WO2019238479A1

WO2019238479A1 - Machine for making portable inhalers with medical products

Info

Publication number: WO2019238479A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/064574
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ruben DE ARAUJO
Original assignee: Ima Medtech Switzerland Sa
Priority date: 2018-06-12
Filing date: 2019-06-05
Publication date: 2019-12-19
Also published as: IT201800006241A1

Abstract

A machine for making portable inhalers (1) with medical products, comprising a feeding station (6) for feeding a dose of powder product to a cartridge (2); the feeding station (6) has a powder product dosing head (7); the dosing head (7) has a channel (9) for dropping the powder product inside the cartridge (2); driving member (10) for moving the dosing head (7) between a raised non-operating position and a lowered operating position, wherein the dosing head (7) engages an end aperture (2a) of the cartridge (2); a plate (11) for closing the channel (9) of the dosing head (7) located in the proximity of said dosing head (7) and movable at least between a withdrawn position, wherein the plate (11) is moved away from the dosing head (7), and a forward position, wherein the plate (11) is positioned in contact with the dosing head (7) for closing its free end; a first suction unit (12) connected to the dosing head (7) for the suction of powder product inside the channel (9) of the dosing head (7) and which can be activated at least in the lowered operating position of the dosing head (7).

Description

MACHINE FOR MAKING PORTABLE INHALERS WITH MEDICAL

PRODUCTS.

The subject of the present invention is a machine for making portable inhalers with medical products in powder.

Portable nebulising inhalers for medical products, of the known kind used directly by a user, comprise two main components: a cartridge with product or medical component (usually in powder form) accommodated in an operational housing designed to nebulise the product, when operated by the user, inside the oral cavity or in any case in the respiratory system of the user.

The operational body consists of: a first part that contains, even partially, the cartridge; a pneumatic circuit that is connected to the cartridge, and a mouthpiece from which the nebulised product exits when operated by the user by pressing on the cartridge or on a specific button on the operational body.

In some known solutions the cartridge is of an interchangeable kind after it has been fully consumed, whereas in other solutions the cartridge and operational body are of the disposable kind.

Currently for making this kind of portable inhaler there are automatic machines which comprise:

- a coupling station in which a cartridge body is inserted inside a housing of the operating body, with the cartridge body having an open end turned towards the outside;

- a movable plane for the handling of the operating body arranged with the open end of the cartridge upwards;

- a feeding station for feeding the powder product into the cartridge through the open end; the feeding station is arranged above the movable plane for the handling of the operating bodies. Subsequently the operating body reaches at least one further station for pressurizing the cartridge and closing the cartridge itself.

The feeding station, which is of particular interest to the present invention, comprises;

- a tank containing the product in powder form;

- a feeding hopper connected, at one side, to the tank, and at the other side having a terminal end for the output of the product, which can be made to face the open end of the cartridge in order to deposit the dose of product; the feeding hopper or the operating body with cartridge have a relative movement towards and away from each other to allow the dose of product to drop into the cartridge, which is positioned at that moment underneath the feeding hopper.

However this type of machine has some drawbacks.

A first drawback is given by the fact that the dose of powder product can be contaminated by the surrounding air in the feeding hopper unit while it is dropping into the cartridge. Another drawback is given by the fact that any up/down movement of the cartridge can lead to product dispersion due to this kind of movement having a possible incorrect final product dosage ending up in the cartridge.

A third drawback, related to the first two drawbacks mentioned above, is the fact that it is necessary to stop the machine for deep-cleaning during a change of powder product to be fed into successive cartridges.

A fourth drawback is given by the contamination of the external surface of the cartridge by powder product during its filling .

The aim of the present invention is to provide a machine for the production of portable inhalers with medical products that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.

In particular, the aim of the present invention is to provide a machine for the production of portable inhalers with medical products in which it is possible to dose the product in the cartridge with precision, while avoiding dispersion of the product and contamination of the external surface of the inhaler during the filling process.

A further aim of the present invention is to propose a machine for the production of portable inhalers with medical products that is able to ensure high productivity in the manufacturing of the inhaler and, at the same time, less dispersion of the product.

Said aims are fully achieved by the machine for the production of portable inhalers with medical products that is the subject of the present invention, which is characterised by the contents of the claims below.

The technical characteristics of the invention will be better understood by the following description of a preferred embodiment, illustrated by the enclosed figures provided by way of non-limiting example, in which:

- figure 1 illustrates a machine for the production of portable inhalers with medical products according to the present invention, in a perspective view from above;

- figure 2 illustrates an enlarged detail of the machine of figure 1, in particular a feeding station;

- figures 3 and 4 illustrate the feeding station of figure 2 in two different operational configurations; both figures are schematic side views with some parts in cross section and other parts removed in order to highlight some details.

With reference to the enclosed figures, and in particular to figure 1, the machine which is the subject of the present invention and which is generally indicated by the number 100, is used for the production of portable inhalers 1 with medical products that are to be nebulised.

Each inhaler 1 comprises a cartridge 2 filled with a dose of powder product that is to be nebulised.

The cartridge 2 is housed, at least partially, inside a housing 3 of an operating body 4 that can be manipulated by a user for its use.

With regard to the present illustration the type of inhaler 1 can be of a different form, without however limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

According to what is illustrated, the machine 100 comprises a transport surface 5 for moving, along a feed direction A, a plurality of operating bodies 4 in succession, each having a cartridge 2 having an end aperture 2a.

The machine 100 also comprises a feeding station 6 for feeding powder product, configured to feed a dose of powder product to the cartridge 2 through its end aperture 2a. The feeding station 6 is arranged above the transport surface 5 for the operating bodies 4. The transport surface 5 comprises a closed-loop belt on a pair of motorised pulleys.

The belt 5a is provided with a series of walls 5b that protrude radially and that define single housings for the operating body 4 with the cartridge 2 turned upwards.

The operating bodies 4 are fed into the housings at one end of the belt 5a which, advancing in the direction of movement A, carries the operating bodies 4 towards the feeding station 6. In accordance with what is illustrated, the feeding station 6 for feeding the powder product comprises a dosing head 7 which is slidably connected, at one of its ends, to a hopper 8 for dosed power product feeding.

The dosing head 7 has a channel 9 forming a passage for the transit of the powder product from the hopper (8) to the inside of the cartridge 2.

The feeding station 6 comprises a driving member 10 to move the dosing head 7 along a longitudinal axis Z, preferably perpendicular to the transport surface 5, between a first raised non-operating position (figure 3), in which the dosing head 7 is moved away from the transport surface 5, and a lowered operating position, in which the dosing head 7 is moved closer to the transport surface 5 and engages the end aperture 2a of the cartridge 2 (figure 4). The dosing head 7 has a free end configured to cooperate with the end aperture 2a of the cartridge 2 when the dosing head 7 is moved closer to the transport surface 5 and engages the end aperture 2a of the cartridge 2.

Again in accordance with what is illustrated, the feeding station 6 also comprises a plate 11 for closing the channel 9 of the dosing head 7. The plate 11 is movable a between a first withdrawn non-operating position (figure 4), in which the plate 11 is away from the free end of the dosing head 7 allowing the feeding of the cartridge 2 with the powder product passing through the channel 9, and a forward operating position, in which the plate 11 cooperate with the dosing head 7 to stop the feeding of the cartridge 2 with the powder product, while the dosing head 7 is at said non-operating position (figure 3).

In particular, the plate close the free end of the dosing head 7 at the non-operating position of the dosing head 7.

The feeding station 6 further comprises a first suction unit 12 connected to the dosing head 7 for the suction of powder product from the channel 9 of the dosing head 7 and suitable to be activated at least when the dosing head (7) is in said lowered operating position.

Preferably, the first suction unit 12 can be activated both in the raised non-operating position and in the lowered operating position of the dosing head 7.

It should be observed that the feeding station 6 comprises the hopper 8 supported by a base frame 8a located behind to the dosing head 7.

The frame 8a also supports other components, such as the plate 11, and the systems that contain and dose the product, such as for example augers that feed the product to the dosing head 7.

The machine comprises a second suction unit 13 connected to the plate 11 for the suction of powder product falling onto the plate 11 from the channel 9 of the dosing head 7.

In this light, the second suction unit 13 can be activated at the forward operating position and at the withdrawn non-operating position of the plate 11 (figure 3).

The machine also comprises gripping members, in the illustrated example in the form of a pair of gripper arms 14, 15 for holding the cartridge 2 on both sides at least when the dosing head 7 moves from the first raised non-operating position to the second lowered operating position.

The gripper arms 14 and 15 are advantageously used to centre and stabilise the cartridge 2 along the longitudinal axis Z of movement of the dosing head 7 in order to ensure a correct coupling between the cartridge 2 and the dosing head 7.

Preferably, the dosing head 7 comprises a bushing 16 which is slidable inside a hollow cylinder 17 protruding from the hopper 8.

In particular, the bushing 16 has the channel 9 coaxial to the hollow cylinder 17.

Thanks to this telescopic structure of the dosing head 7 it is possible to limit movement to only one component that is part of the dosing structure, eliminating moving components in the heavier and more bulky parts of the posterior dosing system and making the product delivery step more precise and faster.

Preferably, the first suction unit 12 comprises a first suction conduit 18 made on an arm 19 for supporting and moving the dosing head 7.

The arm 19 is associated with a first actuator 20 configured for moving the arm 19 and the dosing head 7 between the first raised non-operating position and the second lowered operating position (figure 2).

The arm 19 is arranged as a bridge over the belt 5a and counterfeit to the frame 8a in order to support the dosing head 7 without impinging upon the working space of said dosing head 7.

In this light the arm 19 has a ring-shaped end that encircle the dosing head 7.

According to what is illustrated, the machine 100 comprises a supporting carriage 21 for the plate 11 and for the pair of gripper arms 14, 15.

The carriage 21 (schematically rendered in figures 3 and 4) is movable between a raised position (figure 3), in which the carriage 21 is moved away from the transport surface 5, and a lowered position, in which the carriage 21 is moved towards the transport surface 5 (figure 4).

The carriage 21 is preferably housed in the frame 8 a of the feeding station 6 and provided with overhead movement means 2la (illustrated by a block in figures 3 and 4).

The carriage 21 supports a second actuator 22 connected to the plate 11 and able to move the plate 11, in a direction 11D that is transversal to the longitudinal axis Z of movement of the dosing head 7 with respect to the transport surface 5, between the first withdrawn non operating position, in which the plate 11 is moved away from the free end of the dosing head 7, and the second forward operating position, in which the plate 11 is positioned in contact with the dosing head 7.

In this light, the second actuator 22 is activated at the raised position of the carriage 21.

It should be observed that the carriage 21 also supports a third actuator 23 connected to the pair of gripper arms 14 and 15, which is able to move the pair of gripper arms 14 and 15 between an open non-operating position (figure 2) and a closed operating position (figure 4), in which the pair of gripper arms 14 and 15 is in contact with the cartridge 2 on both sides.

In this light the third actuator 23 can be activated on the pair of gripper arms 14 and 15 between the open position and the closed position in correspondence of the lowered position of the carriage 21.

In other words, depending on the position of the carriage 21 (high/low) are activated, in synchrous manner, either the actuators that move the plate 11 or the pair of gripper arms 14 and 15. It should be observed that the plate 11 has a concave surface having a hole, centrally placed in the illustrated embodiment, in fluid communication with the second suction unit 13 through a second suction conduit 24 which aspirates the powder product dropping from the channel 9 of the dosing head 7.

The first 18 and the second 24 suction conduits can be connected to a single unit for generating negative pressure or to separate units for generating negative pressure. In the illustrated case two are indicated by means of two respective blocks.

The present invention also provides a method for feeding a dose of a medical product in powder form into portable inhalers 1.

The method comprises the following steps:

- providing an operating body 4 having the cartridge 2 with the end aperture 2a;

- transporting the cartridge 2 towards the dosing head 7;

- dosing the powder product inside the cartridge 2 by lowering the dosing head 7 toward the end aperture 2a of the cartridge 2 for feeding the powder product through the channel 9 of the dosing head 7;

- operating a first suction in the channel 9 for removing the powder product inside the channel 9;

- moving away, by raising, the dosing head 7 from the end aperture 2a of the cartridge 2,

- closing with a plate 11 the channel of the dosing head 7 so as to stop the feeding of the cartridge 2, while the dosing head 7 is in the step moved away from the end aperture 2a of the cartridge 2.

Preferably, the method includes a second suction in the channel 9 to remove powder product inside the channel 9 through the plate 11 positioned in contact with the dosing head 7.

In this light the second suction step is performed at the same time as the first suction step. Preferably, the method also comprises, previous to or at the same time as the step of moving towards each other, by lowering, the dosing head 7 and the end opening 2a of the cartridge 2, a step in which the cartridge 2 is retained and stabilized by the pair of gripper arms 14, 15.

Thanks, therefore, to the machine of the present invention, it is possible to achieve the above mentioned aims with innumerable advantages.

The structure of the feeding station with a movable dosing head allows to minimize the number of mechanical moving components in relation to the parts affected by the powder. The system of telescopic movement of the dosing head is extremely flexible and makes it possible for the system to be used for any kind of product in powder form and for the production of any type of inhaler.

Also thanks to the telescopic system and the independent groups for the suction and centring of the cartridge, it is possible to use the system for different designs of inhalers and different dosing of powder.

The presence of the suction systems along the feeding channel of the dosing head makes it possible to reduce the presence of powder around the machine during the transitional stages between one dosing step and another, however avoiding to have significant losses of product during the cycle.

Furthermore, during the filling the powder product is not exposed to external airflows which could cause contaminations from the outside.

Thanks to the simple and compact structure of all the components, maintenance and cleaning operations are extremely simple and fast

Claims

1. Machine (1) for making portable inhalers with medical products, each inhaler comprising a cartridge (2) filled with a dose of powder product to be nebulised and housed, at least partly, inside a housing (3) of an operating body (4) which can be handled by a user; the machine (100) comprising:

- a transport surface (5) for moving, along a feed direction (A), a plurality of operating bodies (4) in succession, each body (4) having a cartridge (2) with a respective end aperture (2a);

- a feeding station (6) configured for feeding a dose of powder product to the cartridge (2) through the end aperture (2a); the feeding station (6) being positioned above the transport surface (5); characterised in that the feeding station (6) comprises:

- a dosing head (7) slidably connected to a hopper (8); the dosing head (7) having a channel (9) forming a passage for the transit of the powder product from the hopper (8) to the inside of the cartridge (2), said dosing head (7) having a free end configured to cooperate with the end aperture (2a) of the cartridge (2);

- a driving member (10) for moving the dosing head (7), along a longitudinal axis (Z), between a first raised non-operating position, wherein the dosing head (7) is moved away from the transport surface (5), and a lowered operating position, wherein the dosing head (7) is moved closer to the transport surface (5) and engages the end aperture (2a) of the cartridge (2) at the free end;

- a plate (11) movable between a first withdrawn non-operating position, in which the plate (11) is away from the dosing head (7) allowing the feeding of the cartridge (2) with the powder product passing through the channel (9), and a forward operating position, in which the plate (11) cooperate with the dosing head (7) to stop the feeding of the cartridge (2) with the powder product, while the dosing head (7) is at said non-operating position; - a first suction unit (12) connected to the dosing head (7) for the suction of powder product from the channel (9) of the dosing head (7) and suitable to be activated at least when the dosing head (7) is in said lowered operating position.

2. Machine according to claim 1, comprising a second suction unit (13) connected to the plate (11) for the suction of powder product falling over the plate (11); the second suction unit (13) being operable both in the forward operating position and in the withdrawn non-operating position of the plate (11).

3. Machine according to claim 2, wherein the plate (11) has a concave surface having a hole in fluid communication with the second suction unit (13) through a second suction conduit (24).

4. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dosing head (7) comprises a bushing (16), which is configured to slide inside a hollow cylinder (17) protruding from the hopper (8), the bushing (16) being provided with said channel (9).

5. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the driving member (10) comprises an arm (19) for supporting and moving the dosing head (7) between the first raised non-operating position and the second lowered operating position, said arm (19) being actuated by a first actuator (20).

6. Machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the first suction unit (12) comprises a first suction conduit (18) formed on said arm (19).

7. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, comprising gripping members (14, 15) to hold the cartridge (2) on the transport surface (5) at least when the dosing head (7) moves from the first raised non-operating position to the second lowered operating position.

8. Machine according to the previous claim, comprising a carriage (21) configured for supporting and moving the gripping members (14, 15) between a disengaged position, wherein the gripping members (14, 15) are moved away from the cartridge (2) and an engaging position wherein the gripping members (14, 15) engage and hold the cartridge (2) on the transport surface (5).

9. Machine according to claim 8, wherein the carriage (21) supports a second actuator (22) connected to the plate (11) and suitable to move the plate (11) in a direction (11D) transversal to the longitudinal axis (Z) of movement of the dosing head (7), between the first withdrawn non-operating position and the second forward operating position; the second actuator (22) being operable at said disengaged position of the gripping members (14, 15).

10. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plate (11) is configured to engage the free end of the dosing head (7) when in said forward operating position.

11. Method for feeding a dose of a medical powder product in portable inhalers (1), each inhaler comprising a cartridge (2) for the dose of powder product to be nebulised housed, at least partly, inside a housing (3) of an operating body (4) which can be handled by a user; the method being characterised in that it comprises the following steps:

- providing at least one operating body (4) having a cartridge (2) with an end aperture (2a);

- transporting the cartridge (2) towards a dosing head (7) having a channel (9) for the passage of the powder product;

- dosing the powder product inside the cartridge (2) by lowering the dosing head (7) toward the end aperture (2a) of the cartridge (2) for feeding the powder product through the channel (9) of the dosing head (7);

- operating a first suction in the channel (9) for removing the powder product inside the channel (9);

- moving away, by raising, the dosing head (7) from the end aperture (2a) of the cartridge (2),

- closing with a plate (11) the channel of the dosing head (7) so as to stop the feeding of the cartridge (2) with the powder, while the dosing head (7) is in the step moved away from the end aperture (2a) of the cartridge (2).

12. Method according to claim 11, comprising a second suction in the channel (9) for removing the powder product inside the channel (9) through the plate (11) positioned in contact with the dosing head (7).

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, comprising a step of holding the cartridge (2) at least when the dosing head (7) is lowered to the end aperture (2a) of the cartridge (2) for feeding the powder product through the channel (9) of the dosing head (7).