EP0070252A1 - Machine for checking the completion of the filling of press-through packs - Google Patents

Machine for checking the completion of the filling of press-through packs Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0070252A1
EP0070252A1 EP82810284A EP82810284A EP0070252A1 EP 0070252 A1 EP0070252 A1 EP 0070252A1 EP 82810284 A EP82810284 A EP 82810284A EP 82810284 A EP82810284 A EP 82810284A EP 0070252 A1 EP0070252 A1 EP 0070252A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
infrared
elements
packs
scanner
receiver
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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EP82810284A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Ulrich Silz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Novartis AG
Ciba Geigy GmbH
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Ciba Geigy AG
Ciba Geigy GmbH
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Publication date
Application filed by Ciba Geigy AG, Ciba Geigy GmbH filed Critical Ciba Geigy AG
Publication of EP0070252A1 publication Critical patent/EP0070252A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C5/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
    • B07C5/04—Sorting according to size
    • B07C5/12—Sorting according to size characterised by the application to particular articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B07C5/122—Sorting according to size characterised by the application to particular articles, not otherwise provided for for bottles, ampoules, jars and other glassware
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C5/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
    • B07C5/34—Sorting according to other particular properties
    • B07C5/3404—Sorting according to other particular properties according to properties of containers or receptacles, e.g. rigidity, leaks, fill-level
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • the scanners used in the previously known devices of this type generally work with "normal” light.
  • the scanning takes place essentially perpendicular to the packaging plane, either with transmitted light or with reflected light.
  • the use of transmitted light is only possible with packages that are still "open", ie before the application of the closure or cover film, which is usually made of aluminum.
  • This variant is particularly disadvantageous because it cannot be ruled out with absolute certainty that tablets may fall out of the wells after scanning or before sealing with the aluminum foil.
  • the reflection light variant usually works satisfactorily with clear transparent cup films, but fails with white-opaque cup films.
  • White-opaque cup foils are increasingly required due to the "child safety" of the pack. Since it is known that such films are more or less transparent to infrared light, attempts have also been made to equip devices of the type described in the preamble of claim 1 with infrared light scanners. The results for the transmitted light variant are good, but this has the disadvantages mentioned above. The reflected light variant has not proven itself for infrared light because of the reflective properties of infrared light, especially if it has to penetrate a white opaque layer, are insufficient.
  • the aim of the invention is to improve a device of the type described in the preamble of claim 1 such that the scanning can be carried out on packs with transparent as well as white-opaque cup films on the closed (finished) pack and in both cases absolutely reliable results delivers.
  • the invention thus makes it possible for the first time to use transmitted light scanning on blister packs sealed by metal foils.
  • FIG. 1 shows a simplified schematic representation of a form packing machine 1 with a film web 2.
  • a scanner combination 3 is arranged on the film web 2, which continuously optoelectrically scans the wells of the blister packs passing through in the direction of the arrow TR and the signals or signal changes thus obtained on the receivers via a multi-core cable 4 outputs to evaluation electronics 5.
  • the electronic evaluation unit 5 controls a switch 7 via a further multi-wire line 6 in accordance with the signals obtained by the scanning forwarded to a cartoning machine (not shown) for packaging in folding boxes.
  • the sampling and evaluation of the sampling signals is described in more detail below.
  • the scanner combination (3, 1) comprises e.g. five or more or fewer elements 10a-10e as required, which are mounted on a carrier running perpendicular to the film web 2.
  • this carrier is formed by two rods 11 running perpendicular to the transport direction TR below the film web 2, on which the scanning elements 10a-10e are threaded with corresponding bores 12 and fixed by means of locking screws 13.
  • the rods 11 are in turn releasably attached to the machine frame (not shown).
  • the blister packs labeled PAK pass through the scanner elements 10a-10e in the direction of the arrow TR.
  • the scanner elements 10a-10e are positioned on the rods such that on the one hand they lie exactly between the tracks 15a-15d of the cups 14a-14d. They can also serve as guides for the film web. To improve the guiding effect, the scanner elements can be equipped with wedge-shaped contact surfaces 16.
  • the inner scanner elements 10b-10d are each equipped with an infrared transmitter 17b-17d and an infrared receiver 18b-18d. On the one hand, these transmitters and receivers are mutually offset on the individual scanning elements and, on the other hand, they are arranged such that the transmitters and receivers are exactly opposite one another in adjacent scanning elements.
  • the two scanner elements 10a and 10e lying on the edge make sense equipped with only one transmitter 17a or receiver 18e.
  • the same scanner elements as inside can also be used and remain unused in the scanning element 10a of the receiver 18a and in the scanning element 10e the transmitter 17c. (Any expansion possible as required for foil webs).
  • the transmitters 17a-17d and the receivers 18b-18e are formed by infrared light emitting diodes and infrared receiving diodes. 4, these diodes are designated by D17a-D17d and D18b-D18e.
  • This circuit diagram also shows: with T a potentiometer, with R1-R8 adjustment resistors and with Vl-V4 amplifier.
  • the light-emitting diodes D17a-D17d are connected to the DC voltage U via the adjusting resistors R1-R4 and the receiving diodes D18b-D18e are connected to the DC voltage Ub via the adjusting resistors R5-R8.
  • the potentiometer T is used to set the luminosity of the infrared light-emitting diodes D17a-D17d. This allows adaptation to the cup film or its infrared transmission.
  • the resistors Rl-R8 are used to adjust the diodes once and to limit the current.
  • the infrared receiving diodes D18b-D18e When not illuminated, the infrared receiving diodes D18b-D18e have a high resistance.
  • the setting can be made so that the voltage at points P1-P4 is approximately 0 volts and the voltage at the amplification outputs Al-A4 is approximately 80% Ub.
  • the infrared receiving diodes D18b-D18e have a low resistance, and the setting can be made so that the signal voltage at points P1-P4 is approximately 80% Ub and that at the amplifier outputs is approximately 0 volts.
  • This device is equipped with an adjustable threshold detector and is able to distinguish impulses with relatively small voltage differences.
  • wells 14a, 14c and 14d which are filled with tablets TAB practically completely interrupt the luminous flux between the transmitting and receiving diodes.
  • Empty bowls (bowl 14b) only weaken the luminous flux to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the infrared transparency of the bowl film. It was found that even with practically all commercially available opaque films, the evaluation logic can be set without difficulty (threshold value) in such a way that it can reliably differentiate between filled and empty wells.
  • the evaluation electronics (5. Fig. 1) has the task of combining the signals of the Nap series which belong to a blister pack into one signal. If a tablet is missing or if a single signal is “bad”, the combination signal is also "bad”. All bad signals go to the counter electronics. This consists of shift registers, with one for each push-through pack row. Machine clock pulses now cycle the bad signal parallel to the strand transport to the reject switch 7. This opens when the "bad blister packs" arrive. Only the single badly filled blister pack is excreted.
  • the scanner elements 10a-10e are as thin as possible transversely to the transport direction TR of the packs PAK, so that the scanner arrangement can also be adapted to packs with very narrow cup spacings.
  • diodes such as the LD 271 A BPX 90 from Siemens
  • the offset arrangement of the diodes has already reduced the width of the scanner to approximately 3.5 mm.
  • the scanner elements can be made of metal, the diodes being fixed in corresponding recesses, for example by gluing, and the elec trical lines are led through holes. It is also possible to cast or inject the scanner elements from plastic and at the same time to incorporate the diodes and lines in a single operation.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Investigating Materials By The Use Of Optical Means Adapted For Particular Applications (AREA)

Abstract

The press-through packs (PAK) pass through an optoelectrical infrared scanner, which scans all the cups (14a-14d) to check whether they are filled with a tablet (TAB) or empty. Each cup track (15a-15d) is assigned a respective infrared transmitter (17a-17e) and each of these transmitters is assigned a respective receiver (18a-18e). Transmitters and receivers are arranged in such a way that the cups are scanned laterally. The signals obtained by the scanning are used in an electronic evaluating unit for controlling a switch for eliminating incompletely filled press-through packs. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung gemäss Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Die in den bisher bekannten Vorrichtungen dieser Art verwendeten Abtaster arbeiten in der Regel mit "normalem" Licht. Die Abtastung erfolgt im wesentlichen senkrecht zur Packungsebene, entweder mit Durchlicht oder mit Reflexionslicht. Die Anwendung von Durchlicht ist nur bei noch "offenen" Packungen möglich, das heisst vor der Applikation der zumeist aus Aluminium bestehenden Verschluss- oder Deckfolie. Diese Variante ist vor allem deshalb nachteilig, weil nicht mit absoluter Sicherheit ausgeschlossen werden kann, dass nach der Abtastung bzw. vor dem Versiegeln mit der Aluminiumfolie Tabletten aus den Näpfen herausfallen. Die Reflexionslichtvariante arbeitet bei klar durchsichtigen Napffolien in der Regel zufriedenstellend, versagt jedoch bei weiss -opaken Napffolien.The scanners used in the previously known devices of this type generally work with "normal" light. The scanning takes place essentially perpendicular to the packaging plane, either with transmitted light or with reflected light. The use of transmitted light is only possible with packages that are still "open", ie before the application of the closure or cover film, which is usually made of aluminum. This variant is particularly disadvantageous because it cannot be ruled out with absolute certainty that tablets may fall out of the wells after scanning or before sealing with the aluminum foil. The reflection light variant usually works satisfactorily with clear transparent cup films, but fails with white-opaque cup films.

Weiss-opake Napffolien werden insbesondere wegen der "Kindersicherheit" der Packung in zunehmendem Masse gefordert. Da es bekannt ist, dass solche Folien für Infrarot-Licht mehr oder weniger durchlässig sind, wurde auch bereits versucht, Vorrichtungen der im Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 beschriebenen Art mit Infrarot-Lichtabtastern auszustatten. Bei der Durchlichtvariante sind die Ergebnisse gut,doch hat diese die oben erwähnten Nachteile.Die Reflexionslichtvariante hat sich für Infrarot-Licht nicht bewährt, da die Reflexionseigenschaften des Infrarotlichtes, insbesondere wenn es eine weisse opake Schicht durchdringen muss, unzureichend sind.White-opaque cup foils are increasingly required due to the "child safety" of the pack. Since it is known that such films are more or less transparent to infrared light, attempts have also been made to equip devices of the type described in the preamble of claim 1 with infrared light scanners. The results for the transmitted light variant are good, but this has the disadvantages mentioned above. The reflected light variant has not proven itself for infrared light because of the reflective properties of infrared light, especially if it has to penetrate a white opaque layer, are insufficient.

Ziel der Erfindung ist es, eine Vorrichtung der im Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 beschriebenen Art so zu verbessern, dass die Abtastung sowohl für Packungen mit durchsichtigen als auch weiss-opaken Napffolien an der geschlossenen (fertigen) Packung durchführbar ist und in beiden Fällen absolut zuverlässige Ergebnisse liefert.The aim of the invention is to improve a device of the type described in the preamble of claim 1 such that the scanning can be carried out on packs with transparent as well as white-opaque cup films on the closed (finished) pack and in both cases absolutely reliable results delivers.

Es wurde gefunden, dass diese Aufgabe auf überraschend einfache Weise durch die im Kennzeichen des Anspruchs 1 angeführte Merkmalskombination lösbar ist.It has been found that this object can be achieved in a surprisingly simple manner by the combination of features stated in the characterizing part of claim 1.

Die Erfindung ermöglicht somit erstmalig die Anwendung der Durchlichtabtastung auf durch Metallfolien verschlossene Durchdrückpackungen.The invention thus makes it possible for the first time to use transmitted light scanning on blister packs sealed by metal foils.

Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung sind in ihren wesentlichen Aspekten in den Unteransprüchen beschrieben.Preferred aspects of the invention are described in their essential aspects in the subclaims.

Im folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand eines in den Figuren dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert; es zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 eine vereinfachte schematische Darstellung einer Formpackmaschine,
  • Fig. 2 eine Detailansicht in Richtung des Pfeiles II der Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 3 einen Schnitt längs der Linie III-III der Fig. 2 und
  • Fig. 4 ein Detail der elektrischen Schaltung.
The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the figures; show it:
  • 1 is a simplified schematic representation of a form packing machine,
  • 2 is a detailed view in the direction of arrow II of FIG. 1,
  • Fig. 3 is a section along the line III-III of Fig. 2 and
  • Fig. 4 shows a detail of the electrical circuit.

Fig. 1 zeigt eine vereinfachte schematische Darstellung einer Formpackmaschine 1 mit einer Folienbahn 2. An der Folienbahn 2 ist eine Abtasterkombination 3 angeordnet, welche die Näpfe der in Richtung des Pfeiles TR durchlaufenden Durchdrückpackungen laufend optoelektrisch mit Infrarotlicht abtastet und die so gewonnenen Signale bzw. Signaländerungen an den Empfängern über eine mehradrige Leitung 4 an eine Auswertelektronik 5 abgibt. Die Auswertelektronik 5 steuert über eine weitere mehradrige Leitung 6 nach Massgabe der durch die Abtastung gewonnenen Signale eine Weiche 7. Die Weiche 7 lenkt diejenigen Durchdrückpackungen, in welchen nicht alle Näpfe gefüllt sind in einen Ausschussbehälter 8. Die komplett gefüllten Durchdrückpackungen werden über eine Transportstrecke 9 zum Verpacken in Faltschachteln in eine Kartoniermaschine(nicht dargestellt) weitergeleitet. Die Abtastung und Auswertung der Abtastsignale wird weiter unten ausführlicher beschrieben.1 shows a simplified schematic representation of a form packing machine 1 with a film web 2. A scanner combination 3 is arranged on the film web 2, which continuously optoelectrically scans the wells of the blister packs passing through in the direction of the arrow TR and the signals or signal changes thus obtained on the receivers via a multi-core cable 4 outputs to evaluation electronics 5. The electronic evaluation unit 5 controls a switch 7 via a further multi-wire line 6 in accordance with the signals obtained by the scanning forwarded to a cartoning machine (not shown) for packaging in folding boxes. The sampling and evaluation of the sampling signals is described in more detail below.

Gemäss den Fig. 2 und 3 umfasst die Abtasterkombination (3, Fig. 1) z.B. fünf oder nach Bedarf mehr oder weniger Elemente 10a-10e, welche auf einem senkrecht zur Folienbahn 2 verlaufenden Träger montiert sind. Dieser Träger ist darstellungsgemäss durch zwei senkrecht zur Transportrichtung TR unterhalb der Folienbahn 2 verlaufende Stäbe 11 gebildet, auf welchen die Abtasterelemente 10a-10e mit entsprechenden Bohrungen 12 aufgefädelt und mittels Feststellschrauben 13 fixiert sind. Die Stäbe 11 sind ihrerseits am Maschinenrahmen lösbar befestigt (nicht dargestellt).According to FIGS. 2 and 3, the scanner combination (3, 1) comprises e.g. five or more or fewer elements 10a-10e as required, which are mounted on a carrier running perpendicular to the film web 2. As shown, this carrier is formed by two rods 11 running perpendicular to the transport direction TR below the film web 2, on which the scanning elements 10a-10e are threaded with corresponding bores 12 and fixed by means of locking screws 13. The rods 11 are in turn releasably attached to the machine frame (not shown).

Die mit PAK bezeichneten Durchdrückpackungen durchlaufen in Richtung des Pfeiles TR die Abtasterelemente 10a-10e. Die Abtasterelemente l0a-l0e sind auf den Stäben so positioniert, dass sie einerseits genau zwischen den Spuren 15a-15d der Näpfe 14a-14d liegen. Sie können zusätzlich auch als Führungen für die Folienbahn dienen. Zur Verbesserung des Führungseffektes können die Abtasterelemente mit keilförmigen Anlaufflächen 16 ausgestattet sein.The blister packs labeled PAK pass through the scanner elements 10a-10e in the direction of the arrow TR. The scanner elements 10a-10e are positioned on the rods such that on the one hand they lie exactly between the tracks 15a-15d of the cups 14a-14d. They can also serve as guides for the film web. To improve the guiding effect, the scanner elements can be equipped with wedge-shaped contact surfaces 16.

Die inneren Abtasterelemente 10b-10d sind mit je einem Infrarotsender 17b-17d und je einem Infrarotempfänger 18b-18d bestückt. Diese Sender und Empfänger sind einerseits an den einzelnen Abtastelementen gegenseitig versetzt und anderseits so angeordnet, dass in benachbarten Abtasterelementen die Sender und Empfänger sich genau gegenüberstehen. Die am Rande liegenden beiden Abtasterelemente 10a und 10e sind sinngemäss mit nur einem Sender 17a bzw. Empfänger 18e ausgestattet. Selbstverständlich und wie dargestellt können insbesondere zur Vereinfachung der Ersatzteilhaltung am Rande auch die gleichen Abtasterelemente wie innen verwendet werden und beim Abtastelement 10a der Empfänger 18a und beim Abtastelement 10e der Sender 17c unbenützt bleiben. (Beliebige Erweiterung nach Bedarf an Folienbahnen möglich).The inner scanner elements 10b-10d are each equipped with an infrared transmitter 17b-17d and an infrared receiver 18b-18d. On the one hand, these transmitters and receivers are mutually offset on the individual scanning elements and, on the other hand, they are arranged such that the transmitters and receivers are exactly opposite one another in adjacent scanning elements. The two scanner elements 10a and 10e lying on the edge make sense equipped with only one transmitter 17a or receiver 18e. Of course and as shown, in particular to simplify the spare parts inventory on the edge, the same scanner elements as inside can also be used and remain unused in the scanning element 10a of the receiver 18a and in the scanning element 10e the transmitter 17c. (Any expansion possible as required for foil webs).

Die Sender 17a-17d und die Empfänger 18b-18e sind durch Infrarotleuchtdioden bzw. Infrarot-Empfangsdioden gebildet. Im elektrischen Teilschaltplan der Fig. 4 sind diese Dioden sinngemäss mit D17a-D17d bzw. D18b-D18e bezeichnet. Weiter sind in diesem Schaltschema bezeichnet: mit T ein Potentiometer, mit R1-R8 Justierwiderstände und mit Vl-V4 Verstärker. Die Leuchtdioden D17a-D17d liegen über die Justierwiderstände R1-R4 an der Gleichspannung U und die Empfangsdioden D18b-D18e über die Justierwiderstände R5-R8 an der Gleichspannung Ub.The transmitters 17a-17d and the receivers 18b-18e are formed by infrared light emitting diodes and infrared receiving diodes. 4, these diodes are designated by D17a-D17d and D18b-D18e. This circuit diagram also shows: with T a potentiometer, with R1-R8 adjustment resistors and with Vl-V4 amplifier. The light-emitting diodes D17a-D17d are connected to the DC voltage U via the adjusting resistors R1-R4 and the receiving diodes D18b-D18e are connected to the DC voltage Ub via the adjusting resistors R5-R8.

Das Potentiometer T dient zur Einstellung der Leuchtstärke der Infrarot-Leuchtdioden D17a-D17d. Dadurch ist eine Anpassung an die Napffolie bzw. deren Infrarotdurchlässigkeit möglich. Die Widerstände Rl-R8 dienen zum einmaligen Justieren der Dioden und zur Strombegrenzung.The potentiometer T is used to set the luminosity of the infrared light-emitting diodes D17a-D17d. This allows adaptation to the cup film or its infrared transmission. The resistors Rl-R8 are used to adjust the diodes once and to limit the current.

Im unbeleuchteten Zustand sind die Infrarot-Empfangsdioden D18b-D18e hochohmig. Die Einstellung kann so erfolgen, dass die Spannung an den Punkten P1-P4 etwa 0 Volt und die Spannung an den Verstärkungsausgängen Al-A4 etwa 80 % Ub beträgt.When not illuminated, the infrared receiving diodes D18b-D18e have a high resistance. The setting can be made so that the voltage at points P1-P4 is approximately 0 volts and the voltage at the amplification outputs Al-A4 is approximately 80% Ub.

Im beleuchteten Zustand sind die Infrarot-Empfangsdioden D18b-D18e niederohmig, wobei die Einstellung so erfolgen kann, dass die Signalspannung an den Punkten Pl-P4 etwa 80 % Ub und diejenige an den Verstärkerausgängen ca. 0 Volt beträgt.In the illuminated state, the infrared receiving diodes D18b-D18e have a low resistance, and the setting can be made so that the signal voltage at points P1-P4 is approximately 80% Ub and that at the amplifier outputs is approximately 0 volts.

An die Ausgänge A1-A4 der Schaltung der Fig. 4 ist eine an sich bekannte Zähl- und Auswertelogik 5 (Fig. 1) mit Impulsformer angeschlossen, z.B. das Gerät der Firma Höfliger und Karg mit der Typenbezeichnung FTS V3.4 is connected to the outputs A1-A4 of the circuit of FIG. 4, known counting and evaluation logic 5 (FIG. 1) with pulse shaper, eg the device from Höfliger and Karg with the type designation FTS V3.

Dieses Gerät ist mit einem einstellbaren Schwellenwertdetektor ausgerüstet und in der Lage, auch Impulse mit relativ geringen Spannungsdifferenzen einwandfrei voneinander zu unterscheiden.This device is equipped with an adjustable threshold detector and is able to distinguish impulses with relatively small voltage differences.

Wie in den Fig. 2 und 3 durch Lichtpfeile angedeutet, unterbrechen mit Tabletten TAB besetzte Näpfe 14a, 14c und 14d den Lichtstrom zwischen den Sende- und dem Empfangsdioden praktisch vollständig. Leere Näpfe (Napf 14b) schwächen je nach der Infrarotdurchlässigkeit der Napffolie den Lichtstrom nur mehr oder weniger stark ab. Es wurde gefunden, dass auch bei praktisch allen handelsüblichen opaken Folien die Auswertelogik ohne Schwierigkeiten so einstellbar ist (Schwellenwert), dass sie zwischen gefüllten und leeren Näpfen zuverlässig unterscheiden kann.As indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3 by light arrows, wells 14a, 14c and 14d which are filled with tablets TAB practically completely interrupt the luminous flux between the transmitting and receiving diodes. Empty bowls (bowl 14b) only weaken the luminous flux to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the infrared transparency of the bowl film. It was found that even with practically all commercially available opaque films, the evaluation logic can be set without difficulty (threshold value) in such a way that it can reliably differentiate between filled and empty wells.

Die Auswerteelektronik (5. Fig. 1) hat die Aufgabe, die Signale der Napfreihe, die zu einer Durchdrückpackung gehören zu einem Signal zu kombinieren. Bei fehlen einer Tablette bzw. bei einem Einzelsignal "schlecht" ist das Kombi-Signal auch auf "schlecht". Die gesamten Schlechtsignale gehen zur Zählelektronik. Diese besteht aus Schieberegistern, wobei für jede Durchdrückpackungsreihe eines vorhanden ist. Maschinentaktimpulse takten nun das Schlechtsignal parallel zum Strangtransport bis zur Ausschussweiche 7. Die bei Eintreffen der "schlechten Durchdrückpackungen" öffnet. Es wird jeweils nur die einzelne schlechtgefüllte Durchdrückpackung ausgeschieden.The evaluation electronics (5. Fig. 1) has the task of combining the signals of the Nap series which belong to a blister pack into one signal. If a tablet is missing or if a single signal is "bad", the combination signal is also "bad". All bad signals go to the counter electronics. This consists of shift registers, with one for each push-through pack row. Machine clock pulses now cycle the bad signal parallel to the strand transport to the reject switch 7. This opens when the "bad blister packs" arrive. Only the single badly filled blister pack is excreted.

Die Abtasterelemente 10a-10e sind quer zur Transportrichtung TR der Packungen PAK möglichst dünn, damit die Abtasteranordnung auch an Packungen mit sehr engen Napfabständen angepasst werden kann. Mit handelsüblichen Dioden z.B. des Typs LD 271 A BPX 90 der Firma Siemens konnte dank der versetzten Anordnung der Dioden die Breite der Abtaster bereits bis auf etwa 3,5 mm reduziert werden. Die Abtasterelemente können aus Metall gefertigt sein, wobei die Dioden in entsprechenden Ausnehmungen z.B. durch Kleben befestigt und die elektrischen Leitungen durch Bohrungen geführt sind. Es ist auch möglich, die Abtasterelemente aus Kunststoff zu giessen bzw. zu spritzen und dabei in einem einzigen Arbeitsvorgang gleichzeitig die Dioden und Leitungen mit einzugiessen.The scanner elements 10a-10e are as thin as possible transversely to the transport direction TR of the packs PAK, so that the scanner arrangement can also be adapted to packs with very narrow cup spacings. With commercially available diodes such as the LD 271 A BPX 90 from Siemens, the offset arrangement of the diodes has already reduced the width of the scanner to approximately 3.5 mm. The scanner elements can be made of metal, the diodes being fixed in corresponding recesses, for example by gluing, and the elec trical lines are led through holes. It is also possible to cast or inject the scanner elements from plastic and at the same time to incorporate the diodes and lines in a single operation.

Claims (35)

1. Vorrichtung zur Kontrolle von Durchdrückpackungen auf die Vollständigkeit der Füllung aller Näpfe mit Tabletten, welche für jede einzelne Spur, welche die Näpfe auf einer Transportbahn durchlaufen mit einem optoelektrischen Abtaster ausgestattet ist, dessen Empfänger eine Auswerteschaltung steuert, die ihrerseits eine Weiche für die Ausscheidung von unvollständig gefüllten Packungen stellt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die optoelektrischen Abtaster (17a-17e/18a-18e) mit Infrarotlicht arbeiten und die Näpfe (14a-14e) seitlich abtasten.1.Device for checking blister packs for the completeness of the filling of all wells with tablets, which for each individual track through which the wells pass on a transport path is equipped with an optoelectric scanner, the receiver of which controls an evaluation circuit, which in turn is a switch for the elimination of incompletely filled packs, characterized in that the optoelectric scanners (17a-17e / 18a-18e) work with infrared light and scan the wells (14a-14e) from the side. 2. Vorrichtung gemäss Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Infrarotsender (17a-17e) und Empfänger (18a-18e) der einzelnen Abtaster in zwischen die Napfspuren (15a-15d) passenden Elementen (10a-10e) eingebaut sind.2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the infrared transmitters (17a-17e) and receivers (18a-18e) of the individual scanners are installed in elements (10a-10e) which fit between the well tracks (15a-15d). 3. Vorrichtung gemäss Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in jedem Element (10a-10e) auf der einen Seite ein Infrarotsender (17a-17e) und auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite ein Infrarotempfänger (18a-18e) eingebaut ist.3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that in each element (10a-10e) on one side an infrared transmitter (17a-17e) and on the opposite side an infrared receiver (18a-18e) is installed. 4. Vorrichtung gemäss Anspruch 2 oder 3, das in den einzelnen Elementen (10a-10e) die Sender (17a-17e) und Empfänger (18a-18e) gegenseitig versetzt angeordnet sind.4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, in which the transmitters (17a-17e) and receivers (18a-18e) are arranged mutually offset in the individual elements (10a-10e). 5. Vorrichtung gemäss einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass alle Elemente auf einem gemeinsamen Träger montiert sind.5. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that all elements are mounted on a common carrier. 6. Vorrichtung gemäss Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Elemente (10a-10e) bezüglich ihrer geometrischen Lage und Anzahl wahlweise einstellbar sind.6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the elements (10a-10e) are optionally adjustable with regard to their geometric position and number. 7. Vorrichtung gemäss Anspruch 5 oder 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Träger durch parallele Stäbe (11) gebildet und die Elemente (10a-10e) auf diesen aufgefädelt und mittels Feststellschrauben (13) in den gewünschten Positionen fixierbar sind.7. The device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the carrier is formed by parallel rods (11) and the elements (10a-10e) are threaded onto them and can be fixed in the desired positions by means of locking screws (13). 8. Vorrichtung gemäss einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass bezüglich der Transportrichtung (TR) der Packungen (PAK) die Einlaufseiten der Elemente im wesentlichen keilförmig (16) sind.8. Device according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the inlet sides of the elements are substantially wedge-shaped (16) with respect to the transport direction (TR) of the packs (PAK). 9. Vorrichtung gemäss einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Infrarotsender (17a-17e) Infrarot-Leuchtdioden (D17a-D17e) und die Infrarotempfänger (18a-18e) Infrarot-Empfangsdioden (D18a-D18e) sind.
Bezugszeichenliste9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the infrared transmitter (17a-17e) infrared light-emitting diodes (D17a-D17e) and the infrared receiver (18a-18e) are infrared receiving diodes (D18a-D18e).
Reference symbol list 1 Formpackmaschine1 form packing machine 2, 9 Transportstrecke, Folienbahn2, 9 transport route, film web 3 Abtasterkombination3 scanner combination 4,6 elektrische Leitungen (mehradrig)4.6 electrical cables (multi-core) 5 Auswerteelektronik/logik5 Evaluation electronics / logic 7 Weiche7 turnout 8 Ausschussbehälter8 reject bins 10a-10e Abtasterelemente10a-10e scanner elements 11 Stäbe (Träger)11 rods (carrier) 12 Bohrungen12 holes 13 Feststellschrauben13 locking screws 14a-14d Näpfe14a-14d bowls 15a-15d Spuren der Näpfe15a-15d traces of the bowls 16 Anlaufflächen der Abtasterelemente 10a-10e16 contact surfaces of the scanner elements 10a-10e 17a-17e Infrarotsender17a-17e infrared transmitter 18a-18e Infrarotempfänger18a-18e infrared receiver D17a-D17e Infrarot-LeuchtdiodenD17a-D17e infrared light emitting diodes D18a-D18e Infrarot-EmpfangsdiodenD18a-D18e infrared receiving diodes Rl-R8 Ohm'sche WiderständeRl-R8 ohmic resistors V1-V4 VerstärkerV1-V4 amplifier Al-A4 VerstärkerausgängeAl-A4 amplifier outputs P1-P4 Messpunkte (für Spannung)P1-P4 measuring points (for voltage) U, UB elektrische GleichspannungenU, UB DC electrical voltages PAK DurchdrückpackungPAK blister pack TAB TabletteTAB tablet TR TransportrichtungTR transport direction
EP82810284A 1981-07-08 1982-07-02 Machine for checking the completion of the filling of press-through packs Withdrawn EP0070252A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH448681 1981-07-08
CH4486/81 1981-07-08

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EP0070252A1 true EP0070252A1 (en) 1983-01-19

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JP (1) JPS5820628A (en)

Cited By (10)

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FR2608782A1 (en) * 1986-12-23 1988-06-24 Ima Spa DEVICE FOR DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF PRODUCTS IN CORRESPONDING HOUSING AND FOR CONTROLLING THE IRREGULARITIES OF THE BASIC CONTOUR OF THESE PRODUCTS ALREADY INTRODUCED IN THEIR RESPECTIVE HOUSING
DE4243206A1 (en) * 1992-12-19 1994-06-23 Hoefliger & Oehlmann Ges Zum B Testing automatic filling system for correct filling of packages
EP0691273A1 (en) * 1994-05-31 1996-01-10 JOHNSON &amp; JOHNSON VISION PRODUCTS, INC. Automated inspection system with transport and ejector conveyor
EP0999140A1 (en) * 1998-11-05 2000-05-10 JOHNSON &amp; JOHNSON VISION PRODUCTS, INC. Missing contact lens detection system and method
US6124594A (en) * 1998-09-11 2000-09-26 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated Method and apparatus for detecting contact lenses
EP1050470A1 (en) * 1999-05-04 2000-11-08 Novartis AG Detection of ophthalmic mouldings in a package
EP1057730A1 (en) * 1999-05-04 2000-12-06 Novartis AG Method and apparatus for determining ophtalmic moulded bodies in a package
US6206172B1 (en) * 1998-01-26 2001-03-27 Omori Machinery Co., Ltd. PTP conveying method and apparatus therefor
US6548818B1 (en) 1998-11-05 2003-04-15 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Missing lens detection system and method
US6586740B1 (en) 1999-12-15 2003-07-01 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated Method and apparatus for detecting lenses in package

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US5034012A (en) * 1989-11-21 1991-07-23 Synthes (U.S.A.) Intramedullary nail with loop tip

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DE2709566A1 (en) * 1977-03-04 1978-09-07 Sick Optik Elektronik Erwin Optical item monitoring equipment in transparent packing - has light emitter and receiver in V-pattern
FR2400396A1 (en) * 1977-08-18 1979-03-16 Elbicon Electronics Pvba FOREIGN BODY DETECTION DEVICE AMONG VEGETABLES TRANSPORTED IN BULK ON CONVEYOR

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DE1955359A1 (en) * 1969-11-04 1971-01-14 Noack E Th Verpackungsmasch Procedure for the individual packaging of tablets
DE2709566A1 (en) * 1977-03-04 1978-09-07 Sick Optik Elektronik Erwin Optical item monitoring equipment in transparent packing - has light emitter and receiver in V-pattern
FR2400396A1 (en) * 1977-08-18 1979-03-16 Elbicon Electronics Pvba FOREIGN BODY DETECTION DEVICE AMONG VEGETABLES TRANSPORTED IN BULK ON CONVEYOR

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2608782A1 (en) * 1986-12-23 1988-06-24 Ima Spa DEVICE FOR DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF PRODUCTS IN CORRESPONDING HOUSING AND FOR CONTROLLING THE IRREGULARITIES OF THE BASIC CONTOUR OF THESE PRODUCTS ALREADY INTRODUCED IN THEIR RESPECTIVE HOUSING
DE4243206A1 (en) * 1992-12-19 1994-06-23 Hoefliger & Oehlmann Ges Zum B Testing automatic filling system for correct filling of packages
EP0691273A1 (en) * 1994-05-31 1996-01-10 JOHNSON &amp; JOHNSON VISION PRODUCTS, INC. Automated inspection system with transport and ejector conveyor
US5568715A (en) * 1994-05-31 1996-10-29 Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc. Automated inspection system with transport and ejector conveyor
US6206172B1 (en) * 1998-01-26 2001-03-27 Omori Machinery Co., Ltd. PTP conveying method and apparatus therefor
US6124594A (en) * 1998-09-11 2000-09-26 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated Method and apparatus for detecting contact lenses
EP0999140A1 (en) * 1998-11-05 2000-05-10 JOHNSON &amp; JOHNSON VISION PRODUCTS, INC. Missing contact lens detection system and method
SG87848A1 (en) * 1998-11-05 2002-04-16 Johnson & Johnson Vision Prod Missing lens detection system and method
US6548818B1 (en) 1998-11-05 2003-04-15 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Missing lens detection system and method
US6835939B2 (en) 1998-11-05 2004-12-28 Ross, Iii Denwood F. Missing lens detection system and method
US6838679B2 (en) 1998-11-05 2005-01-04 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Missing lens detection system and method
US7057186B2 (en) 1998-11-05 2006-06-06 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Missing lens detection system and method
EP1057730A1 (en) * 1999-05-04 2000-12-06 Novartis AG Method and apparatus for determining ophtalmic moulded bodies in a package
EP1050470A1 (en) * 1999-05-04 2000-11-08 Novartis AG Detection of ophthalmic mouldings in a package
US6586740B1 (en) 1999-12-15 2003-07-01 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated Method and apparatus for detecting lenses in package
US6914247B2 (en) 1999-12-15 2005-07-05 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated Method and apparatus for detecting lenses in package

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