DE102007048861A1 - Cleaning device for e.g. syringe, has gripping units fastened with conveyor belt and engaging container, where each gripping unit comprises gripping elements and container engages between elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a set of cleaning stations (3a, 3b, 3c) and a drive for driving a circulating conveyor belt (4). A set of gripping units is fastened to the conveyor belt and engages a pharmaceutical container (6) to be cleaned e.g. syringe, where each gripping unit has a gripping element, another gripping element and a set of exchangeable gripping jaws. The container engages between the gripping elements. A star-shaped feeding device (7) feeds the container and/or a star-shaped discharging device (8) discharges the container.

Description

State of the art

The present invention relates to a cleaning device with a transport system for receiving and transporting pharmaceutical packaging, in particular of containers such as small vials or vials. After filling containers with pharmaceutical agents, in particular with powders or liquids, it must be ensured that no drug dust o. Ä. Is present on the outside of the containers. Therefore, the containers are cleaned after filling on the outside. In such cleaning operations, various cleaning steps are performed at different cleaning stations, such as prewash with hot water, rinsing with a cleaning solution, rinsing with hot water and drying by means of compressed air and / or hot air. It is known to transport the containers by means of a plurality of star wheels to the different cleaning stations. Important in the cleaning is especially a particularly gentle handling to avoid damage to the containers. Furthermore, in the known methods, in particular a head area and a neck area of the containers are not co-cleaned, since it is feared that the means used for cleaning could pass under the closure plug and thus into the interior of the containers due to capillary action. Furthermore, from the EP 0 533 353 B1 a cleaning device known in which the containers are passed by means of a conveyor belt at different cleaning stations. The conveyor belt guides the containers meandering to the different cleaning stations.

Indeed is due to the above problem so far no cleaning device which makes it possible, even a bottleneck to effectively clean a pharmaceutical packaging.

Advantages of the invention

The Cleaning device according to the invention with the Features of claim 1, in contrast, the Advantage that it has a simple and compact design and it allows the containers to be cleaned can be gripped on a head of the container, so that also includes a cleansing of a neck and a transition area between the neck of the container and the rest of the container is possible. This is inventively characterized achieved that the cleaning device is a rotating, driven Transport belt and a plurality of gripping units comprises. The gripping units are each attached to the conveyor belt. Each gripping unit comprises a first and a second gripping element, which The container between his head. hereby is it possible for the container from all sides can be cleaned and optionally also dried. The containers hang freely during transport from the gripping unit down, so it also does not cause any carryover of impurities Means of transport can come, which with the outside the containers are in contact, as for example when transporting by means of star wheels is the case. Further It is easily possible, individual gripping units, for example in case of damage or similar, replace. The Cleaning device according to the invention is suitable especially for the purification of pharmaceutical primary packaging, such as Vials, vials, vials, syringes, etc.

The Subclaims show preferred developments of the invention.

Especially Preferably, the gripping units for different Containers can be retrofitted quickly. this will preferably by exchanging the gripper jaws, such that the gripper main body is attached to the transport belt can stay. Thus, a quick conversion of the machine be made available to another container.

Around a particularly fast and reliable inlet or To allow discharge to or from the cleaning device, the cleaning device preferably comprises an inlet star and / or an outlet star. The delivery of the containers To or from the conveyor belt is preferably carried out on a Guide wheel.

According to one further preferred embodiment of the present invention each of the plurality of gripping units is a seal, with which a closure of the container during transport can be. This will make it possible for that to be effective Cleaning process, such. B. a cleaning by means of a two-fluid nozzle or steam jets, allowing without the danger there is a liquid used during cleaning gets into the interior of the container. Thus, a particularly effective cleaning.

Further an axis of rotation of the first gripping element is preferably at another Position as at a rotational axis of the second gripping element. There are particularly preferably the two axes of rotation of the first and second Gripping element arranged on a straight line, the straight particular is preferably aligned perpendicular to the conveyor belt.

Especially preferred is the first gripping element and the second gripping element interlocked. This will cause a simultaneous movement of the secured first and second gripping element.

Further preferred is a first vertical plane comprising the belt, spaced parallel to a second vertical plane passing through a middle of the package runs arranged. hereby arises between the conveyor belt and the center of the container a predetermined offset, whereby a wide opening of the gripping unit becomes possible.

Further Preferably, each gripping unit comprises a tension spring, which when opening the gripping unit is clamped and for a subsequent automatic closing of the gripping unit ensures.

According to one further preferred embodiment of the present invention each gripping unit a roller to open the gripping unit. The roller is over with at least one gripping element connected to a lever and can, for example, by accumulating on a ramp o. Ä. Open a gripping unit. The Roller is particularly preferred on a back arranged the gripping unit.

Especially Preferably, the first and the second gripping element are both movable arranged. This can be a necessary path of movement of the first and second gripping element are kept small.

According to one alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention the gripping unit comprises a first fixed immovably on the support belt Gripping element and a second movable gripping element. Thus, can the packaging by movement of the second movable gripping element be seized or released.

According to one Still another alternative embodiment of the present invention the gripping unit comprises a first and a second belt tongs, which are each immovably fixed to the conveyor belt. An opening This gripping unit takes place on a guide wheel. The first and second belt pliers in each case has a semicircular Recesses on, with the outward ends Move away from each other on a diverter wheel, so that the recording or the release of a container possible becomes. As soon as the conveyor belt leaves the guide wheel again and a transition to a straight conveyor line is present, the gripping unit is automatically closed. With others Words, the first and second belt tongs are designed such that when the conveyor belt passes through a straight conveyor line, they are in the closed state to the container to grab. This embodiment of the gripper unit has in particular the advantage that they can dispense with moving parts, so that provided particularly simple and inexpensive can be. Preferably, at the first and second belt tongs Bevels provided to an opening width during one revolution to increase a pulley.

The Cleaning device according to the invention is particular used for cleaning pharmaceutical containers. In particular, if it is ensured that a head of the container is encapsulated in the gripping element, the cleaning device effective cleaning stations, such. B. steam jets o. Ä., include, which in a very short time a very good cleaning enable. Also, then sufficient drying stations be provided, as is avoided by the encapsulation that due an air jet for drying liquid droplets can get to the head of the container.

drawing

following preferred embodiments of the invention below Reference to the accompanying drawings described in detail. In the drawing is:

1 a schematic plan view of a cleaning device according to a first embodiment of the invention,

2 a schematic, perspective view of a gripping unit according to the first embodiment in the open state,

3 a view from below of the gripping unit of 2 in the open state,

4 a view from below of the gripping unit of 2 when closed,

5 a side view of the gripping unit of 2 .

6 a perspective view of the gripping unit of 2 when closed,

7 a schematic, perspective view of a gripping unit according to a second embodiment of the invention,

8th a schematic view from below of in 7 shown gripping unit of the second embodiment,

9 a schematic plan view of a Cleaning device with gripping units according to a third embodiment of the invention,

10 a perspective, enlarged view of the gripping unit of the third embodiment,

11 a perspective view of a cleaning device with a gripping unit according to a fourth embodiment of the invention,

12 an enlarged partial view of 11 .

13 a plan view of the gripping unit of the fourth embodiment in the closed state, and

14 a plan view of the gripping unit of the fourth embodiment in the open state.

Preferred embodiments the invention

The following is with reference to the 1 to 6 a cleaning device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention described in detail.

1 shows the overall view of the cleaning device 1 , The cleaning device 1 includes a transport device 2 , which is a revolving belt 4 which has around several pulleys 5 is led around. Side of the belt are several stations, such. B. a pre-cleaning station 3a , a main cleaning station 3b and a drying station 3c arranged. The belt 4 is by means of several pulleys 5 of which at least one is driven, deflected. The cleaning device 1 also includes an inlet star 7 , which the containers to be cleaned 6 feeds, as well as an outlet star 8th which the cleaned containers from the cleaning device 1 extracts. The containers 6 be in front of the cleaning device 1 with a substance, such as a drug, filled and sealed, then in the cleaning device 1 cleaned from the outside and finally continued to a labeling station, inspection device and / or packaging station. Pharmaceutical containers may be vials, ampoules, small vials or containers, syringes, etc.

Like from the 1 and 5 it can be seen, are on the circulating belt 4 a variety of gripping units 10 arranged. The gripping units 10 For example, they are connected to the belt by means of screwing.

Each gripping unit 10 comprises a first gripping element 11 and a second gripping element 12 , As in particular from the 2 and 3 it can be seen, each gripping unit is designed like a pair of pliers to each between a container 6 to grab. The two gripping elements 11 . 12 have interchangeable jaws 11a . 12a on, which are designed as interchangeable inserts, so that at each gripping unit quickly and easily a jaw change can be made to the cleaning device 1 to convert to another container. The first gripping element 11 is rotatably mounted about a rotation axis D1 and the second gripping element 12 is rotatably mounted about a rotation axis D2. As in particular from 4 it can be seen, the two axes of rotation D1 and D2 lie on a line L, which at the same time also a center line of the gripping unit 10 forms. The first gripping element 11 is also via a lever arm 13 with a roller 14 connected. The roller 14 serves to open and close the gripping unit 10 , This happens, for example, by a ramp 3 which, how, out 1 it can be seen, for example, on the pulley for the inlet star 7 and on the pulley for the outlet star 8th are arranged. At the inlet star 7 opens the gripping unit 10 to the container 6 and at the outlet star 8th opens the gripping unit 10 to dispose of the cleaned container. Furthermore, still on the first gripping element 11 and on the second gripping element 12 each bevel 11b . 12b , Provided, which are arranged on the outside of the jaws and a larger opening angle for the gripping unit 10 enable.

As further from the 3 and 4 it can be seen comprises the first gripping element 11 a first gearing 11c and the second gripping element 12 a second gearing 12c , The two gears 11c . 12c are engaged with each other, so that when a position of the rollers 14 For example, is changed by a ramp, on the one hand, the position of the first gripping element 11 changes and on the other hand about the gears 11c . 12c also the position of the second gripping element 12 is changed so that the gripping unit 10 opens by movement of the two gripping elements. To reset is a return spring 15 provided, which is tensioned during the opening operation and then automatically the gripping unit 10 closes when the caster 14 is free again.

The gripping unit 10 further comprises a holder 16 over which the gripping unit 10 with the belt 4 z. B. is connected by means of screwing.

How farther 5 it can be seen, lies the belt 4 in a vertical plane E1 and the container 6 is transported in such a way that the center of the container 6 lies in a vertical plane E2. The planes E1 and E2 are parallel to one another and spaced apart by a distance A. standet. The container 6 is doing below the belt 4 transported. The distance A between the first plane E1 of the belt 4 and the center plane E2 of the container 6 is to choose as low as possible, so that when opening the gripping unit 10 occurring lateral load on the belt 4 is minimized.

At the first and second jaw 11a . 12a , is each further, as from the bottom views of 3 and 4 it can be seen, in each case still a sealing element 11d respectively. 12d arranged, which each have the shape of a half ring. Alternatively, a closed shape (contour) would be conceivable on all sides. The sealing elements ensure that when gripped a head portion of the container 6 is sealed down or on all sides, so that splashing liquid o. Ä. During the cleaning and / or drying processes not to seal the container 6 can get to the head area.

As in particular from 5 it can be seen is at the bottom of the bracket 16 a free space 16a provided, which is a guide of the belt 4 on a guide element, not shown, in particular in the area of the cleaning stations 3 , allows. This will ensure that a position of the belt 4 and thus also of the seized container 6 during the cleaning process is correct. It should also be noted that the pulleys 5 further still have a groove which with a back projection (track tooth) of the belt 4 engageable to a running of the belt in the region of the pulleys 5 to avoid. Furthermore, the guide prevents sagging of the belt, especially with longer conveyor lines 4 and can thereby also avoid any occurring swinging of the belt. The guide may for example consist of two guide strips, which after insertion of the belt 4 be bolted together. The screwed together guide rails can almost the entire profile of the belt 4 so that the best possible guidance is achieved.

The function of the cleaning device according to the invention 1 is as follows. How out 1 it can be seen, the filled containers 6 over the inlet star 7 in the cleaning device 1 introduced. Here are the gripping units 10 can access the assigned. By the offset A between the middle of the containers 6 and the belt 4 increases during the circulation around the pulley 5 the division of the containers. For a problem-free transfer, therefore, a pitch circle diameter of the inlet star 7 tangential to a pitch circle diameter for the gripping position on the gripping units 10 be. If then a handover of the container 6 into the opened gripping unit 10 has taken place, the gripping elements 11 . 12 closed again, and thereby put the seals of the gripping elements close to the neck of the container 6 at. Subsequently, the so gripped container is on the cleaning section at the various cleaning stations 3 past. In this case, the gripping unit remains 10 over the entire route in its closed state. The belt 4 runs at a constant speed.

A delivery of the then cleaned containers to an outlet star 8th takes place again on a pulley 5 by opening the gripping unit 10 and a transfer to the outlet star 8th , Again, the corresponding diameter at the outlet star 8th and the pitch circle diameter of the center of the containers be tangential to each other to allow easy transfer.

Intended in the cleaning device 1 another container does not need cleaning the entire belt 4 but it is sufficient if the interchangeable jaws of the gripping unit to be replaced. In order to be able to grasp and clean, for example, wider containers, it is preferred that a distance between individual gripping units 10 on the belt 4 is chosen as large as possible. If it should be clear from the outset that only smaller containers in the cleaning device should be cleaned, there should be a distance between individual gripping units 10 also be as small as possible on the belt.

The distance between the individual gripping units 10 However, it should not be too small, since it has been found that in particular at a drying station in the cleaning device 1 It may happen that subsequent gripping units are in the lee of a previous gripping unit and thus can not be dried sufficiently.

The following is with reference to the 6 and 7 a cleaning unit according to a second embodiment of the invention described, wherein identical or functionally identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. In contrast to the first embodiment, the gripping unit 10 of the second embodiment constructed somewhat differently. As in particular from 7 it can be seen, are the first gripping element 11 and the second gripping element 12 constructed simpler than in the first embodiment. The gripping elements 11 . 12 of the second embodiment are simple pliers gripper, which can clamp a container between them. In particular, a container to be clamped is clamped to a neck region of the container. An opening or closing mechanism the gripping unit 10 corresponds to that of the first embodiment. Further, the gripping elements of the second embodiment are not provided interchangeable. However, the two gripping elements can grip containers with differently sized neck diameters between them, wherein they are then not completely closed due to the biasing force of the return spring 5 However, a sufficient clamping of the containers can be achieved. Thus, the gripping unit 10 of the second embodiment also engage different containers, without a conversion of the gripping unit would be necessary. However, the gripping unit 10 of the second embodiment can not achieve complete encapsulation in the lid region of the container. Otherwise, this embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment, so that reference may be made to the description given there.

With reference to the 9 and 10 a cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the invention will be described in detail below, wherein identical or functionally identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiment.

As in particular from 10 can be seen, the gripping units are formed differently from the previous embodiments. In detail, each gripping unit 20 designed as a belt pliers, which a first pliers half 21 and a second pliers half 22 includes. Here, the first half of the pliers works 21 but with a second pliers half 22 ' an adjacent belt tongs together to form a container 6 to grab. Also works the second pliers half 22 with a neighboring pliers half 21 ' together to the next container 6 to grab. The two pliers halves 21 . 22 are how out 10 it can be seen via a bracket 23 on the belt 4 attached. By the deflection of the belt 4 on the pulley 5 open or close the gripping units to containers 6 to take over a bracket 23 on the belt 4 attached. By the deflection of the belt 4 on the pulley 5 open or close the gripping units to containers 6 to take or leave. To encapsulate a lid 6a to reach is on the first pliers half 21 a semi-annular sealing element 21a arranged and on the second pliers half 22 also a semi-annular sealing element 22a arranged. Through these seals, a neck portion of the container 6 be tightly enclosed. Since the belt pliers open at each guide wheel and the containers to be cleaned 6 be released, it is necessary to provide an additional guide element for the containers in areas of pulleys on which they should not be discharged. Such a guide can be achieved, for example, by means of a marginal guide plane or a star over which the containers 6 can be pushed through the trailing tong half. It should also be noted that for easier container shrinkage 6 in the transport device to the trailing tong halves an inclined surface 23 is provided. As a result, although an easier recording of the containers 6 reached in the transport device, however, results in the closed state, a small space 24 , To these free spaces 24 To avoid pocket-like recesses can be formed in the leading tong halves. Despite such overhead, this embodiment of the cleaning device is still very easy and inexpensive to provide.

The following is with reference to the 11 to 14 a cleaning unit 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention described in detail. Identical or functionally identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the preceding embodiments.

The cleaning device of the fourth embodiment has a gripping unit 30 on which an active gripping element 31 and a fixed gripping element 32 includes. The fixed gripping element 32 essentially corresponds to one of the pliers halves of the third embodiment. The active gripping element 31 is rotatable at a pivot point M on the fixed gripping element 32 attached and can turn around the fulcrum M. Furthermore, the active gripping element 31 via a return spring 15 with the fixed gripping element 32 connected. The gripping unit 30 is via a clamping connection on the fixed gripping element 32 is provided on the belt 4 attached.

As in particular from the 12 to 14 is apparent, is on the active gripping element 31 another lid area 31a provided, which is a cap 6a of the container 6 covers. On the fixed gripping element 32 is a semi-circular recess 32a formed, which for receiving the neck of the container 6 serves.

How out 11 it can be seen is on the pulley 5 , on which no inlet star or outlet star is arranged, a guide plate 5a provided, which has a base area 5d and recesses 5c for receiving the containers 6 has to drop out of the containers 6 from the pulley 5 to avoid open gripping unit.

The function of the gripping unit 30 of the fourth embodiment is as follows. If the belt 4 around a pulley 5 is guided, change the distances from each other adjacent gripper units 30 , This allows the return spring 15 the active gripping element 31 rotate about the pivot point M, so that the radially outwardly directed side of the active gripper element 31 from the adjacent fixed gripping element 32 away. The further the belt 4 while the pulley 5 is deflected, the opening W (see. 12 ). This can be a container 6 supplied or removed from the transport device. The gripping unit is closed 30 of the fourth embodiment again in that at a radially inner region of the active gripper element 31 a subsequent fixed gripping element 32 approaches again, leaving the active gripping element 30 against the spring force of the return spring 15 is pivoted about the pivot point M. If the belt 4 Here again has reached a straight transport distance, is the gripping unit 30 completely closed.

Otherwise this embodiment corresponds to the previous embodiments, so that reference can be made to the description given there.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - EP 0533353 B1 [0001]

Claims (14)

Cleaning device for external cleaning of containers ( 6 ), in particular of pharmaceutical containers for holding liquid or powdery media, comprising at least one cleaning station ( 3a . 3b . 3c ), a circulating transport belt ( 4 ), a drive for driving the conveyor belt ( 4 ), and a plurality of gripping units ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ), each gripping unit ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) on the transport belt ( 4 ) and a container to be cleaned ( 6 ), each gripping unit ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) a first gripping element ( 11 ; 21 ; 31 ) and a second gripping element ( 12 ; 22 ; 32 ), which the container ( 6 ) between them. Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping unit ( 10 ) interchangeable jaws ( 11a . 12a ). Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an inlet star ( 7 ) for feeding the containers ( 6 ) and / or an outlet star ( 8th ) for removing the containers ( 6 ). Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sealing element ( 11d ; 3a ) on the first gripping element ( 11 ; 31 ) and a sealing element ( 12d ; 32a ) on the second gripping element ( 12 ; 32 ). Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first gripping element ( 11 ) is rotatable about a first axis of rotation (D1) and the second gripping element (D1) 12 ) is rotatable about a second axis of rotation (D2). Cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that that the first and second axes of rotation (D1, D2) fall apart. Cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that that the first axis of rotation (D1) and the second axis of rotation (D2) on a common line (L) lie. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first gripping element ( 11 ) a first toothing ( 11c ) and the second gripping element ( 12 ) a second toothing ( 12c ), wherein the first toothing ( 11c ) with the second toothing ( 12c ) combs. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first vertical plane (E1), in which the belt ( 4 ) is arranged, parallel to a predetermined distance (A) from a second vertical plane (E2), which a center of the containers ( 6 ) is arranged. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a spring element ( 15 ) to automatically close or open a gripper unit. Cleaning device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the gripping unit ( 20 ) a first belt tongs ( 21 ) and a second belt tongs ( 22 ) fixed to the belt ( 4 ) are fastened to the container (in each case by means of an adjacent belt tongs of an adjacent gripping unit ( 6 ), and the gripping unit ( 20 ) by deflecting the belt ( 4 ) on a pulley ( 5 ) opens and closes when running out of the pulley. Cleaning device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the gripping unit ( 30 ) an active gripping element ( 31 ) and a fixed gripping element ( 32 ) and the container ( 6 ) by means of the active gripping element ( 31 ) and a fixed gripping element ( 32 ' ) of an adjacent gripping unit ( 30 ' ) attacks. Cleaning device according to claim 12, characterized in that the active gripping element ( 31 ) rotatable about a pivot point (M) on the fixed gripping element ( 30 ) is attached. Cleaning device according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising a spring element ( 15 ), which at the active gripping element ( 31 ) and on the fixed gripping element ( 32 ) and the active gripping element ( 31 ) relative to the fixed gripping element ( 32 ).