EP2158128B1 - Device and method for removing a sterile object from a sterile packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for removing a sterile object (2) from a sterile packaging (3), having a clamp device (4) which clamps a first subarea (3a) of the sterile packaging (3), a cutting device (5) for cutting the sterile packaging (3) in such a manner that a slit is produced in the sterile packaging (3), a holding device (6) which holds a second subarea (3b) of the sterile packaging (3), and a removal device (7) to remove the object (2) from the sterile packaging (3) through the slit. The invention also relates to a method for removing a sterile object.

Description

State of the art

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing a sterile article from a sterile package.

Sterile articles are widely used in the medical field in particular. In this case, for example, sterile disposable syringes are stored and transported in a sterile transport container welded into a foil. To fill such disposable syringes they must be removed as sterile as possible from the transport container. The film packaging of the transport container is usually a tubular packaging, which laterally has a protruding tab made of the film material. To open the film packaging of the flap having portion of the film packaging is completely cut off. Thus, the film package after cutting consists of two parts, namely the cut-off part and the remaining bag, in which the transport container is still arranged. If now the sterile transport container is to be removed from the cut-off remaining bag, it may happen that, depending on a protruding open edge region of the remainder bag, a part of the remainder bag attaches to the transport container, so that a sucker, which is provided for removing the transport container, not directly engages the transport container, but a part of the remnant bag has been placed between the sucker and the transport container. As a result, the sucker does not attack the transport container, but the remaining bag, so that a removal of the transport container is not possible and the sampling machine has a fault. Next, the known device has the disadvantage that the film package is separated into two parts, which are both to dispose of separately.

From the EP-A-980 831 For example, a method and apparatus for removing covers from articles such as CD's are known. For this purpose, the device comprises a suction element, a cutting element, an element for frictional engagement of the shell on the object, an ejector and a further suction element for sucking off the empty shell.

From the US-A-5442895 For example, an apparatus and method for unpacking articles such as bread are known. The upper end of a package is held while the lower portion is opened by a round cutter, after which the product falls from the package held on top to a lower conveyor belt.

From the US-A-4107905 For example, a method and apparatus for removing a package from packaged objects is known. For this purpose, the packaged products are held on each side arranged conveyor belts and slashed by knives. There are several slots formed.

From the JP-A-1226535 an automatic bag opening device is known. A filled bag is held up by plates. The upper bag is grasped and the bag is cut open. The cut-off bag parts are completely removed so that they do not mix with the bag contents.

Advantages of the invention

The device according to the invention for removing a sterile article from a sterile packaging with the features of claim 1 has the advantage that a safe and fast removal of the sterile article is possible. In addition, disposal of the packaging is possible in a simple manner. The device of the invention is very simple and can be provided inexpensively. In this case, the sterile nature of the object to be removed can be ensured. The device according to the invention comprises a clamping device for clamping a first portion of the sterile packaging, a cutting device, for cutting the sterile packaging, a holding device for holding a second portion of the sterile packaging and a removal device. Furthermore, the removal device according to the invention has a very low number of parts. In contrast to the known devices, the cutting device only cuts the sterile packaging, so that the packaging has a slot through which the sterile article can be removed. Thus, the sterile packaging can remain in one piece and be easily disposed of.

The dependent claims show preferred developments of the invention.

Preferably, the holding device comprises at least one suction element, which acts on an upwardly directed portion of the sterile packaging. The holding device is particularly preferably a frame with a plurality of suction elements, wherein the frame substantially corresponds to an outer shape of the sterile article. For example, if the sterile article is a square transport container, the frame is also square in shape and has approximately the same dimensions.

More preferably, the clamping device comprises a first roller and a second roller. In this case, the first portion of the sterile packaging is clamped between the first roller and the second roller. This allows a quick and secure clamping of the sterile packaging. The sterile packaging is preferably clamped to a protruding tab.

More preferably, the removal device comprises at least one suction element. As a result, the removal device can be constructed very simply and the object to be removed can be securely held by suction and removed.

In order to enable a simple removal of the sterile article from the sterile packaging, the removal device is preferably arranged laterally next to a removal position of the sterile packaging. As a result, the object can be removed in the horizontal direction.

In order to enable easy clamping of the sterile packaging, the first roller is arranged to be movable relative to the second roller. As a result, the clamping operation can take place, for example, by raising or lowering one of the two rollers or by both rollers. For easy clamping, the rollers are alternatively mounted eccentrically by means of eccentrics.

Particularly preferably, the device further comprises exactly one waste container in which the empty sterile packaging can be disposed of. For this purpose, the holding device, which holds a portion of the sterile packaging, movably arranged so that the holding device after removal of the sterile article, the sterile packaging keeps on and moves over the waste container and finally releases the sterile packaging. As a result, the sterile packaging falls into the waste container. The holding device returns to its original position in order to hold a sterile packaging which has been fed in the meantime.

The inventive method for removing a sterile article from a sterile packaging with the features of claim 8 makes it possible to remove the sterile article quickly and safely, without affecting the sterile nature. For this purpose, according to the method according to the invention, a first subregion of the sterile packaging is clamped by means of a clamping device and subsequently or simultaneously or previously held a second subregion of the sterile packaging with a holding device. Subsequently, the sterile packaging is cut open with a cutting device in such a way that a slit is cut into the sterile packaging, wherein the sterile packaging continues to remain in one piece. Then the sterile article is removed through the slot by a removal device and disposed of the empty sterile packaging. Since, according to the invention, only one slot is introduced into the sterile packaging, the sterile packaging nevertheless remains in one piece, so that disposal can be carried out quickly and easily.

The subclaims of the method according to the invention show preferred developments of the invention.

Preferably, the sterile package is stretched between the first portion where the sterile package is clamped and the second portion where the sterile package is held, and the generation of the slot is performed in this stretched region of the sterile package. As a result, a cutting device can be easily attached and the cut can be carried out safely.

Particularly preferably, the sterile packaging is tensioned by lowering and / or pivoting the clamping device. Thus, the clamping process of the sterile packaging can be made possible by a single, easy-to-perform step.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clamping of the sterile packaging by means of two rollers. This allows a secure and easy clamping of the sterile packaging can be achieved.

Preferably, the removal of the sterile article takes place laterally. As a result, a removal device can be easily moved on a horizontal plane and the object can be removed from the sterile packaging. The removal device can this example, on a sled o.Ä. be moved in the horizontal direction.

drawing

Figur 1

eine schematische, perspektivische Ansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Entnehmen eines sterilen Gegenstands aus einer Sterilverpackung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.

Figur 2

eine schematische Seitenansicht der ein Figur 1 gezeigten Vorrichtung vor einem Auftrennen der Sterilverpackung,

Figur 3

eine schematische Seitenansicht der in den Figuren 1 und 2 gezeigten Vorrichtung nach dem Aufschneiden,

Figur 4

eine schematische Seitenansicht der in den Figur1 1 bezeichneten Vorrichtung während der Entnahme des sterilen Gegenstands, und

Figur 5

eine schematische Seitenansicht der in den Figuren 1 bis 4 gezeigten Vorrichtung während der Entsorgung der leeren Sterilverpackung.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing is:

FIG. 1

a schematic, perspective view of an apparatus for removing a sterile article from a sterile packaging according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2

a schematic side view of a FIG. 1 shown device before separating the sterile packaging,

FIG. 3

a schematic side view of the in the FIGS. 1 and 2 shown device after cutting,

FIG. 4

a schematic side view of the in the Figur1 1 designated device during removal of the sterile article, and

FIG. 5

a schematic side view of the in the FIGS. 1 to 4 shown device during disposal of the empty sterile packaging.

Preferred embodiments of the invention

The following is with reference to the FIGS. 1 to 5 a device 1 for removing a sterile article 2 from a sterile packaging 3 described in detail. The sterile package 3 is a plastic film.

As in FIG. 1 1, the device 1 for removing a sterile article 2 comprises a clamping device 4, a cutting device 5, a holding device 6 and a removal device 7. The clamping device 4 clamps a first portion 3a of a sterile package 3. As seen FIG. 2 can be seen, this first portion 3a is an outwardly projecting tab of the film packaging. The tab runs over the entire width of the film packaging. The clamping device 4 comprises a first pinch roller 4a and a second pinch roller 4b. The first pinch roller 4a is mounted on a first bearing arm 4c and the second pinch roller 4b is mounted on a second bearing arm 4d. As indicated by the arrow A in FIG FIG. 2 indicated, the first bearing arm 4c is movable relative to the second bearing arm 4d. As a result, the two pinch rollers 4 a and 4 b can clamp or release the tab 3 a of the sterile packaging 3 between them.

The cutting device 5 comprises a knife 5a, as in particular FIG. 2 is visible, is directed downwards and is horizontally movable via a rail assembly 5b. The knife also performs a vertical movement for horizontal movement. As a result, a sawing movement of the knife is achieved. This will allow a better cut out of the film. The knife 5a is arranged such that it can cut a slot in the sterile packaging 3. Therefore, the tip of the knife 5a is disposed above a lower level of the packaged article 2 (see FIG. FIG. 2 ).

The holding device 6 comprises a substantially square frame 6a, which has at its lower end a plurality of suckers 6b. Further, on the frame 6a Stops 6 c arranged for positioning of the article 2. The holding device 6 is adapted to the outer shape of the article 2. In this embodiment, the article 2 is a rectangular container in which sterile syringes or other medical devices are arranged. Since the container is surrounded by the sterile packaging 3, the suckers 6b of the holding device 6 engage the outer, upwardly directed region 3b of the sterile packaging 3.

The take-up device 7 also includes a plurality of suckers 7a and is reciprocatable in the horizontal direction. This can be done, for example, by means of a carriage or a rail arrangement or the like. respectively.

The device 1 further comprises a transport device 8, which in this embodiment comprises a first and a second circulating conveyor belt 8a and 8b. The transport device 8 is used to feed the packaged article 2. In the area in which a removal of the article 2 from the sterile package 3 is to take place, a support table 9 is further arranged. For disposal of the empty sterile packaging, a waste container 10 is also provided (see. FIG. 5 ).

The function of the device according to the invention is as follows. An article 2 which is sterile packed in the sterile packaging 3 is fed by means of the transport device 8 to the removal position. This removal position is in FIG. 1 shown. In a first step, the tab 3 a projecting laterally from the sterile packaging 3 is then clamped by means of the clamping device 4. For this purpose, if appropriate, a guide element may be provided to insert the tab 3a between the pinch rollers 4a, 4b, or the tab 3a is inserted manually between the pinch rollers 4a, 4b. In a second step, the holding device 6 is lowered, as in FIG. 2 indicated by the arrow B. The suckers 6b of the holding device 6 suck the upper area 3b of the sterile packaging 3. Thus, the sterile package 3 is now clamped by means of the clamping device 4 in the region of the tab 3a and held by means of the holding device 6 in the upper region 3b of the film. As a result, a region 3 c, which lies between the tab 3 a and the upper film portion 3 b, stretched. It should be noted that if the tension in the area 3c is still insufficient, either the holding device 6 with the sucked upper portion 3b of the film can be raised further upwards, or the clamping device 4 is moved slightly downwards or pivoted to the provide necessary tension in the area 3c of the film. It was Further noted that the clamping by means of the clamping device 4 and the holding by the holding device 6 can also be performed simultaneously. Alternatively, the sterile packaging can also be held only by means of the holding device 6 and then the clamping operation can be performed by the clamping device 4.

In a next step, the slicing device 5 is moved on the rail arrangement 5b in such a way that the knife 5a cuts a slot in the tensioned region 3c of the film. This is in FIG. 2 shown. The arrangement of the knife 5a in the vertical direction must be such that the knife only slits the sterile package 3 and does not completely cut it off. The fact that the cutting device 5 only slits the sterile packaging 3 avoids the creation of two waste pieces of the sterile packaging. The knife 5a is moved along the rail assembly 5b until over the entire width of the article 2 the slot is formed in the sterile package 3. In a next step, the clamping device 4, as in FIG. 3 indicated by the arrow C, lowered with the clamped tab 3a. Simultaneously or subsequently, the holding device 6, as indicated by the arrow D, moves slightly upwards. As a result, the widest possible opening in the region of the slot of the sterile packaging 3 is achieved. Subsequently, the removal device 7 is laterally moved in the horizontal direction through the slot in the sterile packaging in the horizontal direction on the object 2, so that the suckers 7a can suck the object 2 (in Fig. 3 , Arrow E). As a result, the removal device 7 can grip the object 2. Subsequently, the removal device 7 is moved back in the horizontal direction to remove the article 2 from the sterile package 3 through the slot. This process is in FIG. 4 indicated by the arrow F.

To dispose of the sterile package 3, as in FIG. 4 indicated by the arrow G, first the clamping device 4 is opened to release the clamp 3a clamped between the pinch rollers 4a, 4b. Then, as in FIG. 5 indicated by the arrow H, the holding device 6 moved horizontally, so that the holding device 6 is positioned together with the still held by her sterile packaging 3 next to the transport device 8 on a waste container 10. Subsequently, the teat 6b of the holding device 6, the empty sterile packaging 3 free, so that it falls by gravity into the waste container 10, as indicated by the arrow K.

Since according to the invention only one slot is cut into the sterile package 3 is avoided that two waste parts of the sterile packaging 3 are generated, which must be disposed of separately in the prior art. Furthermore, the provision of the slot in a tensioned fulia region 3c on the side of the article 2 ensures that the upper film region 3b remains on the article. As a result, the sterile nature of the sterile syringes disposed in the container or the like. not impaired. A removal of the article 2 then takes place in the horizontal direction through the side slot. Since the removal device 7 engages laterally on the container, there is also no risk that the sterility is adversely affected by the upper opening in the container due to a removal device. The article 2 is pulled out according to the invention only on the sterile inside of the sterile package 3. Furthermore, it is avoided by lowering the clamping device 4 that a part of the sterile packaging between the object 2 and the teat 7 a of the removal device 7 sets. As a result, a safe removal of the object 2 by means of the removal device 7 is made possible. It can also be avoided that unsterile outer regions of the sterile packaging come into contact with the object 2 during the removal process.

Claims (11)

1. Arrangement for removing a sterile article (2) from a sterile pack (3), formed from a sheet material, comprising

   - a clamping device (4), which, as a first sub-region (3a), clamps a flap (3a) of the sterile pack (3), this flap projecting laterally from the sterile pack (3), in order to generate tensioning in the region (3c), which is located between the flap (3a) and a second sub-region (3b) of the sterile pack (3),

   - a cutting arrangement (5) for cutting open the sterile pack (3) so as to generate a slit in the sterile pack (3) in the region which is located between the flap (3a) and the second sub-region (3b),

   - a retaining device (6), which retains the second sub-region (3b) of the sterile pack (3), and

   - a removal device (7), in order to remove the article (2) from the sterile pack (3) through the slit.
2. Arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that the retaining device (6) comprises at least one suction element (6a), which acts on the second sub-region (3b) of the sterile pack (3), wherein the second sub-region (3b) is an upwardly directed region of the sterile pack.
3. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping device (4) comprises a first clamping roller (4a) and a second clamping roller (4b), and the first sub-region (3a) of the sterile pack (3) can be clamped between the first and second clamping rollers (4a, 4b).
4. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the removal device (7) comprises at least one suction element (7a).
5. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the removal device (7) is arranged such that it can be moved in a horizontal direction, and it removes the article from the slit sterile pack (3) in the horizontal direction.
6. Arrangement according to one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the first clamping roller (4a) is arranged such that it can be moved relative to the second clamping roller (4b).
7. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement comprises precisely one refuse container.
8. Method of removing a sterile article (2) from a sterile pack (3) formed from a sheet material, comprising the following steps:

   - clamping a first sub-region (3a) of the sterile pack (3) by means of a clamping device,

   - retaining a second sub-region (3b) of the sterile pack (3) by means of a retaining device, wherein the operations of clamping the first sub-region (3a) and of retaining the second sub-region (3b) can take place simultaneously or in any desired order one after the other wherein the first sub-region (3a) clamped is a flap (3a) of the sterile pack (3), this flap projecting laterally from the sterile pack (3), and therefore tensioning is generated in the region (3c), which is located between the flap (3a) and the second sub-region (3b) of the sterile pack (3),

   - cutting open the sterile pack (3) so as to obtain a slit in the sterile pack (3) in the region which is located between the flap (3a) and the second sub-region (3b) of the sterile pack (3),

   - removing the sterile article (2) from the sterile pack (3) through the slit by means of a removal device (7), and

   - disposing of the empty sterile pack (3).
9. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that the sterile pack (3) is tensioned between the first sub-region (3a), at which the sterile pack (3) is clamped by means of the clamping device (4), and the second sub-region (3b), at which the sterile pack (3) is retained by means of the retaining device (6), and the operation of cutting open the sterile pack (3) takes place in the tensioned region.
10. Method according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the sterile pack is tensioned by virtue of the clamping device (4) being lowered or pivoted and/or by virtue of the retaining device (6) being raised.
11. Method according to one of Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the operation of removing the sterile article (2) takes place in the horizontal direction.

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