CA3001751C - Method for operating a packaging apparatus, and packaging apparatus - Google Patents
Method for operating a packaging apparatus, and packaging apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- CA3001751C CA3001751C CA3001751A CA3001751A CA3001751C CA 3001751 C CA3001751 C CA 3001751C CA 3001751 A CA3001751 A CA 3001751A CA 3001751 A CA3001751 A CA 3001751A CA 3001751 C CA3001751 C CA 3001751C
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- 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
- B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
- B65B5/10—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles
- B65B5/101—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles by gravity
- B65B5/103—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles by gravity for packaging pills or tablets
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- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Labeling Devices (AREA)
- Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)
- Attitude Control For Articles On Conveyors (AREA)
- Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for operating a packaging apparatus and to a packaging apparatus. In known methods and packaging apparatuses, damage to transporting means in the device itself causes considerable damage. In the method according to the invention, guide devices (10) fastened to transporting means (110, 120) of a transporting device (100) are moved along a plurality of storage and dispensing devices (20), wherein the at least one transporting means is driven by a drive shaft (140) coupled to a motor (130) and is returned at a deflection shaft (150), wherein the motor (130) is coupled to a control device (40). The transporting means and/or the deflection shaft (150) have a plurality of markings (111, 121) arranged at predetermined spacings, and at least one difference in distance or time difference between two markings (111, 121) is determined, the determined difference is compared with a setpoint, and, if a deviation that exceeds a threshold value is determined between the setpoint and the determined difference, the drive shaft (140) is stopped.
Description
File number: 11821-038 Title of the Invention Method for operating a packaging apparatus, and packaging apparatus Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for operating a packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions, and a packaging device which may be implemented using this method.
Background of the Invention Such packaging devices, also referred to as blister machines, are known from the prior art. For example, WO 2013/034504 Al describes a blister machine which is usable in pharmacies and hospitals, or, with appropriate dimensioning, also in blister packaging centers, which puts together pharmaceutical compositions, composed of multiple pharmaceutical portions, individually for a patient according to the medically prescribed administration times. The device packages, corresponding to the order dates, pharmaceutical compositions, which may consist of only a single portion or a plurality of individual pharmaceutical portions, into bags, so-called blister bags, which are formed from a packaging material web; these bags leave the packaging device as a strand of blister bags (also referred to as a blister tube) for further use. A blister bag generally corresponds to an administration time for a patient; i.e., it contains all pharmaceutical portions which a patient must take at a specified time of day. The known packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions includes a plurality of supply and dispensing units for pharmaceutical portions which cooperate with a plurality of guide units, which are moved past the supply and dispensing units by means of a transport unit. From the guide Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 units, the pharmaceutical portions are customarily supplied to a packaging station in which the above-mentioned blister bags are formed and the individual pharmaceutical portions are introduced into the blister bags during forming of same. Due to the use of the plurality of supply and dispensing units and the use of a plurality of guide units which are moved past the supply and dispensing units, numerous different pharmaceutical compositions, which all may contain all pharmaceutical portions stored in the supply and dispensing units, may be prepared at the same time.
The number of pharmaceutical compositions which may be prepared at the same time as well as the number of different pharmaceutical portions which may be stored at the same time may be set via the number of supply and dispensing units used in the packaging device, and the number of guide units moved past same.
For the case that a different pharmaceutical is stored in each supply and dispensing unit, the number of pharmaceuticals that may be stored in the packaging device corresponds to the number of supply and dispensing units included in the packaging device.
However, since various pharmaceuticals are requested with different frequencies, it is generally the case that various pharmaceuticals are stored in several of the supply and dispensing units.
The transport unit for moving the guide units along the supply and dispensing units has at least one transport means to which the guide units are fastened. This transport means may be designed, for example, as a toothed belt which moves between a drive axle and a deflection axle and which has a plurality of mountings to which the guide units are fastened. The supply and dispensing units are customarily situated in a matrix; i.e., multiple supply and dispensing units are situated one on top of the other. The guide units have a corresponding design, and have a plurality of receiving openings which correspond to delivery openings of the supply and dispensing units, and a transfer of pharmaceutical
Background of the Invention Such packaging devices, also referred to as blister machines, are known from the prior art. For example, WO 2013/034504 Al describes a blister machine which is usable in pharmacies and hospitals, or, with appropriate dimensioning, also in blister packaging centers, which puts together pharmaceutical compositions, composed of multiple pharmaceutical portions, individually for a patient according to the medically prescribed administration times. The device packages, corresponding to the order dates, pharmaceutical compositions, which may consist of only a single portion or a plurality of individual pharmaceutical portions, into bags, so-called blister bags, which are formed from a packaging material web; these bags leave the packaging device as a strand of blister bags (also referred to as a blister tube) for further use. A blister bag generally corresponds to an administration time for a patient; i.e., it contains all pharmaceutical portions which a patient must take at a specified time of day. The known packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions includes a plurality of supply and dispensing units for pharmaceutical portions which cooperate with a plurality of guide units, which are moved past the supply and dispensing units by means of a transport unit. From the guide Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 units, the pharmaceutical portions are customarily supplied to a packaging station in which the above-mentioned blister bags are formed and the individual pharmaceutical portions are introduced into the blister bags during forming of same. Due to the use of the plurality of supply and dispensing units and the use of a plurality of guide units which are moved past the supply and dispensing units, numerous different pharmaceutical compositions, which all may contain all pharmaceutical portions stored in the supply and dispensing units, may be prepared at the same time.
The number of pharmaceutical compositions which may be prepared at the same time as well as the number of different pharmaceutical portions which may be stored at the same time may be set via the number of supply and dispensing units used in the packaging device, and the number of guide units moved past same.
For the case that a different pharmaceutical is stored in each supply and dispensing unit, the number of pharmaceuticals that may be stored in the packaging device corresponds to the number of supply and dispensing units included in the packaging device.
However, since various pharmaceuticals are requested with different frequencies, it is generally the case that various pharmaceuticals are stored in several of the supply and dispensing units.
The transport unit for moving the guide units along the supply and dispensing units has at least one transport means to which the guide units are fastened. This transport means may be designed, for example, as a toothed belt which moves between a drive axle and a deflection axle and which has a plurality of mountings to which the guide units are fastened. The supply and dispensing units are customarily situated in a matrix; i.e., multiple supply and dispensing units are situated one on top of the other. The guide units have a corresponding design, and have a plurality of receiving openings which correspond to delivery openings of the supply and dispensing units, and a transfer of pharmaceutical
2 Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 portions from the supply and dispensing units to the guide units can take place when the delivery openings are aligned with the receiving openings. Due to the matrix-like configuration of the supply and dispensing units, the guide units have a certain installation height and thus a certain weight. The total weight of the guide units used is significant, depending on the number of guide units, so that the transport means of the transport unit is under considerable stress, and a substantial expenditure of energy is necessary for the drive, i.e., the movement of the guide units.
In particular for packaging devices having a plurality of guide units, and the stress on the transport means which is thus necessary, it is possible that the transport means may rupture.
Without the corresponding counterforce, the transport means together with the associated guide units is pulled "unguided"
through the packaging device via the drive axle, and during this unguided motion the guide units may become wedged inside the packaging unit and cause significant damage in the packaging unit.
Summary of the Invention The object of the present invention, therefore, is to provide a method for operating a packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions, in which the risk of damaging the packaging device during a malfunction of a transport means of the guide units is reduced. A further object of the present invention is to provide a corresponding packaging device.
The object is achieved by a method for operating a packaging device, the packaging device comprising a plurality of guide units which are fastened to at least one transport means of a transport unit. According to the invention, the guide units are moved along a plurality of supply and dispensing units in which pharmaceutical portions may be stored, whereby delivery openings of the supply and dispensing units are aligned with receiving openings of the
In particular for packaging devices having a plurality of guide units, and the stress on the transport means which is thus necessary, it is possible that the transport means may rupture.
Without the corresponding counterforce, the transport means together with the associated guide units is pulled "unguided"
through the packaging device via the drive axle, and during this unguided motion the guide units may become wedged inside the packaging unit and cause significant damage in the packaging unit.
Summary of the Invention The object of the present invention, therefore, is to provide a method for operating a packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions, in which the risk of damaging the packaging device during a malfunction of a transport means of the guide units is reduced. A further object of the present invention is to provide a corresponding packaging device.
The object is achieved by a method for operating a packaging device, the packaging device comprising a plurality of guide units which are fastened to at least one transport means of a transport unit. According to the invention, the guide units are moved along a plurality of supply and dispensing units in which pharmaceutical portions may be stored, whereby delivery openings of the supply and dispensing units are aligned with receiving openings of the
3 Date Recue/Date Received 2022-08-30 guide units, the at least one transport means of the transport unit being driven by a drive axle which is coupled to a motor and returned via a deflection axle, and the motor being coupled to a control unit.
The transport means has a plurality of markings spaced at predefined intervals in the peripheral direction, and/or the deflection axle has a plurality of markings spaced at predefined intervals.
According to the invention, at least one travel difference or time difference (hereinafter "difference") between two markings is determined, the determined difference is compared to a corresponding setpoint value, whereby the setpoint value corresponds to the difference when the transport unit is functioning without error, and the drive axle is stopped when a deviation between the setpoint value and the determined difference is ascertained which exceeds a threshold value.
The markings, provided according to the invention, on the transport means and/or the deflection axle may be markings which are detected, for example, by a proximity sensor, i.e., a sensor system which functions contact-free without direct contact with the markings. Inductive, capacitive, magnetic, or optical proximity sensors may be used, depending on the specific procedure of the method and the design of the packaging devices used for carrying out the method according to the invention. Alternatively, photoelectric barriers, for example, may be used which detect entry of a marking. In an error-free transport unit, the transport means moves at a predefined speed between the drive axle, driven by the motor, and the deflection axle. In the process, the motor for moving the transport means expends a certain force, and there is a certain stress in the transport means. Due to the uniform movement of the transport means, between predefined markings, time differences are continually measured which lie in a certain range around a predefined setpoint value.
The transport means has a plurality of markings spaced at predefined intervals in the peripheral direction, and/or the deflection axle has a plurality of markings spaced at predefined intervals.
According to the invention, at least one travel difference or time difference (hereinafter "difference") between two markings is determined, the determined difference is compared to a corresponding setpoint value, whereby the setpoint value corresponds to the difference when the transport unit is functioning without error, and the drive axle is stopped when a deviation between the setpoint value and the determined difference is ascertained which exceeds a threshold value.
The markings, provided according to the invention, on the transport means and/or the deflection axle may be markings which are detected, for example, by a proximity sensor, i.e., a sensor system which functions contact-free without direct contact with the markings. Inductive, capacitive, magnetic, or optical proximity sensors may be used, depending on the specific procedure of the method and the design of the packaging devices used for carrying out the method according to the invention. Alternatively, photoelectric barriers, for example, may be used which detect entry of a marking. In an error-free transport unit, the transport means moves at a predefined speed between the drive axle, driven by the motor, and the deflection axle. In the process, the motor for moving the transport means expends a certain force, and there is a certain stress in the transport means. Due to the uniform movement of the transport means, between predefined markings, time differences are continually measured which lie in a certain range around a predefined setpoint value.
4 Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 If the transport means now ruptures, for example due to the high tensile stress, the movement speed of the transport means changes, whereby the speed of the transport means may be less or greater than the setpoint value, depending on the location of the rupture and the detection of the time difference; i.e., in the event of a rupture, the speed of the transport means may increase or decrease as a function of the location, but in any case the time difference deviates from a predefined setpoint value.
As soon as such a deviation is recorded, the drive shaft is stopped to prevent further movement of the transport means, and thus of the guide units, through the packaging device.
The markings may be provided on the transport means itself and/or on the deflection axle. The markings may be provided, for example, by components which are spaced apart on the deflection roller or on a transport means. It is also conceivable that both markings are provided by only one component, whereby the "beginning" and the "end" of the component is determined. The difference may then be determined based on values associated with the "beginning" and the "end."
The time difference between two predefined markings on the deflection axle will also change when there is a rupture of the transport means; i.e., the rotational speed will change, so that such a rupture may be detected based on the markings on the deflection axle.
As an alternative to determining a time difference between two markings, the travel difference between two markings may be determined. Position values of the motor and/or of the drive axle are utilized for this purpose.
The motor coupled to the drive axle undergoes a predefined number of rotary steps (number of steps per revolution) during one full revolution of the drive axle, the instantaneous position being increased with each rotary step. After one full revolution is completed, the instantaneous position of the motor and/or of the
As soon as such a deviation is recorded, the drive shaft is stopped to prevent further movement of the transport means, and thus of the guide units, through the packaging device.
The markings may be provided on the transport means itself and/or on the deflection axle. The markings may be provided, for example, by components which are spaced apart on the deflection roller or on a transport means. It is also conceivable that both markings are provided by only one component, whereby the "beginning" and the "end" of the component is determined. The difference may then be determined based on values associated with the "beginning" and the "end."
The time difference between two predefined markings on the deflection axle will also change when there is a rupture of the transport means; i.e., the rotational speed will change, so that such a rupture may be detected based on the markings on the deflection axle.
As an alternative to determining a time difference between two markings, the travel difference between two markings may be determined. Position values of the motor and/or of the drive axle are utilized for this purpose.
The motor coupled to the drive axle undergoes a predefined number of rotary steps (number of steps per revolution) during one full revolution of the drive axle, the instantaneous position being increased with each rotary step. After one full revolution is completed, the instantaneous position of the motor and/or of the
5 Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 drive axle may be set to zero, or alternatively, it may simply be continually further increased without resetting.
For determining the travel difference, the instantaneous position of the motor or of the drive axle during detection of the first marking and the instantaneous position of the motor or of the drive axle during detection of the second marking are compared.
During error-free functioning of the transport unit, the determined difference always corresponds to the setpoint value (taking a certain error tolerance into account). When there is a malfunction, this results in a deviation due to a retardation or acceleration of the deflection axle or of a transport means. For example, if the transport means slows down, more rotary steps than usual are determined between two markings, since the motor and the drive axle continue to move "normally," but the markings move more slowly, and therefore more rotary steps have passed by before the second marking is detected.
In the method according to the invention, the movement of the guide units through the packaging device is automatically stopped when a malfunction of the transport unit is determined; according to the invention, this malfunction is determined based on deviations of a difference between two markings which are provided on the transport means and/or the deflection roller.
If the packaging device for carrying out the method according to the invention includes only one transport means, the difference between two predefined markings on the transport means or between two markings on the deflection axle may be detected.
However, if only one transport means is present, the situation may arise that a second marking is never reached, namely, when the malfunction results in the transport means abruptly stopping.
Although such an abrupt stop is unlikely, in order to still be able to determine such an occurrence it is provided in one preferred embodiment that during the determination of the travel difference or time difference between two markings, the
For determining the travel difference, the instantaneous position of the motor or of the drive axle during detection of the first marking and the instantaneous position of the motor or of the drive axle during detection of the second marking are compared.
During error-free functioning of the transport unit, the determined difference always corresponds to the setpoint value (taking a certain error tolerance into account). When there is a malfunction, this results in a deviation due to a retardation or acceleration of the deflection axle or of a transport means. For example, if the transport means slows down, more rotary steps than usual are determined between two markings, since the motor and the drive axle continue to move "normally," but the markings move more slowly, and therefore more rotary steps have passed by before the second marking is detected.
In the method according to the invention, the movement of the guide units through the packaging device is automatically stopped when a malfunction of the transport unit is determined; according to the invention, this malfunction is determined based on deviations of a difference between two markings which are provided on the transport means and/or the deflection roller.
If the packaging device for carrying out the method according to the invention includes only one transport means, the difference between two predefined markings on the transport means or between two markings on the deflection axle may be detected.
However, if only one transport means is present, the situation may arise that a second marking is never reached, namely, when the malfunction results in the transport means abruptly stopping.
Although such an abrupt stop is unlikely, in order to still be able to determine such an occurrence it is provided in one preferred embodiment that during the determination of the travel difference or time difference between two markings, the
6 Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 determination is ended after a predefined termination value is exceeded, and the drive axle is stopped. This termination value may correspond, for example, to the sum of the setpoint value and the threshold value. However, other values may also be specified.
In any event, it is ensured that in a case as described above, the control unit does not wait "too long" for the determination of the second marking. Also, in such a case it is thus ensured that the transport unit is stopped after a certain time or a certain rotational speed of the drive axle or of the motor in order to avoid damage within the device.
If the device includes at least two transport means, which is preferred on account of the height of the guide units, the difference between two markings on the same transport means may be determined. Alternatively, it is conceivable to determine the difference between two predefined markings which are situated on different transport means, i.e., between a first marking on a first transport means and a second marking on a second transport means.
During determination of the difference between two markings on different transport means, it is possible to determine not only the rupture of a transport means, in which the difference abruptly deviates from the setpoint value, but also to determine slow slippage in one of the transport means, which may result in a gradual tilted position of the guide units, which may in turn result in the guide units catching in the transport unit and causing more or less damage to it.
Since the damage which occurs in the event of a rupture of a transport means may be significant, in one preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention in which the transport unit includes multiple transport means, it is provided that differences between two markings of at least two transport means are determined, the determined differences are compared to a corresponding setpoint value and/or to one another, whereby the setpoint value corresponds to the difference for error-free
In any event, it is ensured that in a case as described above, the control unit does not wait "too long" for the determination of the second marking. Also, in such a case it is thus ensured that the transport unit is stopped after a certain time or a certain rotational speed of the drive axle or of the motor in order to avoid damage within the device.
If the device includes at least two transport means, which is preferred on account of the height of the guide units, the difference between two markings on the same transport means may be determined. Alternatively, it is conceivable to determine the difference between two predefined markings which are situated on different transport means, i.e., between a first marking on a first transport means and a second marking on a second transport means.
During determination of the difference between two markings on different transport means, it is possible to determine not only the rupture of a transport means, in which the difference abruptly deviates from the setpoint value, but also to determine slow slippage in one of the transport means, which may result in a gradual tilted position of the guide units, which may in turn result in the guide units catching in the transport unit and causing more or less damage to it.
Since the damage which occurs in the event of a rupture of a transport means may be significant, in one preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention in which the transport unit includes multiple transport means, it is provided that differences between two markings of at least two transport means are determined, the determined differences are compared to a corresponding setpoint value and/or to one another, whereby the setpoint value corresponds to the difference for error-free
7 Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 functioning of the transport unit, and when a deviation between a setpoint value and a determined difference or between the differences themselves is ascertained which exceeds a threshold value, the drive axle is stopped. Thus, in this particular embodiment, the differences between markings on both transport means are monitored so that the rupture of one of the two transport means may be detected very quickly. Alternatively or additionally, the differences themselves may be compared. When the transport units are functioning without error (and with an appropriate selection of the markings), these differences are approximately equal, and deviate from one another only slightly. If one of the transport means ruptures, the differences between two predefined markings on the transport means also deviate from one another, so that this value may also be used to stop the packaging device.
According to the invention, it is provided that the drive axle is stopped when a deviation is determined which exceeds a threshold value. In one preferred embodiment, it is also provided that the drive axle and the deflection axle are stopped when a deviation is determined which exceeds a threshold value. Depending on the exact configuration of the deflection axle and of the transport means, due to the friction that is present at least between the surface of the deflection axle and the surface of the transport means it is ensured that the transport means is stopped also in the area of the deflection axle, which is advantageous in particular for packaging devices which have very long transport means.
For stopping the deflection axle, the deflection axle may have a simple lock which is triggered by the control unit when a deviation is determined which exceeds a threshold value.
In another preferred embodiment in which the transport unit has at least one transport means guide, it is provided that in addition, the movement of a transport means for the at least one transport means guide is stopped when a deviation is determined
According to the invention, it is provided that the drive axle is stopped when a deviation is determined which exceeds a threshold value. In one preferred embodiment, it is also provided that the drive axle and the deflection axle are stopped when a deviation is determined which exceeds a threshold value. Depending on the exact configuration of the deflection axle and of the transport means, due to the friction that is present at least between the surface of the deflection axle and the surface of the transport means it is ensured that the transport means is stopped also in the area of the deflection axle, which is advantageous in particular for packaging devices which have very long transport means.
For stopping the deflection axle, the deflection axle may have a simple lock which is triggered by the control unit when a deviation is determined which exceeds a threshold value.
In another preferred embodiment in which the transport unit has at least one transport means guide, it is provided that in addition, the movement of a transport means for the at least one transport means guide is stopped when a deviation is determined
8 Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 which exceeds a threshold value. Carrying out the method in a corresponding manner may be appropriate in particular when very long transport means are used, since they may possibly require a horizontal support. The transport means guide, which is engaged with the transport means which it guides, whether solely due to friction or, for example, via toothing on the inner face of the transport means and on the transport means guide, may have a braking effect on the transport means when a deviation is determined which exceeds a threshold value, thus further reducing damage to the packaging device.
As already indicated, the difference between the markings provided according to the invention may be determined with a plurality of sensor systems, the selection depending on the specific design of the packaging device. The sensor systems which may be used are known to those skilled in the art, so that a more detailed description is dispensed with here. In one preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the markings of the deflection axle are provided by teeth of a deflection roller of the deflection axle. Although use of a deflection roller and use of a transport means having corresponding toothing is preferred, this is generally the case with regard to the need for the drive of the transport means. Due to use of the teeth of the deflection roller as markings, it is not necessary to provide additional markings besides the ones that are already present. Accordingly, in another embodiment it is provided that the markings of a transport means are provided by teeth on toothing of the transport means, whereby the teeth may cooperate with teeth of a deflection roller of the deflection axle, although this is not absolutely necessary.
The markings used according to the invention for determining a travel difference or time difference may be provided by one tooth (beginning and end of the tooth) or two teeth on the deflection roller or the transport means.
As already indicated, the difference between the markings provided according to the invention may be determined with a plurality of sensor systems, the selection depending on the specific design of the packaging device. The sensor systems which may be used are known to those skilled in the art, so that a more detailed description is dispensed with here. In one preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the markings of the deflection axle are provided by teeth of a deflection roller of the deflection axle. Although use of a deflection roller and use of a transport means having corresponding toothing is preferred, this is generally the case with regard to the need for the drive of the transport means. Due to use of the teeth of the deflection roller as markings, it is not necessary to provide additional markings besides the ones that are already present. Accordingly, in another embodiment it is provided that the markings of a transport means are provided by teeth on toothing of the transport means, whereby the teeth may cooperate with teeth of a deflection roller of the deflection axle, although this is not absolutely necessary.
The markings used according to the invention for determining a travel difference or time difference may be provided by one tooth (beginning and end of the tooth) or two teeth on the deflection roller or the transport means.
9 Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 On account of the matrix-like configuration of the supply and dispensing units, the guide units are guided vertically through the packaging device, and due to the need for moving the guide units on the at least one transport means, the guide units have a certain spacing from one another, at least in the area of the deflection axle. During error-free functioning of the transport unit, the guide units are guided through the packaging device in parallel to one another. A tilted position of the guide units indicates a malfunction which is caused by slippage in one of the transport means when multiple transport means are used, or by the rupture of a transport means. In one preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the markings of a transport means are provided by edges of guide units which are fastened to the transport means. In each case, two edges of a guide unit form a marking. When the difference between the two markings is measured with a photoelectric barrier, for example, the gap between two parallel guide units may be utilized for measuring the difference. When the vertical alignment of the guide unit on the at least one transport means is uniform, the vertical parallel spaces between the guide units are very similar, taking certain construction-related deviations into account, so that the differences do not deviate from one another significantly. When a tilted position of the guide units occurs due to slippage on a transport means or the rupture of a transport means, due to the changed alignment of the clearance space only another difference may be measured by the measuring unit, and if the deviation from the setpoint value exceeds a threshold value, this may be used for determining a malfunction of the transport unit, which according to the invention results in stopping of the drive axle.
The invention is further achieved by a packaging device comprising a plurality of supply and dispensing units in which in each case one type of pharmaceutical portions is stored, and a transport unit having at least one transport means, the at least Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 one transport means of the transport unit being driven by a drive axle which is coupled to a motor, and returned via a deflection axle, the motor being coupled to a control unit.
The packaging device also includes a plurality of guide units which are fastened, optionally detachably, to the at least one transport means and which have a plurality of receiving openings which are aligned with or moved past delivery openings of the supply and dispensing units when the guide units move, and at least one packaging unit which is supplied with pharmaceutical portions via the guide units. This packaging unit transfers the pharmaceutical portions, typically into the blister bag already described above. The packaging unit may be situated within the packaging device, but alternatively it is also possible for the packaging unit to be situated in a component which is separate from the actual packaging device.
According to the invention, the transport means in the peripheral direction and/or the deflection axle have/has markings, and the packaging device includes at least one sensor system, coupled to the control unit, with which travel difference or time differences (hereinafter "differences") between two markings may be determined. As already discussed with reference to the method, these two markings may be two markings on the deflection axle, two markings on a transport means, or two markings, one each on a transport means.
According to the invention, the control unit is designed in such a way that the determined difference may be compared to a setpoint value, the setpoint value corresponding to the difference for an error-free transport unit, and that the control unit stops the drive axle when a deviation is determined which exceeds a threshold value.
The sensor system may be, for example, any proximity sensor, the exact configuration of the sensor system once again depending on the configuration of the packaging device per se. For example, Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 the sensor systems already described with reference to the method are suitable sensor systems.
In one preferred embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention, the transport unit has at least two transport means, whereby a sensor system with which a difference between two markings of a transport means is determinable is associated in each case with the at least two transport means, the control unit in this embodiment being designed in such a way that the determined differences may be compared to a setpoint value and/or to one another, and that the control unit stops the drive axle when a deviation is determined which exceeds a threshold value. In this embodiment, the two transport means are monitored for a rupture, thus ensuring that damage based on a rupture of a transport means is prevented to the greatest extent possible. Alternatively or additionally, the deviations of the two determined similar differences of the same type (thus, two travel differences or two time differences) from one another may be taken into account, which may further increase security.
In one preferred embodiment, the packaging device according to the invention includes at least one transport means guide which is coupled to the control unit, and which may stop the movement of a transport means when a deviation is determined which exceeds a threshold value. The transport means guide may thus likewise contribute toward quickly and reliably stopping the transport means when a rupture is determined, thus avoiding damage in the packaging device.
In one preferred embodiment, the markings of the deflection axle are provided by teeth of a deflection roller of the deflection axle. According to the invention, in this embodiment it is thus provided that as markings, components are used which are provided anyway for operating the transport unit; i.e., no additional components are necessary for providing the markings.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-08-30 Similarly, in another embodiment it is provided that the markings of a transport means are provided by teeth of toothing on the transport means.
In another embodiment, it is provided that the markings of a transport means are provided by edges of guide units which are fastened to the transport means. As already discussed above, in such an embodiment it is possible to determine a tilted position of the guide unit which indicates a malfunction of the transport unit, which may be caused by a rupture of a transport means or by slippage on a transport means.
Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the packaging device according to the invention and of the method according to the invention are described below with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention;
Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention;
Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the first and second embodiments;
Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of a third embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention;
Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of the third embodiment;
and Figures 6a and 6b show schematic views of a fourth embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention; in this illustration, numerous components of the packaging device which are not essential Date Recue/Date Received 2022-08-30 to the invention (such as external trim elements, for example) are omitted. The packaging device includes a central support structure having a horizontal top support element 2a and a horizontal bottom support element 2b. The two horizontal support elements are connected to one another via two support elements 3a and 3b which are customarily vertical. Situated below the bottom horizontal support element 2b and orthogonally with respect to same are two support elements 4a, 4b, via which the section of the packaging device according to the invention shown in Figure 1 is fastened to external further support elements (not shown). Shown in the right front portion of the packaging device is a plurality of supply and dispensing units 20, configured in a matrix-like manner, in which in each case a plurality of pharmaceutical portions may be stored, and which are fastened, in a manner not illustrated, to further components of the packaging device which are not essential to the invention. A plurality of guide units 10, of which only one guide unit is apparent in Figure 1, is situated "behind"
the plurality of supply and dispensing units 20.
The guide units are attached to fastening means 112, 122 of two transport means 110, 120, respectively, of a transport unit 100. In the embodiment shown, the transport means 110, 120 are revolving transport conveyors or transport belts which are guided by drive rollers 141, 142 of a drive axle 140 and deflection rollers 151, 152 of a deflection axle 150.
The drive axle 140 is coupled to a motor 130, and can be moved and stopped by the motor. The motor 130 in turn is coupled to a control unit (not illustrated in Figure 1), and may transmit the instantaneous motor position to the control unit, whereby the motor position may be used for determining a travel difference between two markings. For this purpose, the motor position is determined during detection of the first and second markings, and based on these two values a difference is determined, which is then compared to a setpoint value.
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 Situated below the transport unit 100 is a collective transport unit 200 which likewise includes a transport means 190, which in the embodiment shown is also designed as a revolving transport belt. This transport belt is driven via a drive roller 143, which is likewise driven by the drive axle 140 described with reference to the transport unit 100. The transport means 190 includes a plurality of fastening means 192, on each of which a collection unit 90 is situated.
In the embodiment shown, the drive roller 143 of the collective transport unit 200 and the drive rollers 141, 142 of the transport unit 100 are fastened to the same drive axle 140, so that the transport means of the transport unit 100 and of the collective transport unit 200 are moved at the same speed (assuming the same radius for the drive rollers). The fastening means 112, 122, 192 of the transport means of the two transport units are oriented in such a way that the collection units 90 are moved below the guide units; i.e., the pharmaceutical portions delivered into the guide unit 10 for the supply and dispensing units 20 are transferred to the collection units, which are situated below the guide units and moved at the same speed.
As is clearly apparent in Figure 1, the transport means 110, 120 of the transport unit 100 do not extend over the entire "length" of the collective transport unit 200. Further components of the packaging device may be situated in the area above the collective transport unit 200 in which the transport unit 100 does not extend. For example, it is conceivable to provide auxiliary dispensing units in this area, specifically, for pharmaceutical portions which are requested so infrequently that storage in a supply and dispensing unit is not meaningful.
A packaging unit 50 is situated below the collective transport unit 200 in the "left" section of the first embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention. In the packaging unit, the pharmaceutical portions received in the collection units 90 Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 are blister-packed and led out from the packaging device as a blister tube 51.
To be able to quickly detect a rupture of a transport means, the packaging device in the shown embodiment includes three sensor systems 60, 70, 80. Differences between two predefined markings 121 of the transport means 120 may be detected with the sensor system 80 situated on the vertical support element 3a. The same applies for the sensor system 70 situated on the top horizontal support element 2a. Differences between two predefined markings of the deflection roller 151 of the deflection axle 150 may be determined with the sensor system 60 situated in the area of the deflection roller 151 on the top support element 2a. The teeth themselves (the difference between two teeth) or two points of a tooth (beginning and end of the tooth and the difference between them) are suitable as markings. As already described, the control unit compares the determined differences to setpoint values, and as soon as a deviation which exceeds a threshold value is established, the two transport means 110, 120 are stopped via the drive axle 140.
Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention; in this illustration as well, elements which are not essential to the invention are omitted.
The second embodiment largely corresponds to the first embodiment; only the arrangement of the sensor systems 60, 70, 80 differs slightly, whereby in this embodiment, two sensor systems, namely, the sensor systems 70, 80, are situated on the vertical support element 3a.
In particular the parallel arrangement of the plurality of guide units 10 is apparent in Figure 2, of which only a few on the "rear" side of the packaging device are illustrated. A guide unit
The invention is further achieved by a packaging device comprising a plurality of supply and dispensing units in which in each case one type of pharmaceutical portions is stored, and a transport unit having at least one transport means, the at least Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 one transport means of the transport unit being driven by a drive axle which is coupled to a motor, and returned via a deflection axle, the motor being coupled to a control unit.
The packaging device also includes a plurality of guide units which are fastened, optionally detachably, to the at least one transport means and which have a plurality of receiving openings which are aligned with or moved past delivery openings of the supply and dispensing units when the guide units move, and at least one packaging unit which is supplied with pharmaceutical portions via the guide units. This packaging unit transfers the pharmaceutical portions, typically into the blister bag already described above. The packaging unit may be situated within the packaging device, but alternatively it is also possible for the packaging unit to be situated in a component which is separate from the actual packaging device.
According to the invention, the transport means in the peripheral direction and/or the deflection axle have/has markings, and the packaging device includes at least one sensor system, coupled to the control unit, with which travel difference or time differences (hereinafter "differences") between two markings may be determined. As already discussed with reference to the method, these two markings may be two markings on the deflection axle, two markings on a transport means, or two markings, one each on a transport means.
According to the invention, the control unit is designed in such a way that the determined difference may be compared to a setpoint value, the setpoint value corresponding to the difference for an error-free transport unit, and that the control unit stops the drive axle when a deviation is determined which exceeds a threshold value.
The sensor system may be, for example, any proximity sensor, the exact configuration of the sensor system once again depending on the configuration of the packaging device per se. For example, Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 the sensor systems already described with reference to the method are suitable sensor systems.
In one preferred embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention, the transport unit has at least two transport means, whereby a sensor system with which a difference between two markings of a transport means is determinable is associated in each case with the at least two transport means, the control unit in this embodiment being designed in such a way that the determined differences may be compared to a setpoint value and/or to one another, and that the control unit stops the drive axle when a deviation is determined which exceeds a threshold value. In this embodiment, the two transport means are monitored for a rupture, thus ensuring that damage based on a rupture of a transport means is prevented to the greatest extent possible. Alternatively or additionally, the deviations of the two determined similar differences of the same type (thus, two travel differences or two time differences) from one another may be taken into account, which may further increase security.
In one preferred embodiment, the packaging device according to the invention includes at least one transport means guide which is coupled to the control unit, and which may stop the movement of a transport means when a deviation is determined which exceeds a threshold value. The transport means guide may thus likewise contribute toward quickly and reliably stopping the transport means when a rupture is determined, thus avoiding damage in the packaging device.
In one preferred embodiment, the markings of the deflection axle are provided by teeth of a deflection roller of the deflection axle. According to the invention, in this embodiment it is thus provided that as markings, components are used which are provided anyway for operating the transport unit; i.e., no additional components are necessary for providing the markings.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-08-30 Similarly, in another embodiment it is provided that the markings of a transport means are provided by teeth of toothing on the transport means.
In another embodiment, it is provided that the markings of a transport means are provided by edges of guide units which are fastened to the transport means. As already discussed above, in such an embodiment it is possible to determine a tilted position of the guide unit which indicates a malfunction of the transport unit, which may be caused by a rupture of a transport means or by slippage on a transport means.
Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the packaging device according to the invention and of the method according to the invention are described below with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention;
Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention;
Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the first and second embodiments;
Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of a third embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention;
Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of the third embodiment;
and Figures 6a and 6b show schematic views of a fourth embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention; in this illustration, numerous components of the packaging device which are not essential Date Recue/Date Received 2022-08-30 to the invention (such as external trim elements, for example) are omitted. The packaging device includes a central support structure having a horizontal top support element 2a and a horizontal bottom support element 2b. The two horizontal support elements are connected to one another via two support elements 3a and 3b which are customarily vertical. Situated below the bottom horizontal support element 2b and orthogonally with respect to same are two support elements 4a, 4b, via which the section of the packaging device according to the invention shown in Figure 1 is fastened to external further support elements (not shown). Shown in the right front portion of the packaging device is a plurality of supply and dispensing units 20, configured in a matrix-like manner, in which in each case a plurality of pharmaceutical portions may be stored, and which are fastened, in a manner not illustrated, to further components of the packaging device which are not essential to the invention. A plurality of guide units 10, of which only one guide unit is apparent in Figure 1, is situated "behind"
the plurality of supply and dispensing units 20.
The guide units are attached to fastening means 112, 122 of two transport means 110, 120, respectively, of a transport unit 100. In the embodiment shown, the transport means 110, 120 are revolving transport conveyors or transport belts which are guided by drive rollers 141, 142 of a drive axle 140 and deflection rollers 151, 152 of a deflection axle 150.
The drive axle 140 is coupled to a motor 130, and can be moved and stopped by the motor. The motor 130 in turn is coupled to a control unit (not illustrated in Figure 1), and may transmit the instantaneous motor position to the control unit, whereby the motor position may be used for determining a travel difference between two markings. For this purpose, the motor position is determined during detection of the first and second markings, and based on these two values a difference is determined, which is then compared to a setpoint value.
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 Situated below the transport unit 100 is a collective transport unit 200 which likewise includes a transport means 190, which in the embodiment shown is also designed as a revolving transport belt. This transport belt is driven via a drive roller 143, which is likewise driven by the drive axle 140 described with reference to the transport unit 100. The transport means 190 includes a plurality of fastening means 192, on each of which a collection unit 90 is situated.
In the embodiment shown, the drive roller 143 of the collective transport unit 200 and the drive rollers 141, 142 of the transport unit 100 are fastened to the same drive axle 140, so that the transport means of the transport unit 100 and of the collective transport unit 200 are moved at the same speed (assuming the same radius for the drive rollers). The fastening means 112, 122, 192 of the transport means of the two transport units are oriented in such a way that the collection units 90 are moved below the guide units; i.e., the pharmaceutical portions delivered into the guide unit 10 for the supply and dispensing units 20 are transferred to the collection units, which are situated below the guide units and moved at the same speed.
As is clearly apparent in Figure 1, the transport means 110, 120 of the transport unit 100 do not extend over the entire "length" of the collective transport unit 200. Further components of the packaging device may be situated in the area above the collective transport unit 200 in which the transport unit 100 does not extend. For example, it is conceivable to provide auxiliary dispensing units in this area, specifically, for pharmaceutical portions which are requested so infrequently that storage in a supply and dispensing unit is not meaningful.
A packaging unit 50 is situated below the collective transport unit 200 in the "left" section of the first embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention. In the packaging unit, the pharmaceutical portions received in the collection units 90 Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 are blister-packed and led out from the packaging device as a blister tube 51.
To be able to quickly detect a rupture of a transport means, the packaging device in the shown embodiment includes three sensor systems 60, 70, 80. Differences between two predefined markings 121 of the transport means 120 may be detected with the sensor system 80 situated on the vertical support element 3a. The same applies for the sensor system 70 situated on the top horizontal support element 2a. Differences between two predefined markings of the deflection roller 151 of the deflection axle 150 may be determined with the sensor system 60 situated in the area of the deflection roller 151 on the top support element 2a. The teeth themselves (the difference between two teeth) or two points of a tooth (beginning and end of the tooth and the difference between them) are suitable as markings. As already described, the control unit compares the determined differences to setpoint values, and as soon as a deviation which exceeds a threshold value is established, the two transport means 110, 120 are stopped via the drive axle 140.
Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention; in this illustration as well, elements which are not essential to the invention are omitted.
The second embodiment largely corresponds to the first embodiment; only the arrangement of the sensor systems 60, 70, 80 differs slightly, whereby in this embodiment, two sensor systems, namely, the sensor systems 70, 80, are situated on the vertical support element 3a.
In particular the parallel arrangement of the plurality of guide units 10 is apparent in Figure 2, of which only a few on the "rear" side of the packaging device are illustrated. A guide unit
10 is customarily situated on all retaining elements 112, 122.
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 In the first and second embodiments, in each case three sensor systems are provided, two of which detect time differences between markings of the transport means and a difference in markings on the deflection axle or deflection roller. In alternative embodiments it is conceivable to use only one sensor system, in particular when a transport unit having only one transport means is provided. However, as already indicated, due to the length of the guide units 10 it is customary to use at least two transport means. In addition, the collective transport unit illustrated for the two exemplary embodiments shown is not essential to the invention, and has been illustrated only as an example. Thus, it is also conceivable for the revolving guide units to deliver all pharmaceutical portions collected at a certain point in the packaging device to a further unit, via which they are supplied to a packaging unit.
Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the first and second embodiments; in this illustration, in particular the arrangement of the guide units 10 in relation to the supply and dispensing units 20 is depicted. As is apparent in the illustration shown, all of the illustrated guide units 10 are aligned with an oppositely situated supply and dispensing unit 20 (the collection units are omitted in this area), and the transfer of the pharmaceutical portions from the supply and dispensing units 20 to the guide units 10 takes place in the illustrated alignment of the guide units with the supply and dispensing units. Depending on the movement direction of the transport means, the guide units 10 are moved "left" or "right" in relation to the supply and dispensing units 20, and as soon as a guide unit 10 has arrived at a subsequent supply and dispensing unit 20, pharmaceutical portions may be transferred anew into this guide unit. In the bottom view shown, it is pointed out that the supply and dispensing units 20 are situated in a matrix; i.e., a plurality of further Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 supply and dispensing units is situated "above" the illustrated supply and dispensing units 20.
Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of a third embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention, in this embodiment the support structure for the top horizontal support element 2a having further support elements 5a, 5b, 5c which are situated orthogonally with respect to the support element 2a, and to which the transport unit may be fastened within the packaging device.
In the embodiment shown, the transport means 100 has a plurality of teeth 113 of toothing situated on the inner periphery of the transport means. The deflection roller 141 and the drive roller 151 likewise have a plurality of teeth 145, 155, respectively, which are engaged with the teeth of the transport means. In this embodiment, the teeth 113 as well as the teeth 155 of the transport means 110 and of the drive roller 151 are used as markings, whereby differences may be determined between two predefined markings using the sensor systems 60, 70, which are merely indicated, and these differences are in turn compared to a predefined setpoint value. Alternatively, the "beginning" of a tooth (113a, 155a) and the "end" of a tooth (113b, 155b) may be used for determining a difference; i.e., the two markings necessary for the determination are not provided by two separate components (two teeth in this case), but instead, by the same component.
In strictly practical terms, the situation is such, for example, that the beginning of a tooth (first marking) is recorded by the corresponding sensor system as a positive flank, and the end of the tooth is recorded as a negative flank. A time difference or a travel difference between these flanks is determined, the position of the motor or of the drive axle at the time of the positive flank and negative flank being used for determining the travel difference.
In this illustration it is merely indicated that guide units 10 are situated on the outer periphery of the transport means 110, Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 and in this illustration as well the guide units are depicted in the transfer position with respect to the supply and dispensing units 20. A delivery opening 21 of a supply and dispensing unit 20 is likewise indicated in this illustration.
Figure 5 shows a side view of the third embodiment illustrated in Figure 4; some of the components illustrated in Figure 4 are omitted for the sake of clarity. In Figure 5 it is apparent that in the third embodiment, two transport means are provided, and a sensor system 70, 80 is associated with the transport means 110 and 120, respectively. In the embodiment shown, the sensor systems are designed as photoelectric barriers, each having a transmitter unit 70a, 80a and a receiver unit 70b, 80b. Differences between the markings 111 and 121 may be determined with the sensor systems 70, 80; these markings may be, for example, the teeth of the toothing at the inner periphery of the transport means, already illustrated in Figure 4. As illustrated, the sensor systems 70, 80 are coupled via a line 41 to a control unit 40, which in turn is coupled to a motor 130 which drives and, if necessary, stops the drive axle 140.
In this embodiment, the collective transport unit together with a transport means 190, on which a plurality of collection units 90 is situated, is once again situated below the actual transport unit. As is apparent, the collection units 90 are aligned with the guide units 10, and due to the fact that the transport means 190 of the collective transport unit as well as the two transport means 110, 120 of the actual transport unit are moved via the same drive axle 140 with drive rollers of equal size, the collection units 90 move at the same speed as the guide units 10, so that in the area in which the transport unit extends above the collective transport unit, pharmaceutical portions may be continually transferred from the guide unit into the collection units. The packaging unit 50, in which pharmaceutical portions are transferred from the collection units 90 and blister-packed, is Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 schematically illustrated on the "left" side, below the collective transport unit.
Figures 6a, 6b show two schematic side views of a fourth embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention. As is apparent, three sensor systems 60, 70, 80 are provided in this embodiment. In contrast to the above-mentioned embodiments, in this embodiment, markings which are necessary for determining a difference are provided, among other elements, by edges 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b of two adjoining guide units 10' and 10". In Figure 6a the guide units are aligned vertically parallel and at a distance from one another, this illustration representing the error-free state of the packaging device. In this embodiment, the sensor system 60 is designed, for example, as a photoelectric barrier having a transmitter unit 60a and a receiver unit 60b, whereby the distance between the adjoining guide elements, i.e., the difference between an interruption of the light beam 60c, may be determined via the photoelectric barrier.
The embodiment shown also illustrates two additional sensor systems 70, 80, the sensor systems being designed not to determine differences between two markings on the same transport means, but rather to determine differences between two markings on the two transport means 110, 120, respectively. As is apparent in Figure 6a, the markings 111, 121 of the two transport means 110, 120, respectively, are situated perpendicularly with respect to one another without an offset. This arrangement has been selected strictly as an example. It is only necessary that a difference between two predefined markings is measured; the arrangement of these markings relative to one another is not relevant.
A malfunction of the packaging device is illustrated in Figure 6b. As is apparent, the guide units 10 are no longer illustrated in the vertical position, but rather slightly inclined, which may be brought about by one of the transport means being ruptured, or by slippage in one of the transport means having taken place over Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 a certain time period. As is apparent, due to the tilted or inclined position of the guide units 10' and 10", the same difference (distance) between these guide units is no longer determinable via the sensor system 60, so that a comparison to a setpoint value results in a deviation which indicates a malfunction of the packaging device, whereupon the control unit stops the drive shaft 140. The same applies for the two sensor systems 70 and 80, since, due to the offset of the markings 111, 121 which were formerly situated one on top of the other, the "same" differences between these markings is no longer determined, and instead, a difference is determined which, based on the schematic illustration, is only half as great.
Figure 6a shows an alternative to the collective transport unit illustrated in the other embodiments. Thus, for example, it is conceivable to transfer the pharmaceutical portions from the guide units to the packaging unit at a certain location in the packaging device via a pharmaceutical feed 91 designed as a chute, for example. For this purpose, it is necessary, of course, for the guide units to have a closing mechanism (not illustrated) which is opened only when a guide unit reaches a predefined position within the packaging device.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-08-30
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 In the first and second embodiments, in each case three sensor systems are provided, two of which detect time differences between markings of the transport means and a difference in markings on the deflection axle or deflection roller. In alternative embodiments it is conceivable to use only one sensor system, in particular when a transport unit having only one transport means is provided. However, as already indicated, due to the length of the guide units 10 it is customary to use at least two transport means. In addition, the collective transport unit illustrated for the two exemplary embodiments shown is not essential to the invention, and has been illustrated only as an example. Thus, it is also conceivable for the revolving guide units to deliver all pharmaceutical portions collected at a certain point in the packaging device to a further unit, via which they are supplied to a packaging unit.
Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the first and second embodiments; in this illustration, in particular the arrangement of the guide units 10 in relation to the supply and dispensing units 20 is depicted. As is apparent in the illustration shown, all of the illustrated guide units 10 are aligned with an oppositely situated supply and dispensing unit 20 (the collection units are omitted in this area), and the transfer of the pharmaceutical portions from the supply and dispensing units 20 to the guide units 10 takes place in the illustrated alignment of the guide units with the supply and dispensing units. Depending on the movement direction of the transport means, the guide units 10 are moved "left" or "right" in relation to the supply and dispensing units 20, and as soon as a guide unit 10 has arrived at a subsequent supply and dispensing unit 20, pharmaceutical portions may be transferred anew into this guide unit. In the bottom view shown, it is pointed out that the supply and dispensing units 20 are situated in a matrix; i.e., a plurality of further Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 supply and dispensing units is situated "above" the illustrated supply and dispensing units 20.
Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of a third embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention, in this embodiment the support structure for the top horizontal support element 2a having further support elements 5a, 5b, 5c which are situated orthogonally with respect to the support element 2a, and to which the transport unit may be fastened within the packaging device.
In the embodiment shown, the transport means 100 has a plurality of teeth 113 of toothing situated on the inner periphery of the transport means. The deflection roller 141 and the drive roller 151 likewise have a plurality of teeth 145, 155, respectively, which are engaged with the teeth of the transport means. In this embodiment, the teeth 113 as well as the teeth 155 of the transport means 110 and of the drive roller 151 are used as markings, whereby differences may be determined between two predefined markings using the sensor systems 60, 70, which are merely indicated, and these differences are in turn compared to a predefined setpoint value. Alternatively, the "beginning" of a tooth (113a, 155a) and the "end" of a tooth (113b, 155b) may be used for determining a difference; i.e., the two markings necessary for the determination are not provided by two separate components (two teeth in this case), but instead, by the same component.
In strictly practical terms, the situation is such, for example, that the beginning of a tooth (first marking) is recorded by the corresponding sensor system as a positive flank, and the end of the tooth is recorded as a negative flank. A time difference or a travel difference between these flanks is determined, the position of the motor or of the drive axle at the time of the positive flank and negative flank being used for determining the travel difference.
In this illustration it is merely indicated that guide units 10 are situated on the outer periphery of the transport means 110, Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 and in this illustration as well the guide units are depicted in the transfer position with respect to the supply and dispensing units 20. A delivery opening 21 of a supply and dispensing unit 20 is likewise indicated in this illustration.
Figure 5 shows a side view of the third embodiment illustrated in Figure 4; some of the components illustrated in Figure 4 are omitted for the sake of clarity. In Figure 5 it is apparent that in the third embodiment, two transport means are provided, and a sensor system 70, 80 is associated with the transport means 110 and 120, respectively. In the embodiment shown, the sensor systems are designed as photoelectric barriers, each having a transmitter unit 70a, 80a and a receiver unit 70b, 80b. Differences between the markings 111 and 121 may be determined with the sensor systems 70, 80; these markings may be, for example, the teeth of the toothing at the inner periphery of the transport means, already illustrated in Figure 4. As illustrated, the sensor systems 70, 80 are coupled via a line 41 to a control unit 40, which in turn is coupled to a motor 130 which drives and, if necessary, stops the drive axle 140.
In this embodiment, the collective transport unit together with a transport means 190, on which a plurality of collection units 90 is situated, is once again situated below the actual transport unit. As is apparent, the collection units 90 are aligned with the guide units 10, and due to the fact that the transport means 190 of the collective transport unit as well as the two transport means 110, 120 of the actual transport unit are moved via the same drive axle 140 with drive rollers of equal size, the collection units 90 move at the same speed as the guide units 10, so that in the area in which the transport unit extends above the collective transport unit, pharmaceutical portions may be continually transferred from the guide unit into the collection units. The packaging unit 50, in which pharmaceutical portions are transferred from the collection units 90 and blister-packed, is Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 schematically illustrated on the "left" side, below the collective transport unit.
Figures 6a, 6b show two schematic side views of a fourth embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention. As is apparent, three sensor systems 60, 70, 80 are provided in this embodiment. In contrast to the above-mentioned embodiments, in this embodiment, markings which are necessary for determining a difference are provided, among other elements, by edges 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b of two adjoining guide units 10' and 10". In Figure 6a the guide units are aligned vertically parallel and at a distance from one another, this illustration representing the error-free state of the packaging device. In this embodiment, the sensor system 60 is designed, for example, as a photoelectric barrier having a transmitter unit 60a and a receiver unit 60b, whereby the distance between the adjoining guide elements, i.e., the difference between an interruption of the light beam 60c, may be determined via the photoelectric barrier.
The embodiment shown also illustrates two additional sensor systems 70, 80, the sensor systems being designed not to determine differences between two markings on the same transport means, but rather to determine differences between two markings on the two transport means 110, 120, respectively. As is apparent in Figure 6a, the markings 111, 121 of the two transport means 110, 120, respectively, are situated perpendicularly with respect to one another without an offset. This arrangement has been selected strictly as an example. It is only necessary that a difference between two predefined markings is measured; the arrangement of these markings relative to one another is not relevant.
A malfunction of the packaging device is illustrated in Figure 6b. As is apparent, the guide units 10 are no longer illustrated in the vertical position, but rather slightly inclined, which may be brought about by one of the transport means being ruptured, or by slippage in one of the transport means having taken place over Date Regue/Date Received 2022-08-30 a certain time period. As is apparent, due to the tilted or inclined position of the guide units 10' and 10", the same difference (distance) between these guide units is no longer determinable via the sensor system 60, so that a comparison to a setpoint value results in a deviation which indicates a malfunction of the packaging device, whereupon the control unit stops the drive shaft 140. The same applies for the two sensor systems 70 and 80, since, due to the offset of the markings 111, 121 which were formerly situated one on top of the other, the "same" differences between these markings is no longer determined, and instead, a difference is determined which, based on the schematic illustration, is only half as great.
Figure 6a shows an alternative to the collective transport unit illustrated in the other embodiments. Thus, for example, it is conceivable to transfer the pharmaceutical portions from the guide units to the packaging unit at a certain location in the packaging device via a pharmaceutical feed 91 designed as a chute, for example. For this purpose, it is necessary, of course, for the guide units to have a closing mechanism (not illustrated) which is opened only when a guide unit reaches a predefined position within the packaging device.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-08-30
Claims (14)
1. A method for operating a packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions, comprising a plurality of guide units which are fastened to at least one transport means of a transport unit, wherein the guide units are moved along a plurality of supply and dispensing units, delivery openings of the supply and dispensing units being aligned with receiving openings of the guide units, the at least one transport means of the transport unit being driven by a drive axle which is coupled to a motor and returned via a deflection axle, the motor being coupled to a control unit, the transport means in a peripheral direction of the transport means and/or the deflection axle have/has a plurality of markings spaced at predefined intervals, at least one travel difference or time difference between two markings is determined, the determined difference is compared to a corresponding setpoint value, whereby the setpoint value corresponds to the difference when the transport unit is functioning without error, and the drive axle is stopped when a deviation between the setpoint value and the determined difference is ascertained which exceeds a threshold value.
2. The method for operating a packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions according to Claim 1, characterized in that during the determination of the travel difference or time difference between two markings, the determination is ended after a predefined termination value is exceeded, and the drive axle is stopped.
3. The method for operating a packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions according to Claim 1, characterized in that the transport unit includes multiple transport means, wherein time differences between two markings of at least two transport means are determined, the determined time differences are compared to a corresponding setpoint value and/or to one another, whereby the setpoint value corresponds to the time difference for error-free functioning of the transport unit, and when a deviation between a setpoint value and a determined time difference or between the time differences is ascertained which exceeds a threshold value, the drive axle is stopped.
4. The method for operating a packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the drive axle and the deflection axle are stopped when a deviation is determined.
5. The method for operating a packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transport unit has at least one transport means guide, wherein the movement of a transport means for the transport means guides is stopped when a deviation is determined.
6. The method for operating a packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the markings of the deflection axle are provided by teeth of a deflection roller.
7. The method for operating a packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the markings of a transport means are provided by teeth on the transport means.
8. The method for operating a packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the markings of a transport means are provided by edges of guide units which are fastened to the transport means.
9. A packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions, comprising a plurality of supply and dispensing units, a transport unit having at least one transport means, the at least one transport means of the transport unit being driven by a drive axle which is coupled to a motor and returned via a deflection axle, the motor being coupled to a control unit, a plurality of guide units which are fastened to the at least one transport means, and which have a plurality of receiving openings which are aligned with delivery openings of the supply and dispensing units when the guide units move, at least one packaging unit which is supplied with pharmaceutical portions via the guide units, characterized in that the at least one transport means in a peripheral direction of the transport means and/or the deflection axle have/has markings, and that the packaging device has at least one sensor system, coupled to the control unit, with which travel differences or time differences between two markings may be determined, and that the control unit is designed in such a way that the determined difference may be compared to a setpoint value, whereby the setpoint value corresponds to the difference for an error-free transport unit, and that the control unit stops the drive axle when a deviation is determined which exceeds a threshold value.
10. The packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions according to Claim 9, characterized in that the transport unit has at least two transport means, a sensor system being associated with the at least two transport means with which a difference between two markings of a transport means may be determined, wherein the control unit is designed in such a way that the determined differences may be compared to a setpoint value and/or to one another, and that the control unit stops the drive axle when a deviation is determined which exceeds a threshold value.
11. The packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the transport unit has at least one transport means guide which is coupled to the control unit, and which stops the movement of a transport means when a deviation is determined.
12. The packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions according to any one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the markings of the deflection axle are provided by teeth of a deflection roller.
13. The packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions according to any one of Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the markings of a transport means are provided by teeth on the transport means.
14. The packaging device for individual pharmaceutical portions according to any one of Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the markings of a transport means are provided by edges of guide units which are fastened to the transport means.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP15189304.7 | 2015-10-12 | ||
| EP15189304.7A EP3156337B1 (en) | 2015-10-12 | 2015-10-12 | Method for operating a packaging device and packaging device |
| PCT/EP2016/071007 WO2017063791A1 (en) | 2015-10-12 | 2016-09-07 | Method for operating a packaging apparatus, and packaging apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3001751A1 CA3001751A1 (en) | 2017-04-20 |
| CA3001751C true CA3001751C (en) | 2023-08-29 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3001751A Active CA3001751C (en) | 2015-10-12 | 2016-09-07 | Method for operating a packaging apparatus, and packaging apparatus |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP3156337B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN108137176B (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2016339741B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA3001751C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2017063791A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11673700B2 (en) | 2021-06-22 | 2023-06-13 | Vmi Holland B.V. | Device and methods for packaging medicaments with fault detection |
| US11273103B1 (en) | 2021-06-22 | 2022-03-15 | Vmi Holland B.V. | Method, computer program product and dispensing device for dispensing discrete medicaments |
| US11498761B1 (en) | 2021-06-22 | 2022-11-15 | Vmi Holland B.V. | Method for dispensing discrete medicaments, a test station for testing a feeder unit, and a method for determining a fill level of a feeder unit |
Family Cites Families (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE1086173B (en) * | 1958-07-16 | 1960-07-28 | Oec Hermann Tiefenbach Dipl In | Monitoring device for conveyor belts |
| DE8311998U1 (en) * | 1983-04-22 | 1983-11-10 | Ruhrkohle Ag, 4300 Essen | CHAIN MONITORING DEVICE |
| US5563392A (en) * | 1995-04-12 | 1996-10-08 | Patco Sales & Service, Inc. | Method and apparatus for monitoring wear of a continuous chain |
| DE20108994U1 (en) * | 2001-05-30 | 2001-12-06 | DBT Deutsche Bergbau-Technik GmbH, 44534 Lünen | Drive system for medium or double medium chain scraper conveyors |
| JP2006044853A (en) * | 2004-08-03 | 2006-02-16 | Bridgestone Corp | Conveyor belt elongation measuring method and conveyor belt elongation measuring device |
| DE102007047828B4 (en) * | 2007-11-20 | 2009-11-26 | Hazemag & Epr Gmbh | Chain conveyor |
| US20080257692A1 (en) * | 2008-06-05 | 2008-10-23 | Veyance Technologies, Inc. | Sensor system for conveyor belt |
| ITMI20110562A1 (en) * | 2011-04-06 | 2012-10-07 | Comelz Spa | PROCEDURE AND POSITION DETECTION DEVICE OF A TRANSPORTATION ORGAN. |
| NL2007384C2 (en) | 2011-09-09 | 2013-03-12 | Ppm Engineering B V | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PACKING DOSED QUANTITIES OF SOLID MEDICINES |
| CN202400588U (en) * | 2011-12-29 | 2012-08-29 | 开滦（集团）有限责任公司唐山矿业分公司 | Protective device for preventing chains from staggering and jumping of scraper conveyor |
| WO2013110312A1 (en) * | 2012-01-23 | 2013-08-01 | Abb Technology Ag | System and method for monitoring the condition of a conveyor belt |
| CN104418040A (en) * | 2013-09-09 | 2015-03-18 | 孙慧 | Coal mine belt transportation monitoring system and method |
| CN104495294A (en) * | 2014-09-18 | 2015-04-08 | 内蒙古欣海工矿科技有限公司 | Longitudinal tear protection system for belts of belt conveyers |
-
2015
- 2015-10-12 EP EP15189304.7A patent/EP3156337B1/en active Active
-
2016
- 2016-09-07 CN CN201680059643.0A patent/CN108137176B/en active Active
- 2016-09-07 AU AU2016339741A patent/AU2016339741B2/en active Active
- 2016-09-07 CA CA3001751A patent/CA3001751C/en active Active
- 2016-09-07 WO PCT/EP2016/071007 patent/WO2017063791A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2017063791A1 (en) | 2017-04-20 |
| AU2016339741A1 (en) | 2018-05-17 |
| CN108137176B (en) | 2020-07-10 |
| CA3001751A1 (en) | 2017-04-20 |
| AU2016339741B2 (en) | 2021-08-19 |
| EP3156337A1 (en) | 2017-04-19 |
| CN108137176A (en) | 2018-06-08 |
| EP3156337B1 (en) | 2018-04-11 |
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