EP3991712A1 - Storage and dispensing station and storage container for a storage and dispensing station - Google Patents
Storage and dispensing station and storage container for a storage and dispensing station Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3991712A1 EP3991712A1 EP20204131.5A EP20204131A EP3991712A1 EP 3991712 A1 EP3991712 A1 EP 3991712A1 EP 20204131 A EP20204131 A EP 20204131A EP 3991712 A1 EP3991712 A1 EP 3991712A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- diverting
- storage
- storage container
- delivery station
- separating device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 abstract description 47
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 abstract description 9
- 238000007786 electrostatic charging Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 235000015872 dietary supplement Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 3
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 24
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000009795 derivation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007600 charging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000890 drug combination Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012811 non-conductive material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000452 restraining effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009420 retrofitting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
- B65B35/06—Separating single articles from loose masses of articles
- B65B35/08—Separating single articles from loose masses of articles using pocketed conveyors
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
- G07F11/44—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored in bulk
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
- A61J7/0076—Medicament distribution means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
- A61J1/03—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for pills or tablets
- A61J1/035—Blister-type containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
- B65B35/02—Supply magazines
- B65B35/04—Supply magazines with buffer storage devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B65/00—Details peculiar to packaging machines and not otherwise provided for; Arrangements of such details
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/04—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills
- B65D83/0445—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills all the articles being stored in individual compartments
- B65D83/0454—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills all the articles being stored in individual compartments the whole forming a circular container with rotating parts
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/0092—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for assembling and dispensing of pharmaceutical articles
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05F—STATIC ELECTRICITY; NATURALLY-OCCURRING ELECTRICITY
- H05F3/00—Carrying-off electrostatic charges
- H05F3/04—Carrying-off electrostatic charges by means of spark gaps or other discharge devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
- B65B35/06—Separating single articles from loose masses of articles
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a storage container for a storage and dispensing station for a blister machine for small items that can be separated, in particular portions of pharmaceuticals and food supplements, and a storage and dispensing station as such.
- Modern blister machines such as those in the WO 2013/034504 A1 are disclosed include, depending on the expansion stage of the blister machine, several hundred storage and delivery stations. A plurality of separable small piece goods is stored in each of these, and individual small piece goods can be delivered on request. The small piece goods are regularly portions of pharmaceuticals and food supplements.
- blister machines drug portions stored in the storage and dispensing stations can be put together and blistered for each patient according to the times of administration prescribed by the doctor.
- appropriate supply and dispensing stations for dispensing one or more medicament portions are activated by means of a control device of the blister machine.
- a medicament portion stored in a storage container is separated with a separating device of the storage and dispensing station and transferred via a dispensing opening to a guide device of the blister machine.
- the guide device the dispensed medicament portion, optionally with an intermediary a collecting device, a packaging device which blisters individual or multiple drug portions.
- the separation device comprises a plurality of channels, which are usually arranged on the outer circumference of a base body of the separation device.
- the dimensions of the channels are adapted to the drug portions to be separated in such a way that the drug portions in a channel can only be arranged one above the other, but not next to each other.
- the channels can, for example, be dimensioned in such a way that only one medicament portion can be received in a channel.
- a channel is moved over the dispensing opening in the bottom surface of the housing of the reservoir and the medicament portion arranged in the channel (at the lowest point) slides or falls into the dispensing opening due to gravity.
- a retaining section of a retaining means or separator is guided or arranged at least in or above the channel in the area above the dispensing opening , aligned with the dispensing port.
- the retention portion is arranged in or above the channel in relation to the height of the channel such that only one medicament portion can be arranged below the retention portion.
- projections separating individual channels have a slot which accommodates the retaining section. If the If the retaining section is arranged or guided over the channels, this is regularly guided only slightly over the upper ends of the projections, so that it is avoided that further drug portions get into the channel when the drug portion is dispensed.
- the separating device When separating or dispensing medicament portions, the separating device is rotated as described above.
- the medicament portions stored in the receiving space are constantly moved, which leads to friction between the medicament portions and against the housing.
- This friction among one another and on the housing leads to the drug portions being charged by static electricity, so the drug portions are electrostatically charged.
- This electrostatic charging leads to the medicament portions partially “sticking” to the inner wall of the housing or to sections of the separating device.
- this means that the number of drug portions that is filled into the storage container is not actually available for separation (because the drug portions "stick" somewhere inside) or the drug portions are not dispensed correctly - both of which lead to incorrect drug combinations.
- the storage container according to the invention for a storage and delivery station for a blister machine comprises a housing enclosing a receiving space with a circular-cylindrical section on the inside and a delivery opening having a bottom surface, a separating device arranged in the internally circular-cylindrical section of the housing with a surface facing the receiving space and with a plurality of channels extending vertically through the separating device with a channel width KB for receiving at least one small item to be separated and a retaining means with a retaining section which is arranged above the discharge opening in the circular-cylindrical housing.
- the separating device comprises an electrically conductive diverting device, wherein the diverting device has at least one diverting projection extending from the surface of the separating device into the receiving space, as well as diverting contact means electrically conductively coupled to the at least one diverting projection for electrically coupling the diverting device to an electrically conductive Having a component of a delivery station associated with the reservoir and having a drive.
- the diverting device is continuously electrically conductive from the diverting projection to the diverting contact, although this does not have to mean that the entire diverting device as such has to be made of electrically conductive material—sections can, for example covered or otherwise surrounded by non-conductive material.
- a material that is electrically conductive is one whose leakage resistance (surface resistance) is less than 1 T ⁇ (10 12 ⁇ ).
- the diverting device Since the diverting device has at least one diverting projection that extends into the receiving space, it is ensured that the electrostatic charge is dissipated on the small items arranged "further up", so that sticking to the inner wall can be prevented. It is thus ensured that all small piece goods filled into the receiving space are also available for separation and delivery. However, the electrical discharge in the upper area of the receiving space also ensures that the small items entering the channels have a reduced electrostatic charge.
- the precise structural configuration of the diverting device depends on the precise configuration of the separating device.
- the diverting projection and the diverting contact means are in the form of a diverting rod with a central connecting section.
- the diverting contact means of the diverting device can be electrically coupled to an electrically conductive component of a delivery station which is assigned to the storage container and has a drive.
- the discharge contact means is formed coaxially to (and preferably on) the axis of rotation of the separating device.
- the diverting contact means is designed coaxially to the axis of rotation of the separating device, it is also advantageous if the diverting contact means is designed as a diverting pin which has a contact pin preloaded with a spring.
- the fact that the contact pin is prestressed by means of a spring particularly supports the contact between the discharge device and the delivery station.
- the diverting projection of the diverting device protrudes into the receiving space, so that in particular the electrostatic charging of those small items that are arranged above the surface of the separating device is dissipated.
- the dissipation device has at least one dissipation means that is electrically dissipatively coupled to the dissipation contact means has, which forms a surface area of the separating device that comes into contact with small piece goods.
- the electrostatic charging of the small piece goods can also lead to them getting stuck in a duct (on the duct wall).
- the diverting projection already reduces the charging of the small items
- a preferred embodiment provides for the at least one diverting means to further reduce the charge directly before small items enter a channel forms at least a portion of a surface of a web formed between two channels.
- a corresponding embodiment is particularly advantageous in the case of very light small piece goods (since these tend to get stuck or “stick” even if they are only slightly charged).
- the invention also relates to a storage and dispensing station for a blister machine, having a storage container according to the invention and a dispensing station with a drive for moving the separating device and with a dispensing station contact means, which can be electrically coupled to the discharge contact means of the discharge device of the storage container and is electrically conductively coupled to a line device is via which electrical charges can be discharged from the storage and delivery station.
- the delivery station contact means is designed as a coupling means of the drive.
- FIGS 1a and 1b show oblique views of a first preferred embodiment of the storage container 1 according to the invention.
- Figures 2 and 3 show plan views of the first embodiment of the reservoir, wherein at figure 3 the separating device is omitted.
- the storage container 1 according to the invention comprises a receiving space 2 (see Figures 2 and 3 ) enclosing housing 10 for drug portions, which has an internally circular-cylindrical section 11 in the lower section.
- the storage container 1 also comprises a base plate 12 and a cover 13, which is arranged on the housing 10 during operation of the storage and delivery station and can be removed for refilling.
- a handle 14 in the “front” area Embodiment a housing projection 15 is formed, on which a fastening portion of a restraining means 40 is arranged.
- a separating device 30 with a (conical) surface 31 is arranged in the section which is circular-cylindrical on the inside. Elevations 34 are arranged on the surface itself, which are intended, among other things, to prevent drug portions from remaining on the surface. Furthermore, they cause the drug portions to move, so that they slide to the channels 32 arranged on the outer edge of the separating device.
- the channels are defined by webs 33 which can be formed in one piece with a base body of the separating device 30 . Alternatively, they can be attached to the base body.
- the channels are adapted to the shape of the medicament portions to be separated, so that only a defined number can be arranged in a channel or a channel section.
- the housing comprises a base surface 20 with a central opening 21 for receiving a coupling means of the separating device and a delivery opening 22 through which drug portions are delivered, first to the delivery station and then further to other components of the blister machine.
- a diverting projection of a diverting device can already be seen in the middle of the separating device.
- Figures 4a and 4b show sectional views of the first embodiment of the reservoir, wherein Figure 4a an oblique view and Figure 4b shows a side view.
- this includes a base body 35 with a conical Surface 31 on which a plurality of elevations 34 are arranged.
- the base body 35 is hollow on the inside and is connected to an upper coupling means 36 which is connected to a lower coupling means 37 .
- This lower coupling means has an inner profile, by means of which it can be detachably coupled to a coupling means (not shown) of a drive shaft (also not shown) of a drive in a delivery station.
- a releasable coupling is advantageous since the reservoir can be easily removed from the storage and dispensing station in order to refill medicament portions.
- the lower coupling means 37 has a circumferential groove in which a projection 23 of the housing engages in order to prevent the separating device from "lifting off”.
- a diverting device which comprises a diverting projection 51 which extends into the receiving space 2 extends on the axis of rotation of the separating device.
- the diverting projection is very long—alternatively, it can also be shorter or have a different shape.
- the diverting projection extends over its entire length on the axis of rotation of the separating device, although this is a preferred embodiment.
- the diverting projection extends at least two channel widths KB (viewed from the surface at the exit point) into the receiving space. It is essential here that the at least one diverting projection (depending on the drug portions to be separated) so far into the Receiving space protrudes that is provided for a sufficient discharge of the electrical charge of the drug portions.
- the diverting device At the other end of the diverting device, it comprises a diverting contact means 53, which in the embodiment shown is simply in the form of a rod.
- the diverting contact means 53 is electrically conductively connected to the diverting projection 51, wherein in the simplest case (shown here) the diverting projection 51 and the diverting contact means 53 are designed as a one-piece rod coaxial to (or on) the axis of rotation of the separating device.
- the discharge device is made of stainless steel; In general, any conductive material (see above for definition) is suitable as long as there is a conductive connection between the derivation projection and the derivation contact means.
- FIG. 4a and 4b One can also see the arrangement of the retaining means 40, which is attached to the housing projection 15 in this embodiment.
- a retaining portion 41 of the retaining means 40 is passed through a slot in the housing and is aligned with the discharge opening 22 in the bottom surface. This alignment has the effect that, in the case of the channel that is arranged above the dispensing opening, no further portion of medicament can slip into the channel.
- the retaining section is guided in a slot of the webs between the channels - in this case the slot or the retaining section separates a channel into an upper and a lower channel section.
- Which type of channel is used depends on the medicament portions to be separated and has no effect on the present invention.
- Figures 5a - 5c show different views of the separating device and the discharge device of a second embodiment of the storage container
- figure 6 shows one Sectional view of the separating device and the diverting device of the second embodiment.
- the diverting device comprises, in addition to the components described above, two diverting means 55, which in this case form surface sections of webs between channels.
- These discharge means are over (only in figure 6 shown) connecting sections 54 electrically dissipative (possibly via a connecting section 52) coupled to the discharge contact means 53.
- the discharge means 55 ensure a further (or repeated) discharge of electrical charge, in particular of those drug portions which are about to enter a channel.
- Figures 7a and 7b show oblique views of an embodiment of the storage and delivery station with a storage container 1 and a delivery station 100, which are designed as separate components in the embodiment shown.
- the delivery station 100 is part of a network of five delivery stations 100.
- the delivery stations can be designed separately from one another.
- the components mentioned in the following description of the delivery station 100 are present in each delivery station 100, regardless of whether they are composite (as in Figs Figures 7a and 7b ) or executed separately.
- Each delivery station 100 comprises a lower section 130 and an upper section 120.
- the upper section 120 includes a projection 121 on which a reservoir 1 can be placed.
- a lower housing section of the storage container 1 is adapted to the geometry of the projection 121 .
- the boss 121 includes an opening 123 which aligns with the dispensing opening in the bottom surface of the housing when the reservoir 1 is in place. When singulated, a portion of medicament falls from a channel via the dispensing opening into the opening 123.
- the dispensing station can be fastened to a blister machine (not shown).
- An opening 140 is shown in the aforementioned end face, which runs through the dispensing station and ends in the opening 123, a chute (not shown) for drug portions being insertable into these openings, via which separated drug portions are transported from a storage and dispensing station to a Guide device are passed within the blister machine.
- the chute 140 extends through the dispensing station 100 to the projection 121 in which the opening 123 for receiving a portion of medicament is formed.
- a section of a line device 124 can be seen, with which the storage and dispensing station can be coupled to the blister machine in an electrically conductive manner and via which electrical charges can be discharged from the blister machine.
- the conduit means 124 is located in the face portion 122 of the upper portion of the dispensing station 100, in an alternative embodiment the conduit means 124 may be located in the face portion 132 of the lower portion 130.
- the line device for example, be designed as a plug or the like. It is essential that electrical charges can be delivered to the blister machines (not shown) via the line device.
- the Figures 7a and 7b it cannot be seen how the electrically dissipative coupling takes place between the storage container and the delivery station--this is described in more detail in the following figures with reference to a preferred embodiment.
- Figures 8a and 8b show sectional views of a third embodiment of the storage container of the storage and delivery station and a sectional view of the embodiment of the storage and delivery station.
- the diverting contact means of the diverting device is specially designed, namely as a diverting pin with a contact pin 59 and a spring (only shown in the following figures) which presses the contact pin (relative to the representation in the figures) downwards.
- the contact pin 59 is arranged on the axis of rotation of the separating device 30, and thus above the axis of rotation of a drive 150 of the delivery station.
- the drive 150 comprises an axis of rotation 151 with a coupling means 152 arranged thereon in a rotationally fixed manner, it being possible for the axis of rotation and the coupling means 152 to be connected in a form-fitting manner.
- the delivery station contact means that is essential to the invention is therefore designed as a coupling means 152 of the drive.
- This is electrically conductive with the (in the Figures 8a and 8b not shown) line means coupled so that electrical charges can be discharged from the storage and delivery station.
- the axis of rotation 151 it is also necessary for the axis of rotation 151 to also be designed to be electrically conductive.
- Line device is electrically conductively coupled to the drive is not essential for the invention, but the person skilled in several possible embodiments are known. It is essential that the charge is discharged, i.e. "grounding" of the storage container via, among other things, the line equipment of the delivery station.
- the discharge device is coupled via the axis of rotation of the drive to the guide device 124, via which the charge is ultimately delivered from the storage and delivery station to the blister machine.
- the guide device 124 via which the charge is ultimately delivered from the storage and delivery station to the blister machine.
- many other couplings between storage container and delivery station are conceivable.
- the embodiment shown here is structurally simple and there is the possibility of simply retrofitting an existing delivery station.
- figure 9 15 once again illustrates the coupling of the discharge device/coupling means 152 of the drive 150 and shows a view of the discharge device in contact with the drive of the delivery station.
- the contact pin 59 of the discharge device is seated centrally on the coupling means 152 and thus excellent coupling/dissipation between the discharge device and delivery station is ensured.
- Figures 10a and 10b show detailed views of the discharge device of the third embodiment of the reservoir, wherein Figure 10b shows a sectional view.
- the diverting device comprises a central diverting rod 56, comprising the diverting projection 51, a central connecting section 52 and a diverting contact means designed as a diverting pin 57.
- the diverter pin 57 in turn comprises a contact pin 59 which extends into a recess of the diverter rod and which is biased "downwards" (ie towards the dispensing station contact means) by means of a spring 58 .
- a (not here shown) stop ensures that the contact pin does not slip out of the storage container when lifting the storage container, or the separating device.
- the diverting device 50 also comprises two diverting means 55, which are electrically conductively connected to the central diverting rod, namely via connecting sections 54.
- the diverting device is therefore very simply constructed and can be subsequently introduced into existing separation devices without considerable effort.
Abstract
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft einen Vorratsbehälter für eine Vorrats- und Abgabestation für einen Blisterautomaten für vereinzelbare Kleinstückgüter, insbesondere Arzneimittel- und Nahrungsergänzungsmittelportionen, sowie eine Vorrats- und Abgabestation als solche. Bei bekannten Vorratsbehältern bleiben die zu vereinzelnden Kleinstückgüter aufgrund elektrostatischer Aufladung regelmäßig an innen Bauteilen des Vorratsbehälters kleben und stehen nicht zur Vereinzelung zu Verfügung. Um dies zu vermeiden, umfasst der erfindungsgemäße Vorratsbehälter (1) ein Gehäuse (10) mit einem innen kreiszylinderförmigen Abschnitt (11), eine in dem innen kreiszylinderförmigen Abschnitt (11) angeordnete Vereinzelungseinrichtung (30) mit einer Oberfläche (31) sowie ein Rückhaltemittel (40). Erfindungsgemäß umfasst die Vereinzelungseinrichtung (30) eine elektrisch ableitfähige Ableiteinrichtung (50), wobei die Ableiteinrichtung (50) zumindest einen sich von der Oberfläche (31) der Vereinzelungseinrichtung (30) erstreckenden Ableitvorsprung (51) sowie ein mit dem zumindest einen Ableitvorsprung (51) elektrisch ableitfähig gekoppeltes Ableitkontaktmittel (53) zum elektrischen Koppeln der Ableiteinrichtung (50) mit einem elektrisch ableitfähigen Bauteil einer dem Vorratsbehälter (1) zugeordneten und einen Antrieb aufweisenden Abgabestation (100) aufweist.The present invention relates to a storage container for a storage and dispensing station for a blister machine for small items that can be separated, in particular portions of pharmaceuticals and food supplements, and a storage and dispensing station as such. In known storage containers, the small items to be separated regularly stick to the internal components of the storage container due to electrostatic charging and are not available for separation. In order to avoid this, the storage container (1) according to the invention comprises a housing (10) with an internally circular-cylindrical section (11), a separating device (30) arranged in the internally circular-cylindrical section (11) with a surface (31) and a retaining means ( 40). According to the invention, the separating device (30) comprises an electrically conductive diverting device (50), the diverting device (50) having at least one diverting projection (51) extending from the surface (31) of the separating device (30) and a diverting projection (51) connected to the at least one electrically conductively coupled diverting contact means (53) for electrically coupling the diverting device (50) to an electrically conductive component of a delivery station (100) which is assigned to the storage container (1) and has a drive.
Description
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft einen Vorratsbehälter für eine Vorrats- und Abgabestation für einen Blisterautomaten für vereinzelbare Kleinstückgüter, insbesondere Arzneimittel- und Nahrungsergänzungsmittelportionen, sowie eine Vorrats- und Abgabestation als solche.The present invention relates to a storage container for a storage and dispensing station for a blister machine for small items that can be separated, in particular portions of pharmaceuticals and food supplements, and a storage and dispensing station as such.
Moderne Blisterautomaten, wie sie beispielsweise in der
Mit Blisterautomaten können beispielsweise in den Vorrats- und Abgabestationen gelagerte Arzneimittelportionen patientenindividuell gemäß den ärztlich verordneten Einnahmezeitpunkten zusammengestellt und verblistert werden. Zum Zusammenstellen mehrerer Arzneimittelportionen werden entsprechende Vorrats- und Abgabestationen zur Abgabe einer oder mehrerer Arzneimittelportionen mittels einer Steuereinrichtung des Blisterautomaten angesteuert. Zur Abgabe einer Arzneimittelportion wird mit einer Vereinzelungseinrichtung der Vorrats- und Abgabestation eine in einem Vorratsbehälter gelagerte Arzneimittelportion separiert und über eine Abgabeöffnung einer Führungseinrichtung des Blisterautomaten übergeben. Mittels der Führungseinrichtung wird die abgegebene Arzneimittelportion, gegebenenfalls unter Zwischenschaltung einer Sammeleinrichtung, einer Verpackungseinrichtung zugeführt, welche einzelne oder mehrere Arzneimittelportionen verblistert.With blister machines, for example, drug portions stored in the storage and dispensing stations can be put together and blistered for each patient according to the times of administration prescribed by the doctor. In order to put together several medicament portions, appropriate supply and dispensing stations for dispensing one or more medicament portions are activated by means of a control device of the blister machine. To dispense a medicament portion, a medicament portion stored in a storage container is separated with a separating device of the storage and dispensing station and transferred via a dispensing opening to a guide device of the blister machine. By means of the guide device, the dispensed medicament portion, optionally with an intermediary a collecting device, a packaging device which blisters individual or multiple drug portions.
Zur Vereinzelung der Arzneimittelportionen, die in einem Vorratsbehälter einer Vorrats- und Abgabestation gelagert sind, umfasst die Vereinzelungseinrichtung eine Mehrzahl von Kanälen, die üblicherweise am Außenumfang eines Grundkörpers der Vereinzelungseinrichtung angeordnet sind. Die Kanäle sind an die jeweils zu vereinzelnden Arzneimittelportionen hinsichtlich ihrer Abmessungen derart angepasst, dass in einem Kanal die Arzneimittelportionen lediglich übereinander, nicht aber nebeneinander angeordnet sein können. Die Kanäle können beispielsweise derart bemessen sein, dass in einem Kanal lediglich eine Arzneimittelportion aufgenommen werden kann.In order to separate the medicament portions that are stored in a storage container of a storage and delivery station, the separation device comprises a plurality of channels, which are usually arranged on the outer circumference of a base body of the separation device. The dimensions of the channels are adapted to the drug portions to be separated in such a way that the drug portions in a channel can only be arranged one above the other, but not next to each other. The channels can, for example, be dimensioned in such a way that only one medicament portion can be received in a channel.
Zur Abgabe einer Arzneimittelportion aus einem Kanal wird ein Kanal über die Abgabeöffnung in der Bodenfläche des Gehäuses des Vorratsbehälters bewegt, und die in dem Kanal (an unterster Stelle) angeordnete Arzneimittelportion rutscht beziehungsweise fällt schwerkraftbedingt in die Abgabeöffnung. Um zu vermeiden, dass weitere in dem oder über dem Kanal lagernde Arzneimittelportionen ebenfalls abgegeben werden, also eine unbekannte Anzahl von Arzneimittelportionen abgegeben wird, ist in dem Bereich über der Abgabeöffnung ein Rückhalteabschnitt eines Rückhaltemittels bzw. Separators zumindest in oder über dem Kanal geführt beziehungsweise angeordnet, der an der Abgabeöffnung ausgerichtet ist. Der Rückhalteabschnitt ist in Bezug auf die Höhe des Kanals derart in diesem oder über diesem angeordnet, dass unter dem Rückhalteabschnitt lediglich eine Arzneimittelportion angeordnet sein kann. Sofern der Rückhalteabschnitt in den Kanal geführt ist, um die unterste Arzneimittelportion von darüber angeordneten zu trennen, weisen einzelne Kanäle separierende Vorsprünge einen Schlitz auf, welcher den Rückhalteabschnitt aufnimmt. Sofern der Rückhalteabschnitt über den Kanälen angeordnet beziehungsweise geführt ist, ist dieser regelmäßig nur geringfügig über den oberen Enden der Vorsprünge geführt, so dass vermieden wird, dass bei Abgabe der Arzneimittelportion weitere Arzneimittelportionen in den Kanal gelangen.To dispense a medicament portion from a channel, a channel is moved over the dispensing opening in the bottom surface of the housing of the reservoir and the medicament portion arranged in the channel (at the lowest point) slides or falls into the dispensing opening due to gravity. In order to prevent other drug portions stored in or above the channel from also being dispensed, i.e. an unknown number of drug portions being dispensed, a retaining section of a retaining means or separator is guided or arranged at least in or above the channel in the area above the dispensing opening , aligned with the dispensing port. The retention portion is arranged in or above the channel in relation to the height of the channel such that only one medicament portion can be arranged below the retention portion. If the retaining section is guided into the channel in order to separate the lowermost pharmaceutical portion from those arranged above it, projections separating individual channels have a slot which accommodates the retaining section. If the If the retaining section is arranged or guided over the channels, this is regularly guided only slightly over the upper ends of the projections, so that it is avoided that further drug portions get into the channel when the drug portion is dispensed.
Bei dem Vereinzeln bzw. Abgeben von Arzneimittelportionen wird die Vereinzelungseinrichtung wie oben beschrieben gedreht. Dabei werden die in dem Aufnahmeraum gelagerten Arzneimittelportionen ständig bewegt, was zu einer Reibung der Arzneimittelportionen untereinander und an dem Gehäuse führt. Diese Reibung untereinander sowie an dem Gehäuse führt zu einer Aufladung der Arzneimittelportionen durch Reibungselektrizität, die Arzneimittelportionen werden also elektrostatisch aufgeladen. Diese elektrostatische Aufladung führt dazu, dass die Arzneimittelportionen teilweise an der Innenwandung des Gehäuses oder an Abschnitten der Vereinzelungseinrichtung "kleben" bleiben. Dies führt zum einen dazu, dass nicht die Anzahl an Arzneimittelportionen, die in den Vorratsbehälter eingefüllt wird, auch tatsächlich zur Vereinzelung bereitsteht (weil die Arzneimittelportionen irgendwo im Inneren "kleben") oder die Arzneimittelportionen nicht korrekt abgegeben werden - beides führt zu fehlerhaften Arzneimittelzusammenstellungen.When separating or dispensing medicament portions, the separating device is rotated as described above. The medicament portions stored in the receiving space are constantly moved, which leads to friction between the medicament portions and against the housing. This friction among one another and on the housing leads to the drug portions being charged by static electricity, so the drug portions are electrostatically charged. This electrostatic charging leads to the medicament portions partially “sticking” to the inner wall of the housing or to sections of the separating device. On the one hand, this means that the number of drug portions that is filled into the storage container is not actually available for separation (because the drug portions "stick" somewhere inside) or the drug portions are not dispensed correctly - both of which lead to incorrect drug combinations.
Es ist daher Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, einen Vorratsbehälter für eine Vorrats- und Abgabestation für einen Blisterautomaten bereitzustellen, mit dem eine elektrostatische Aufladung von Kleinstückgütern bei deren Vereinzelung verminderbar ist.It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a storage container for a storage and delivery station for a blister machine, with which an electrostatic charge of small piece goods can be reduced when they are separated.
Diese Aufgabe wird gelöst durch einen Vorratsbehälter nach Anspruch 1. Der erfindungsgemäße Vorratsbehälter für eine Vorrats- und Abgabestation für einen Blisterautomaten umfasst ein einen Aufnahmeraum umschließendes Gehäuse mit einem innen kreiszylinderförmigen Abschnitt und mit einer eine Abgabeöffnung aufweisenden Bodenfläche, eine in dem innen kreiszylinderförmigen Abschnitt des Gehäuses angeordnete Vereinzelungseinrichtung mit einer dem Aufnahmeraum zugewandten Oberfläche und mit einer Mehrzahl von sich vertikal durch die Vereinzelungseinrichtung erstreckenden Kanälen mit einer Kanalbreite KB zur Aufnahme zumindest eines zu vereinzelnden Kleinstückguts und ein Rückhaltemittel mit einem Rückhalteabschnitt, welcher oberhalb der Abgabeöffnung in dem kreiszylinderförmigen Gehäuse angeordnet ist.This object is achieved by a storage container according to
Erfindungsgemäß ist es vorgesehen, dass die Vereinzelungseinrichtung eine elektrisch ableitfähige Ableiteinrichtung umfasst, wobei die Ableiteinrichtung zumindest einen sich von der Oberfläche der Vereinzelungseinrichtung in den Aufnahmeraum erstreckenden Ableitvorsprung sowie ein mit dem zumindest einen Ableitvorsprung elektrisch ableitfähig gekoppeltes Ableitkontaktmittel zum elektrischen Koppeln der Ableiteinrichtung mit einem elektrisch ableitfähigen Bauteil einer dem Vorratsbehälter zugeordneten und einen Antrieb aufweisenden Abgabestation aufweist.According to the invention, it is provided that the separating device comprises an electrically conductive diverting device, wherein the diverting device has at least one diverting projection extending from the surface of the separating device into the receiving space, as well as diverting contact means electrically conductively coupled to the at least one diverting projection for electrically coupling the diverting device to an electrically conductive Having a component of a delivery station associated with the reservoir and having a drive.
Mit der in den Aufnahmeraum reichenden Ableiteinrichtung wird die durch die Reibung entstehende elektrostatische Aufladung der Kleinstückgüter über das Ableitkontaktmittel an die Abgabestation abgeleitet, die elektrostatische Aufladung der Kleinstückgüter wird vermindert oder sogar (weitgehend) abgebaut bzw. abgeleitet, wodurch die oben genannten Effekte vermieden werden - die Kleinstückgüter haften nicht an der Innenwandung oder Teilen der Vereinzelungseinrichtung an, fehlerhafte Zusammenstellungen werden vermieden. Die Ableiteinrichtung ist vom Ableitvorsprung hin zum Ableitkontakt durchgehend elektrisch ableitfähig, wobei dies nicht bedeuten muss, dass die ganze Ableiteinrichtung als solche aus elektrisch ableitfähigem Material bestehen muss - Abschnitte können beispielsweise ummantelt oder anderweitig von nicht elektrisch ableitfähigem Material umgeben sein. Als elektrisch ableitfähiges Material wird hier ein solches angesehen, dessen Ableitwiderstand (Oberflächenwiderstand) kleiner als 1 TΩ (1012 Ω) ist.With the discharge device reaching into the receiving space, the electrostatic charging of the small piece goods caused by the friction is discharged to the delivery station via the discharge contact means, the electrostatic charging of the small piece goods is reduced or even (largely) dissipated or discharged, whereby the above-mentioned effects are avoided - the small piece goods do not stick to the inner wall or parts of the separation device, faulty compilations are avoided. The diverting device is continuously electrically conductive from the diverting projection to the diverting contact, although this does not have to mean that the entire diverting device as such has to be made of electrically conductive material—sections can, for example covered or otherwise surrounded by non-conductive material. A material that is electrically conductive is one whose leakage resistance (surface resistance) is less than 1 TΩ (10 12 Ω).
Indem die Ableiteinrichtung zumindest einen Ableitvorsprung aufweist, der in den Aufnahmeraum hineinreicht, wird sichergestellt, dass die elektrostatische Aufladung bei den "weiter oben" angeordneten Kleinstückgütern abgebaut wird, so dass das Kleben an der Innenwandung verhindert werden kann. Es ist damit gewährleistet, dass alle in den Aufnahmeraum eingefüllten Kleinstückgüter auch zur Vereinzelung und Abgabe bereitstehen. Durch die elektrische Entladung im oberen Bereich des Aufnahmeraums ist aber auch sichergestellt, dass die in die Kanäle eintretenden Kleinstückgüter eine verminderte elektrostatische Aufladung aufweisen.Since the diverting device has at least one diverting projection that extends into the receiving space, it is ensured that the electrostatic charge is dissipated on the small items arranged "further up", so that sticking to the inner wall can be prevented. It is thus ensured that all small piece goods filled into the receiving space are also available for separation and delivery. However, the electrical discharge in the upper area of the receiving space also ensures that the small items entering the channels have a reduced electrostatic charge.
Die genaue bauliche Ausgestaltung der Ableiteinrichtung, und insbesondere die elektrisch ableitfähige Verbindung zwischen Ableitvorsprung und Ableitkontaktmittel, ist abhängig von der genauen Ausgestaltung der Vereinzelungseinrichtung. Bei einer baulich sehr einfachen (und damit kostengünstigen Form) ist es vorgesehen, dass der Ableitvorsprung und das Ableitkontaktmittel als Ableitstab mit einem mittleren Verbindungsabschnitt ausgebildet sind.The precise structural configuration of the diverting device, and in particular the electrically conductive connection between diverting projection and diverting contact means, depends on the precise configuration of the separating device. In a structurally very simple (and therefore inexpensive) form, it is provided that the diverting projection and the diverting contact means are in the form of a diverting rod with a central connecting section.
Wie oben beschrieben, ist es für die Erfindung wesentlich, dass das Ableitkontaktmittel der Ableiteinrichtung mit einem elektrisch leitfähigen Bauteil einer dem Vorratsbehälter zugeordneten und einen Antrieb aufweisenden Abgabestation elektrisch koppelbar ist. Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Vorratsbehälters ist es vorgesehen, dass das Ableitkontaktmittel koaxial zu (und vorzugsweise auf) der Rotationsachse der Vereinzelungseinrichtung ausgebildet ist. Bei einer entsprechenden Ausbildung des Ableitkontaktmittels kann dieses elektrisch mit einem Bauteil des Antriebs der Abgabestation gekoppelt werden, das Ableitkontaktmittel "sitzt" quasi auf dem Bauteil des Antriebs auf (wobei dann dieses Bauteil natürlich elektrisch ableitfähig sein muss und die Ladungen über die Abgabestation abführbar sein müssen).As described above, it is essential for the invention that the diverting contact means of the diverting device can be electrically coupled to an electrically conductive component of a delivery station which is assigned to the storage container and has a drive. In a preferred embodiment of the storage container according to the invention, it is provided that the discharge contact means is formed coaxially to (and preferably on) the axis of rotation of the separating device. With an appropriate design of Ableitkontaktmittel This must be electrically coupled to a component of the drive of the delivery station, the dissipation contact means "sits" on the component of the drive (whereby this component must of course be electrically dissipative and the charges must be able to be discharged via the delivery station).
Insbesondere dann, wenn das Ableitkontaktmittel koaxial zu der Rotationsachse der Vereinzelungseinrichtung ausgebildet ist, ist es weiter vorteilhaft, wenn das Ableitkontaktmittel als Ableitstift ausgebildet ist, der einen mit einer Feder vorgespannten Kontaktstift aufweist. Indem der Kontaktstift mittels einer Feder vorgespannt ist, wird der Kontakt zwischen Ableiteinrichtung und Abgabestation besonders unterstützt.In particular when the diverting contact means is designed coaxially to the axis of rotation of the separating device, it is also advantageous if the diverting contact means is designed as a diverting pin which has a contact pin preloaded with a spring. The fact that the contact pin is prestressed by means of a spring particularly supports the contact between the discharge device and the delivery station.
Der Ableitvorsprung der Ableiteinrichtung ragt in den Aufnahmeraum hinein, so dass insbesondere die elektrostatische Aufladung derjenigen Kleinstückgüter abgebaut wird, die über der Oberfläche der Vereinzelungseinrichtung angeordnet sind. Um die Ableitung der ggf. noch vorhandenen oder wieder aufgebauten elektrostatischen Aufladung von "weiter unten" angeordneten Kleinstückgütern zu gewährleisten bzw. zu verstärken, ist es bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Vorratsbehälters vorgesehen, dass die Ableiteinrichtung zumindest ein mit dem Ableitkontaktmittel elektrisch ableitfähig gekoppeltes Ableitmittel aufweist, das einen Oberflächenbereich der Vereinzelungseinrichtung bildet, der in Kontakt mit Kleinstückgütern kommt.The diverting projection of the diverting device protrudes into the receiving space, so that in particular the electrostatic charging of those small items that are arranged above the surface of the separating device is dissipated. In order to ensure or increase the dissipation of any electrostatic charge that may still be present or has built up again on small items arranged "further down", it is provided in a preferred embodiment of the storage container according to the invention that the dissipation device has at least one dissipation means that is electrically dissipatively coupled to the dissipation contact means has, which forms a surface area of the separating device that comes into contact with small piece goods.
Wie oben dargelegt, kann die elektrostatische Aufladung der Kleinstückgüter auch dazu führen, dass diese in einem Kanal (an der Kanalwandung) hängen bleiben. Zwar vermindert der Ableitvorsprung die Aufladung der Kleinstückgüter bereits, aber zur weiteren Verminderung direkt vor Eintritt von Kleinstückgütern in einen Kanal ist es bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform vorgesehen, dass das zumindest eine Ableitmittel zumindest einen Abschnitt einer Oberfläche eines zwischen zwei Kanälen ausgebildeten Stegs bildet. Eine entsprechende Ausführungsform ist insbesondere bei sehr leichten Kleinstückgütern vorteilhaft (da diese auch bei lediglich geringen Aufladungen dazu neigen, hängen bzw. "kleben" zu bleiben).As explained above, the electrostatic charging of the small piece goods can also lead to them getting stuck in a duct (on the duct wall). Although the diverting projection already reduces the charging of the small items, a preferred embodiment provides for the at least one diverting means to further reduce the charge directly before small items enter a channel forms at least a portion of a surface of a web formed between two channels. A corresponding embodiment is particularly advantageous in the case of very light small piece goods (since these tend to get stuck or “stick” even if they are only slightly charged).
Die Erfindung betrifft ferner eine Vorrats- und Abgabestation für einen Blisterautomaten, aufweisend einen erfindungsgemäßen Vorratsbehälter und eine Abgabestation mit einem Antrieb zum Bewegen der Vereinzelungseinrichtung und mit einem Abgabestationkontaktmittel, welches elektrisch koppelbar mit dem Ableitkontaktmittel der Ableiteinrichtung des Vorratsbehälters ausgebildet und elektrisch ableitfähig mit einer Leitungseinrichtung gekoppelt ist, über welche elektrische Ladungen von der Vorrats- und Abgabestation abgeführt werden können. Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist es dabei vorgesehen, dass das Abgabestationkontaktmittel als Kopplungsmittel des Antriebs ausgebildet ist.The invention also relates to a storage and dispensing station for a blister machine, having a storage container according to the invention and a dispensing station with a drive for moving the separating device and with a dispensing station contact means, which can be electrically coupled to the discharge contact means of the discharge device of the storage container and is electrically conductively coupled to a line device is via which electrical charges can be discharged from the storage and delivery station. In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the delivery station contact means is designed as a coupling means of the drive.
Im Nachfolgenden werden bevorzugte Ausführungsformen des erfindungsgemäßen Vorratsbehälters sowie der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrats- und Abgabestation anhand der beigefügten Zeichnung beschrieben, in welcher
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Figuren 1a und 1b Schrägansichten einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform des Vorratsbehälters zeigen, -
Draufsichten der ersten Ausführungsform des Vorratsbehälters zeigen, wobei beiFigur 2 und 3Figur 3 die Vereinzelungseinrichtung fortgelassen ist, -
Figuren 4a und 4b Schnittansichten der ersten Ausführungsform des Vorratsbehälters zeigen, wobeiFigur 4a eine Schrägansicht undFigur 4b eine Seitenansicht zeigt, -
Figuren 5a - 5c verschiedene Ansichten der Vereinzelungseinrichtung und der Ableiteinrichtung einer zweiten Ausführungsform des Vorratsbehälters zeigen, -
Figur 6 eine Schnittansicht der Vereinzelungseinrichtung und der Ableiteinrichtung der zweiten Ausführungsform zeigt, -
Figuren 7a und 7b Schrägansichten einer Ausführungsform der Vorrats- und Abgabestation zeigen, -
Figuren 8a und 8b Schnittansichten einer dritten Ausführungsform des Vorratsbehälters der Vorrats- und Abgabestation bzw. eine Schnittansicht der Ausführungsform der Vorrats- und Abgabestation zeigen, -
Figur 9 eine Ansicht der Ableiteinrichtung in Kontakt mit dem Antrieb der Vorrats- und Abgabestation gemäß denFiguren 8a und 8b zeigt, und -
Figuren 10a und 10b die Ableiteinrichtung der dritten Ausführungsform des Vorratsbehälters zeigen.
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Figures 1a and 1b Show oblique views of a first preferred embodiment of the reservoir, -
Figure 2 and 3 Show top views of the first embodiment of the reservoir, wherein atfigure 3 the separation device is omitted, -
Figures 4a and 4b Show sectional views of the first embodiment of the reservoir, whereinFigure 4a an oblique view andFigure 4b shows a side view -
Figures 5a - 5c show different views of the separating device and the discharge device of a second embodiment of the storage container, -
figure 6 shows a sectional view of the separating device and the diverting device of the second embodiment, -
Figures 7a and 7b Show oblique views of an embodiment of the storage and delivery station, -
Figures 8a and 8b Show sectional views of a third embodiment of the storage container of the storage and delivery station and a sectional view of the embodiment of the storage and delivery station, -
figure 9 a view of the discharge device in contact with the drive of the storage and delivery station according to theFigures 8a and 8b shows and -
Figures 10a and 10b show the discharge device of the third embodiment of the reservoir.
Wie dies in
Wie bereits oben dargelegt, sind die Kanäle an die Form der zu vereinzelnden Arzneimittelportionen angepasst, so dass nur eine definierte Anzahl in einem Kanal bzw. einem Kanalabschnitt angeordnet sein kann. Wie man
Bei den Schnittansichten der
Am anderen Ende der Ableiteinrichtung umfasst diese ein Ableitkontaktmittel 53, das bei der gezeigten Ausführungsform einfach stabförmig ausgebildet ist. Das Ableitkontaktmittel 53 ist elektrisch ableitfähig mit dem Ableitvorsprung 51 verbunden, wobei im einfachsten (und hier gezeigten) Fall, der Ableitvorsprung 51 und das Ableitkontaktmittel 53 als einstückiger Stab koaxial zu (bzw. auf) der Drehachse der Vereinzelungseinrichtung ausgebildet sind. Vorzugsweise ist die Ableiteinrichtung aus Edelstahl hergestellt; generell ist jedes ableitfähige Material (zur Definition siehe oben) geeignet, solange eine ableitfähige Verbindung zwischen Ableitvorsprung und Ableitkontaktmittel besteht.At the other end of the diverting device, it comprises a diverting contact means 53, which in the embodiment shown is simply in the form of a rod. The diverting contact means 53 is electrically conductively connected to the diverting
In den
Bei alternativen Ausführungsformen ist es denkbar, dass der Rückhaltabschnitt in einem Schlitz der Stege zwischen den Kanälen geführt ist - in diesem Fall trennt der Schlitz bzw. der Rückhalteabschnitt einen Kanal in einen oberen und einen unteren Kanalabschnitt. Welche Art von Kanal verwendet wird, ist abhängig von den zu vereinzelnden Arzneimittelportionen und hat keine Auswirkung auf die vorliegende Erfindung.In alternative embodiments it is conceivable that the retaining section is guided in a slot of the webs between the channels - in this case the slot or the retaining section separates a channel into an upper and a lower channel section. Which type of channel is used depends on the medicament portions to be separated and has no effect on the present invention.
Bei der gezeigten Ausführungsform ist die Abgabestation 100 Teil eines Verbundes aus fünf Abgabestationen 100. Bei alternativen Ausführungsformen können die Abgabestationen getrennt voneinander ausgeführt sein. Die bei der nachfolgenden Beschreibung der Abgabestation 100 erwähnten Bauteile sind jeweils bei jeder Abgabestation 100 vorhanden, unabhängig davon, ob diese verbundartig (wie in den
Jede Abgabestation 100 umfasst einen unteren Abschnitt 130 sowie einen oberen Abschnitt 120. Der obere Abschnitt 120 umfasst einen Vorsprung 121, auf welchen ein Vorratsbehälter 1 aufsetzbar ist. Dazu ist ein unterer Gehäuseabschnitt des Vorratsbehälters 1 an die Geometrie des Vorsprunges 121 angepasst. Der Vorsprung 121 umfasst eine Öffnung 123, die bei aufgesetztem Vorratsbehälter 1 an der Abgabeöffnung in der Bodenfläche des Gehäuses ausgerichtet ist. Bei einer Vereinzelung fällt eine Arzneimittelportion aus einem Kanal über die Abgabeöffnung in die Öffnung 123.Each
Bei einer aus einem Gehäuseteil des oberen Abschnitts 120 und des unteren Abschnitts 130 gebildeten Stirnseite 122/132 ist die Abgabestation an einem (nicht gezeigten) Blisterautomaten befestigbar. In der vorgenannten Stirnseite ist eine Öffnung 140 dargestellt, die sich durch die Abgabestation zieht und in der Öffnung 123 endet, wobei in diese Öffnungen eine (nicht dargestellte) Rutsche für Arzneimittelportionen einsetzbar ist, über welche separierte Arzneimittelportionen von einer Vorrats- und Abgabestation an eine Führungseinrichtung innerhalb des Blisterautomaten übergeben werden. Die Rutsche 140 erstreckt sich durch die Abgabestation 100 bis zu dem Vorsprung 121, in welchem die Öffnung 123 zur Aufnahme einer Arzneimittelportion ausgebildet ist.In the case of an
Bei der vorgenannten Stirnseite der Abgabestation 100 ist (lediglich in
Bei der gezeigten Ausführungsform ist das erfindungswesentliche Abgabestationkontaktmittel also als Kopplungsmittel 152 des Antriebs ausgebildet. Dieses ist elektrisch ableitfähig mit der (in den
Bei der gezeigten Ausführungsform ist die Ableiteinrichtung über die Drehachse des Antriebs mit der Leiteinrichtung 124 gekoppelt, über die die Aufladung letztendlich von der Vorrats- und Abgabestation an den Blisterautomaten abgegeben wird. Alternativ sind viele andere Kopplungen zwischen Vorratsbehälter und Abgabestation denkbar. Die hier gezeigte Ausführungsform ist jedoch baulich einfach und es besteht die Möglichkeit, bereits vorhandene Abgabestation einfach nachzurüsten.In the embodiment shown, the discharge device is coupled via the axis of rotation of the drive to the
Die Ableiteinrichtung 50 umfasst gemäß dieser Ausführungsform ferner zwei Ableitmittel 55, die elektrisch ableitfähig mit dem zentralen Ableitstab verbunden sind, und zwar über Verbindungsabschnitte 54. Die Ableiteinrichtung ist also recht einfach aufgebaut und kann nachträglich ohne erheblichen Arbeitsaufwand in bereits vorhandene Vereinzelungseinrichtungen eingebracht werden.According to this embodiment, the diverting
Claims (8)
einen Vorratsbehälter (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 - 6 und
eine Abgabestation (100) mit
a storage container (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 6 and
a delivery station (100).
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20204131.5A EP3991712A1 (en) | 2020-10-27 | 2020-10-27 | Storage and dispensing station and storage container for a storage and dispensing station |
US17/137,828 US20220125683A1 (en) | 2020-10-27 | 2020-12-30 | Storage container for a storage and dispensing station and storage and dispensing station |
KR1020237014200A KR20230097026A (en) | 2020-10-27 | 2021-10-18 | Storage Containers and Storage and Dispensing Stations for Storage and Dispensing Stations |
JP2023525451A JP2023546619A (en) | 2020-10-27 | 2021-10-18 | Storage containers and storage and distribution stations for storage and distribution stations |
PCT/EP2021/078758 WO2022089973A1 (en) | 2020-10-27 | 2021-10-18 | Storage vessel for a storage and dispensing station, and storage and dispensing station |
CN202180072972.XA CN116456951A (en) | 2020-10-27 | 2021-10-18 | Storage container for a storage and dispensing station and storage and dispensing station |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20204131.5A EP3991712A1 (en) | 2020-10-27 | 2020-10-27 | Storage and dispensing station and storage container for a storage and dispensing station |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3991712A1 true EP3991712A1 (en) | 2022-05-04 |
Family
ID=73029934
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20204131.5A Pending EP3991712A1 (en) | 2020-10-27 | 2020-10-27 | Storage and dispensing station and storage container for a storage and dispensing station |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20220125683A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3991712A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2023546619A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20230097026A (en) |
CN (1) | CN116456951A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022089973A1 (en) |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2013034504A1 (en) | 2011-09-09 | 2013-03-14 | Carefusion Switzerland 317 Sàrl | System and method for packaging dosed quantities of solid drug portions |
EP2962956A1 (en) * | 2014-07-03 | 2016-01-06 | CareFusion Germany 326 GmbH | Storage container for a device for the automated dispensing of individual medication portions |
US20180221246A1 (en) * | 2017-02-03 | 2018-08-09 | Becton Dickinson Rowa Germany Gmbh | Storage and dispensing station for blister packaging machine |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5619932A (en) * | 1993-09-30 | 1997-04-15 | Cubic Toll Systems, Inc. | Vault for storing coins and/or tokens |
JP3519835B2 (en) * | 1995-09-05 | 2004-04-19 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Solid preparation filling device |
US5609270A (en) * | 1995-11-27 | 1997-03-11 | Pharmacia Biotech, Inc. | Dried biological reagent pill dispenser with vibrating mechanism |
JP4107883B2 (en) * | 2002-06-06 | 2008-06-25 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Drug case and drug packaging device provided with the drug case |
JP5297733B2 (en) * | 2008-09-12 | 2013-09-25 | 高園産業株式会社 | Drug container and drug dispensing device |
KR101511263B1 (en) * | 2013-01-23 | 2015-04-13 | 주식회사 인포피아 | Cartridge for drug dispensing apparatus having rolling rotatable drum |
JP6418219B2 (en) * | 2016-10-11 | 2018-11-07 | Smk株式会社 | DC distribution connection equipment |
-
2020
- 2020-10-27 EP EP20204131.5A patent/EP3991712A1/en active Pending
- 2020-12-30 US US17/137,828 patent/US20220125683A1/en active Pending
-
2021
- 2021-10-18 CN CN202180072972.XA patent/CN116456951A/en active Pending
- 2021-10-18 KR KR1020237014200A patent/KR20230097026A/en unknown
- 2021-10-18 JP JP2023525451A patent/JP2023546619A/en active Pending
- 2021-10-18 WO PCT/EP2021/078758 patent/WO2022089973A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2013034504A1 (en) | 2011-09-09 | 2013-03-14 | Carefusion Switzerland 317 Sàrl | System and method for packaging dosed quantities of solid drug portions |
EP2962956A1 (en) * | 2014-07-03 | 2016-01-06 | CareFusion Germany 326 GmbH | Storage container for a device for the automated dispensing of individual medication portions |
US20180221246A1 (en) * | 2017-02-03 | 2018-08-09 | Becton Dickinson Rowa Germany Gmbh | Storage and dispensing station for blister packaging machine |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2023546619A (en) | 2023-11-06 |
CN116456951A (en) | 2023-07-18 |
WO2022089973A1 (en) | 2022-05-05 |
US20220125683A1 (en) | 2022-04-28 |
KR20230097026A (en) | 2023-06-30 |
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