EP3013718A1

EP3013718A1 - Method and device orienting individual elements, in particular filter elements, during the transfer thereof for further processing

Info

Publication number: EP3013718A1
Application number: EP14734097.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Erfindernennung liegt noch nicht vor Die
Original assignee: Hekuma GmbH
Current assignee: Hekuma GmbH
Priority date: 2013-06-25
Filing date: 2014-06-25
Publication date: 2016-05-04
Also published as: WO2014207022A1; DE102013212050A1; DE202013103784U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for orienting individual elements arranged in accommodating pockets of a transferring apparatus, wherein the accommodating pockets are arranged in groups and are moved incrementally from one station to a following station, comprising the following steps: determining in which accommodating pockets of a group inappropriately oriented individual elements are present, ejecting the individual elements determined to be inappropriately oriented from the associated accommodating pockets, turning the ejected individual elements, and reinserting the turned individual elements into the associated accommodating pockets.

Description

Method and device for aligning individual elements, in particular filter elements, during transfer for further processing

The invention relates to a method and a device for aligning individual elements, in particular filter elements, during transfer for further processing or handling, such as for insertion into injection-molded parts, in particular pipette tips.

DE 10 2013 204 425 describes a device by means of which cylindrical filter elements present as bulk material are inserted through a singulating device into receiving bores of a transfer device, wherein spaced groups of bores for receiving the filter elements are provided in the peripheral region of a turntable. The turntable forms a transfer device between the singling device and a pick-up position of the filter elements, from which the filter elements are inserted through a handling device in pipette tips,

Certain filter types must be used in a certain orientation in the pipette tips, Also, multi-component filters are used, which consist of two or more components, such multi-component filter must be used in a certain orientation in the pipette tips., When separating the present as bulk material multi-component filter these are used in different directions in the receiving bores of the transfer device, so that at the collection position of the transfer device in a group differently oriented multi-component filter are present so far misaligned aligned filter elements, so that the receiving pockets of a group are not fully occupied and filled before or at the pickup the groups Need to become ,

The invention has for its object to provide a method and apparatus to incorrectly aligned individual elements or filter elements in the correct position before they are further processed or used in pipette tips,

According to the invention, individual elements or filter elements, which are identified as being incorrectly aligned, are removed from the receiving bore in a station in a station in a station and moved in the correct orientation,

Conveniently, a filter element identified as mis-aligned within a group of filter elements is removed from one station, turned over, and reinserted into the same receiving pocket at the next station after the empty receiving pocket from which the filter element has been removed moves to the next station Has

Preferably, a retaining device is provided, by which the filter elements is held in a ready position during turning, before it is inserted again into the receiving bore

A method for aligning individual elements arranged in receiving pockets of a transfer device, in which the receiving pockets are arranged in groups and moved stepwise from one station to a following station, comprises the following steps:

Determine in which receiving pockets of a group not correctly aligned individual elements are present,

Ejecting the individual elements identified as not being aligned from the assigned receiving pockets,

Turning the ejected individual elements and

Reintroducing the turned individual elements into the associated receiving pockets,

In this way, groups of fully aligned individual elements for further processing can be provided at the removal station without having to discard incorrectly aligned individual elements Preferably, the turning of the misaligned aligned individual elements between two stations of the cyclically moving groups of receiving pockets, so that the cycle time, for example, a turntable as a transfer device can be kept short.

In this case, when turning the individual elements, they can be retained in the turning device for a predetermined time before they are again inserted into a receiving pocket in the following station, if the turning should be adapted to the cycle time specified for other reasons,

The turning of the individual elements can also be adapted to different cycle times that when turning a stock of turned single elements is kept in an intermediate buffer before re-insertion into a receiving pocket.

A device for carrying out the turning operation comprises a position detection device which determines the alignment of the individual elements in a group of receiving pockets,

an ejection device for ejecting the individual elements identified as not applicable from the assigned receiving pockets,

a turning device for turning the ejected individual elements and a device for inserting the turned individual elements into empty receiving pockets,

The receiving pockets are advantageously connected to a blow hole, wherein the ejection device is designed as a blowing device under each receiving pocket in a station, so that no moving mechanical parts are required for the ejection process.

Advantageously, the turning device between two successive stations is formed by a blown tube guided in an arc over 180 °, which comprises a receiving pocket in one station with a receiving pocket in the following. connecting station, This means that no moving mechanical parts are required for the turning process

A releasable retaining device, which holds a turned single element ready for delivery at the following station, expediently has one or more slides, which are preferably arranged at the end of the blowpipe in front of the following station,

The invention will be explained with reference to the drawing, for example, show it

1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a turntable with a singulator,

2 is a plan view of a turntable with additional stations,

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a component component of a multi-component filter, FIG.

4 schematically shows a turning device for aligning a filter element between two stations of the turntable with a retaining device between the turning device and the transfer device, and

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment with intermediate buffer.

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a separating device 1 with a frame-shaped receptacle 1 a for receiving bulk material cylindrical filter elements, a bottom of the receptacle 1a forming screen plate 1 b with centering 1b ', in a corresponding center hole on the bottom of the receiving container 1 a, and a buffer plate c ". This separating device 1 is arranged above a turntable 2 so that a group of receiving bores 3 in the turntable 2 lie below the bores of the buffer plate 1c, so that individual filter elements can be inserted into the receiving bores 3 in the buffer plate 1c By the singulator 1, the disordered filter elements in the receptacle 1a by means of the screen plate 1b are singulated so that they are used in the receiving bores of the buffer plate 1c, the turntable 2 forms a transfer device u He has circumferentially in this embodiment The turntable 2 is arranged on a rotary table 2 a, which rotates the turntable 2 cyclically, so that gradually the individual groups of receiving holes 3 are moved from one station to the next station. A handling device, not shown, removes the filter elements in groups from the receiving bores 3 in the pick-up station, which, for example, is diametrically opposed to the singulating device 1, and transfers them, for example, to a buffer store of a loading device or directly into pipette tips arranged in groups.

Fig. 2 shows a plan view of a turntable with, for example, eight stations opposite to the four stations of the turntable shown in Fig. 1, in each station there is a group G1 to G8 of locating bores 3. A group G can e.g. 2 to 60 receiving bores 3 ,. In the station S1 reproduced in Fig. 1 singulator 1 is positioned above the turntable 2, In the next station S2, a device for detecting the position of the filter elements in the receiving holes 3 of the turntable 2 is provided in the direction indicated by an arrow rotation of the turntable follows a Fiiteraus- transport station S3, which is followed by a station S4, in which the discharged in the preceding station S3 filter elements are re-inserted into the mounting holes 3.

In the next position, diametrically opposite S1, is e.g. a Filterabholstation S5 provided, from which the filter elements are removed in groups and used by the handling device, not shown, in a buffer or directly in a group of pipette tips,

56 and S8 are empty stations, between which a cleaning and rejecting station

57 may be provided, on which the receiving holes 3 are cleaned in the turntable 2 and possibly in individual receiving holes 3 remaining filter elements or filter residues are ejected,

The individual cylindrical filter elements, which are used in the singling device 1 of FIG. 1 in the individual receiving bores 3 of the turntable 2, for example, have the structure shown in Figure 3, which has a cylindrical filter element 4 is composed of two individual components 4a and 4b. In order to determine the correct orientation of the filter element 4 with the component 4a above, the individual components 4a and 4b, for example, differently colored or marked in any other way, so that it can be determined which of the multi-component filter 4 are used with the appropriate orientation in the mounting holes 3 and which not. For example, the upper component 4a has a red color while the lower component 4b is blue. It is also possible to provide a different type of marking of a multi-component filter so that the orientation of the filter elements 4 in the individual receiving bores 3 can be detected in the station S2 by a position detection device 20

When inserting the filter elements 4 in the unillustrated pipette tips, for example, the component 4a must be positioned at the top and the component 4b below. In the separating device 1 at the station S1, the individual filter elements 4 are inserted into the receiving bores 3 in different orientations, so that the component 4b is positioned at the top and the component 4a at the bottom at a filter element 4, while in the adjacent receiving bore 3 a filter element 4 is reversed Alignment is arranged. This is detected in the position detection station S2, for example by a camera, 21 signals are given to the following filter discharge station S3 via a corresponding electronic evaluation, in which the filter element 4 is ejected from the identified as incorrect occupied pickup holes 3,

In each case, a blowing and / or suction opening 3a (FIGS. 4 and 5) is provided below the individual receiving bores 3 of the turntable 2 in the exemplary embodiment shown. In the filter discharge station S3, a blowing device 5 is positioned below each receiving bore 3, by means of which a filter element 4 inserted into the receiving bore 3 can be blown out of the receiving bore 3 by compressed air, Instead of a blowing device 5, another ejection device can be provided, through which a filter element 4 can be ejected from the receiving bore 3.

An ejected filter element 4 is brought by a turning device 6 in the correct orientation and then preferably used in the following station S4 again in the receiving bore 3, so positioned in the Filterabholstation S5 all receiving holes 3 with filter elements 4 in the correct orientation of the components 4a and 4b are ,

The turning device 6 can be configured in various ways, Fig. 4 shows schematically as an example a simple embodiment of a turning device 6 in the form of a blow tube 7 between the stations S3 and S4 of the turntable 2,

Fig. 4 shows the situation in which from a receiving bore 3, 1 through the blowing device 5 in the station S3, a filter element 4.1 has already been ejected so that it at the other end of the blow tube 7, the receiving bore 3.2 with the corresponding receiving bore 3.1 the preceding group of receiving holes 3 connects, is arranged in a staging position from which the Filtereiement 4.1 can be used again in the same receiving bore 3.1 as soon as they turn by turning the turntable 2 in the direction of arrow P1 in the position of the receiving bore 3 2 has moved

In the illustration of Fig, 4 is still in the receiving bore 3.2 a properly aligned filter element 4.2, which is moved at the next cycle corresponding to the arrow P1 to the station S5, wherein the receiving bore 3, 1 in the position shown in Fig. 4 of the receiving bore 3, 2 arrives,

If, in this embodiment, the filter element 4.1 is located in the receiving bore 3.1, the component 4b is above, so that the orientation is not true While the turntable 2 with the group G3 in the station S3 between two clock movements is stopped and the blowing device 5 a signal from the position detection station S2 is received, the filter element 4, 1 by a blowing pulse pushed and transported through the blowpipe 7 to station S4, wherein the filter element 4 1 is turned over by the curvature of the blowpipe 7 over 180 ° and when arriving at the station S4 is in the appropriate orientation, in which the filter component 4a is on top, such as Fig. 4 shows.

The cycle time of the turntable 2 between station S3 and S4 can be adjusted in accordance with the residence time of the filter element 4 1 in the turning device 6 and in the blowpipe 7, that immediately after the ejection of the filter element 4.1 in the station S3, the turntable 2 in the next station S4 is moved, so that the filter element 4,1 is again inserted into the same receiving bore 3,1 in the station S4, without having to be delayed or retained in the blowpipe 7.

Preferably, in the turning device 6 or at the end of the turning device 6, a retainer 8 is provided which retains the filter element 4 1 ejected in the station S3 for a predetermined time until the group G3 of receiving bores 3 moves from the station S3 to the station S4 Thereafter, the filter element 4, 1, after being released by the retaining device 8, can again be inserted into the associated receiving bore 3.1 in the group G3 in the correct orientation, as shown in FIG. 4 shows

The retaining device 8 can be designed in various ways. As an example, in FIG. 4, a slider 9 is provided, which is adjustable transversely to the blowpipe 7 in order to shut off and release the blowpipe 7,

Fig. 4 shows the state in which the filter element 4 1 was ejected in the station S3 from the receiving bore 3, 1 by blowing or overpressure on the bore 3a of the filter bag 3 1 and rests against the closed slide 9, below the end the blowing tube 7 is still the receiving bore or filter bag 3.2 with a properly aligned filter element 4.2 in the station S4 available, in the next cycle of the turntable 2, the empty receiving bore 3.1 is moved to the station S4, so after opening the slide 9, the turned Filter element 4.1 in the receiving bore 3, 1 can be reused by suction pressure at the bore 3a of the filter bag 3, 1, The return device 8 may be formed as an intermediate buffer 10, which retains a plurality of ejected filter elements 4 until an empty receiving bore 3 is located in the station S4, in which inserted by the turning device 6 filter element from the supply in the intermediate buffer 10 in the receiving bore 3 can be. In the intermediate puff er 10 two or more filter elements 4 are conveniently separated or kept at a distance from each other above the station S4, so that between the filter elements, for example, blown air can be introduced to introduce the lower filter element in the receiving bore, while the filter element overlying is still held back

Such an intermediate buffer 10 is useful when the clock frequency of rotation of the turntable 2 is high and already a second filter element is ejected in the station S3, when the previously ejected filter element is not yet inserted into the receiving bore in the station S4.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of an intermediate buffer 10 with two slides 9 and 11 arranged at a distance one behind the other after the turning device 6 or at the end of the blowing tube 7. The reproduced in Fig. 5 state shows a in a previous cycle, not shown from the filter bag 3.1 ejected filter element 4.1 adjacent to the first slide 9, while already another, previously ejected in the station S3 from a following filter bag 3.0 filter element 4.0 on the second slide 11 is present.

In the next step unrepresented, the filter element 4, 1 resting on the first slide 9 is transferred by opening the slide 9 into the empty receiving bore 3 1 in the station S 4, optionally by blowing air support not shown or by applying a vacuum to the bore 3 a in the station S 4 while the second slider 11 is still closed

Then, regardless of the clock movement of the turntable 2, the first slide 9 is closed again and the second slide 11 is opened, so that the second Filter element reaches 4.0 by blowing pressure in the ready position on the first slide 9, whereupon the second slide 11 is closed again.

By arranging two or more retaining means in the form of the slides 9 and 11, a supply of properly aligned filter elements 4 can be kept in the intermediate buffer 10, so that the cycle time of the turntable 2 is designed independently of the residence time of an ejected filter element 4 in the turning device 6 can

The Fig. 4 and FIG. 5 each show only a single turning device 6 in the form of a blow tube 7, which connects a receiving bore 3 in the station S3 with an associated receiving bore 3 in the station S4. In practice, above each receiving bore 3 of a group of receiving bores in the filter discharge station S3, a blowing tube 7 is arranged, which is guided overall over a bend of 180 ° to turn an ejected filter element and in the station S4 in the correct orientation over the same To provide receiving bore. In this case, a retaining device 8 or optionally an intermediate buffer 10 may be provided on each turning device 6 in the form of the blow tube 7.

Various modifications of the described design are possible,

The retainers 8 forming slides 9 and 11 can be configured in various ways. By way of example only, the slides are indicated by plate-shaped elements which release or close them by a displacement transversely to the through-bore. It is also possible, for example, to provide pin-shaped elements which project into the through-hole to block the through-hole for a filter element and to release it be withdrawn,

The retainer 8 may also be formed by applying vacuum to the blowpipe 7 laterally, whereby the vacuum may be applied by bores on the circumference of the blowpipe 7, According to a further embodiment, the blowpipe 7, if it consists of elastic material, can be deformed by a device, so that the deformation of the filter element 4 is held,

Instead of a turntable 2, a transfer device can be used, are moved by the groups of receiving holes 3 linear.

Depending on the shape of the individual elements, which are reproduced as cylindrical filter elements 4 in the preceding description, groups G of receiving pockets instead of receiving bores 3 can be provided on the transfer device 2, which have a shape adapted to the shape of the individual elements cylindrical shape of the individual elements in the form of the filter elements 4 is to be regarded as an example

Furthermore, it is possible to apply all the mounting holes 3 or corresponding receiving pockets in the station S4 or in another station by means of vacuum to check whether all receiving holes 3 are occupied with a filter element 4, Such a check, for example, already the separating station S1 are provided.

It is also possible, in order to reduce the total number of stations on the transfer device 2, to combine the position detection station S2 with the ejection station S3 so that the filter element 4 is ejected immediately after detecting a misalignment of a filter element 4 in a receiving bore 3

It is also possible to provide the turning device 6 at a single station in such a way that an ejected filter element 4 is turned over and used again in the associated receiving bore 3 in the same station. This, however, slows down the cycle time of the transfer device 2. Advantageously, the turning device becomes 6 provided between two stations, in particular in connection with at least one retaining device 8 (for example slide 9) in order to increase the clock frequency of the transfer device

Claims

Expectations

Method for aligning individual elements (4) arranged in receiving pockets (3) of a transfer device (2),

wherein the receiving pockets (3) are arranged in groups and moved step by step from one station to a following station,

comprising the following steps:

Determine in which receiving pockets (3) of a group incorrectly aligned individual elements (4) are present,

Ejecting the individual elements (4) found to be incorrectly aligned from the assigned receiving pockets (3),

Turning the ejected individual elements (4), and

Reinsert the turned individual elements (4) into the assigned receiving pockets (3).

Method according to claim 1, wherein the turning of the incorrectly aligned individual elements (4) is carried out between two stations (S3, S4) of the cyclically moved groups of receiving pockets (3).

Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the individual elements (4) are turned, they are retained in the turning device for a predetermined time before they are reinserted into a receiving pocket (3) in the following station (S4),

Method according to claim 3, wherein when turning the individual elements (4), a supply of turned individual elements is kept ready in an intermediate buffer (10) before being reinserted into a receiving pocket (3). , Device for aligning individual elements (4) arranged in receiving pockets (3) of a transfer device (2), the receiving pockets (3) being arranged in groups and the transfer device

(2) Gradually create a group of receiving pockets

(3) moved from one station to a subsequent station, comprising

a position detection device (20), which determines the alignment of the individual elements

(4) detects in a group (G) of receiving pockets (3),

an ejection device

(5) for ejecting the individual elements (4) identified as incorrect from the assigned receiving pockets (3),

a turning device (6) for turning the ejected individual elements (4) and

a device for inserting the turned individual elements (4) into empty receiving pockets (3), device according to claim 5, wherein the turning device

(6) is arranged between two successive stations (S3, S4).

7 Device according to claim 6, wherein at least one releasable retaining device (8) is provided, which holds a turned individual element (4) ready for delivery at the following station (S4),

8. The device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the turning device (6) is formed by a blow tube (7) guided in an arc over 180 °, which has a receiving pocket (3) in one station (S3) with a receiving pocket (3). in the following station (S4).

9 Device according to claim 8, wherein one or more slides (9, 11) are provided as a retaining device (8) at the end of the blow tube (7) in front of the following station (S4),

10 Device according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the receiving pockets (3) are provided with a blow hole (3a) and the ejection device Device is arranged as a blowing device (5) under each receiving pocket (3) in a station.