U.S. patent application number 13/575246 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-11 for machine for filling a plurality of containers, system including such a machine, and related manufacture method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Andre Marc Sarwa, Marc Tessier. Invention is credited to Andre Marc Sarwa, Marc Tessier.
Application Number | 20130174520 13/575246 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42797133 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130174520 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tessier; Marc ; et
al. |
July 11, 2013 |
MACHINE FOR FILLING A PLURALITY OF CONTAINERS, SYSTEM INCLUDING
SUCH A MACHINE, AND RELATED MANUFACTURE METHOD
Abstract
The invention relates to a machine (1) for filling a plurality
of containers (2) that are arranged in a display (3), said machine
(1) including a rotatable dispensing member (4) that is designed
for transferring a filling substance into the containers (2). Said
machine is also characterized in that it includes a means (10) for
rotating a display (3) so that the combination of the rotational
movements of the dispensing member (4) and the display (3) makes it
possible to correlate the dispensing member (4) with each container
(2), with a view to filling the latter. The invention also relates
to filling machines.
Inventors: |
Tessier; Marc; (Rillieux La
Pape, FR) ; Sarwa; Andre Marc; (Francheville,
FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tessier; Marc
Sarwa; Andre Marc |
Rillieux La Pape
Francheville |
|
FR
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
42797133 |
Appl. No.: |
13/575246 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
January 26, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR2011/050147 |
371 Date: |
March 20, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/452 ;
141/387 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 3/003 20130101;
B65B 7/2821 20130101; B65B 1/04 20130101; B65B 1/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/452 ;
141/387 |
International
Class: |
B65B 1/04 20060101
B65B001/04; B65B 1/02 20060101 B65B001/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 26, 2010 |
FR |
1050517 |
Claims
1. A machine (1) for filling a plurality of containers (2) arranged
in a rack (3), said machine (1) comprising a dispensing unit (4)
rotatable about a first axis of rotation (X-X'), designed for
transferring a filling substance into the containers (2), said
dispensing unit (4) comprising a filling stylet (6), said machine
(1) comprising a means (10) for driving the rack (3) in rotation
about a second axis of rotation (Y-Y') so that the combination of
the rotational movements of the dispensing unit (4) and the rack
(3) makes possible the placement of the dispensing unit (4) in
correspondence with each of the containers (2) in order to fill
these latter, said machine being characterized in that the
trajectory of the filling stylet (6) imparted by the rotation of
the dispensing unit (4) substantially crosses said second axis of
rotation (Y-Y').
2. A machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the
rotatable dispensing unit (4) is also designed so as to be movable
in translation, in order to be able to move closer to or away from
each container (2) with which it is placed in correspondence.
3. A machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the
filling stylet (6) is designed for filling one container (2) at a
time.
4. A machine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that it
comprises a frame (5) on which said dispensing unit (4) and a means
for driving the rack are mounted, the dispensing unit (4)
comprising a filling arm (7) that extends between a first end (7A)
toward which said filling arm (7) is pivotably mounted on the frame
(5) and a second end (7B) toward which the filling stylet (6) is
mounted on the filling arm (7).
5. A machine (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said
frame comprises a first column (8) on which said filling arm (7) is
mounted through a sliding pivot connection.
6. A machine (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the
first column (8) extends predominantly vertically whereas the
filling arm (7) extends predominantly horizontally.
7. A machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the
driving means (10) of the rack (3) comprises a first rotatable
table (11), on which the rack (3) is intended to rest.
8. A machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said
first and second axes of rotation (X-X', Y-Y') are substantially
collinear to each other.
9. A machine (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said
first column (8) extends substantially about the first axis of
rotation (X-X'), whereas the first table (11) comprises a
substantially planar surface (11A) for receiving the rack (3),
which extends substantially perpendicular to the second axis of
rotation (Y-Y').
10. A machine (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the
filling arm (7) is of invariable length.
11. A machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it
comprises a device (12) for plugging the containers (2), once these
latter have been filled, by means of a plurality of plugs (13)
arranged on a tray (14), said plugging device (12) comprising a
rotatable unit (15) for handling the plugs (13) and a means (16)
for rotational driving of the tray (14), so that, on the one hand,
the combination of the rotational movements of the handling unit
(15) and the tray (14) allows the placement of the handling unit
(15) in correspondence with each of the plugs (13) in order for
them to be gripped by the handling unit (15), and on the other
hand, the combination of the rotational movements of the handling
unit (15) and the rack (3) allows the placement of the handling
unit (15) in correspondence with each of the containers (2) in
order for them to be plugged.
12. A machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is
designed for filling a plurality of containers (2) arranged into
rows in a rack (3) of the nest type.
13. A machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said
containers (2) are tubular containers (2), formed preferably by
syringe bodies.
14. A system comprising: a machine (1) according to claim 1, a rack
(3) of the nest type, a plurality of containers (2), such as
syringe bodies, arranged into rows in said rack (3).
15. A method of manufacturing a first container (20) containing a
filling substance, said method comprising a step of filling said
first container (20), which belongs to a plurality of containers
(2) arranged in a rack (3), said filling step comprising a transfer
of the filling substance into the first container (20) by means of
a dispensing unit (4) comprising a filling stylet (6), the filling
step including, before said transfer of the filling substance into
the first container, a placement of the dispensing unit (4) and the
first container (20) in correspondence with each other by rotating
the dispensing unit (4) and the rack (3) about a first and a second
axis of rotation (X-X', Y-Y'), respectively, said method being
characterized in that the trajectory of the filling stylet (6)
imparted by the rotation of the dispensing unit (4) substantially
crosses said second axis of rotation (Y-Y').
16. A machine (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the
filling stylet (6) is designed for filling one container (2) at a
time.
17. A machine (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said
frame comprises a first column (8) on which said filling arm (7) is
mounted through a sliding pivot connection.
18. A machine (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the
first column (8) extends predominantly vertically whereas the
filling arm (7) extends predominantly horizontally.
19. A machine (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the
driving means (10) of the rack (3) comprises a first rotatable
table (11), on which the rack (3) is intended to rest.
20. A machine (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the
driving means (10) of the rack (3) comprises a first rotatable
table (11), on which the rack (3) is intended to rest.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field
of automatic filling of small size containers, such as syringes, in
order to obtain batches of pre-filled containers, as for example
pre-filled syringes, ready for injection.
[0002] The present invention more particularly relates to a machine
for filling a plurality of racked containers arranged in a rack,
said machine comprising a rotatable dispensing unit designed for
transferring a filling substance into the containers.
[0003] The present invention also relates to a system
comprising:
[0004] a machine for filling a plurality of containers arranged in
a rack, said machine comprising a rotatable dispensing unit
designed for transferring a filling substance into the
containers,
[0005] a rack of the "nest" type, and
[0006] a plurality of containers, such as syringes, arranged into
rows in the rack.
[0007] The present invention finally relates to a method of
manufacturing a first container containing a filling substance,
said method comprising a step of filling said first container,
which belongs to a plurality of containers arranged in a rack, said
filling step comprising a transfer of the filling substance into
the first container by means of a dispensing unit.
PRIOR ART
[0008] It is well known to pack syringes, intended to later be
filled with a pharmaceutical product, in racks for accommodating a
plurality of syringes distributed into a two-dimensional Cartesian
arrangement.
[0009] Such racks are generally in the form of a tray, commonly
called a "nest", provided on the surface thereof with tubes
arranged into a two-dimensional Cartesian arrangement. A syringe is
intended to be threaded into each tube. The syringes thus threaded
into the tubes of the tray are held in predetermined positions,
parallel to each other. The rack further comprises a container,
commonly called a "tub", provided toward the free upper edge
thereof with an internal rib on which the nest is intended to rest.
The racked syringes are thus arranged into parallel rows forming a
two-dimensional Cartesian arrangement, with their filling orifice
(opposite to the injection orifice) turned upward.
[0010] The new and empty syringes, in particular when they are made
of glass, are usually shipped pre-packed in a nest/tub unit so as
to be later filled with a pharmaceutical product and plugged.
[0011] The filling of the syringes contained in a nest can be
performed manually, by means of more or less sophisticated pipettes
that are handled directly by an operator. Such a manual filling is
however reserved for very occasional filling operations and is not
at all suited for great quantities of syringe to be filled.
Furthermore, such a manual filling entails a human presence near
and above the syringes to be filled, which introduce an additional
risk of contamination, except taking heavy and complex preventive
measures. Finally, the filling orifice of the syringes may, in some
cases, have an extremely reduced cross-section. It may thus be
difficult, for the operator, to introduce rapidly and accurately
the stylet of the pipette into the filling orifice of the syringe
so as to fill the latter. Therefore, a risk exists to see the user
missing the orifice of the syringe and/or transferring a part of
the content of the filling pipette outside the syringe to be
filled, with all the drawbacks that could result therefrom.
[0012] In order to overcome these drawbacks, it is known to use a
semi-automatic filling, carried out by means of a robot.
[0013] For example, it is known to use a general-purpose six-axis
robot that carries a filling stylet connected to a tank containing
the medicinal substance to be transferred into the syringes. Said
six-axis robot is installed near a receiving area adapted to
accommodate a nest with syringes therein. The robot then positions
successively the filling stylet in correspondence with the filling
orifice of each syringe and releases a predetermined dose of a
medicinal substance that is transferred into the corresponding
syringe. Such a general-purpose robot is however expensive, which
limits the use thereof to significant productions that allows the
investment to be recouped. Such a robot is moreover an equipment
that is heavy, bulky and that cannot be moved, due to its weight.
Such a robot is also difficult to integrate into a contamination
prevention device such as an isolator or a RABS (acronym for
"Restricted Access Barrier System"). In particular, the size of
such a six-axis robot is liable to interfere with the nest removing
and replacing operations. Moreover, the implementation of such a
six-axis robot to fill nested syringes generates the presence of
mobile parts (belonging to the robot) above the syringes, which
increases the risk of contamination.
[0014] Three or four-axis robots, of the SCARA (acronym for
"Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm") type, are also known.
Such robots are used in applications (semi-conductor industry) that
have nothing to do with the medico-pharmaceutical sector.
Therefore, no offer exists for SCARA-type robots specifically
dedicated to the medico-pharmaceutical sector and taking into
account the particular requirements of this field. This notably
implies that no offer exists for SCARA-type robot with satisfying
economic conditions, in particular for small productions adapted to
expensive and/or toxic products requiring the confinement within an
isolator or RABS (clinical batches). Furthermore, SCARA-type robots
are generally rather complicated to clean, which is a significant
drawback within the framework of a pharmaceutical application. The
weight of such a robot remains also relatively high.
[0015] Finally, three-axis Cartesian robots are also know, which
are far more cost economic than the six-axis and SCARA robots.
[0016] Such Cartesian robots are however badly suited to the
pharmaceutical conditions, insofar as they implement mobile parts
near and above the syringes to be filled, i.e. in a highly sensible
area that must fulfill draconian cleanliness requirements.
Furthermore, the three-axis Cartesian robots have a significant
bulkiness, in particular when they are in their configuration for
the nest removing/replacing.
[0017] Accordingly, no fully satisfying technical solution exists
today for handling in particular the small productions suited to
expensive and/or toxic products requiring the confinement within an
isolator or RABS, such as the clinical batches.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The object assigned to the invention is consequently to
remedy the various drawbacks specified above and to propose novel
machine and system for filling a plurality of containers arranged
in a Cartesian-arrangement rack, of the nest type, which are cost
effective, reliable, easily integrable into an isolator or a RABS,
light weight, removable, satisfying high regulation levels
regarding the cleanliness and making it possible to easily
remove/replace the racks.
[0019] Another object of the invention is to propose novel machine
and system for filling a plurality of containers arranged in a
rack, which allow an extremely accurate and reliable filling.
[0020] Another object of the invention is to propose novel machine
and system for filling a plurality of containers arranged in a
rack, which are of particularly simple and non-bulky design.
[0021] Another object of the invention is to propose novel machine
and system for filling a plurality of containers arranged in a
rack, which, while being of extremely simple design, limit very
significantly the risks of contamination or pollution of the
containers.
[0022] Another object of the invention is to propose novel machine
and system for filling a plurality of containers arranged in a
rack, which lie on an extremely simple, compact and robust
design.
[0023] Another object of the invention is to propose novel machine
and system for filling a plurality of containers arranged in a
rack, which implement a minimum of mobile parts and types of
different movements.
[0024] Another object of the invention is to propose novel machine
and system for filling a plurality of containers arranged in a
rack, which allow a particularly simple, efficient and clean
automatic plugging of the containers.
[0025] Another object of the invention is to propose novel machine
and system for filling a plurality of containers arranged in a
rack, which are particularly adapted to cooperate with racks of the
conventional type.
[0026] A complementary object of the invention is to propose a
novel method for manufacturing a container containing a filling
substance, which are cost effective, accurate, reliable and
particularly secure.
[0027] The objects given to the invention are achieved by means of
a machine for filling a plurality of containers arranged in a rack,
said machine comprising a dispensing unit rotatable about a first
axis of rotation, designed for transferring a filling substance
into the containers, said dispensing unit comprising a filling
stylet, said machine comprising a means for driving the rack in
rotation about a second axis of rotation so that the combination of
the rotational movements of the dispensing unit and the rack makes
possible the placement of the dispensing unit in correspondence
with each of the containers in order to fill these latter, said
machine being characterized in that the trajectory of the filling
stylet imparted by the rotation of the dispensing unit
substantially crosses said second axis of rotation.
[0028] The objects given to the invention are also achieved by
means of a system comprising:
[0029] a machine for filling a plurality of containers arranged in
a rack, said machine comprising a dispensing unit rotatable around
a first axis of rotation, designed for transferring a filling
substance into the containers, said dispensing unit comprising a
filling stylet, said machine comprising a means for driving the
rack in rotation about a second axis of rotation so that the
combination of the rotational movements of the dispensing unit and
the rack makes possible the placement of the dispensing unit in
correspondence with each of the containers in order to fill these
latter, said machine being characterized in that the trajectory of
the filling stylet imparted by the rotation of the dispensing unit
substantially crosses said second axis of rotation,
[0030] a rack of the nest type,
[0031] a plurality of containers, such as syringes, arranged into
rows in said rack.
[0032] The objects given to the invention are also achieved by
means of a method for manufacturing a first container containing a
filling substance, said method comprising a step of filling said
first container, which belongs to a plurality of containers
arranged in a rack, said filling step comprising a transfer of the
filling substance into the first container by means of a dispensing
unit comprising a filling stylet, the filling step including,
before said transfer of the filling substance into the first
container, a placement of the dispensing unit and the first
container in correspondence with each other by rotating the
dispensing unit and the rack about a first and a second axis of
rotation, respectively, said method being characterized in that the
trajectory of the filling stylet imparted by the rotation of the
dispensing unit substantially crosses said second axis of
rotation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the
invention will appear more fully from the following description,
with reference to the appended drawings, given only by way of
illustrative and non-limitative examples, and in which:
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective overall view of a first
embodiment of a machine according to the invention;
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates, in a schematic top view, the kinematic
principle on which the invention lies;
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, a
second embodiment of a machine according to the invention.
BEST WAY TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION
[0037] The invention relates to a machine 1 for filling a plurality
of containers 2 arranged in a rack 3. In other words, the machine 1
is a machine for filling containers 2 packed by groups in a rack 3.
Preferably, the machine 1 according to the invention is designed
for filling a plurality of containers 2 arranged into rows in a
rack 3 of the nest type, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. The
nest-type racks are well known as such in the medico-pharmaceutical
sector.
[0038] The rack 3 thus advantageously comprises a substantially
rectangular or square tray, through which are formed perforations
regularly distributed over substantially all the surface of the
tray. Each perforation is extended by a holding tube intended to
accommodate a container, preferably tubular. Thus, the machine 1 is
specifically for the filling of tubular containers 2, preferably
formed by syringe bodies. A syringe body is conventionally in the
form of a tube provided, at one end, with an injection orifice, of
reduced cross-section, to which a needle is intended to be
connected, and at the opposite end, with a filling orifice into
which the syringe piston is intended to be threaded. The syringe
body is further provided with a flange located at the filling
orifice. The nest-type racks, such as the rack 3 illustrated in the
figures, thus make it possible to accommodate a plurality of
syringe bodies arranged vertically, parallel to each other, in such
a manner that their filling orifices are turned upward. The flange
with which each syringe body is provided is intended to come into
abutment against the corresponding holding tube of the nest, which
makes it possible to position all the filling orifices of the
nested syringe bodies at a single and same altitude. The syringe
bodies are then advantageously arranged in the rack 3 into rows,
preferably parallel to each other, so that the filling orifices
thereof are substantially all inscribed in a same horizontal
plane.
[0039] The invention is of course not limited to a machine for
filling syringe bodies. It is for example perfectly conceivable
that the containers 2 are not consisted by syringe bodies, as in
the preferential exemplary embodiment, but by any other container
of small capacity (as most a few tens of milliliters, for example),
such a test tubes used for diagnostic purpose in biomedical
analysis laboratories, or in the pharmaceutical or biotechnological
industry.
[0040] The machine 1 according to the invention further comprises a
rotatable dispensing unit 4 designed for transferring a filling
substance into the containers 2 whereas these latter are arranged
in the rack 3, as exposed above and illustrated in the figures.
[0041] The filling substance has advantageously a fluid character,
with a flowing capability. Preferably, the filling substance is
liquid, it being understood that it is perfectly conceivable, by
way of alternative, that it has rather a powdery or pasty
character, without thereby departing from the scope of the
invention. The filling substance is advantageously consisted of a
medicine intended to be injected into the body of a patient. The
invention is however not limited to this specific application, and
it is for example perfectly conceivable that the filling substance
is consisted, for example, of a substance to be analyzed, ingested,
coated or mixed. As exposed above, the dispensing unit 4 is
designed so that it can pivot and, for that purpose, it is
preferably rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation X-X'.
Preferably, the machine 1 therefore comprises a frame 5 on which
the dispensing unit 4 is mounted with at least one rotational
degree for freedom.
[0042] Advantageously, the dispensing unit 4 comprises a filling
stylet 6, connected, for example by a flexible hose 60, to a source
of the filling substance. The filling stylet 6 is preferably
designed for filling one container 2 at a time. In other words, in
this preferential embodiment, the filling stylet 6 is in the form
of a cylindrical duct, consisted for example by a needle, the
cross-section of which is lower than or equal to, and preferably
strictly lower than, the cross-section of the filling orifice of
each container 2, so as to allow the stylet 6 to penetrate into the
container 2 through the filling orifice of the latter and thus to
perform an optimal filling, with no risk of untimely loss of
filling substance. It is however perfectly conceivable that the
dispensing unit 4 does not comprise a single filling stylet 6
designed for filling one container 2 at a time, but a group of
filling stylet for filling simultaneously a plurality of containers
2. Preferably, the machine 1 according to the invention lies on the
implementation of a sequential filling of the containers 2, i.e.
the dispensing unit 4 is, however that may be, not designed for
simultaneously filling all the containers 2 arranged in the rack 3,
but is designed for performing a sequential filling of the
containers 2 in question. Such a sequential filling may be
performed by filling the containers 2 one at a time, one after the
other. By way of alternative, it is conceivable that the dispensing
unit 4 fills successively groups of containers 2, wherein the
number of containers 2 in each group represents a fraction of the
total number of containers 2 arranged in the rack 3.
[0043] Advantageously, the dispensing unit 4 comprises a filling
arm 7 that extends between a first end 7A toward which, and
preferably at which, the filling arm 7 is pivotably mounted on the
frame 5, and a second end 7B toward which, and preferably at which,
the filling stylet 6 is mounted on the filling arm 7. Preferably,
the filling arm 7 is designed so as to pivot in a plane
substantially parallel to the plane in which the filling orifices
of the containers 2 are inscribed, when they are arranged in the
rack 3, wherein said plane is preferably parallel to the horizontal
plane. In this preferential embodiment, the first axis of rotation
X-X' is thus substantially vertical. Therefore, at least a part of
the filling arm 7 overhangs the containers 2 arranged in the rack
3, the latter occupying a predetermined position in the machine 1.
Advantageously, the rotating dispensing unit 4 is also designed so
as to be movable in translation, in order to be able to move closer
to or away from each container 2 with which it is placed in
correspondence for the filling thereof. Advantageously, the
dispensing unit 4 is designed so as to move in translation about
the first axis of rotation X-X'. That way, the dispensing unit 4
may carry out the following functional sequence:
[0044] rotation of the dispensing unit 4 about the axis X-X' to
position the filling stylet 6 opposite (i.e. at the normal of) and
above a container 2;
[0045] downward vertical translation, about the axis X-X' of the
filling unit 4 (or simply of the filling stylet 6), to make the
filling stylet 6 penetrate into the container 2 through the filling
orifice of the latter;
[0046] transfer of a predetermined quantity of the filling
substance in the container 2 through the hose 60 and the filling
stylet 6; preferably, the filling stylet 6 is designed so as to
substantially go down to the bottom of the container 2, to then
progressively go up during the transfer of the filling substance
into the container 2, as the level rises in the container 2;
[0047] upward vertical translation of the dispensing unit 4 (or
only of the filling stylet 6) to fully extract the filling stylet 6
from the container 2.
[0048] Advantageously, the frame 5 comprises a first column 8 on
which the filling arm 7 is mounted through a sliding pivot
connection of axis X-X'.
[0049] Preferably, the first column 8 rises from the frame 5,
coaxially to the first axis of rotation X-X', and in a more
preferentially, said first column 8 extends about the first axis of
rotation X-X'. Accordingly, as illustrated in the figures, the
first column 8 extends preferably predominantly vertically whereas
the filling arm 7 extends predominantly substantially horizontally
from the free end of the first column 8. The sliding pivot
connection between the filling arm 7 and the first column 8 is, for
example, made by means of a first sleeve 9 that is attached to the
first end 7A of the filling arm 7 and that covers the first column
8 while having with respect to the latter un double capability of
translation about the first axis X-X' and of rotation about this
same first axis X-X'. The rotational and translational movements of
the filling arm 7 about the first axis X-X' are advantageously
controlled by suitable actuators of the electric or hydraulic type,
for example.
[0050] The filling machine 1 according to the invention further
comprises a means 10 for rotational driving of the rack 3, so that
the combination of the rotational movements of the dispensing unit
4 and the rack 3 allows the placement of the dispensing unit 4 in
correspondence with each of the containers 2 for the filling of
these latter.
[0051] Accordingly, the invention lies in particular on the idea of
operating a sequential filling of containers 2 arranged in a rack
3, by combining only a rotational movement of the rack 3 and the
dispensing unit 4 to place the filling stylet 6 successively
opposite each of the containers 2 arranged in the rack 3.
[0052] As illustrated in the figures, the means 10 for driving the
rack 3 is designed for driving the rack 3 in rotation about a
second axis of rotation Y-Y', said first axis X-X' and second axis
Y-Y' of rotation being substantially collinear to each other, or in
other words parallel to each other as illustrated in the
figures.
[0053] The invention thus makes it possible, by combining only
rotational movements (of the dispensing unit 4 and the rack 3,
respectively), to fill successively all the containers 2 arranged
in the rack 3.
[0054] In particular, the idea of rotating the rack 3 with respect
to the frame 5 makes it possible to significantly lighten and
simplify the dispensing unit 4, which needs only one rotational
degree of freedom to carry out a sequential filling of all the
containers 2, insofar as the rotational movement of the dispensing
unit 4 is combined with a rotational movement of the rack 3.
[0055] Thanks to this general concept, the invention avoids the
presence of parts in relative movement overhanging the filling
orifices 2A of the containers 2. On the contrary, the invention
makes it possible to implement a first axis of rotation X-X' that
is offset with respect to the rack 3, the latter being overhung by
the filling arm 7 that has advantageously an invariable length and
is provided with no articulation, unlike the arm of the robots used
in the prior art. The invention thus makes it possible, by acting
directly on the rack 3, to obtain an extremely simple and clean
kinematic system, which is thus particularly well suited to a use
in restrictive environments (for example, in a RABS or in an
isolator).
[0056] The driving means 10 of the rack 3 advantageously comprises
a first rotatable table 11, on which the rack 3 is intended to
rest. The first rotatable table 11 thus comprises a substantially
planar surface 11A for receiving the rack 3, on which the latter is
intended to stably rest, as illustrated in the figures. The surface
11A for receiving the rack 3 advantageously extends substantially
perpendicular to the second axis of rotation Y-Y', which is
advantageously parallel to the first axis of rotation X-X', as
mentioned above.
[0057] Advantageously, the filling arm 7 is of invariable length.
In order to permit the filling of all the containers 2 arranged in
the rack 3 (including when the latter is a rack of the nest type,
in which case the containers 2 are uniformly distributed into rows,
preferably parallel to each other, on a rectangular or square
surface), the trajectory of the filling stylet 6 imparted by the
rotation of the dispensing unit 4 substantially crosses said second
axis of rotation Y-Y', i.e. in the embodiment illustrated in the
figure, the trajectory of the filling stylet 6 imparted by the
rotation of the filling arm 7 crosses the second axis of rotation
Y-Y'.
[0058] Thanks to this characteristics, according to which the
filling stylet 6 moves along a circular trajectory that passes at
the normal of the center of rotation of the driving means 10, the
combination of the rotational movements of said driving means 10
and the driving arm 7 allows the stylet 6 to reach one after the
other each of the containers 2 arranged in the nest-type rack
3.
[0059] In order to ensure an accurate and rapid sequential filling,
the rotational movements of the dispensing unit 4 and the driving
means 10 of the rack 3 are controlled in a coordinate manner by
means of a control means, preferably digital, which is well known
as such and which then does not need to be further described
herein.
[0060] Advantageously, the machine 1 according to the invention
further comprises a device 12 for plugging the containers 2, once
these latter have been filled, by means of a plurality of plugs 13
arranged on a tray 14. Preferably, the plugs 13 are arranged into a
matrix arrangement on the tray 14, in the same way as the
containers 2 are arranged on the rack 3. The tray 14 is then
advantageously provided with orifices intended to accommodate
therein the plugs 13, said orifices having a diameter slightly
smaller than the nominal diameter of the plugs 13, so as to keep
these latter in a state of radial compression when they are
received in the corresponding orifice of the tray 14. In
particular, when the rack 3 is a rack of the net type allowing a
two-dimensional Cartesian arrangement of the containers 2, the tray
14 is also of the nest type and allows a two-dimensional Cartesian
arrangement of the plugs 13, the tray 14 and the plugs 13 it
contains forming from this point of view a "mirror" unit of the
rack 3 and the containers 2 it contains, each plug 13 corresponding
to a container 2.
[0061] Advantageously, the plugging device 12 comprises a rotatable
unit 15 for handling the plugs 13 and a means 16 for rotational
driving of the tray 14, so that:
[0062] on the one hand, the combination of the rotational movements
of the handling unit 15 and the tray 14 allows the placement of the
handling unit 15 in correspondence with each of the plugs 13 in
order for them to be gripped by the handling unit 15,
[0063] and on the other hand, the combination of the rotational
movements of the handling unit 15 and the rack 3 allows the
placement of the handling unit 15 in correspondence with each of
the containers 2 in order for them to be plugged.
[0064] In other words, the handling unit 15 is advantageously
designed for, on the one hand, cooperating with the means 16 for
rotational driving of the tray 14 so as to successively grip the
plugs 13, one after the other, and on the other hand, for
cooperating with the means 10 for rotational driving of the rack 3
so as to successively plug each container 2 with the plugs 13
collected one by one on the tray 14 by the handling unit 15.
[0065] Preferably, the handling unit 15 comprises an arm 17 for
transferring the plugs 13 rotatably mounted about a third axis or
rotation Z-Z', which is preferably distinct from the first and
second axes X-X', Y-Y', and parallel to these latter. The arm 17
for transferring the plugs 13 extends between a first end toward
which it is pivotably mounted on the frame 5 and a second end
toward which it is provided with a means 18 for transferring the
plugs 13. Advantageously, the plugging device 12 comprises a second
column 19 on which the arm 17 for transferring the plugs 13 is
mounted through a sliding pivot connection whose axis corresponds
to the third axis Z-Z'.
[0066] The placement of the transfer means 18 in correspondence
with a specific plug 13 is made by the combination of the
rotational movement of the tray 14 and the rotational movement of
the transfer arm 17, in the same way as the placement of the
dispensing unit 14 in correspondence with a specific container 2 is
made by the combination of the rotational movements of the
dispensing unit 14 and the rotational movement of the rack 3.
[0067] Preferably, the arm 17 for transferring the plugs 13 is, on
the one hand, of invariable length, and on the other hand, designed
so that the trajectory of the transfer means 18 imparted by the
rotation of the arm 17 for transferring the plugs 13 crosses both
the second axis of rotation Y-Y' and a fourth axis of rotation W-W'
about which the tray 14 is rotated by the driving means 16. This
allows the filling arm 7 and the transfer arm 17 to reach each of
the containers 2 and plugs 3, respectively. For that purpose, the
means 10 for rotational driving of the rack 3 is preferentially
designed so as to accommodate the rack 3, centered about the second
axis Y-Y', in such a manner that said second axis Y-Y' passes
through the center of the rack 3. Likewise, the means 16 for
rotational driving of the tray 14 is preferentially designed so as
to accommodate the tray 14, centered on the fourth axis W-W', in
such a manner that said fourth axis W-W' passes through the center
of the tray 14.
[0068] The first, second, third and fourth axes X-X', Y-Y', Z-Z'
and W-W' are advantageously all parallel to each other and parallel
to the vertical direction.
[0069] Advantageously, the transfer means 18 comprises a tube 18A
whose diameter is slightly smaller than that of the upper opening
2A of the containers 2. The inner diameter of the tube 18A forming
the transfer means 18 is slightly smaller than that of the plugs
13, which are preferably made of a flexible material, of the
elastomer or rubber type, capable of being radially compressed.
[0070] Advantageously, the plugging device 12 also comprises a
thrust arm 21 preferably rotatably mounted on the frame 5 about a
fifth axis V-V'. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the fifth axis V-V'
is merged with the third axis Z-Z', whereas in the embodiment
corresponding to FIG. 3, the fifth axis V-V' is distinct from the
first, second, third and fourth axes X-X', Y-Y', Z-Z' and W-W' but
parallel to these latter.
[0071] The thrust arm 21 is also advantageously translationally
mounted with respect to the frame 5, preferably about the axis
V-V'. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the thrust arm 21 is thus
mounted on the second column 19 by means of a sliding pivot
connection whose axis corresponds to the third axis Z-Z'.
[0072] More precisely, the plugging device 12 comprises, in this
case, a second sleeve 17A from which the transfer arm 17 extends.
Said transfer arm 17 is thus fastened to the second sleeve 17A,
which covers the second column 19 while being capable of sliding
and rotating about the third axis Z-Z'.
[0073] The plugging device 12 also comprises a third sleeve 21A
that covers the second sleeve 17A and from which the thrust arm 21
extends, the latter being fastened to the third sleeve 21A. The
third sleeve 21A is also capable of sliding and rotating about the
third axis Z-Z'.
[0074] Advantageously, the thrust arm 21 is provided toward its
free end with a plug-driving rod 22, whose diameter is smaller than
the inner diameter of the tube 18A forming the transfer means
18.
[0075] In the preferential embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the
thrust arm 21 is not slidingly and rotatably mounted on the second
column 19, but on a third column 23 that is distinct from the
second column 19, while being substantially parallel and arranged
in the immediate vicinity of the latter, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
In this case, the third column 23 extends about the fifth axis
V-V', which is distinct from and extends parallel to the third axis
Z-Z'. In this embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the plugging device
12 advantageously comprises a third sleeve 21B to which the thrust
arm 21 is fastened. This third sleeve 21B covers the third column
23 and is slidingly and pivotably mounted on the latter, about the
fifth axis V-V'. The main interest of using a transfer arm 13 and a
thrust arm 21 rotatably mounted about different respective axes of
rotation Z-Z', V-V', is to limit the vertical size of the machine
1. Indeed, in the case of the embodiment of FIG. 1, the vertical
translation strokes of the transfer arm 17 and the thrust arm 21
add up to each other, which needs, with the means conventionally
used (endless screw, for example), the provision of a significant
vertical clearance space under the second column 19.
[0076] This implies that the machine 1 has itself a significant
height, which is generally not compatible with the installation
thereof on a table or on another machine. In this embodiment, the
machine 1 must thus have a structure that stands by itself, with a
self-standing frame 5.
[0077] On the contrary, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the vertical
strokes of the transfer arm 17 and the thrust arm 21 do not add up
to each other, because these arms 17, 21 move vertically parallel
to each other. For that reason, the vertical size of the machine 1
is smaller, which allows the latter to be more easily placed on a
table or installed on another machine, for example.
[0078] The machine 1 of FIG. 3 is thus far more easily integrable
into a restrictive environment (with the presence of an isolator or
a RABS, for example), and does not need the frame 5 thereof to be
self-standing.
[0079] As illustrated in the figures, the thrust arm 21 is
advantageously arranged permanently above the transfer arm 17, in
such a manner that the plug-driving rod 22 can be threaded into the
tube 18A forming the transfer means 18 and be extracted from the
latter by being vertically slid, about the axis V-V' of the thrust
arm 21.
[0080] The displacement of the transfer arm 17 and the thrust arm
21 is advantageously controlled by a control system, preferably
digital, designed for operating at least the following
operations:
[0081] downward vertical translation of the transfer arm 17 so as
to bring the latter to a lower altitude than that of the plugs 13
contained in the tray 14;
[0082] rotation of the transfer arm 17 about the third axis Z-Z' so
as to position the tube 18A forming the transfer means 18 under a
given plug 13, at the normal of the latter;
[0083] upward vertical translation of the transfer arm 17 so that
the tube 18A levels with the plug 13;
[0084] rotation of the thrust arm 21 about the fifth axis V-V' so
as to position the plug-driving rod 22 above and at the normal of
the plug 13 in question, the latter being thus interposed between
the plug-driving rod 22 above and the tube 18A below, and being
aligned with these latters:
[0085] downward vertical translation of the thrust arm 21 about the
fifth axis V-V' so as to push, by means of the plug-driving rod 22,
the plug 13 into the tube 18A, the plug 13 remaining wedged in the
tube 18A by radial expansion (centrifugal radial elastic
return);
[0086] positioning of the transfer arm 17, by translation and
rotation of the latter about the third axis Z-Z', opposite and
above a container 2 to be plugged;
[0087] downward vertical translation of the transfer arm 17 so as
to make the lower end of the tube 18A containing the plug 13
penetrate very slightly into the opening 2A of the container 2 to
be plugged;
[0088] positioning of the plug-driving rod 22 on and against the
plug 13 contained in the tube 18A;
[0089] upward vertical translation of the transfer arm 17, which
causes the placement of the plug 13 in abutment against the
plug-driving rod 22, with the latter remaining stationary, which
allows the plugging of the concerned container 2.
[0090] The thrust arm 21 is advantageously designed similarly to
the transfer arm 17, i.e. it is advantageously, on the one hand, of
invariable length, and on the other hand, designed so that the
trajectory of the plug-driving needle 22 imparted by the rotation
of the thrust arm 21 crosses both the second axis of rotation Y-Y'
and the fourth axis of rotation W-W' about which the tray 14 is
rotated by the driving means 16, in order to allow a vertical
alignment of the plug-driving rod 22, of the tube 18A forming the
transfer means 18, of each of the plugs 13 placed on the tray 14
and of each of the containers 2 placed on the rack 3.
[0091] Moreover, the invention relates as such to a system
comprising:
[0092] a machine 1 according to the invention and, preferably,
according to the above description;
[0093] a rack 3 of the nest type;
[0094] a plurality of containers 2, such as syringe bodies,
arranged into rows in said rack 3, according to a regular
two-dimensional Cartesian distribution.
[0095] The invention also relates as such to a method for
manufacturing a first container 2 containing a filling
substance.
[0096] In other words, the manufacturing method aims to obtain a
first container 2 pre-filled with a predetermined dose of a filling
substance.
[0097] The method according to the invention is advantageously
implemented by means of the machine 1 according to the invention,
and preferably according to the above description.
[0098] Advantageously, the first container 2 in question is a
syringe body intended to be filled with a pharmaceutical liquid so
as to obtain a pre-filled syringe.
[0099] The method according to the invention comprises a step of
filling the first container 20, which belongs to a plurality of
containers 2, preferably all similar, arranged in a rack 3
according to the above description. The rack 3 is advantageously a
rack of the nest type that allows a two-dimensional Cartesian
distribution of the containers 2, to which belongs the first
container 20, as exposed above.
[0100] The filling step comprises a transfer of the filling
substance into the first container 20 by means of a dispensing unit
4, preferably according to the above description. The filling step
includes, before the transfer of the filling substance into the
first container 20, a placement of the dispensing unit 4 in
correspondence with the rack 3.
[0101] In other words, and as described above relative to the
filling machine 1 according to the invention, the combined
rotational movements of the dispensing unit 4 and the rack 3 allow
the dispensing unit 4 to be placed in correspondence with a
predetermined container 2, in this case the first container 20.
[0102] Once this placement in correspondence made, the actual
filling of the first container 20 is performed, for example in the
manner described above by means of a filling stylet 6.
[0103] To allow the filling of all the containers 2 arranged in the
rack 3 (including when the latter is a rack of the nest type, in
which case the containers 2 are uniformly distributed into rows,
preferably parallel to each other, on a rectangular or square
surface), the trajectory of the filling stylet 6 imparted by the
rotation of the dispensing unit 4 substantially crosses said second
axis of rotation Y-Y', which allows the stylet 6 to be placed in
correspondence with all the containers 2 of the rack 3, one after
the other, only thanks to a combination of rotational movements (of
the rack 3 and the stylet 6).
[0104] The thus-filled first container 20 can then be plugged as
described in detail above.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0105] The invention finds its industrial application in the
design, the manufacturing and the use of machines for filling
containers.
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