EP3103730B1 - Method for filling packaging containers - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for filling packaging receptacles formed in a packaging base with products.

In the packaging of medical products, such as ampoules, syringes, inhalers and the like, are sometimes used so-called. Klemmpackungen. These clamping packages usually consist of a packaging base body, in which a plurality of cup-like packaging receptacles is formed. The openings of the packaging receptacles are dimensioned so that the products first rest against the opening edges before the impressions and reach only by the mechanical impressions in the final position in the packaging recordings. After mechanical impressions, the products are trapped in the clamp packing

The products are usually pre-positioned during packaging in the openings of the packaging receptacles. Subsequently, an indenting device is actuated to press the products into the packaging receptacles, such as for example JP H08 11827 known. If it is possible to position all products correctly in the associated openings and / or to position them in the proper orientation in accordance with the geometry of the packaging receptacles, each product can be reliably pressed into a packaging receptacle. On the other hand, in the event that a product has not been deposited in the associated opening, but eg in the area between two openings of packaging receptacles on the packaging base body, one of the product receptacles can not be filled and the product and / or the packaging body is damaged during the attempted Eindrückvorgang , If a product has been prepositioned in a wrong orientation, it may also result in damage to the product and / or packaging when pressed. In both cases, the pack in question must be sorted out and the entire system stopped.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for filling packaging recordings with products that increases the safety of the process with the simplest possible means and minimizes downtimes of the system. This object is solved by the features of claim 1.

• Bereitstellen einer Eindrückeinheit, die eine Eindrückvorrichtung zum Eindrücken von Produkten in Verpackungsaufnahmen und ein mechanisches Kontrollsystem für die Kontrolle der Anordnung und Ausrichtung der Produkte aufweist;
• Vorpositionieren der Produkte in Öffnungen der Verpackungsaufnahmen;
• Betätigen des mechanischen Kontrollsystems zum Kontrollieren der Anordnung und Ausrichtung der Produkte in den Öffnungen der Verpackungsaufnahmen;
• Betätigen der Eindrückvorrichtung und Eindrücken der Produkte in die Verpackungsaufnahmen, wenn bei dem Kontrollschritt eine korrekte Anordnung und Ausrichtung der Produkte festgestellt wurde; und
• Abbrechen des Befüllvorgangs, wenn bei dem Kontrollschritt eine fehlerhafte Anordnung oder Ausrichtung mindestens eines der Produkte festgestellt wurde.

According to the invention, a method is proposed for filling packaging receptacles which are formed in a packaging base body moved in a conveying direction, with products comprising the following steps:

• Providing a push-in unit having a push-in device for pushing products into packaging receptacles and a mechanical control system for controlling the arrangement and orientation of the products;
• Pre-positioning the products in openings of the packaging receptacles;
• Operating the mechanical control system to control the location and orientation of the products in the openings of the packaging receptacles;
• Actuating the indenting device and inserting the products into the packaging receptacles if the correct position and orientation of the products has been determined during the inspection step; and
• Canceling the refilling process if the inspection step identified a misplacement or alignment of at least one of the products.

The advantage of this method is that the products are not pushed into the packaging receptacles until an incorrect arrangement of the products or a misalignment of the products in the openings of the packaging receptacles has been excluded. Even before a product and / or a packaging base body is damaged due to a faulty arrangement or orientation of the products, the filling process can be interrupted and immediately a correction be brought about. Accordingly, process reliability is increased and downtimes are minimized.

Furthermore, the push-in device has at least one push-in element for pressing the products into the packaging receptacles, wherein the at least one push-in element is moved in the direction of the packaging base body in order to press the prepositioned products into the final position in the packaging receptacle. The pushing-in process therefore represents a movement process independent of the movement of the packaging base body. Accordingly, the pushing-in process can be controlled separately, which is important, above all, in the event of rapid demolition.

In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical control system comprises a test element, which is moved to the packaging base body from above to control the arrangement and orientation of the products. Thus, the test element and the indenting device can be performed together at least for part of the route, so that the procedure is simplified. Another advantage is additionally given by the possibility to provide only a single drive and guide means for the test element and the indenting device. Effort and costs can be reduced thereby.

The test element is preferably moved in the direction perpendicular to the, usually horizontal, conveying direction of the packaging base body. This has the advantage that products stored incorrectly in the areas between the openings are recognized as early as possible by the test element. The faster an error is detected, the faster a correction can be made and the less the overall throughput of the packaging process is compromised.

The control system generates an error signal when the test piece strikes one of the products during movement toward the package body. With particular advantage, in this way, the error state can be transmitted directly to a controller in a very short time, which immediately interrupts the process. Damage to the products or the packaging body can be effectively prevented.

In a preferred embodiment, the inspection element is provided as a control plate having through-holes formed therein, with the control plate and a portion of the package body relative to each other so arranged that the openings of the packaging receptacles and the through-holes are superimposed. This precisely defines those areas in which a product may be located and those areas in which no product may be located, such as between two adjacent openings. Another advantage is that with the control panel a variety of products can be checked simultaneously, so that the inspection process can be done very quickly.

If the openings and the through-holes have the same shape and the same size, it is also possible, the orientation of the product in the opening to check. For example, an oval product falsely transversely positioned in an oval opening can be reliably detected by the oval through-hole control plate.

Preferably, the control plate is arranged parallel to the packaging base body. As a result, the prepositioned products can be checked for correctness at the same time, since each passage opening simultaneously reaches an associated product during the movement of the control plate. The test procedure is thus particularly short and the error correction can be initiated quickly.

Furthermore, the control plate and the at least one push-in element are preferably moved together toward the packaging base body, the control plate being arranged closer to the packaging base body than the at least one push-in element. This can be done in a single process step, and only a single drive is required to move the indenter and control plate. Consequently, there is a cost saving in the production. Since the control plate is arranged closer to the package body, the test takes place before the Eindrückvorgang. The indentation process can be aborted in time if an error occurs.

As soon as an error is detected by the control system, advantageously both the control plate and the at least one indenting element are stopped and then moved back. As a result, the checked packaging base body can be moved out of the test area as quickly as possible and a next packaging base body can be moved forward.

If the control system detects no error, the at least one indenting element is moved further and penetrates the through-openings of the control plate. The indentation process therefore takes place exclusively at checked positions and only if correct alignment is ensured. This makes a particularly reliable control possible.

After pressing in the products, the indenting element and the control plate are moved back together. Thus, the control plate and the Eindrückvorrichtung can be performed together for part of the route, so simplifies the movement is. An advantage results from the possibility to provide only a drive and guide device for control plate and Eindrückvorrichtung.

It is particularly advantageous if the packaging base bodies are moved clocked in the conveying direction. Accordingly, the Eindrückeinheit be stationary and the packaging body with the packaging recordings can stand still in the test and Eindrückbereich. The time window between two bars is used to check the pre-positioning and to push in the products.

Fig. 1

ist eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Eindrückeinheit, wie sie bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren zum Einsatz kommen kann;

Fig. 2

ist eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Kontrollplatte der Eindrückeinheit aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 3A-C

sind schematische Querschnitte einer Eindrückeinheit, in denen drei Phasen eines bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens dargestellt sind; und

Fig. 4

ist ein schematischer Querschnitt der Eindrückeinheit aus Fig. 3A-C, in dem eine vierte Phase des bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens dargestellt ist.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1

is a perspective view of an indenting unit, as it can be used in the inventive method;

Fig. 2

is a perspective view of a control plate of the indentation from Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3A-C

are schematic cross-sections of a Eindrückeinheit, in which three phases of a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention are shown; and

Fig. 4

is a schematic cross section of the Eindrückeinheit from Fig. 3A-C , in which a fourth phase of the preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a conveying device 6 for conveying packaging base bodies 8, which are to be filled with products 5 (eg ampoules, bottles, vials, syringes, inhalers, etc.), in a conveying direction F, and a press-in station 2 with a push-in unit 4 for pressing the products 5 in packaging receptacles 10 of the packaging base body. 8

Such conveying devices 6 are known from the prior art in various embodiments, in that respect will be omitted here for a further description. Preferably the conveying device 6 ensures a clocked movement of the packaging base body 8. The packaging base body 8 may be separate elements, but also contiguous sections of a web, such as a film web.

The substantially L-shaped indentation station 2 has a free section in a lower region, through which the travel path of the packaging base body 8 extends in the conveying direction F. In this case, the push-in unit 4 is provided in the push-in station 2 in such a way that the running path of the package main body 8 runs directly under the push-in unit 4.

In the packaging base bodies 8 are each a plurality of cup-like packaging receptacles 10 are formed with respective openings 12. The packaging receptacles 10 are arranged in each package base 8 in mutually perpendicular rows and columns. Any other arrangements are also possible.

In Fig. 1 is a front in the conveying direction F packaging body 8 shown in which in each packaging receptacle 10 already a product 5 is arranged. In Fig. 1 Furthermore, a central packaging base body 8, viewed in the conveying direction F, is shown, in which the prepositioned products 5 are being checked for correct alignment. And finally is in Fig. 1 a rear packaging base body 8, viewed in the conveying direction F, in which the products 5 are prepositioned in the openings 12 of the packaging receptacles 10.

As can be seen from the rear in the conveying direction F packaging body 8, the products 5 have an approximately cylindrical shape and the openings 12 of the packaging receptacles 10 are formed rectangular, wherein the longitudinal direction of the openings 12 extends in the conveying direction F. All located on the rear packaging base 8 products 5 are correctly aligned in the openings 12 prepositioned. That is, the cylindrical products 5 are arranged in the openings 12 so that the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical products 5 also extend in the conveying direction F. As in further Fig. 1 can be seen, the products 5 are in the openings 12 of the packaging receptacles 10 such that each less than half of the products in the packaging receptacles 10th extends. The section of products 5 with the widest cross section is located outside the packaging receptacles 10.

The push-in unit 4 comprises a push-in device 14 for pushing the products 5 into the packaging receptacles 10. The push-in device 14 comprises a push plate 16 and a plurality of push-in elements 18 which are fixed to the underside of the push plate 16. Furthermore, the push-in device 14 comprises a mechanical control system 19 with a test element 17, which is described below Fig. 2 will be described in more detail. Finally, the pressing-in device 14 comprises a movement unit 15 for, in particular also independent, reciprocating movement of the pressure plate 16 and the test element 17 in a pressing direction which is perpendicular to the conveying direction F.

In Fig. 2 the test element 17 of the push-in device 14 is shown. In the example shown here, the test element 17 is designed as a control plate 20. But there are also other mechanically moving parts used as a test element 17, which need not have a plate shape and not even need to be connected together.

In the control plate 20, a plurality of through holes 22 are formed. A packaging base 8 is located in the indentation area. In each case a product 5 is prepositioned in the openings 12 of the packaging receptacles 10 and is located at the opening edge of the openings 12 ( Fig. 1 ). Above the packaging base body 8, the control plate 20 for checking the products 5 is arranged for correct alignment. The through openings 22 are located directly above the openings 12 of the packaging receptacles 10. In the illustrated case, all products 5 are positioned correctly in the openings 12 so that the products 5 extend through the through openings 22 and the control plate 20 moves past the products 5 ,

In the following, the individual phases of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention will be described with reference to FIG Figs. 3A to 3C explained in more detail.

Figs. 3A to 3C are each schematic sectional views of an indenting device 14 with pressure plate 16 and control plate 20 and a packaging base 8, in which three phases of an embodiment of the method according to the invention are shown.

For ease of illustration, other elements of the indenter have been omitted.

In the first phase in Fig. 3A Products 5 have already been prepositioned in the openings 12 of the packaging receptacles 10 and lie against the opening edges of the packaging receptacles 10. Above the packaging base body 8 is, spaced therefrom, the control plate 20 with the passage openings 22 formed therein. Again, above the control plate 20, spaced therefrom, is the pusher plate 16 with the indenting elements 18 projecting from the underside thereof. As Fig. 3A It can also be seen, the through holes 22 are aligned with the openings 12 of the packaging receptacles 10, and the push-in elements 18 are in turn aligned with the through holes 22nd

In the second phase in Fig. 3B was starting from the representation in Fig. 3A the control plate 20 is moved from the top in the downward direction of the package body 8. The correctly oriented products 5 are in Fig. 3B now included in the through holes 22. The control plate 20 was placed in the downward movement no resistance by any incorrectly arranged or aligned products, so that the control system 19 has generated no error signal. Furthermore, the pressure plate 16, starting from the illustration in Fig. 3A , moved together with the control plate 20 in the downward direction to the packaging base body 8.

In the third phase in Fig. 3C was based on Fig. 3B the pressure plate 16 with the indentation elements 18 fixed thereto is moved further in the direction of the packaging base body 8 and the prepositioned products 5. The control plate 20 rests on the package body 8 and has stopped there, so that the distance between the pressure plate 16 and control plate 20 has been significantly reduced. As in Fig. 3C can be seen, the products 5 were pressed by the push-in elements 18 in the associated packaging receptacles 10. The push-in elements 18 penetrate the passage openings 22 of the control plate 20.

Starting from the illustration in Fig. 3C Now, the push plate 16 and the control plate 20 can be moved upwards. Subsequently, the packaging base body 8 with the impressed products 5 is fed to a sealing station (not shown), while a next packaging base body 8 with prepositioned products 5 in FIG moves the indentation, so that again in Fig. 3A shown state is reached.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a situation in which a product 5 has not been correctly arranged. As you can see, this is in Fig. 4 left product 5 not in the associated left opening 12, but is arranged in a region between two openings 12 and packaging receptacles 10 on the package body 8. Unlike in the Fig. 3B phase shown is now the control plate 20 by the incorrectly stored product 5 is opposed to a resistance, which is detected in a sensor, not shown (eg, force sensor, location sensor, camera, etc.). Thereupon, an error signal is triggered in fractions of seconds. Subsequent to the filling process is stopped and both the pressure plate 16 and the control plate 20 are moved away from the packaging base 8 upwards. Subsequently, the packaging base body 8 is fed with the non-depressed products 5 a troubleshooting or sorting step, while a next packaging base body 8 moves with pre-positioned products in the indentation, so that again in Fig. 3A shown state is reached.

To control the arrangement and alignment of the products, the control plate 20 is moved up to the package base 8. In this case, the control plate 20 can either be moved until they contact the upper side of the packaging base body 8 or are only moved so far that there is still a minimum distance between the control plate 20 and the packaging base body 8.

If only one drive for the pressure plate 16 and control plate 20 is present, the control plate 20 is slidably mounted on the pressure plate 16 and depends due to gravity downwardly spaced on the pressure plate 16. The control plate 20 is then guided so far in error-free normal operation, until it rests on the package base 8 (usually supported by a pad), and then the pusher plate 16 is lowered further. For this purpose, the controller must be aware that in this state no error should be displayed when the control plate 20 stops. If, however, in the case of a misplaced product 5, the control plate 20 rests on a product 5 acts on this product 5, initially only the gravity of the control plate 20, which is much lower than the pressing force of the pressure plate 16. Die Gravity der Control plate 20 is so small that the products 5 are not damaged. Even before the push-in elements 18 impinge on the products 5, the process is interrupted.

Push plate 16 and control plate 20 may also be connected via a spring connection.

In the context of this description, a "mechanical control system" is to be understood as a system in which the checking of the presence of a product by touching the product with another object, namely by at least one test element, takes place. Upon contact with a product, resistance to movement of the test element is resisted, thereby signaling a misplacement or alignment of at least one product.

Claims (14)

1. Method by means of which packaging holders (10) which are formed in a main packaging body (8) moved in a conveying direction (F) are filled with products (5), the method comprising the following steps:

   - supplying a pushing-in unit (4), which has a pushing-in device (14) for pushing products (5) into the packaging holders (10) and also a mechanical testing system (19) for testing the arrangement and orientation of the products (5),

   - prepositioning the products (5) in openings (12) of the packaging holders (10),

   - actuating the mechanical testing system (19) for testing the arrangement and orientation of the products (5) in the openings (12) of the packaging holders (10), the method being characterized by the following steps:

   - actuating the pushing-in device (14) and pushing the products (5) into the packaging holders (10) when the testing step has established that the arrangement and orientation of the products (5) is correct, and

   - breaking off the filling operation when the testing step has established that the arrangement or orientation of at least one of the products (5) is incorrect.
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the prepositioning of the products (5) in the openings (12) of the packaging holders (10) takes place such that a part of each of the products (5) projects beyond the opening (12) of the associated packaging holder (10).
3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pushing-in device (14) has at least one pushing-in element (18) for pushing the products (5) into the packaging holders (10), wherein the at least one pushing-in element (18) is moved in the direction of the main packaging body (8) in order to push the prepositioned products (5) into the definitive position in the packaging holders (10).
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the testing system (19) comprises a checking element (17) which, for the purpose of testing the arrangement and orientation of the products (5), is moved towards the main packaging body (8) from above.
5. Method according to Claim 4, characterized in that the checking element (17) is moved in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (F).
6. Method according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the testing system (19) generates an error signal when, as it is being moved in the direction of the main packaging body (8), the checking element (17) strikes against one of the products (5).
7. Method according to one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the checking element (17) is a testing plate (20) with through-openings (22) formed therein, wherein the testing plate (20) and a portion of the main packaging body (8) are arranged relative to one another such that the openings (12) of the packaging holders (10) and the through-openings (22) are located one above the other.
8. Method according to Claim 7, characterized in that the openings (12) and the through-openings (22) are of the same shape and of identical size.
9. Method according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the testing plate (20) is arranged parallel to the main packaging body (8).
10. Method according to Claim 3 and one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the testing plate (20) and the at least one pushing-in element (18) are moved jointly in the direction of the main packaging body (8), wherein the testing plate (20) is arranged closer to the main packaging body (8) than the at least one pushing-in element (18).
11. Method according to Claim 3 and one of Claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, if the testing system (19) detects an error, the testing plate (20) and the at least one pushing-in element (18) are stopped and then moved back.
12. Method according to Claim 3 and one of Claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, if the testing system (19) does not detect any error, the at least one pushing-in element (18) is moved onwards and, in the process, passes through the through-openings (22) of the testing plate (20).
13. Method according to Claim 12, characterized in that, once the products (5) have been pushed in, the at least one pushing-in element (18) and the testing plate (20) are moved back jointly.
14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main packaging body (8) is moved cyclically in the conveying direction (F).

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