DE202017103606U1 - Holding plate for holding a holding structure for closure elements and device for closing a plurality of cartridges - Google Patents

Abstract

Retaining plate (90) for holding a closure structure (2) for closure elements (200) in a method for closing a plurality of cartridges (5) for use in pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, in particular by placing plugs, wherein the holding structure (2) for closure elements (200) has a plurality of tubular receptacles (61) which are arranged in a regular arrangement to at least partially releasably receive a plurality of closure elements (200), wherein the holding plate (90) comprises a plurality of tubular receptacles (92). which are formed on a lower side thereof, wherein the tubular seats (92) of the holding plate (90) are arranged in the same regular arrangement as the tubular seats (61) of the holding structure (2) for closing elements (200), and at least one axial slot (99) in side walls (93) of the tubular receptacles (92) of the holding plate (90) is formed or at least one notch at lower ends of the side walls (93) of the tubular receptacles (92) of the holding plate (90) is formed in order to accelerate a ventilation of the tubular receptacles in the method for closing.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to the simultaneous further processing of a larger number (batch) of sealed cartridges, in particular end-crimped cartridges, for use in pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, and more particularly relates to a support plate for holding a support structure (hereafter and also referred to in the art as a nest) for closure elements, for example for elastic plugs or plunger stoppers, for use in a method for closing carpules or for setting closure elements or plugs in carpules, especially in ready-beaded carpules. A further aspect of the present invention relates to a device for closing a plurality of sealed cartridges, in particular of ready-beaded cartridges at one end, in particular for use in existing filling and sealing machines for processing sealed or pre-fillable syringe barrels.

Background of the invention

The 1 Fig. 12 is a side sectional schematic cross-sectional view of a prior art method of simultaneously closing (plugging) a plurality of carpules crimped at one end, such as in Figs WO 2016 166769 A1 the applicant discloses.

Cartridge support structure 301 305 (hereinafter also referred to as a carpule nest) includes a plurality of receptacles to receive the carpules 305 upside down, the receptacles being formed by cylindrical sidewalls 314 extending from the underside of a support plate 310 protrude. The holding structure 302 for closure elements or plugs 400 (hereinafter also referred to as closure element nest) comprises a plurality of receptacles for receiving closure elements or plugs 400, wherein the receptacles are formed by cylindrical side walls 362 which project from the underside of a holding plate 360.

The holding plate 310 of the Karpulennests 301 is held by a lower holding plate 380 at a predetermined position and in a predetermined orientation. By means of the lower support plate 380, the upper ends of the cartridges 305 are positioned at a precisely defined height level relative to the machine support frame 370, which may be part of a processing station 410 for processing containers, which in turn may be located in a clean room or under sterile conditions can, for example, at a pharmaceutical company or bottling plant for pharmaceuticals.

The fastener plate nest holding plate 360 is held at a predetermined position and in a predetermined orientation by an upper holding plate 390. The upper support plate 390 is disposed above the bottom plate 380 in a predetermined orientation and mutual positional relationship such that all the receptacles 361 of the support plate 360 for the closure element nest 302 are exactly aligned with, and aligned with, all of the receptacles passing through the side walls 314 of the Karpulennests 302 are formed. Thus, the receptacles 361 are aligned with the carpules 305, which are held by the Karpulennest 301.

Like in the 1 2, the lower ends of the fasteners 400 received in the seats are retained at exactly the same height level by hook-like projections 394 formed on the lower ends of the cylindrical side walls 393 of the seats 361 formed on the underside of the upper holding plate 390 , More specifically, the lower ends of the side walls 362 of the receptacles 361 of the closure element nest 302 are supported directly on the upper ends of the carpules 305.

Like in the 1 As shown, the lower end of the cylindrical side walls 393 of the receptacles of the upper holding plate 390 are chamfered inwardly so as to closely conform to the open upper ends of the cartridges 305 during the plugging operation.

For closing the upper ends of the cartridges 305, the plugs 400 are pushed out of the receptacles 361 of the fastener element nest 302 and pressed into the filling openings at the upper ends of the carpules 305, while the carpules 305 are received in the receptacles of the Karpulennests 301 , The closure elements or plugs 400 are pressed down by means of a plurality of adjustable push rods 421 of the closure machine 420. This closing process may be performed line by line, but may also be performed simultaneously for all of the closure members or plugs 400 and cartridges 305 held by the nests 301, 302.

In this closing method, the upper ends of the carpules 305 and the lower ends of the cylindrical side walls 393 of FIG Receiving the upper holding plate 390 in direct contact with each other, thereby exerting an axial load on the carpules 305, which is undesirable because high axial forces prevail during the closing process. In order to avoid such loading, a very small gap may be present between the upper ends of the carpules 305 and the lower ends of the cylindrical side walls 393 of the receptacles of the upper holding plate 390 during the closing process.

The conventional capping process described above is performed in a vacuum environment but requires the creation of a suitable vacuum or vacuum in the process station 410. However, it has been found that the generation of a suitable vacuum or negative pressure in the conventional process station 410 according to the 1 is difficult and expensive, especially if one aims at a high throughput of the process station 410, which requires efficient ventilation of gas in the process station 410.

US 5519984 discloses an associated method for capping single-compartment syringes. In this method, initially compressible closure members of a normal diameter sufficient to sealingly engage the inner wall of the syringe are inserted into a generally conical hollow tube. The hollow tube containing the plugs is then inserted into the syringe to position the closure element at a predetermined position in the syringe. This position of the closure member is maintained substantially stationary at the predetermined position relative to the syringe by additional means for retaining the closure member. Thereafter, the hollow tube is withdrawn from the syringe in a manner such that the closure member in the syringe remains properly positioned, the closure member then expands and sealingly engages the inner wall of the syringe. Finally, the means for holding the closure element are removed again.

While this process can be carried out in a vacuum environment, it requires a complicated structure and it is generally difficult to carry out this process simultaneously on a plurality of syringes held in a regular array.

Summary of the invention

It is a general object of the present invention to provide improvements to a method of sealing or sealing a plurality of cartridges for use in pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat 1 described above, so that it can be performed faster and more reliably in a vacuum or vacuum environment.

This object is achieved by a holding plate for holding a closure structure for closure elements in a closing process for sealing a plurality of cartridges for use in pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, as claimed in claims 1 and 5, respectively. This object is further achieved by a device for closing a plurality of cartridges for use in pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications in a vacuum or vacuum environment as claimed in claim 11. Further advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to the present invention, there is provided a retainer plate for holding a fastener support structure in a method of closing or sealing a plurality of cartridges for use in pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, in particular for setting plugs, wherein the fastener support structure comprises A plurality of tubular receptacles arranged in a regular arrangement to at least partially releasably receive a plurality of closure elements, wherein the holding plate has a plurality of tubular receptacles formed on a lower side thereof, wherein the tubular receptacles of the holding plate in the same regular arrangement are arranged as the tubular receptacles of the holding structure for closure elements.

According to the present invention, at least one axial slot is formed in side walls of the tubular receptacles of the retaining plate, or at least one notch is formed at lower ends of the side walls of the tubular receptacles of the retaining plate to a ventilation of the tubular receptacles in the method for closing or Setting plug to improve or accelerate. Any residual gas in the vicinity of the upper ends of the carpules can thus flow efficiently over the at least one axial slot or the at least one notch, so that this critical region can be evacuated faster according to the invention, whereby a higher throughput of a closure and filling machine is made possible according to the invention.

For this purpose, the respective axial slot may also extend in a non-vertical direction of the side walls of the receptacles of the holding plate.

According to another embodiment, a plurality of such axial slots are formed in the side walls of the tubular receptacles of the retaining plate, or a plurality of such notches formed at the lower ends of the side walls of the tubular receptacles of the retaining plate, wherein the plurality of axial slots or notches under the same Angular distances are arranged distributed to one another along the side walls of the tubular receptacles of the holding plate. Thus, the side walls are less weakened by the axial slots, but an even higher flow rate can be achieved for evacuating the area at the upper ends of the cartridges.

According to a further embodiment, the inner diameter of the tubular receptacles of the retaining plate is greater than the outer diameter of the tubular receptacles of the fastener support structure (the fastener element nest), causing some bending or bending of the sidewalls of the tubular receptacles of the fastener fastener structure relative to the receptacles of the mechanically stable ones Holding plate allows to compensate for any displacement effects during the stopper plugging, which could be caused for example by a misalignment between the recordings of the closure element nest and the upper ends of the cartridges. Furthermore, such an annular gap also provides a certain volume which may be useful for temporarily balancing the displacement of any residual gas present at the tops of the cartridges during stopper plugs, resulting in a further improvement and accelerating the ventilation in these areas.

According to a further embodiment, the axial length of the tubular receptacles of the holding plate is smaller than the axial length of the tubular receptacles of the holding structure for closure elements. Again, such additional volume may be useful to temporarily offset the displacement of any residual gas present at the tops of the cartridges during stopper plugs to further enhance venting in these areas ,

According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be claimed independently of the aforementioned aspects of the present invention, but which can also be combined with the aforementioned aspects of the present invention, a holding plate for a closure element (closure element nest) in a method for Closing a plurality of cartridges for use in pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications provided, in particular by placing plugs, wherein the holding structure for closure elements comprises a plurality of tubular receptacles arranged in a regular array to at least partially a plurality of closure elements releasably receiving, wherein the holding plate has a plurality of tubular receptacles, which is formed on a lower side thereof, wherein the tubular receptacles of the holding plate in the Lichen regular arrangement as the tubular receptacles of the support structure for closure elements are arranged. According to the invention, an inner diameter of the tubular receptacles of the holding plate is greater than an outer diameter of the tubular receptacles of the holding structure for closure elements and / or an axial length of the tubular receptacles of the holding plate is smaller than an axial length of the tubular receptacles of the holding structure for closure elements.

Thus, some balance volume is provided within the receptacles of the upper retainer plate, which could be useful for temporarily compensating for the displacement of a residual gas which might be present in the region of the upper ends of the cartridges during the plugging operation Ventilation to improve further, as stated above. In addition, the annular gap allows for some deflection or bending of the side walls of the tubular receptacles of the fastener support structure to compensate for any displacement effects due to any misalignment between the receptacles of the fastener nest and the tops of the cartridges to be sealed, as described above.

According to a further embodiment, at least one axial slot is formed in the side walls of the tubular receptacles of the retaining plate, or at least one notch is formed at the lower ends of the side walls of the tubular receptacles of the retaining plate to improve aeration and venting of the tubular receptacles during the closing process as described above.

According to another embodiment, lower chamfered surfaces, which are chamfered inwardly, are formed at lower ends of the tubular receptacles of the support plate, which prevents any radial misalignment of the upper ends of the cartridges during the process Closing process, which could be caused for example by a slight misalignment between the images of the closure element nest and the upper ends of the cartridges, and which leads to an exact positioning of the upper ends of the carpules during the closing process.

According to a further embodiment, the lower ends of the tubular receptacles of the retaining plate further comprise upper bevelled surfaces which are tapered outwardly, the upper and lower bevelled surfaces converging at a circumferential vertex line formed on an inner surface of the tubular receptacles of the retaining plate is formed, which further supports centering and positioning of the closure elements during their downward movement in the closing process in correspondence with the associated upper ends of the cartridges to be closed.

A method for sealing (setting closure elements, in particular plugs) of a plurality of cartridges for use in pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, which uses the holding plate according to the present invention comprises in particular the following steps: providing a closure element nest as described above, wherein the closure members are releasably engaged to retain the closure members in the seats; Providing a carpule nest to receive a plurality of cartridges upside down, the carpules being sealed at one end; Arranging the closure element nest above the Karpulennests in a negative pressure environment, so that the images of the Verschlussnests are arranged aligned with the images of Karpulennests, in particular aligned with these are arranged; and pushing the fastener elements downwardly out of the receptacles of the fastener element nest and into the fill apertures at the upper ends of the carpules while the carpules are received in the receptacles of the carpule nest with the carpule nest held by a lower support plate, the fastener element nest from an upper one Holding plate is held above the lower holding plate, and the lower holding plate and the upper holding plate are arranged at a fixed distance from each other and are aligned by alignment means with each other.

In this method, the upper holding plate is disposed above the lower holding plate at such a distance that a gap is formed between the lower ends of the tubular receivers of the upper holding plate and the upper ends of the cartridges. Accordingly, during the closing process (and filling operation), no axial stress can be exerted on the upper ends of the carpules. Moreover, this gap also efficiently improves aeration and deaeration of gas in the region of the upper ends of the cartridges in generating a vacuum or vacuum for the closing operation (and the filling process), whereby the throughput of the capping and filling machine can be effectively improved.

According to another embodiment, the upper holding plate is formed according to the above-described first aspect of the present invention.

According to a further embodiment, the closed carpules are finished crimped or finished beaded at one end, in particular at one end, which is opposite to the filling opening.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for closing a plurality of cartridges for use in pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications in a vacuum environment, the apparatus for performing the aforementioned method of closing (plugging) a plurality of cartridges Carpules is formed.

list of figures

• 1 ein Verfahren nach dem Stand der Technik zum gleichzeitigen Verschließen (Setzen von Stopfen bei) einer Mehrzahl von fertig gebördelten Karpulen in einer schematischen Seitenansicht im Schnitt zeigt;
• 2a eine perspektivische Ansicht von oben einer Haltestruktur für Karpulen zur Verwendung in einem Verfahren gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung ist;
• 2b eine perspektivische Unteransicht der Haltestruktur von 2a ist;
• 2c eine vergrößerte Teilansicht ist, die zeigt, wie die Karpulen innerhalb der Aufnahmen der Haltestruktur von 2a in einem Verfahren gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung abgestützt sind;
• 2d eine Schnittansicht einer in 2c gezeigten Karpule ist;
• 3a - 3c Einzelheiten einer Haltestruktur für Verschlusselemente für Karpulen zur Verwendung in einem Verfahren gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigen;
• 3d - 3e die Aufnahme von Verschlusselementen in den Aufnahmen einer Haltestruktur für Verschlusselemente für Karpulen gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigen;
• 4a - 4f eine Anordnung zum gleichzeitigen Verschließen (Setzen von Stopfen bei) einer Mehrzahl von Karpulen in verschiedenen Prozessschritten zeigen, wobei ein Nest für Verschlusselemente und ein Nest für Karpulen, deren Aufnahmen zueinander ausgerichtet sind;
• 4g diese Anordnung in einer perspektivischen Explosionsansicht darstellt;
• 5a eine perspektivische Draufsicht einer oberen Halteplatte gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung zum Halten bzw. Abstützen einer Haltestruktur für Verschlusselemente zeigt, wie diese in den 3a-3c gezeigt ist;
• 5b eine perspektivische Unteransicht der oberen Halteplatte von 5a ist;
• 5c das Detail A von 5b in einer vergrößerten Ansicht zeigt;
• 6 eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Bearbeitungsstation zur Verarbeitung von verschlossenen bzw. versiegelten Karpulen unter Verwendung der Haltestruktur für Karpulen in einem Befüllungsprozess zeigt;
• 7a ein Verfahren zum gleichzeitigen Verschließen (Setzten von Stopfen bei) einer Mehrzahl von Karpulen in einer schematischen Seitenansicht im Schnitt zeigt; und
• 7b das Detail von 7a in einer vergrößerten Ansicht zeigt.

In the following, the present invention is disclosed by way of example and with reference to the drawings, in which:

• 1 a prior art method for simultaneously closing (setting of plug in) a plurality of finished beaded carpules in a schematic side view in section;
• 2a Figure 11 is a top perspective view of a support structure for carpules for use in a method according to the present invention;
• 2 B a perspective bottom view of the support structure of 2a is;
• 2c is an enlarged partial view showing how the carpules within the receptacles of the support structure of 2a are supported in a method according to the present invention;
• 2d a sectional view of an in 2c shown carpule is;
• 3a - 3c Show details of a support structure for shuttering elements for cartridges for use in a method according to the present invention;
• 3d - 3e show the reception of closure elements in the receptacles of a support structure for closure elements for carpules according to a further embodiment of the present invention;
• 4a - 4f show an arrangement for simultaneously closing (setting of plugs in) a plurality of cartridges in different process steps, wherein a nest for closure elements and a nest for carpules, whose receptacles are aligned with each other;
• 4g this arrangement is an exploded perspective view;
• 5a a perspective top view of an upper holding plate according to the present invention for supporting or supporting a holding structure for closure elements, as shown in the 3a-3c is shown;
• 5b a bottom perspective view of the upper plate of 5a is;
• 5c the detail A of 5b in an enlarged view;
• 6 shows a schematic plan view of a processing station for processing sealed or sealed cartridges using the support structure for carpules in a filling process;
• 7a a method for simultaneously closing (setting of plug at) a plurality of cartridges in a schematic side view in section; and
• 7b the detail of 7a in an enlarged view shows.

In the figures, like reference numerals designate like or substantially equivalent elements or groups of elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A support structure (hereinafter also referred to as a "nest for carpules" or "Karpulennest"), as it is to be used according to the present invention in a method for further processing of carpules, is in WO 2016 166769 A1 The applicant discloses the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The carpule nest is used to simultaneously support a plurality of cartridges for use in pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications sealed at one end. Such cartridges, including pen cartridges, bypass cartridges and carpules for dental applications, are a commonly used packaging solution for drug delivery systems such as insulin delivery, pen system, pump systems, auto-injectors and needle-free injectors , For special requirements, such as bypass cartridges and chemically hardened cartridges, personalized designs are available on the market.

An example of such a carpule, which is designed as a syringe barrel is in the 2c and 2d and has an upper end with an opening for filling 53 , a lower end opposite the upper end 52 and a cylindrical body 50 with a first outer diameter, usually with the diameter of the opening for filling 53 at the top of the syringe body is identical. The cylindrical body 50 goes into a tapered shoulder section 51 at the lower end with reduced diameter over which a widened lower edge 52 with a secondary opening 54 which is intended for the administration of medicinal products. After filling the cylindrical body 50 the opening becomes filling 53 closed by an elastomeric closure provided with or without a fluoropolymer barrier layer, for example with a thick plug of rubber or a plastic which later serves as a piston when the contents of the syringe barrel are pushed out to administer a drug. The secondary opening 54 is sealed by a gasket, typically a rubber stopper with septum (puncture rubber) provided with or without a fluoropolymer barrier coating, or a combination seal (a so-called combiseal). To protect the septum and fix the plug, an outer closure (crimped cap or crimp cap) is used, often of aluminum sheet or aluminum / plastic composite, usually over the widened lower edge 52 crimped or crimped to thereby fix the seal fixed to the carpule at the end of administration opposite the filling opening and thus form a finished beaded carpule in the sense of the present application. In the cross-sectional view of 2c is such a finished beaded carpule with a seal 55 of the aforementioned type shown on the right and left side of the drawing, while the centrally shown carpule is shown in a cross section and without such a seal. Like from the 2c can be inferred is a predetermined axial length between the upper end and the lower end of the carpule 5 established. Cartridges according to the present invention are not provided at their upper ends, in particular with a finger rest, as is the case with conventional syringe bodies, and, if they would still have such a finger rest, they would not be supported directly with such a finger rest on a support plate or portions thereof, as explained in more detail below, when such a carpule is received in a nest.

As in the 2a and 2 B As shown, a support structure for carpules (hereinafter also referred to as "nest for carpules" or "carpule nest") has a flat support plate 10 with a plurality of tubular receptacles 11 on, which are arranged in a regular arrangement and extend at least starting from the bottom of the flat support plate 11 downward (see bottom view of 2 B ) and preferably also projecting from the top of the carrier plate upwards, as in the perspective view from above 2a shown. Thus, the tubular shots 11 through the peripherally formed side walls 12 . 14 formed, each from the top or bottom of the support plate 10 protrude. Preferably, these side walls 12 . 14 cylindrically shaped to receive the carpules therein, although other shapes are possible, such as polygonal shapes. These shots 11 are arranged in a regular two-dimensional arrangement at equal distances from each other.

Like in the 2c Shown is the axial length of the shots 11 smaller than the axial length of the cartridges to be picked up 5 so that in use the upper ends with the openings for filling 53 over the upper edge of the upper side walls 12 protrude from the recordings, so that the openings for filling 53 are freely accessible for further processing, for example to perform a filling process, as in the 15 shown.

As in the 2 B and 2c Shown are retaining projections 15 at the lower ends of the shots 11 formed, which protrude radially inwardly, ie perpendicular to the side walls 14 , These retaining projections 15 are on the shoulder sections 51 The carpules are tuned to the shoulder sections 51 directly on the retaining projections 15 the recordings 11 are supported when the carpules upside down in the shots 11 are included, as in the 2c shown. Furthermore, the axial length of the receptacles is matched to the lengths of the cartridges that the upper ends of the carpules 5 from the upper ends of the shots 11 to protrude, as in the 2c shown.

As in 2d is shown, the outer diameter of the sealed at one end or finished beaded carpules 5 at their sealed lower ends, larger than the outer diameter at their shoulder portions 51 but smaller than the (first) outer diameter of the cylindrical body 50 , Further, the thickness of the retaining projections 15 in the axial direction is smaller than the axial length of the sealed lower ends of the closed cartridges 5 such that the sealed lower ends of the sealed cartridges extend through the central openings (as in Figs 2 B shown) by the retaining projections 15 at the lower ends of the shots 11 are formed.

3a shows a holding structure for closure elements 2 (hereinafter also referred to as "nest for closure elements" or "closure element nest") in a perspective view from below, which is a flat support plate 60 with a plurality of tubular receptacles 61 arranged in a regular arrangement extending at least from the underside of the flat support plate 60 extend down and through the circumferentially formed side walls 62 are formed. Preferably, these side walls 62 cylindrically shaped to the closure elements 200 to accommodate it, although other shapes are possible, such as elliptical shapes. These shots 61 are arranged in the same regular two-dimensional arrangement as the receptacles of the above-described support structure for carpules, at equal distances from each other.

3c shows the insertion of a plurality of closure elements 200 , For example, of elastic plugs or plunger stopper in the recordings 61 the closure element nest 2 , For this purpose, the closure elements 200 introduced from above or below into the receptacles 61 to a desired insertion depth, preferably until they are completely received in the receptacles and the upper ends of the closure elements at a small distance from the upper ends of the upper side walls 63 are arranged, as by the support structures in the recordings 61 set as in the 3e shown.

To the closure elements 200 reliable in the recordings 61 to keep, in particular, to prevent the closure elements 200 just back from the recordings 61 during the handling of the Verschlusselementnests slip out, which could include a turning or turning the Verschlusselementnests include, the recordings 61 Retention structures 66 . 67 for releasable engagement in the closure elements 200 for retaining the closure elements in the recordings. More specifically, the retention structures are 66 . 67 on the inner sides of the circumferentially formed side walls 62 , 63 of the recordings 61 formed and designed so that they can cooperate with the closure elements form fit to retain them axially.

Based on 4a to 4g Hereinafter, a general structure for closing (setting plugs) of cartridges according to the present invention will be described.

For supporting and aligning a carrier plate 10 a Karpulennests in a predetermined position and orientation is a lower support frame 80 used, which has a central opening 84 whose contour corresponds exactly to the outer contour of the Karpulennests. Thus, the lower support frame 80 designed so that the Karpulennest 1 can only be used in a specific orientation and rotational position, which is clearly specified, for example, by a wavy pattern that through the images 11 of the carpule test 1 is trained. By means of the lower support frame 80 become the upper ends of the carpules 5 at a precisely defined height level relative to the machine frame 70 positioned, which may be part of a processing machine for the further processing of containers and may be arranged in a clean room or under sterile conditions, for example in a pharmaceutical company or bottling plant of pharmaceuticals.

Like in the 4a shown are several spacer bars 72 arranged on the machine support frame 70 to the position and orientation of the lower support frame 80 to specify exactly. Alignment tips can be used for this purpose 72 at the front ends of the spacer bars 72 be provided with alignment holes 81 engaged in the lower holding frame 80 are formed.

4b shows how the Karpulennest in the opening of the lower support frame 80 is recorded and positioned.

As in the 4a and 4c are shown are at the top of the lower support frame 80 several spacer bars 82 arranged to the position and orientation of an upper retaining plate 90 to determine exactly which is used for positioning and aligning a closure nest above and relative to the underneath Karpulennest located underneath. alignment tips 83 are at the front ends of the spacer bars 82 provided with alignment holes 91 engage in an engagement in the upper holding plate 90 are formed.

4d shows how the upper retaining plate 90 according to the present invention on the lower support frame 80 is positioned and aligned. A lot of shots 92 that are from through holes in the upper retaining plate 90 and are formed by tubular side walls that from the upper support plate 90 project, are arranged in exactly the same geometric arrangement as the images of the Karpulennests arranged underneath.

The 4e shows how the carrier plate 60 a closure element nest on the upper plate 90 is arranged. For clarity, the closure elements in the 4a - 4g not shown. As in 4e shown, the carrier plate 60 the closure element nest in such a manner on the upper holding plate 90 arranged that the side walls of the receptacles on the underside of the carrier plate 60 in the recordings 92 the upper holding plate 90 introduced and finally incorporated in it. Again, this can only be achieved in a one-to-one alignment and positioning that is uniquely determined by the pattern that passes through the apertures or receptacles 92 the upper holding plate 90 is trained.

Thus, in the state of FIG. 4f, all the pictures are taken 61 the carrier plate 60 the Verschlusselementnestes aligned exactly with all recordings that of the side walls 14 of the Karpulennests be formed, and thus they are aligned with all the cartridges, which are held by the Karpulennest. 4g shows this exemplary arrangement in an exploded perspective view.

5a - 5c show more details of an upper plate 90 for holding a closure element nest according to the present invention. As in 5b shown are the shots 92 the upper holding plate 90 tubular and formed by side walls 93 formed, extending from the bottom of the upper plate 90 extend. At the lower ends 93a the side walls 93 are beveled surfaces 97 formed, which are formed radially inwardly tapered.

As in 5c shown are four axial slots or recesses 99 formed in the side walls 93 at equal angular intervals to each other. The axial slots 99 extend to the bottom of the upper plate 90 and protrude at least over the beveled surface 97 out and up to the upper plate 90 extend.

In alternative embodiments, fewer than four axial slots may be used 99 in the side walls 93 be formed, with at least one axial slot 99 should be provided as the lower limit. According to alternative embodiments, the axial slot 99 each replaced by a notch at the bottom 93e of the side walls 93 is trained.

According to the present invention, the axial slots improve 99 (or notches) a ventilation of the internal volume of the container 93 when reducing the pressure in the internal volume of a plugging or closing machine (and filling) to provide a vacuum environment for plugging (and filling). This ventilation effect can be further improved if an annular gap between the outer surface of the peripheral side walls 62 the recordings 61 the closure element nest and the inner surface of the side walls 93 the recordings 92 the upper holding plate 90 is provided as in the 7b shown and explained in more detail below.

7a shows the structure according to 4f in a schematic sectional view during a method for setting plugs or closure elements according to the present invention. This structure can be realized in a capping machine according to the present invention or in a combined filling and sealing machine according to the present invention, and is provided in a vacuum or vacuum environment at least during the execution of a capping process.

As 7a Shown are the lower ends of the sidewalls 62 the recordings of the closure element nest at the same height level and at a non-disappearing distance to hook-shaped projections 94 arranged at the lower ends of the cylindrical side walls 93 the recordings of the upper plate 90 are formed. Because the upper retaining plate 90 , which is preferably made of a mechanically stable sheet metal, has high mechanical stability and rigidity and will not bend during the closing process of plugs, the above-described orientation of the closure elements 200 with the cartridges underneath 5 during all phases of the closing process.

As 7b are shown at the lower ends of the sidewalls 93 the recordings of the upper plate 90 lower beveled surfaces 97 which are tapered radially inwardly formed and upper tapered surfaces 96 , which are formed tapered radially outward, formed, these beveled surfaces on a circumferential vertex line 95 converge with an inner diameter which is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical Karpulenkörpers 50 can be.

7b also shows an axial slot 99 standing in the sidewall 93 the recordings of the upper plate 90 is trained. This axial slot 99 together with the aforementioned narrow gap (Δz), the venting and ventilation during the closing (and filling) process improve efficiently.

Like in the 7b is shown, there is a comparatively large distance (ΔZ) between the lower end of the side walls 62 the closure element nest (and the lower end of the plugs or closure elements 200 ) and the upper ends of the carpules 5 in front. There is also an annular gap 69 between the outer surfaces of the side walls 62 the recordings of the closure element nest and the insides of the side walls 93 the recordings of the upper plate 90 is formed so that a certain volume is formed, which can help to temporarily compensate for the displacement of any residual gas that may still be present in this area, when the plug or closure elements 200 from the recordings of the closure element nest and into the upper ends of the cartridges arranged underneath 5 be pushed or advanced.

Like from the 7b can be closed, the shots of the shutter element nest should exactly with the cartridges below 5 be aligned, in particular with these aligned when the closure element nest 90 from the upper holding plate 90 is held. Any misalignment, if any, would lead to bending of the sidewalls 62 of the Verschlusselementnests lead radially outward when the elastic closure elements or plugs 200 during placement of the plugs or fasteners, first on the upper ends of the cartridges located thereunder 5 incident. Furthermore, there would be a slight radial displacement of the upper ends of the carpules 5 resulting from the inwardly tapered surfaces 97 the side walls 93 the upper holding plate 90 is limited. Such bending or bending of the side walls 62 However, the recordings of the closure element nest is possible to compensate for such a misalignment, because the side walls 62 are formed of a resilient, bendable plastic material and because of the annular gap 69 between the outsides of the side walls 62 the recordings of the closure element nest and the insides of the side walls 93 the recordings of the upper plate 90 is formed, which allows a certain radial play.

Like in the 7a shown, the inner diameter of the recordings of Verschlusselementnests corresponds to the inner diameter of the carpules 5 , To close the upper ends of the cartridges are the closure elements or plugs 200 down from the footage of the Locking element nest pushed out and into the filling openings at the upper ends of the carpules 5 pressed while the cartridges are received in the recordings of the closure element nest. The closure elements are made using a plurality of adjustable push rods 121 the sealing machine 120 pressed down. This closing process can be carried out line by line, but can also simultaneously for all closure elements 200 and carpules 5 carried out by the nests. For this purpose, both the retaining plate 10 of the Karpulennests as well as the holding plate 60 of the closure element nest sufficiently rigid, so that the above executed exact alignment of the closure elements or plugs 200 with the carpules 5 during all phases of the closing process.

6 Fig. 12 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a processing apparatus according to the present invention for carrying out a process as described above under sterile conditions. The processing device 100 has a sterile interior volume 101 with a feed section on the left side and a discharge section on the right side thereof. For processing, sterile packaging units, as described above, are introduced into the sterile internal volume via the loading section 101 fed. During this loading, the covers or protective films of the packaging units are removed so that the tub and nest receiving the pre-sterilized cartridges and the pre-sterilized closure elements are finally located near the loading position passing through the reference number 102 is designated. For further processing, the transport container and nest arrangements by means of a conveyor 106 along the direction of the arrow in 6 promoted until finally the issue position is reached, which is designated by the reference numeral 103. To feed the nests, the nests are either in holding frames 40 or comparable holding levels, or are the transport containers (tub), each receiving a nest, of holding frames 40 or comparable holding levels. In any case, the upper ends of the carpules become the processing stations 101 fed to exactly predetermined height levels.

The inlet and outlet sections for the Karpulennester and the Verschlusselementnester could be provided at different positions and could be arranged in particular at different height levels.

As an example of a process step shows the 6 the filling and setting of closure elements or plugs of the carpules, which are in nests in the holding frame 40 are included. For filling and setting of closure elements or plugs, the nest for carpules or the transport container and nest arrangements for carpules and for closure elements are first brought to the waiting position 104 and then to the filling and sealing station 110 where the filling and setting of closure elements or plugs is usually carried out line by line, but basically also for all carpules and closure elements of the nests can be performed simultaneously. After filling and sealing, the nests holding the filled and sealed or carpeted cartridges, or the shipping container and nest assemblies which receive the filled and plugged cartridges, are eventually conveyed to the delivery position indicated by the reference numeral 103 is designated.

During the closure of the carpules, when usually large axial forces are applied to the carpules from above, the symmetrical arrangement of the holding projections ensures 15 (please refer 2 B ) together with the symmetrical arrangement of the axial ribs 13 for a symmetrical distribution or derivative of such forces with only slight deformation of the general shape of the recordings 11 and the retaining projections 15 so that both the exact centering and the height levels of the carpules can be maintained.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and alternatives to those details could be made in light of the entire technical teaching of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed herein are for illustration only and do not limit the scope of the present invention, which is to be dictated by the appended claims and all technical equivalents thereto.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Haltestruktur für die Karpule (auch als Karpulennest bezeichnet)

2

Haltestruktur für Karpulenstopfen (auch als Verschlusselementnest bezeichnet)

3

Transport- oder Verpackungsbehälter für Karpulen (auch als tub bezeichnet)

3a

Transport- oder Verpackungsbehälter für Verschlusselemente (auch als tub bezeichnet)

4

Transportbehälter- und Nestanordnung (für Karpulen)

4a

Transportbehälter- und Nestanordnung (für Verschlusselemente)

5

Karpule

6

Dichtungsdeckel

10

(flache) Halteplatte von Karpulennest 1

11

Aufnahme

12

Seitenwand der Aufnahme 11 an der Oberseite

13

axiale Rippe

14

Seitenwand der Aufnahme 11 auf der Unterseite

15

Haltevorsprung

16

Spalt zwischen Haltevorsprüngen 15

17

zentrale Öffnung

20

abgerundete Ecke

21

Fortsatz

22

Greiföffnung

23

Seitenwand von Greiföffnung 22

24

Führungssteg

25

Führungssteg

26

Versteifungssteg auf der Oberseite

27

Versteifungssteg auf der Unterseite

28

Versteifungssteg auf der Unterseite

30

Boden (von Tub für Karpulen)

30a

Boden (von Tub für Verschlusselemente)

31

untere Seitenwand (von Tub für Karpulen)

31a

untere Seitenwand (von Tub für Verschlusselemente)

32

Auflagestufe (von Tub für Karpulen)

32

Auflagestufe (von Tub für Verschlusselemente)

33

obere Seitenwand (von Tub für Karpulen)

33a

obere Seitenwand (von Tub für Verschlusselemente)

34

oberer Flansch (von Tub für Karpulen)

34a

oberer Flansch (von Tub für Verschlusselemente)

35

abgerundete Ecke (von Tub für Karpulen)

35a

abgerundete Ecke (von Tub für Verschlusselemente)

36

eine innere abgerundete Ecke (von Tub für Verschlusselemente)

40

Halterahmen

41

Befüllungsdüse

42

Haltearm für Array von Befüllungsdüsen 41

43

Haltearm für Verschließeinrichtungen

50

zylindrische Körper

51

Schulterabschnitt

52

verbreiterten oberen Rand

53

Befüllungsöffnung zum Befüllen

54

untere Öffnung

55

Dichtung / Verschluss

60

Trägerplatte von Verschlusselementnest 2

61

Aufnahme

62

Seitenwand von Aufnahme 61

63

oberer Fortsatz von Seitenwand 62

64

abgerundete Ecke

65

oberes Ende von Aufnahme 61

66

oberer Fixierungsvorsprung

67

unterer Haltevorsprung

69

Spalt

70

Maschinenhalterahmen

71

Öffnung

72

Abstandsstange

80

unterer Halterahmen

81

Ausrichtöffnung

82

Abstandsstange

83

Ausrichtungsspitze von Abstandsstange 82

84

Öffnung des zentralen Halterahmens 80

90

oberer Halterahmen

91

Ausrichtöffnung

91a

abgeschrägte Ecke

92

Aufnahme

93

zylindrische Seitenwand

93a

distales Ende von zylindrischer Seitenwand 93

94

unterer Vorsprung

95

Scheitelpunkt(linie)

96

obere abgeschrägte Fläche

97

untere abgeschrägte Fläche

98

Spalt

99

axialer Schlitz

100

Verarbeitungsvorrichtung

101

steriles Innenvolumen

102

Transportbehälter- und Nestanordnung an Beschickungsabschnitt

103

Transportbehälter- und Nestanordnung an Ausgabeabschnitt

104

Nestanordnung in Warteposition

105

Nestanordnung an Füllstation

106

Fördereinrichtung

110

Prozessstation zum Befüllen und Verschließen

111

nachgeordnete Prozessstation

120

Verschlußmaschine

121

Schubstange

200

Verschlusselement / Stopfen

201

Vorsprung

202

Aussparung

Bezugszeichen zum Stand der Technik

301

Haltestruktur für die Karpule (auch als Karpulennest bezeichnet)

302

Haltestruktur für Karpulen-Verschlusselemente (auch als Verschlusselementnest bezeichnet)

305

Karpule

310

(flache) Halteplatte von Karpulennest 301

314

Seitenwand von Aufnahme

315

Haltevorsprung

350

zylindrische Körper

354

untere Öffnung

355

Dichtung / Verschluss

360

Halteplatte von Verschlusselementnest

361

Aufnahme

362

Seitenwand von Aufnahme 361

370

Maschinenhalterahmen

372

Absandsstange

380

untere Halteplatte

382

Absandsstange

390

obere Halteplatte

393

zylindrische Seitenwand

394

unterer Vorsprung

400

Stopfen / Verschlusselement

410

Prozessstation zum Befüllen und Verschließen

420

Verschlußmaschine

421

Druckstange

400

Stopfen / Verschlusselement

1

Support structure for the carpule (also called Karpulennest)

2

Support structure for cartridge plugs (also referred to as closure element nest)

3

Transport or packaging container for carpules (also called tub)

3a

Transport or packaging container for closure elements (also referred to as tub)

4

Transport container and nest arrangement (for carpules)

4a

Transport container and nest arrangement (for closure elements)

5

carpule

6

seal cover

10

(flat) retaining plate of Karpulennest 1

11

admission

12

Side wall of the recording 11 at the top

13

axial rib

14

Side wall of the recording 11 on the bottom

15

retaining projection

16

Gap between retaining projections 15

17

central opening

20

rounded corner

21

extension

22

gripping opening

23

Side wall of gripping opening 22

24

guide web

25

guide web

26

Stiffening bar on the top

27

Stiffening bar on the bottom

28

Stiffening bar on the bottom

30

Bottom (from tub for carpules)

30a

Bottom (from tub for closing elements)

31

lower side wall (from tub for carpules)

31a

lower side wall (from Tub for closure elements)

32

Support level (from tub for cartridges)

32

Support level (from Tub for closure elements)

33

upper side wall (from tub for carpules)

33a

upper side wall (from tub for closing elements)

34

upper flange (from tub for cartridges)

34a

upper flange (from tub for closure elements)

35

rounded corner (from tub for carpules)

35a

rounded corner (from Tub for closure elements)

36

an inner rounded corner (from Tub for closure elements)

40

holding frame

41

filling nozzle

42

Holding arm for array of filling nozzles 41

43

Holding arm for closing devices

50

cylindrical body

51

shoulder portion

52

widened upper edge

53

Filling opening for filling

54

lower opening

55

Seal / closure

60

Support plate of closure element nest 2

61

admission

62

Sidewall of receptacle 61

63

upper extension of side wall 62

64

rounded corner

65

upper end of receptacle 61

66

upper fixation projection

67

lower retaining projection

69

gap

70

Machines holding frame

71

opening

72

spacer bar

80

lower support frame

81

alignment hole

82

spacer bar

83

Alignment tip of spacer bar 82

84

Opening of the central holding frame 80

90

Upper support frame

91

alignment hole

91a

bevelled corner

92

admission

93

cylindrical side wall

93a

distal end of cylindrical side wall 93

94

lower lead

95

Vertex (line)

96

upper beveled surface

97

lower beveled surface

98

gap

99

axial slot

100

processing device

101

sterile interior volume

102

Transport container and nest assembly to feed section

103

Transport container and nest assembly to output section

104

Nest arrangement in waiting position

105

Nest arrangement at filling station

106

Conveyor

110

Process station for filling and closing

111

downstream process station

120

closing machine

121

pushrod

200

Closure element / plug

201

head Start

202

recess

Reference numerals to the prior art

301

Support structure for the carpule (also called Karpulennest)

302

Support structure for cartridge closure elements (also referred to as closure element nest)

305

carpule

310

(flat) retaining plate of Karpulennest 301

314

Sidewall of recording

315

retaining projection

350

cylindrical body

354

lower opening

355

Seal / closure

360

Retaining plate of closure element nest

361

admission

362

Sidewall of receptacle 361

370

Machines holding frame

372

Absandsstange

380

lower retaining plate

382

Absandsstange

390

upper retaining plate

393

cylindrical side wall

394

lower lead

400

Plug / closure element

410.

Process station for filling and closing

420

closing machine

421

pushrod

400

Plug / closure element

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2016166769 A1 [0002, 0033]
• US 5519984 [0011]

Claims (13)

Retaining plate (90) for holding a closure structure (2) for closure elements (200) in a method for closing a plurality of cartridges (5) for use in pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, in particular by placing plugs, wherein the holding structure (2) for closure elements (200) has a plurality of tubular receptacles (61), which are arranged in a regular arrangement, in order to receive a plurality of closure elements (200) at least partially releasably, wherein the retaining plate (90) has a plurality of tubular seats (92) formed on a lower surface thereof the tubular receptacles (92) of the holding plate (90) are arranged in the same regular arrangement as the tubular receptacles (61) of the holding structure (2) for closure elements (200), and at least one axial slot (99) is formed in side walls (93) of the tubular receptacles (92) of the retaining plate (90), or at least one notch is formed at lower ends of the side walls (93) of the tubular receptacles (92) of the retaining plate (90) in order to improve or accelerate a ventilation of the tubular receptacles in the closing process. Retaining plate after Claim 1 wherein a plurality of axial slots (99) are formed in the side walls (93) of the tubular seats (92) of the retainer plate (90) or a plurality of indentations at the lower ends of the side walls (93) of the tubular seats (92) Holding plate (90) is formed, wherein the plurality of axial slots (99) or indentations at equal angular intervals to each other along the side walls (93) of the tubular receptacles (92) of the holding plate (90) are arranged distributed. Retaining plate after Claim 1 or 2 in that the inner diameter of the tubular receptacles (92) of the holding plate (90) is greater than the outer diameter of the tubular receptacles (61) of the holding structure (2) for closure elements (200). A support plate according to any preceding claim, wherein an axial length of the tubular seats (92) of the retainer plate (90) is smaller than an axial length of the tubular seats (61) of the fastener support structure (2). A retaining plate (90) for a fastener support structure (2) in a method of closing a plurality of cartridges (5) for use in pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, in particular by placing plugs, the support structure (FIG. 2) for closure elements (200) has a plurality of tubular receptacles (61) which are arranged in a regular arrangement in order to receive a plurality of closure elements (200) at least partially releasably, wherein the retaining plate (90) has a plurality of tubular receptacles (92) formed on a lower surface thereof; the tubular receptacles (92) of the retaining plate (90) are arranged in the same regular arrangement as the tubular receptacles (61) of the fastener support structure (2), wherein an inner diameter of the tubular receptacles (92) of the holding plate (90) is greater than an outer diameter of the tubular receptacles (61) of the holding structure (2) for closure elements (200) and / or an axial length of the tubular receptacles (92) of the holding plate (90) is smaller than an axial length of the tubular receptacles (61) of the holding structure (2) for closure elements (200). Retaining plate after Claim 5 in that at least one axial slot (99) is formed in side walls (93) of the tubular receptacles (92) of the retaining plate (90) or at least one notch at lower ends of the side walls (93) of the tubular receptacles (92) of the retaining plate (90) is to vent the tubular receptacles in the process of closing. Retaining plate after Claim 6 wherein a plurality of axial slots (99) are formed in the side walls (93) of the tubular receptacles (92) of the retaining plate (90), or wherein a plurality of indentations are formed on the lower ends of the side walls (93) of the tubular receptacles (92). the holding plate (90) is formed, wherein the plurality of axial slots (99) or indentations at equal angular intervals to each other along the side walls (93) of the tubular receptacles (92) of the holding plate (90) are arranged distributed. A support plate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein lower chamfered surfaces (97) chamfered inwardly are formed at lower ends of the tubular seats (92) of the support plate (90). Retaining plate after Claim 8 wherein the lower ends of the tubular seats (92) of the retainer plate (90) further include upper tapered surfaces (96) tapered outwardly, the upper and lower tapered surfaces (96, 97) being at a circumferential vertex line (95), which is formed on an inner surface of the tubular receptacles (92) of the holding plate (90). Holding plate according to one of the preceding claims, having a holding structure (2) for closure elements (200), in particular of plugs, wherein in the tubular receptacles (61) of the holding structure (2) for closure elements (200) a plurality of closure elements (200) at least in sections triggered is included. An apparatus for closing a plurality of cartridges (5) for use in pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications in a reduced pressure environment, in particular setting plugs, the carpules (5) comprising: an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, a cylindrical body (50) having an opening for filling (53) at the upper end, and a shoulder portion (51) at the lower end having a second opening (54) sealed by a seal (55); the apparatus comprising: an upper retainer plate (90) for holding a fastener support structure (2) having a plurality of tubular seats (61) arranged in a regular array to define a plurality of fastener elements (200 ) to be triggered at least in sections; and a lower holding plate (80) for holding a support structure (1) for carpules (5) having a plurality of tubular receptacles (11) arranged in the same regular arrangement so as to place a plurality of cartridges (5) upside down in the Record recordings (11); wherein the upper holding plate (90) has a plurality of tubular receptacles (92) formed on an underside thereof and arranged in the same regular arrangement as the tubular receptacles (61) of the holding structure (2) for closure elements (200). in that the upper holding plate (90) and the lower holding plate (80) are aligned with each other so that the closures (200) from the receptacles (61) of the closure structure (2) for closure elements and into the openings for filling (53) at the top Ends of the cartridges (5) can be pressed down while the cartridges are received in the receptacles (11) of the support structure (1) for carpules, wherein the upper holding plate (90) at such a distance above the lower holding plate (80) in that a gap (Δz) is formed between the lower ends of the tubular seats (92) of the upper retaining plate (90) and the upper ends of the carpules, and wherein the upper retaining plate te (90) is formed as the holding plate (90), as in one of Claims 1 to 9 claimed. Device after Claim 11 wherein the lower support plate (80) and the upper support plate (90) are aligned with each other by means of alignment means (82, 83). Device after Claim 12 wherein the upper holding plate (90) holds a holding structure (2) for closure elements (200), in the tubular receptacles (61) closure elements (200) are at least partially releasably received; and / or the lower holding plate (80) holds a support structure (1) for carpules (5), in the tubular receptacles (11) carpules (5) are received upside down.

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