BRPI0803080B1 - blister packaging machine - Google Patents

Abstract

MACHINE TO HANDLE BLISTER TYPE PACKING. The present invention relates to a machine for handling blister-type packaging, characterized by the fact that it comprises a first blister-type packaging storage station provided with an opening for feeding blister-type packaging to a second bladder transport station. blister pack for carrying blister packs to a third station for cutting blister packs, and an opening for transferring cut blister packs to a dispensing or packaging station.

Description

[001] The present invention relates to a machine for handling blister-type packaging, particularly for its application in the hospital sector.

[002] Blister packs are containers made of transparent plastic that contain a product in a blister allowing these to be shown and at the same time protected from puffs during handling and transport operations.

[003] Blister packs are generally used for small products and in many cases form a distribution unit in them. A sheet of metal or cardboard serves to support the product and seal the blisters that contain one or more units of the product.

[004] Blister-type packaging is a common form of container for pharmaceutical products in the form of capsules, pills or tablets, for example, where each blister in the blister-type packaging contains a unit of medication.

[005] Hospital pharmacies therefore receive medicines packaged in a blister. However, in a hospital, the drugs will be distributed in the correct dose that will be ingested by the patient. In pharmacies, an operation of "removing the blister-type packaging" is therefore necessary, and it consists of removing from the blister-type packaging, breaking the sealing sheet, the medication units that are required to place these in an intermediate container (glass, bottle) where the medicine or drugs to be administered are given to the patient.

[006] The machines that perform the operation of removing the known blister type packaging were originally designed for complete or partial reuse of medicines by pharmaceutical companies, and were subsequently adapted for use in pharmacies, such as hospital pharmacies.

[007] A problem associated with removing the blister pack is that, although it is easy to do this using blister pack removal machines of known type, during transfer to the hospital patient, the medicine units can be damaged, lost or stolen.

[008] US patent 6318051 describes a device for automatically cutting pills packed in blister packs individually. The device comprises multiple blister-type packaging storage stations in a circular arrangement. Consequently, which takes up a lot of space. Furthermore, it is not a very versatile machine.

[009] To solve the indicated problems, the present invention proposes a machine to cut blister-type packages, which are transferred, once cut, to a distribution zone for possible packaging or introduction in an intermediate container.

[0010] The present invention therefore provides a quick and convenient means of separating the required dose for a customer from the blister-type package, allowing the dose to be transferred to the customer under safe conditions.

[0011] Consequently, the present invention consists of a machine for handling blister-type packaging comprising a first blister-type packaging storage station provided with an opening for feeding blister-type packaging to a second bladder transport station. blister-type packaging for transporting blister-type packages to a third blister-type packaging cutting station, and an opening for transferring cut blister-type packaging to a dispensing or packaging station.

[0012] According to a particularly preferred modality, the cutting station has a blister-type packaging cutter with rotating capacity. This feature means that the machine is capable of cutting blister packs with different blister configurations. In addition, this allows different types of blister-type packaging to be stored in the same blister-type packaging feed opening as the storage station.

[0013] According to the investigations and tests carried out, the blister type packaging cutter is a mechanical type cutter, and even more preferably, the die cut type.

[0014] The device has an element for controlling the rotation of the cutter and a device for visually identifying blister-type packages, said control element and said device being associated with each other through a control element.

[0015] This characteristic means that the device can process a wide range of forms and arrangements of blister-type packaging with a single matrix.

[0016] The visual identification device can comprise video cameras located in the feeding area and in the transport station.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the visual identification device comprises two cameras. A camera, located under the blister-type packaging carrier and oriented upwards, performs the functions of searching for a pattern in the image to verify that it is the correct product, to verify the orientation of the blister-type packaging and to store the photograph. Another camera, located in a scanning area and facing downwards, performs the functions of identifying the horizontal orientation of the blister-type packaging, storing the photograph and detecting if a pill is missing or, optionally, if the blister-type packaging is missing. defect.

[0018] The element to control the rotation of the cutter begins with a scanned image and, using specially designed software, transforms this image into data that marks points X and Y and the turns required to create the cutting program.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the machine has a packaging area for cut blister packs connected to the opening mentioned above for the transfer of blister packs, which more preferably comprises a rejection opening, an opening for the manual entry and a storage area. Even more preferably, the packaging area will comprise a bagger.

[0020] The feeding opening of the blister-type packaging can be provided from a feeder located parallel to or above the opening.

[0021] For a better understanding of the invention, examples of modalities of the present invention and the tests carried out are attached as explanatory examples, however non-limiting. Figure 1 shows a general diagram of a possible modality of the machine according to the present invention. Figure 2 shows a control diagram applicable to a possible modality of a machine according to the present invention. Figure 3 shows a diagram of the relation of control elements - physical on which the user interface of a machine according to the present invention can be based. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the loading zone of the blister pack of a possible embodiment of the machine according to the present invention. Figure 5 shows a diagram of the cutting device of an embodiment of the machine according to the present invention. Figures 6 and 7 are two diagrams showing the advantages of being able to rotate the cutter of the device according to the present invention. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the section of an embodiment of the machine according to the present invention. Figure 9 is a perspective detail of the view shown in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a side elevation view of the section shown in Figures 8 and 9. Figure 11 is a view under the section shown in Figures 8 to 10.

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates a diagram of the zone or station of a possible embodiment of the blister-type packaging cutting machine 100 according to the present invention.

[0023] The machine shown comprises a first blister-type packaging storage station (1000), comprising a zone that has a blister-type packaging storage unit 1 from which blister-type packages fall by gravity in a conveyor belt 2, through a blister-type packaging feed opening.

[0024] In a possible alternative modality, blister packs are removed by forceps associated with the blister pack transport system, without the need for gravity drop. The blister-type transport station, in this case, a transfer station 2000 (for example, a conveyor belt 2 or a Cartesian table with associated clamp 21) leads to the blister-type packages unloaded 100 from the power supply station. blister pack 1000 for a third station 3000 to cut blister pack 100.

[0025] The blister-type packaging cutting station 3000 has a cutter 3 which, in the case shown, has a punch 31 that cuts the blister-type packaging, which passes through an opening 41 to a fourth station 4000 for dispensing or packaging blister-type packaging, depending on the specific requirements of the application.

[0026] In the embodiment shown as a diagram in figure 1, the fourth station 4000 is a blister-type packaging area 4 that has a waste outlet 42 and a packaging outlet 43 that can give access, for example, to a bagger of known type, and an opening 44 for the manual introduction of medicines. Similarly, the fourth station 4000 comprises sensors 45, 46 for controlling the passage of drugs. These sensors can be optical (cameras), presence detectors or another type.

[0027] The selection control for passing through the waste opening 42 or the packaging or bagging opening 43 can be carried out by any suitable method, for example, by trapping.

[0028] For a better control of the cutting operation, in a preferred mode, the machine according to the present invention comprises a visual identification device. Said device can comprise video cameras 51, 52 located in the feeding opening 1000e in the transport station 2000. The camera 52 located in the feeding zone can be used to control the position of the blister pack, to verify that the product distributed is correct, and to view the reverse side of the blister pack. The camera 51 in the transfer station 2000 can be used to control the orientation of the blister-type packaging, to carry out the identification of the product by means of a control device that comprises an image processor, to search for a reference point for the movements of the cutter ( relative zero), and take a photo of the back, if necessary, (for example, if said face has useful information that can be extracted).

[0029] The transfer station 2000 can take the form of a rotating strip, or an x-y table, which allows the blister pack to move in the x-y direction during the cutting process.

[0030] The x-y table can comprise, for example, a linear guide system, provided with an alternating current motor, with the corresponding actuators and the end of execution detection sensors.

[0031] Preferably, the movement speed of the blister pack is approximately 150 mm per second, and the system positioning accuracy is preferably equal to or less than 0.05 mm.

[0032] In order to avoid movement during the cutting phase, the blister pack can be secured by tweezers 21 illustrated in figures 6 and 7. Said tweezers can act on the blister pack 100 both in the feeding zone and subsequently .

[0033] Figure 2 shows a diagram of the machine control device in figure 1. In the diagram, the control device 5000 can be seen, which successively has an image processing module 2001 that processes images from cameras 51, 52, motor control devices 1001, a special module 3001 to synchronize motor control devices in the cutting process, and safety devices 5001. Control 5000 also has a module 4001 for synchronization with the cut blister packaging , and connections to a 6001 communication device, a 6002 user interface (eg keyboard, screen, etc.), a 6003 electronic memory device provided with the databases required for automatic machine operation, and a port 6005 communication with a printer. Also, in a preferred embodiment, the control device 5000 can be connected to a barcode reader 6004 for product identification.

[0034] In figure 3, the control arrangement of the illustrated mode is shown in more detail, and the relationship of this control arrangement with the 6002 user interface.

[0035] The 6000 control has a 6022 programming engine that controls the digital I / O cards 6001 'and the communication ports 6001 of the control device (USB, Ethernet, parallel, serial). The 2002 card scanner is controlled using a special module 6023 that processes images from cameras 51, 52. Motors 1001 are controlled by means of another special module 6024 through corresponding controllers 1003 and amplifier cards 1002.

[0036] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the feeding zone 1000 of blister-type packages 100 of a storage device (not shown) on an x-y transport table. In this case, the blister pack 100 falls by gravity, guided by guides 11. If necessary, it is possible to position another similar feeder 11 next to the one illustrated.

[0037] There are several possibilities regarding the blister-type packaging cutting system: laser cutting, fluid cutting (for example, water under pressure) or mechanical cutting.

[0038] The cut that uses pressurized fluid does not seem to be the most suitable for a hospital-home environment, so the simplicity of the machine must take priority.

[0039] Such for laser cutting, since blister packs are generally formed by a double layer of plastic material (usually PVC) and another of aluminum, PVC could be "burned" by the laser, an aspect not appropriate to the hospital environment.

[0040] Consequently, the cutting system will preferably be mechanical.

[0041] Among mechanical cutting systems and to avoid the formation of residues in a mechanical cutting process of the machining type, the use of punch or die cutting systems is preferred, in other words those that produce the blow cut between the cutting element and the object to be cut.

[0042] Figure 5 shows a diagram of a device for cutting 3 by means of a matrix. A motor 32 that can be seen in figure 5 provides a rotation movement that is transformed by means of a connecting rod device 33 into a linear reciprocal movement of a part of the punch 31 that has a cutter 34 at one end, opposite to a counterpart 35 supporting the blister-type package, giving access to the fourth station 4000 mentioned above.

[0043] In a particularly preferred embodiment, cutter 34 (or units of punch parts 31 and cutter 34) has the ability to rotate. This, among other advantages, allows a single die or punch to be used, as can be seen in Figures 6 and 7.

[0044] Blister-type packaging 100 can be seen in this, in which products are placed in blister-type packaging in different positions (aligned in figure 7; in a quincunce in figure 6) and are cut by the same punch 34 , in a different rotation position with respect to the fixed part 36 of the cutting zone. Thus, the same punch 34 can cut individual doses from the blister pack to blister packs with different arrangements.

[0045] According to studies carried out by the applicant, to allow a greater number of different blister packs that will be cut without the need to change the punch, said punch has a rounded part with a radius of approximately 6 mm.

[0046] The punch 34 can be rotated by means of a special motor 37 and a belt system 38, located below the punch's operating plane, as can be seen in Figures 8 to 11.

[0047] Although the invention is described with respect to an example of a preferred embodiment, it should not be considered as limiting the invention, which will be defined by the broader interpretation of the following claims.

Claims (11)

1. Machine for handling blister-type packages, characterized by the fact that it comprises a first blister-type storage station (1000) provided with an opening to feed blister-type packages to a second transport station (2000) of blister-type packaging to transport blister-type packaging to a third blister-type cutting station (3000), which comprises a blister-type packaging cutter (3), an opening for transferring cut blister-type packaging to a dispensing or packaging station and has a control element for the blister-type packaging cutter (3), and a device for visually identifying blister-type packages, said control element and said device being associated with each other the other through a control element. 2. Machine, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the blister-type packaging cutter (3) has rotation capacity. 3. Machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the blister-type packaging cutter (3) is a mechanical type cutter. 4. Machine, according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the packaging cutter (3) is a die cutter. 5. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the rotation control of the blister-type packaging cutter (3) is produced depending on the type of blister-type packaging detected by the identification device. visualization. 6. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that it has a blister-type packaging station (4000) connected to said opening to transfer blister-type packages. 7. Machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the blister-type packaging station (4000) comprises a rejection opening and a manual introduction opening for packaging. Machine according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the blister type packaging station (4000) comprises a bag. 9. Machine according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the visual identification device comprises video cameras located in the feed opening zone and in the transport station. 10. Machine according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the visual identification device comprises two cameras, one located below the blister-type packaging loader and oriented upwards, which performs the functions of searches for a pattern in the image to verify that it is the correct product, checks the orientation of the blister-type packaging and stores the photograph, and another camera located in a scanning area and facing downwards, performs the functions of identifying the horizontal orientation of the blister type packaging, stores the photo and detects if a pill is missing or, optionally, if the blister packaging is defective. 11. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that all said stations are in a linear arrangement.

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