U.S. patent application number 12/278897 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-20 for apparatus and method for removing a covering film from a container.
Invention is credited to Ulrich Krauss, Werner Mayer, Jochen Peters, Christian Selle, Klaus Ullherr.
Application Number | 20090208316 12/278897 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38282252 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090208316 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mayer; Werner ; et
al. |
August 20, 2009 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REMOVING A COVERING FILM FROM A
CONTAINER
Abstract
An apparatus and a method are proposed for removing a covering
film from a container. The apparatus has at least one gripping
apparatus and a mechanism for producing a predetermined breaking
point on a container. After production of the predetermined
breaking point, the gripping apparatus grips a gripping face which
is delimited by the predetermined breaking point, for removing the
covering film from the container, and separates the gripping face
during the removal of the covering film from the container.
Inventors: |
Mayer; Werner; (Wallhausen,
DE) ; Krauss; Ulrich; (Ilshofen, DE) ; Peters;
Jochen; (Crailsheim, DE) ; Selle; Christian;
(Grossberndten, DE) ; Ullherr; Klaus; (Crailsheim,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RONALD E. GREIGG;GREIGG & GREIGG P.L.L.C.
1423 POWHATAN STREET, UNIT ONE
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
38282252 |
Appl. No.: |
12/278897 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
January 3, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP07/50044 |
371 Date: |
August 8, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
414/729 ;
414/800 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2577/205 20130101;
B65D 2577/2066 20130101; B65B 69/0033 20130101; B65B 69/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/729 ;
414/800 |
International
Class: |
B65B 69/00 20060101
B65B069/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 8, 2006 |
DE |
10 2006 005 700.7 |
Claims
1-12. (canceled)
13. An apparatus for removing a covering film from a container,
comprising: at least one gripping device; and means for producing a
predetermined breaking point on the container, wherein the gripping
device, after producing the predetermined breaking point, grasps a
grip tab defined by the predetermined breaking point and separates
the grip tab from the container in the course of removing the
covering film.
14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the means for
creating the predetermined breaking point disposes the
predetermined breaking point essentially perpendicular to the
direction in which the covering film is removed by the gripping
device.
15. The apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising heating
means for facilitating easier detachment of the covering film from
the container and/or for facilitating easier production of the
predetermined breaking point.
16. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising heating
means for facilitating easier detachment of the covering film from
the container and/or for facilitating easier production of the
predetermined breaking point.
17. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the gripping
device severs the grip tab from the container by a tilting
motion.
18. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the gripping
device severs the grip tab from the container by a tilting
motion.
19. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the gripping
device severs the grip tab from the container by a tilting
motion.
20. The apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising at
least one conveyor means which feeds the container from a work area
of the means for creating the predetermined breaking point into a
work area of the gripping device.
21. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising at
least one conveyor means which feeds the container from a work area
of the means for creating the predetermined breaking point into a
work area of the gripping device.
22. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising at
least one conveyor means which feeds the container from a work area
of the means for creating the predetermined breaking point into a
work area of the gripping device.
23. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising at
least one conveyor means which feeds the container from a work area
of the means for creating the predetermined breaking point into a
work area of the gripping device.
24. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the means for
creating the predetermined breaking point include at least one
knife.
25. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the means for
creating the predetermined breaking point include at least one
knife.
26. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the means for
creating the predetermined breaking point include at least one
knife.
27. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the means for
creating the predetermined breaking point are a component of the
gripping device, and in particular, the knife is integrated with
the gripper.
28. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the means for
creating the predetermined breaking point include at least one
moving means for moving the knife and/or the container relative to
one another.
29. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the heating means
and the means for creating the predetermined breaking point are
integrated in a single device.
30. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the heating means
serve to heat the knife and/or the container edge.
31. A method for removing a covering film from a container,
comprising the steps of: producing a predetermined breaking point
on the container; gripping a grip surface defined by the
predetermined breaking point by a gripping device: separating the
grip surface from the container; and removing the covering film
joined to the grip surface, from the container.
32. The method as defined by claim 31, wherein the grip surface is
separated from the container by tilting the gripping device
relative to the surface of the container.
Description
PRIOR ART
[0001] The invention is based on an apparatus and a method for
removing a covering film from a container, as generically defined
by the preambles to the independent claims.
[0002] In German Patent Disclosure DE 10 2004 003 232 A1, a method
is described in which the front and rear peripheral regions of the
film are first heated (for instance with an infrared radiator). The
container next passes beneath a large roller that is provided with
suction devices. By means of the suction devices, which are
arranged in a plurality of rows radially, the film is wound up onto
the roller. The insert film is removed in the same way, by a
further roller. By pivoting the entire roller unit next to the
conveyor belt, the films are moved across a collection container,
where they are set down by contrary rotation of the rollers.
[0003] In German Patent Disclosure DE 44 19 475 A1, the covering
film is not heated; that is, the film is drawn off at room
temperature. The container first moves into an exactly defined
position. A gripper mechanism, controlled by a handling system or
robot system, grasps a (corner) tab and in the process pulls off
the covering film. In order to grasp the small tab more securely,
however, it is necessary that the gripper first move into the
vicinity of the tab, to the edge of the container. The gripper
closes enough that a small gap still remains above and below the
edge of the container, and the gripper then moves to laterally
behind the tab. As a result, the tab is stretched out straight into
the plane of alignment of the edge of the magazine box when the tab
has been bent or dogeared off beforehand. Next, the small,
protruding corner is grasped with a gripper and pulled off from the
container.
[0004] In German Patent Disclosure DE 102 52 572 A1, the glued
peripheral region of the covering film is heated in this method
with a contact heating frame. The heating frame pivots to the side,
and a suction plate moves across the covering film in order to pick
it up by suction. Next, pivoting causes the film to be set down
laterally. The suction devices may also be integrated with the
heating frame.
[0005] It is the object of the present invention to achieve simple,
secure opening of a container that is closed with a covering film.
This object is attained by the characteristics of the independent
claims.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The apparatus and method of the invention for removing a
covering film from a container having the characteristics of the
independent claims have the advantage over the prior art that
secure removal of the covering film can be done without producing
many particles, because the covering film is reliably grasped in
one corner of the container. This is because, by suitably making
the rated breaking point on the container, a sufficiently large
grip surface can be created that the gripping device securely
grasps--in comparison to versions where only the tab, formed from
the protruding covering film, is grasped. The grip surface could
for instance be one complete corner of a rectangular container that
is still at least partially joined to the covering film. Thanks to
the enlargement of the grip surface, the positioning of the
container need not be done completely exactly, since the grip
surface provides enough room that it can be securely/grasped. While
the covering film is being dogeared and then pulled off, only very
few contaminating particles are formed. Thus the apparatus and
method for removing a covering film from a container are especially
well suited to pharmaceutical applications.
[0007] In an expedient refinement, it is provided that the means
for creating the rated breaking point orient the rated breaking
point perpendicular to the direction in which the covering film is
removed. The gripping device can be positioned, with correct
orientation, once and for all, and after that it can both sever the
grip surface and pull off the covering film in a single course of
motion. The covering film can now be pulled off directly in the
plane of the adhesive. This can be done with only little
expenditure of force.
[0008] In an expedient refinement, it is provided that the gripping
device, in severing the grip surface from the container, executes a
tilting motion. This kind of tilting motion is especially well
suited for not damaging the covering film as the grip surface is
broken off. Preferably, the tilting motion is effected such that
the grip surface is moved in the direction of the side
diametrically opposite the rated breaking point. This means that a
relative motion of the rated breaking point that is directly
covered by the covering film is thus minimized, and hence the risk
that the covering film will tear is reduced.
[0009] In an expedient refinement, it is provided that heating
means are provided for reinforcing the detachment of the covering
film from the container and/or for reinforcing the creation of the
rated breaking point. As a result, less force has to be exerted on
the covering film or the container when the covering film is pulled
off or the rated breaking point is made. The double utilization of
the heating means for detaching the covering film and for
reinforcing the creation of the rated breaking point by heating the
punching means and/or the container, for example, is especially
advantageous, as it makes the apparatus less expensive. By means of
contact heat, the covering film is heated only in the glued
peripheral region of the container, so that an insert film, which
is present for protecting the contents of the container, is no
longer joined to the covering film. This is the case particularly
if the heating means is embodied as a heating frame that is
oriented to the geometry of the lid of the container.
[0010] In an expedient refinement, it is provided that at least one
conveyor means is provided, which feeds the container from the work
area of the means for creating the rated breaking point into the
work area of the gripping device. As a result, the basic functions
of creating the rated breaking point and pulling off the covering
film can be performed on a single machine.
[0011] In an expedient refinement, it is provided that the means
for creating the rated breaking point include at least one moving
means for moving the knife and/or the container relative to one
another, preferably using a stop. As a result, a defined force,
dimensioned such that the covering film that covers the other side
of the edge of the container is not affected, can be exerted on the
container. Hence the rated breaking point can be formed in such a
way that on the one hand the covering film is not severed, yet on
the other hand, it is reliably assured that the grip surface will
be dogeared.
[0012] In an expedient refinement, it is provided that the heating
means serve to heat the knife. As a result, less force is required
in the punching operation for creating the rated breaking
point.
[0013] Further expedient refinements will become apparent from
further dependent claims and from the description.
DRAWINGS
[0014] One exemplary embodiment of the apparatus of the invention
is shown in the drawing and will be described in further detail
below.
[0015] Shown are:
[0016] FIG. 1, a detail of a perspective view of a container with a
rated breaking point;
[0017] FIG. 2, a container with a dogeared grip surface;
[0018] FIG. 3, an apparatus for removing a covering film from a
container;
[0019] FIG. 4, a cross section through the means for creating a
rated breaking point in interaction with the container;
[0020] FIG. 5, a view of a corner of the container from below;
[0021] FIG. 6, a corner of the film being lifted by a vacuum
suction device; and
[0022] FIG. 7, a container with a lateral recess.
[0023] The surface of a container 10, surrounded by a container
edge 16, is closed with a covering film 12. The container 10 is for
instance in rectangular form. A rated breaking point 14 is located
on the underside of the outward-protruding edge 16 of the
container. The rated breaking point 14 is disposed such that one
corner of the container edge 16 can be severed from the container
10. The covering film 12 covers the corner region of the container
edge 16. The severable corner region forms a grip surface 18, which
is grasped by a gripping device for severing the grip surface 18
from the container 10 and then pulling off the covering film 12. In
FIG. 2, the grip surface 18, dogeared upward, can be seen; the grip
surface 18 and container 10 are still joined together at least by
the undamaged covering film 12.
[0024] In FIG. 3, an apparatus for removing the covering film 12
from the container 10 is shown. It comprises a table 24, on which
means 28 for creating the rated breaking point 14, a heating means
30 embodied as a heating frame, a manipulator 34 that moves a
gripper 32, a waste bin 38, and a conveyor means 26 embodied as a
conveyor belt that conveys the container 10 to the various
processing stations are disposed. A pressing tappet 36 reinforces
the deposition of the covering films 12 that have been removed in
the waste bin 38. An insert film 40 that is also to be removed is
also located in the container 10.
[0025] In FIG. 4, the means 28 for creating the rated breaking
point 14 are shown in further detail, as one possible embodiment. A
knife 44 can be displaced vertically by moving means 45. The motion
is limited toward the top by a stop 42, so that the knife 44 can
provide the container edge 16, located between the stop 42 and the
tip of the knife, with a notch of defined depth, which is the rated
breaking point 14. The geometry of the arrangement is selected here
such that when the rated breaking point 14 is made, on the one hand
the covering film 16 that covers the container edge 16 is not
damaged, but on the other, the rated breaking point 14 in the
container edge 16 is deep enough to assure that the grip surface 18
will be reliably broken off from the container 10. In FIG. 5, the
location of the rated breaking point 14 on the container edge 16 is
shown once again. The corner thus created forms the grip surface
18.
[0026] In FIG. 6, a vacuum suction device 20 is provided, which
lifts the covering film 12 at one corner of the container 10 from
the container edge 16 in order to pull it off the container 10
after that.
[0027] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, on at least one
corner of the container 10 or container edge 16, a recess 22 is
provided, which is preferably oriented in the diagonal direction of
the container 10.
[0028] The covering film 12 that is intended to close the container
10 is provided with an adhesive layer on the underside of the
covering film 12. This layer is sealed onto the container 10 by the
manufacturer; that is, a heated frame moves onto the covering film
12 and thus with pressure and a defined temperature seals the film
12 onto the container. This method is used for instance for
producing boxes for syringe nests. The presterilized syringes are
inserted as a nest into the so-called tub, as an example of a
container 10. Next, an open-diffusion film (insert film 40) is then
placed on the bodies of the syringes. At the end of the process,
with an open-diffusion covering film 12, the container 10 is
closed. This film is then packaged in a film bag under sterile
conditions and supplied to the pharmaceutical manufacturer. As a
result, the pharmacist is relieved of having to perform the
complicated processes of cleaning and sterilization. Moreover, the
complicated processes of assembling the components of the syringe
(such as glass body, needle, needle guard, etc.) and siliconizing
them, which requires a great deal of knowhow, are shifted from the
pharmacist to the vendor. The pharmacist furthermore has
substantially greater flexibility in processing different sizes of
syringes; that is, the reset times for changing the filling
machines to different sizes are faster.
[0029] Before the syringe bodies in the syringe nest are filled,
the covering film 12 must be removed. This operation is currently
performed either in the cold state of the film 12, or else the
covering film 12 is first heated in order to minimize the force
involved in pulling off the film 12. With the apparatus shown in
FIG. 3, the covering film 12 can be removed especially reliably, as
will be described in further detail below.
[0030] Before the covering film 12 is grasped and pulled off, on
the underside of the container corner or edge 16 a rated breaking
point 14 is created, for instance by the knife 44. The location of
the rated breaking point 14 is perpendicular to the diagonal
direction in which the covering film 12 is pulled off. This process
can be done at room temperature, or with heating of the container
edge 16 and/or of the knife 44.
[0031] In the next process step, the gripping device, comprising
the gripper 32 and the manipulator 34, grasps the grip surface 18
created by the rated breaking point 14, or in other words grasps
the complete corner of the container edge 16 with the covering film
12. This grip surface 18 is large enough that it can be securely
held by the gripper 32. For that purpose, the container 10 is
roughly pre-positioned beforehand. By means of a slight tilting
motion, the grip surface 18 is broken off by the gripping device
32, 34, so that the gripping device securely holds the broken-off
grip surface 18 along with the undamaged covering film 12. The
tilting motion is oriented such that the outermost corner of the
grip surface 18 is broken off upward, or in other words in the
direction toward the covering film 12. As a result, damage to the
covering film 12, particularly in the region of the rated breaking
point 14, can be avoided. The material comprising the container
edge 16 shown be severed to such an extent, in the making of the
rated breaking point 16 [sic; German page 7, line 15; should be
rated breaking point 14, that on the one hand, the covering film 12
is not severed as well, and on the other, it is securely assured
that the grip surface 18 will be dogeared. This depends on the
material and thickness of the container edge 16. Next, the covering
film 12 is pulled off by the gripping device 32, 34. A prior
heating of the edge of the film can reinforce the detachment of the
covering film 12 from the container edge 16.
[0032] FIG. 3 shows one possible sequence in which the covering
film 12 is pulled off by creating the rated breaking point 14. This
involves intermittent conveyance, with four work steps. In step 1,
the container 10 is roughly prealigned. Next, the opened knife 44
of the rated breaking point-creating means 28 moves to the corner
of the container 10. Via a drive mechanism as a component of the
moving means 45, the knife 44 is moved upward into the plastic
comprising the container edge 16, as shown in FIG. 4, and thus
creates the rated breaking point 14. The location of the rated
breaking point 14 should ideally be perpendicular to the diagonal
of the container, but may also deviate somewhat from that. A stop
42 connected to the knife 44 prevents the knife 44 from severing
the covering film 12 as well. The stop 42 should be adjusted such
that the plastic container edge 16 is severed as extensively as
possible, yet without damaging the covering film 12. The creation
of the rated breaking point 14 can be done in the cold state, but
if so, a relatively strong force is required. The force can be
minimized and the creation of contaminating particles can be
reduced by heating the knife 44. As the heating means for heating
the knife 44, a heating cartridge or other heating elements may be
employed.
[0033] In step 2, the container 10 is moved to below the heating
station or heating means 30 (such as contact heating or a heating
frame) and positioned as in step 1. What is important here is that
only the glued peripheral region of the covering film 12 or
container edge 16 is heated, and that the surroundings are not
severely heated, so as to affect the laminar air flow as little as
possible, to prevent interfering particles from getting inside the
container. Contact heating is especially suitable for this purpose.
since the heat is imported in a targeted way into the material to
be heated, and the heat development in the surroundings is minimal:
This is advantageous especially in comparison to infrared
radiators.
[0034] In step 3, the covering film 12 is then pulled off with a
gripper 32. The gripper 32 moves to the corner of the container and
grasps the grip surface 18 located ahead of the rated breaking
point 14. Exact positioning of the container 10 is not required
here, either. The gripper 32 should be movable in such a way that
as it moves upward it can easily dogear the grasped corner or grip
surface 18 and then breaks it off. This can be done via a
controlled rotary motion. However, it is also conceivable for the
gripper 32 to be rotatably supported only horizontally and to be
kept in this basic position via a spring. Thus the gripper 32 can
pivot along with the covering film 12 in the process of removing
the covering film and reinforces the process of breaking it off. A
drive mechanism can furthermore be dispensed with. When the gripper
32 now moves upward and in the direction of the center of the
container, the grip surface 18 breaks off, and the gripper 32, with
the grip surface 18 and the covering film 12, rotates counter to
the spring force.
[0035] For pulling the covering film 12 off further, the gripper 32
can move parallel to the top of the container. After the covering
film 12 has been pulled off, the gripper 32 is restored to its
basic position via the spring force. Polystyrene (PS) is in
particular highly suitable for the container 10 or the container
edge 16.
[0036] The covering film 12 can be pulled off along various paths
of motion; in terms of the expenditure of force, the simplest is a
diagonal motion of the gripper 32 above the container 10. Other
motions are also possible, such as a kind of circular motion. That
has the advantage that the pivoting range of the manipulator 34 is
made smaller.
[0037] After being pulled off, the covering film 12 is deposited in
the waste bin 38. The gripper 32 returns to its outset
position.
[0038] In step 4, the insert film 40 can be removed, but that can
also be done later instead.
[0039] As the heating means 30 for reinforcing the detachment of
the covering film 12, a contact heating frame is especially
suitable; it is more suitable than short-wave infrared radiators.
This is because infrared radiators are very bright and hence
unpleasant to the eye. Furthermore, infrared radiators develop a
great deal of heat and thus interfere with the laminar air flow,
which could cause an unwanted importation of particles into the
interior of the container. Infrared radiators furthermore have a
high connected electrical load and thus high ongoing costs.
[0040] Alternative embodiments are also possible. For instance, the
knife 44 can be integrated with the heating station or the heating
means 30. In the first step, the container edge 16 is heated from
above by a contact heating frame as a heating means 30. For
counterpressure, a receiving frame is needed, into which the
container 10 is inserted. The rated breaking point 14 is created
simultaneously with the heating. For that purpose, the knife 44 is
integrated with one corner of the receiving frame and should be
heated. The advantage of this arrangement is that the separate
station for creating the rated breaking point can be dispensed
with.
[0041] In a further alternative exemplary embodiment, the gripping
device 32, 34 and the means 28 for creating the rated breaking
point can be combined, by means of a special gripper 32. In the
first step, the container edge 16 is heated with the heating frame
as a preferred heating means 30. In the second step, the grip
surface 18 is grasped by a combination gripper comprising the knife
44 and the gripper 32. The gripping mechanism clamps the grip
surface 18. The knife 44 creates the rated breaking point 14. Next,
the grip surface 18 is dogeared in order to pull the covering film
12 off.
[0042] This method can also be employed in processes in which the
covering film 12 is to be pulled off together with the insert film
40. For that purpose, the heating frame can for instance be
embodied such that besides the container edge region, the middle
region of the container 10 is heated as well.
[0043] The covering film 12 can also be pulled off by means of a
vacuum suction device 20, as shown in FIG. 6. To that end, the
vacuum suction device 20 lifts up the film 12 in the corner of the
container 10. For safe function, however, it is necessary for the
covering film 12 to be heated in this corner region, so as to
reduce the force for the vacuum suction device 20. Next, the raised
corner of the film can be grasped by a mechanical gripper 32 and
pulled off. The advantage of this method is that the container 10
is unchanged in its shape. The method according to the invention
for pulling off a covering film 12 from a container 10 is
distinguished by the following steps: [0044] heating at least part
of the covering film 12 and/or of the container edge 16; [0045]
lifting the covering film 12 in the vicinity of the heated part of
the covering film 12 by means of a vacuum suction device 20; [0046]
grasping the lifted part of the covering film 12 by means of a
gripper 32; and [0047] pulling the covering film 12 off from the
container 10 by means of the gripper 32.
[0048] In the first step, the tub edge is heated with a heating
frame as the heating means 30. In the second step, the container
corner is lifted up by the vacuum suction device 20 far enough that
the gripping device 32, 34 can hold the corner. The gripper 32 and
vacuum suction device 20 can either be a unit or they can work
separately. If they are separate, the vacuum suction device 20 has
to be vented and pivoted away once the covering film 12 is securely
held by the gripper 32. Next, the covering film 12 is pulled off as
described above.
[0049] As a further alternative exemplary embodiment, the corner of
the container can be altered in such a way that defined grasping of
the covering film 12 can be done securely and without requiring
additional provisions. For that purpose, a recess 22 is created in
the corner region of the container 10, so that the horizontal
location of the covering film 12 is fixed, yet the covering film 12
can be securely grasped by the gripping device 32, 34. This recess
22 must already be made in the production of the containers 10.
Thanks to the recess 22, the covering film 12 can be securely
grasped. The location of the film tab that could be dogeared is not
relevant to its being grasped, since the remaining container edge
16 keeps the covering film 12 in a defined position in the region
of the recess 22. Only one gripping device 32, 34 is required. The
covering film 12 can be pulled off either cold or warm, depending
on what the customer wants. The method according to the invention
for pulling a covering film 12 off from a container 10, whose
container edge 16 has at least one recess 22 covered by the
covering film 12, is distinguished by the following steps: [0050]
heating at least part of the covering film 12 and/or the container
edge 16; [0051] grasping the part of the covering film 12 located
above the recess 22 by means of a gripper 32; and [0052] pulling
the covering film 12 off from the container 10 by means of the
gripper 32.
[0053] Heating the covering film 12 and/or the container edge 16 is
preferably done using a heating frame. In a further step, the
corner of the container is grasped with the gripper 32 in the
region of the recess 22. The gripping device 32, 34 clamps the
covering film 12 in the region of the recess 22 and pulls it
securely off, as already described above.
* * * * *