EP2743189A1 - Introducing a plurality of stacks of blister packs into a folded box - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves inserting multiple stacks (6) of a primary packaging (1) with multiple packaged products, laterally into the interior space of a secondary packaging (3). The stacks are arranged side by side in the secondary packaging. The secondary packaging is promoted by the width of the stacks after insertion of the stacks and then the stacks are inserted into the secondary packaging. An independent claim is included for a device for introducing packaged products into a folding box.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an automated method for introducing a plurality of products packaged in primary packaging into a secondary packaging designed as a folding box. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out this method with a control unit and a slider connected to the control unit.

The primary packages are in particular blister packs, sachets or tubular bag packaging. The products packaged therein are in particular tablets, capsules, pills, syringes, ampoules, vials or liquid drugs. A particularly common field of application are packaged in blister packs in the form of tablets, capsules or pills, this finished unit of primary packaging and product also referred to as blister strips.

STATE OF THE ART

A method and an apparatus for introducing blister strips into a secondary packaging designed as a folding box are disclosed in the document DE 691 03 232 T2 published German translation of the European patent EP 0 465 437 B1 known. As in particular in the local Fig. 3 can be seen, it is precisely inserted in each case a stack of blister strips laterally into the interior of the respective carton.

Further methods and devices for the lateral insertion of exactly one stack of blister strips into a folding box are known from the German patent application DE 198 48 452 A1 and the European patent EP 0 957 028 B1 known.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide an automated method and a device for introducing products packaged in primary packaging into a secondary packaging designed as a folding carton, with which the folding carton can be flexibly and efficiently equipped with a relatively large number of primary packaging.

SOLUTION

The object of the invention is achieved with the features of the independent claims.

Further preferred embodiments according to the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

Further state of the art

From the German patent DE 29 16 043 C3 For example, a method and a device for transferring a plurality of blister strips from a stacking shaft into a cup of a continuously rotating cup chain are known. The cup chain thus has a plurality of cups, which are bounded by side walls or are formed. In each of these cups, a stack of blister strips is inserted laterally. Subsequently, the cup chain is transported by the width of the cup, so that the next cup can be filled with a stack of blister strips.

From the German patent application DE 197 43 532 A1 For example, a method and a device for introducing a plurality of tea bags into a secondary packaging designed as a folding box are known. The teabags are introduced individually from above into the interior of the secondary packaging, so that they are arranged side by side and one behind the other in the carton.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION definitions

Lateral insertion: In this application, a lateral insertion is understood to mean a process, which is also referred to in the field as "side load". This means that the machine filling of the cartons is not from the top ("top load"), but from the side. The insertion direction does not have to be strictly horizontal in the room. Rather, it can also run a little inclined. In any case, the stacks are then shifted in the secondary packaging in a plane that is parallel to the plane that forms the bottom surface of the primary packaging.

Arrangement of the stacks side by side: By arranging the stacks of primary packaging next to each other in the interior of the secondary packaging is to be understood in this application that the stack when viewing the interior of the secondary packaging through the insertion opening are arranged side by side.

Arranging the stacks one behind the other: The arranging of the stacks of primary packages one behind the other in the interior of the secondary packaging means in this application that the stacks are arranged one behind the other when viewing the interior of the secondary packaging through the insertion opening. This means that the first stack is obscured by the second stack in this viewing direction.

Further description

The invention relates to an automated method for introducing a plurality of products packaged in primary packaging into a secondary packaging designed as a folding box. In this case, a first stack of primary packaging is inserted laterally into the interior of the secondary packaging. At least a second stack of primary packaging is subsequently or simultaneously also inserted laterally into the interior of the secondary packaging. The insertion is done by machine.

The invention also relates to a device for carrying out this method with a control unit and a slider connected to the control unit. The control unit is programmed so that it can control the slider so that it has a plurality of Stacking of primary packaging to reach a defined position laterally inserts into the interior of the secondary packaging.

Thus, with the new method and device, it is possible to efficiently and easily machine a plurality of stacks of primary packages with products packaged therein into the interior of the secondary package. As a result, not only different numbers of primary packaging, but also different numbers of stacks of primary packaging can be packed in a secondary packaging. A high level of flexibility is achieved and it is possible to equip not only standard packagings but also flexibly specifiable large packagings with products. In particular, such large packagings are not aimed at end customers, but at commercial customers who remove the stacks from the large pack before reselling the products to the end customer.

Thus, with the new method and apparatus, secondary packages having two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more stacks of primary packages can be flexibly formed. The process is automated and clocked off and the insertion is done by machine and controlled.

The first stack and the second stack - and possible further stack - can be arranged side by side in the secondary packaging. This has the advantage that the insertion movement for these stacks is identical.

For inserting the stack for this arrangement side by side, the secondary packaging can be further promoted after insertion of the first stack by at least the width and preferably slightly more than the width of the first stack and then the second stack are inserted into the secondary packaging. If more than two stacks are inserted into the secondary packaging, the procedure for the following primary packaging is the same.

However, the first stack and the second stack can also be arranged one behind the other in the secondary packaging. This results in the advantage that a further promotion of the secondary packaging for introducing the stack is not required. The respectively required insertion movement is realized by the slider.

As already mentioned above, more than two stacks of primary packaging can also be inserted laterally into the interior of the secondary packaging. In this case, pure arrangements next to each other or one behind the other are possible. But is particularly advantageous arrangement of the stack next to each other and one behind the other in the secondary packaging. In other words, the secondary packaging then has a matrix of stacks of primary packaging with at least two rows and at least two columns. But there may also be more columns and more rows. The number of columns and rows can be identical or different.

One possibility is to first arrange the first stack and the second stack one behind the other in the secondary packaging. Subsequently, the secondary packaging is further conveyed by more than the width of the first stack and the second stack, so that the third stack and the fourth stack can then in turn be arranged one behind the other and simultaneously adjacent to the first and second stacks.

In this case, the first stack and the second stack can be inserted simultaneously or successively in the secondary packaging. When the stacks are inserted one after the other, the first stack may be first pushed to an intermediate position in the secondary package. The intermediate position is assigned in particular approximately half the length of the bottom surface of the folding box. When inserting the second stack, the latter then contacts the first stack and pushes it from the intermediate position to its end position in the secondary packaging. The end position of the second stack coincides with the intermediate position of the first stack. As a result, only a uniform insertion movement is required, which is then repeated, wherein the insertion movement for the second stack simultaneously provides the second part of the insertion movement for the first stack.

The first stack may include a first number of primary packages and the second stack may have a second number of primary packages, the first number being different than the second number. Possible additional stacks may in turn have the same or different numbers of stacks. In this way, an individually tunable number of identical or different products in the secondary packaging can be very flexibly packaged.

It is also possible to include one or more brochures in the secondary packaging. In the case of medicines or medical devices, this is in particular the so-called package leaflet. The leaflet can be inserted together with the second stack in the secondary packaging. If both stacks are pushed independently of one another into their respective end position, the brochure preferably points in the direction of the insertion opening of the folding box. However, it is also possible for the brochure to surround a lateral region of the second stack in such a way that it forms a contact surface for the contact with the first stack. In other words, the leaflet then points away from the insertion opening of the carton. This is particularly advantageous when the second part of the insertion movement of the first stack takes place simultaneously with the insertion movement of the second stack.

The primary packaging may be, in particular, blister packs, sachets or tubular packagings. The products may in particular be tablets, capsules, pills, syringes, ampoules, vials or liquid drugs.

The new device has a control unit that controls the slider so that it pushes the stack of primary packaging to reach the desired defined positions laterally into the interior of the secondary packaging. The slide itself can be designed as in the prior art, so that existing devices can be converted without changing the slider by the corresponding programming of the control unit for performing the new method.

The carton consists in particular of cardboard. The carton may have intermediate walls for facilitating insertion of juxtaposed stacks.

Advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the description and the drawings. The advantages of features and of combinations of several features mentioned in the description are merely exemplary and can take effect alternatively or cumulatively, without the advantages having to be achieved by embodiments according to the invention. Without thereby altering the subject matter of the appended claims, as regards the disclosure of the original application documents and the patent, further features can be found in the drawings, in particular the illustrated geometries and the relative dimensions of several components and their relative arrangement and operative connection. The combination of features of different embodiments of the invention or of features of different claims is also possible deviating from the chosen relationships of the claims and is hereby stimulated. This also applies to those features which are shown in separate drawings or are mentioned in their description. These features can also be combined with features of different claims. Likewise, in the claims listed features for further embodiments of the invention can be omitted.

The features mentioned in the patent claims and the description are to be understood in terms of their number that exactly this number or a greater number than the said number is present, without requiring an explicit use of the adverb "at least". For example, when talking about an element, it should be understood that there is exactly one element, two elements or more elements. These features may be supplemented by other features or be the only characteristics that make up the product in question.

The reference numerals contained in the claims do not limit the scope of the objects protected by the claims. They are for the sole purpose of making the claims easier to understand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1a

zeigt eine erste Position eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines neuen Verfahrens zum Einbringen einer Mehrzahl von in Primärverpackungen verpackten Produkten in eine als Faltschachtel ausgebildete Sekundärverpackung.

Fig. 1b

zeigt eine zweite Position des Verfahrens gemäß Fig. 1a.

Fig. 2a

zeigt eine erste Position eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels des neuen Verfahrens.

Fig. 2b

zeigt eine zweite Position des Verfahrens gemäß Fig. 2a.

Fig. 3a

zeigt eine erste Position eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels des neuen Verfahrens.

Fig. 3b

zeigt eine zweite Position des Verfahrens gemäß Fig. 3a.

Fig. 3c

zeigt eine dritte Position des Verfahrens gemäß Fig. 3a.

Fig. 4

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer neuen Vorrichtung zum Einbringen einer Mehrzahl von in Primärverpackungen verpackten Produkten in eine als Faltschachtel ausgebildete Sekundärverpackung.

Fig. 5

zeigt eine Ansicht von oben auf die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 4.

Fig. 6

zeigt eine Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 4.

In the following the invention will be further explained and described with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the figures.

Fig. 1a

shows a first position of a first embodiment of a new method for introducing a plurality of packaged in primary packaging products in a folding box designed as secondary packaging.

Fig. 1b

shows a second position of the method according to Fig. 1a ,

Fig. 2a

shows a first position of a second embodiment of the new method.

Fig. 2b

shows a second position of the method according to Fig. 2a ,

Fig. 3a

shows a first position of a third embodiment of the new method.

Fig. 3b

shows a second position of the method according to Fig. 3a ,

Fig. 3c

shows a third position of the method according to Fig. 3a ,

Fig. 4

shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a new device for introducing a plurality of packaged in primary packaging products in a folding box designed as secondary packaging.

Fig. 5

shows a top view of the device according to Fig. 4 ,

Fig. 6

shows a side view of the device according to Fig. 4 ,

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1a and 1b show in schematic views the sequence of a first embodiment of the new automated method.

In the upper area of the Fig. 1a . 1b is a plurality of primary packaging 1 shown. The primary packaging packs products that are not visible in these views. The primary packaging 1 is in particular blister packaging, sachets or tubular bag packaging. The products packaged therein are in particular tablets, capsules, pills, tips, ampoules, vials or liquid medicines.

In the lower part of the figures, a plurality of each formed as a folding box 2 secondary packaging 3 is shown. The folding boxes 2 have in the usual way side walls, an interior 4 and an insertion opening 5. The insertion opening 5 can be closed later with a bottom flap not shown here with tuck in a known manner.

The primary packaging 1 with the products packaged therein are placed on one another mechanically, so that a plurality of stacks 6 is produced. The stacks 6 are fed clocked in the transport direction of the primary packaging 7. But the stacking can also be different, for. B. directly before insertion into a stack forming station 15, take place.

The first stack 6 shown here on the left is then inserted laterally in the insertion direction 8 through the insertion opening 5 into the interior 4 of the secondary packaging 3. The end position of this stack 6 is in the right secondary packaging 3 in Fig. 1b shown. Subsequently, the subsequent stack 6 is conveyed in the transport direction of the primary packaging 7 in the position that held the previous and now located in the secondary packaging 3 stack 6. Furthermore, the now exactly one stack 6 containing secondary packaging 3 is further promoted in the transport direction of the secondary packaging 9 by slightly more than the width 10 of the first stack 6. Thereafter, the second stack 6 is inserted laterally in the insertion direction 8 through the insertion opening 5 in the secondary packaging 3. As a result, the first stack 6 and the second stack 6 are now arranged side by side in the secondary packaging 3. The filled secondary packaging 3 can be conveyed away and a new empty secondary packaging 3 can be conveyed to the filling position.

This process can be performed accordingly for more than two stacks 6, so that, for example, secondary packaging 3 with three, four, five, six or more stacks 6 can be filled next to each other.

The Fig. 2a and 2 B show a second embodiment of the new method. Unlike the Fig. 1a and 1b Here are the stack 6 not next to each other, but arranged one behind the other in the secondary packaging 3.

Here, the first stack 6 is first pushed into its final position in the interior 4 of the secondary packaging 3. Subsequently, the next stack 6 is fed to the filling station. The secondary packaging 3 to be filled remains in its position. Then, the second stack 6 is inserted into the interior 4 of the secondary packaging in its final position. In this embodiment, the lengths of the insertion paths of the first stack 6 and the second stack 6 differ.

However, it is also possible first to push the first stack 6 into an intermediate position in the secondary packaging 3 and to allow the first stack 6 to be contacted during insertion of the second stack 6 so that the second stack 6 thereby receives the first stack 6 from its intermediate position shifts to its final position in the secondary packaging 3. This means that the intermediate position of the first stack 6 and the end position of the second stack 6 coincide and only a matching length of the insertion path exists for both stacks 6.

In the Fig. 3a . 3b and 3c another variant of the new method is shown. In this case, the secondary packaging 3 serves to accommodate a larger matrix of stacks 6 in the sense of forming columns and rows.

In the present example, four stacks 6 are introduced into the secondary packaging 3 in such a way that they are arranged side by side and one behind the other. This embodiment represents a combination of the previously described embodiments according to FIGS Fig. 1a . b and 2a . b represents.

First, a first stack 6 is pushed into its end position in the secondary packaging 3. Subsequently, a second stack 6 is pushed into its end position in the secondary packaging 3, wherein the stack 6 are then arranged one behind the other. Subsequently, the secondary packaging 3 is further conveyed by slightly more than the width 10 of the first stack 6 and the second stack 6 in the transport direction of the secondary packaging 9, so that the third stack 6 can be brought to its end position next to the first stack 6. Subsequently, the fourth stack 6 is inserted into the secondary packaging 3 so that it is arranged next to the second stack 6 and before the third stack 6. This method can be continued accordingly to form an even larger matrix, so that it is also possible to form large packages with a plurality of stacks 6.

The stacks 6 can have matching or different products. The stacks 6 may also have matching or different numbers of stacked primary packaging 1.

Furthermore, it is possible to introduce one or more brochures in the primary packaging 1.

4 to 6 show various views of a first embodiment of a new device 11 for introducing a plurality of packaged in primary packaging 1 products in secondary cartons 3 designed as a carton. 3

The device 11 has a first conveyor belt 12, with which the primary packaging 1 with the products contained therein are fed to a filling station 13 in the transport direction of the primary packaging 7. In the region of the filling station 13 there is a second conveyor belt 14, which conveys the secondary packaging 3 designed as folding boxes 2 in the transport direction of the secondary packaging 9. In the region of the filling station 13, a stack forming station 15 is furthermore provided, which serves to form a stack 6 from the individually delivered primary packaging 1. Further arranged there is a slide 16, which serves for inserting the stack 6 in the interior 4 of the secondary packaging 3. This slider 16 is programmed by means of a (not shown) control unit so that a plurality of stacks 6 of primary packaging 1 is inserted with the products packaged therein to reach a defined position laterally into the interior 4 of the secondary packaging 3.

Furthermore, in the figures, a brochure feed device 17 can be seen, fed via the brochures 18 and further conveyed by means of a conveyor 19 in the region of the filling station 13 and then also introduced into the interior 4 of the secondary packaging 3.

Also shown is a folding box handling device 20, which serves for transferring and erecting the folding boxes 2.

During operation of the device 11, in the example shown here, two stacks 6 of primary packaging 1 with the products packed therein are pushed one after the other into the interior 4 of the respective secondary packaging 3.

By appropriate adjustments, however, the device 11 can also be converted for carrying out the other variants of the method according to the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

primary packaging

2

folding

3

Secondary packaging

4

inner space

5

insertion opening

6

stack

7

Transport direction of the primary packaging

8th

insertion direction

9

Transport direction of the secondary packaging

10

width

11

contraption

12

First conveyor belt

13

filling station

14

Second conveyor belt

15

Stacking station

16

pusher

17

Brochure feeder

18

brochure

19

funding

20

Faltschachtelhandhabungsvorrichtung

Claims (15)

Automated method for introducing a plurality of products packaged in primary packaging (1) into a secondary packaging (3) designed as a folding box (2), comprising the steps of: lateral insertion of a first stack (6) of primary packaging (1) with the products packaged therein into the interior (4) of the secondary packaging (3), and lateral insertion of a second stack (6) of primary packaging (1) with the products packed therein into the interior (4) of the secondary packaging (3). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first stack (6) and the second stack (6) are arranged side by side in the secondary packaging (3). The method of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the secondary package (3) after insertion of the first stack (6) by at least the width (10) of the first stack (6) further promoted and then the second stack (6) in the secondary packaging (3) is inserted. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first stack (6) and the second stack (6) are arranged one behind the other in the secondary packaging (3). Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, further characterized by the steps: lateral insertion of a third stack (6) of primary packaging (1) with the products packaged therein into the interior (4) of the secondary packaging (3), and lateral insertion of a fourth stack (6) of primary packaging (1) with the products packaged therein into the interior (4) of the secondary packaging (3). A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the stacks (6) are arranged side by side and one behind the other in the secondary packaging (3). A method according to claim 6, characterized in that further stacks (6) of primary packaging (1) with the products packaged therein are laterally inserted into the interior (4) of the secondary packaging (3) and the stacks (6) are arranged side by side and one after the other in the Secondary packaging (3) are arranged. A method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that
first the first stack (6) and the second stack (6) are arranged behind one another in the secondary packaging (3),
the secondary packaging (3) is then further conveyed by at least the width (10) of the first stack (6) and the second stack (6), and
then the third stack (6) and the fourth stack (6) are arranged one behind the other in the secondary packaging (3). A method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized, in that
the first stack (6) is first pushed into an intermediate position in the secondary packaging (3), and
upon insertion of the second stack (6) of the first stack (6) contacted and shifts from the intermediate position to its end position in the secondary packaging (3). Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first stack (6) has a first number of primary packaging (1) and the second stack (6) has a second number of primary packaging (1), wherein the first number is not equal to the second Number is. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a leaflet (18) is introduced into the secondary packaging (3). A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the leaflet (18) is inserted together with the second stack (6) in the secondary packaging (3). A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the leaflet (18) so encloses a lateral region of the second stack (6) that it forms a contact surface for the contact with the first stack (6). Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primary packagings (1) are blister packs, sachets or tubular bag packagings and the products are tablets, capsules, pills, syringes, ampoules, vials or liquid medicaments. Device (1) for introducing a plurality of products packaged in primary packaging (1) into a secondary packaging (3) designed as a folding box (2), in particular according to at least one of the preceding claims
a control unit, and
a slider (16) connected to the control unit, the control unit being programmed to control the slider (16) to include a plurality of stacks (6) of primary packages (1) with the products packaged therein to achieve a defined position laterally in the interior (4) of the secondary packaging (3) einschiebt.

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