EP2441682A1 - Device for channelled distribution of tablets and method for implementing same - Google Patents

Device for channelled distribution of tablets and method for implementing same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2441682A1
EP2441682A1 EP10013547A EP10013547A EP2441682A1 EP 2441682 A1 EP2441682 A1 EP 2441682A1 EP 10013547 A EP10013547 A EP 10013547A EP 10013547 A EP10013547 A EP 10013547A EP 2441682 A1 EP2441682 A1 EP 2441682A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
upstream
ramp
channels
downstream
tablets
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP10013547A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2441682B1 (en
Inventor
Philippe Colombat
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E P M O
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E P M O
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Priority to EP20100013547 priority Critical patent/EP2441682B1/en
Priority to ES10013547T priority patent/ES2416492T3/en
Publication of EP2441682A1 publication Critical patent/EP2441682A1/en
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Publication of EP2441682B1 publication Critical patent/EP2441682B1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/10—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles
    • B65B5/101—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles by gravity
    • B65B5/103—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles by gravity for packaging pills or tablets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
    • B65B35/10—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles
    • B65B35/12—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles by gravity
    • 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
    • B65B47/00—Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved
    • B65B47/08—Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved by application of fluid pressure
    • 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
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/02—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
    • B65B9/04—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material
    • B65B9/045—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material for single articles, e.g. tablets

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of the packaging of blister packs and, more particularly, the tablet dispensing devices in a blister pack of conditioning which proceed by channeling the tablets into channels leading them into the cells of said strip, it being continuous and driven to scroll below the dispensing device.
  • the invention relates more specifically to the realization of the multi-channel channeling means for guiding the tablets until they are deposited in the cells of a hollow strip driven in a packaging machine, and the design and production of the associated means useful to the operation of the whole.
  • tablettes is intended here to mean any units in discrete form which may be tablets of any shape (round, oblong, etc.), but also capsules, capsules, or any other type of unit which must be put into place in the different cells of a blister strip to be packaged into platelets.
  • the invention applies more particularly, but not exclusively, in the pharmaceutical field.
  • honeycomb strips There are many packaging facilities for disposing tablets or similar objects in the cells of a moving honeycomb strip below a dispensing device bringing the tablets.
  • the blister strips once the tablets are deposited in the cells, receive at another station a closure film (for example an aluminum protective film), and then they are cut into platelets.
  • the honeycomb strips are generally made by thermoforming the cells in a sheet of synthetic material.
  • the invention is more specifically concerned with those in which the distribution of tablets involves guiding the tablets along multi-channel ramps, in so-called channelized distribution devices, or channelized guidance devices.
  • the ducted guide devices there are three main types of ramps, according to which the path of the tablets, in series one after the other, in their respective guide channels, is provided solely by gravity, thanks to the inclination of the the orientation of the ramp in space, or that it is provided by vibrating the ramp, it being understood that the two solutions are often applied together.
  • the main problem of these channelized distribution ramps comes from the speed of introduction of the tablets into the channels, which is insufficient compared to what can allow the speed of movement of the tablets once in the channels and the speed of scrolling of the cellular tape.
  • the tablets are generally presented in bulk from an inclined and / or vibrating ramp in a feed tank where they accumulate in an area where they are stirred and discharged, for example by a rotating brush with flexible blades which brings them into the mouth of the distribution channels.
  • the introduction of tablets can also be done only by vibration. It is understood that this introduction may be irregular and create an insufficient supply of channels in tablets. There may be insufficiently filled channels and, therefore, to overcome this problem, a slotted tape speed of less than what it could be if the channels were still correctly filled should be used.
  • the industry is in demand for ways to accelerate cell filling rates.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to remedy this problem and to increase the filling rate of the cells by increasing the overall flow of tablets without affecting the feed stability and the regularity of the filling of the strips.
  • the invention proposes for this purpose to split the ramp into two parts, an upstream portion where the tablets are introduced, in a conventional manner from a bulk feed tank, and a part downstream from which the tablets come out to be deposited in the cells of the receiver band, and by providing to provide the upstream ramp portion of longitudinal channels in a number multiple of the number of useful channels that the downstream ramp portion has. More specifically, it is advantageously provided that for each downstream channel useful for filling a column of cells in the strip running under the downstream ramp, several channels of the upstream ramp are associated, at least in number of two for each downstream channel, in a disposition to put them in turn in communication with the corresponding channel of the downstream ramp. To enable switching, the upstream ramp is made mobile transversely.
  • transverse direction is here expressed relative to the longitudinal direction of the channels, that is to say, in general, also with respect to the direction of travel of the blister strip in a packaging machine. Furthermore, upstream and downstream are obviously defined with respect to the direction of flow of the tablets to the cells.
  • step 5 the cycle is repeated by repeating, each time a permutation is triggered, the series of steps 1 to 4 or 6 to 9 which ensure the synchronization of the movement of the ramp. upstream with the absence of tablets in the area of the junction plane between the two ramps, for the entire duration of filling of the cells of the moving honeycomb strip.
  • the filling conditions are optimal, in the as it is easy to ensure that the automatic switching operations are fast with respect to the length of the downstream ramp.
  • the method of packaging the tablets is such that it comprises, before step 1, a step according to which tablets are poured from a feed tank onto an area of arrival of said guiding device, the tablets flowing by gravity and / or vibration to an accumulation zone against a rotating blade brush which discharges and brews the tablets to enter the guide channels of the ramp upstream, the level accumulation accumulation zone being detected by a detector, in particular which may be optical, to control the sending of a signal to stop or trigger the spill in the arrival zone.
  • the figure 1 discloses a general view of a channeled guiding device according to the invention in a packaging machine seen in cutaway, casings which enclose the movement transmission members controlling the moving parts, as well as protective plates which participate in the channeling of the tablets, having been removed to reveal the internal part of said device.
  • the Figure 1A corresponds to the figure 1 , but the housings and plates are in place to show the external general appearance of the device.
  • Protective housings or plates can enclose particular moving mechanical parts and protect these parts of the dust that can be generated by the units to be packaged and facilitate cleaning.
  • plates are placed above the grooves of the channels to allow in particular to maintain the tablets and form a complete entity of pipe for their transport, and also to protect them.
  • the feeding device comprises an arrival zone A of tablets and a pipe ramp R provided with longitudinal channels 31, 32 for guiding the tablets.
  • This ramp is divided into two ramps, an upstream ramp 1 and a downstream ramp 2.
  • the upstream ramp 1 which is transversely movable, comprises two parts, an upper portion 10 slightly inclined and a tilting portion 11 more inclined.
  • the upstream ramp comprises upstream channels 31, all similar, which are in the form of grooves hollowed in the mass of the ramp, which is usually made of metal or a plastic material of food grade.
  • the upper part 10 is located at a zone B accumulation of tablets.
  • the downstream ramp 2 disposed vertically, comprises five downstream guide channels 32, the same number as that of the cells 41 to be filled simultaneously, that is to say the same number of rows of cells in scrolling of the cellular tape. She is fixed.
  • the downstream channels 32 are similar in the form of grooves dug in the metal of the ramp and covered with a plate (of metal or plastic food for example) forming the top of the channel.
  • the upstream ramp 1 comprises ten upstream channels 31 side by side.
  • the upstream channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1 are therefore in double number of the downstream channels 32 of the downstream ramp 2.
  • the channels 32 of the downstream ramp 2 are of the same width as that of the upstream channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1 but they are more spaced.
  • the distance between the centers of the downstream channels 32 is twice the distance between the centers of the upstream channels 31.
  • the upstream ramp 1 thus associates two upstream channels 31, which will also be called paired, paired or matched.
  • the tablets come from a hopper forming a feed tank located above the packaging machine, from which they fall through a feed pipe (not shown) on the slightly inclined plane of the arrival zone A.
  • a level detector 6 is connected to the feed hopper to control the supply of tablets , to allow it or not.
  • Tablets entering the upstream channels 31 will then flow by gravity following these upstream channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1, which is in inclined plane, and continue their journey in the downstream channels 32 of the downstream ramp 2, connected alternately to one channel on two of the upstream channels 31.
  • the tablets then fall into the five cells 41 of the cellular strip 4 which scrolls underneath.
  • the spacing between the downstream channels 32 is such as to shift the channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1 by a distance equal to that of the spacing between two upstream channels 31 so that the coupled channels 31 alternatively feed each channel 32 downstream as explained below with reference to Figures 4A and 4B .
  • a housing 7 comprises various actuators of the guide device, in particular an end-of-travel adjustment bar for the upstream ramp.
  • This bar 8 is not visible on the Figure 1A . It is described more fully in Figures 4A and 4B .
  • the housing 7 also comprises the control means for the means for stopping the tablets, which are made in the case described in the form of a stopper part, not visible on the Figure 1A , controlled to block the circulation of the tablets before a transverse displacement of the upstream ramp. It also includes the actuator that allows the transverse movement of the upstream ramp.
  • an opto-electronic cell located at the top of the downstream ramp is configured to detect the filling level of the downstream channels.
  • the figure 2 is a sectional view of the device of the figure 1 , illustrated supplied with tablets in the plane of an upstream channel 31 and a downstream channel 32 connected to each other.
  • tablets C being represented in addition.
  • the tablet holder part 9 which is connected to the upstream ramp 1. This part is actuated to block the descent of the tablets C at their passage of the channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1 to the channels 32 of the downstream ramp 2, before any transverse displacement of the upstream ramp 1, so as not to crush, section, or block tablets at this level during the displacement of the upstream ramp.
  • This stopper part 9 is actuated by a pneumatic cylinder, called here thrust cylinder V, or locking cylinder, which pushes this piece to the upstream channels to close them. More precisely piece 9 is here realized in the form of a bar, which carries fingers 91 in number equal to that of the number of channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1 to close, so here ten. These fingers 91 are of a width less than that of each channel 31; they are protruding outside the room 9. As explained below these fingers 91 will be introduced into the upstream channels without fully touching the bottom of the groove, to block the tablets without crushing, cutting, or damaging d in any way.
  • a pneumatic cylinder called here thrust cylinder V, or locking cylinder
  • the Figures 3A and 3B are two views, in perspective, of the retaining piece 9, observed from two different angles.
  • the fingers 91 are flexible and / or compressible. They are notably realized, as illustrated by the figure 3A , in the form of helical springs, for example stainless steel, bearing between two plates. Suitable resilient fingers may also be spring blades, which are illustrated on the figure 3A coming out obliquely from the box of room 9. These fingers have the role of closing the channels by blocking the passage of tablets. Their elasticity allows a modulation of their pressure and their depth of penetration into the channels, which prevents them from damaging the tablets that would still be present when the stopper part 9 is put into action.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B represent the guide device with the upstream ramp 1 of the ramp R moved respectively to the right and to the left, to explain the transverse movement of this upstream ramp 1 relative to the axis of symmetry of the ramp appearing in dotted lines in the figures.
  • the twinned channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1, in order to better explain the operation of the device, are distinguished and named 31d and 31g respectively for the right channel and the left channel.
  • the bar 8 for adjusting the transverse stroke of the upstream ramp 1 is shown at the top of the Figures 4A and 4B for the understanding of the displacement of the upstream ramp 1 of the device but in practice it is located preferentially in the housing 7.
  • An opto-electronic presence detection device 5 comprising an emitting cell 51 and a receiving cell 52 disposed on either side of the downstream ramp 2 and as high as possible at the beginning (at their entry) of the downstream channels 32 of the downstream ramp 2, to detect the presence or absence of tablets at the top of these downstream channels 32 and thus know whether the upstream ramp 1 can be moved, without damaging the tablets that would be at the top of the channels.
  • the distance between the cell 5 (here the cells 51, 52) and the inlet of the downstream channels 32 (at the top of the downstream ramp 2) must be smaller than the size of the tablets.
  • the ten upstream channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1 are shifted to the left and the tablets therefore flow from the right channels 31d into the downstream channels 32.
  • the tablets in the left upstream channels 31g are blocked by the solid upper part of the downstream ramp 32.
  • the guide device according to the invention therefore makes it possible to move the upstream ramp 1 from left to right so as to feed the downstream channels 32 according to the principle which will be described below.
  • the tablets entered in the upstream channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1 are stopped at the outlet of the upstream channels 31 by sending an automated signal to the thrust cylinder of the stop means 9 to the upstream channels 31 so that the fingers 91 stop the progress of the tablets that run in each upstream channel. Then, the presence of tablets C at the top (at the inlet) of the downstream channels 32 of the downstream ramp 2 with the cell 5 is detected in order to determine whether the displacement cross section of the upstream ramp may be allowed.
  • the information is used to control another jack W to move the upstream ramp 1 transversely to the right, by a distance equal to the distance between the centers of two twinned channels 31 , so as to put the left channel 31g of the upstream ramp in connection with the corresponding downstream channel 32.
  • the limit switch 820 detects that the upstream ramp 1 has touched the right stop 810 and controls the thrust cylinder V to release the stop means 9 and thus let the tablets run to fill the downstream channels 32 and flow into the cells 41 of the honeycomb strip which runs under the downstream channels 32.
  • the flow of the tablets C is again stopped as in the preceding step, and the presence of tablets C at the inlet of the downstream channels 32 of the downstream ramp 2 is detected as before. If no tablet is detected at the top of Channels 32, a signal is sent again to said other cylinder W to laterally move the upstream ramp 1 to the left in order to put the second right upstream channel 31 d in connection with the channel 32 and fill it.
  • the limit switch of the upstream ramp 1 is also detected by an end-of-travel detector 821 when it comes against the left stop 811.
  • the procedure is repeated periodically, by providing a movement back and forth of the upstream ramp 1, each go and each return being set by a programmed actuation of the tablet holding part 9, for example both. seconds.
  • This actuation of the retaining piece could also be triggered by a signal related to a detection of the degree of filling of each of the downstream channels. Such detection can be done for example with the aid of a camera pointed at the downstream channels.
  • the invention allows the downstream channels 32 are always properly filled, enough so that the cells 41 are all filled with tablets in good condition, even when the longitudinal scrolling speed of the blister strip is substantially increased.
  • tests have revealed a flow rate of about 15 tablets per second in each downstream channel, ie a conditioning rate of 900 to 1000 tablets per minute, whereas in the prior art, the conditioning rate was only 700 tablets per minute.
  • the rate of conditioning of the tablets in the cells is increased, for example by at least 20 to more than 40%.
  • channel grooves is typical of each type of unit to be packaged, be it long, oblong tablets, capsules or capsules, etc. These are so-called format parts, which are interchangeable in the same packaging machine.
  • the stroke adjustment bar of the upstream ramp is a part in the format, the realization of which depends on the width, the number and the distribution of the downstream channels in correspondence with the receiving cells in the moving strip.
  • the coin hold tablet is also a coin format.
  • the invention has been described for a ramp with an inclined portion and a vertical portion.
  • the invention is not limited to this type of ramp. It could also be a vibrating ramp slightly inclined and without change of inclination or low change of slope, the tablets being routed in the distribution channels mainly through vibration. It can also be a combined ramp comprising a horizontal vibrating ramp and a vertical non-vibrating ramp. And in the downstream ramp, the channels can be rectilinear rather than curved to end at an angle in the cells as shown in the diagram. figure 1 .
  • the invention is not limited to the modes of implementation which have been specifically described and represented, and that it extends on the contrary to any variant passing through equivalent means.

Abstract

The device has a set of longitudinal downstream channels (32) arranged in a downstream ramp (2) to deposit compressed tablets that are lead in cells of a projected blister strip. A set of longitudinal upstream channels (31) is arranged in an upstream ramp (1) to supply the tablets in an arrangement such that each downstream channel is associated to two of the upstream channels. A setting unit sets the upstream channels in communication with the corresponding downstream channel through transversal displacement of the upstream ramp with respect to the downstream ramp. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a machine for packaging compressed tablets in cells of a blister strip (2) a method for implementing a channelized dispensing device.

Description

La présente invention concerne le domaine du conditionnement de comprimés sous blister et, plus particulièrement, les dispositifs de distribution de comprimés dans une bande alvéolée de conditionnement qui procèdent par guidage canalisé des comprimés dans des canaux les conduisant dans les alvéoles de ladite bande, celle-ci étant continue et entraînée à défiler en dessous du dispositif de distribution. L'invention concerne plus spécifiquement la réalisation des moyens de canalisation à canaux multiples servant au guidage des comprimés jusqu'à leur dépôt dans les alvéoles d'une bande alvéolée entraînée en défilement dans une machine de conditionnement, ainsi que la conception et la réalisation des moyens associés utiles au fonctionnement de l'ensemble.The present invention relates to the field of the packaging of blister packs and, more particularly, the tablet dispensing devices in a blister pack of conditioning which proceed by channeling the tablets into channels leading them into the cells of said strip, it being continuous and driven to scroll below the dispensing device. The invention relates more specifically to the realization of the multi-channel channeling means for guiding the tablets until they are deposited in the cells of a hollow strip driven in a packaging machine, and the design and production of the associated means useful to the operation of the whole.

On entend ici par comprimés, toutes unités sous forme discrète qui peuvent être des comprimés de toute forme (ronde, oblongue, etc.), mais également des gélules, des capsules, ou tout autres types d'unités qui doivent être mises en place dans les différentes alvéoles d'une bande alvéolée pour être conditionnées en plaquettes. L'invention s'applique plus particulièrement, mais non limitativement, dans le domaine pharmaceutique.The term "tablets" is intended here to mean any units in discrete form which may be tablets of any shape (round, oblong, etc.), but also capsules, capsules, or any other type of unit which must be put into place in the different cells of a blister strip to be packaged into platelets. The invention applies more particularly, but not exclusively, in the pharmaceutical field.

Il existe de nombreuses installations de conditionnement permettant de disposer des comprimés ou objets similaires dans les alvéoles d'une bande alvéolée en défilement en dessous d'un dispositif de distribution amenant les comprimés. Les bandes alvéolées, une fois les comprimés déposés dans les alvéoles, reçoivent à un autre poste, une pellicule de fermeture (par exemple un film protecteur d'aluminium), puis elles sont découpées en plaquettes. Les bandes alvéolées sont généralement faites par thermoformage des alvéoles dans une feuille en matière synthétique.There are many packaging facilities for disposing tablets or similar objects in the cells of a moving honeycomb strip below a dispensing device bringing the tablets. The blister strips, once the tablets are deposited in the cells, receive at another station a closure film (for example an aluminum protective film), and then they are cut into platelets. The honeycomb strips are generally made by thermoforming the cells in a sheet of synthetic material.

Parmi ces installations, l'invention s'intéresse plus spécifiquement à celles dans lesquelles la distribution des comprimés implique le guidage des comprimés le long de rampes à canaux multiples, dans des dispositifs dits de distribution canalisée, ou de guidage canalisé. Parmi les dispositifs de guidage canalisé, on rencontre trois types principaux de rampes, suivant que le cheminement des comprimés, en série les uns après les autres, dans leurs canaux de guidage respectifs, est assuré uniquement par gravité, grâce à l'inclinaison de la l'orientation de la rampe dans l'espace, ou qu'il est assuré par mise en vibration de la rampe, étant entendu que les deux solutions sont souvent appliquées ensemble.Among these installations, the invention is more specifically concerned with those in which the distribution of tablets involves guiding the tablets along multi-channel ramps, in so-called channelized distribution devices, or channelized guidance devices. Among the ducted guide devices, there are three main types of ramps, according to which the path of the tablets, in series one after the other, in their respective guide channels, is provided solely by gravity, thanks to the inclination of the the orientation of the ramp in space, or that it is provided by vibrating the ramp, it being understood that the two solutions are often applied together.

Le problème principal de ces rampes de distribution canalisée vient de la vitesse d'introduction des comprimés dans les canaux, qui est insuffisante par rapport à ce que peuvent permettre la vitesse de cheminement des comprimés une fois dans les canaux et la vitesse de défilement de la bande alvéolée. Les comprimés sont généralement présentés en vrac au départ d'une rampe inclinée et/ou vibrante, dans un réservoir d'alimentation où ils s'accumulent dans une zone où ils sont brassés et refoulés, par exemple par une brosse rotative à pales flexibles qui les fait entrer dans l'embouchure des canaux de distribution. L'introduction des comprimés peut aussi se faire uniquement par vibration. On comprend que cette introduction peut être irrégulière et créer une alimentation des canaux insuffisante en comprimés. Il peut y avoir des canaux insuffisamment remplis et, par conséquent, pour palier ce problème, il faut utiliser une vitesse de défilement de la bande alvéolée inférieure à ce qu'elle pourrait être si les canaux étaient toujours correctement remplis. Manifestement, l'industrie est en demande pour des moyens permettant d'accélérer la cadence de remplissage des alvéoles.The main problem of these channelized distribution ramps comes from the speed of introduction of the tablets into the channels, which is insufficient compared to what can allow the speed of movement of the tablets once in the channels and the speed of scrolling of the cellular tape. The tablets are generally presented in bulk from an inclined and / or vibrating ramp in a feed tank where they accumulate in an area where they are stirred and discharged, for example by a rotating brush with flexible blades which brings them into the mouth of the distribution channels. The introduction of tablets can also be done only by vibration. It is understood that this introduction may be irregular and create an insufficient supply of channels in tablets. There may be insufficiently filled channels and, therefore, to overcome this problem, a slotted tape speed of less than what it could be if the channels were still correctly filled should be used. Clearly, the industry is in demand for ways to accelerate cell filling rates.

Le but de l'invention est donc de remédier à ce problème et d'augmenter la cadence de remplissage des alvéoles en augmentant le débit global de comprimés sans nuire à la stabilité d'alimentation et à la régularité du remplissage des bandes.The object of the invention is therefore to remedy this problem and to increase the filling rate of the cells by increasing the overall flow of tablets without affecting the feed stability and the regularity of the filling of the strips.

L'invention propose à cette fin de scinder la rampe en deux parties, une partie amont où sont introduits les comprimés, de manière en soi classique à partir d'un réservoir d'alimentation en vrac, et une partie aval d'où sortent les comprimés pour être déposés dans les alvéoles de la bande réceptrice, et en prévoyant de munir la partie de rampe amont de canaux longitudinaux en nombre multiple du nombre de canaux utiles que la partie de rampe aval comporte. De manière plus précise, il est avantageusement prévu qu'à chaque canal aval utile au remplissage d'une colonne d'alvéoles dans la bande en défilement sous la rampe aval, il soit associé plusieurs canaux de la rampe amont, au moins au nombre de deux pour chaque canal aval, dans une disposition permettant de les mettre à tour de rôle en communication avec le canal correspondant de la rampe aval. Pour permettre la commutation, la rampe amont est réalisée mobile transversalement. La direction transversale est ici exprimée par rapport à la direction longitudinale des canaux, c'est-à-dire, en général, également par rapport à la direction de défilement de la bande alvéolée dans une machine de conditionnement. Par ailleurs, l'amont et l'aval sont bien évidemment définis par rapport au sens d'écoulement des comprimés vers les alvéoles.The invention proposes for this purpose to split the ramp into two parts, an upstream portion where the tablets are introduced, in a conventional manner from a bulk feed tank, and a part downstream from which the tablets come out to be deposited in the cells of the receiver band, and by providing to provide the upstream ramp portion of longitudinal channels in a number multiple of the number of useful channels that the downstream ramp portion has. More specifically, it is advantageously provided that for each downstream channel useful for filling a column of cells in the strip running under the downstream ramp, several channels of the upstream ramp are associated, at least in number of two for each downstream channel, in a disposition to put them in turn in communication with the corresponding channel of the downstream ramp. To enable switching, the upstream ramp is made mobile transversely. The transverse direction is here expressed relative to the longitudinal direction of the channels, that is to say, in general, also with respect to the direction of travel of the blister strip in a packaging machine. Furthermore, upstream and downstream are obviously defined with respect to the direction of flow of the tablets to the cells.

L'art antérieur en la matière est illustré notamment par le document de brevet GB 882 494, publié le 15 novembre 1961 . On y trouve la notion d'une division de la rampe inclinée de distribution entre une partie amont et une partie aval, et il est prévu que la rampe amont puisse comprendre un nombre de canaux plus importants que la rampe aval. Mais on n'y trouve aucune suggestion quant à l'établissement de connexions un à un entre canal amont et canal aval faisant passer à tour de rôle deux canaux différents en regard d'un même canal aval. Il n'est pas prévu, non plus, de pouvoir réaliser une permutation simultanément sur plusieurs canaux, car l'obturation s'effectue séparément sur chaque canal entre canal amont et canal aval.The prior art in the field is illustrated in particular by the patent document GB 882 494, published November 15, 1961 . It contains the notion of a division of the inclined distribution ramp between an upstream portion and a downstream portion, and it is expected that the upstream ramp may comprise a number of channels greater than the downstream ramp. But there is no suggestion that one-to-one connections be established between the upstream and downstream channels, taking in turn two different channels in the same downstream channel. It is not intended, either, to perform a permutation simultaneously on multiple channels, because the shutter is performed separately on each channel between upstream channel and downstream channel.

Par rapport à un tel art antérieur, les objectifs de la présente invention sont atteints par les caractéristiques qui font l'objet de la revendication 1 à titre principal, par les autres revendications à titre secondaire, ainsi que par les explications à leur sujet qui ressortiront de la description ci-après d'un mode de mise en oeuvre de l'invention illustré par les figures.With respect to such a prior art, the objectives of the present invention are achieved by the features which are the subject of claim 1 principally, by the other claims on a secondary basis, as well as by explanations about them which will emerge of the description below of an embodiment of the invention illustrated by the figures.

Cette description illustre l'utilisation du dispositif de distribution dans un procédé de conditionnement de comprimés par guidage canalisé des comprimés jusqu'à leur dépôt dans les alvéoles d'une bande alvéolée en défilement, suivant lequel on met en oeuvre le dispositif de distribution canalisée avec ses canaux de guidage des comprimés et ses moyens de permutation des connexions entre canaux amont et canaux aval par déplacement transversal de la rampe amont par rapport à la rampe aval. Suivant ce procédé on commande le déroulement automatique des différentes étapes de fonctionnement d'un cycle périodique qui est décrit ci-après en se plaçant dans le cas particulier d'une permutation des connexions entre deux canaux amont alternativement (ce cas correspondant également à une forme de mise en oeuvre industrielle préférée, ne serait-ce que pour sa simplicité de construction).

  1. 1. On arrête l'écoulement des comprimés à la sortie des canaux de la rampe amont par envoi d'un signal automatisé vers un vérin qui pousse les moyens d'arrêt des comprimés vers les canaux amont ;
  2. 2. On détecte la présence de comprimés à l'entrée des canaux de la rampe aval afin de déterminer si le déplacement transversal de la rampe amont est autorisé ;
  3. 3. Si aucun comprimé n'est présent à l'entrée des canaux, on envoie alors un signal de commande d'un autre vérin, par exemple, pour déplacer la rampe amont transversalement dans son débattement vers l'un des côtés et mettre en connexion chaque canal aval avec un premier des canaux amont qui lui sont associés ;
  4. 4. Quand le détecteur de fin de course signale que la rampe amont a atteint une butée présente sur ledit côté, on commande le vérin des moyens d'arrêt de manière à libérer le passage des comprimés dans chaque canal amont et à laisser ainsi les comprimés remplir les canaux
    aval et s'écouler jusque dans les alvéoles de la bande alvéolée en défilement sous les canaux aval ;
  5. 5. On laisse la circulation des comprimés s'effectuer par les passages connectés jusqu'au déclenchement d'une nouvelle opération de permutation des connexions, laquelle peut être déterminée notamment, de manière automatique, soit par un délai de temporisation réglé par avance, soit suite à la détection d'un degré de remplissage insuffisant des canaux aval en cours d'utilisation ;
  6. 6. On commande alors les moyens d'arrêt pour un blocage temporaire de la circulation des comprimés en amont comme à l'étape 1 ;
  7. 7. On détecte comme à l'étape 2, la présence éventuelle de comprimés à l'entrée des canaux aval de la rampe aval ;
  8. 8. Si aucun comprimé n'est détecté à l'entrée des canaux, on commande le vérin de déplacement de la rampe amont pour déplacer celle-ci transversalement vers le côté opposé à celui mentionné pour l'étape 3 et mettre chaque canal aval en communication avec l'autre canal amont ;
  9. 9. Comme à l'étape 5, on détecte la fin de course de la rampe amont lorsqu'elle a touché la butée dudit côté opposé et on commande de la même manière le relâchement des moyens d'arrêt des comprimés pour laisser à nouveau les comprimés s'acheminer pour remplir les canaux et s'écouler jusque dans les alvéoles de la bande alvéolée en défilement sous les canaux aval.
This description illustrates the use of the dispensing device in a tablet packaging process by channeling the tablets to their deposit in the cells of a moving honeycomb strip, according to which the channelized distribution device is implemented with its guide channels of the tablets and its means of permutation connections between upstream channels and downstream channels by transverse displacement of the upstream ramp with respect to the downstream ramp. According to this method, the automatic sequence of the various operating steps of a periodic cycle is controlled, which is described below by placing itself in the particular case of a permutation of the connections between two upstream channels alternately (this case also corresponding to a form preferred industrial implementation, if only for its simplicity of construction).
  1. 1. The flow of tablets is stopped at the outlet of the channels of the upstream ramp by sending an automated signal to a jack which pushes the means for stopping tablets to the upstream channels;
  2. 2. The presence of tablets at the inlet of the downstream boom channels is detected to determine whether transversal displacement of the upstream boom is allowed;
  3. 3. If no tablet is present at the entrance of the channels, then a control signal is sent from another cylinder, for example, to move the upstream ramp transversely in its travel towards one of the sides and put in connecting each downstream channel with a first of the upstream channels associated therewith;
  4. 4. When the limit switch signals that the upstream ramp has reached a stop present on said side, the cylinder of the stop means is controlled so as to release the passage of the tablets in each upstream channel and thus to leave the tablets fill the channels
    downstream and flow into the alveoli of the cellular strip running under the downstream channels;
  5. 5. The circulation of the tablets is allowed to take place through the connected passages until a new operation of permutation of the connections is triggered, which can be determined in particular, automatically, either by a delay time set in advance, or following the detection of an insufficient degree of filling of the downstream channels in use;
  6. 6. The stop means is then controlled for temporarily blocking the circulation of the tablets upstream as in step 1;
  7. 7. As in step 2, the presence of tablets at the inlet of the downstream channels of the downstream ramp is detected;
  8. 8. If no tablet is detected at the entrance of the channels, the displacement cylinder of the upstream ramp is controlled to move it transversely to the opposite side to that mentioned for step 3 and to put each downstream channel into communication with the other upstream channel;
  9. 9. As in step 5, the end of travel of the upstream ramp is detected when it has touched the abutment of said opposite side and the release means of stopping the tablets are also controlled in the same way to leave the The tablets run to fill the channels and flow into the alveoli of the honeycomb strip running under the downstream channels.

Après un délai d'écoulement normal comme à l'étape 5, on reprend le cycle en répétant, chaque fois qu'une permutation est déclenchée, la série des étapes 1 à 4 ou 6 à 9 qui assurent la synchronisation du déplacement de la rampe amont avec l'absence de comprimés dans la zone du plan de jonction entre les deux rampes, ce pendant toute la durée de remplissage des alvéoles de la bande alvéolée en défilement. Les conditions de remplissage sont optimales, dans la mesure où il est facile d'assurer que les opérations automatiques de permutation soient rapides au regard de la longueur de la rampe aval.After a normal flow delay as in step 5, the cycle is repeated by repeating, each time a permutation is triggered, the series of steps 1 to 4 or 6 to 9 which ensure the synchronization of the movement of the ramp. upstream with the absence of tablets in the area of the junction plane between the two ramps, for the entire duration of filling of the cells of the moving honeycomb strip. The filling conditions are optimal, in the as it is easy to ensure that the automatic switching operations are fast with respect to the length of the downstream ramp.

Selon un mode particulier de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, le procédé de conditionnement des comprimés est tel qu'il comprend avant l'étape 1, une étape selon laquelle on déverse des comprimés depuis un réservoir d'alimentation sur une zone d'arrivée dudit dispositif de guidage, les comprimés s'écoulant par gravité et/ou vibration jusqu'à une zone d'accumulation contre une brosse rotative à pales qui refoule et brasse les comprimés afin de les faire entrer dans les canaux de guidage de la rampe amont, le niveau d'accumulation en zone d'accumulation étant détecté par un détecteur, en particulier qui peut être optique, afin de commander l'envoi d'un signal pour stopper ou enclencher le déversement en zone d'arrivée.According to one particular embodiment of the invention, the method of packaging the tablets is such that it comprises, before step 1, a step according to which tablets are poured from a feed tank onto an area of arrival of said guiding device, the tablets flowing by gravity and / or vibration to an accumulation zone against a rotating blade brush which discharges and brews the tablets to enter the guide channels of the ramp upstream, the level accumulation accumulation zone being detected by a detector, in particular which may be optical, to control the sending of a signal to stop or trigger the spill in the arrival zone.

L'invention sera maintenant plus complètement décrite dans le cadre de caractéristiques préférées et de leurs avantages, en faisant référence aux figures 1 à 4B dans lesquelles :

  • la figure 1 est une vue générale en perspective et en écorché du dispositif de guidage canalisé selon l'invention dans une machine de conditionnement de comprimés,
  • la figure 1A est une vue du dispositif selon la figure 1,
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe du dispositif de la figure 1, approvisionné en comprimés, suivant le plan d'un canal amont et un canal aval connectés ensemble;
  • les figures 3A et 3B sont deux vues en perspective de moyens d'arrêt des comprimés dans le dispositif selon l'invention,
  • et les figures 4A et 4B illustrent schématiquement le dispositif en vue de face, en écorché, et en élévation.
The invention will now be more fully described in the context of preferred features and their advantages, with reference to Figures 1 to 4B in which :
  • the figure 1 is a general perspective view and cut away of the channeled guiding device according to the invention in a tablet packaging machine,
  • the Figure 1A is a view of the device according to the figure 1 ,
  • the figure 2 is a sectional view of the device of the figure 1 , supplied with tablets, according to the plan of an upstream channel and a downstream channel connected together;
  • the Figures 3A and 3B are two perspective views of means for stopping the tablets in the device according to the invention,
  • and the Figures 4A and 4B schematically illustrate the device in front view, cutaway, and elevation.

La figure 1 décrit une vue générale d'un dispositif de guidage canalisé selon l'invention dans une machine de conditionnement vue en écorché, des carters qui enferment les organes de transmission de mouvement commandant les pièces mobiles, ainsi que des plaques de protection qui participent à la canalisation des comprimés, ayant été enlevés pour laisser voir la partie interne dudit dispositif.The figure 1 discloses a general view of a channeled guiding device according to the invention in a packaging machine seen in cutaway, casings which enclose the movement transmission members controlling the moving parts, as well as protective plates which participate in the channeling of the tablets, having been removed to reveal the internal part of said device.

La figure 1A correspond à la figure 1, mais les carters et les plaques sont en place afin de montrer l'aspect général externe du dispositif. Les carters de protection ou plaques permettent d'enfermer notamment les pièces mécaniques mobiles et de protéger ces pièces de la poussière pouvant être générée par les unités à conditionner et de faciliter le nettoyage. Par ailleurs, des plaques sont mises au-dessus des rainures des canaux pour permettre notamment de maintenir les comprimés et former une entité complète de canalisation pour leur acheminement, et également pour les protéger.The Figure 1A corresponds to the figure 1 , but the housings and plates are in place to show the external general appearance of the device. Protective housings or plates can enclose particular moving mechanical parts and protect these parts of the dust that can be generated by the units to be packaged and facilitate cleaning. Furthermore, plates are placed above the grooves of the channels to allow in particular to maintain the tablets and form a complete entity of pipe for their transport, and also to protect them.

Le dispositif d'alimentation comporte une zone d'arrivée A des comprimés et une rampe de canalisation R munie de canaux longitudinaux 31,32 destinés au guidage des comprimés. Cette rampe est scindée en deux rampes, une rampe amont 1 et une rampe aval 2. La rampe amont 1, qui est mobile transversalement, comporte deux parties, une partie supérieure 10 légèrement inclinée et une partie répartiteur 11 plus inclinée. Dans chacune de ses deux parties10 et 11, la rampe amont comporte des canaux amont 31, tous semblables, qui sont sous forme de rainures creusées dans la masse de la rampe, qui est en général en métal ou en une matière plastique de qualité alimentaire. La partie supérieure 10 se situe au niveau d'une zone B d'accumulation des comprimés.The feeding device comprises an arrival zone A of tablets and a pipe ramp R provided with longitudinal channels 31, 32 for guiding the tablets. This ramp is divided into two ramps, an upstream ramp 1 and a downstream ramp 2. The upstream ramp 1, which is transversely movable, comprises two parts, an upper portion 10 slightly inclined and a tilting portion 11 more inclined. In each of its two parts 10 and 11, the upstream ramp comprises upstream channels 31, all similar, which are in the form of grooves hollowed in the mass of the ramp, which is usually made of metal or a plastic material of food grade. The upper part 10 is located at a zone B accumulation of tablets.

La rampe aval 2, disposée à la verticale, comporte cinq canaux de guidage aval 32, soit le même nombre que celui des alvéoles 41 à remplir simultanément, c'est-à-dire le même nombre de rangées d'alvéoles en défilement de la bande alvéolée. Elle est fixe. Les canaux aval 32 sont semblables, sous forme de rainures creusées dans le métal de la rampe et recouvertes d'une plaque (en métal ou plastique alimentaire par exemple) formant le dessus du canal.The downstream ramp 2, disposed vertically, comprises five downstream guide channels 32, the same number as that of the cells 41 to be filled simultaneously, that is to say the same number of rows of cells in scrolling of the cellular tape. She is fixed. The downstream channels 32 are similar in the form of grooves dug in the metal of the ramp and covered with a plate (of metal or plastic food for example) forming the top of the channel.

La rampe amont 1 comporte dix canaux amont 31 côte à côte.The upstream ramp 1 comprises ten upstream channels 31 side by side.

Les canaux amont 31 de la rampe amont 1 sont donc en nombre double des canaux aval 32 de la rampe aval 2. Les canaux 32 de la rampe aval 2 sont de la même largeur que celle des canaux amont 31 de la rampe amont 1 mais ils sont plus espacés. La distance d'entraxe des canaux aval 32 est le double de la distance d'entraxe des canaux amont 31. A chaque canal 32 de la rampe aval, la rampe amont 1 associe donc deux canaux amont 31, que l'on qualifiera aussi de jumelés, couplés ou appariés.The upstream channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1 are therefore in double number of the downstream channels 32 of the downstream ramp 2. The channels 32 of the downstream ramp 2 are of the same width as that of the upstream channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1 but they are more spaced. The distance between the centers of the downstream channels 32 is twice the distance between the centers of the upstream channels 31. At each channel 32 of the downstream ramp, the upstream ramp 1 thus associates two upstream channels 31, which will also be called paired, paired or matched.

Les comprimés proviennent d'une trémie formant réservoir d'alimentation située au-dessus de la machine de conditionnement, d'où ils tombent par un tuyau d'amenée (non représenté) sur le plan légèrement incliné de la zone d'arrivée A.The tablets come from a hopper forming a feed tank located above the packaging machine, from which they fall through a feed pipe (not shown) on the slightly inclined plane of the arrival zone A.

Ces comprimés glissent alors vers la rampe R de canalisation pour s'accumuler dans la partie B de ce dispositif, où, ici au moyen d'une brosse rotative P à pales flexibles 5, qui tourne dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre lorsqu'on regarde la figure 1, ils sont refoulés et brassés afin de les faire entrer dans les canaux d'acheminement 31 de la rampe amont 1 au niveau de la zone I. Un détecteur de niveau 6 est relié à la trémie d'alimentation pour contrôler l'approvisionnement en comprimés, pour l'autoriser ou non.These tablets then slide towards the ramp R of pipe to accumulate in the part B of this device, where, here by means of a rotating brush P with flexible blades 5, which rotates in the direction of the clockwise when we look at the figure 1 , they are pushed back and brewed in order to enter the conveyor channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1 at the zone I. A level detector 6 is connected to the feed hopper to control the supply of tablets , to allow it or not.

Les comprimés entrés dans les canaux amont 31 vont alors s'écouler par gravité en suivant ces canaux amont 31 de la rampe amont 1, qui est en plan incliné, et poursuivre leur cheminent dans les canaux aval 32 de la rampe aval 2, connectés alternativement à un canal sur deux des canaux amont 31. Les comprimés tombent alors dans les cinq alvéoles 41 de la bande alvéolée 4 qui défile en dessous.Tablets entering the upstream channels 31 will then flow by gravity following these upstream channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1, which is in inclined plane, and continue their journey in the downstream channels 32 of the downstream ramp 2, connected alternately to one channel on two of the upstream channels 31. The tablets then fall into the five cells 41 of the cellular strip 4 which scrolls underneath.

L'espacement entre les canaux aval 32 est tel qu'il permet de décaler les canaux 31 de la rampe amont 1 d'une distance égale à celle de l'entraxe entre deux canaux amont 31 afin que les canaux couplés 31 alimentent alternativement chaque canal 32 en aval comme cela est expliqué plus loin par référence aux figures 4A et 4B.The spacing between the downstream channels 32 is such as to shift the channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1 by a distance equal to that of the spacing between two upstream channels 31 so that the coupled channels 31 alternatively feed each channel 32 downstream as explained below with reference to Figures 4A and 4B .

Un boîtier 7 comporte divers actionneurs du dispositif de guidage, en particulier une barrette de réglage de fin de course pour la rampe amont. Cette barrette 8 n'est pas visible sur la figure 1A. Elle est décrite plus amplement sur les figures 4A et 4B. Le boîtier 7 comprend aussi les moyens de commande pour les moyens d'arrêt des comprimés, lesquels sont réalisés dans le cas décrit sous la forme d'une pièce arrêtoir, non visible sur la figure 1A, commandée pour bloquer la circulation des comprimés avant un déplacement transversal de la rampe amont. Il comporte aussi l'actionneur qui permet le débattement transversal de la rampe amont. En outre, dans le cadre d'un fonctionnement automatique de l'ensemble, une cellule opto-électronique située en haut de la rampe aval est configurée pour détecter le niveau de remplissage des canaux aval.A housing 7 comprises various actuators of the guide device, in particular an end-of-travel adjustment bar for the upstream ramp. This bar 8 is not visible on the Figure 1A . It is described more fully in Figures 4A and 4B . The housing 7 also comprises the control means for the means for stopping the tablets, which are made in the case described in the form of a stopper part, not visible on the Figure 1A , controlled to block the circulation of the tablets before a transverse displacement of the upstream ramp. It also includes the actuator that allows the transverse movement of the upstream ramp. In addition, as part of an automatic operation of the assembly, an opto-electronic cell located at the top of the downstream ramp is configured to detect the filling level of the downstream channels.

La figure 2 est une vue en coupe du dispositif de la figure 1, illustré approvisionné en comprimés dans le plan d'un canal amont 31 et d'un canal aval 32 connectés l'un avec l'autre. On y a représenté les mêmes éléments que sur la figure 1A, les comprimés C étant représentés en plus.The figure 2 is a sectional view of the device of the figure 1 , illustrated supplied with tablets in the plane of an upstream channel 31 and a downstream channel 32 connected to each other. The same elements as on the Figure 1A , tablets C being represented in addition.

Sur cette figure 2 apparaît aussi à l'intérieur du boîtier 7, la pièce arrêtoir 9 de comprimés, qui est liée à la rampe amont 1. Cette pièce est actionnée pour bloquer la descente des comprimés C au niveau de leur passage des canaux 31 de la rampe amont 1 vers les canaux 32 de la rampe aval 2, avant tout déplacement transversal de la rampe amont 1, afin de ne pas écraser, sectionner, ou bloquer des comprimés à ce niveau lors du déplacement de la rampe amont.On this figure 2 also appears inside the housing 7, the tablet holder part 9, which is connected to the upstream ramp 1. This part is actuated to block the descent of the tablets C at their passage of the channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1 to the channels 32 of the downstream ramp 2, before any transverse displacement of the upstream ramp 1, so as not to crush, section, or block tablets at this level during the displacement of the upstream ramp.

Cette pièce arrêtoir 9 est actionnée par un vérin pneumatique, appelé ici vérin de poussée V, ou vérin de blocage, qui pousse cette pièce vers les canaux amont pour les fermer. Plus précisément la pièce 9 est ici réalisée sous la forme d'une barre, qui porte des doigts 91 en nombre égal à celui des nombres de canaux 31 de la rampe amont 1 à fermer, donc ici dix. Ces doigts 91 sont d'une largeur inférieure à celle de chaque canal 31 ; ils dépassent à l'extérieur de la pièce 9. Comme explicité ci-après ces doigts 91 vont être introduits dans les canaux amont sans totalement toucher le fond de la rainure, pour bloquer les comprimés sans les écraser, les couper, ou les abîmer d'une quelconque manière.This stopper part 9 is actuated by a pneumatic cylinder, called here thrust cylinder V, or locking cylinder, which pushes this piece to the upstream channels to close them. More precisely piece 9 is here realized in the form of a bar, which carries fingers 91 in number equal to that of the number of channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1 to close, so here ten. These fingers 91 are of a width less than that of each channel 31; they are protruding outside the room 9. As explained below these fingers 91 will be introduced into the upstream channels without fully touching the bottom of the groove, to block the tablets without crushing, cutting, or damaging d in any way.

Les figures 3A et 3B sont deux vues, en perspective, de la pièce arrêtoir 9, observée sous deux angles différents. Les doigts 91 sont flexibles et/ou compressibles. Ils sont notamment réalisés, comme illustré par la figure 3A, sous forme de ressorts hélicoïdaux, par exemple en acier inoxydable, prenant appui entre deux plaques. Des doigts élastiques appropriés peuvent aussi être constitués de lames de ressort, qui sont illustrées sur la figure 3A sortant à l'oblique de la boîte de la pièce 9. Ces doigts ont pour rôle de fermer les canaux en faisant obstacle au passage des comprimés. Leur élasticité permet une modulation de leur pression et de leur profondeur de pénétration dans les canaux, ce qui évite qu'ils abîment les comprimés qui seraient encore présents lorsque la pièce arrêtoir 9 est mise en action.The Figures 3A and 3B are two views, in perspective, of the retaining piece 9, observed from two different angles. The fingers 91 are flexible and / or compressible. They are notably realized, as illustrated by the figure 3A , in the form of helical springs, for example stainless steel, bearing between two plates. Suitable resilient fingers may also be spring blades, which are illustrated on the figure 3A coming out obliquely from the box of room 9. These fingers have the role of closing the channels by blocking the passage of tablets. Their elasticity allows a modulation of their pressure and their depth of penetration into the channels, which prevents them from damaging the tablets that would still be present when the stopper part 9 is put into action.

Les figures 4A et 4B représentent le dispositif de guidage avec la rampe amont 1 de la rampe R déplacée respectivement à droite et à gauche, pour expliquer le mouvement de va-et-vient transversal de cette rampe amont 1 par rapport à l'axe de symétrie de la rampe apparaissant en pointillés sur les figures.The Figures 4A and 4B represent the guide device with the upstream ramp 1 of the ramp R moved respectively to the right and to the left, to explain the transverse movement of this upstream ramp 1 relative to the axis of symmetry of the ramp appearing in dotted lines in the figures.

Les canaux jumelés 31 de la rampe amont 1, afin de mieux expliquer le fonctionnement du dispositif, sont distingués et nommés 31d et 31 g respectivement pour le canal de droite et le canal de gauche.The twinned channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1, in order to better explain the operation of the device, are distinguished and named 31d and 31g respectively for the right channel and the left channel.

La barrette 8 de réglage de course transversale de la rampe amont 1 est représentée en haut des figures 4A et 4B pour la compréhension du déplacement de la rampe amont 1 du dispositif mais en pratique elle est située préférentiellement dans le boîtier 7.The bar 8 for adjusting the transverse stroke of the upstream ramp 1 is shown at the top of the Figures 4A and 4B for the understanding of the displacement of the upstream ramp 1 of the device but in practice it is located preferentially in the housing 7.

Sur la figure 4A, les dix canaux amont 31 de la rampe amont 1 sont décalés vers la droite, les comprimés s'écoulent des canaux gauches 31g dans les canaux aval 32 ; les comprimés dans les canaux amont de droite 31d sont bloqués par la partie supérieure pleine de la rampe aval 2.On the Figure 4A , the ten upstream channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1 are shifted to the right, the tablets flow from the left channels 31g into the downstream channels 32; the tablets in the right upstream channels 31d are blocked by the full upper part of the downstream ramp 2.

Un dispositif de détection de présence de opto-électronique 5, comprenant une cellule émettrice 51 et une cellule réceptrice 52 disposées de part et d'autre de la rampe aval 2 et le plus haut possible au début (à leur entrée) des canaux aval 32 de la rampe aval 2, permet de détecter la présence ou non de comprimés en haut de ces canaux aval 32 et de savoir ainsi si la rampe amont 1 pourra être déplacée, sans abîmer les comprimés qui seraient en haut des canaux. De préférence la distance entre la cellule 5 (ici les cellules 51, 52) et l'entrée des canaux aval 32 (en haut de la rampe aval 2) doit être inférieure à la taille des comprimés.An opto-electronic presence detection device 5, comprising an emitting cell 51 and a receiving cell 52 disposed on either side of the downstream ramp 2 and as high as possible at the beginning (at their entry) of the downstream channels 32 of the downstream ramp 2, to detect the presence or absence of tablets at the top of these downstream channels 32 and thus know whether the upstream ramp 1 can be moved, without damaging the tablets that would be at the top of the channels. Preferably, the distance between the cell 5 (here the cells 51, 52) and the inlet of the downstream channels 32 (at the top of the downstream ramp 2) must be smaller than the size of the tablets.

Sur la figure 4B, les dix canaux amont 31 de la rampe amont 1 sont décalés vers la gauche et les comprimés s'écoulent donc des canaux droite 31d dans les canaux aval 32. Les comprimés dans les canaux amont gauche 31g étant bloqués par la partie supérieure pleine de la rampe aval 32.On the Figure 4B , the ten upstream channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1 are shifted to the left and the tablets therefore flow from the right channels 31d into the downstream channels 32. The tablets in the left upstream channels 31g are blocked by the solid upper part of the downstream ramp 32.

Le dispositif de guidage selon l'invention permet donc de déplacer la rampe amont 1 de gauche à droite de manière à alimenter les canaux aval 32 selon le principe qui va être décrit ci-après.The guide device according to the invention therefore makes it possible to move the upstream ramp 1 from left to right so as to feed the downstream channels 32 according to the principle which will be described below.

Les comprimés entrés dans les canaux amont 31 de la rampe amont 1 sont arrêtés à la sortie des canaux amont 31 par envoi d'un signal automatisé au vérin de poussée des moyens d'arrêt 9 vers les canaux amont 31 afin que les doigts 91 stoppent la progression des comprimés qui cheminent dans chaque canal amont. Ensuite, on détecte la présence de comprimés C en haut (à l'entrée) des canaux aval 32 de la rampe aval 2 avec la cellule 5 afin de déterminer si le déplacement transversal de la rampe amont peut être autorisé. Si aucun comprimé n'est présent dans les canaux aval, l'information est utilisée pour commander un autre vérin W pour déplacer la rampe amont 1 transversalement vers la droite, d'une distance égale à la distance d'entraxe de deux canaux jumelés 31, de manière à mettre le canal gauche 31g de la rampe amont en connexion avec le canal aval 32 correspondant. On détecte par le détecteur de fin de course 820 que la rampe amont 1 a touché la butée droite 810 et commande le vérin de poussée V pour relâcher les moyens d'arrêt 9 et ainsi laisser les comprimés s'acheminer pour remplir les canaux aval 32 et s'écouler jusque dans les alvéoles 41 de la bande alvéolée qui défile sous les canaux aval 32.The tablets entered in the upstream channels 31 of the upstream ramp 1 are stopped at the outlet of the upstream channels 31 by sending an automated signal to the thrust cylinder of the stop means 9 to the upstream channels 31 so that the fingers 91 stop the progress of the tablets that run in each upstream channel. Then, the presence of tablets C at the top (at the inlet) of the downstream channels 32 of the downstream ramp 2 with the cell 5 is detected in order to determine whether the displacement cross section of the upstream ramp may be allowed. If no tablet is present in the downstream channels, the information is used to control another jack W to move the upstream ramp 1 transversely to the right, by a distance equal to the distance between the centers of two twinned channels 31 , so as to put the left channel 31g of the upstream ramp in connection with the corresponding downstream channel 32. The limit switch 820 detects that the upstream ramp 1 has touched the right stop 810 and controls the thrust cylinder V to release the stop means 9 and thus let the tablets run to fill the downstream channels 32 and flow into the cells 41 of the honeycomb strip which runs under the downstream channels 32.

On arrête à nouveau comme à l'étape précédente l'écoulement des comprimés C puis on détecte comme précédemment la présence de comprimés C à l'entrée des canaux aval 32 de la rampe aval 2. Si aucun comprimé n'est détecté en haut des canaux 32, on envoie à nouveau un signal audit autre vérin W pour déplacer latéralement la rampe amont 1 vers la gauche afin de mettre le deuxième canal amont droite 31 d en connexion avec le canal 32 et le remplir. On détecte également la fin de course de la rampe amont 1 par un détecteur de fin de course 821 lorsqu'on arrive contre la butée gauche 811.The flow of the tablets C is again stopped as in the preceding step, and the presence of tablets C at the inlet of the downstream channels 32 of the downstream ramp 2 is detected as before. If no tablet is detected at the top of Channels 32, a signal is sent again to said other cylinder W to laterally move the upstream ramp 1 to the left in order to put the second right upstream channel 31 d in connection with the channel 32 and fill it. The limit switch of the upstream ramp 1 is also detected by an end-of-travel detector 821 when it comes against the left stop 811.

On renouvelle la procédure de manière périodique, en assurant un mouvement de va-et-vient de la rampe amont 1, chaque aller et chaque retour étant réglés par une mise en action programmée de la pièce arrêtoir de comprimés 9, par exemple toutes les deux secondes. Cette mise en action de la pièce arrêtoir pourrait être aussi déclenchée par un signal lié à une détection du degré de remplissage de chacun des canaux aval. Une telle détection peut se faire par exemple à l'aide d'une caméra pointée sur les canaux aval.The procedure is repeated periodically, by providing a movement back and forth of the upstream ramp 1, each go and each return being set by a programmed actuation of the tablet holding part 9, for example both. seconds. This actuation of the retaining piece could also be triggered by a signal related to a detection of the degree of filling of each of the downstream channels. Such detection can be done for example with the aid of a camera pointed at the downstream channels.

On comprend qu'au total, l'invention permet que les canaux aval 32 soient toujours correctement remplis, suffisamment pour que les alvéoles 41 soient toutes remplies de comprimés en bon état, même quand on augment sensiblement la vitesse de défilement longitudinale de la bande alvéolée. Pour un type de comprimés donné, dans le cas d'un dispositif de canalisation à rampe inclinée et à brosse à pales souples comme décrit ci-dessus, des tests ont révélé un débit d'environ 15 comprimés par seconde dans chaque canal aval, soit une cadence de conditionnement de 900 à 1000 comprimés par minute, alors que dans l'art antérieur, la cadence de conditionnement n'était que de 700 comprimés par minute.It is understood that in total, the invention allows the downstream channels 32 are always properly filled, enough so that the cells 41 are all filled with tablets in good condition, even when the longitudinal scrolling speed of the blister strip is substantially increased. For a given type of tablet, in the case of an inclined ramp and flexible blade brush device as described above, tests have revealed a flow rate of about 15 tablets per second in each downstream channel, ie a conditioning rate of 900 to 1000 tablets per minute, whereas in the prior art, the conditioning rate was only 700 tablets per minute.

La description qui précède explique clairement comment l'invention permet d'atteindre les objectifs qu'elle s'est fixés. En particulier, selon l'invention la cadence de conditionnement des comprimés dans les alvéoles est augmentée, par exemple d'au moins 20 à plus de 40 %.The foregoing description clearly explains how the invention achieves the goals it has set for itself. In particular, according to the invention the rate of conditioning of the tablets in the cells is increased, for example by at least 20 to more than 40%.

La forme des rainures des canaux est typique de chaque type d'unités à conditionner, que ce soit des comprimés longs, oblongs, des capsules ou des gélules, etc. Ce sont donc ce qu'on appelle des pièces au format, qui sont interchangeables dans la même machine de conditionnement. De même, la barrette de réglage de course de la rampe amont est une pièce au format, dont la réalisation dépend de la largeur, du nombre et de la répartition des canaux aval en correspondance avec les alvéoles réceptrices dans la bande en défilement. La pièce arrêtoir des comprimés est aussi une pièce au format.The shape of channel grooves is typical of each type of unit to be packaged, be it long, oblong tablets, capsules or capsules, etc. These are so-called format parts, which are interchangeable in the same packaging machine. Similarly, the stroke adjustment bar of the upstream ramp is a part in the format, the realization of which depends on the width, the number and the distribution of the downstream channels in correspondence with the receiving cells in the moving strip. The coin hold tablet is also a coin format.

L'invention a été décrite pour une rampe avec une partie inclinée et une partie verticale. Toutefois l'invention n'est pas limitée à ce type de rampe. Il pourrait s'agir aussi d'une rampe vibrante légèrement inclinée et sans changement d'inclinaison ou à faible changement de pente, les comprimés étant acheminés dans les canaux de distribution principalement grâce aux vibrations. Il peut s'agir aussi d'une rampe combinée comportant une rampe vibrante horizontale et une rampe non vibrante verticale. Et dans la rampe aval, les canaux peuvent être rectilignes plutôt que courbés pour aboutir en biais dans les alvéoles comme illustrés sur la figure 1. De fait, il est clair que l'invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de mise en oeuvre qui ont été spécifiquement décrits et représentés, et qu'elle s'étend au contraire à toute variante passant par le biais de moyens équivalents.The invention has been described for a ramp with an inclined portion and a vertical portion. However, the invention is not limited to this type of ramp. It could also be a vibrating ramp slightly inclined and without change of inclination or low change of slope, the tablets being routed in the distribution channels mainly through vibration. It can also be a combined ramp comprising a horizontal vibrating ramp and a vertical non-vibrating ramp. And in the downstream ramp, the channels can be rectilinear rather than curved to end at an angle in the cells as shown in the diagram. figure 1 . In fact, it is clear that the invention is not limited to the modes of implementation which have been specifically described and represented, and that it extends on the contrary to any variant passing through equivalent means.

Claims (15)

Dispositif de distribution canalisée de comprimés vers les alvéoles d'une bande alvéolée en défilement dans lesquelles ils sont individuellement déposés, comportant une première pluralité de canaux aval ménagés dans une rampe aval (2) de dépôt des comprimés qu'ils conduisent dans lesdites alvéoles, une seconde pluralité de canaux amont ménagés dans une rampe amont (1) d'alimentation en comprimés, dans une disposition telle qu'à chaque canal aval il soit associé au moins deux canaux amont, et des moyens pour mettre lesdits canaux amont à tour de rôle en communication avec le canal correspondant de la rampe aval par déplacement transversal de la rampe amont (1) par rapport à la rampe aval (2).Device for distributing compressed tablets to the cells of a moving honeycomb strip in which they are individually deposited, comprising a first plurality of downstream channels formed in a downstream ramp (2) for depositing the tablets which they drive into said cells, a second plurality of upstream channels arranged in an upstream ramp (1) for supplying tablets, in an arrangement such that each downstream channel is associated with at least two upstream channels, and means for putting said upstream channels in turn by role in communication with the corresponding channel of the downstream ramp by transverse displacement of the upstream ramp (1) relative to the downstream ramp (2). Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la rampe amont est mobile suivant un mouvement périodique déterminant un cycle répétitif de permutation des connexions entre canaux aval et canaux amont, lesdits canaux amont (31) ménagés dans la rampe amont (1) étant en nombre multiple du nombre de canaux aval (32) que comporte la rampe aval (2).Device according to claim 1, wherein the upstream ramp is movable in a periodic movement determining a repetitive cycle of permutation of the connections between downstream channels and upstream channels, said upstream channels (31) formed in the upstream ramp (1) being in multiple numbers the number of downstream channels (32) that comprises the downstream ramp (2). Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le nombre de canaux amont est double du nombre de canaux aval et la distance d'entraxe entre les deux canaux amont associés à un même canal aval est la même d'un canal aval à l'autre.Device according to claim 1, wherein the number of upstream channels is twice the number of downstream channels and the distance between the two upstream channels associated with the same downstream channel is the same from one downstream channel to another. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, dans lequel la rampe amont (1) est mobile dans un mouvement de débattement transversal périodique alternativement d'un côté et de l'autre pour aligner chaque canal aval en communication avec chacun des canaux amont qui lui sont associés alternativement.Device according to claim 3, wherein the upstream ramp (1) is movable in a periodic transverse movement movement alternately on one side and the other to align each downstream channel in communication with each of the upstream channels which are associated thereto alternately . Dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes, comportant des moyens automatiques de déclenchement périodique des mouvements de la rampe amont (1) en déplacement transversal par rapport à la rampe aval (2).Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising automatic means for periodically triggering the movements of the upstream ramp (1) in transverse displacement relative to the downstream ramp (2). Dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes, comportant des moyens pour synchroniser chaque déplacement de la rampe amont (2) par rapport à la rampe aval (1) avec l'absence de comprimé au passage d'un canal amont à un canal aval.Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising means for synchronizing each displacement of the upstream ramp (2) with respect to the downstream ramp (1) with the absence of a tablet at the passage from an upstream channel to a downstream channel. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes, comportant des moyens de détection, en particulier par cellules optoélectroniques (5), de la présence ou non de comprimés à l'entrée des canaux aval (32) de la rampe aval (2).Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising detection means, in particular by optoelectronic cells (5), the presence or absence of tablets at the inlet of the downstream channels (32) of the downstream ramp (2). Dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes, comportant des moyens d'arrêt (9) pour arrêter l'écoulement des comprimés à la sortie des canaux amont (31) de la rampe amont (1) en fermant les canaux amont à leur passage.Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising stop means (9) for stopping the flow of tablets at the outlet of the upstream channels (31) of the upstream ramp (1) by closing the upstream channels as they pass. Dispositif selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel lesdits moyens d'arrêt (9) comportent une barre mobile qui porte des doigts élastiques (91) aptes à pénétrer respectivement dans les différents canaux de la rampe amont.Device according to the preceding claim, wherein said stop means (9) comprise a movable bar which carries elastic fingers (91) able to penetrate respectively into the different channels of the upstream ramp. Dispositif suivant la revendication 8 ou 9, comportant des moyens pour commander automatiquement le relâchement des moyens d'arrêt (9) en fin du déplacement de la rampe amont et libérer ainsi la circulation des comprimés de la rampe amont à la rampe aval.Device according to claim 8 or 9, comprising means for automatically controlling the release of the stop means (9) at the end of displacement of the upstream ramp and thus release the circulation of the tablets from the upstream ramp to the downstream ramp. Dispositif suivant la revendication 10, dans lequel lesdits moyens de commande automatique des moyens d'arrêt impliquent des détecteurs de fin de course d'un débattement transversal alternatif de la rampe amont (1).Device according to claim 10, wherein said means for automatically controlling the stopping means involve end-of-travel detectors with an alternating transverse clearance of the upstream ramp (1). Machine de conditionnement de comprimés dans les alvéoles d'une bande alvéolée, caractérisée par le fait qu'elle comprend un dispositif de guidage canalisé des comprimés dans les alvéoles de la bande en défilement suivant l'une des revendications précédentes.Tablet packaging machine in the cells of a cellular strip, characterized in that it comprises a device for guiding the tablets in the cells of the moving strip according to one of the preceding claims. Procédé de mise en oeuvre d'un dispositif de distribution canalisée suivant l'une des revendications 1 à 12 dans une machine de conditionnement de comprimés dans une bande alvéolée en défilement, suivant lequel on commande le débattement transversal de la rampe amont (1) en permutation des connexions entre canaux aval et canaux amont de manière périodique, en commandant l'arrêt du cheminement des comprimés dans les différents canaux amont et en vérifiant l'absence de comprimés à l'entrée de tous les canaux de la rampe aval (2) avant d'autoriser le déplacement de la rampe amont.Method for implementing a channelized distribution device according to one of Claims 1 to 12 in a machine for packing tablets in a moving honeycomb strip, in which the transverse clearance of the upstream ramp (1) is controlled by permutation of connections between downstream channels and upstream channels periodically, by stopping the routing of the tablets in the different upstream channels and verifying the absence of tablets at the input of all the channels of the downstream ramp (2) before authorizing the movement of the upstream ramp. Procédé suivant la revendication 13, suivant lequel on déclenche automatiquement chaque permutation des connexions entre canaux amont et canaux aval après un délai de temporisation prédéterminé.The method of claim 13, wherein each permutation of the upstream to downstream channel connections is automatically initiated after a predetermined delay time. Procédé suivant la revendication 13, suivant lequel on déclenche automatiquement chaque permutation des connexions entre canaux amont et canaux aval sur détection d'une lacune de remplissage dans les canaux de la rampe aval.A method according to claim 13, wherein each permutation of the connections between upstream and downstream channels is automatically triggered on detection of a filling gap in the channels of the downstream ramp.
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