Insert for a rotation device for rotating a medical ampoule, a rotation device, and a rotation method

Abstract

To provide an insert for a turning device for medical ampoules.SOLUTION: An insert 1 for a turning device for medical ampoules 2 includes an input section 3 having a plurality of input apertures 4 for receiving one ampoule in each case and provided in a first arrangement structure, a dispensing section 5 having a plurality of output apertures 6 for dispensing one ampoule in each case and provided in a second arrangement structure, and a transition section 7 having a plurality of pieces of guide means 8. The transition section is arranged and / or designed such that the output apertures are arranged and / or designed in the second arrangement structure, and the output apertures are arranged in the second arrangement structure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the use of a rotating device for rotating medical ampoules, to a rotating device for rotating medical ampoules, and to a method for rotating medical ampoules. [Background technology]

[0002] Medical ampoules, such as cylindrical glass ampoules and cartridges, are widely used as the primary container material for delivering intravenously administered medications. These ampoules can be administered using a cylindrical ampoule syringe, which is particularly suitable for medications that are self-administered by patients. Such cylindrical ampoule syringes allow the ampoule to be loaded without the need to remove the medication from the ampoule (e.g., by drawing it into the syringe). This can be done, for example, by inserting the ampoule into the cylindrical ampoule syringe from the back or from the side. The ampoule is designed accordingly, with a connection portion for the needle of the cylindrical ampoule syringe on its top surface and a contact surface for the plunger of the cylindrical ampoule syringe on its bottom surface. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Typically, increased control standards are applied to intravenously administered medicines. This means that the medicine contained in the ampule must undergo what is known as 100% inspection. This inspection uses optical control methods to determine whether the ampoule contains impurities, particles, or other anomalies. Because ampoules are typically filled from the side where the cylindrical ampoule syringe plunger engages the ampoule, the filled cylindrical ampoule emerges from the filling process with the plunger contact element facing upward. To safely and thoroughly inspect the ampoule, the ampoule must be rotated. This is due in part to the fact that the syringe contact element on the ampoule obscures portions of the ampoule or the medicine contained therein, making it impossible to visually inspect the entire contents of the ampoule in all orientations.

[0004] Therefore, the ampoules must be rotated before inspection. In the prior art, ampoules are rotated individually or in rows using star turners, deflected conveyor belts, or robots. This has the disadvantage that the ampoules must be positioned at a certain product distance, which limits the ampoule processing speed. Furthermore, known rotating devices are usually very large and therefore require a lot of space. Furthermore, because glass ampoules are easily damaged by glass-to-glass contact, the ampoules are transported in a way that avoids contact between the individual ampoules.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method that allows for efficient rotation of medical ampoules, taking into account the above considerations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This problem is solved by a device and a method with the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the respective dependent claims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for rotating medical ampoules. The device can include a receiving portion having a plurality of receiving openings for receiving one ampoule each, and the receiving openings can be provided in a first arrangement. The device can further include a delivery portion having a plurality of dispensing openings for dispensing one ampoule each, and the dispensing openings can be provided in a second arrangement. Furthermore, the device can include a transition portion having a plurality of guide means, and the transition portion can be positioned and / or designed so that the ampoules can be guided from the receiving openings through the guide means to the dispensing openings. The receiving openings and the dispensing openings can be positioned eccentrically with respect to each other.

[0008] The present invention, compared to known prior art, has the advantage of being able to efficiently handle medical ampoules in any arrangement. The arrangement can be a distribution of medical ampoules in a plane (e.g., along the X direction and the Y direction perpendicular thereto). Considering the requirement to avoid direct contact between ampoules (keyword: avoiding glass-to-glass contact) while simultaneously arranging as many ampoules as possible in a small space, rotation would result in a different, non-symmetrical arrangement. Therefore, the arrangement of ampoules provided in a transport container cannot be simply rotated, as this would result in an arrangement that is incompatible with the transport container or further processing method. Furthermore, the position of the ampoules becomes impossible to track, which creates problems with identifying the ampoules. However, the present invention allows the ampoules to be guided from the receiving opening to the discharging opening so that, after being rotated, they are present in a desired or predetermined arrangement. This allows a large number of ampoules to be rotated simultaneously, significantly speeding up the process and thereby improving efficiency.

[0009] Medical ampoules are made of glass and can have an internal volume of up to 20 ml. They can be adapted to be held in nested containers. They can have, on one side, a contact portion (syringe contact element) for the syringe of an ampoule syringe. At a second, opposite end of the ampoule, they can have a plunger portion (plunger contact element) that can interact with the plunger of an ampoule syringe. Ampoules are typically filled with the plunger portion facing upward (against gravity). Ampoule are typically inspected in a rotated orientation (i.e., with the syringe contact element facing upward against gravity). Ampoule can also be a syringe without a collar (i.e., not capable of being transported hanging).

[0010] The receiving portion can define a receiving area of ​​the device, where the ampoules can be slid into the device. The arrangement in which the receiving openings are provided can correspond to the holding portions for the provided ampoules. The ampoules can be provided in holding structures (so-called nests). The ampoules can be held in the holding portions. In a top view, the holding structures for the ampoules can form a diamond pattern. Each holding portion can be designed in a diamond shape. This allows as many ampoules as possible to be placed in a given area while preventing glass-to-glass contact between the ampoules held in each holding portion. However, if such an arrangement of ampoules is rotated 180 degrees to swap the positions of the syringe contact element and the plunger contact element, the individual holding portions defined by one diamond shape of the arrangement will no longer match. Therefore, the arrangement of the receiving openings differs from the arrangement of the dispensing openings. Therefore, an ampoule dispensed through the dispensing opening can be reinserted into the holding structure of the same configuration from which the ampoule was removed. In particular, the first arrangement can accommodate an arrangement of ampoules in a non-rotated orientation, and the second arrangement can accommodate an arrangement of ampoules in a rotated orientation. The non-rotated and rotated orientations can differ by a rotation angle of 180°. The delivery section can be a region of the device where ampoules are delivered from the device. The transition section can connect the receiving section and the delivery section. The transition section can include a guide means, which can be realized, for example, in the form of a channel-like section or a grid-like section. The transition section (e.g., the guide means) can be inclined with respect to the receiving section and / or the delivery section. This can ensure that the ampoules are transferred from the first arrangement to the second arrangement. It is important that the guide means can guide the ampoules from the receiving opening to the delivery opening. "Guide" in this context means that the direction of movement of the ampoules is predetermined. The direction of movement can be varied in three-dimensional space by the guide means. That is, the direction of movement in three-dimensional space can be designed to change in all three spatial coordinates of the guided ampoules.Furthermore, the receiving portion and / or the delivery portion can be inclined relative to each other. This can simplify the intake of ampoules when the device is rotated around an axis (e.g., the first axis). This can allow for early acceptance or sliding of ampoules into the device. The same applies to the delivery portion. The receiving opening can be directly connected to the guide means. Downstream of the guide means, the delivery opening can be in direct contact with the guide means. In other words, the receiving opening, the guide means, and the delivery opening can form a unit designed to move ampoules from the first array configuration to the second array configuration. The terms receiving portion and delivery portion can depend on the orientation of the device. In other words, the portion of the device that is in the upper part in the direction of gravity can function as a receiving portion, and the portion of the device that is in the lower part in the direction of gravity can function as a delivery portion. In other words, these designations can change when the device is rotated (i.e., when the orientation of the device is changed). The direction of movement of the ampoules through the device remains the same from the receiving section through the transition section to the discharging section (from upstream starting from the receiving section through the transition section to downstream to the discharging section, i.e., within the main direction of movement). The discharging and receiving openings can be arranged eccentrically with respect to each other. "Eccentric" here means that the receiving and discharging openings are arranged so that they are not coaxial. In other words, the receiving and discharging openings can be displaced with respect to each other. Thus, during the ampule rotation process, the discharging openings can be provided with a different arrangement than the receiving openings. In other words, the first arrangement can be different (e.g., not coincident) with the second arrangement. This provides the advantage that ampoules provided in an asymmetric arrangement can be returned to the asymmetric arrangement even after being rotated. This means that the ampoules can be moved back into an arrangement that maximizes the use of available space. This avoids the need to rotate the ampoules individually, and multiple ampoules can be rotated simultaneously.This avoids separating the ampoules to provide a constant product distance, allowing high processing speeds (e.g., 1000 ampoules per minute) to be achieved. The transition section can be movable so that the arrangement of the receiving opening and the dispensing opening can be changed. This allows the device to be adapted to different initial situations (e.g., different arrangements within the nest). The transition section can be variable with respect to the receiving opening and / or the dispensing opening. For example, the transition section can be deformable and / or shiftable. It is further conceivable that the receiving section and / or the dispensing section can also be deformable and / or shiftable. This allows the device to be better adapted to different initial situations.

[0011] Preferably, the first and second arrangements differ, in particular in their spatial arrangement. In other words, the spatial coordinates (i.e., spatial coordinates) of the receiving opening and the delivery opening, which is connected to this receiving opening through the transition, can be different. More precisely, at least two spatial coordinates can be different. This makes it possible to provide any second arrangement (i.e., a configuration in which rotated ampoules are delivered) for a given first arrangement (i.e., a configuration in which ampoules are provided).

[0012] Preferably, the receiving opening and the delivery opening are identically designed in terms of their geometric design. In other words, the receiving opening and the delivery opening assigned to this receiving opening can have the same geometric cross-section. For example, both the receiving opening and the delivery opening can have a circular cross-section. Alternatively, both the receiving opening and the delivery opening can have a rectangular cross-section. This ensures that both geometric designs can function as both a receiving opening and a delivery opening. Thus, by changing the orientation of the device, the geometric shape arranged at the top (respectively in terms of the direction of gravity) can function as a receiving opening, and the geometric shape arranged at the bottom can function as a delivery opening. This allows for seamless operation of the device without the need to return the device to a specific starting position each time.

[0013] Preferably, the receiving opening and the dispensing opening are offset from each other in a top view of the device. This ensures that the dispensing opening does not coincide with the receiving opening in the top view of the device. The top view of the device can be defined along a main transport direction of the ampoules from the receiving opening to the dispensing opening. The main transport direction can extend along the direction of gravity. In some embodiments, the main transport direction is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity. This allows for an offset positioning of the ampoules at the dispensing opening relative to their original positioning at the receiving opening.

[0014] Preferably, the receiving section, the delivery section, and the transition section are integrally formed, i.e., the device can be designed as a one-piece (i.e., integral) construction, which simplifies manufacturing of the device and helps prevent errors when assembling a multi-piece system.

[0015] Preferably, each guide means guides the ampules along a guide path, and each guide means is designed so that the guide path is deflectable. Thus, the guide means can move the ampules from the receiving section to any second arrangement. Furthermore, the spatial coordinates can be changed from the initial position where the ampules enter the receiving section to the new position where the ampules are delivered from the delivery section of the device. Preferably, all three spatial coordinates can be changed.

[0016] Preferably, the receiving opening, the discharging opening, and / or the guide means have a substantially circular cross-section. In other words, the cross-section can be the area defining the passage path of the ampoule from the receiving opening to its assigned discharging opening. The advantage of having identical cross-sections is that manufacturing can be simplified (e.g., in terms of mold design for injection-molded parts). Alternatively, it is preferable that at least the receiving opening and the discharging opening have substantially similar cross-sections. The guide means can also be a structural element that contacts the ampoule in a point-like or cross-sectional manner and guides it in the correct direction. It is also conceivable to design the guide means as a kind of lattice frame. Providing the receiving opening and the discharging opening with the same cross-section advantageously allows the receiving opening and the discharging opening to be interchanged regardless of the orientation of the device. Essentially, this means that a strict circular shape is not required, and deviations from the ideal circular shape, for example, 5%, are also included. This allows for manufacturing tolerances to be taken into account. Preferably, the receiving opening, the discharging opening, and / or the guide means have a substantially U-shaped cross-section. This offers the advantage that the device can be manufactured layer by layer. Each layer can have at least one receiving opening, at least one delivery opening, and at least one guide means. The guide means can be open on one side of the layer. Thus, each guide means (and possibly each receiving and / or delivery portion) of a layer can be formed, for example, using a ball end mill. The individual layers can then be assembled. In this way, the guide means can be closed by the adjacent layer. In other words, each layer can be realized as a machined disk. Here, the cross section can correspond to a "U" for manufacturing reasons (ball end milling from the side).

[0017] Preferably, the device is designed so that the ampoules can be gravity-driven from the receiving section to the discharging section. In other words, the device does not need to include an actuator or drive device (such as a suction device) to ensure that the ampoules are moved from the receiving section to the discharging section. For example, gravity-driven movement of the ampoules can be achieved. This can be achieved, for example, by changing the orientation and / or moving the device. For example, the ampoules can be provided to at least one receiving opening, and then the ampoules can be gravity-driven by rotating the device by approximately 180° and moved through the transition section to the discharging section. Because a separate actuator or the like is not required to move the ampoules, the overall design can be simple.

[0018] Preferably, each guide means includes at least one damping portion designed to reduce the speed at which the ampule travels as it is guided from the receiving portion to the discharging portion. This prevents even delicate ampules handled by the device from being damaged. The damping portion can define the maximum allowable speed at which the ampule can travel. The damping portion can be an elastic protruding element that protrudes into the path of travel defined by the guide means. When the ampule passes through the damping portion, the ampule can contact the damping portion, which can slow (i.e., reduce) the ampule. Furthermore, the damping portion can also be considered a portion that increases friction between the ampule and the guide means and reduces the speed at which the ampule travels. For example, the guide means can have a portion that increases friction, such as by providing a soft material that reduces the speed at which the ampule travels upon contact. This is also advantageous in systems in which the ampule is gravity-driven from the receiving portion to the discharging portion. Here, the maximum speed at which the ampule can travel can be limited, thereby preventing damage to the ampule.

[0019] Preferably, the device is designed as a molded part. The molded part can be a part designed for a specific insertion purpose in a specially made manufacturing tool. Providing the device as a molded part also offers the advantage that users can easily replace the molded part themselves. Thus, different molded parts can be provided for ampoules of different sizes. Furthermore, different molded parts can be provided for different arrangement configurations (e.g., first arrangement configuration and / or second arrangement configuration). This can further simplify the insertion of the device.

[0020] Preferably, the receiving opening and the dispensing opening are directly adjacent to the guide means. In other words, there are no elements between the receiving opening and the dispensing opening other than the guide means designed to guide the ampule. This allows the device to have compact dimensions. Furthermore, this minimizes the path that the ampule must travel from the receiving part to the dispensing part (i.e., from the receiving opening to the dispensing opening), reducing the risk of damage to the ampule.

[0021] Preferably, the first and second array configurations are defined by the arrangement of the receiving and dispensing openings in a two-dimensional plane. In other words, the array configuration can be characterized by how the openings of the receiving and dispensing portions are arranged in a two-dimensional plane. As a result, the array configuration can also be defined by the arrangement in which the ampoules are provided to the device. For example, the ampoules can be arranged in a certain manner within a container (e.g., nests housed in a tub). The arrangement of the ampoules can correspond to the array configuration. The first array configuration can describe the arrangement in which the ampoules are provided to the device or the arrangement that exists before the ampoules are handled by the device. The second array configuration can describe how the ampoules are dispensed by the device after being rotated. Thus, the arrangement of the receiving openings, i.e., how the receiving openings are arranged, is defined by how the ampoules are provided to the device. This can be defined, for example, by how the ampoules are delivered by a filler (i.e., a person who fills the ampoules with a drug). In contrast, the second array configuration can be defined by the device (i.e., by the arrangement of the dispensing openings). In other words, any second arrangement can be provided by the device. In one embodiment of the present invention, it is advantageous if the first arrangement defined by the filler is defined by a specific transport container (e.g., nested in a tub). According to this embodiment, the device is able to design the second arrangement (i.e., the arrangement delivered by the device) so that the rotated ampoules can be reinserted into the transport container from which they were removed. This offers the advantage that a separate or separately designed transport container is not required, and the transport container originally provided by the filler can also be used for the rotated ampoules. This also offers the advantage that the identification and tracking method initiated by the filler can be continued in further processing sequences (preferably with the determination procedure described below).

[0022] Preferably, the device comprises polyoxymethylene, polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene, and / or polyethylene terephthalate. Polyoxymethylene (POM) is characterized by high strength, hardness, and rigidity over a wide temperature range. This makes it particularly durable and long-lasting. Polyamide also possesses high strength, rigidity, toughness, and excellent chemical resistance and processability. The amide groups in polyamides can define further properties. This depends on the specific application of the device, as hygienic requirements often necessitate chemical cleaning. For example, in some regions, cleaning with hydrogen peroxide, which attacks many other materials, is performed. Therefore, it is advantageous to use high-quality plastics in the device to ensure durability. In other insertion areas, this is unnecessary and would result in unnecessary costs. Furthermore, the use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon®, is also conceivable. It is particularly advantageous to achieve a very low coefficient of friction, allowing the ampule to be smoothly handled through the device. Furthermore, PTFE is very inert, so even aggressive acids cannot attack it. Another option is to use polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which also offers high resistance to chemicals and is widely used in medical technology and the food industry. Furthermore, PET also offers high mechanical resistance, ensuring increased durability of the device.

[0023] Preferably, the ampoule has a maximum capacity of 20 ml, which allows the ampoule to be used with an ampoule syringe.

[0024] Preferably, the medical ampoules are placed in a nest. In other words, the ampoules provided for rotation by the device are placed in a holder or holding structure (i.e., nest). Generally, the ampoules can stand on their bottoms due to gravity. In other words, the ampoules can stand on their bottoms in a tub and are held by a grid-like structure (nest). In contrast, syringes are carried by hanging. The nest can hold the ampoules. Thus, the nest can be designed to hold the ampoules in a specific arrangement, particularly spaced apart from one another. Weight can be held by the nest and / or by other elements, such as tubs (described in more detail below). The nest can participate in a first and / or second arrangement.

[0025] Preferably, the medical ampule is held in the nest at the shoulder region of the ampule. The shoulder region of the ampule can be a particularly strong region, so that the ampule can be best held there without risk of damage. Furthermore, each nest can be designed to lift the ampule from the tab. For this purpose, the nest can be designed to hold the ampule in an area adjacent to a relatively thick region (e.g., the cap region or the syringe contact element). This allows the ampule to be lifted from the tab by the nest. Preferably, the nest is designed so that the ampule can only be held in one direction, so that the ampule can be pushed out of the nest.

[0026] Preferably, the nest is disposed within a tub. The tub may be a clamshell-like structure into which the nest, together with the ampule, is disposed. The nest may be designed to fit precisely within the tub, thereby preventing the nest from moving relative to the tub.

[0027] Preferably, the tab has an identification element that can indicate, for example, which ampoule is located in which position within the tab and / or in which position within a nest provided within the tab, and through which additional information can be retrieved, such as the type of contents and / or process-oriented prerequisites or requirements.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, a rotating device for rotating medical ampoules is provided, including a device according to one of the previously described embodiments. The rotating device may include a holding device for holding the device. The holding device may be designed to move the device along a first direction. The holding device may be designed to rotate the device about a first axis. The rotating device may represent an automated insertion of a device according to one of the previously described embodiments. In other words, the above-described device may be used manually or in the course of other handling or processing of ampoules. The rotating device described herein may be a separate handling device designed to rotate ampoules. Preferably, the rotating device is at least partially automated so that at least some of the handling steps can be performed fully automatically, thereby reducing manual labor and increasing efficiency. The holding device may be a structural device capable of movably holding the device. Preferably, the holding device is a two-arm device rotatably supporting the device at the outer end of each arm. The two arms may be connected to a base arm. The base arm may be movably disposed on a stand or mast. This allows the holding device to move the device along a first direction. The first direction may extend along the direction of gravity. The rotatable support of the device on the two arms of the holding device allows the holding device to rotate the device around a first axis. Preferably, the device is held on the holding device so that the first axis passes through the center of gravity of the device. This allows a particularly homogeneous (e.g., jerk-free) rotational movement around the first axis to be achieved.

[0029] Preferably, the first direction and the first axis are orthogonal to each other. Thus, movement in the first direction allows an ampoule to be picked up and then, or at least partially simultaneously, moved by rotating the device about the first axis. In other words, movement in the first direction allows a nest to be lifted from the tab, and once the nest is lifted from the tab, gravity-driven movement of the ampoule can be initiated from the receiving opening to the associated dispensing opening (e.g., in the primary direction of movement).

[0030] Preferably, the first direction is stretched along the direction of gravity. This provides the advantage that the ampoule will remain in its original position as long as the device is only moved in the first direction by gravity. Only rotation about the first axis is effective for moving the ampoule through the device.

[0031] Preferably, the rotating device includes an actuator, which can be designed to perform a movement in a first direction and / or a rotation around a first axis. In other words, only a single actuator can be provided for movement in the first direction and rotation around the first axis. This can be achieved, for example, by mechanical control of the holding device. Providing only a single actuator reduces the control electronics and the control effort. Furthermore, a synchronized movement sequence can be achieved by a single actuator (i.e., by mechanical control of both movements, i.e., translation in the first direction and rotation around the first axis), so that movements are performed in the desired order and at the desired time. This makes the system simpler to design and more reliable. Preferably, the rotating device has a control unit that can be designed to obtain the initial position of the medical ampule and to determine the new position of the medical ampule after it has been dispensed from the dispensing opening. This is particularly advantageous when the ampules are provided to the rotating device in a specific arrangement. For example, it is conceivable that a tub with a nest full of ampules is provided by the filler with identification means or other information-carrying instructions that indicate exactly which ampule is in which position. This is particularly important in tracking systems. When the ampoules are rotated by a rotating device, it is necessary to clearly identify which ampoules are located in which position in the rotated state. This depends on how the transition guides the ampoules from the receiving opening to the dispensing opening. Based on the type of device used in the rotating device, the control unit can determine which ampoules correspond to their original positions after rotation. In other words, the control unit can mathematically determine where the ampoules are located after the rotation process by the rotating device. This is then sent by the control unit, for example, to a database. Therefore, it is possible to clearly determine where each ampoules is located within the nest in the tub after the ampoules are rotated by the rotating device.

[0032] Preferably, the rotating device includes a holding device designed to hold a first nest having a plurality of ampoule holding positions so that the ampoule holding positions face one of the receiving openings. As described above, the first arrangement is determined by how the ampoules are presented to the device or the rotating device. The device is adjusted accordingly. For further automation, the rotating device may include a holding device capable of gripping the nest so that the ampoules present in the nest face exactly the receiving opening of the device. This provides the advantage that, when the device is rotated about the first axis, the ampoules slide out of the nest and into the device.

[0033] Preferably, the holding device is designed to hold a second nest having multiple ampoule holding positions, with the ampoule holding positions facing one of the dispensing openings. In other words, the rotating device can hold two nests through the holding device. This is particularly advantageous when the ampoules are returned to the nests or tabs in a rotated state. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ampoules are returned to the same nest from which they were removed and to the same tab from which they were removed. In other words, the rotating device only changes the orientation of the ampoules while keeping the ampoule transport means the same. Therefore, the rotating device can be easily integrated into existing processes without requiring any structural changes to the process. According to this embodiment, the rotating device includes a first nest provided on the side of the receiving opening and a second nest provided on the side of the dispensing opening. The ampoule holding positions in each nest can face the respective receiving and dispensing openings. This ensures that the ampoules are moved from the receiving opening through the transition section to the associated dispensing opening (e.g., by gravity). The holding device can be designed to hold the first nest and the second nest on the device.

[0034] Preferably, the holding device is a suction device. The suction device may include at least one suction cup that can suck up and lift the nest from the tab. The suction device may also be called a suction gripping device. The holding device may be designed to apply suction to a shoulder of the nest to hold it. Alternatively, a mechanical gripping device may be provided that can grip and hold the nest.

[0035] Preferably, the rotating device includes at least one positioning aid that can be designed to ensure a predetermined position of the nest when it comes into contact with the rotating device. The positioning aid can help align the ampoule-holding positions in the nest with the respective openings of the device, thereby ensuring optimal alignment of the nest with the device, thereby ensuring smooth operation of the rotating device.

[0036] Preferably, the positioning aid can include a protrusion protruding from the rotating device and designed to interact with the nest. Thus, the positioning aid can include at least one protrusion protruding from the device. The protrusion, for example, has a tapered shape toward its outer end and can interact with the opening of the nest. When the nest approaches the device, the protrusion is guided into the recess of the nest, and the shape of the protrusion can guide the nest and / or the receiving device to achieve an optimal position between the nest and the device. This can further increase the safety of the process.

[0037] Preferably, the rotating device includes at least one distance element designed to ensure a predetermined distance from the rotating device to the nest when the nest comes into contact with the rotating device. The distance element can serve to minimize the distance between the device and the nest, thereby preventing damage due to direct contact between the ampoules contained in the nest and the device. For example, this allows ampoules of different heights to be processed by the rotating device without any problems. Furthermore, a gripping device that can be controlled with low precision can be used, which can grip, hold, and guide the nest into the device until the distance element comes into contact with the nest element. The distance element can be, for example, a protrusion that can interact with a shoulder of the nest. This increases the safety of the process and prevents damage to the ampoules.

[0038] It is further contemplated that the control unit can control the rotation about the first axis so that the rotation is adaptive or variable rather than continuous. This provides the advantage of preventing the ampules from free-falling from the first nest to the second nest (i.e., from the receiving opening to the assigned delivery opening). Rotation about the first axis overcomes static friction between the ampules and the nest or device, resulting in a transition to sliding friction. Because sliding friction is lower than static friction, gravity causes rapid acceleration of the ampules. For this purpose, the control unit can be designed to rotate the device about the first axis only until static friction is overcome. The rotation can then be stopped to prevent further acceleration of the ampules. The stop can occur after a rotation angle of at least 90°. Preferably, the stop occurs after a rotation angle in the range of 100° to 135°. This proves advantageous for handling glass ampules, since static friction is overcome in this range. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the control unit can even perform a short reverse rotation after overcoming static friction to avoid excessive acceleration of the ampule. For example, the device can be rotated backward by approximately 5°. This allows particularly sensitive ampules to be handled without problems by the rotating device. Once the ampule has passed through the device and is captured in the second nest, the control unit can complete the remaining rotation to achieve a 180° rotation.

[0039] Preferably, the rotating device includes a sensor capable of determining the position of the ampule. This sensor can be, for example, a center-of-gravity sensor that determines the center of gravity of the device together with the first and second nests. Because one nest is filled with ampules and the other is empty, the center of gravity is not on the first axis. The control unit can determine the current position of the ampule based on the location of the center of gravity. This allows the control unit to detect the start of the ampule's movement (i.e., overcoming static friction). The control unit can then adjust the rotational movement around the first axis. Thus, for example, the rotational movement can be continued more slowly than initially to achieve the desired ampule movement speed. This can be done automatically based on pre-stored information. This eliminates the need for individual adjustments, for example, when handling ampules with different filling volumes. This further improves operational safety and reduces the risk of ampule damage.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for rotating medical ampoules using an apparatus, the method including providing a plurality of medical ampoules in a first array configuration, picking up the ampoules in a receiving opening of the apparatus, guiding the ampoules from the receiving opening to a dispensing opening of the apparatus through a guide means of the apparatus, and dispensing the ampoules through the dispensing opening in a second array configuration, the first array configuration being different from the second array configuration.

[0041] Preferably, the ampoules are provided in a first nest, and the method includes holding the first nest on the device. This holding can be achieved, for example, by a suction gripping device. Preferably, the ampoules are delivered into a second nest, and the second nest is held on the device. The second nest can have the same geometric dimensions as the first nest. The first nest can be held on the device so that the ampoules can be introduced into the receiving opening. The second nest can be held on the device so that the ampoules delivered by the device can be received by the delivery opening of the second nest. Preferably, the method includes moving the device so that the ampoules are gravity-driven from the receiving opening through the guide means to the delivery opening. Preferably, the moving includes rotating the device about a first axis. Preferably, the first nest is provided in a tub, and the first nest is lifted from the tub along the first direction. Preferably, the second nest with the ampoules is inserted back into the tub from which the first nest was removed. In this way, the ampoules are returned to the same tub from which they were removed. In other words, the identification means provided on the tab remains valid for the ampoule after the rotating step.Preferably, the method includes recording the identification of the tab on which the ampoule was provided.

[0042] Preferably, the method further includes determining a new position of the ampule in the second nest. The method then transmits information about the new position of the ampule in the tub, and further processing can be performed based on this. After the ampules are rotated, they can be subjected to inspection. Preferably, 120 ampules can be placed in each tub. In other words, 120 ampules can be rotated at one time. Preferably, the average distance between ampules in the nest is about 116 mm.

[0043] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of an apparatus according to one of the above embodiments for rotating medical ampoules, in particular one of the above rotation devices, which can provide an advantageous process flow with increased efficiency.

[0044] Individual features of the above embodiments can be combined with other embodiments or other features to form new embodiments. Features and advantages mentioned in connection with features or embodiments apply analogously to the new embodiments. Advantages and features mentioned in connection with the method apply analogously to the apparatus, and vice versa. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] In the following, preferred embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a tab, a nest, and a plurality of ampoules used in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a nest filled with ampoules. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nest filled with ampoules housed in a tub provided in a rotating device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a rotation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic side view of a rotation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for use in a rotary device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a rotation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 1A-1C are multiple schematic perspective views of a rotational device in operation according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The device 1 comprises a receiving section 3, a transition section 7, and a delivery section 5. The receiving section 3 has a plurality of receiving openings 4 (only one receiving opening is given the reference number 4 in FIG. 1). The device 1 is designed to transport medical ampoules 2. In other words, the device can move and deliver the ampoules 2 to different spatial positions. For this purpose, the ampoules 2 can be received in the receiving section 3 through the receiving opening 4. The receiving opening 4 can accommodate only one ampoules 2. Afterwards (i.e., downstream), the ampoules 2 can enter the transition section 7. The transition section 7 has a plurality of guide means 8 designed to guide the ampoules 2. Guiding the ampoules 2 in this embodiment involves delivering the ampoules 2 to different positions. The delivery of the ampoules 2 takes place through the delivery section 5, which has a plurality of delivery openings 6. The ampoules 2 can be provided, for example, in a first nest 11 (shown in the upper part in FIG. 1). The ampoules 2 then leave the first nest 11, enter the device 1 through the receiving opening 4, are guided through the transition section 7 and the guide means 8 provided therein, and can finally be discharged from the device 1 through the discharge opening 6. A second nest 12 can be arranged adjacent to the discharge opening 6 to receive the ampoules 2 after they have been discharged from the device 1. It is not necessary to provide a second nest 12, as other devices for capturing the ampoules can also be provided. For example, it is conceivable that the ampoules 2 can be directly further processed in the processing step. However, in a preferred embodiment, the ampoules 2 are introduced into the second nest 12 after they have been discharged through the discharge opening 6, and this second nest 12 is identical to the first nest 11. While the ampoules 2 pass through the device 1, they are transported along the main transport direction H (see arrow in FIG. 1 ). In other words, the ampoules 2 are moved by the device 1 in all three spatial directions (X, Y, and Z).

[0047] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of nests 11, 12 containing multiple ampoules 2. The nests are placed in tubs 13. The tubs 13 with the nests are typically used to transport the filled ampoules 2 from a filler to further processing equipment. The nests 11, 12 and tubs 13 are often steam sterilized to allow safe handling even in sterile fields. The nests 11, 12 prevent direct contact between the ampoules 2, thereby reducing the risk of damage due to glass-to-glass contact. To maximize the number of ampoules in the nests 11, 12, the ampoules are placed in a first array configuration within the nests 11, 12. When these ampoules 2 are supplied by a filler, the filler fills ampoules intended for use with ampoule syringes from the bottom up, so the ampoules 2 must be rotated before they can be visually inspected. This is because the top of the ampoule (i.e., the area where a syringe is attached to remove medication from the ampoule) obscures part of the ampoule or its contents. Therefore, the ampoule must be rotated or inverted. In the situation shown in Figure 2, the ampoule is already in the correct orientation for inspection.

[0048] 3 is a schematic perspective view of nests 11 and 12 housed in tub 13, viewed obliquely from above. It can be seen that ampoules 2 are each held in a diamond-shaped portion (ampule holding position). If this arrangement were to be placed, for example, upside down (i.e., rotated 180°) on an empty nest of the same configuration, ampoules 2 would not fall into the diamond-shaped holding position of the new nest because the holding positions would not be aligned. To address this issue, the device 1 of the present invention is used to move ampoules 2 into different arrangements while rotating the ampoules 2.

[0049] 4 is a schematic perspective view of a tub 13 having nests 11, 12 housing a plurality of ampoules 2. In this situation, the ampoules 2 are oriented in a manner that requires rotation for subsequent inspection. In other words, the ampoules 2 are oriented bottom-up. The situation shown in FIG. 4 therefore represents the initial situation before the ampoules 2 are rotated.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a rotating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The rotating device 10 is used to move a medical ampoule 2 from an initial state shown in FIG. 4 to a final state shown in FIG. 3. For this purpose, the device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is placed in the rotating device 10. The rotating device 10 also includes a holding device 13 capable of holding the device 1. The rotating device 10 can rotate the device 1 around a first axis A1. For this purpose, the rotating device 10 has two actuators 14. Furthermore, the holding device 13 can be moved along a first direction R1 (i.e., translationally). In this embodiment, the first direction R1 extends along the direction of gravity (i.e., from the bottom up). The rotating device 10 holds a first nest 11 and a second nest 12 on two opposite sides of the device 1. The first nest 11 contains an ampoule 2. The second nest 12 is empty and identical to the first nest 11. The first nest 11 faces the second nest 12, so the ampoule holding positions in each nest 11, 12 are not aligned. The ampoule holding positions in the first nest 11 and the second nest 12 are connected only by the device 1 through the receiving section 3, the transition section 7, and the delivery section 5. By rotating the rotation device 10 about the first axis A1, the main movement direction H of the ampoules passing through the device can be arbitrarily selected. In this embodiment, an ampoule 2 incorrectly positioned in the first nest 11 is moved through the device 1 to the second nest 12 by rotating it about the first axis A1. In the second nest 12, the ampoules 2 are positioned with their tops facing up. Therefore, all of the ampoules 2 provided in the first nest 11 can be rotated at once. This eliminates the need to handle individual ampoules or rows of ampoules; the entire matrix of ampoules can be moved directly from the first nest 11 to the second nest 12, thereby changing the orientation of the ampoules. The rotation device 10 includes a holding device 13 that can hold and move the device 11. To this end, the holding device 13 can have a first arm 17 and a second arm 18. Overall, the holding device 13 can have a U-shaped cross section, with the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 extending from a connecting arm 20.The connecting arm 20 can be movably fixed to the stand or mast 15. More precisely, the connecting arm 20 can be guided in a rail provided on the stand 15, thereby defining a first direction of movement R1. In a preferred embodiment, the rotating device 10 can be automatically moved along the first direction R1. This can be achieved, for example, by a gear that can mesh with a threaded rod or a rack. This allows the rotating device to lift the first nest 11 from the tab 13. The rotating device 10 only needs to lift the first nest 11 from the tab 13 a sufficient distance to rotate the first nest 11 about the first axis A1. The second nest 13 can initially be provided on one side of the device 1 facing the discharge opening 6.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a rotating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 . In FIGS. 6 and 5 , the rotating device 10 is provided with gripping devices 16. In this embodiment, the gripping devices 16 are designed as suction gripping devices. In particular, in this embodiment, multiple suction gripping devices 16 are arranged, each designed to lift and hold the nests 11 and 12 from the tray 13. This prevents the nests 11 and 12 from falling out of the insert 1 during the rotating process. Furthermore, the rotating device of this embodiment includes a positioning assistant device 19. In this embodiment, the positioning assistant device 19 is designed as a protrusion protruding from the insert 1. The positioning assistant device 19 has a tapered shape toward its outer end. Therefore, the positioning assistant device 19 can cooperate with the openings of the nests 11 and 12, thereby ensuring the correct positioning of the nests relative to the insert 1. This ensures that both the receiving opening 4 and the discharging opening 6 face the ampule holding positions in the first nest 11 and the second nest 12, respectively. Furthermore, the rotating device has a plurality of spacer elements 20 designed to maintain a distance between the nests 11, 12 gripped by the rotating device 10 and the inserts 1. This prevents the ampoules 2 housed in the nests 11, 12 from being damaged by insertion or direct contact with other objects. The spacer elements can be, for example, cylindrical rods protruding from the rotating device. The distance elements can be in direct contact with the nests 11, 12.

[0052] 7 is a perspective view of the rotating device 10 without the nests 11, 12. The upper part of the insert 1 is shown, in which the receiving openings 4 are provided. The suction gripping devices 16 can also be seen. In this embodiment, eight suction gripping devices 16 are provided, four of which are arranged on each side. A positioning aid 19 is provided in the center of each side of the insert 1. In this embodiment, the receiving openings 4 have a rectangular cross section. The guide means 8 also have a rectangular cross section. The delivery opening 6 also has a square cross section. In a further embodiment not shown, the cross sections of the receiving openings 4, the guide means 8 and the delivery opening 6 have circular cross sections.

[0053] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the rotating device just before the first nest 11 is picked up. An empty second nest 12 is shown to be placed on one side of the insert 1. A tub 13 containing the nest 11 and filled with ampoules 2 is provided below the rotating device 10. The rotating device 10 is then moved toward the first nest 11 along a first direction R1. Upon contact with the first nest 11, the positioning assistant device fine-tunes the position of the first nest 11 until the finished suction gripping device 16 contacts the first nest 11. The first nest 11 is then sucked from the tub 13 in the first direction R1 and lifted up. Above the tub 13, the insert 1 is rotated about a first axis A1 to move the ampoules 2 from the first nest 11 through the insert 1 and into the second nest 12. The rotation speed around the first axis is controlled by a control unit. In a preferred embodiment, the control unit (not shown) can control the rotation so that the insert 1 stops or rotates in the opposite direction after the ampules 2 in the first nest 11 overcome static friction. This prevents the ampules 2 from being excessively accelerated in the main transport direction H. When the ampules 2 arrive at the second nest 12, the insert 1 can be rotated 180° to complete the rotation. The rotation device 10 can then be moved in the first direction to reinsert the second nest 12 into the original tub 13. In this way, the same ampules 2 are placed again in the same tub 13 (just in a different nest), preserving the identification of the ampules placed in the tub 13. The control unit can also be designed to compare the new position of the ampules 2 with the data placed in the tub 13 and store which ampules 2 are placed in which position in the second nest 12. In other words, the control unit converts the position of the ampules 2 that were in the first nest 11 and determines where the same ampules are placed in the second nest 12. This allows the ampoule 2 to be tracked throughout all the steps it is handled.

[0054] FIG. 9 shows 10 individual images (a) to (j) illustrating the process of rotating medical ampoules. FIG. 9(a) shows that medical ampoules 2 are provided in nests 11 arranged in a tray 13. In FIG. 9(b), the rotating device 10 is lowered onto the first nest 11 and grips it with a suction gripping device. The rotating device already has a second nest 12 on the opposite side of the insert 1. In FIG. 9(c), the nest 11 is lifted from the tab 13 in a first direction of movement R1. In FIG. 9(d), rotation about the first axis of rotation A1 is initiated to move the ampoules 2 from the first nest 11 to the second nest 12. In FIG. 9(e), a 90° rotation has been performed, and the ampoules 2 have not yet been moved from the first nest 11 to the second nest 12. In FIG. 9(f), rotation continues about the first axis A1. In Figure 9(g), rotation about the first axis A1 is completed such that the insert 1, together with the first nest 11, has rotated 180°. In Figure 9(h), the cap is opened, allowing the ampoule 2 to pass through the insert 1. Driven by gravity, the ampoule passes from the first nest 11, through the insert 1, and into the second nest 12. In Figure 9(i), the rotating device 10 moves downward again along the first direction R1 to reinsert the second nest 12, together with the now-rotated ampoule 2, into the tub 13. In Figure 9(j), the rotating device 10 moves upward again along the first direction R1 to release the tub 13 for further processing.

[0055] The rotation device 10 shown in Figure 9 differs from the previously shown rotation devices 10 in that the passage through the insert 1 can be opened or closed by a lock (not shown). This allows for active control of when the ampoule 2 is moved through the insert 1. In the above-described embodiment, movement of the ampoule 2 began when static friction between the ampoule and the nest was overcome. In this embodiment, this is actively controlled by the lock.

[0056] In a further embodiment not shown, it is conceivable to arrange multiple turning devices 10 along the handling line so that several nests can be turned in parallel, which means that the delivery can be increased even further. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1 insert 2 ampoules 3 Reception Department 4 Receiving opening 5. Delivery section 6 Delivery opening 7 Transition 8 Guide means 10 Rotating device 11 First Nest 12 Second Nest 13 Tabs 14 Actuators 15 Bar 16 Suction gripping device 17 First Arm 18 Second Arm 19 Positioning aid 20 Connecting Arm 21 Distance Elements H Main movement direction R1 First direction H1 first axis

Claims

1. An insert (1) for a rotating device (10) for medical ampoules (2), comprising: a receiving portion (3) having a plurality of receiving openings (4) for receiving respective ampoules (2), said receiving openings (4) being provided in a first array configuration; a dispensing section (5) having a plurality of dispensing openings (6) for dispensing one ampoule (2) at a time, said dispensing openings (6) being provided in a second array configuration; a transition section (7) having a plurality of guide means (8) arranged and / or designed to allow the ampoules (2) to pass from the receiving opening (4) through the guide means (8) to the dispensing opening (6); Including, The receiving opening (4) and the delivery opening (6) are arranged eccentrically with respect to each other. Insert (1).

2. 2. The insert (1) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving opening (4) and the delivery opening (6) are arranged offset from each other in a plan view of the insert (1).

3. 2. The insert (1) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving portion (3), the delivery portion (5) and the transition portion (7) are integrally formed.

4. 2. The insert (1) according to claim 1, wherein each guide means (8) comprises at least one braking portion configured to slow down the speed of movement of the ampoule (2) when guiding it from the receiving portion (3) to the dispensing portion (5).

5. 2. The insert (1) according to claim 1, wherein the insert (1) comprises polyoxymethylene, polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene and / or polyethylene terephthalate.

6. A rotating device (10) for rotating a medical ampoule (2), comprising: An insert (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a holding device (13) for holding the insert (1); Including, the holding device (13) is designed to move the insert (1) along a first direction (R1), the retaining device (13) is designed to rotate the insert (1) about a first axis (A1); Rotating device (10).

7. The rotating device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the first direction (R1) and the first axis (A1) are perpendicular to each other.

8. 7. The rotation device (10) of claim 6, wherein the rotation device (10) includes an actuator (14), the actuator (14) configured to perform movement in the first direction (R1) and rotation about the first axis (A1).

9. 7. The rotating device (10) according to claim 6, comprising a control unit configured to obtain an original position of the medical ampoule (2) and to determine a new position of the medical ampoule (2) after it leaves the dispensing opening (6).

10. the holding device (10) is designed to hold a first nest (11) with a plurality of ampoule holding positions, one ampoule holding position facing one of the receiving openings (4) in each case, and / or 7. The rotating device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the holding device (13) is designed to hold a second nest (12) having a plurality of ampoule holding positions, each of which faces one of the delivery openings (6).

11. 7. The rotating device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the rotating device (10) comprises at least one positioning assistance device (19) configured to ensure a predetermined position of the nests (11, 12) when the nests (11, 12) come into contact with the rotating device (10).

12. A method for rotating a medical ampoule (2) by means of an insert (1), comprising: providing a plurality of medical ampoules (2) in a first array configuration; picking up the ampoule (2) in one of the receiving openings (4) provided in the first arrangement of the insert (1); rotating the insert (1) in which each of the ampoules (2) is received; guiding the ampule (2) from the receiving opening (4) of the insert (1) through the guide means (8) of the insert (1) to the delivery opening (6) provided in the second arrangement; dispensing said ampoules from said dispensing opening (6) in said second arrangement; Including, The method wherein the first array configuration is different from the second array configuration.

Images