is configured to change the pressing tools 21, 22 as needed for pressing or releasing the coiled film holder 3 from the shaft 6. The tool change station 19 includes a handle 13 for moving the desired pressing tools 21, 22 to the pressing position. Here, the tool changing station 19 includes a turntable 20 that supports the pressing tools 21 and 22. The turntable 20 is rotatable around the turntable rotation axis 31. The handle 13 is rotatable around the handle rotation axis 12.

[0036] When the desired pressing tools 21 and 22 are in the pressing position, the movable pressing member 10 is movable relative to the fixed pressing member 9. When the desired pressing tools 21 and 22 are outside the pressing position, the movement of the movable pressing member 10 is preferably prevented.

[0037] The holding station 7 includes a movable frame 14. The movable frame 14 is movable in the pressing direction 11. The movable frame 14 includes opposing slots 15. The opposing slots 15 are configured to receive the cassette base plate 4 at a first position and a second position of the cassette base plate 4. One pair of opposing slots 15 is associated with the first position of the cassette base plate 4, and another pair of opposing slots 15 is associated with the second position of the cassette base plate 4. In other words, one pair of opposing slots 15 determines the first position of the cassette base plate 4.

[0038] The holding station 7 includes a detection system 16. The detection system 16 is configured to detect the presence of the cassette base plate 4 at a first position, as shown in Figure 3A.

[0039] The pressing system 8 includes a control unit (not shown) for controlling the position of the movable pressing member 10. The detection system 16 is coupled to the control unit, which is configured to control the position of the movable pressing member 10 in accordance with the cassette base plate 4 being in a first position on the cassette base plate 4. The control unit specifically controls the stroke of the movable pressing member 10.

[0040] The holding station 7 includes a spring system 17. The spring system 17 is coupled to a movable frame 14 and applies a spring load, or preload, to the movable frame 14 toward a stopper (not shown) that determines its position. The movable frame 14 is preloaded toward the fixed pressing member 9.

[0041] Figure 2a shows cassette 2. Such a cassette 2 itself is known. Cassette 2 supports a pair of coiled film holders 24. The coiled film holders 24 are also called “coils”. Reference numeral 24 refers to the coiled film holder, which includes the holder and the film in coil form. Reference numeral 3 refers to the holder itself, which is also known as bobbin 3. Cassette 2 comprises a cassette base plate 4 with two shafts 6a, 6b for supporting the pair of coiled film holders 24. The film 26 extends between the two coils. During operation of the packaging device, the film is transported from one coil to the other, making a new portion of the film available for printing.

[0042] Figure 2b is a partially disassembled view of the cassette 2 shown in Figure 2a. As shown in the figure, protective plates 5 are attached to each shaft 6a and 6b, supporting the coiled film itself and the coiled film holder 24.

[0043] Figures 3a to 3c show schematic cross-sectional side views of the cassette 2 and apparatus 1 in detail during the method steps according to the present invention. This method replaces the coiled film holder 3 of the cassette 2. The cassette 2 comprises a cassette base plate 4 with a shaft 6 and a protective plate 5, as shown in Figure 3a, which support the coiled film holder 3. The protective plate 5 is attached to the shaft 6 to support and protect the coiled film. The protective plate 5 rests on a flange 28. The protective plate 5 is coupled to the shaft 6 in a loose fit. Thus, the protective plate 5 can easily slide relative to the shaft 6.

[0044] The coiled film holder 3 is connected to the shaft 6 by a press-fit connection. Therefore, the shaft 6 is equipped with a spring or spring ball 29 to securely hold the coiled film holder 3. The spring ball 29 is shown here as a simple spherical thickness portion 29 of the shaft 6. The spring ball 29 also helps to keep the protective plate 5 on the shaft 6, as the spring ball 29 prevents the protective plate 5 from sliding along the shaft 6.

[0045] Next, we turn to the method steps. First, the cassette base plate 4 is placed in the holding station 7. The cassette base plate 4 is positioned in a first position within the holding station 7. The first position of the cassette base plate 4 is determined by a pair of opposing sleeves 15a of the frame 14, which is part of the holding station 7. When the cassette base plate 4 is in the first position, both the coiled film holder 3 and the protective plate 5 are above the fixing pressing member 9. The protective plate 5 faces the fixing pressing member 9 from above.

[0046] Secondly, a pressure pin 21 applies a pressing force Fpress to the shaft 6. Here, the shaft 6 has an inner shaft portion 23 and an outer shaft portion 27. The inner shaft portion 23 is coupled to the cassette base plate 4. The pressure pin 21 applies a pressing force Fpress to the inner shaft portion 23. The outer shaft portion 27 is rotatably mounted on the inner shaft portion 23. The outer shaft portion 27 is prevented from detaching from the inner shaft portion 23 by a flange 33. The coiled film holder 3 is coupled to the outer shaft portion 27 by a press-fit connection. Thus, the coiled film holder 3 is rotatably driven relative to the cassette base plate 4. The outer shaft portion 27 is spring-supported relative to the cassette base plate 4 by a spring system 30. This allows the shaft 6 to engage with a drive system (not shown), making it easy to coil and uncoil the film 26.

[0047] Thirdly, as shown in Figure 3B, the shaft 6 is pressed down against the fixed pressing member 9. The coiled film holder 3 and the protective plate 5 are supported by the fixed pressing member 9. Therefore, the coiled film holder 3 is pressed against the shaft 6. The coiled film holder 3 moves along the shaft 6 together with the protective plate 5. The coiled film holder 3 is pressed against the shaft 6 and moves to a position approximately half the height of the shaft 6, and even at this position, the coiled film holder 3 is still press-fitted to the shaft 6.

[0048] Fourth, the cassette base plate 4 moves from the first position to the second position. As shown in Figure 3C, the cassette base plate 4 is repositioned to the second position within the holding station 7. The second position of the cassette base plate 4 is determined by a pair of opposing sleeves 15b of the frame 14, which is part of the holding station 7. When the cassette base plate 4 is in the second position, the coiled film holder 3 is positioned above the fixed pressing member 9. When the cassette base plate 4 is in the second position, the protective plate 5 is positioned below the fixed pressing member 9. The protective plate 5 is still facing the fixed pressing member 9, but from below. In other words, when the cassette base plate 4 is in the second position, the fixed pressing member 9 extends between the protective plate 5 and the coiled film holder 3.

[0049] The next step is to separate the coiled film holder 3 from the protective plate 5, creating a defined space 6 between the coiled film holder 3 and the protective plate 5. Since the protective plate 5 is attached to the shaft 6 by a loose fit, this method involves gravity separating the protective plate 5 from the coiled film holder 3. Therefore, this step is typically performed when moving the cassette base plate 4 from a first position to a second position.

[0050] Finally, push the coiled film holder 3 away from the protective plate 5 and remove it from the shaft 6. The coiled film holder 3 will then be in the state shown in Figure 2B.

Claims

1. A method for replacing a coiled film holder (3) of a cassette (2), wherein the cassette comprises a cassette base plate (4) having a shaft (6) for supporting a coiled film holder (24) and a protective plate (5) attached to the shaft for supporting and protecting the coiled film, and the method is a. The steps of separating the coiled film holder from the protective plate and forming a predetermined space between the coiled film holder and the protective plate, and thereafter, b. The step of pushing the coiled film holder away from the protective plate and removing it from the shaft. A method that includes this.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein step a) includes moving the coiled film holder together with the protective plate along the shaft.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein between step a) and step b), the cassette base plate is moved from a first position to a second position, and at the second position of the cassette base plate, the pressing member (9) extends between the protective plate and the coiled film holder.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protective plate is attached to the shaft in a loose fit, and the method includes separating the protective plate from the coiled film holder by gravity before step b).

5. Apparatus (1) suitable for the method according to claims 1 to 4 for replacing the coiled film holder of a cassette, - A holding station (7) for receiving the cassette base plate, - A pressing system (8) for pressing the coiled film holder against a shaft provided on the cassette base plate and / or pushing it away from the shaft. Equipped with, Apparatus (1), wherein the holding station is configured to determine a first position and a second position of the cassette base plate relative to the pressing system, and the first position and the second position are offset.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the pressing system comprises a fixed pressing member (9) and a movable pressing member (10) that can move in the pressing direction (11) relative to the fixed pressing member, and the first position and the second position of the cassette base plate are offset from each other in the pressing direction.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the holding station comprises a movable frame (14) that is movable in the pressing direction and has opposing slots (15) for receiving the cassette base plate.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a pair of opposing slots determine the first position of the cassette base plate.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the holding station comprises a detection system (16) for detecting that the cassette base plate is in the first position of the cassette base plate.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the pressing system comprises a control unit for controlling the position of the movable pressing member, the detection system is coupled to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to control the position of the movable pressing member in accordance with the cassette base plate being in the first position of the cassette base plate.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the holding station comprises a spring system (17) for spring-pressing the movable frame toward the fixed pressing member.

12. The apparatus according to claims 5 to 11, wherein the fixed pressing member comprises a plate portion having a plate thickness (18) that is thinner than the offset amount between the first and second positions of the cassette base plate in the pressing direction.

13. The apparatus according to claims 5 to 12, wherein the pressing system comprises a tool change station (19) for changing the pressing tool.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the tool changing station comprises a rotating platform (20) for supporting the pressing tool.

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