EP1129009A1 - Device for feeding tablets to blister packs - Google Patents

Device for feeding tablets to blister packs

Info

Publication number
EP1129009A1
EP1129009A1 EP99950799A EP99950799A EP1129009A1 EP 1129009 A1 EP1129009 A1 EP 1129009A1 EP 99950799 A EP99950799 A EP 99950799A EP 99950799 A EP99950799 A EP 99950799A EP 1129009 A1 EP1129009 A1 EP 1129009A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
enclosure
tablets
flap
brush
sheet
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP99950799A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1129009B1 (en
Inventor
Denis Gauthier
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Entreprise de Mechanique et d'Outillage
Original Assignee
Entreprise de Mechanique et d'Outillage
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Entreprise de Mechanique et d'Outillage filed Critical Entreprise de Mechanique et d'Outillage
Publication of EP1129009A1 publication Critical patent/EP1129009A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1129009B1 publication Critical patent/EP1129009B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
    • B65B57/10—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of articles or materials to be packaged
    • B65B57/14—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of articles or materials to be packaged and operating to control, or stop, the feed of articles or material to be packaged
    • 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
    • B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device supplying tablets, or the like, cells formed in a sheet of synthetic material, in movement, and for example the cells of blister packs in a sheet of synthetic material subsequently receiving a closure film.
  • Such devices are arranged above the travel path of a blister sheet, moved for example by a belt conveyor.
  • Current devices use vibrating bowls which select, orient and convey the tablets to a means for filling the cells, comprising distribution means and distribution means, such as brushes, straight or rotary, guaranteeing the penetration of each tablet into a cell.
  • distribution means and distribution means such as brushes, straight or rotary, guaranteeing the penetration of each tablet into a cell.
  • each dispenser Due to the diversity of the shapes and dimensions of the tablets and the orientation of the cells, namely, parallel, transverse or inclined with respect to the direction of movement of the sheet, each dispenser can only dispense one or even two types of tablets.
  • it is generally specific to a packaging installation and can no longer be transferred to another installation. This has the consequence of limiting an installation to the distribution of certain tablets and of not being able to adapt it quickly for the distribution of other tablets, when the demand for the latter becomes greater.
  • the object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by providing a device which provides complete and regular filling, without deterioration of the tablets dispensed, and which can very quickly be transferred from one installation to another, while being able to receive tablets in the form and different dimensions, thereby improving the load plan of each packaging installation, and that of a workshop.
  • the device consists of a single enclosure containing and carrying the storage tank, the distribution means, and the distribution means constituted by cylindrical and rotary brushes, while the distribution means are constituted by two parallel flaps which, forming the bottom of the tank and delimiting a buffer airlock, are inclined relative to the horizontal from top to bottom going upstream, come into closing contact against the upstream transverse wall of the enclosure, near the blister sheet, are movable in translation and are connected, by their posterior ends, to independent means and able to move them in one direction or the other, the control of the opening and closing means of each flap reacting, for the upper flap, to a volumetric sensor detecting the quantity of tablets accumulated in the buffer airlock, and, for the lower flap, to the sensor ur placed above the sheet in movement, upstream of the first brush, and detecting the amount of tablets accumulating against this brush.
  • the corresponding sensor triggers the sliding of the lower flap and thus causes the emptying of all or part of the contents of the buffer airlock, in small waves as close as possible of the filling area.
  • the sensor associated with it controls the opening of the upper flap, so that the latter lets part of the tablets contained in the reservoir penetrate into the airlock. As soon as the maximum volume that can be accommodated in the airlock is reached, the same sensor controls the closing of the shutter.
  • the lower end of the lower flap is, in the closed position, substantially in the horizontal diametral plane of the first brush.
  • the transfers are carried out only by gravity over short distances, and in small quantities, so that the kinetic energy communicated to the tablets is insufficient to deteriorate them. ci and form fragments and dust.
  • the enclosure is fixed by means which can be dismantled on the vertical plate of a box vertically displaceable on the slides of a chassis, disposed laterally to the conveyor moving the blister sheet, said box containing, for each of the brushes of the enclosure, an electric drive motor whose output shaft is equipped with means of connection in rotation and in translation and of positioning means, all capable of cooperating with complementary means provided at the rear end of the drive shaft of each brush.
  • This enclosure which comes to be embedded on the power take-offs of the motorization arranged in the external box, is interchangeable and can be specific to a product, thus eliminating all the risks of cross contamination.
  • This removability facilitates its cleaning and cleaning of the station which can very quickly be released, all the more easily as all the elements in contact with the tablets are removable.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of this device, when it is placed on the conveyor of a packaging installation and when it is in the release position,
  • Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device, when in the working position
  • Figure 3 is a side view in cross section of another embodiment of the device, when the enclosure is being assembled ,
  • FIG. 4 is a view in longitudinal section of the enclosure of FIG. 3,
  • Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing on an enlarged scale the drive means and connecting the shaft of a brush with its motorization.
  • the reference numeral 2 designates the chassis of a conveyor D carrying rollers or drums 3 for driving a band 4 moving, in the direction of arrow 11 in FIG. 2, a sheet of synthetic material 5 comprising preformed cells 6 , for example produced by thermoforming.
  • the enclosure 7 of the device according to the invention is mounted to slide on vertical slides 8 and is connected to means, such as a jack 9, pneumatic or hydraulic, able to move it on these slides between a release position, shown in solid lines in Figure 1, in which it is spaced from the belt conveyor, and a working position, shown in Figure 2, in which its brushes are proximity to this strip.
  • means such as a jack 9, pneumatic or hydraulic, able to move it on these slides between a release position, shown in solid lines in Figure 1, in which it is spaced from the belt conveyor, and a working position, shown in Figure 2, in which its brushes are proximity to this strip.
  • the enclosure 7 contains and carries a reservoir A, means B for distributing the tablets, and means C for distributing the tablets on the blister sheet 5.
  • the reservoir A is delimited by the walls 12a, 12b, 12c of the enclosure and through a transverse wall 26. Through its upper opening 13, it can receive the tablets 14 to be dispensed.
  • FIG. 1 shows that it extends transversely over the width of the conveyor and at least over that of the blister sheet 5.
  • the bottom of this tank consists of two flaps, namely an upper flap 15 and a lower flap 16. These two flaps are parallel, spaced from each other and inclined relative to the horizontal, from top to bottom. down from downstream to upstream, at an angle with a value between 10 and 30 °. Each flap is slidably mounted in the tank and, more precisely, with respect to crosspieces 17 connecting the walls 12b, 12c of the tank.
  • each flap 15 and 16 is connected, by removable means, to means able to move it longitudinally.
  • these means consist of two electric motors, respectively 18 and 19, actuating by a screw system two rods 18a, 19a, each of these rods is each provided with an end hook 18b, 19b suitable to receive a complementary part such as a bar 20, secured to the upper end of the flap 15 or a hook rib 22, secured to the upper end of the flap 16.
  • the two motors 18 and 19, as well as their means of control 23, making it possible inter alia to adjust the stroke of the flap 15, are arranged in a compartment 24. This is isolated, by vertical walls 25 and 26, from the reservoir A and, by walls 27, 28 and 29, distribution means B and distribution means C.
  • the flaps 15 and 16 are intended, by their lower ends, to come into contact with a wall element of the enclosure 7, and more specifically, with the upstream transverse wall 12a of this enclosure, so as to be able to each form, by their opening, two parallel and superposed slots extending over the entire length of the reservoir and corresponding to the width of the preformed sheet 5 in movement.
  • FIG. 2 clearly shows that the lower end of the lower flap 16 is, in the closed position, substantially in the horizontal diametral plane P of the brush 39a.
  • the lower end of the upper flap 15 is provided with a brush 30 which extends over the entire width of the tank A and is capable of coming against an opposite brush 31, formed on the edge of a transverse bar 32.
  • This bar which is fixed against the upstream transverse wall 12a of the reservoir, for example by screws not shown, has, in the reservoir, two sloping faces 32a, 32b forming a sort of funnel guiding the tablets in the direction of the contact zone of the two brushes 30, 31 and, consequently, of the exhaust slot forming when the upper flap 15 recedes.
  • the bar 32 also serves as a housing for at least one volumetric sensor 34, and supports a suction network, not shown. It is removable so that it can be cleaned.
  • the lower end of the lower flap 16 is also provided with a brush 35 which comes directly against the internal face of the wall 12a of the tank, but which can also come to bear against a bar similar to that 32.
  • a crosspiece 36 extending between the two longitudinal walls 12b, 12c of the enclosure 7, and between the two flaps 15 and 16, has two bearing faces which, parallel and opposite, are suitable, the upper one 36a to come in contact with the lower face of the upper flap 15 to avoid its bending at the end of closing, and that lower 36b, to come into abutment against the upper face of the lower flap 16, to perfect the guiding in translation.
  • the crosspiece 36 also has the function of delimiting, with the wall 12a, the longitudinal limits of a buffer airlock 40. It comprises, facing the upstream transverse wall 12a of the enclosure, a sloping face 36c which, when the flap 15 is in the open position, channels the tablets from the reservoir A and directs them into the airlock 40.
  • a crosspiece 37 disposed below the flap 16, carries another volumetric sensor 38 determining the quantity of tablets accumulated upstream of the first rotary and transverse brush 39a, associated with two other brushes 39b, 39c.
  • the two detectors, respectively 34 and 38, are connected, by an electrical circuit not shown and individually, to the control unit 23, of the motors 18 and 19. Each of them reacts to the variation in volume of the tablets gathered in front of it. When this volume reaches a minimum value, it controls the opening of the corresponding shutter, while for the maximum value, it controls its closing.
  • the buffer lock 40 contains a reserve of tablets which is ready to supply the reserve 41 formed upstream of the first brush 39a.
  • the accumulated volume decreases.
  • the sensor 38 reacts on the control of the motor 19 which triggers the sliding of the lower flap 16 in the direction of the arrow 42.
  • the brush 35 of the lower flap 16 moves away from the wall 12a and forms a slit through which a certain quantity of tablets 14 flows.
  • the sensor 38 reacts again so that the motor 19 controls the movement in the opposite direction of the flap 16 to close the flow slot. Thanks to the brush 35, this closure has no effect on the tablets which, thus, are not crushed. If this discharge from the airlock 40 brought the volume stored in this airlock to its minimum value, the sensor 34 reacts on the control means 23 to trigger the movement of the upper flap 15 in the direction of the arrow 42, and, consequently, cause the opening of the corresponding slot. Under these conditions, the tablets 14 stored in the reservoir A descend by gravity into the airlock 40. As soon as the maximum volume is reached, the sensor 34 controls the movement in the opposite direction of the flap 15. Again, during this closure, the brushes 30 and 31 prevent pinching of the tablets 14 and any formation of dust and fragments.
  • the drop height is very low, which avoids any fragmentation of the tablets under their own weight and under the kinetic energy of the tablets falling on them. Thanks to this, but also to the presence of the buffer airlock limiting the intermediate volume stored, the distribution of the tablets is carried out in batches of small quantity and in excellent conditions, without breakage or dust.
  • each of the two flaps 15, 16 is easily disassembled to be taken out and cleaned, but also to allow cleaning of the interior of the enclosure.
  • the enclosure 7, containing the tank A, the distribution means B and the distribution means C, is fixed in a removable manner by pressing its longitudinal face 12c against a vertical plate 45 forming part of a housing 46.
  • the housing 46 is slidably mounted on vertical slides 47 carried by a bracket 48, secured to a fixed base 49, disposed laterally and outside of the conveyor D.
  • the movement of the housing 46 can be ensured by a screw-nut system actuated by a crank or by an electric control.
  • the box contains as many electric motors 50 as the enclosure contains brushes, and for example four motors when the enclosure comprises, as shown in FIG. 4, three distribution brushes 39a, 39b, 39c and a smoothing brush 52.
  • the housing 46 is equipped with means of connection with the enclosure 7.
  • these means consist of four flanges 53 arranged in pairs on the end faces of the housing and cooperating with notches 54, projecting from the external faces of the transverse walls 12a and 12d of the enclosure 7.
  • Each flange is locked by screws 55 or by toggle.
  • FIG. 4 shows that the lower flap 16 slides on two cylindrical crosspieces 56 and has two lateral wings 57 which serve as slides for the upper flap 15.
  • a bottom 58, attached, removable and bearing on the top of the compartment 24 and on the flap 15, is more inclined than the flaps and forms a hopper sliding the tablets towards the bottom of the reservoir A.
  • the rectilinear brushes 30, 35 formed on the edges of the flaps 15 and 16 each come to bear against a fin 59 projecting from a bar 60, 61.
  • Each bar is fixed with the interposition of viscoelastic damping blocks 63 against the upstream transverse wall 62a d 'a housing 62.
  • the housing 62 is equipped with a sensor 34, not shown, like, moreover, that 38 disposed above the zone Z1 near the first brush
  • this plate When this plate is released from the enclosure 7, it is very easily cleanable and, by its arrangement outside of the conveyor D, can remain in place with its housing 46 and its chassis 48, 49, without causing discomfort to the operation of a packaging line, even if this chain is already equipped with another distribution device. In the latter case, the dimensions of the plate, of the order of 600 X 450 mm allow it to be easily integrated between two stations of the chain.
  • the possibility of bringing the enclosure 7 into the release position, for example at a distance of 500 mm from the honeycomb sheet 5, makes it possible not only to facilitate cleaning of the work station, but also to release this station which can thus allow a honeycomb sheet 5 to pass while being filled by another distribution device.
  • the removability of the enclosure 7 of the device according to the invention makes it possible to facilitate cleaning thereof outside the packaging chain and to assign each enclosure to a type of product, thereby eliminating the risks of cross contamination, but also to quickly mount it on an existing chain, temporarily stopped to meet a different and more urgent request.
  • Each brush 39 and 52 is formed by tufts of bristles 65 projecting from a tubular sleeve 66 linked in rotation to a tubular shaft 67.
  • This shaft is mounted free in rotation, by its front end 67a, in a bearing 68 carried by a bearing 69 of the front longitudinal wall 12b of the enclosure 7, and by its posterior end 67b in a bearing 70 carried by the wall 12c of the enclosure.
  • the rear end 67b of the shaft 67 projects from the wall 12c by a shouldered cylindrical part 72 and by a hemispherical end piece 73 in which radial slots form claws 74.
  • each electric motor 50 of the housing 46 is integral in rotation and translation with a tulip 75 whose end face is flush with the face of the plate 45 receiving the rear face of the enclosure.
  • This tulip comprises a stepped bore 76, a hemispherical cup 77, in which the machining operations form claws 78 complementary to those of the shafts 67 of the brushes, and a threaded axial well 79.
  • the hemispherical ends 73 facilitate the pre-positioning of the shafts 67 in front of the tulips 75, then the axial and radial positioning is ensured by engagement of the shouldered bearings 72 of the shafts in the bores 76.
  • This engagement brings the dogs 74 against those 78 of the tulip to ensure the rotational connection of each tulip with its shaft.
  • the translational connection of these two elements is achieved by a screw 80, the rod of which axially crosses the shaft 65 in order to be screwed into the threaded axial well 79 of the tulip and the head of which bears on the front end 67a of 'tree.
  • the head rests on the bottom of a protective cup 82, inserted between it and the shaft.
  • This device accommodates all forms of tablets, and if necessary, can be mounted without difficulty on existing installations, since it overcomes not only vibrating bowls, but also conduits transferring the tablets from the bowl vibrating to the distribution area.
  • the device according to the invention not only makes it possible to satisfy the rules of hygiene and to obtain quality packaging, but also makes it possible to improve the load plan of the existing installations and, consequently, the whole packaging workshop.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Encapsulation Of And Coatings For Semiconductor Or Solid State Devices (AREA)
  • Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

This device includes a single enclosure (7) containing and carrying the reservoir (A), the dispenser (B), and the distributor (C) made of cylindrical and rotary brushes (39a to 39c), and the dispenser (B) having two parallel flaps (15, 16) which come into closure contact against the upstream transverse wall (12a) of the enclosure (7), near to the blister sheet (5), and are linked, by their posterior ends, to independent motors (18, 19) able to move the flaps in one direction or the reverse, the control of the opening and closing of each flap (15 and 16) reacting, in respect of the upper flap (15), to a volumetric sensor (34) detecting the quantity of tablets accumulated in the buffer bay (40) and, in respect of the lower flap, to a sensor (38) disposed above the blister sheet (5), upstream of the first brush (39a).

Description

Dispositif d'alimentation en comprimés de plaquettes alvéolées. Device for feeding blister tablets.
L'invention concerne un dispositif alimentant en comprimés, ou équivalents, des alvéoles ménagées dans une feuille en matière synthétique, en défilement, et par exemple les alvéoles de plaquettes thermoformées dans une nappe en matière synthétique recevant ultérieurement une pellicule de fermeture.The invention relates to a device supplying tablets, or the like, cells formed in a sheet of synthetic material, in movement, and for example the cells of blister packs in a sheet of synthetic material subsequently receiving a closure film.
De tels dispositifs sont disposés au-dessus de la trajectoire de défilement d'une feuille alvéolée, déplacée par exemple par un convoyeur à bande. Les dispositifs actuels utilisent des bols vibrants qui sélectionnent, orientent et acheminent les comprimés vers un moyen de remplissage des alvéoles, comprenant des moyens de distribution et des moyens de répartition, tels que des brosses, rectilignes ou rotatives, garantissant la pénétration de chaque comprimé dans un alvéole. En raison de la diversité des formes et dimensions des comprimés et de l'orientation des alvéoles, à savoir, parallèles, transversales ou inclinées par rapport à la direction de déplacement de la feuille, chaque distributeur ne peut distribuer qu'un ou voire deux types de comprimés. De plus, il est en général spécifique à une installation de conditionnement et ne peut plus être transféré sur une autre installation. Cela a pour conséquence de limiter une installation à la distribution de certains comprimés et de ne pas pouvoir l'adapter rapidement pour la distribution d'autres comprimés, lorsque la demande de ces derniers devient plus forte.Such devices are arranged above the travel path of a blister sheet, moved for example by a belt conveyor. Current devices use vibrating bowls which select, orient and convey the tablets to a means for filling the cells, comprising distribution means and distribution means, such as brushes, straight or rotary, guaranteeing the penetration of each tablet into a cell. Due to the diversity of the shapes and dimensions of the tablets and the orientation of the cells, namely, parallel, transverse or inclined with respect to the direction of movement of the sheet, each dispenser can only dispense one or even two types of tablets. In addition, it is generally specific to a packaging installation and can no longer be transferred to another installation. This has the consequence of limiting an installation to the distribution of certain tablets and of not being able to adapt it quickly for the distribution of other tablets, when the demand for the latter becomes greater.
A cet inconvénient, qui implique d'augmenter le nombre d'installations spécialisées pour faire face à une demande diversifiée, s'ajoutent ceux résultant des conditions de distribution. En effet, dans les dispositifs actuels le flux de comprimés est mal contrôlé, de sorte qu'il peut se former, dans le circuit de distribution, par brassage ou par des bourrages favorisant la détérioration des comprimés, des déchets et poussières. Cela provoque la fourniture de conditionnements incomplets ou de conditionnement contenant des comprimés défectueux et/ou des poussières affectant, non seulement l'aspect esthétique, mais aussi l'hygiène du conditionnement.In addition to this drawback, which involves increasing the number of specialized facilities to cope with diversified demand, there are those resulting from distribution conditions. In fact, in current devices, the flow of tablets is poorly controlled, so that it can form, in the distribution circuit, by stirring or by jams promoting the deterioration of the tablets, waste and dust. This causes the supply of incomplete packaging or packaging containing defective tablets and / or dust affecting not only the aesthetic appearance, but also the hygiene of the packaging.
Il en est ainsi dans le document DE-A- 9 842 273 dans lequel la trémie d'un réservoir de stockage distribue par gravité un lot de comprimés dans un réservoir temporaire formé dans le dispositif de répartition, en amont de brosses rectilignes de répartition, et dans lequel l'excédent de produits est aspiré et recyclé. La présente invention a pour objet de remédier à ces inconvénients en fournissant un dispositif procurant un remplissage complet et régulier, sans détérioration des comprimés distribués, et pouvant très rapidement être transféré d'une installation à une autre, tout en pouvant recevoir des comprimés de formes et dimensions différentes, en améliorant ainsi le plan de charge de chaque installation de conditionnement, et celui d'un atelier.This is the case in document DE-A-9 842 273 in which the hopper of a storage tank distributes by gravity a batch of tablets in a temporary tank formed in the distribution device, upstream of rectilinear distribution brushes, and in which the excess product is sucked up and recycled. The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by providing a device which provides complete and regular filling, without deterioration of the tablets dispensed, and which can very quickly be transferred from one installation to another, while being able to receive tablets in the form and different dimensions, thereby improving the load plan of each packaging installation, and that of a workshop.
A cet effet, le dispositif selon l'invention, est constitué par une enceinte unique contenant et portant le réservoir de stockage, les moyens de distribution, et les moyens de répartition constitués par des brosses cylindriques et rotatives, tandis que les moyens de distribution sont constitués par deux volets parallèles qui, formant le fond du réservoir et délimitant un sas tampon, sont inclinés par rapport à l'horizontale du haut vers le bas en allant vers l'amont, viennent en contact de fermeture contre la paroi transversale amont de l'enceinte, près de la feuille alvéolée, sont mobiles en translation et sont reliés, par leurs extrémités postérieures, à des moyens indépendants et aptes à les déplacer dans un sens ou l'autre, la commande des moyens d'ouverture et de fermeture de chaque volet réagissant, pour le volet supérieur, à un capteur volumétrique détectant la quantité de comprimés accumulés dans le sas tampon, et, pour le volet inférieur, au capteur disposé au-dessus de la feuille en défilement, en amont de la première brosse, et détectant la quantité de comprimés s'accumulant contre cette brosse.To this end, the device according to the invention consists of a single enclosure containing and carrying the storage tank, the distribution means, and the distribution means constituted by cylindrical and rotary brushes, while the distribution means are constituted by two parallel flaps which, forming the bottom of the tank and delimiting a buffer airlock, are inclined relative to the horizontal from top to bottom going upstream, come into closing contact against the upstream transverse wall of the enclosure, near the blister sheet, are movable in translation and are connected, by their posterior ends, to independent means and able to move them in one direction or the other, the control of the opening and closing means of each flap reacting, for the upper flap, to a volumetric sensor detecting the quantity of tablets accumulated in the buffer airlock, and, for the lower flap, to the sensor ur placed above the sheet in movement, upstream of the first brush, and detecting the amount of tablets accumulating against this brush.
Avec ce dispositif, lorsque la quantité de comprimés accumulés contre la première brosse atteint un volume minimal déterminé, le capteur correspondant déclenche le coulissement du volet inférieur et provoque ainsi la vidange de tout ou partie du contenu du sas tampon, par petites vagues au plus près de la zone de remplissage.With this device, when the quantity of tablets accumulated against the first brush reaches a determined minimum volume, the corresponding sensor triggers the sliding of the lower flap and thus causes the emptying of all or part of the contents of the buffer airlock, in small waves as close as possible of the filling area.
De même, lorsque le contenu de ce sas atteint un volume minimal, le capteur qui lui est associé commande l'ouverture du volet supérieur, afin que celui-ci laisse pénétrer dans le sas une partie des comprimés contenus dans le réservoir. Dès que le volume maximal pouvant être accueilli dans le sas est atteint, le même capteur commande la fermeture du volet.Likewise, when the content of this airlock reaches a minimum volume, the sensor associated with it controls the opening of the upper flap, so that the latter lets part of the tablets contained in the reservoir penetrate into the airlock. As soon as the maximum volume that can be accommodated in the airlock is reached, the same sensor controls the closing of the shutter.
Il ressort de cela que les comprimés stockés dans le réservoir ne sont soumis à aucune vibration ou mouvement pouvant les détériorer, par leur volume et leur poids. Avantageusement, l'extrémité inférieure du volet inférieur est, en position de fermeture, sensiblement dans le plan diamétral horizontal de la première brosse.It appears from this that the tablets stored in the reservoir are not subjected to any vibration or movement which could deteriorate them, by their volume and their weight. Advantageously, the lower end of the lower flap is, in the closed position, substantially in the horizontal diametral plane of the first brush.
Ainsi, les transferts, respectivement du réservoir au sas et du sas au poste de répartition, s'effectuent uniquement par gravité sur des faibles distances, et par petites quantités, de manière que l'énergie cinétique communiquée aux comprimés soit insuffisante pour détériorer ceux-ci et former des fragments et poussières.Thus, the transfers, respectively from the tank to the airlock and from the airlock to the distribution station, are carried out only by gravity over short distances, and in small quantities, so that the kinetic energy communicated to the tablets is insufficient to deteriorate them. ci and form fragments and dust.
Dans une forme d'exécution, l'enceinte est fixée par des moyens démontables sur la platine verticale d'un boîtier deplaçable verticalement sur les glissières d'un châssis, disposé latéralement au convoyeur déplaçant la feuille alvéolée, ledit boîtier contenant, pour chacune des brosses de l'enceinte, un moteur électrique d'entraînement dont l'arbre de sortie est équipée de moyens de liaison en rotation et en translation et de moyens de positionnement, tous aptes à coopérer avec des moyens complémentaires ménagés à l'extrémité postérieure de l'arbre d'entraînement de chaque brosse.In one embodiment, the enclosure is fixed by means which can be dismantled on the vertical plate of a box vertically displaceable on the slides of a chassis, disposed laterally to the conveyor moving the blister sheet, said box containing, for each of the brushes of the enclosure, an electric drive motor whose output shaft is equipped with means of connection in rotation and in translation and of positioning means, all capable of cooperating with complementary means provided at the rear end of the drive shaft of each brush.
Cette enceinte qui vient s'encastrer sur les prises de force de la motorisation disposée dans le boîtier extérieur, est interchangeable et peut être spécifique à un produit, en supprimant ainsi tous les risques de contaminations croisées. Cette amovibilité facilite son nettoyage et le nettoyage du poste qui peut très rapidement être libéré, d'autant plus aisément que tous les éléments en contact avec les comprimés sont démontables.This enclosure which comes to be embedded on the power take-offs of the motorization arranged in the external box, is interchangeable and can be specific to a product, thus eliminating all the risks of cross contamination. This removability facilitates its cleaning and cleaning of the station which can very quickly be released, all the more easily as all the elements in contact with the tablets are removable.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages ressortiront de la description qui suit en référence au dessin schématique annexé. Figure 1 est une vue en coupe transversale d'une forme d'exécution de ce dispositif, lorsqu'il est mis en place sur le convoyeur d'une installation de conditionnement et lorsqu'il est position de dégagement,Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description which follows with reference to the attached schematic drawing. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of this device, when it is placed on the conveyor of a packaging installation and when it is in the release position,
Figure 2 est une vue en coupe longitudinale du dispositif, lorsqu'il est en position de travail, Figure 3 est une vue de côté en coupe transversale d'une autre forme d'exécution du dispositif, lorsque l'enceinte est en cours de montage,Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device, when in the working position, Figure 3 is a side view in cross section of another embodiment of the device, when the enclosure is being assembled ,
Figure 4 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de l'enceinte de figure 3,FIG. 4 is a view in longitudinal section of the enclosure of FIG. 3,
Figure 5 est une vue partielle en coupe transversale montrant à échelle agrandie les moyens d'entraînement et de liaison de l'arbre d'une brosse avec sa motorisation. La référence numérique 2 désigne le châssis d'un convoyeur D portant des rouleaux ou tambours 3 d'entraînement d'une bande 4 déplaçant, dans le sens de la flèche 11 de figure 2, une feuille en matière synthétique 5 comportant des alvéoles préformées 6, par exemple réalisées par thermoformage.Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing on an enlarged scale the drive means and connecting the shaft of a brush with its motorization. The reference numeral 2 designates the chassis of a conveyor D carrying rollers or drums 3 for driving a band 4 moving, in the direction of arrow 11 in FIG. 2, a sheet of synthetic material 5 comprising preformed cells 6 , for example produced by thermoforming.
Dans la forme d'exécution des figures 1 à 2, l'enceinte 7, du dispositif selon l'invention, est monté coulissant sur des glissières verticales 8 et est reliée à des moyens, tels qu'un vérin 9, pneumatique ou hydraulique, apte à la déplacer sur ces glissières entre une position de dégagement, représentée en trait fort à la figure 1 , dans laquelle elle est espacée du convoyeur à bande, et une position de travail, représentée à la figure 2, dans laquelle ses brosses sont à proximité de cette bande.In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 2, the enclosure 7 of the device according to the invention is mounted to slide on vertical slides 8 and is connected to means, such as a jack 9, pneumatic or hydraulic, able to move it on these slides between a release position, shown in solid lines in Figure 1, in which it is spaced from the belt conveyor, and a working position, shown in Figure 2, in which its brushes are proximity to this strip.
Comme montré plus en détails à la figure 2, l'enceinte 7 contient et porte un réservoir A, des moyens B de distribution des comprimés, et des moyens C de répartition des comprimés sur la feuille alvéolée 5. Le réservoir A est délimité par les parois 12a, 12b, 12c de l'enceinte et par une paroi transversale 26. Par son ouverture supérieure 13, il peut recevoir les comprimés 14 devant être distribués. La figure 1 montre qu'il s'étend transversalement sur la largeur du convoyeur et au moins sur celle de la feuille alvéolée 5.As shown in more detail in FIG. 2, the enclosure 7 contains and carries a reservoir A, means B for distributing the tablets, and means C for distributing the tablets on the blister sheet 5. The reservoir A is delimited by the walls 12a, 12b, 12c of the enclosure and through a transverse wall 26. Through its upper opening 13, it can receive the tablets 14 to be dispensed. FIG. 1 shows that it extends transversely over the width of the conveyor and at least over that of the blister sheet 5.
Le fond de ce réservoir est constitué par deux volets, à savoir un volet supérieur 15 et un volet inférieur 16. Ces deux volets sont parallèles, espacés l'un de l'autre et inclinés par rapport à l'horizontal, du haut vers le bas en allant de l'aval vers l'amont, suivant un angle ayant une valeur comprise entre 10 et 30°. Chaque volet est monté coulissant dans le réservoir et, plus précisément, par rapport à des traverses 17 reliant les parois 12b, 12c du réservoir.The bottom of this tank consists of two flaps, namely an upper flap 15 and a lower flap 16. These two flaps are parallel, spaced from each other and inclined relative to the horizontal, from top to bottom. down from downstream to upstream, at an angle with a value between 10 and 30 °. Each flap is slidably mounted in the tank and, more precisely, with respect to crosspieces 17 connecting the walls 12b, 12c of the tank.
L'extrémité supérieure de chaque volet 15 et 16 est reliée, par des moyens démontables, à des moyens aptes à le déplacer longitudinalement. Dans la forme d'exécution représentée, ces moyens sont constitués par deux moteurs électriques, respectivement 18 et 19, actionnant par un système à vis deux tiges 18a, 19a, chacune de ces tiges est munie chacune d'un crochet extrême 18b, 19b apte à recevoir une partie complémentaire telle, qu'un barreau 20, solidaire de l'extrémité supérieure du volet 15 ou une nervure en crochet 22, solidaire de l'extrémité supérieure du volet 16. Les deux moteurs 18 et 19, de même que leurs moyens de commande 23, permettant entre autres d'ajuster la course du volet 15, sont disposés dans un compartiment 24. Celui-ci est isolé, par des parois verticales 25 et 26, du réservoir A et, par des parois 27, 28 et 29, des moyens de distribution B et des moyens de répartition C. Les volets 15 et 16 sont destinés, par leurs extrémités inférieures, à venir en contact avec un élément de paroi de l'enceinte 7, et plus spécialement, avec la paroi transversale amont 12a de cette enceinte, de manière à pouvoir former chacun, par leur ouverture, deux fentes parallèles et superposées s'étendant sur toute la longueur du réservoir et correspondant à la largeur de la nappe préformée 5 en défilement.The upper end of each flap 15 and 16 is connected, by removable means, to means able to move it longitudinally. In the embodiment shown, these means consist of two electric motors, respectively 18 and 19, actuating by a screw system two rods 18a, 19a, each of these rods is each provided with an end hook 18b, 19b suitable to receive a complementary part such as a bar 20, secured to the upper end of the flap 15 or a hook rib 22, secured to the upper end of the flap 16. The two motors 18 and 19, as well as their means of control 23, making it possible inter alia to adjust the stroke of the flap 15, are arranged in a compartment 24. This is isolated, by vertical walls 25 and 26, from the reservoir A and, by walls 27, 28 and 29, distribution means B and distribution means C. The flaps 15 and 16 are intended, by their lower ends, to come into contact with a wall element of the enclosure 7, and more specifically, with the upstream transverse wall 12a of this enclosure, so as to be able to each form, by their opening, two parallel and superposed slots extending over the entire length of the reservoir and corresponding to the width of the preformed sheet 5 in movement.
La figure 2 montre bien que l'extrémité inférieure du volet inférieur 16 est, en position de fermeture, sensiblement dans le plan diamétral horizontal P de la brosse 39a.FIG. 2 clearly shows that the lower end of the lower flap 16 is, in the closed position, substantially in the horizontal diametral plane P of the brush 39a.
L'extrémité inférieure du volet supérieur 15 est munie d'une brosse 30 qui s'étend sur toute la largeur du réservoir A et est apte à venir contre une brosse opposée 31, ménagée sur le bord d'une barrette transversale 32. Cette barrette, qui est fixée contre la paroi transversale amont 12a du réservoir, par exemple par des vis non représentés, présente, dans le réservoir, deux faces pentues 32a, 32b formant une sorte d'entonnoir guidant les comprimés en direction de la zone de contact des deux brosses 30, 31 et, en conséquence, de la fente d'échappement se formant lors du recul du volet supérieur 15.The lower end of the upper flap 15 is provided with a brush 30 which extends over the entire width of the tank A and is capable of coming against an opposite brush 31, formed on the edge of a transverse bar 32. This bar , which is fixed against the upstream transverse wall 12a of the reservoir, for example by screws not shown, has, in the reservoir, two sloping faces 32a, 32b forming a sort of funnel guiding the tablets in the direction of the contact zone of the two brushes 30, 31 and, consequently, of the exhaust slot forming when the upper flap 15 recedes.
La barrette 32 sert également de logement à au moins un capteur volumétrique 34, et supporte un réseau d'aspiration non représenté. Elle est amovible pour pouvoir être nettoyée. L'extrémité inférieure du volet inférieur 16 est également munie d'une brosse 35 qui vient directement contre la face interne de la paroi 12a du réservoir, mais qui peut également venir en appui contre une barrette similaire à celle 32.The bar 32 also serves as a housing for at least one volumetric sensor 34, and supports a suction network, not shown. It is removable so that it can be cleaned. The lower end of the lower flap 16 is also provided with a brush 35 which comes directly against the internal face of the wall 12a of the tank, but which can also come to bear against a bar similar to that 32.
Une traverse 36, s'étendant entre les deux parois longitudinales 12b, 12c de l'enceinte 7, et entre les deux volets 15 et 16, comporte deux faces d'appui qui, parallèles et opposées, sont aptes, celle supérieure 36a à venir en contact avec la face inférieure du volet supérieur 15 pour éviter sa flexion en fin de fermeture, et celle inférieure 36b, à venir en appui contre la face supérieure du volet inférieur 16, pour en parfaire le guidage en translation. La traverse 36 a aussi pour fonction de délimiter, avec la paroi 12a, les limites longitudinales d'un sas tampon 40. Elle comporte, en vis à vis de la paroi transversale amont 12a de l'enceinte, une face pentue 36c qui, lorsque le volet 15 est en position d'ouverture, canalise les comprimés provenant du réservoir A et les dirige dans le sas tampon 40.A crosspiece 36, extending between the two longitudinal walls 12b, 12c of the enclosure 7, and between the two flaps 15 and 16, has two bearing faces which, parallel and opposite, are suitable, the upper one 36a to come in contact with the lower face of the upper flap 15 to avoid its bending at the end of closing, and that lower 36b, to come into abutment against the upper face of the lower flap 16, to perfect the guiding in translation. The crosspiece 36 also has the function of delimiting, with the wall 12a, the longitudinal limits of a buffer airlock 40. It comprises, facing the upstream transverse wall 12a of the enclosure, a sloping face 36c which, when the flap 15 is in the open position, channels the tablets from the reservoir A and directs them into the airlock 40.
Enfin, une traverse 37, disposée au-dessous du volet 16, porte un autre capteur volumétrique 38 déterminant la quantité de comprimés accumulée en amont de la première brosse rotative et transversale 39a, associée à deux autres brosses 39b, 39c.Finally, a crosspiece 37, disposed below the flap 16, carries another volumetric sensor 38 determining the quantity of tablets accumulated upstream of the first rotary and transverse brush 39a, associated with two other brushes 39b, 39c.
Les deux détecteurs, respectivement 34 et 38, sont reliés, par un circuit électrique non représenté et individuellement, au boîtier de commande 23, des moteurs 18 et 19. Chacun d'eux réagit à la variation de volume des comprimés amassés devant lui. Lorsque ce volume atteint une valeur minimale, il commande l'ouverture du volet correspondant, tandis que pour la valeur maximale, il commande sa fermeture.The two detectors, respectively 34 and 38, are connected, by an electrical circuit not shown and individually, to the control unit 23, of the motors 18 and 19. Each of them reacts to the variation in volume of the tablets gathered in front of it. When this volume reaches a minimum value, it controls the opening of the corresponding shutter, while for the maximum value, it controls its closing.
Lorsque ce dispositif est en fonctionnement et comme le montre la figure 2, le sas tampon 40 contient une réserve de comprimés qui est prête à alimenter la réserve 41 formée en amont de la première brosse 39a. Au fur et à mesure que les comprimés 14 de cette réserve sont réparties dans les alvéoles 6 de la feuille 5 en défilement, le volume accumulé diminue. Dès qu'il atteint la valeur minimale, le capteur 38 réagit sur la commande du moteur 19 qui déclenche le coulissement du volet inférieur 16 dans le sens de la flèche 42. Il en résulte que la brosse 35 du volet inférieur 16 s'écarte de la paroi 12a et forme une fente par laquelle s'écoule une certaine quantité de comprimés 14. Ceux-ci tombent sur la nappe 5 en défilement et sont véhiculés, par celle- ci, jusqu'à la première brosse 39a, en reconstituant la réserve 41. Dès que la valeur maximale du volume de la réserve 41 est atteinte, le capteur 38 réagit à nouveau pour que le moteur 19 commande le déplacement en sens inverse du volet 16 pour fermer la fente d'écoulement. Grâce à la brosse 35, cette fermeture est sans conséquence sur les comprimés qui, ainsi, ne sont pas écrasés. Si cette décharge du sas 40 a amené le volume stocké dans ce sas à sa valeur minimale, le capteur 34 réagit sur les moyens de commande 23 pour déclencher le déplacement du volet supérieur 15 dans le sens de la flèche 42, et, en conséquence, provoquer l'ouverture de la fente correspondante. Dans ces conditions, les comprimés 14 stockés dans le réservoir A descendent par gravité dans le sas 40. Dès que le volume maximal est atteint, le capteur 34 commande le déplacement en sens inverse du volet 15. Là encore, lors de cette fermeture, les brosses 30 et 31 évitent tout pincement des comprimés 14 et toute formation de poussières et fragments.When this device is in operation and as shown in FIG. 2, the buffer lock 40 contains a reserve of tablets which is ready to supply the reserve 41 formed upstream of the first brush 39a. As the tablets 14 of this reserve are distributed in the cells 6 of the sheet 5 in movement, the accumulated volume decreases. As soon as it reaches the minimum value, the sensor 38 reacts on the control of the motor 19 which triggers the sliding of the lower flap 16 in the direction of the arrow 42. As a result, the brush 35 of the lower flap 16 moves away from the wall 12a and forms a slit through which a certain quantity of tablets 14 flows. These fall onto the sheet 5 in movement and are conveyed, by the latter, to the first brush 39a, reconstituting the reserve 41. As soon as the maximum value of the volume of the reserve 41 is reached, the sensor 38 reacts again so that the motor 19 controls the movement in the opposite direction of the flap 16 to close the flow slot. Thanks to the brush 35, this closure has no effect on the tablets which, thus, are not crushed. If this discharge from the airlock 40 brought the volume stored in this airlock to its minimum value, the sensor 34 reacts on the control means 23 to trigger the movement of the upper flap 15 in the direction of the arrow 42, and, consequently, cause the opening of the corresponding slot. Under these conditions, the tablets 14 stored in the reservoir A descend by gravity into the airlock 40. As soon as the maximum volume is reached, the sensor 34 controls the movement in the opposite direction of the flap 15. Again, during this closure, the brushes 30 and 31 prevent pinching of the tablets 14 and any formation of dust and fragments.
On notera que, aussi bien lors de la chute des comprimés, du réservoir A dans le sas 40, que lors de leur chute du sas 40 sur la feuille thermoformée 5, la hauteur de chute est très faible, ce qui évite toute fragmentation des comprimés sous leur propre poids et sous l'énergie cinétique des comprimés leur tombant dessus. Grâce à cela, mais aussi à la présence du sas tampon limitant le volume intermédiaire stocké, la distribution des comprimés s'effectue par lots de faible quantité et dans d'excellentes conditions, sans cassure ni poussière.It will be noted that, both when the tablets fall from the reservoir A into the airlock 40, and when they fall from the airlock 40 onto the thermoformed sheet 5, the drop height is very low, which avoids any fragmentation of the tablets under their own weight and under the kinetic energy of the tablets falling on them. Thanks to this, but also to the presence of the buffer airlock limiting the intermediate volume stored, the distribution of the tablets is carried out in batches of small quantity and in excellent conditions, without breakage or dust.
A la fin de l'opération de conditionnement, chacun des deux volets 15, 16 est aisément démonté pour être sorti et nettoyé, mais aussi pour permettre le nettoyage de l'intérieur de l'enceinte.At the end of the packaging operation, each of the two flaps 15, 16 is easily disassembled to be taken out and cleaned, but also to allow cleaning of the interior of the enclosure.
La forme d'exécution représentée figures 3 à 5 se différencie de la précédente par quelques points particuliers qui vont être mis en évidence. Les moyens et organes communs aux deux formes d'exécution porteront les mêmes références, tandis que les éléments nouveaux seront référencés à partir de 45.The embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5 differs from the previous one by a few specific points which will be highlighted. The means and organs common to the two embodiments will have the same references, while the new elements will be referenced from 45.
Comme montré figure 3, l'enceinte 7, contenant le réservoir A, les moyens de distribution B et les moyens de répartition C, est fixée de manière démontable par appui de sa face longitudinale 12c contre une platine verticale 45 faisant partie d'un boîtier 46.As shown in Figure 3, the enclosure 7, containing the tank A, the distribution means B and the distribution means C, is fixed in a removable manner by pressing its longitudinal face 12c against a vertical plate 45 forming part of a housing 46.
Le boîtier 46 est monté coulissant sur des glissières verticales 47 portées par une potence 48, solidaire d'un socle fixe 49, disposé latéralement et à l'extérieur du convoyeur D. Le déplacement du boîtier 46 peut être assuré par un système vis-écrou actionnable par une manivelle ou par une commande électrique. Le boîtier contient autant de moteur électrique 50 que l'enceinte contient de brosses, et par exemple quatre moteurs quand l'enceinte comporte, comme représenté figure 4, trois brosses de répartition 39a, 39b, 39c et une brosse de lissage 52.The housing 46 is slidably mounted on vertical slides 47 carried by a bracket 48, secured to a fixed base 49, disposed laterally and outside of the conveyor D. The movement of the housing 46 can be ensured by a screw-nut system actuated by a crank or by an electric control. The box contains as many electric motors 50 as the enclosure contains brushes, and for example four motors when the enclosure comprises, as shown in FIG. 4, three distribution brushes 39a, 39b, 39c and a smoothing brush 52.
Enfin, le boîtier 46 est équipé de moyens de liaison avec l'enceinte 7. Dans la forme d'exécution représentée, ces moyens sont constitués par quatre brides 53 disposées par deux sur les faces en bout du boîtier et coopérant avec des crans 54, saillant des faces externes des parois transversales 12a et 12d de l'enceinte 7. Chaque bride est à verrouillage par vis 55 ou par genouillère. La figure 4 montre que le volet inférieur 16 coulisse sur deux traverses cylindriques 56 et comporte deux ailes latérales 57 qui servent de glissières au volet supérieur 15. Un fond 58, rapporté, amovible et en appui sur le sommet du compartiment 24 et sur le volet 15, est plus incliné que les volets et forme une trémie faisant glisser les comprimés vers le fond du réservoir A.Finally, the housing 46 is equipped with means of connection with the enclosure 7. In the embodiment shown, these means consist of four flanges 53 arranged in pairs on the end faces of the housing and cooperating with notches 54, projecting from the external faces of the transverse walls 12a and 12d of the enclosure 7. Each flange is locked by screws 55 or by toggle. FIG. 4 shows that the lower flap 16 slides on two cylindrical crosspieces 56 and has two lateral wings 57 which serve as slides for the upper flap 15. A bottom 58, attached, removable and bearing on the top of the compartment 24 and on the flap 15, is more inclined than the flaps and forms a hopper sliding the tablets towards the bottom of the reservoir A.
Les brosses rectilignes 30, 35 ménagées sur les bords des volets 15 et 16 viennent chacune en appui contre une ailette 59 saillant d'une barrette 60, 61. Chaque barrette est fixée avec interposition de blocs amortisseurs viscoélastiques 63 contre la paroi transversale amont 62a d'un boîtier 62. Ainsi, lors de la fermeture de l'une des fentes des moyens de distribution B, si un comprimé reste pincé entre un volet et une barrette, l'effort de pincement provoque la compression du bloc amortisseur correspondant et provoque le recul élastique du bord coopérant avec le volet en empêchant toute détérioration du comprimé, donc toute formation d'éclats ou poussières. Le boîtier 62 est fixé contre la paroi transversale 12a de l'enceinteThe rectilinear brushes 30, 35 formed on the edges of the flaps 15 and 16 each come to bear against a fin 59 projecting from a bar 60, 61. Each bar is fixed with the interposition of viscoelastic damping blocks 63 against the upstream transverse wall 62a d 'a housing 62. Thus, during the closing of one of the slots of the distribution means B, if a tablet remains pinched between a flap and a bar, the pinching force causes the compression of the corresponding damping block and causes the elastic recoil of the edge cooperating with the flap preventing any deterioration of the tablet, therefore any formation of chips or dust. The housing 62 is fixed against the transverse wall 12a of the enclosure
7 et contient deux bouches d'aspiration 64a, 64b communiquant, celle supérieure 64a, avec le sas tampon 40 et, celle inférieure 64b, avec la zone Z1 de chute des comprimés sur la feuille alvéolée.7 and contains two suction ports 64a, 64b communicating, the upper one 64a, with the buffer lock 40 and, the lower one 64b, with the zone Z1 for the drop of the tablets on the blister sheet.
Ces bouches aspirent les poussières formées par le frottement des comprimés entre eux, dans le réservoir A, dans le sas 40 et dans la zone Z1 , et dégagent donc les diverses zones de répartition Z1 à Z4 de toute poussière.These mouths suck up the dust formed by the friction of the tablets with one another, in the tank A, in the airlock 40 and in the zone Z1, and therefore free the various distribution zones Z1 to Z4 from any dust.
Le boîtier 62 est équipé d'un capteur 34, non représenté, comme d'ailleurs celui 38 disposé au-dessus de la zone Z1 près de la première brosseThe housing 62 is equipped with a sensor 34, not shown, like, moreover, that 38 disposed above the zone Z1 near the first brush
39a. Ces capteurs sont démontables, comme le boîtier 62, le fond 58, les volets 15 et 16 et les brosses 39a à 39c et 52, pour faciliter leur nettoyage et celui de l'enceinte après son démontage de la platine 45.39a. These sensors are removable, like the housing 62, the bottom 58, the flaps 15 and 16 and the brushes 39a to 39c and 52, to facilitate their cleaning and that of the enclosure after its dismantling of the plate 45.
Lorsque cette platine est libérée de l'enceinte 7, elle est très aisément nettoyable et, par sa disposition hors du convoyeur D, peut rester en place avec son boîtier 46 et son châssis 48, 49, sans apporter une gêne au fonctionnement d'une chaîne de conditionnement, même si cette chaîne est déjà équipée d'un autre dispositif de distribution. Dans ce dernier cas, les dimensions de la platine, de l'ordre de 600 X 450 mm lui permettent de s'intégrer aisément entre deux postes de la chaîne.When this plate is released from the enclosure 7, it is very easily cleanable and, by its arrangement outside of the conveyor D, can remain in place with its housing 46 and its chassis 48, 49, without causing discomfort to the operation of a packaging line, even if this chain is already equipped with another distribution device. In the latter case, the dimensions of the plate, of the order of 600 X 450 mm allow it to be easily integrated between two stations of the chain.
La possibilité d'amener l'enceinte 7 en position de dégagement, par exemple à une distance de 500 mm de la feuille alvéolée 5, permet non seulement de faciliter le nettoyage du poste de travail, mais aussi de dégager ce poste qui peut ainsi laisser passer une feuille alvéolée 5 en cours de remplissage par un autre dispositif de répartition.The possibility of bringing the enclosure 7 into the release position, for example at a distance of 500 mm from the honeycomb sheet 5, makes it possible not only to facilitate cleaning of the work station, but also to release this station which can thus allow a honeycomb sheet 5 to pass while being filled by another distribution device.
L'amovibilité de l'enceinte 7 du dispositif selon l'invention permet d'en faciliter le nettoyage hors de la chaîne de conditionnement et d'affecter chaque enceinte à un type de produit, en supprimant ainsi les risques de contaminations croisées, mais aussi de la monter rapidement sur une chaîne existante, arrêtée temporairement pour satisfaire une demande différente et plus urgente.The removability of the enclosure 7 of the device according to the invention makes it possible to facilitate cleaning thereof outside the packaging chain and to assign each enclosure to a type of product, thereby eliminating the risks of cross contamination, but also to quickly mount it on an existing chain, temporarily stopped to meet a different and more urgent request.
Il va maintenant être décrit en références aux figures 3 et 5 une forme d'exécution des moyens assurant la liaison des brosses disposées dans l'enceinte 7 avec leurs moyens d'entraînement disposés dans le boîtier 46.There will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5 an embodiment of the means ensuring the connection of the brushes arranged in the enclosure 7 with their drive means arranged in the housing 46.
Chaque brosse 39 et 52 est formée par des touffes de poils 65 saillant d'un manchon tubulaire 66 lié en rotation à un arbre tubulaire 67. Cet arbre est monté libre en rotation, par son extrémité antérieure 67a, dans un roulement 68 porté par un palier 69 de la paroi longitudinale antérieure 12b de l'enceinte 7, et par son extrémité postérieure 67b dans un palier 70 porté par la paroi 12c de l'enceinte.Each brush 39 and 52 is formed by tufts of bristles 65 projecting from a tubular sleeve 66 linked in rotation to a tubular shaft 67. This shaft is mounted free in rotation, by its front end 67a, in a bearing 68 carried by a bearing 69 of the front longitudinal wall 12b of the enclosure 7, and by its posterior end 67b in a bearing 70 carried by the wall 12c of the enclosure.
L'extrémité postérieure 67b de l'arbre 67 fait saillie de la paroi 12c par une partie cylindrique épaulée 72 et par un embout hémisphérique 73 dans lequel des fentes radiales forment des crabots 74.The rear end 67b of the shaft 67 projects from the wall 12c by a shouldered cylindrical part 72 and by a hemispherical end piece 73 in which radial slots form claws 74.
L'arbre de sortie de chaque moteur électrique 50 du boîtier 46 est solidaire en rotation et translation d'une tulipe 75 dont la face en bout affleure la face de la platine 45 recevant la face postérieure de l'enceinte. Cette tulipe comprend un alésage épaulé 76, une cuvette hémisphérique 77, dans laquelle des usinages forment des crabots 78 complémentaires de ceux des arbres 67 des brosses, et un puits axial fileté 79.The output shaft of each electric motor 50 of the housing 46 is integral in rotation and translation with a tulip 75 whose end face is flush with the face of the plate 45 receiving the rear face of the enclosure. This tulip comprises a stepped bore 76, a hemispherical cup 77, in which the machining operations form claws 78 complementary to those of the shafts 67 of the brushes, and a threaded axial well 79.
Lorsque l'enceinte 7 est présentée contre la platine 45, les embouts hémisphériques 73 facilitent le pré positionnement des arbres 67 en face des tulipes 75, puis le positionnement axial et radial est assuré par engagement des portées épaulées 72 des arbres dans les alésages 76. Cet engagement amène les crabots 74 contre ceux 78 de la tulipe pour assurer la liaison en rotation de chaque tulipe avec son arbre. La liaison en translation de ces deux éléments est réalisée par une vis 80 dont la tige traverse axialement l'arbre 65 pour se visser dans le puits axial fileté 79 de la tulipe et dont la tête vient en appui sur l'extrémité antérieure 67a de l'arbre. Dans la forme d'exécution représentée, la tête s'appuie sur le fond d'une coupelle de protection 82, insérée entre elle et l'arbre.When the enclosure 7 is presented against the plate 45, the hemispherical ends 73 facilitate the pre-positioning of the shafts 67 in front of the tulips 75, then the axial and radial positioning is ensured by engagement of the shouldered bearings 72 of the shafts in the bores 76. This engagement brings the dogs 74 against those 78 of the tulip to ensure the rotational connection of each tulip with its shaft. The translational connection of these two elements is achieved by a screw 80, the rod of which axially crosses the shaft 65 in order to be screwed into the threaded axial well 79 of the tulip and the head of which bears on the front end 67a of 'tree. In the form of execution shown, the head rests on the bottom of a protective cup 82, inserted between it and the shaft.
Ce dispositif s'accommode à toutes les formes de comprimés, et en cas de besoin, peut être monté sans difficulté sur les installations existantes, puisqu'il s'affranchit non seulement des bols vibrants, mais également des conduits transférant les comprimés depuis le bol vibrant jusqu'à la zone de distribution.This device accommodates all forms of tablets, and if necessary, can be mounted without difficulty on existing installations, since it overcomes not only vibrating bowls, but also conduits transferring the tablets from the bowl vibrating to the distribution area.
De même, il peut être rapporté sur une installation comportant d'autres moyens de distribution, par exemple, pour parfaire un mauvais remplissage ou accroître temporairement la production horaire.Similarly, it can be added to an installation comprising other distribution means, for example, to perfect poor filling or temporarily increase hourly production.
Il ressort que le dispositif, selon l'invention, permet non seulement de satisfaire aux règles d'hygiène et d'obtenir des conditionnements de qualité, mais aussi permet d'améliorer le plan de charge des installations existantes et, en conséquence, de l'ensemble d'un atelier de conditionnement. It appears that the device according to the invention not only makes it possible to satisfy the rules of hygiene and to obtain quality packaging, but also makes it possible to improve the load plan of the existing installations and, consequently, the whole packaging workshop.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Dispositif pour alimenter en comprimés des alvéoles (6) ménagées dans une feuille (5) en défilement, dispositif comportant a) un réservoir (A) de stockage des comprimés, b) des moyens (B) de distribution d'un lot de comprimés à travers une ouverture du réservoir s'étendant sur la largeur de la feuille alvéolée (5), ces moyens comprenant un volet coulissant dont les mouvements d'ouverture et de fermeture sont déterminés par un boîtier de commande réagissant à un capteur (38) détectant la hauteur de comprimés disposés sur la feuille, et c) des moyens (C) de répartition des comprimés dans les alvéoles en défilement, ces moyens étant constitués par des brosses transversales (39), caractérisé en ce qu'il est constitué par une enceinte (7) unique contenant et portant le réservoir (A) de stockage, les moyens (B) de distribution, et les moyens (C) de répartition constitués par des brosses cylindriques et rotatives (39a à 39c), tandis que les moyens (B) de distribution sont constitués par deux volets parallèles (15, 16) qui, formant le fond du réservoir et délimitant un sas tampon (40), sont inclinés par rapport à l'horizontale du haut vers le bas en allant vers l'amont, viennent en contact de fermeture contre la paroi transversale amont (12a) de l'enceinte (7), près de la feuille alvéolée (5), sont mobiles en translation et sont reliés, par leurs extrémités postérieures, à des moyens (18, 19), indépendants et aptes à les déplacer dans un sens ou l'autre, la commande des moyens d'ouverture et de fermeture de chaque volet (15 et 16) réagissant, pour le volet supérieur (15), à un capteur volumétrique (34) détectant la quantité de comprimés accumulés dans le sas tampon (40), et, pour le volet inférieur, au capteur (38) disposé au- dessus de la feuille en défilement (5), en amont de la première brosse (39a), et détectant la quantité de comprimés s'accumulant contre cette brosse.1. Device for supplying tablets with cells (6) formed in a sheet (5) in movement, device comprising a) a reservoir (A) for storing the tablets, b) means (B) for distributing a batch of compressed through an opening in the reservoir extending over the width of the blister sheet (5), these means comprising a sliding shutter, the opening and closing movements of which are determined by a control unit reacting to a sensor (38) detecting the height of tablets placed on the sheet, and c) means (C) for distributing the tablets in the moving cells, these means being constituted by transverse brushes (39), characterized in that it consists of a single enclosure (7) containing and carrying the storage tank (A), the distribution means (B), and the distribution means (C) constituted by cylindrical and rotary brushes (39a to 39c), while the means ( B) of d istribution consist of two parallel flaps (15, 16) which, forming the bottom of the tank and delimiting a buffer airlock (40), are inclined relative to the horizontal from top to bottom going upstream, come in closing contact against the upstream transverse wall (12a) of the enclosure (7), near the honeycomb sheet (5), are movable in translation and are connected, by their posterior ends, to means (18, 19), independent and able to move them in one direction or the other, the control of the opening and closing means of each flap (15 and 16) reacting, for the upper flap (15), to a volumetric sensor (34) detecting the quantity of tablets accumulated in the buffer airlock (40), and, for the lower flap, at the sensor (38) arranged above the sheet in movement (5), upstream of the first brush (39a), and detecting the amount of tablets accumulating against this brush.
2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que l'extrémité inférieure du volet inférieur (16) est, en position de fermeture, sensiblement dans le plan diamétral horizontal (P) de la première brosse (39a). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower end of the lower flap (16) is, in the closed position, substantially in the horizontal diametral plane (P) of the first brush (39a).
3. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que le bord inférieur d'au moins le volet supérieur (15) vient en contact avec une barrette (32) qui, rapportée contre la paroi transversale amont (12a) de l'enceinte (7), est disposée au-dessus du sas (40), forme guide de déversement pour les comprimés (14) du réservoir (A) et contient au moins un capteur (34) détectant le volume de comprimés accumulés dans le sas. 3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower edge of at least the upper flap (15) comes into contact with a bar (32) which, fitted against the upstream transverse wall (12a) of the enclosure ( 7), is arranged above the airlock (40), forms a spill guide for the tablets (14) from the reservoir (A) and contains at least one sensor (34) detecting the volume of tablets accumulated in the airlock.
4. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que chacun des deux volets coopère avec une barrette (60, 61) et chaque barrette (60, 61) est fixée contre une paroi transversale (62a) avec interposition de blocs amortisseurs viscoélastiques (63) permettant à son bord, coopérant avec le volet, de reculer élastiquement en cas d'effort de fermeture anormal.4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that each of the two flaps cooperates with a bar (60, 61) and each bar (60, 61) is fixed against a transverse wall (62a) with interposition of viscoelastic damping blocks (63 ) allowing its edge, cooperating with the flap, to retract elastically in the event of an abnormal closing force.
5. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que les deux barrettes (60, 61) sont disposées dans un boîtier (62) rapporté contre la paroi transversale amont (12a) de l'enceinte (7) et chacune d'elles est associée à une bouche d'aspiration (64) communiquant, celle supérieure, avec le sas tampon (40), celle inférieure avec la zone (Z1) de réception des comprimés sur la feuille alvéolée (6).5. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the two bars (60, 61) are arranged in a housing (62) attached against the upstream transverse wall (12a) of the enclosure (7) and each of them is associated with a suction mouth (64) communicating, the upper one, with the buffer airlock (40), the lower one with the zone (Z1) for receiving the tablets on the blister sheet (6).
6. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que les bords en vis à vis d'un volet (15-16) et/ou de la barrette (32, ou 60, 61) sont munis de brosses (30, 35) rectilignes et transversales. 6. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the edges opposite a flap (15-16) and / or the bar (32, or 60, 61) are provided with brushes (30, 35) straight and transverse.
7. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que les volets (15, 16) sont amovibles par rapport à leurs moyens de guidage en translation et leurs moyens d'actionnement (18, 19) et sont chacun reliés par une liaison démontable, de type crochets complémentaires, à l'extrémité supérieure du volet correspondant. 7. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flaps (15, 16) are removable relative to their guide means in translation and their actuation means (18, 19) and are each connected by a removable link, complementary hook type, at the upper end of the corresponding flap.
8. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que l'enceinte (7) est montée coulissante par rapport aux glissières (8, 47) d'un châssis fixe et est reliée à des moyens (9) aptes à la déplacer verticalement entre une position de travail, dans laquelle ses brosses (39, 52) sont à proximité ou au contact de la feuille alvéolée (5), et une position de dégagement dans laquelle elles sont éloignées de la trajectoire de cette feuille (5).8. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the enclosure (7) is slidably mounted relative to the slides (8, 47) of a fixed frame and is connected to means (9) capable of moving it vertically between a working position, in which its brushes (39, 52) are near or in contact with the honeycomb sheet (5), and a release position in which they are distant from the trajectory of this sheet (5).
9. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que l'enceinte (7) est fixée par des moyens démontables (53 à 55) sur la platine verticale (45) d'un boîtier (46) deplaçable verticalement sur les glissières (47) d'un châssis (48, 49), disposé latéralement au convoyeur (D) déplaçant la feuille alvéolée (5), ledit boîtier (46) contenant, pour chacune des brosses (39, 52) de l'enceinte, un moteur électrique (50) d'entraînement dont l'arbre de sortie (75) est équipée de moyens de liaison en rotation et en translation (78, 79) et de moyens de positionnement (76), tous aptes à coopérer avec des moyens complémentaires (74, 80, 72) ménagés à l'extrémité postérieure de l'arbre (2) d'entraînement de chaque brosse (39, 52). 9. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the enclosure (7) is fixed by removable means (53 to 55) on the vertical plate (45) of a housing (46) displaceable vertically on the slides (47 ) a frame (48, 49), disposed laterally to the conveyor (D) moving the blister sheet (5), said housing (46) containing, for each of the brushes (39, 52) of the enclosure, an electric motor (50) drive whose output shaft (75) is equipped with means for connecting in rotation and in translation (78, 79) and positioning means (76), all capable of cooperating with complementary means (74 , 80, 72) formed at the rear end of the shaft (2) driving each brush (39, 52).
10. Dispositif selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que l'arbre cylindrique (67) de chaque brosse est tubulaire, est monté libre en rotation dans des paliers (69, 70) ménagés dans les parois longitudinales (12b, 12c) de l'enceinte (7) et présente, à son extrémité postérieure saillant de l'enceinte (7), un embout hémisphérique (73) à crabots (74) et une portée cylindrique épaulée (72), tandis que l'arbre de sortie du moteur électrique (50) est solidaire d'une tulipe (75) affleurant la platine (45) d'appui de l'enceinte (7), ladite tulipe (75) comprenant un puits axial fileté (79), une cuvette hémisphérique (77) à crabots (78), complémentaires de l'embout (73) de l'arbre tubulaire (67) de la brosse, et un alésage épaulé (76) de réception de la portée épaulée (72) de cet arbre tubulaire, la liaison en translation entre la tulipe (75) et l'arbre tubulaire (67) de la brosse étant assurée par une vis axiale (80) disposée dans l'arbre tubulaire (67) et dont l'extrémité filetée se visse dans le puits fileté (79) de la tulipe et dont la tête prend appui sur l'extrémité antérieure dudit arbre tubulaire (67). 10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the cylindrical shaft (67) of each brush is tubular, is mounted to rotate freely in bearings (69, 70) formed in the longitudinal walls (12b, 12c) of the enclosure (7) and has, at its protruding posterior end of the enclosure (7), a hemispherical end piece (73) with dogs (74) and a cylindrical shouldered seat (72), while the output shaft of the motor electric (50) is integral with a tulip (75) flush with the plate (45) supporting the enclosure (7), said tulip (75) comprising a threaded axial well (79), a hemispherical bowl (77) with dogs (78), complementary to the end piece (73) of the tubular shaft (67) of the brush, and a stepped bore (76) for receiving the stepped seat (72) of this tubular shaft, the connection in translation between the tulip (75) and the tubular shaft (67) of the brush being provided by an axial screw (80) disposed in the tubular shaft (67) and d have the threaded end is screwed into the threaded well (79) of the tulip and the head of which bears on the anterior end of said tubular shaft (67).
EP99950799A 1998-11-13 1999-10-19 Device for feeding tablets to blister packs Expired - Lifetime EP1129009B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9814444 1998-11-13
FR9814444A FR2785866B1 (en) 1998-11-13 1998-11-13 BLOCK TABLET FEEDING DEVICE
PCT/FR1999/002538 WO2000029288A1 (en) 1998-11-13 1999-10-19 Device for feeding tablets to blister packs

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1129009A1 true EP1129009A1 (en) 2001-09-05
EP1129009B1 EP1129009B1 (en) 2002-07-03

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EP99950799A Expired - Lifetime EP1129009B1 (en) 1998-11-13 1999-10-19 Device for feeding tablets to blister packs

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US (1) US6510676B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1129009B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE220025T1 (en)
AU (1) AU6344299A (en)
DE (1) DE69902051D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2785866B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2000029288A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE220025T1 (en) 2002-07-15
US6510676B1 (en) 2003-01-28
FR2785866A1 (en) 2000-05-19
DE69902051D1 (en) 2002-08-08
WO2000029288A1 (en) 2000-05-25
FR2785866B1 (en) 2001-01-26
AU6344299A (en) 2000-06-05
EP1129009B1 (en) 2002-07-03

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