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EP2280873B1 - Filling and sealing machine for containers - Google Patents

Filling and sealing machine for containers Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2280873B1
EP2280873B1 EP09735810A EP09735810A EP2280873B1 EP 2280873 B1 EP2280873 B1 EP 2280873B1 EP 09735810 A EP09735810 A EP 09735810A EP 09735810 A EP09735810 A EP 09735810A EP 2280873 B1 EP2280873 B1 EP 2280873B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
filling
container
station
robot arm
containers
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.)
Active
Application number
EP09735810A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2280873A1 (en
Inventor
Klaus Blumenstock
Michael Simon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Robert Bosch GmbH
Original Assignee
Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Robert Bosch GmbH filed Critical Robert Bosch GmbH
Publication of EP2280873A1 publication Critical patent/EP2280873A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2280873B1 publication Critical patent/EP2280873B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • 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
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B65B43/46—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation using grippers
    • 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
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/003—Filling medical containers such as ampoules, vials, syringes or the like
    • 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
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/26—Methods or devices for controlling the quantity of the material fed or filled
    • B65B3/28—Methods or devices for controlling the quantity of the material fed or filled by weighing
    • 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
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B65B43/54—Means for supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B65B43/60—Means for supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation rotatable
    • B65B43/62—Means for supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation rotatable about an axis located at the filling position, e.g. the axis of the container or receptacle
    • 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
    • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety 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
    • B65B65/003—Packaging lines, e.g. general layout
    • 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
    • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
    • B65B7/2821—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers applying plugs or threadless stoppers
    • 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
    • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
    • B65B7/2842—Securing closures on containers
    • B65B7/285—Securing closures on containers by deformation of the closure

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a filling and sealing machine for containers.
  • Previously known packaging machines for example from the pharmaceutical industry for filling and closing of containers (bottles, vials, ampoules, syringes, etc.).
  • the containers are usually made of glass or plastic with a variety of geometric outer shapes.
  • the processing of pharmaceutical products requires the highest standards in terms of sterilization and precision. Not infrequently, the filling takes place in clean rooms or insulators. These requirements result in high costs in the design and manufacture of packaging machines.
  • a machine for filling and sealing packages with multiple processing stations is known.
  • the processing stations each have a robot of the same type.
  • a conveyor belt transports the containers to be processed from one processing station to the next.
  • the invention has the task of enabling a flexible and economical adaptation of the filling and closing machines for various containers and closures.
  • the solution of this object is achieved by the features of the independent claims.
  • the two independent claims are characterized in that the two handling station comprises a closing device. Thanks to this closing device on the handling station, in particular on the second robot arm, the container can be closed during transport to the subsequent station. This allows two functions, namely transporting and closing, to be carried out simultaneously. This leads to the acceleration of the process flow.
  • the filling and closing machine according to the invention is inexpensive to produce due to a simple and efficient construction. This allows a flexible and economical adaptation of the filling and closing machine according to the invention for various containers and closures. Furthermore, the filling and closing machine according to the invention may be a modular component in a chain of production processes. This modularity allows a flexible variation without having to change the production steps before or after the filling and closing machine according to the invention.
  • the filling and closing machine according to the invention does not use a conveyor belt for transporting a container from one processing station to the next.
  • This allows a significantly shorter construction and increased isolator suitability of the filling and closing machine according to the invention.
  • costs are saved, as a complete mechanical unit (conveyor belt) and the associated programming can be saved.
  • the container filling and closing machine according to the invention comprises a first handling station with a first robot arm, a second handling station with a second robot arm and a first stationary process station. The first robot arm transports the container to the first stationary process station.
  • the second robot acts as a second transport and transports the container from the first process station to a subsequent station. Furthermore, at least one additional process step is carried out at the first process station.
  • This transfer of the container to a stationary station allows the filling and closing machine according to the invention, the handling of the container without a conveyor belt.
  • the stationary process station serves as a transfer position for the container, whereby the individual robot arms take over the transport.
  • the first stationary process station comprises a balance and / or a filling device.
  • an empty container can be weighed and / or filled at the first stationary process station.
  • a filled container may be weighed at the first stationary process station.
  • the first stationary process station acted as tara weighing, gross weighing and filling unit.
  • a third handling station with a third robot arm into the filling and closing machine according to the invention.
  • This third handling station can be arranged between the first handling station and the second handling station in order to carry out a further process step before closing the container.
  • This embodiment increased the modularity of the filling and closing machine according to the invention and allows individual adaptation to customer requirements.
  • the third robot arm feeds the container to a filling device.
  • the third robot arm may guide the container below a spout and / or a filling needle of a filling device and perform a required centrifugal movement for gently filling a liquid into the container.
  • the filling device may be advantageous in addition to or instead of the filling device at the first process station.
  • it is also provided to partially fill the container at the first processing station and then to empty the container of the filling device, e.g. to fill with another substance.
  • a spout and / or a filling needle of the filling device directly above the first stationary processing station.
  • This spout and / or filling needle containers that are on the first stationary process station can be filled.
  • the closing device of the second handling unit comprises a closure tow-away unit.
  • the second robot arm can pick up a shutter without stopping.
  • this crimping station comprises at least one star wheel to transport containers and indemnify.
  • the invention comprises a method for filling and closing containers with the features of claim 8.
  • Advantage of the method according to the invention is that it can be carried out inexpensively due to a simple and efficient process. This allows a flexible and economical implementation of the method for various containers and closures.
  • the method is a modular component in a chain of production processes. This modularity allows a flexible variation of the method without having to change the production steps before or after the inventive method. As a result, in particular a performance of the method in a laboratory, where often only smaller batches are to be filled are possible.
  • the method for filling and closing containers with a first handling station comprising a first robot arm, with a second handling station comprising a second robot arm and with a first stationary process station carries out the following steps: In a first step, the container recorded with the first robot arm. A second step involves transporting the container to the first stationary process station. At this first stationary process station, the container is turned off in a third step. Subsequently, in a fourth step, a process step is performed on the first stationary process station. In a fifth step, the container is received in the second robot arm.
  • the steps do not have to follow each other directly, and further steps can be integrated especially between the fourth and the fifth step.
  • An advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention provides for the following three steps at the first stationary process station: weighing the empty container and / or filling the container and / or weighing the filled container.
  • the container can not only be filled, but also a control of tare weight and gross weight can be performed.
  • FIGS. 1 to 3 a filling and closing machine according to the invention according to a first and a second embodiment described in detail.
  • the filling and closing machine according to the invention is used in a pharmaceutical production plant.
  • FIG. 1 shows a filling and closing machine 8 according to the invention according to the first embodiment.
  • This filling and closing machine 8 is designed to process two containers 6 in each working step.
  • a first conveyor belt 13 which is driven by an electric motor 14, can be seen.
  • a first handling station 1 comprising a first robot arm 11 with a first receiving device 12.
  • a first stationary process station 4 with a first parking position 41 and a second parking position 42.
  • the first parking position 41 something covered by a filling device 5.
  • This filling device 5 comprises a filling device 54 with a filling needle 55.
  • FIG. 1 a second handling station 2 with a second robot arm 21 and a second receiving device 22.
  • this second robot arm 21 In the effective range of this second robot arm 21 is a stuffing sorting device 23 with a towing position 25.
  • a crimping machine 7 with a cap sorting device 71, a feeder 72, a star wheel 73, a second conveyor belt 74 and guide rails 75 can be seen.
  • the filling and closing machine 8 operates essentially from left to right. Therefore, the first handling station 1 is positioned so that its effective range extends from the first conveyor belt 13 to the first stationary processing station 4.
  • the second handling station 2 is approximately between the first stationary processing station 4 and the crimping machine 7.
  • the second robot arm 21 extends to the first stationary processing station 4, to the towing position 25 and to the star wheel 73rd
  • the first conveyor belt 13 acts as an inlet for the container 6 in the filling and closing machine 8. Therefore, the first conveyor belt 13 is operated clocked by the electric motor 14 and provides each two empty container 6 side by side. These two containers 6 are received by the first receiving device 12.
  • This receiving device 12 is located at the end of the first robot arm 11. As a result, the first robot arm 11, by means of the first receiving device 12 each transport two containers 6 to the first stationary process station 4.
  • the first handling station 1 simultaneously deposits a container 6 on the first storage position 41 and a container 6 on the second storage position 42.
  • the first parking position 41 and the second parking position 42 are each operatively connected to a balance of the first stationary process station 4.
  • the tare weight (tare weight) of the two containers 6 can be determined separately.
  • the two containers 6 are filled by means of the filling device 5.
  • This filling device 54 is designed as a boom of the filling device 5 to the first stationary process station 4.
  • the filling needle 55 Directly above the container to be filled 6 is the filling needle 55, which in the filling device 54 is integrated.
  • the filling device 54 is pivotable and can thus be pivoted over both containers 6.
  • a filling device 54 extends over the left parking position 41 and the right parking position 42 and accordingly also has two filling needles 55. This alternative allows for simultaneous filling in the two containers. 6
  • the two containers 6 are weighed again with the balance already described. In this case, however, the gross weight of the two containers 6 is determined. The difference between the gross weight and the tare weight gives the weight of the container contents. This allows a continuous quality control of the filling process.
  • the containers 6 are transported away from the second robot arm 21 and closed.
  • the second handling station 2 with the second receiving device 22 receives the container 6, two rubber plugs are towed. These rubber stoppers are aligned by the Stopfensortiervorraum 23, isolated and provided at the parking position 25.
  • the second receiving device 22 now performs, carried by the second robot arm 21, a towing movement (arrow 24). During this towing movement, the second receiving device 22 strips two rubber stoppers from the towing position 25.
  • the second receiving device 22 After receiving the two rubber stoppers, the second receiving device 22 receives the two containers 6 from the first stationary processing station 4 and transported them in the direction of the crimping machine 7. During this transport, the second receiving device 22 presses the two rubber stoppers into the two containers 6 the second handling station 2, the two containers 6 in two pockets of the star wheel 73rd
  • the container 6 can be transported below the feeder 72 therethrough.
  • This feeder 72 is connected to the cap sorting device 71 and thus aluminum caps can be put on the containers 6 from the cap sorting device 71 via the feeder 72.
  • the container 6 can be placed on turntables. By rotation of these turntable, the aluminum caps are crimped on the containers 6. By further rotation of the star wheel 73, the crimped container 6 to the second Conveyor belt 74 and be transported to the guide rails 75.
  • the filled and closed containers 6 leave the filling and closing machine 8 via these two alternative exits, the second conveyor belt 74 and the guide rails 75.
  • the exit via the second conveyor belt 74 leads to a magazine station, the one via the guide rails 75 serves for a good Bad-separation of the containers.
  • the output can be varied in many ways depending on the customer's requirements. For example, a pneumatically controlled device for good-bad separation of the container is conceivable.
  • FIG. 2 shows a filling and closing machine 9 according to the invention according to a second embodiment, wherein identical or functionally identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment.
  • the filling and sealing machine 9 of the second embodiment has a third handling station 3 and a modified filling device 5.
  • This third handling station 3 consists of a third robot arm 31 with a third receiving device 32. Further shows FIG. 2 a separator 34 and a second stationary process station 33. The structure of the filling device 5 of the second embodiment is shown in FIG FIG. 3 described.
  • the third handling station 3 stands between the first handling station 1 and the second handling station 2.
  • the area of action of the third robot arm 31 extends from the first stationary processing station 4 via the filling device 5 and the separator 34 to the second stationary processing station 33.
  • the third robot arm 31 receives the two containers 6 from the first stationary processing station 4 by means of the third receiving device 32.
  • the containers 6 are held in the filling device 5 and filled there.
  • the third robot arm 31 moves the third receiving device 32 in a circular motion to ensure a careful filling of the pharmaceutical substance.
  • the third robot arm 31 the two containers 6 on the second stationary process station 33 from.
  • This second stationary process station 33 corresponds in its construction to the first stationary process station 4.
  • the second stationary process station 33 can control the respective Determine gross weight of containers 6.
  • the separator 34 serves to remove defective containers 6 or poorly filled containers 6 from the filling and closing machine 9.
  • the third robot arm 31 can deliver one or both containers 6 to this separator 34.
  • the containers 6 are picked up by the second handling station 2, further transported and closed.
  • the further structure and sequence of the filling and closing machine 9 of the second embodiment corresponds to the structure and sequence of the filling and closing machine 8 of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 shows the filling and closing machine 9 of the second embodiment in a perspective view.
  • the construction of the filling device 5 is watching.
  • This consists of a right column 51, a left column 52 and a vertical part 53.
  • the container 6 can be held by means of the third robot arm 31 under the vertical part 53. Via the vertical part 53, a pharmaceutical substance flows into the container 6.
  • the person skilled in the art recognizes that a combination of the first and second exemplary embodiments is possible.
  • the containers 6 at the first stationary process station 4 can only be partially filled by means of the filling device 54. Subsequently, a complete filling under the vertical part 53 can be completed. This allows, for example, a quick first filling at the first stationary process station 4 and a gentle second filling under the vertical part 53.
  • a filling of the container 6 with two different pharmaceutical substances is conceivable.
  • This second stationary process station 33 can also serve merely as a transfer station to the second handling station 2. It is also conceivable to use the first stationary process station 4 and / or the second stationary process station 33 as a magazine. As a result, uneven processing times between the various handling station can be compensated.
  • both embodiments have in common that the handling stations or Robot arms are clearly separated from the respective ancillary equipment, such as separation, balance, filling device, closing device and sorter. Furthermore, no conveyor belt between the handling stations is needed. This results in a very compact and clear filling and closing machine on which refilling operations and maintenance are easy to carry out, since all points of the filling and closing machine according to the invention for the operating personnel are easily accessible. Also, the cleaning or a wash-down of the filling and closing machine according to the invention are so easily possible.
  • the invention thus appears to be a flexible, adaptable filling and sealing machine of modular construction.
  • the filling and closing machine according to the invention requires no conveyor belt.
  • an effective filling of containers, for example, in a pharmaceutical production plant with a very short length is possible.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Intermediate Stations On Conveyors (AREA)
  • Sealing Of Jars (AREA)

Description

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Füll- und Verschließmaschine für Behälter.The present invention relates to a filling and sealing machine for containers.

Vorbekannt sind Verpackungsmaschinen zum Beispiel aus der pharmazeutischen Industrie zum Befüllen und Verschließen von Behältern (Flaschen, Vials, Ampullen, Spritzen usw.). Die Behälter sind dabei meistens aus Glas oder Kunststoff mit unterschiedlichsten geometrischen äußeren Formen. Bei der Verarbeitung von pharmazeutischen Produkten sind höchste Anforderungen hinsichtlich Sterilisation und Präzision gefordert. Nicht selten erfolgt die Abfüllung in Reinräumen bzw. in Isolatoren. Diese Anforderungen haben hohe Kosten in Konstruktion und Fertigung der Verpackungsmaschinen zur Folge.Previously known packaging machines, for example from the pharmaceutical industry for filling and closing of containers (bottles, vials, ampoules, syringes, etc.). The containers are usually made of glass or plastic with a variety of geometric outer shapes. The processing of pharmaceutical products requires the highest standards in terms of sterilization and precision. Not infrequently, the filling takes place in clean rooms or insulators. These requirements result in high costs in the design and manufacture of packaging machines.

Aus der DE 103 30 700 A1 ist eine Maschine zum Füllen und Verschließen von Verpackungen mit mehreren Bearbeitungsstationen bekannt. Die Bearbeitungsstationen weisen jeweils einen Roboter gleicher Bauart auf. Ein Förderband befördert die zu bearbeitenden Behälter von einer Bearbeitungsstation zur Nächsten.From the DE 103 30 700 A1 For example, a machine for filling and sealing packages with multiple processing stations is known. The processing stations each have a robot of the same type. A conveyor belt transports the containers to be processed from one processing station to the next.

Eine Vorrichtung bzw. ein Verfahren gemäß den Oberbegriffen der unabhängigen Ansprüche ist aus der US 2003/0056466 A1 vorbekannt.A device or a method according to the preambles of the independent claims is known from US 2003/0056466 A1 previously known.

Ausgehend von diesem Stand der Technik stellt sich Erfindung die Aufgabe, eine flexible und wirtschaftliche Anpassung der Füll- und Verschließmaschinen für verschiedene Behälter und Verschlüsse zu ermöglichen.Starting from this prior art, the invention has the task of enabling a flexible and economical adaptation of the filling and closing machines for various containers and closures.

Die Lösung dieser Aufgabe erfolgt durch die Merkmale der unabhängigen Ansprüc Die beiden unabhängigen Ansprüche sind dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die zwei Handhabungsstation eine Verschließvorrichtung umfasst. Dank dieser Verschließvorrichtung an der Handhabungsstation, insbesondere am zweiten Roboterarm, kann der Behälter während des Transportes zur nachfolgenden Station verschlossen werden. Dadurch können zwei Funktionen, nämlich Transportieren und Verschließen, gleichzeitig ausgeführt werden. Dies führt zur Beschleunigung des Prozessablaufs.The solution of this object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. The two independent claims are characterized in that the two handling station comprises a closing device. Thanks to this closing device on the handling station, in particular on the second robot arm, the container can be closed during transport to the subsequent station. This allows two functions, namely transporting and closing, to be carried out simultaneously. This leads to the acceleration of the process flow.

Die erfindungsgemäße Füll- und Verschließmaschine ist aufgrund eines einfachen und effizienten Aufbaus kostengünstig herstellbar. Dies ermöglicht eine flexible und wirtschaftliche Anpassung der erfindungsgemäßen Füll- und Verschließmaschine für verschiedene Behälter und Verschlüsse. Ferner kann die erfindungsgemäße Füll- und Verschließmaschine modularer Bestandteil in einer Kette von Produktionsabläufen sein. Diese Modularität erlaubt eine flexible Variierung ohne dabei die Produktionsschritte vor bzw. nach der erfindungsgemäßen Füll- und Verschließmaschine verändern zu müssen.The filling and closing machine according to the invention is inexpensive to produce due to a simple and efficient construction. This allows a flexible and economical adaptation of the filling and closing machine according to the invention for various containers and closures. Furthermore, the filling and closing machine according to the invention may be a modular component in a chain of production processes. This modularity allows a flexible variation without having to change the production steps before or after the filling and closing machine according to the invention.

Folglich ist somit eine einfache Anpassung der erfindungsgemäßen Füll- und Verschließmaschine an die jeweiligen Kundenwünsche möglich. Im Gegensatz zum Stand der Technik, benutzt die erfindungsgemäße Füll- und Verschließmaschine kein Förderband für den Transport eines Behälters von einer Bearbeitungsstation zur Nächsten. Dies ermöglicht eine deutlich kürzere Bauweise und eine erhöhte Isolatortauglichkeit der erfindungsgemäßen Füll- und Verschließmaschine. Außerdem werden Kosten eingespart, da ein komplettes mechanisches Aggregat (Förderband) und die damit verbundene Programmierung eingespart werden. Dies wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch erreicht, dass die erfindungsgemäße Füll- und Verschließmaschine für Behälter eine erste Handhabungsstation mit einem ersten Roboterarm, eine zweite Handhabungsstation mit einem zweiten Roboterarm und eine erste stationäre Prozessstation umfasst. Dabei transportiert der erste Roboterarm den Behälter zur ersten stationären Prozessstation. Der zweite Roboter fungiert unter anderem als zweites Transportmittel und transportiert den Behälter von der ersten Prozessstation zu einer nachfolgenden Station. Ferner wird an der ersten Prozessstation mindestens ein zusätzlicher Prozessschritt ausgeführt. Diese Übergabe des Behälters an einer stationären Station ermöglicht der erfindungsgemäßen Füll- und Verschließmaschine die Handhabung der Behälter ohne Förderband. Die stationäre Prozessstation dient quasi als Übergabeposition für den Behälter, wobei die einzelnen Roboterarme den Transportieren übernehmen.Consequently, therefore, a simple adaptation of the filling and sealing machine according to the invention to the respective customer requirements is possible. In contrast to the prior art, the filling and closing machine according to the invention does not use a conveyor belt for transporting a container from one processing station to the next. This allows a significantly shorter construction and increased isolator suitability of the filling and closing machine according to the invention. In addition, costs are saved, as a complete mechanical unit (conveyor belt) and the associated programming can be saved. This is achieved according to the invention in that the container filling and closing machine according to the invention comprises a first handling station with a first robot arm, a second handling station with a second robot arm and a first stationary process station. The first robot arm transports the container to the first stationary process station. Among other things, the second robot acts as a second transport and transports the container from the first process station to a subsequent station. Furthermore, at least one additional process step is carried out at the first process station. This transfer of the container to a stationary station allows the filling and closing machine according to the invention, the handling of the container without a conveyor belt. The stationary process station serves as a transfer position for the container, whereby the individual robot arms take over the transport.

Die Unteransprüche zeigen bevorzugte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung.The dependent claims show preferred developments of the invention.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung umfasst die erste stationäre Prozessstation eine Waage und/oder eine Füllvorrichtung. Somit kann an der ersten stationären Prozessstation ein leerer Behälter gewogen und/oder befüllt werden. Ferner kann ein gefüllter Behälter an der ersten stationären Prozessstation gewogen werden. Somit fungierte die erste stationäre Prozessstation als Tarawaage, Bruttowaage und Fülleinheit.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first stationary process station comprises a balance and / or a filling device. Thus, an empty container can be weighed and / or filled at the first stationary process station. Further, a filled container may be weighed at the first stationary process station. Thus, the first stationary process station acted as tara weighing, gross weighing and filling unit.

Ferner vorteilhaft ist eine Integration einer dritten Handhabungsstation mit einem dritten Roboterarm in die erfindungsgemäße Füll- und Verschließmaschine. Diese dritte Handhabungsstation kann zwischen der ersten Handhabungsstation und der zweiten Handhabungsstation angeordnet sein, um vor dem Verschließen des Behälters einen weiteren Prozessschritt auszuführen. Diese Ausgestaltung erhöhte die Modularität der erfindungsgemäßen Füll- und Verschließmaschine und ermöglicht eine individuelle Anpassung an Kundenwünsche.Furthermore, it is advantageous to integrate a third handling station with a third robot arm into the filling and closing machine according to the invention. This third handling station can be arranged between the first handling station and the second handling station in order to carry out a further process step before closing the container. This embodiment increased the modularity of the filling and closing machine according to the invention and allows individual adaptation to customer requirements.

Weiter vorteilhaft ist es, wenn der dritte Roboterarm den Behälter einer Abfüllvorrichtung zuführt. Zum Beispiel kann der dritte Roboterarm den Behälter unter einen Ausguss und/oder eine Füllnadel einer Abfüllvorrichtung führen und zum schonenden Einfüllen einer Flüssigkeit in den Behälter eine erforderliche Kreiselbewegung ausführen. Die Abfüllvorrichtung kann zusätzlich oder anstatt der Füllvorrichtung an der ersten Prozessstation vorteilhaft sein. So ist es erfindungsgemäß auch vorgesehen, den Behälter teilweise an der ersten Prozessstation zu füllen und anschließend den Behälter der Abfüllvorrichtung z.B. zum Füllen mit einem weiteren Stoff zu zuführen.It is also advantageous if the third robot arm feeds the container to a filling device. For example, the third robot arm may guide the container below a spout and / or a filling needle of a filling device and perform a required centrifugal movement for gently filling a liquid into the container. The filling device may be advantageous in addition to or instead of the filling device at the first process station. Thus, according to the invention, it is also provided to partially fill the container at the first processing station and then to empty the container of the filling device, e.g. to fill with another substance.

Ferner von Vorteil ist es, einen Ausguss und/oder eine Füllnadel der Füllvorrichtung direkt über der ersten stationären Prozessstation anzuordnen. Über diesen Ausguss und/oder Füllnadel können Behälter, welche auf der ersten stationären Prozessstation stehen, gefüllt werden.It is also advantageous to arrange a spout and / or a filling needle of the filling device directly above the first stationary processing station. About this spout and / or filling needle containers that are on the first stationary process station can be filled.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung umfasst die Verschließvorrichtung der zweiten Handhabungseinheit eine Verschlussabschleppeinheit. Mittels dieser Verschlussabschleppeinheit kann der zweite Roboterarm ohne anzuhalten einen Verschluss aufnehmen.In an advantageous embodiment, the closing device of the second handling unit comprises a closure tow-away unit. By means of this shutter tow-away unit, the second robot arm can pick up a shutter without stopping.

Weiter vorteilhaft ist es, eine Bördelstation in die erfindungsgemäße Füll- und Verschließmaschine zu integrieren, um Kappen auf den Behälter zu verbördeln. In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung umfasst diese Bördelstation mindestens ein Sternrad, um Behälter zu transportieren und freizustellen.It is also advantageous to integrate a crimping station into the filling and closing machine according to the invention in order to crimp caps onto the container. In a advantageous embodiment, this crimping station comprises at least one star wheel to transport containers and indemnify.

Ferner bevorzugt ist die Verwendung der erfindungsgemäßen Füll- und Verschließmaschine innerhalb einer pharmazeutischen Produktionsanlage zum Abfüllen pharmazeutischer Substanzen.Further preferred is the use of the filling and closing machine according to the invention within a pharmaceutical production plant for filling pharmaceutical substances.

Weiterhin ist vorgesehen die erfindungsgemäße Füll- und Verschließanlage innerhalb eines Isolators bzw. innerhalb eines Reinraums zu verwenden.Furthermore, it is envisaged to use the filling and closing system according to the invention within an isolator or within a clean room.

Ferner umfasst die Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Füllen und Verschließen von Behältern mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 8. Vorteil des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren ist, dass es aufgrund eines einfachen und effizienten Ablaufs kostengünstig ausführbar ist. Dies ermöglicht eine flexible und wirtschaftliche Durchführung des Verfahrens für verschiedene Behälter und Verschlüsse. Ferner ist das Verfahren modularer Bestandteil in einer Kette von Produktionsabläufen. Diese Modularität erlaubt eine flexible Variierung des Verfahrens ohne dabei die Produktionsschritte vor bzw. nach dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren verändern zu müssen. Hierdurch ist insbesondere eine Durchführung des Verfahrens in einem Labor, wo häufig nur kleinere Chargen abzufüllen sind möglich. Dies wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch erreicht, dass das Verfahren zum Füllen und Verschließen von Behältern mit einer ersten Handhabungsstation umfassend ein ersten Roboterarm, mit einer zweiten Handhabungsstation umfassend einen zweiten Roboterarm und mit einer ersten stationären Prozessstation die folgenden Schritte ausführt: In einem ersten Schritt wird der Behälter mit dem ersten Roboterarm aufgenommen. Ein zweiter Schritt umfasst das Transportieren des Behälters zu der ersten stationären Prozessstation. An dieser ersten stationären Prozessstation wird der Behälter in einem dritten Schritt abgestellt. Daraufhin wird in einem vierten Schritt ein Prozessschritt an der ersten stationären Prozessstation vollzogen. In einem fünften Schritt wird der Behälter in den zweiten Roboterarm aufgenommen. Die Schritte müssen nicht direkt aufeinander folgen und besonders zwischen dem vierten und dem fünften Schritt können weitere Schritte integriert werden.Furthermore, the invention comprises a method for filling and closing containers with the features of claim 8. Advantage of the method according to the invention is that it can be carried out inexpensively due to a simple and efficient process. This allows a flexible and economical implementation of the method for various containers and closures. Furthermore, the method is a modular component in a chain of production processes. This modularity allows a flexible variation of the method without having to change the production steps before or after the inventive method. As a result, in particular a performance of the method in a laboratory, where often only smaller batches are to be filled are possible. This is achieved according to the invention in that the method for filling and closing containers with a first handling station comprising a first robot arm, with a second handling station comprising a second robot arm and with a first stationary process station carries out the following steps: In a first step, the container recorded with the first robot arm. A second step involves transporting the container to the first stationary process station. At this first stationary process station, the container is turned off in a third step. Subsequently, in a fourth step, a process step is performed on the first stationary process station. In a fifth step, the container is received in the second robot arm. The steps do not have to follow each other directly, and further steps can be integrated especially between the fourth and the fifth step.

Eine vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens sieht die folgenden drei Schritte an der ersten stationären Prozessstation vor: Wiegen des leeren Behälters und/oder Füllen des Behälters und/oder Wiegen des gefüllten Behälters. Somit kann an der ersten stationären Prozessstation der Behälter nicht nur gefüllt werden, sondern es kann auch eine Kontrolle von Tara-Gewicht und Brutto-Gewicht durchgeführt werden.An advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention provides for the following three steps at the first stationary process station: weighing the empty container and / or filling the container and / or weighing the filled container. Thus, at the first stationary process station, the container can not only be filled, but also a control of tare weight and gross weight can be performed.

Kurze Beschreibung der ZeichnungShort description of the drawing

Nachfolgend werden zwei bevorzugte Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung unter Bezugnahme auf die begleitende Zeichnung beschrieben. In der Zeichnung ist:

Figur 1
eine Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Füll- und Verschließmaschine nach einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel,
Figur 2
eine Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Füll- und Verschließmaschine nach einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel, und
Figur 3
eine perspektivische Ansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Füll- und Verschließmaschine nach dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel.
Hereinafter, two preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing is:
FIG. 1
a top view of a filling and closing machine according to the invention according to a first embodiment,
FIG. 2
a plan view of a filling and closing machine according to the invention according to a second embodiment, and
FIG. 3
a perspective view of the filling and closing machine according to the invention according to the second embodiment.

Bevorzugte Ausführungsform der ErfindungPreferred embodiment of the invention

Nachfolgend wird unter Bezugnahme auf die Figuren 1 bis 3 eine erfindungsgemäße Füll- und Verschließmaschine gemäß einem ersten und einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel im Detail beschrieben. In beiden Ausführungsbeispielen kommt die erfindungsgemäße Füll- und Verschließmaschine in einer pharmazeutischen Produktionsanlage zum Einsatz.The following is with reference to the FIGS. 1 to 3 a filling and closing machine according to the invention according to a first and a second embodiment described in detail. In both embodiments, the filling and closing machine according to the invention is used in a pharmaceutical production plant.

Figur 1 zeigt eine erfindungsgemäße Füll- und Verschließmaschine 8 nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel. Diese Füll und Verschließmaschine 8 ist ausgebildet, um in jedem Arbeitsschritt jeweils zwei Behälter 6 zu verarbeiten. Auf der linken Seite ist ein erstes Förderband 13, welches von einem Elektromotor 14 angetrieben wird, zu sehen. Neben diesem Förderband 13 befindet sich eine erste Handhabungsstation 1 umfassend einen ersten Roboterarm 11 mit einer ersten Aufnahmevorrichtung 12. Rechts von dieser ersten Handhabungseinheit 1 befindet sich eine erste stationäre Prozessstation 4 mit einer ersten Abstellposition 41 und einer zweiten Abstellposition 42. Die erste Abstellposition 41 ist etwas verdeckt von einer Abfüllvorrichtung 5. Diese Abfüllvorrichtung 5 umfasst eine Füllvorrichtung 54 mit einer Einfüllnadel 55. Des Weiteren zeigt Figur 1 eine zweite Handhabungsstation 2 mit einem zweiten Roboterarm 21 und einer zweiten Aufnahmevorrichtung 22. Im Wirkbereich dieses zweiten Roboterarms 21 befindet sich eine Stopfensortiervorrichtung 23 mit einer Abschleppposition 25. Auf der rechten Seite von Figur 1 ist eine Bördelmaschine 7 mit einer Kappen-Sortiervorrichtung 71, einem Zubringer 72, einem Sternrad 73, einem zweiten Förderband 74 und Führungsschienen 75 zu sehen. FIG. 1 shows a filling and closing machine 8 according to the invention according to the first embodiment. This filling and closing machine 8 is designed to process two containers 6 in each working step. On the left side, a first conveyor belt 13, which is driven by an electric motor 14, can be seen. In addition to this conveyor belt 13 is a first handling station 1 comprising a first robot arm 11 with a first receiving device 12. To the right of this first handling unit 1 is a first stationary process station 4 with a first parking position 41 and a second parking position 42. The first parking position 41 something covered by a filling device 5. This filling device 5 comprises a filling device 54 with a filling needle 55. Further shows FIG. 1 a second handling station 2 with a second robot arm 21 and a second receiving device 22. In the effective range of this second robot arm 21 is a stuffing sorting device 23 with a towing position 25. On the right side of FIG. 1 a crimping machine 7 with a cap sorting device 71, a feeder 72, a star wheel 73, a second conveyor belt 74 and guide rails 75 can be seen.

Der Füll- und Verschließmaschine 8 arbeitet im Wesentlichen von links nach rechts. Daher ist die erste Handhabungsstation 1 derart positioniert, damit sich ihr Wirkbereich vom ersten Förderband 13 bis zur ersten stationären Prozessstation 4 erstreckt. Die zweite Handhabungsstation 2 steht in etwa zwischen der ersten stationären Prozessstation 4 und der Bördelmaschine 7. Somit reicht der zweite Roboterarm 21 bis zur ersten stationären Prozessstation 4, bis zur Abschleppposition 25 und bis zum Sternrad 73.The filling and closing machine 8 operates essentially from left to right. Therefore, the first handling station 1 is positioned so that its effective range extends from the first conveyor belt 13 to the first stationary processing station 4. The second handling station 2 is approximately between the first stationary processing station 4 and the crimping machine 7. Thus, the second robot arm 21 extends to the first stationary processing station 4, to the towing position 25 and to the star wheel 73rd

Das erste Förderband 13 fungiert als Einlauf für die Behälter 6 in die Füll- und Verschließmaschine 8. Deshalb wird das erste Förderband 13 mittels des Elektromotors 14 getaktet betrieben und stellt jeweils zwei leere Behälter 6 nebeneinander bereit. Diese beiden Behälter 6 werden von der ersten Aufnahmevorrichtung 12 aufgenommen. Diese Aufnahmevorrichtung 12 befindet sich am Ende des ersten Roboterarms 11. Dadurch kann der erste Roboterarm 11, mittels der ersten Aufnahmevorrichtung 12 jeweils zwei Behälter 6 zur ersten stationären Prozessstation 4 transportieren.The first conveyor belt 13 acts as an inlet for the container 6 in the filling and closing machine 8. Therefore, the first conveyor belt 13 is operated clocked by the electric motor 14 and provides each two empty container 6 side by side. These two containers 6 are received by the first receiving device 12. This receiving device 12 is located at the end of the first robot arm 11. As a result, the first robot arm 11, by means of the first receiving device 12 each transport two containers 6 to the first stationary process station 4.

An dieser ersten stationären Prozessstation 4 stellt die erste Handhabungsstation 1 gleichzeitig einen Behälter 6 auf der ersten Abstellposition 41 und einen Behälter 6 auf der zweiten Abstellposition 42 ab. Die erste Abstellposition 41 und die zweite Abstellposition 42 sind jeweils wirkungsverbunden mit einer Waage der ersten stationären Prozessstation 4. Dadurch kann das Leergewicht (Tara-Gewicht) der beiden Behälter 6 separat bestimmt werden.At this first stationary process station 4, the first handling station 1 simultaneously deposits a container 6 on the first storage position 41 and a container 6 on the second storage position 42. The first parking position 41 and the second parking position 42 are each operatively connected to a balance of the first stationary process station 4. Thus, the tare weight (tare weight) of the two containers 6 can be determined separately.

Nach dem Wiegen werden die beiden Behälter 6 mittels der Abfüllvorrichtung 5 befüllt. Dies geschieht im ersten Ausführungsbeispiel mittels der Füllvorrichtung 54 und der Einfüllnadel 55. Diese Füllvorrichtung 54 ist ausgebildet als Ausleger von der Abfüllvorrichtung 5 hin zu der ersten stationären Prozessstation 4. Direkt über dem zu befüllenden Behälter 6 befindet sich die Einfüllnadel 55, welcher in die Füllvorrichtung 54 integriert ist. In diesem Ausführungsbeispiel ist die Füllvorrichtung 54 schwenkbar und kann somit über beide Behälter 6 geschwenkt werden. Alternativ ist es natürlich auch möglich, dass sich eine Füllvorrichtung 54 über die linke Abstellposition 41 und die rechte Abstellposition 42 erstreckt und dementsprechend auch über zwei Einfüllnadeln 55 verfügt. Diese Alternative ermöglicht ein gleichzeitiges Befüllen bei der beiden Behälter 6.After weighing, the two containers 6 are filled by means of the filling device 5. This is done in the first embodiment by means of the filling device 54 and the filling needle 55. This filling device 54 is designed as a boom of the filling device 5 to the first stationary process station 4. Directly above the container to be filled 6 is the filling needle 55, which in the filling device 54 is integrated. In this embodiment the filling device 54 is pivotable and can thus be pivoted over both containers 6. Alternatively, it is of course also possible that a filling device 54 extends over the left parking position 41 and the right parking position 42 and accordingly also has two filling needles 55. This alternative allows for simultaneous filling in the two containers. 6

Anschließend an den Füllvorgang werden die beiden Behälter 6 mit der bereits beschriebenen Waage erneut gewogen. In diesem Falle wird jedoch das Brutto-Gewicht der beiden Behälter 6 ermittelt. Die Differenz aus Brutto-Gewicht und Tara-Gewicht ergibt das Gewicht des Behälterinhaltes. Dies ermöglicht eine stetige Qualitätskontrolle des Füllvorgangs.Following the filling process, the two containers 6 are weighed again with the balance already described. In this case, however, the gross weight of the two containers 6 is determined. The difference between the gross weight and the tare weight gives the weight of the container contents. This allows a continuous quality control of the filling process.

Anschließend an diese Qualitätskontrolle werden die Behälter 6 von dem zweiten Roboterarm 21 abtransportiert und verschlossen. Bevor jedoch die zweite Handhabungsstation 2 mit der zweiten Aufnahmevorrichtung 22 die Behälter 6 aufnimmt, werden zwei Gummistopfen abgeschleppt. Diese Gummistopfen werden von der Stopfensortiervorrichtung 23 ausgerichtet, vereinzelt und an der Abstellposition 25 bereitgestellt. Die zweite Aufnahmevorrichtung 22 führt nun, bewegte durch den zweiten Roboterarm 21, eine Abschleppbewegung (Pfeil 24) durch. Bei dieser Abschleppbewegung streift die zweite Aufnahmevorrichtung 22 zwei Gummistopfen von der Abschleppposition 25 ab.Subsequent to this quality control, the containers 6 are transported away from the second robot arm 21 and closed. However, before the second handling station 2 with the second receiving device 22 receives the container 6, two rubber plugs are towed. These rubber stoppers are aligned by the Stopfensortiervorrichtung 23, isolated and provided at the parking position 25. The second receiving device 22 now performs, carried by the second robot arm 21, a towing movement (arrow 24). During this towing movement, the second receiving device 22 strips two rubber stoppers from the towing position 25.

Nach der Aufnahme der beiden Gummistopfen nimmt die zweite Aufnahmevorrichtung 22 die beiden Behälter 6 von der ersten stationären Prozessstation 4 auf und transportierte diese in Richtung der Bördelmaschine 7. Während dieses Transports drückt die zweite Aufnahmevorrichtung 22 die beiden Gummistopfen in die beiden Behälter 6. Daraufhin setzt die zweite Handhabungsstation 2 die beiden Behälter 6 in zwei Taschen des Sternrades 73.After receiving the two rubber stoppers, the second receiving device 22 receives the two containers 6 from the first stationary processing station 4 and transported them in the direction of the crimping machine 7. During this transport, the second receiving device 22 presses the two rubber stoppers into the two containers 6 the second handling station 2, the two containers 6 in two pockets of the star wheel 73rd

In diesen Taschen des getaktet rotierenden Sternrades 73 können die Behälter 6 unter dem Zubringer 72 hindurch transportiert werden. Dieser Zubringer 72 ist verbunden mit der Kappen-Sortiervorrichtung 71 und somit können Aluminium-Kappen von der Kappen-Sortiervorrichtung 71 über den Zubringer 72 auf die Behälter 6 gelegt werden.In these pockets of the clocked rotating star wheel 73, the container 6 can be transported below the feeder 72 therethrough. This feeder 72 is connected to the cap sorting device 71 and thus aluminum caps can be put on the containers 6 from the cap sorting device 71 via the feeder 72.

An der Bördelmaschine 7 können die Behälter 6 auf Drehtellern abgestellt werden. Durch Rotation dieser Drehteller werden die Aluminium-Kappen auf den Behältern 6 verbördelt. Durch weiteres Drehen des Sternrades 73 können die verbördelten Behälter 6 zu dem zweiten Förderband 74 bzw. zu den Führungsschienen 75 transportiert werden. Über diese beiden alternativen Ausgänge, das zweite Förderband 74 und die Führungsschienen 75, verlassen die gefüllten und verschlossenen Behälter 6 die Füll- und Verschließmaschine 8. Der Ausgang über das zweite Förderband 74 führt zu einer Magazinerstation, derjenige über die Führungsschienen 75 dient einer Gut-Schlecht-Trennung der Behälter. Alternativ kann der Ausgang je nach Kundenwunsch vielseitig variiert werden. Zum Beispiel ist auch eine pneumatisch gesteuerte Einrichtung zur Gut-Schlecht-Trennung der Behälter denkbar.At the crimping machine 7, the container 6 can be placed on turntables. By rotation of these turntable, the aluminum caps are crimped on the containers 6. By further rotation of the star wheel 73, the crimped container 6 to the second Conveyor belt 74 and be transported to the guide rails 75. The filled and closed containers 6 leave the filling and closing machine 8 via these two alternative exits, the second conveyor belt 74 and the guide rails 75. The exit via the second conveyor belt 74 leads to a magazine station, the one via the guide rails 75 serves for a good Bad-separation of the containers. Alternatively, the output can be varied in many ways depending on the customer's requirements. For example, a pneumatically controlled device for good-bad separation of the container is conceivable.

Figur 2 zeigt eine erfindungsgemäße Füll- und Verschließmaschine 9 nach einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei gleiche bzw. funktional gleiche Teile mit den gleichen Bezugszeichen wie im ersten Ausführungsbeispiel bezeichnet sind. FIG. 2 shows a filling and closing machine 9 according to the invention according to a second embodiment, wherein identical or functionally identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment.

Im Unterschied zum ersten Ausführungsbeispiel verfügt die Füll- und Verschließmaschine 9 des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels über eine dritte Handhabungsstation 3 sowie über eine modifizierte Abfüllvorrichtung 5. Diese dritte Handhabungsstation 3 besteht aus einem dritten Roboterarm 31 mit einer dritten Aufnahmevorrichtung 32. Ferner zeigt Figur 2 einen Ausscheider 34 und eine zweite stationäre Prozessstation 33. Der Aufbau der Abfüllvorrichtung 5 des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels wird in Figur 3 beschrieben.In contrast to the first embodiment, the filling and sealing machine 9 of the second embodiment has a third handling station 3 and a modified filling device 5. This third handling station 3 consists of a third robot arm 31 with a third receiving device 32. Further shows FIG. 2 a separator 34 and a second stationary process station 33. The structure of the filling device 5 of the second embodiment is shown in FIG FIG. 3 described.

Die dritte Handhabungsstation 3 steht zwischen der ersten Handhabungsstation 1 und der zweiten Handhabungsstation 2. Der Wirkungsbereich des dritten Roboterarms 31 erstreckt sich von der ersten stationären Prozessstation 4 über die Abfüllvorrichtung 5 und den Ausscheider 34 zur zweiten stationären Prozessstation 33.The third handling station 3 stands between the first handling station 1 and the second handling station 2. The area of action of the third robot arm 31 extends from the first stationary processing station 4 via the filling device 5 and the separator 34 to the second stationary processing station 33.

Der dritte Roboterarm 31 nimmt mittels der dritten Aufnahmevorrichtung 32 die beiden Behälter 6 von der ersten stationären Prozessstation 4 auf. Mittels des dritten Roboterarms 31 werden die Behälter 6 in die Abfüllvorrichtung 5 gehalten und dort befüllt. Während dieses Füllvorgangs bewegt der dritte Roboterarm 31 die dritte Aufnahmevorrichtung 32 in einer kreisenden Bewegung, um ein sorgsames Einfüllen der pharmazeutischen Substanz zu gewährleisten. Nach Abschluss dieses Füllvorgangs stellt der dritte Roboterarm 31 die beiden Behälter 6 auf der zweiten stationären Prozessstation 33 ab.The third robot arm 31 receives the two containers 6 from the first stationary processing station 4 by means of the third receiving device 32. By means of the third robot arm 31, the containers 6 are held in the filling device 5 and filled there. During this filling operation, the third robot arm 31 moves the third receiving device 32 in a circular motion to ensure a careful filling of the pharmaceutical substance. After completion of this filling process, the third robot arm 31, the two containers 6 on the second stationary process station 33 from.

Diese zweite stationäre Prozessstation 33 entspricht in ihrem Aufbau der ersten stationären Prozessstation 4. Somit kann die zweite stationäre Prozessstation 33 das jeweilige Bruttogewicht der Behälter 6 ermitteln.This second stationary process station 33 corresponds in its construction to the first stationary process station 4. Thus, the second stationary process station 33 can control the respective Determine gross weight of containers 6.

Der Ausscheider 34 dient zum Entfernen fehlerhafter Behälter 6 bzw. mangelhaft gefüllter Behälter 6 aus der Füll- und Verschließmaschine 9. Der dritte Roboterarm 31 kann an diesem Ausscheider 34 einen oder beide Behälter 6 abgeben.The separator 34 serves to remove defective containers 6 or poorly filled containers 6 from the filling and closing machine 9. The third robot arm 31 can deliver one or both containers 6 to this separator 34.

Von der zweiten stationären Prozessstation 33 werden die Behälter 6 mittels der zweiten Handhabungsstation 2 aufgenommen, weitertransportiert und verschlossen. Der weitere Aufbau und Ablauf der Füll- und Verschließmaschine 9 des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels entspricht dem Aufbau und Ablauf der Füll- und Verschließmaschine 8 aus dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel.From the second stationary processing station 33, the containers 6 are picked up by the second handling station 2, further transported and closed. The further structure and sequence of the filling and closing machine 9 of the second embodiment corresponds to the structure and sequence of the filling and closing machine 8 of the first embodiment.

Figur 3 zeigt die Füll- und Verschließmaschine 9 des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels in einer perspektivischen Ansicht. Dabei ist der Aufbau der Abfüllvorrichtung 5 zusehen. Diese besteht aus einer rechten Säule 51, einer linken Säule 52 und einem Vertikalteil 53. Somit können die Behälter 6 mittels des dritten Roboterarms 31 unter das Vertikalteil 53 gehalten werden. Über das Vertikalteil 53 fließt eine pharmazeutische Substanz in die Behälter 6. FIG. 3 shows the filling and closing machine 9 of the second embodiment in a perspective view. In this case, the construction of the filling device 5 is watching. This consists of a right column 51, a left column 52 and a vertical part 53. Thus, the container 6 can be held by means of the third robot arm 31 under the vertical part 53. Via the vertical part 53, a pharmaceutical substance flows into the container 6.

Der Fachmann erkennt, dass eine Kombination aus erstem und zweitem Ausführungsbeispiel möglich ist. Beispielsweise können die Behälter 6 an der ersten stationären Prozessstation 4 mittels der Füllvorrichtung 54 nur teilweise gefüllt werden. Anschließend kann eine vollständige Füllung unter dem Vertikalteil 53 vollzogen werden. Dies ermöglicht beispielsweise eine schnelle erste Befüllung an der ersten stationären Prozessstation 4 und eine schonende zweite Befüllung unter dem Vertikalteil 53. Alternativ ist auch eine Befüllung der Behälter 6 mit zwei verschiedenen pharmazeutischen Substanzen denkbar.The person skilled in the art recognizes that a combination of the first and second exemplary embodiments is possible. For example, the containers 6 at the first stationary process station 4 can only be partially filled by means of the filling device 54. Subsequently, a complete filling under the vertical part 53 can be completed. This allows, for example, a quick first filling at the first stationary process station 4 and a gentle second filling under the vertical part 53. Alternatively, a filling of the container 6 with two different pharmaceutical substances is conceivable.

Ferner ist ein Wiegen der Behälter 6 an der zweiten stationären Prozessstation 33 nicht zwingend nötig. Diese zweite stationäre Prozessstation 33 kann auch lediglich als Übergabestation zur zweiten Handhabungsstation 2 dienen. Ebenso denkbar ist es, die erste stationäre Prozessstation 4 und/oder die zweite stationäre Prozessstation 33 als Magazin zu verwenden. Dadurch können ungleiche Bearbeitungszeiten zwischen den verschiedenen Handhabungsstation ausgeglichen werden.Furthermore, it is not absolutely necessary to weigh the containers 6 at the second stationary process station 33. This second stationary process station 33 can also serve merely as a transfer station to the second handling station 2. It is also conceivable to use the first stationary process station 4 and / or the second stationary process station 33 as a magazine. As a result, uneven processing times between the various handling station can be compensated.

Somit ist beiden Ausführungsbeispielen gemein, dass die Handhabungsstationen bzw. Roboterarme klar von den jeweiligen Zusatzeinrichtungen, wie z.B. Vereinzelung, Waage, Füllvorrichtung, Verschließvorrichtung und Sortiereinrichtung, getrennt sind. Ferner ist kein Transportband zwischen den Handhabungsstationen von Nöten. Dadurch ergibt sich eine sehr kompakte und übersichtliche Füll- und Verschließmaschine, an welcher Nachfüllvorgänge und Wartungsarbeiten einfach durchführbar sind, da alle Stellen der erfindungsgemäßen Füll- und Verschließmaschine für das Bedienpersonal gut zugänglich sind. Auch das Reinigen oder ein wash-down der erfindungsgemäßen Füll- und Verschließmaschine sind so leicht möglich.Thus, both embodiments have in common that the handling stations or Robot arms are clearly separated from the respective ancillary equipment, such as separation, balance, filling device, closing device and sorter. Furthermore, no conveyor belt between the handling stations is needed. This results in a very compact and clear filling and closing machine on which refilling operations and maintenance are easy to carry out, since all points of the filling and closing machine according to the invention for the operating personnel are easily accessible. Also, the cleaning or a wash-down of the filling and closing machine according to the invention are so easily possible.

Die Erfindung offenbar somit eine flexible, anpassungsfähige Füll- und Verschließmaschine mit modularem Aufbau. Durch die erfindungsgemäße Übergabe der Behälter von einer Handhabungsstation zur nächsten über stationäre Positionen bedarf die erfindungsgemäße Füll- und Verschließmaschine keines Förderbands. Somit ist ein effektives Befüllen von Behältern beispielsweise in einer pharmazeutischen Produktionsanlage bei sehr kurzer Baulänge möglich.The invention thus appears to be a flexible, adaptable filling and sealing machine of modular construction. As a result of the inventive transfer of the containers from one handling station to the next via stationary positions, the filling and closing machine according to the invention requires no conveyor belt. Thus, an effective filling of containers, for example, in a pharmaceutical production plant with a very short length is possible.

Claims (9)

  1. Filling and closing machine for containers (6), comprising a first handling station (1) having a first robot arm (11), a second handling station (2) having a second robot arm (21) and a first stationary process station (4),
    wherein the first robot arm (11) transports containers (6) to the first stationary process station (4),
    wherein the second robot arm (21) transports containers (6) from the first process station (4) to a subsequent station (7),
    and wherein at least one process step is carried out at the first stationary process station (4), characterized in that the second handling station (2) comprises a closing apparatus in order to close the container (6) while the container (6) is being transported to the subsequent station (7).
  2. Filling and closing machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first stationary process station (4) comprises scales and/or a filling apparatus (54) in order, as the process step, to weigh the empty container (6) and/or to fill the container (6) and/or to weigh the filled container (6).
  3. Filling and closing machine according to either of the preceding claims, further comprising a third handling station (3) having a third robot arm (31), wherein the third robot arm (31) transports the container (6) onward from the first stationary process station (4).
  4. Filling and closing machine according to Claim 3, characterized in that the third robot arm (31) supplies the container to a dispensing apparatus (5) during the onward transport of the container (6) from the first stationary process station (4).
  5. Filling and closing machine according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that a spout (55) of the filling apparatus (54) is arranged over the first stationary process station (4), in order to fill the container (6).
  6. Filling and closing machine according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the closing apparatus comprises a closure pickup unit in order to take up a closure from a first sorting apparatus (23).
  7. Filling and closing machine according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a flanging station (7) in order to flange caps on the container (6).
  8. Method for filling and closing container, having a first handling station (1) comprising a first robot arm (11), a second handling station (2) comprising a second robot arm (21) and a first stationary process station (4), comprising the steps of:
    - taking up the container (6) into the first robot arm (11),
    - transporting the container to the first stationary process station (4) by means of the first robot arm (11),
    - setting the container (6) down at the first stationary process station (4),
    - carrying out a process step at the first stationary process station (4),
    - taking up the container (6) into the second robot arm (21), and
    - transporting the container (6) to a subsequent station (7) by means of the second robot arm (21), characterized in that while the container (6) is being transported to the subsequent station (7), the container (6) is closed, the second handling station (2) comprising a closing apparatus for this purpose.
  9. Method for filling and closing according to Claim 8, characterized in that the process step at the first process station (4) comprises the steps of
    - weighing the empty container (6) and/or
    - filling the container (6) and/or
    - weighing the filled container (6).
EP09735810A 2008-04-21 2009-04-01 Filling and sealing machine for containers Active EP2280873B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102008001287A DE102008001287A1 (en) 2008-04-21 2008-04-21 Filling and closing machine for containers
PCT/EP2009/053850 WO2009130112A1 (en) 2008-04-21 2009-04-01 Filling and sealing machine for containers

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2280873A1 EP2280873A1 (en) 2011-02-09
EP2280873B1 true EP2280873B1 (en) 2012-10-10

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EP09735810A Active EP2280873B1 (en) 2008-04-21 2009-04-01 Filling and sealing machine for containers

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EP (1) EP2280873B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5306448B2 (en)
CN (1) CN102015453B (en)
DE (1) DE102008001287A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2009130112A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN102015453B (en) 2014-10-15
JP5306448B2 (en) 2013-10-02
WO2009130112A1 (en) 2009-10-29
EP2280873A1 (en) 2011-02-09
CN102015453A (en) 2011-04-13
JP2011522743A (en) 2011-08-04
DE102008001287A1 (en) 2009-10-22

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