Turning apparatus and method for handling a pharmaceutical product

Abstract

The invention relates to a turning apparatus (1) for turning pharmaceutical products. The turning apparatus (1) comprises: a base element (2) which has a first control cam (3) and a second control cam (4) different therefrom; a main body (5) which is provided on the base element (2) and is rotatable relative to the base element (2) about an axis of rotation (AD); and a multiplicity of holding elements (6) secured to the main body (5). Each holding element (6) has a holding head (7) and a control element (8). The holding head (7) is rotatable about a turning axis (Aw) and is configured to hold a pharmaceutical product. The control element (8) can be moved in a control direction (R1) along a movement path. The control element (8) is configured to interact with the holding head (7) in such a way that a rotation of the holding head (7) about the turning axis (Aw) is dependent on a movement of the control element (8) along the movement path. The control element (8) is configured and designed to interact with the first control cam (3) or the second control cam (4) in such a way that a movement of the control element (8) on the movement path is dependent on the control cam (3, 4) in question. The holding elements (6) are configured so that the control elements (8) of mutually adjacent holding elements (6) can come into contact with a different control cam (3, 4) in each case. The invention further relates to a method for handling a pharmaceutical product.

Description

[0001] Turning device and method for handling a pharmaceutical product

[0002] The present invention relates to a turning device for turning pharmaceutical products and a method for handling pharmaceutical products.

[0003] Pharmaceutical products such as vials, ampoules, phials, or syringes may need to be turned over during the manufacturing process. For example, the orientation of the pharmaceutical products may need to be changed for inspection purposes. A change in orientation often refers to a change in the position of a longitudinal axis of the pharmaceutical products.

[0004] In the prior art, so-called turning stars are used for this purpose, which grip a product, turn it over, and then release it. However, these turning stars have several limitations. Firstly, the diameter of the turning star is limited, as excessively increasing its size would necessitate a significant increase in the linear speed at which the pharmaceutical products are moved. This can lead to damage to the pharmaceutical products. In particular, transferring the pharmaceutical products to such a turning star can be problematic at high acceleration. Furthermore, the high speed or acceleration can cause air bubbles to form in the pharmaceutical product, which can lead to problems during subsequent inspections.Furthermore, the capacity of known turning modules is limited because pharmaceutical products must have sufficient space on the turning module itself to be rotated side by side, for example, synchronously one after the other. Therefore, the pharmaceutical products can only be picked up at a certain distance from each other on the turning module in order to be turned. In summary, the throughput of a turning module is severely limited in the prior art.

[0005] However, as the handling capabilities of pharmaceutical product handling machines have increased, it is advantageous to provide a higher throughput with such a turning module.

[0006] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a turning device that can have an increased throughput of pharmaceutical products.

[0007] The above problem is solved with a turning device having the feature of claim 1 and with a method for handling pharmaceutical products having the features of claim 21.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a turning device for turning pharmaceutical products is provided. The turning device can comprise a base element with a first control cam and a second control cam different from it. The turning device can include a main body provided on the base element, which is rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the base element. The turning device can comprise a plurality of holding elements fixed to the main body. Preferably, each holding element has a holding head and a control element. The holding head can be rotatable about a turning axis and configured to hold a pharmaceutical product. The control element can be displaceable in a control direction along a path of motion.The control element can be designed to interact with the holding head in such a way that a rotation of the holding head about the turning axis depends on a displacement of the control element along the motion path. The control element can be designed and arranged to interact with the first control cam or the second control cam such that a displacement of the control element on the motion path depends on the respective control cam. The holding elements can be designed such that the control elements of adjacent holding elements can each come into contact with a different control cam.

[0009] Compared to the prior art, the present invention offers the advantage of providing a turning device with a higher capacity. In other words, the turning device of the present invention can process a greater number of pharmaceutical products compared to machines known from the prior art. This is due, firstly, to the fact that the holding elements can be arranged closer together. This is possible with the present invention because adjacent holding elements are turned by the control element depending on two different control cams. As a result, collisions do not occur when turning pharmaceutical products held by adjacent holding elements. Thus, an increase in the throughput of the turning device can be achieved without having to significantly increase the path speed of the turning device.In other words, throughput can be increased without significantly increasing the diameter of the turning device. Furthermore, control via cam profiles enables a very robust system requiring minimal control technology. This allows the overall system to be designed to be virtually error-free. Moreover, operation can be implemented with exceptional efficiency. Additionally, the transfer of pharmaceutical products to the turning device is ensured, as the speed does not need to be increased. In other words, only every second pharmaceutical product being turned by the turning device needs to be turned according to the same cam profile. This ensures that each pharmaceutical product has sufficient space to be turned. In other words, the pharmaceutical products are not turned directly one after the other, but rather in a staggered sequence.

[0010] The base element can be a type of base plate on which the control cams are arranged. The main body can be rotatably mounted on the base element. The control cam can also be referred to as a running cam. The main body can be a point-symmetric body rotatable about an axis of rotation. Furthermore, a drive can be provided that is designed to rotate the main body about the axis of rotation. Preferably, the axis of rotation extends in the direction of gravity. A plurality of retaining elements can be provided on the main body. The retaining elements can be detachably attached to the main body. This ensures that the retaining elements can be easily replaced during maintenance work, machine changes, or format changes. Preferably, each retaining element has a main extension in the direction of gravity. Each retaining element can have a retaining head and a control element.The holding head can be designed to hold a pharmaceutical product. The control element can interact with one of the control cams. The holding head can therefore be the element that contacts and holds the pharmaceutical product. The control element can be the connection between the holding head and one of the control cams. The holding head is rotatable about the axis of rotation. In other words, the holding head can rotate about the axis of rotation together with the pharmaceutical product. However, it is not necessary for the entire holding head to rotate about the axis of rotation. Rather, it may be sufficient for the part of the holding head that is in direct contact with the pharmaceutical product to be able to rotate about the axis of rotation. Such rotation can be effected by the control element. The control element can be translationally movable.In other words, the control element can be moved translationally in the control direction (also referred to as the first direction) depending on one of the control cams. In one embodiment of the present invention, the control direction extends in the direction of gravity. The translational movement of the control element can be translated into a rotational or turning movement of the holding head. This allows for a direct dependency between the configuration of the control cam and a turning or rotation of the holding head. The translational movement of the control element can take place along a motion path. The motion path can preferably correspond to a linear straight line. In other words, the control element can perform a straight movement. This prevents lateral or other tilted movements. This, in turn, prevents jamming or canting of the control element.The control curves can, for example, have a wave-like contour. This contour can include peaks (high points) and troughs (low points). The control element can be positioned in such a way that, upon contact with a peak of the control curve, it moves translationally in the control direction. Conversely, if the control element is in contact with a trough of the control curve, it can move in the opposite direction to the control direction. This allows for a dependent rotation of the holding head based on the shape of the control curve. In other words, the rotation of the holding head can always be identical, depending on the position of the main body, which determines the position of the holding element along the control skids. This ensures that no complex control system is necessary to rotate the pharmaceutical products.Furthermore, it can be ensured that the pharmaceutical products are correctly oriented during transfer to and from the turning device. This ensures the smooth operation of the turning device. Each of the control cams can have a contact surface. This contact surface can be in contact with the control element. Preferably, the cam has a reduced coefficient of friction at its contact surface (e.g., compared to the rest of the control cam). This reduces losses and wear during operation of the turning device. Because two control elements, connected to adjacent holding elements, follow different contact surfaces, turning the pharmaceutical products can be achieved even with a reduced product distance.The first and second control cams only need to be designed differently in the area that causes the pharmaceutical product to be turned. After a product has been picked up or immediately before a product has been dispensed, the first and second control cams can be identical. In other words, it is only necessary to design the control cams differently if the pharmaceutical products held by the holding head are to be turned. The turning device of the present embodiment can thus provide a significantly increased throughput of pharmaceutical products with a comparatively small increase in web speed. The product spacing can, for example, be essentially 12 times Pi = 37.7 mm. Despite this small product spacing, turning the products by, for example, 180° can be easily achieved.This only requires increasing the conveyor speed of the pharmaceutical products by approximately 25%. This does not negatively affect the pharmaceutical products, thus enabling the increased throughput without damage or impairment of the pharmaceutical products.

[0011] Preferably, the main body is cylindrical. In other words, the main body can be rotationally symmetrical about an axis of rotation. This allows the turning device to be integrated into continuous operation.

[0012] Preferably, the retaining elements are arranged on a lateral surface of the main body. In other words, the main body can define a mounting area for the retaining elements, preferably corresponding to a lateral surface of a cylinder. The retaining elements can be arranged side by side on this lateral surface. Preferably, the retaining elements are all equidistant from one another. This ensures simple, continuous operation. Adjacent retaining elements are preferably in contact with each other. This reduces the product spacing (i.e., between the pharmaceutical products).

[0013] Preferably, the control cams are arranged continuously around the circumference of the main body. In other words, the control cams can also be provided where no turning of a pharmaceutical product takes place. This simplifies the design of the control element, as it can always be in contact with a control cam (i.e., regardless of the angular position of the main body). Preferably, the control cams are detachably arranged on the base element. This allows the operation of the turning device to be easily modified or adapted. In other words, no programmatic adjustments to a control system are necessary; instead, the operation of the turning device can be changed based on mechanical modifications (e.g., by replacing a control cam).

[0014] Preferably, the first control cam and the second control cam are arranged coaxially to the main body. In other words, the control cams can also form a circle.

[0015] Preferably, the first control cam and the second control cam exhibit a waveform, at least partially. The waveform can be defined by a contact surface. This contact surface can be in direct contact with the control element. The waveform allows the control element to be moved in the control direction as it moves along the control cam. The control cams can have a continuous contact surface. This prevents abrupt changes in the geometry of the control cams, which in turn prevents jerking or jarring movement of the control element.

[0016] Preferably, the first and second control cams differ in their waveform configuration. In other words, the first control cam can have a different waveform than the second control cam. This ensures that two adjacent pharmaceutical products are not rotated in the same way and thus do not potentially collide. More precisely, the first and second control cams can be offset on the base element such that, at the same circular position of the main body, they result in different positions of the control element on the path of motion. That is, the control cams can be identical and simply offset on the base element. Preferably, the first and second control cams are parallel to each other.This allows the design of the retaining element to be simplified, since the retaining element can be designed symmetrically and can only come into contact with either the first control cam or the second control cam by different installation methods.

[0017] Preferably, the retaining element can only come into contact with one control cam. This ensures that adjacent retaining elements are controlled by different control cams. In other words, this allows the pharmaceutical products held by adjacent retaining elements to be rotated differently (i.e., not sequentially).

[0018] Preferably, the first and second control cams are spaced apart from each other. This ensures that at least part of the retaining element fits between the two control cams, allowing for a more compact overall design of the turning device.

[0019] Preferably, at least 32 retaining elements are fixed to the main body. These 32 retaining elements increase the throughput of the turning device to such an extent that more than 600 pharmaceutical products per minute can be turned. In a preferred embodiment, approximately 1000 pharmaceutical products per minute can even be turned.

[0020] Preferably, the retaining elements are arranged such that they are designed to interact alternately with the first control cam and the second control cam. In other words, this prevents adjacent retaining elements from interacting with the same control cam. This allows for staggered turning of the pharmaceutical products.

[0021] Preferably, each holding element is arranged at an angle relative to a tangent of the main body. In other words, the holding elements are not arranged directly around the circumference of the main body, but at an angle. This simplifies the transfer or dispensing of pharmaceutical products. More precisely, the contact time during which a pharmaceutical product is transferred from a transfer star to the turning device can be extended. This ensures a smooth transfer.

[0022] Preferably, each holding element is arranged at an angle relative to a radial direction of the main body. In other words, a holding element cannot be arranged in an extension of the radial direction of the main body, but rather obliquely or inclined to it. Thus, if a straight line is drawn from the center of the main body to its edge, the principal extension direction of the holding element, viewed from above, can be located outside this virtual line. This also improves the transfer to and from the turning device. Furthermore, attaching and detaching the holding elements from the main body can be simplified, since, in particular, a tool does not need to be aligned along the radial direction of the main body.

[0023] The holding head has an axle with a gear. The axle can be designed to rotate about the turning axis. The gear can be designed to convert a translational movement of the control element into a rotational movement of the axle. The translational movement of the control element can occur along the motion path.

[0024] The shaft preferably has a vacuum feedthrough. This is particularly advantageous because the vacuum allows the pharmaceutical products to be held very gently on the holding head. Since the holding head rotates around the pivot axis with the pharmaceutical product, connecting a vacuum line is difficult. By placing the vacuum feedthrough in the shaft, which is rotatable around the pivot axis, complicated line routing can be avoided. Preferably, the gear has a gear recess. In other words, the rotation resulting from the translational movement of the control element can be limited. Specifically, the recess in the gear prevents further rotation of the gear beyond a certain point, even if the control element continues to move along its path. This allows for a maximum rotation of the holding head.This prevents excessive or unwanted rotation of the pharmaceutical product. The gear recess section can be a section of the gear without teeth. This allows the control element and the gear to be displaced relative to each other within the gear recess section without any interaction.

[0025] Preferably, the control element comprises a rod element and a toothed section on the rod element. The rod element can have a rod-like shape. The toothed section can comprise a plurality of teeth that can interact with the gear of the holding head. This allows a translational movement of the control element to be converted into a rotational movement of the holding head.

[0026] Preferably, the control element and the control head can interact via the gear and the tooth section. This ultimately provides the translation of the translational movement of the control element into a rotational movement of the gear and thus of the holding head.

[0027] Preferably, the control element is rod-shaped and has a first end and a second end. In other words, the control element can have a main extension direction that is greater than any other extension direction. This allows the control element to be rod-shaped. Preferably, the main extension direction is in the direction of gravity (in the operating position). The first end can be arranged at the top in the direction of gravity, while the second end can be arranged at the bottom in the direction of gravity. Preferably, a contact element is provided at the second end, which is configured to contact a control cam. Preferably, the contact element is configured such that it can only contact a single control cam. This ensures that a control element can only come into contact with a single control cam.

[0028] Preferably, the contact element comprises a roller that is rotatable about a roller axis. A roller offers the advantage of reducing friction between the control cam and the contact element. Furthermore, this can reduce wear and noise emissions.

[0029] Preferably, the contact element is arranged such that the roller axis and the turning axis intersect at an angle α of substantially 25° in a top view. This allows the control cam to be arranged coaxially with the main body, while still allowing the holding element to be angled in such a way as to ensure smooth transfer or dispensing of the pharmaceutical products.

[0030] Preferably, a preloading element is provided at the first end, designed to preload the control element in the first direction. In other words, the preloading element can be designed to press the control element in the direction of the control cam. The first direction can correspond to the control direction. This ensures contact between the control element and the control cam. Particularly during rapid rotation of the main body around the axis of rotation and / or with a steep control cam, the increased contact pressure ensures that the control element follows the contact surface of the control cam.

[0031] Preferably, the main element comprises a housing, wherein the retaining head and the control element are displaceable relative to the housing. In other words, the retaining head can be rotatable relative to the housing. The control element can be displaceable translationally relative to the housing. Thus, the housing can serve as a fixing to secure the retaining element to the main body. The retaining head can, for example, be connected to the housing via a bearing. The control element can be connected to the housing via a sliding bushing or the like. This allows the housing to move together with the main body.

[0032] Preferably, the holding element is designed to rotate a pharmaceutical product by 180°. In other words, the holding element can completely turn a pharmaceutical product around. This is advantageous because often only the bottom or lid of a pharmaceutical product needs to be inspected in an inspection device. The 180° rotation can be defined, for example, by a control cam. To prevent over-rotation, the gear can have the recessed section described above.

[0033] Preferably, the ratio of the rotation of the main body about the axis of rotation to the turning of the holding element about the turning axis is in the range of 0.5 to 0.8, preferably in the range of 0.6 to 0.7. This ratio indicates how far the main body must rotate about the axis of rotation to achieve a turning of a pharmaceutical product within a specific range. The range of 0.5 to 0.8 has proven particularly advantageous because it allows the pharmaceutical product to be turned 180° within a 360° rotation of the main body. This ensures that the feeding and removal of pharmaceutical products to and from the turning device can be carried out without difficulty. The range of 0.6 to 0.7 has proven particularly advantageous when a throughput of more than 600 pharmaceutical products per minute is required.As mentioned above, there are limitations regarding the feed rate of individual pharmaceutical products. Furthermore, it is advantageous if a pharmaceutical product is fully turned after a rotation of less than 150° of the main body. In this case, there is sufficient space around the turning device to ensure the discharge and feed of the pharmaceutical products. A value of approximately 0.65 yielded the best results at a throughput of about 1000 pharmaceutical products per minute. In this case, a 180° turn was achieved after only a 120° rotation of the main body. This allows for a turning device that is particularly fast and reliable while requiring minimal space.

[0034] Preferably, the control cams are designed such that a 120° rotation of the main body is sufficient to rotate a pharmaceutical product held by the retaining element by 180°. In this case, the slopes of the control cams are designed such that rotation of the pharmaceutical products can be carried out without problems (such as air bubble formation or the like).

[0035] Preferably, the control element includes a compensating element, which is preferably configured to come into contact with the first control cam or the second control cam. The compensating element is configured to transmit a movement based on a control cam to the rod element only if the movement exceeds a certain limit. In other words, the compensating element can be located at the second end of the holding device. The compensating element can be configured such that a translational movement of the control element is not transmitted directly. Rather, the compensating element allows a translational movement of the control element to be transmitted only if the movement exceeds a certain amount. This provides a type of damping that prevents shocks or jerky movements from being transmitted to a pharmaceutical product.

[0036] Preferably, the compensating element is designed as a motion buffer. In other words, the compensating element can be designed such that not every motion profile indicated by the control curve on the control element is transmitted to the holding head. Preferably, the compensating element can assume a first contact position and a second contact position relative to the rod element, wherein a force can be transmitted from the compensating element to the rod element in the second contact position. The first contact position can be a starting position. Between the first and second contact positions, the compensating element can move translationally without exerting any movement on the control element (more precisely, on the rod element). Only when the compensating element reaches the second contact position can a force (and thus a movement) be transmitted to the rod element and thus to the holding head.In other words, movement of the compensating element between the first position and reaching the second position cannot cause the holding head to rotate. This travel or distance can be considered damping. This is advantageous, for example, if the control cam is dirty and / or worn. This prevents shocks or other unwanted high-amplitude movements from being transmitted to the pharmaceutical products held by the holding head.

[0037] Preferably, the rod element is guided by a projection in an elongated hole of the compensating element. In other words, the compensating element can be connected to the rod element via an elongated hole. The elongated hole can extend in the first direction, or the control direction. The first contact position can be a position where the projection is located at an upper end of the elongated hole. Conversely, the second contact position can be a position where the projection is located at a lower end of the elongated hole. In the second contact position, the compensating element can thus transmit a translational movement in the first direction to the rod element. By varying the distance between the first and second contact positions, the damping capacity of the compensating element can be adjusted. This can make the system less susceptible to impacts or wear.Preferably, the compensating element has a preload element designed to apply a compressive force to the compensating element in the first direction. In other words, the preload element can preload the compensating element so that it is moved into the first contact position without external influence. Thus, the preload element of the compensating element can also ensure that the control element is pressed against a control cam. In other words, two preload elements can be provided to increase the contact pressure of the control element against one of the control cams. The preload element can, for example, be a spring element.

[0038] Preferably, the holding head has a contact element designed to hold a pharmaceutical product. The pharmaceutical product can thus come into direct contact with the holding head. The holding head can be individually adapted to the specific pharmaceutical product being handled. This ensures that the pharmaceutical product is securely held by the holding head. For example, the original head can have a corresponding shape that matches that of the pharmaceutical product. This ensures secure contact between the contact element and the pharmaceutical product.

[0039] Preferably, the contact element can be reversibly attached to the holding head. In other words, the contact element is removable from the holding head. This allows different contact elements to be attached to the holding head, depending on which pharmaceutical products are to be turned by the turning device. This enables a wide range of pharmaceutical products to be turned by the turning device.

[0040] Preferably, the contact element can be secured to a holding head by means of a clip mechanism. In other words, the contact element can be attached to and detached from the holding head without tools. This makes it particularly easy to replace the contact element. Preferably, the holding head includes a retaining ring that can be moved between an operating position and a removal position. In the operating position, the contact element is held by the holding head, and in the removal position, the contact element can be removed from the holding head. In other words, the retaining ring allows the contact element to be removed from the holding head without tools. It is particularly advantageous that this can be done easily by means of the retaining ring if the holding head is to be removed in a rotated position.The retaining ring is always accessible in the same way, regardless of its position around the pivot axis of the holding head, meaning the contact element can be removed even in a rotated position. In contrast, if a screw or similar fastener is used to hold the contact element, this screw must be easily accessible. This is not necessary with the retaining ring.

[0041] Preferably, the retaining ring is pre-tensioned to force it into the operating position. For example, the retaining ring can include a coil spring that always forces the retaining ring into the operating position (i.e., the locking position). This ensures that the contact element is not accidentally released during operation.

[0042] Preferably, the contact element has a suction cup designed to contact and attract a pharmaceutical product. The suction cup can be in contact with the vacuum feedthrough. Furthermore, the suction cup can have a shape corresponding to the pharmaceutical product, so that the pharmaceutical product can be optimally gripped by the suction cup.

[0043] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for handling a pharmaceutical product is provided. The method may include providing a turning device according to one of the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the method may include picking up a pharmaceutical product with the holding head. The method may also include rotating the main body about the axis of rotation so that the control element is displaced according to one of the control cams. The method may also include turning the holding head about the axis of rotation according to the movement of the control element. Finally, the method may include dispensing the pharmaceutical product.

[0044] Preferably, the pharmaceutical product is turned 180°.

[0045] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the above device is provided for use in the handling of pharmaceutical products, in particular in the turning of the pharmaceutical products.

[0046] Features or embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments. Further developments or advantages mentioned in connection with the feature or embodiment also apply analogously to the new embodiments. Similarly, further developments and advantages mentioned in connection with the device also apply analogously to the method, and vice versa.

[0047] The invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached figures.

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a schematic and perspective view of a turning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 2 shows a top view of a turning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 3 shows, in perspective and schematic form, a part of a turning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Fig. 4 shows a perspective and schematic view of part of a turning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 shows a perspective and schematic view of part of a turning device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Fig. 6 shows a schematic and perspective view of a holding element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Fig. 7 shows a schematic section of a holding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Fig. 8 shows a top view of a holding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Fig. 9 is a schematic and perspective view of a part of the retaining element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Fig. 10 is a schematic flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Fig. 1 is a schematic and perspective view of a turning device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The turning device 1 of the present embodiment is part of a handling device for handling pharmaceutical products or articles. In one embodiment, the turning device is part of an inspection system in which pharmaceutical products are inspected. For this purpose, the pharmaceutical products must be rotated by 180°. The turning device 1 of the present embodiment is used for this purpose. The turning device 1 comprises a plurality of holding elements 6. More precisely, the present embodiment comprises 32 holding elements 6, which are arranged side by side along a lateral surface of a main body 5. The main body 5 is a cylindrical body that is rotatable about an axis of rotation AD. The individual holding elements 6 are fixedly connected to the main body.In the present embodiment, the retaining elements 6 are screwed to the main body. Thus, the retaining elements 6 are detachably arranged on the main body 5. Each retaining element 6 is identical in design. A retaining element 6 comprises a retaining head 7 and a control element 8. The retaining head 7 extends radially R from the main body 5. A pharmaceutical product can be secured to the retaining head 7. In the present embodiment, the retaining head 7 is designed to hold a pharmaceutical product by means of a vacuum. Furthermore, the retaining head 7 is rotatable about a pivot axis Aw. The rotation of the retaining head 7 is effected by the control element 8. The control element 8 runs on or contacts either a first control cam 3 or a second control cam 4. The control cams 3 and 4 are provided on a base element 2 (arranged below the control cams in Fig. 1).The control elements 8 slide along a contact surface of the control cams 3, 4. Control elements 8 of adjacent retaining elements 6 are in contact with different control cams 2, 3. In other words, control elements 8 of adjacent retaining elements 6 are always alternately in contact with the first control cam 3 and the second control cam 4. The control cams 3, 4 differ in their contour. In other words, retaining heads 7 of adjacent retaining elements 6 can be rotated in different ways. Different rotations can mean that the pharmaceutical products do not perform the same rotation sequentially, but are rotated in such a way that the pharmaceutical products of adjacent retaining elements 6 are not simultaneously aligned along a tangent to the main body.This prevents pharmaceutical products held by the holding head from colliding with an adjacent pharmaceutical product during rotation. In the present embodiment, the pharmaceutical products are received by the turning device at an entry point and discharged from the turning device 1 at an exit point. Connecting the entry point and the exit point to the center of the main body 5 (i.e., to the axis of rotation AD), both lines form an angle of substantially 120°. In other words, the pharmaceutical products are guided through the turning device over an angle of 120°. As the pharmaceutical products are guided through the turning device 1, they are rotated 180° about its longitudinal axis.Due to the closer arrangement of the holding elements 6 on the main body 5 compared to the prior art, 1000 pharmaceutical products per minute can be turned with the present embodiment.

[0058] Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of the turning device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The turning device 1 shown in Fig. 2 corresponds essentially to the turning device shown in Fig. 1. Furthermore, a radial direction R of the main body 5 is shown in Fig. 2. It can also be seen that the retaining elements 6 are arranged obliquely on the main body 5. In other words, a turning axis Aw intersects the radial direction R of the main body at a single point. This allows for a more reliable transfer or dispensing of pharmaceutical products into or out of the turning device 1, as the alignment with an upstream or downstream system is simplified.

[0059] Fig. 3 is a schematic and perspective view of a part of a turning device of the present invention. Fig. 3 schematically shows a side view of a lower part of the holding elements 6. The first control cam 3 is visible in the foreground. The second control cam 4 runs in the background. The control elements 8 are alternately in contact with the first control cam 3 and with the second control cam 4. To reduce friction between the control element 8 and the control cams 3 and 4, the control element 8 has a roller 85 as a contact element at its second end 84. The contact element 85 is therefore a contact element 85 of the control element 8. This allows the control element 8 to be guided smoothly through the control cam. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the control element 8 is not directly connected to the contact element 85. Rather, in the present embodiment, a compensating element 87 is interposed.The contact element 85 is directly connected to the compensating element 87. A translational displacement of the compensating element 87 is then transmitted to the control element 8 (more precisely, to a rod element 88). The rod element 88 has a projection 881, which is guided in a slot 871 of the compensating element 87. A translational movement can therefore only be transmitted from the compensating element 87 to the rod element if the projection 881 is located at the bottom edge of the slot 871 in the first direction R1. In any other position of the projection 881, no translational movement can be transmitted to the rod element 88. This provides a buffer for the translational movement.

[0060] Figure 4 shows a perspective and schematic representation of a holding head 7. The holding head 7 comprises a suction cup 77, which can be pressurized with a vacuum. A pharmaceutical product can be held by the suction cup 77. By applying a vacuum, a pharmaceutical product can be transferred from a preceding device and held. In the present embodiment, the vacuum is in the range of 0.35 to 0.6 bar below atmospheric pressure. Figure 4 also indicates a housing 9 for the holding element 6. The housing 9 is fixed relative to the holding head 7 and the control element 8. The housing 9 allows the holding element to be fixed to the main body 5. In the present embodiment, the holding head 7 can be replaced. This is done by simply rotating a retaining ring 76 to open a clip closure 79.By rotating the retaining ring 76, the retaining head can be turned into a position that allows access to the clip mechanism 79. This is particularly necessary when replacing retaining heads 7 that are already rotated. Because the retaining ring 76 is easily accessible in any position, the retaining head 7 can be rotated for easy replacement. In another embodiment, the retaining ring 76 can also be directly responsible for releasing the retaining head 7. A preload can ensure that the retaining ring 76 always returns to its operating position.

[0061] Fig. 5 is a schematic and perspective view of a plurality of retaining elements 6. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, one retaining head 7 has been removed. In other words, in the present embodiment, any retaining head 7 can be attached to the retaining element 6. This can be done quickly, in particular, when changing formats. In one embodiment, the retaining head can be changed without tools. Furthermore, the preload element 86, which presses the control element 8 in the first direction R1 towards the control cams 3, 4, can be seen in Fig. 6. In the present embodiment, the preload element 86 is a spring that is housed in the cylindrical part above the housing 9. The contact force can act directly or indirectly on the contact element 85. In the case of indirect action, the preload can be applied to the contact element 85 via the compensating element.

[0062] Fig. 6 is a schematic and perspective view of a holding element 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 shows a holding element 6 without a main body. A gear 72 is arranged in the housing 9. The gear is located on an axle 71. The holding head 7 is located at one end of the axle 71. An inlet to a vacuum feedthrough 73 is arranged at the other end of the axle 71. In other words, a vacuum can be supplied to the holding head 7 through the axle 71. The gear 72, which is arranged on the axle 71, can interact with a toothed section 81 of the control element 8. Through this interaction, a translational movement of the control element 8 can be converted into a rotary movement of the axle 71. To prevent over-rotation of the axle 71, the gear 72 has a toothed recess section 74.In other words, the gear can include a section on its circumference without teeth, so that this section cannot engage with the tooth section 81 of the control element 8. This prevents the axis 71 from rotating further than desired and allows the relative position of the axis 71 relative to the control element 8 to be set by moving the gear recess section 74 along the tooth section 81. In other words, the control element 8 can be moved relative to the axis 71 without the axis 71 rotating about the turning axis Aw.

[0063] Fig. 7 is a schematic sectional view of a retaining element 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control element 8 extends in the first direction R1 or the control direction R1. The toothed section 81 interacts with the gear 72. In Fig. 7, the gear recess section 74 is visible on the lower section of the gear 72. Furthermore, another preloading element 89 is arranged at the second end 84. This additional preloading element 89 can press the compensating element 87 in the direction of the control cams 3, 4. Thus, two preloading elements 86, 89 can be provided to ensure a contact pressure against the control cam.

[0064] Fig. 8 is a schematic top view of a holding element 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 shows that a rotation axis of the contact element 85 AR is inclined relative to the turning axis Aw. This ensures that the contact element 85 is guided correctly on a control cam arranged coaxially with the main body, and that the contact element 75 of the holding head 7 can still advantageously receive the pharmaceutical product from a preceding unit and transfer it to a downstream unit.

[0065] Fig. 9 is a schematic and perspective view of part of a holding element 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 shows the gear recess section 74 of the gear 72. Also shown is the vacuum feedthrough 73, which can supply the holding head 7 with a vacuum through the turning axis Aw. Furthermore, it is evident how the translational movement of the control element 8 in the first direction R1 can be converted into a rotational movement (see arrow) around the turning axis Aw.

[0066] Fig. 10 is a schematic flowchart of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. In step S1, a turning device 1 according to one of the above embodiments is provided. In step S2, a pharmaceutical product is taken from an upstream handling unit. In particular, the pharmaceutical product can be taken at an input point. In step S3, the main body 5 is rotated about the axis of rotation AD, so that the control element 8 is translationally displaced depending on one of the control cams 3, 4. Through an interaction of the translational movement of the control element 8 with the gear 74, the holding head 7 can be rotated about the turning axis Aw. Thus, in step S4, the holding head is turned about the turning axis Aw depending on the movement of the control element 8. In step S5, the pharmaceutical product is again dispensed.In other words, the pharmaceutical product can be dispensed from the turning device 1 at an output point. Preferably, the pharmaceutical product has been turned 180° about its longitudinal axis. In the present embodiment, the angular distance between the input point and the output point is 120°.

[0067] Reference symbol list:

[0068] 1 reversing device

[0069] 2 Basic element

[0070] 3 first control curve

[0071] 4 second control curve

[0072] 5 main bodies

[0073] 6 retaining element

[0074] 7 Holding head

[0075] 8 Control element

[0076] 9 cases

[0077] 71 Axis

[0078] 72 gear

[0079] 73 Vacuum feedthrough

[0080] 74 Gear recess section

[0081] 75 Contact element of the holding head

[0082] 76 retaining ring

[0083] 77 Suction cup

[0084] 81 tooth section

[0085] 82 Tooth section recess section

[0086] 83 first end

[0087] 84 second end 85 contact element of the control element

[0088] 86 Preload element

[0089] 87 Compensating element

[0090] 88 Rod element 89 further prestressing element

[0091] 881 lead

[0092] 871 Slotted hole

[0093] R1 first direction or steering direction

[0094] R Radial direction AD Axis of rotation

[0095] Aw turning axis

[0096] AR Rotation axis a Angle between turning axis and rotation axis

Claims

Claims 1. Turning device (1) for turning pharmaceutical products, comprising: a base element (2) with a first control cam (3) and a second control cam (4) different therefrom, a main body (5) provided on the base element (2) which is rotatable about an axis of rotation (AD) relative to the base element (2), a plurality of holding elements (6) which are fixed to the main body (5), each holding element (6) having a holding head (7) and a control element (8), wherein the holding head (7) is rotatable about a turning axis (Aw) and is configured to hold a pharmaceutical product, wherein the control element (8) is displaceable in a control direction (R1) along a path of motion, wherein the control element (8) is configured to align with the holding head (7) to cooperate such that a rotation of the holding head (7) about the turning axis (A w) is dependent on a displacement of the control element (8) along the motion path, wherein the control element (8) is designed and arranged to interact with the first control curve (3) or the second control curve (4), such that a displacement of the control element (8) on the motion path is dependent on the respective control curve (3, 4), wherein the retaining elements (6) are designed such that the control elements (8) adjacent holding elements (6) can come into contact with each other's control cam (3,4).

2. Reversing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control cams (3, 4) are detachably arranged on the base element (2).

3. Turning device (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first control cam (3) and the second control cam (4) are arranged coaxially to the main body (5).

4. Reversing device (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first control cam (3) and the second control cam (4) have a wave shape at least section by section.

5. Reversing device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the first control cam (3) and the second control curve (4) differ from each other in a design of the waveform.

6. Reversing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first control cam (3) and the second control cam (4) are provided parallel to each other.

7. Reversing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining elements (6) are arranged such that they are designed to alternately engage with the first control cam (3) and with the second control cam (4) Cooperation.

8. Turning device (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each retaining element (6) is arranged inclined relative to a tangent of the main body (5).

9. Reversing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding head (7) has an axle (71) with a gear (72), wherein the control element (8) comprises a rod element (88) and a toothed section (81) on the rod element (88), and wherein the control element (8) and the control head (7) can interact via the gear (72) and the toothed section (81).

10. Turning device (1 ) according to claim 9, wherein the axis (71 ) has a vacuum feedthrough (73).

11. Turning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control element (8) is rod-shaped and has a first end (83) and a second end (84).

12. Reversing device (1 ) according to claim 11, wherein a contact element (85) is provided at the second end (84) which is designed to contact a control cam (3).

13. Turning device (1 ) according to claim 12, wherein the contact element (85) comprises a roller which is rotatable about a roller axis.

14. Turning device (1 ) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein a pre-tensioning element (86) is provided at the first end (83) which is designed to pre-tension the control element (8) in the first direction (R1).

15. Turning device (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of a rotation of the main body (5) about the axis of rotation (AD) TO a turning of the holding element (6) about the axis of rotation (Aw) is in a range of 0.5 to 0.8, preferably in a range of 0.6 to 0.

7.

16. Turning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control cams (3, 4) are designed such that a rotation of 120° of the main body (5) is sufficient to rotate a pharmaceutical product held by the retaining element (6) by 180° 17. Reversing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control element (8) has a compensating element (87), wherein the compensating element (87) is configured to come into contact with the first control cam (3) or the second control cam (4), wherein the compensating element (87) is configured to initiate a movement based on one of the Control curves (3, 4) are only passed on to the rod element (88) if the movement exceeds a limit value.

18. Turning device (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding head (7) has a contact element (75) configured to hold a pharmaceutical product.

19. Turning device (1 ) according to claim 18, wherein the contact element (75) can be reversibly attached to the holding head (7).

20. Turning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding head (7) comprises a retaining ring (76) which is displaceable between an operating position and a removal position, wherein in the operating position the contact element (75) is held on the holding head (7) and wherein in a removal position the contact element (75) can be removed from the holding head (7).

21. Method for handling a pharmaceutical product, comprising: providing a turning device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Picking up a pharmaceutical product with the holding head (7), rotating the main body (5) about the axis of rotation (AD) so that the control element (8) is displaced depending on one of the control cams (3, 4), turning the holding head (7) about the axis of rotation (A) w) depending on the movement of the control element (8), dispensing the pharmaceutical product.

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