Apparatus and method for transferring pharmaceutical containers between a linear arrangement and a curvilinear arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for transferring pharmaceutical containers (12) between a linear arrangement and a curvilinear arrangement, said device having features of claim 1, and to a method for transferring pharmaceutical containers (12) between a linear arrangement and a curvilinear arrangement, said method having features of the additional independent claim.

Description

[0001] Title: Device and method for transferring pharmaceutical containers between a linear arrangement and a circular arc arrangement

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a device for transferring pharmaceutical containers between a linear arrangement and a circular arc arrangement with features of claim 1 and a method for transferring pharmaceutical containers between a linear arrangement and a circular arc arrangement with features of the dependent claim.

[0004] Pharmaceutical containers are typically transported nested in a nest and / or tub. The containers are usually arranged in a linear configuration. Alternatively, the containers can be transported using a linear conveyor belt or a linear transport rack, in which case the containers are also arranged in a linear configuration due to the linearity of the conveyor belt or transport rack.

[0005] The processing of containers can utilize machines that require a circular arc-shaped feeding or transfer of the containers, such as a rotary machine. This requires a transfer of the containers from a linear arrangement to a circular arc-shaped arrangement.

[0006] WO 2015 / 128 132 Al offenbart a device for transferring objects with two linear gripping units, each driven by a separate drive unit, and a transport star that picks up the containers from the linear gripping units and transports them on a circular path.

[0007] A disadvantage of this is that such devices have a large number of components and parts. This increases the complexity, space requirements, and cost of the device.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method for transferring pharmaceutical containers between a linear arrangement and a circular arrangement, thereby eliminating the disadvantages mentioned above. This object is achieved by a device for transferring pharmaceutical containers between a linear arrangement and a circular arrangement having the features of claim 1. The containers may be vials, syringes, cartridges, etc.

[0009] The device comprises at least one receiving block for picking up and conveying (or transporting) the containers. The receiving block is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The receiving block has a receiving chord. The receiving chord has several receptacles for receiving the containers. The receiving chord is deformable between a first state and a second state. In the first state of the receiving chord, the receptacles (and thus the received containers) are arranged in a linear arrangement. In the second state of the receiving chord, the receptacles (and thus the received containers) are arranged in a circular arc. The receiving chord can be elastic or flexible. The circular arc arrangement of the receptacles or the received containers can extend along a circular path with a center point located on the axis of rotation.

[0010] This allows the transfer of a straight formation of containers into a circular or arc-shaped formation of containers within a rotational movement using only one device (or unit). Additional devices are no longer required. This reduces the complexity of the device and saves installation space. This makes the device particularly suitable for use in pharmaceutical applications. According to the invention, the receiving block has a counter-holder with a counter-holder surface. The counter-holder surface is arc-shaped. The receiving block is designed such that pressing the receiving tendon against the counter-holder surface and / or the counter-holder surface against the receiving tendon brings the receiving tendon into the second state.

[0011] This allows the circular arc shape of the receiving tendon or its recordings in the second state to be implemented using simple means.

[0012] According to a further development of the device, the counter-holder can be designed to be movable along a radial direction. This can be implemented, for example, by means of a drive or an actuator.

[0013] In this context, a radial direction refers to a direction oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation and emanating from the axis of rotation.

[0014] This allows, using simple means, in particular the pressing of the counter-support surface against the receiving tendon.

[0015] According to a further development of the device, the receiving block can comprise a slide movable between a first position and a second position, with two coupling elements. The slide can be coupled to the receiving tendon by means of the coupling elements in such a way that when the slide is arranged in the first position, the receiving tendon is arranged in the first state.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the slide can be coupled to the receiving tendon by means of the coupling elements in such a way that when the slide is arranged in the second position, the receiving tendon is arranged in the second state.

[0017] This allows the receiving tendon to be deformed between the first and second states using simple means, in particular the pressing of the receiving tendon against the counter-support surface to be implemented.

[0018] According to a further development of the device, the slide can have an extension. The extension can be pin-shaped. The extension can engage in a guide of the receiving block. The guide can be a linear guide. The guide can be oriented along the radial direction.

[0019] Alternatively, the slide itself can have an anti-rotation device (e.g., in the form of a slide running on two shafts). In this case, a guide for the extension is not required.

[0020] This allows for the implementation of a guided movement of the sled (along the radial direction), particularly a linear movement, using simple means.

[0021] According to a further development of the device, the device can have a cam disk with at least one cam track. The extension of the carriage can engage in the cam track. The extension can be guided in the cam track in such a way that when the receiving block is rotated about the axis of rotation, the carriage can be moved between the first position and the second position.

[0022] This allows for the simple implementation of a transfer of the carriage between the first and second positions, especially a passive transfer (i.e., without an active drive such as a motor).

[0023] According to a further development of the device, the device can include an actuator. The actuator can be pneumatic and / or electric. In particular, the actuator can be a pneumatic cylinder. The actuator can be configured to move the slide between the first position and the second position.

[0024] This allows for the (active) transfer of the carriage between the first and second positions using simple means.

[0025] According to a further development of the device, the device can have at least one fastening element for attaching the receiving block. The fastening element can be arranged below the cam disc with respect to the direction of gravity. It is also conceivable that the fastening element can be arranged above the cam disc with respect to the direction of gravity. The fastening element can be U-shaped. The fastening element can be rotatable about the axis of rotation. This allows the receiving block to be attached to the device, in particular to the cam disc, using simple means.

[0026] According to a further development of the device, the receiving block can have at least one fixing element for fixing and / or fastening the receiving block to or on the fastening element. The fixing element can be designed to hold the receiving block in place. The fixing element can be in the form of a fixing screw (or grip screw). In particular, the receiving block can have two fixing elements.

[0027] This allows the mounting block to be attached or fixed to the mounting element using simple means.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, the fixing element can be designed with a different receiving mechanism and / or locking device, which is particularly suitable for automated fastening using a robot. In other words, the fixing element can be designed in such a way that the handling and / or fixing or fastening of the receiving block to or on the fastening element (and thus setup) can be automated using a robot.

[0029] According to a further development of the device, the receiving block and / or the receiving chord can each be designed to be interchangeable (as a replaceable part). The receiving block and / or the receiving chord can each be designed to be (reversibly) separable from the device. The receiving block and / or the receiving chord can each be designed as a format part. This allows for a more flexible design of the device. Furthermore, setup and / or format changes of the device can be carried out quickly and easily. Likewise, a quick and easy replacement of damaged and / or defective elements (such as the receiving block and / or the receiving chord) is possible.

[0030] According to a further development of the device, the receptacles can be fork-shaped. Each receptacle can be designed specifically for clamping (force-fit) the containers. The receptacles can be designed for form-fit, relative to the direction of gravity, the containers. The receptacles can be arranged equidistantly along the receiving chord. The receptacles can be elongated. Each receptacle can be arranged along the receiving chord by means of a rib-like section. The receptacles can all be identical.

[0031] This allows the recordings to be made using simple means.

[0032] According to a further development of the device, the device can have at least one rotary drive for rotating the receiving block around the axis of rotation.

[0033] This allows the mounting block to be rotated around the axis of rotation using simple means. According to a further development of the device, the rotary drive can be arranged above the mounting block in the direction of gravity.

[0034] This allows the space below the receiving block to be kept clear for transporting the containers, particularly by means of a (magnetic) mover or other transport systems. The rotary drive does not, in particular, present any obstruction to the containers or their movement and / or transport.

[0035] The above problem is further solved by a method for transferring pharmaceutical containers between a linear arrangement and a circular arc arrangement with the features of the dependent claim. The method is carried out using a device as described above. The method comprises the steps:

[0036] Picking up the containers from a linear arrangement and transferring the containers into a circular arc arrangement using the device.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the containers can be picked up from a circular arc arrangement and transferred into a linear arrangement using the device.

[0038] The containers can, for example, be transferred to or picked up by a rotary machine.

[0039] Regarding the advantages achievable with this method, reference is made to the relevant explanations concerning the device. The measures described in connection with the device and / or those explained below can be used to further develop the method.

[0040] According to a further development of the procedure, the procedure can include the following step:

[0041] Rotating the recording block around the axis of rotation. The rotation can be implemented in a timed manner.

[0042] This allows the transfer of containers between the linear and the circular arc arrangement to be implemented in a timed manner.

[0043] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings show:

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a top view of a device for transferring pharmaceutical containers between a linear arrangement and a circular arc arrangement;

[0045] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the device according to Figure 1 with receiving tendons in a first state;

[0046] Fig. 3 shows a top view of the device according to Figure 1 with receiving tendons in the first state;

[0047] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the device according to Figure 1 with receiving tendons in a second state; Fig. 5 is a top view of the device according to Figure 1 with receiving tendons in the second state;

[0048] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of one of the receiving blocks of the device according to Figure 1 and

[0049] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the device according to Figure 1 without the receiving blocks.

[0050] In the following description and in the figures, corresponding components and elements are represented by the same reference symbols. For the sake of clarity, not all reference symbols are shown in all figures.

[0051] Figure 1 shows a top view of a device 10 for transferring pharmaceutical containers 12 between a linear arrangement and a circular arc arrangement.

[0052] The device 10 comprises at least one receiving block 14 for receiving and conveying the containers 12. The receiving block 14 is designed to rotate about a rotational axis 16 (see Figure 2). The receiving block 14 has a receiving chord 18.

[0053] The receiving tendon 18 has several receptacles 20 for receiving the containers 12. The receiving tendon 18 is deformable between a first state 22 and a second state 24. In the first state 22, the receptacles 20, and thus the received containers 12, are arranged in a linear arrangement. In the second state 24, the receptacles 20, and thus the received containers, are

[0054] 12 arranged in a circular arc pattern.

[0055] The device 10 comprises five receiving blocks 14 and corresponding five receiving tendons 18. The receiving blocks 14 are each identical. Each receiving tendon 18 comprises ten receptacles 20. The receptacles 20 are each identical. The receiving tendons 18 are elastically designed. In particular, the receiving tendons 18 can be elastically deformed between the first state 22 and the second state 24.

[0056] Figure 2 shows a perspective view and Figure 3 a top view of the device 10 according to Figure 1 with receiving tendons 18 in the first state 22 .

[0057] In the present case, all five receiving tendons 18 are in the first state 22 and thus the receiving 20 and the receiving containers 12 are each arranged in a linear arrangement.

[0058] Figure 4 shows a perspective view and Figure 5 a top view of the device 10 according to Figure 1 with receiving tendons 18 in the second state 24 .

[0059] In the present case, all five receiving tendons 18 are in the second state 24, and thus the receiving devices 20 and the received containers 12 are each arranged in a circular arc-shaped arrangement. In the present case, all received containers 12 are arranged along a circular path around the axis of rotation 16. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of one of the (five)

[0060] Receiving blocks 14 of the device 10 according to Figure 1 .

[0061] The receiving block 14 can have a counter-holder 26 with a counter-holder surface 28. The counter-holder surface 28 can be arc-shaped. The receiving block 14 can be arranged such that by pressing the receiving tendon 18 against the counter-holder surface 28 and / or the counter-holder surface 28 against the receiving tendon 18, the receiving tendon 18 can be transferred into the second state 24.

[0062] In the present case, the receiving block 14 is configured such that by pressing the receiving tendon 18 against the counter-support surface 28, the receiving tendon 18 can be transferred into the second state 24. The counter-support 26 is, in the present case, fixed (i.e., stationary) with respect to the receiving block 14. It is conceivable that the counter-support 26 could be designed to be movable along a radial direction 30.

[0063] The receiving block 14 can comprise a slide 36 with two coupling elements 38. The slide 36 can be movably configured between a first position 32 (shown in Figure 6) and a second position 34 (see Figure 5). The slide 36 can be coupled to the receiving chord 18 by means of the coupling elements 38 such that when the slide 36 is arranged in the first position 32, the receiving chord 18 is in the first state 22. The slide 36 can be coupled to the receiving chord 18 by means of the coupling elements 38 such that when the slide 36 is arranged in the second position 34, the receiving chord 18 is in the second state 24. The coupling elements 38 are elongated in this case. In this case, a first end of each of the two coupling elements 38 is pivotably coupled to the slide 36.In this case, a second end of each of the two coupling elements is pivotably coupled to an end of the receiving tendon 18.

[0064] The counterholder 26 has two support elements 27. The two coupling elements 38 each have an opening 29. The two support elements 27 each project through an opening 29 of the coupling elements 38. This allows the counterholder 26 to support the receiving tendon 18 up to the last or outermost container 12 and enforce the desired radial shape. In this case, the slide 36 is moved along the radial direction 30.

[0065] The coupling element 38 can also be designed in the form of a strip with two bolts mounted perpendicularly (with respect to the direction of gravity). The support of the receiving tendon 18 can be provided by the guide in the counter-holder 26. The radial contour on the counter-holder 26 can be designed in the form of a pocket in which the receiving tendon 18 can be supported and centered both upwards and downwards with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0066] The receiving tendon 18 is elongated in this case, with each of its two ends pivotably coupled to the respective coupling element 38 and centrally connected to or fixed to the counter-holder 26. The receptacles 20 of the receiving tendon 18 are arranged on a side of the receiving tendon 18 facing away from the counter-holder 26. On a side of the receiving tendon 18 facing the counter-holder 26, the receiving tendon 18 has several contact sections 31 for contacting the counter-holder surface 28. The contact sections 31 are cuboid (or pedestal-like) and extend along the receiving tendon 18. Recesses are provided between each of the contact sections 31. This allows the receptacles 20 and thus the receptacles 12 to be brought into an exact arc-shaped arrangement by pressing the receptacle tendon 18 or its contact sections 31 against the counter-support surface 28.Undesirable deformations that can occur due to tension during pressing can thus be avoided.

[0067] The slide 36 can have an extension 40. The extension 40 can engage in a guide 42 of the receiving block 14. The guide 42 can be designed as a linear guide. The guide 42 is oriented along the radial direction 30, so that the movement of the slide 36 can be guided in a straight line along the radial direction 30.

[0068] The receiving block 14 can have at least one fixing element 48 for attaching the receiving block 14 to or on a fastening element 46 (see below). In this case, the receiving block 14 has two fixing elements 48 designed as fixing screws or grip screws.

[0069] The receiving block 14 and / or the receiving tendon 18 can each be designed to be interchangeable. The receiving block 14 and / or the receiving tendon 18 can each be designed as a single format part. The receiving elements 20 can be fork-shaped. The receiving elements 20 can each be designed for clamping (force-locking) engagement or receiving of a container 12. The receiving elements 20 can each be designed for form-fitting (with respect to the direction of gravity) engagement or receiving of a container 12. In this case, the receiving elements 20 are each arranged on the receiving tendon 18 by means of a web-like section 33. Thus, the recordings 20 and therefore the recorded containers 12 can be brought into a circular arc-shaped arrangement as precisely as possible in the second state 24 of the recording tendon 18.

[0070] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the device 10 according to Figure 1 without the receiving blocks 14 .

[0071] The device 10 can have a cam disk 44 with at least one cam track (not shown). The extensions 40 of the respective slide 36 can engage in the cam track and be guided in the cam track in such a way that when the receiving blocks 14 are rotated about the axis of rotation 16, the respective slide 36 can be moved between the first position 32 and the second position 34.

[0072] It is also conceivable that the device 10 may have at least one actuator (not shown). The actuator may be configured to move the respective slide 36 between the first position 32 and the second position 34. The actuator may, in particular, be designed as a pneumatic cylinder. The device 10 may have at least one fastening element 46 for attaching the receiving block 14.

[0073] Fastening element 46 can be arranged below the cam disk 44 with respect to the direction of gravity 52. ​​It is also conceivable that the fastening element 46 can be arranged above the cam disk 44 with respect to the direction of gravity 52. ​​In the present case, the device 10 has five fastening elements 46, corresponding to the number of receiving blocks 14. The fastening elements 46 are designed to be rotatable about the axis of rotation 16.

[0074] The device 10 can have at least one rotary drive 50 for rotating the mounting blocks 14 about the axis of rotation 16. In this case, the rotary drive 50 rotates the fastening elements 46 and the mounting blocks 14 attached thereto about the axis of rotation 16.

[0075] (see Figure 1) .

[0076] The rotary drive 50 is arranged above the receiving blocks 14 and above the cam disk 44 with respect to the direction of gravity 52.

[0077] The following describes a method for transferring pharmaceutical containers 12 between a linear arrangement and a circular arrangement using a device 10 as described above, with reference to Figures 1 to 7. The device 10 may be the one shown in Figures 1 to 7.

[0078] The procedure comprises the steps: picking up the containers 12 from a linear arrangement and transferring the containers 12 into a circular arc arrangement using the device 10.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, the containers 12 are picked up from a circular arc arrangement and transferred into a linear arrangement by means of the device 10.

[0080] This allows the containers 12 to be transformed from a (nested) linear arrangement in a nest and / or tab into a circular arc arrangement (or vice versa). This can be accomplished using the same device 10. No additional machines and / or units are required.

[0081] The procedure may include the following step:

[0082] Rotating the recording block 14 about the rotation axis 16. The rotation can be implemented in a timed manner.

[0083] The containers 12 nested in a nest or tab in a linear arrangement can be received into the receptacles 20 of a receiving chord 18 of a receiving block 14 (cf. receiving block 14 in Figure 1, left). For this purpose, the receiving chord 18 of the receiving block 14 can be arranged in the first state 22.

[0084] The receiving block 14 with the containers 12 it holds can then be rotated (in particular at intervals) about the axis of rotation 16, in particular by means of the rotary drive 50. During the rotation of the receiving block 14 about the axis of rotation 16, the receiving chord 18 of the receiving block 14 rotating about the axis of rotation 16 can be transferred from the first state 22 to the second state 24 (cf. receiving block 14 in Figure 1, top right and / or bottom right).

[0085] Once the receiving chord 18 is in the second state 24, the containers 12 can be transferred from the arc-shaped arrangement to another device, e.g., a rotary machine. After the containers 12 have been removed from the receptacles 20, e.g., by transferring them to another device, the receiving block 14 can now be rotated further around the axis of rotation 16 with empty receptacles 20.

[0086] By rotating the now emptied receiving block 14 further, its receiving chord 18 can be transferred from the second state 24 back to the first state 22, so that containers 12 from a linear arrangement or from the nest and / or tab can again be picked up.

[0087] The process described above can also be carried out in reverse order, so that containers 12 can be converted from a circular arc arrangement into a linear arrangement.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (10) for transferring pharmaceutical containers (12) between a linear arrangement and a circular arc arrangement, comprising at least one receiving block (14) for receiving and conveying the containers (12), wherein the receiving block (14) is rotatable about an axis of rotation (16) and has a receiving chord (18), wherein the receiving chord (18) has several receptacles (20) for receiving the containers (12) and is deformable between a first state (22) in which the receptacles (20) are arranged in a linear arrangement and a second state (24) in which the receptacles (20) are arranged in a circular arc arrangement, wherein the receiving block (14) has a counter-holder (26) with a counter-holder surface (28), wherein the counter-holder surface (28) is circular arc-shaped, wherein the receiving block (14) is arranged such that by pressing the receiving tendon (18) against the counter-holder surface (28) and / or the counter-holder surface (28) against the receiving tendon (18) the receiving tendon (18) is transferred into the second state (24).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the counter-holder (26) is designed to be movable along a radial direction (30).

3. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving block (14) has a position between a first position (32) and a second position (34) movable The slide (36) comprises two coupling elements (38), wherein the slide (36) is coupled to the receiving chord (18) by means of the coupling elements (38) such that when the slide (36) is arranged in the first position (32), the receiving chord (18) is arranged in the first state (22) and / or when the slide (36) is arranged in the second position (34), the receiving chord (18) is arranged in the second state (24).

4. Device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the slide (36) has an extension (40), wherein the extension (40) engages in a guide (42), in particular a linear guide, of the receiving block (14).

5. Device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the device (10) has a cam disk (44) with at least one cam track, wherein the extension (40) engages in the cam track and is guided in the cam track in such a way that when the receiving block (14) is rotated about the axis of rotation (16) the carriage (36) can be moved between the first position (32) and the second position (34).

6. Device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the device (10) has at least one actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to move the carriage (36) between the first position (32) and the second position (34).

7. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) has at least one fastening element (46) for fastening the receiving block (14), in particular wherein the fastening element (46) is arranged below the cam disk (44) with respect to the direction of gravity (52).

8. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the receiving block (14) has at least one fixing element (48) for fixing the receiving block (14) on or to the fastening element (46) .

9. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving block (14) and / or the receiving tendon (18) are each designed to be interchangeable.

10. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recordings (20) are fork-shaped.

11. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) has at least one rotary drive (50) for rotating the receiving block (14) about the axis of rotation (16).

12. Device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the rotary drive (50) is arranged above the receiving block (14) in relation to the direction of gravity (52), in particular above the cam disk (44).

13. Method for transferring pharmaceutical containers (12) between a linear arrangement and a circular arc arrangement using a device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: Picking up the containers (12) from a linear arrangement and transferring the containers (12) into a circular arc-shaped arrangement using the device (10) and / or Picking up the containers (12) from a circular arc arrangement and transferring the containers (12) into a linear arrangement using the device (10) .

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized by the steps: Rotating the recording block (14) about the axis of rotation (16), wherein the rotation is in particular timed.

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