Abstract
An insert for a turning device for medical ampoules includes an input section having a plurality of input apertures for receiving one ampoule in each case and provided in a first arrangement structure, a dispensing section having a plurality of output apertures for dispensing one ampoule in each case and provided in a second arrangement structure, and a transition section having a plurality of guides and arranged such that the output apertures are arranged in a second arrangement structure, wherein the input apertures and the outlet apertures are arranged eccentrically relative to each other.
Claims
1. An insert for a turning device for medical ampoules, comprising: an input section which has a plurality of input apertures for receiving a respective ampoule, wherein the input apertures are provided in a first arrangement structure; a dispensing section having a plurality of output apertures for dispensing one ampoule at a time, wherein the output apertures are provided in a second arrangement structure; and a transition section which has a plurality of guides, the transition section being arranged and/or designed in such a way that ampoules can pass from the input apertures through the plurality of guides to the output apertures; wherein the input apertures and the outlet apertures are arranged eccentrically relative to each other.
2. The insert according to claim 1, wherein the input apertures and the output apertures are arranged offset relative to one another in a plan view of the insert.
3. The insert according to claim 1, wherein the input section, the output section and the transition section are integrally formed.
4. The insert according to claim 1, wherein each guide comprises at least one braking portion configured to reduce a speed of movement of an ampoule when guiding from the input portion to the dispensing portion.
5. The insert according to claim 1, wherein the insert comprises polyoxymethylenes, polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene and/or polyethylene terephthalate.
6. A turning device for turning medical ampoules, comprising: an insert according to claim 1; a holder for holding the insert; wherein the holder is configured to move the insert along a first direction; and wherein the holder is configured to rotate the insert about a first axis.
7. The turning device according to claim 6, wherein the first direction and the first axis are orthogonal to each other.
8. The turning device according to claim 6, further comprising: an actuator configured to perform the movement in the first direction and the rotation about the first axis.
9. The turning device according to claim 6, further comprising: a control unit configured to obtain an original position of the medical ampoules and to determine a new position of the medical ampoules after leaving the output apertures.
10. The turning device according to claim 6, wherein the holding device is configured to hold a first nest with a plurality of ampoule holding positions such that one ampoule holding position is opposite one of the input apertures in each case.
11. The turning device according to claim 10, wherein the holding device is configured to hold a second nest with a plurality of ampoule holding locations such that one ampoule holding location is opposite one of the output apertures.
12. The turning device of claim 6, wherein the holding device is configured to hold a nest with a plurality of ampoule holding locations such that one ampoule holding location is opposite one of the output apertures.
13. The turning device according to claim 6, further comprising: at least one positioning aid configured to ensure a predetermined position of a nest upon contact of the nest with the turning device.
14. A method for turning medical ampoules via an insert, comprising: providing a plurality of medical ampoules in a first arrangement structure; picking up the ampoules in one of the input apertures of the insert; guiding the ampoules through a guide of the insert from the input apertures to the output apertures of the insert; and dispensing the ampoules from the output apertures in a second arrangement structure; such that the first arrangement structure differs from the second arrangement structure.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] In the following, preferred embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0045] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-section of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 2 is a schematic and perspective view of a tub, nest, and a plurality of ampoules as used in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a nest filled with ampoules;
[0048] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a nest filled with ampoules housed in a tub as provided in a turning device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 5 is a schematic and perspective view of a turning device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a turning device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 7 is a schematic and perspective view of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention as used in a turning device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 8 is a schematic and perspective view of a turning device according to one embodiment of the present invention; and
[0053] FIG. 9 are multiple schematic and perspective views of a turning device in operation according to one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0054] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The device 1 includes an input section 3, a transition section 7, and an output section 5. The input section 3 has a plurality of input apertures 4 (only one input aperture is labelled with reference numeral 4 in FIG. 1). The device 1 is designed to transport medical ampoules 2. In other words, the device can move the ampoules 2 and output them at a different spatial position. For this purpose, the ampoules 2 can be received at the input section 3 through the input apertures 4. Each input aperture 4 can only accommodate one ampoule 2. Subsequently (i.e., downstream), the ampoules 2 can enter a transition section 7. The transition section 7 has a plurality of guiding means 8 designed to guide the ampoules 2. The guiding of the ampoules 2 in the present embodiment involves outputting the ampoules 2 at a different location. The output of the ampoules 2 occurs through the output section 5, which has a plurality of output apertures 6. The ampoules 2 can be provided, for example, in a first nest 11 (shown at the top in FIG. 1). The ampoules 2 can then exit the first nest 11, enter the device 1 through the input apertures 4, be guided through the transition section 7 and the guiding means 8 provided therein, and finally exit the device 1 through the output apertures 6. Adjacent to the output apertures 6, a second nest 12 can be arranged to receive the ampoules 2 after they leave the device 1. It is not necessarily required to provide a second nest 12, as other devices for capturing the ampoules can also be provided. For example, it is conceivable that the ampoules 2 are processed further directly in a process. However, in a preferred embodiment, the ampoules 2 are introduced into a second nest 12 after they have exited the output apertures 6, where the second nest 12 is identical to the first nest 11. During the passage of the ampoules 2 through the device 1, the ampoules 2 are transported along a main conveying direction H (see arrow in FIG. 1). In other words, the ampoules 2 are moved by the device 1 in all three spatial directions (X, Y, and Z directions).
[0055] FIG. 2 is a schematic and perspective view of a nest 11, 12 with a plurality of ampoules 2 contained therein. The nest is arranged in a tub 13. Tubs 13 with nests are typically used to transport ampoules 2 filled with drugs from a filler to a further processing unit. The nest 11, 12 and the tub 13 are often steam sterilised to enable safe handling even in sterile areas. The nest 11, 12 serves to prevent direct contact between the ampoules 2. This reduces the risk of damage due to glass-to-glass contact. To maximise the number of ampoules in a nest 11, 12, the ampoules are arranged in a first arrangement structure in the nest 11, 12. When these ampoules 2 come from a filler, they are oriented with the bottom side up because the filler fills the ampoules, which are intended for use in ampoule syringes, from the bottom. If the ampoules 2 are to undergo visual inspection, it is necessary to turn the ampoules. This is because the upper part of the ampoules (i.e., the area where the syringe is attached to extract the drug from the ampoule) obscures part of the ampoule or its contents. Accordingly, the ampoules must be turned or flipped. In the situation shown in FIG. 2, the ampoules are already correctly oriented for inspection.
[0056] FIG. 3 is a schematic and perspective view of a nest 11, 12 housed in a tub 13 from an oblique top view. It can be seen that the ampoules 2 are each held in a diamond-shaped section (ampoule holding place). If this arrangement structure is, for example, turned upside down (i.e., rotated) 180 and placed on an empty nest with the same configuration, the ampoules 2 would not fall into the diamond-shaped holding places of the new nest because the holding places are not aligned. To address this problem, the device 1 of the present invention is used to transfer the ampoules 2 into a different arrangement structure while turning the ampoules 2.
[0057] FIG. 4 is a schematic and perspective view of a tub 13 with a nest 11, 12 containing a plurality of ampoules 2. In this situation, the ampoules 2 are oriented in a manner that requires turning for subsequent inspection. In other words, the ampoules 2 are oriented with the bottom up. Thus, the situation shown in FIG. 4 represents an initial situation before turning the ampoules 2.
[0058] FIG. 5 is a schematic and perspective view of a turning device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The turning device 10 is used to transfer the medical ampoules 2 from the initial situation shown in FIG. 4 to the final situation shown in FIG. 3. For this purpose, the device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is arranged in the turning device 10. The turning device 10 also includes a holding device 13 that can hold the device 1. The turning device 10 can rotate the device 1 around a first axis A1. For this purpose, the turning device 10 has two actuators 14. Moreover, the holding device 13 can be moved along a first direction R1 (i.e., translationally). In the present embodiment, the first direction R1 extends along the direction of gravity (i.e., from bottom to top). The turning device 10 holds a first nest 11 and a second nest 12 on two opposite sides of the device 1. The first nest 11 contains the ampoules 2. The second nest 12 is empty and identical to the first nest 11. Since the first nest 11 is opposite the second nest 12, the ampoule holding places in the respective nests 11, 12 are not aligned. Only the device 1 connects the ampoule holding places in the first nest 11 with the ampoule holding places in the second nest 12 via the input section 3, the transition section 7, and the output section 5. By rotating the turning device 10 around the first axis A1, the main movement direction H of the ampoules through the device can be chosen arbitrarily. In the present embodiment, the ampoules 2 arranged incorrectly in the first nest 11 are transferred into the second nest 12 through the device 1 by rotating around the first axis A1. In the second nest 12, the ampoules 2 then lie with the upper side facing upwards. Thus, all ampoules 2 provided in the first nest 11 can be turned at once. This eliminates the need for individual handling of single ampoules or rows of ampoules and allows the entire matrix of ampoules to be transferred from the first nest 11 to the second nest 12 directly to change the orientation of the ampoules. The turning device 10 includes the holding device 13 that can hold and move the device 11. For this purpose, the holding device 13 can have a first arm 17 and a second arm 18. Overall, the holding device 13 can have a U-shaped cross-section, with the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 extending from a connecting arm 20. The connecting arm 20 can be movably fixed to a stand or mast 15. More precisely, the connecting arm 20 can be guided in a rail provided on the stand 15. This can define the first movement direction R1. In a preferred embodiment, the turning device 10 can be moved automatically along the first direction R1. This can be realised, for example, by a threaded rod or by a gear that can be engaged with a rack. This allows the turning device to lift the first nest 11 out of a tub 13. The turning device 10 only needs to lift the first nest 11 out of the tub 13 far enough to rotate it around the first axis A1. The second nest 13 can initially be provided on one side of the device 1 facing the output apertures 6.
[0059] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the turning device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. In FIGS. 6 and 5, it can be seen that a gripping device 16 is provided on the turning device 10. In the present embodiment, the gripping device 16 is designed as a suction gripper. In particular, in the present embodiment a plurality of suction grippers 16 are arranged, which are designed to lift and hold a nest 11, 12 out of a tray 13. This can ensure that the nest 11, 12 does not fall off the insert 1 during the turning process. Moreover, the turning device of the present embodiment comprises a positioning aid 19. In the present embodiment, the positioning aid 19 is designed as a projection that protrudes from the insert 1. The positioning aid 19 has a shape that tapers towards the outer end. Thus, the positioning aid 19 can co-operate with an aperture in the nest 11, 12 and thus ensure the correct position of the nest relative to the insert 1. This ensures that both the input apertures 4 and the output apertures 6 are each opposite an ampoule holding position in the first nest 11 and the second nest 12. Moreover, the turning device has a plurality of spacer elements 20 which are designed to maintain a distance between the nest 11, 12 gripped by the turning device 10 and the insert 1. This prevents ampoules 2 that are stored in the nest 11, 12 from being damaged by direct contact with the insert or other objects. The spacer elements can be cylindrical rods, for example, which protrude from the turning device. The distance elements can contact the nest 11, 12 directly.
[0060] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the turning device 10 without a nest 11, 12 provided on it. The top of the insert 1 with the input apertures 4 provided on it can be seen. The suction grippers 16 are also recognisable. In the present embodiment, eight suction grippers 16 are provided, four of which are arranged on each side. The positioning aid 19 is provided in the centre of each side of the insert 1. In the present embodiment, the input apertures 4 have a rectangular cross-section. The guide means 8 are also provided with a rectangular cross-section. The output apertures 6 are also provided with an angular cross-section. In a further embodiment not shown, the cross-sections of the input apertures 4, the guide means 8 and the output apertures 6 have a round cross-section.
[0061] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the turning device immediately before a first nest 11 is picked up. It can be seen that a second nest 12, which is empty, is arranged on one side of the insert 1. A tub 13 filled with ampoules 2 with a nest 11 is provided below the turning device 10. The turning device 10 is then moved along the first direction R1 towards the first nest 11. On contact with the first nest 11, the positioning aid will fine-tune the position of the first nest 11 until the mature suction grippers 16 come into contact with the first nest. The first nest 11 is then sucked in and lifted out of the tub 13 in the first direction R1. Above the tub 13, the insert 1 is rotated about the first axis A1 so that the ampoules 2 are transferred from the first nest 11 through the insert 1 into the second nest 12. The speed of rotation around the first axis is controlled by a control unit. In a preferred embodiment, the control unit (not shown in the figures) can control the rotation so that the insert 1 is stopped or rotated in the opposite direction after overcoming the static friction of the ampoules 2 in the first nest 11. This prevents excessive acceleration of the ampoules 2 in the main conveying direction H. Once the ampoules 2 have arrived in the second nest 12, the rotation can be completed so that the insert has been rotated once through 180. The second nest 12 can then be reinserted into the original tub 13 by moving the turning device 10 in the first direction. In this way, an identification which is arranged on the tub 13 can be retained, as the same ampoules 2 are again arranged in the same tub 13 (only with a different nest). The control unit can also be designed so that the new position of the ampoules 2 is compared with the data arranged on the tub 13, so that it is stored which ampoule 2 is arranged in which position in the second nest 12. In other words, the location of an ampoule 2 as it was in the first nest 11 can be converted by the control unit so that it is known where the same ampoule is located in the second nest 12. This makes it possible to trace the ampoules through the entire process of handling the ampoules 2.
[0062] FIG. 9 shows ten individual images (a) to j)), which illustrate the work step of turning medical ampoules. FIG. 9(a) shows the provision of medical ampoules 2 in a nest 11, which is arranged in a tray 13. In FIG. 9(b), the turning device 10 is lowered onto the first nest 11 and gripped by the suction grippers. The turning device already has a second nest 12 on the opposite side of the insert 1. In FIG. 9(c), the nest 11 is lifted out of the tub 13 in the first direction of movement R1. In FIG. 9(d), a rotation around the first axis of rotation A1 begins in order to transfer the ampoules 2 from the first nest 11 to the second nest 12. In FIG. 9(e), the rotation by 90 has taken place, such that no ampoule 2 has yet been transferred from the first nest 11 to the second nest 12. In FIG. 9(f), the rotation continues around the first axis A1. In FIG. 9(g), the rotation about the first axis A1 is completed, such that the insert 1 together with the first nest 11 has been rotated by 180. In FIG. 9(h), a cap is opened, allowing the ampoules 2 to pass through the insert 1. Driven by gravity, the ampoules pass from the first nest 11 through the insert 1 into the second nest 12. In FIG. 9(i), the turning device 10 moves downwards again along the first direction R1 in order to reinsert the second nest 12 with the now turned ampoules 2 into the tub 13. In FIG. 9(j), the turning device 10 is moved upwards again along the first direction R1 in order to release the tub 13 for further processing.
[0063] The turning device 10 shown in FIG. 9 differs from the previously shown turning device 10 in that the passage through the insert 1 can be opened and closed by a lock (not shown in figures). This means that it is possible to actively control when the ampoules 2 can be transferred through the insert 1. In the embodiments described above, transfer of the ampoules 2 began when the static friction between the ampoule and the nest was overcome. In the present embodiment, this is actively controlled by the lock.
[0064] In a further embodiment not shown, it is conceivable that a large number of turning devices 10 are arranged along a handling line in order to be able to turn several nests in parallel. This means that the output can be further increased.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0065] 1 Insert [0066] 2 Ampoule [0067] 3 Input section [0068] 4 Input aperture [0069] 5 Output section [0070] 6 Output aperture [0071] 7 Transition section [0072] 8 Guide means [0073] 10 Turning device [0074] 11 first nest [0075] 12 second nest [0076] 13 tub [0077] 14 Actuator [0078] 15 Bar [0079] 16 Suction gripper [0080] 17 first arm [0081] 18 second arm [0082] 19 Positioning aid [0083] 20 Connection arm [0084] 21 Distance element [0085] H Main direction of movement [0086] R1 first direction [0087] H1 first axis
