EP0429348B1 - Apparatus for loading and/or unloading the shelves of a freeze drying enclosure - Google Patents

Apparatus for loading and/or unloading the shelves of a freeze drying enclosure Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0429348B1
EP0429348B1 EP19900403256 EP90403256A EP0429348B1 EP 0429348 B1 EP0429348 B1 EP 0429348B1 EP 19900403256 EP19900403256 EP 19900403256 EP 90403256 A EP90403256 A EP 90403256A EP 0429348 B1 EP0429348 B1 EP 0429348B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
loading
unloading device
vibrating table
vials
unloading
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP19900403256
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0429348A1 (en
Inventor
Louis Le Floc'h
Claude Lambert
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Usifroid SA
Original Assignee
Usifroid SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from FR8915167A external-priority patent/FR2654810B1/en
Priority claimed from FR9009901A external-priority patent/FR2665484B2/en
Priority claimed from FR9012734A external-priority patent/FR2667930B2/en
Application filed by Usifroid SA filed Critical Usifroid SA
Priority to AT90403256T priority Critical patent/ATE101259T1/en
Publication of EP0429348A1 publication Critical patent/EP0429348A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0429348B1 publication Critical patent/EP0429348B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B25/00—Details of general application not covered by group F26B21/00 or F26B23/00
    • F26B25/001—Handling, e.g. loading or unloading arrangements
    • F26B25/003—Handling, e.g. loading or unloading arrangements for articles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B5/00—Drying solid materials or objects by processes not involving the application of heat
    • F26B5/04—Drying solid materials or objects by processes not involving the application of heat by evaporation or sublimation of moisture under reduced pressure, e.g. in a vacuum
    • F26B5/06—Drying solid materials or objects by processes not involving the application of heat by evaporation or sublimation of moisture under reduced pressure, e.g. in a vacuum the process involving freezing

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for loading and / or unloading the shelves of a lyophilization tank according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the lyophilization tanks are intended to treat products or substances generally contained in small bottles.
  • these bottles are distributed as compactly as possible on several shelves arranged one above the other inside the tank. It is obviously essential to limit the loading and unloading time of the shelves or any other intermediate device as much as possible, so that the dead time of the tank, that is to say the duration of its non-operation, is as short as possible, for reasons of profitability but also to avoid as far as possible that the tank is too long in communication with the outside atmosphere and that water does not condense on the cold surfaces of the interior rooms of the room.
  • bottles can be recovered from a conveyor belt which transports them from the packaging station to this table on which they collect compactly before being introduced, in batches, inside the tank, by example under the action of a pusher rake.
  • the subject of the invention is therefore a device for loading and / or unloading the shelves of a freeze-drying tank provided for a plurality of bottles from a station for continuously feeding said bottles, device which comprises at least one table vibrating machine intended to collect and store said bottles, said vibrating table being equipped with at least one mobile means for blocking the bottles on at least part of the table of the vibrating table, a mobile transfer frame carrying eclipsable flaps being able to move between a flat surface immediately adjacent to said vibrating table and the table of the vibrating table to collect and transfer the accumulated bottles.
  • the means for blocking the bottles on the upper plate of the vibrating table consists of a movable arm, mounted along an edge of said table, and capable of pivoting about a vertical axis, to occupy a position transverse to the vibrating table, said arm also being able to slide in height along the axis vertical.
  • a deflector flap in an arc is placed above the table of the vibrating table, a of its ends leading to the continuous feeding conveyor of the vials on the table.
  • the movable transfer frame consists of two longitudinal beams braced by two transverse spacer bars, the flaps being also mounted transversely on the beams substantially at the two ends of the frame.
  • Each flap is mounted on the frame in a mobile manner around horizontal axes, so that it can be independently placed in a horizontal position and allow free passage to the bottles.
  • each flap is independently operated in rotation about its horizontal axes by at least one jack.
  • the device according to the invention can be used either in connection with a mobile trolley or in direct connection with a lyophilization tank.
  • the flat storage surface for the bottles collected by the frame is part of a mobile carriage which supports said frame and ensures the conveying of the bottles to a lyophilization tank.
  • the flat storage surface for the bottles collected by the frame consists of one of the shelves of a lyophilization tank which supports said frame, the vibrating table being immediately adjacent to said tank.
  • the empty space between the shelf and the table of the vibrating table is occupied by a horizontal movable plate and a complementary pivoting plate, mounted on small support arms articulated on the plate.
  • the erasure of an access door to the lyophilization tank causes the lowering of the eclipsable stop and of the pivoting plate to ensure continuity between a shelf and the vibrating table .
  • another vibrating unloading table is associated with the vibrating loading table and disposed at the same level, between the latter and the inlet of the lyophilization tank, for the lateral evacuation of the bottles by the simultaneous implementation of the two vibrating tables.
  • the unloading table opens laterally onto a non-vibrating turntable which distributes the bottles towards the outside by a conduit, and it is limited by eclipsable stops.
  • the means for blocking the bottles on the upper plate of the vibrating table consists of a movable part playing the role of retaining and dispensing member for bottles and which s' extends transversely above the vibrating table on the side of the vials feed corridor.
  • the moving part is a retaining and dispensing pusher supporting an equalizer extending transversely above the vibrating table, the passage openings of which can be closed by means of shutter, said pusher being capable of sliding above the vibrating table.
  • the equalizer essentially consists of a rake, extending over the entire width of the vibrating table, transversely to two lateral side members of the retaining and distribution plunger.
  • the passage openings are provided on the front face of the rake, while the rear face of said rake is profiled to form funnel-shaped cells opening towards the rear and communicating with the front openings.
  • FIG. 1 a mobile transfer cart designated as a whole by the reference 1 and a vibrating table 2.
  • the table has an upper plate 3 and a mat 4 or a screw for feeding bottles 5 which opens into a angle of plateau by a single track or in sectors determined by means of switches as will be specified later.
  • the bottles are oriented towards the center of the plate by a fixed deflector flap 6, in an arc, one of its ends leading to the mat 4, the plate being bordered on its two longitudinal sides with guide angles 7.
  • a movable arm 8 mounted along an edge of the table pivots about a vertical axis 9. In the position shown, it has no effect on the supply of the bottles.
  • the movable arm 8 can occupy another position at 90 ° shown in dotted lines transversely to the vibrating table, in which it closes the passage to the other end of the table.
  • the movable arm 8 also has the option of occupying a low position for which its lower part is flush with the vibrating table or else a high position for which, while remaining parallel to itself, and parallel to the table, it is a few centimeters above it. For this, the arm is sliding in height along the axis 9, thanks to a mechanism not shown.
  • the carriage 1 is capped with a plate 10, intended to support the bottles, which is located at the height of the plate 3 of the vibrating table 2.
  • the plate 10 supports a movable frame 11 consisting of two longitudinal members longitudinal 12 braced by two transverse spacing bars 13, which form the framework of the frame. It is mounted on casters 14 making it able to move on the carriage and on the vibrating table.
  • the carriage and the vibrating table are equipped with rails on which the rollers are guided.
  • first transverse flap 15 movable around a horizontal axis and at its other end, substantially below the end of the longitudinal beams, with a second transverse flap 16 also movable around a horizontal axis.
  • Each flap in the vertical position shown, is flush with the surface of the support on which the frame rests and prohibits the passage of the bottles.
  • a flap has pivoted in a horizontal position, it leaves a free passage to said bottles.
  • the shutters are operated independently by at least one actuator 17 by means of control rods 18.
  • the trolley 1 therefore has the function of recovering vials 5 accumulated on the table vibrating machine 2, convey them to a freeze-drying tank and discharge them there.
  • the vials recovery operation is carried out as follows, starting from the position shown in FIG. 2.
  • the mobile carriage 1 supports the mobile frame 11 which is momentarily immobilized there.
  • the flap 15 is lowered but the flap 16 is open (in the horizontal position).
  • the mobile frame 11 is then moved in the direction of the vibrating table 2 above which it will stop after having rolled on the guide angles 7.
  • the mobile arm 8 of the vibrating table 2 occupies the position shown in the figure 3.
  • the conveyor 4 continuously feeds the tray 3 with vials 5. The latter move on said tray, are guided by the fixed flap 6 and then accumulate at the end of the vibrating table against the flap 15 of the frame mobile.
  • the movable arm 8 pivots in the low position which has the effect of pushing the bottles still in the area of feed to the mobile frame where they complete the accumulation.
  • the movable arm 8 in the form of a square is fitted under the flap 16. ( Figure 4).
  • the shutter 16 is then closed (position lowered).
  • the movable frame 11 moves in the opposite direction in the direction of the carriage 1 onto which are thus transferred all the bottles "trapped" between the flaps as seen in FIG. 5.
  • the movable carriage 1 moves in the direction of the lyophilization tank where it goes unload the bottles by an identical maneuver for moving the movable frame 11 and opening or closing the liftable flaps 15 and 16.
  • Another movable carriage can take its place near the vibrating table.
  • the movable arm 8 is raised, thus releasing the accumulated bottles and returns to its first position along the table.
  • a new filling cycle of the mobile frame for the transfer of vials to the mobile carriage is then started. It was previously indicated that the mobile carriage 1 was capable of distributing its load to any one of the lyophilization tanks chosen, whether or not they are close to the vibrating table.
  • a shelf 17 can itself be equipped with a movable frame.
  • this shelf 17 is bordered by angles 18 for guiding the bottles and the movable frame.
  • the front end of the shelf on the side of its opening access also receives an eclipsable stop 23.
  • the shelf is of course inside a lyophilization tank 19 which adjoins the vibrating table 2. But between the latter and the shelf is an empty space E forming a discontinuity with the plate 3.
  • the space in question is occupied by a movable horizontal plate 20 which is located between the plate 3 of the vibrating table and the plate of the shelf 17.
  • a complementary pivoting plate 21, is mounted on small support arms 24 articulated on the plate 20.
  • the plate and the plate have the same length as the width of the shelf 17.
  • the plate 21 has a width which compensates, with the width of the plate 20 the space vacuum E separating the vibrating table from the shelf.
  • the plate 21 is raised, while a door of the access airlock 22 ensuring the separation between the tank 19 and the vibrating table 2, is in the high position.
  • the movable plate 20 comes into contact with the shelf and by the set of pushers not shown causes the lowering of the eclipsable stop 23.
  • the plate 21 can be lowered in the direction of the arrow until it occupies a horizontal position where it fills the last gap between the plate 20 and the vibrating table 2. Continuity is ensured -for loading or unloading- between the shelf and the vibrating table, since the stop 23 is eclipsed.
  • the vibrating loading table 2 the upper plate 3 of which is supplied with bottles 5 by the inlet conveyor 4.
  • the bottles are oriented towards the center of the table by the fixed deflector flap 6
  • the movable arm 8 mounted along an edge of the table, which can pivot around the vertical axis 9 to be placed transversely to the table; it slides in height along the axis 9 and can thus occupy a low position where it cooperates with the bottles or a high position for which it moves above said bottles.
  • the bottles accumulated on the plate 3 move under the effect of vibrations, in the direction of the arrows F. 1, that is to say in the longitudinal direction of the vibrating table.
  • the movable frame 11 consisting of two longitudinal beams 12, braced with transverse spacing bars 13, and equipped with transverse flaps 15, 16 movable around a horizontal axis.
  • a motor 33 moves said movable frame on its rails.
  • Eclipsable stops 30 limit said table 29 which opens laterally on a non-vibrating turntable 31, which distributes the vials through a conduit 32, to a capper.
  • the unloading table 29 therefore extends transversely between the loading table 2 and a freeze-drying tank 19 equipped with shelves 17 bordered by angles 18 for guiding the bottles.
  • the tank is closed by a vertically moving door 21 cooperating by an articulation with arms 24 with a movable horizontal plate 20 intended to compensate and occupy the empty space E, existing between a shelf 17 and the unloading table 29.
  • Figure 9 illustrates the situation at time zero of the unloading process.
  • the movable frame 11 is returned to position on the vibrating table 2.
  • the door 21 of the freeze dryer is closed and the bottles 5 are in place on the shelf 17.
  • the two tables 2 and 29 are vibrated.
  • the bottles 5 resting on the unloading table 29 are then released on the side in the direction of the arrows F.2, after lifting of the intermediate eclipsable stop 30, in the direction of the turntable 31.
  • Simultaneously the bottles resting on the loading table 2 move in the direction of the arrows F.1 in the direction of the freeze-dryer, to supply the unloading table and permanently compensate for the evacuated bottles, as can be seen in FIG. 12.
  • the stopper 30 is put back in place, the door of the freeze-dryer reopens, the next filled shelf is at the level, then the mobile frame will, according to the process described, seek a new stack of vials for unloading.
  • the bottles are guided and oriented towards the center of the plate and grouped together as compactly as possible using the fixed deflector flap and / or the pivotable movable arm. It has been found that under certain specific conditions of use, as well as for certain categories and number of bottles to be transferred, the use of the movable arm is not always entirely satisfactory, in particular for ensuring a compact grouping of the bottles at the edge of the table.
  • FIG. 13 shows the end of a vibrating loading table 2, the plate 3 of which is supplied with bottles 5 by a conveyor 27 opening out at one end of said plate.
  • the table is provided with the movable transfer frame 11, of which only a part has been shown, equipped with a transverse flap 16 movable around a horizontal axis.
  • a retaining and dispensing plunger 34 essentially formed of two lateral side members 35 connected at the end by a spacer 36 above the plane of the bottles.
  • the pusher in question moves under the action of any mechanism not shown, so that the side members 35 slide for example on the lateral edges of the plate of the vibrating table. It can then move in the direction of the transfer frame 11 and then return to its original position, at the end of the vibrating table.
  • the front part of the side members 35, in the direction of the transfer frame 11, supports an equalizer designated as a whole by the reference 37, the structure of which is also visible in FIG. 14.
  • Said equalizer 37 essentially consists of a rake 38 s 'extending transversely to the side members 35 above the entire width of the table.
  • the front face of the rake (in the direction of the transfer frame) is cut out with rectangular passage openings 39 while the rear face is profiled to form cells 40, funnel-shaped, opening towards the rear, and communicating with the openings 39 as seen on the left-hand side of FIG. 14.
  • the rake 38 is fixed and integral with the side members 35.
  • a sliding shutter 41 which is a kind of grid provided with rectangular openings at the pitch and dimensions of the openings 39 of the rake.
  • the shutter 41 is operated by a jack 42.
  • the intermediate zone 43 between the equalizer 37 and the transfer frame 11 is an area where the counting of bottles is carried out using cells not shown.
  • the pusher 34 and the frame 11 are stationary.
  • the bottles 5 supplied by the conveyor 27 disperse on the plate 3 of the vibrating table upstream of the equalizer 37; they reach the equalizer and are channeled regularly by the cells 40 of the rake 38.
  • the shutter 41 being in the open position, the bottles pass through the rake through the openings 39 and stack in the area of the transfer frame 11 , passing under the flap 16 which is raised.
  • the bottles are counted when they pass through the intermediate zone 43.
  • the shutter 41 closes.
  • the bottles 5 come to a standstill and then accumulate on the plate 3 of the vibrating table upstream of the equalizer 37, inside the retaining and distribution pusher 34, always stationary.
  • a certain number of counted bottles remain on the vibrating table, upstream of the transfer frame 11 in the intermediate zone 43.
  • these bottles must be recovered.
  • the pusher 34 has moved over the plate 3 in the direction of the frame 11 until the rake 38 is passed under the flap 16 of the frame 11, still stationary.
  • the shutter 41 thus pushed the counted vials from the area 43 into the area of the transfer frame.
  • the retaining and dispensing pusher 34 can then return to its original position without harming the current accumulation of the bottles.
  • the transfer frame 11 is then filled with the exact number of counted bottles. Its flap 16 will drop and it will then be able to transfer its accumulation of bottles to the lyophilization tank. When this operation is finished, it will return to the position of FIG. 13, then the shutter of the equalizer will open again to release regularly and continuously, through the openings 39, a new series of bottles 5.
  • the tray is equipped with a retaining and dispensing bar 54 mounted transversely above the tray 3, on the end of the lateral arms 53.
  • the arms form, with the bar, a frame capable of pivoting about horizontal pivot axes at the ends of the arms 53.
  • the plate 3 is furthermore equipped with a central partition 52 ending, on the side corridor 27 for supplying the bottles, an adjustable flap 50 which can pass the bottles on one side or the other of the partition. Diffusers 51 on either side of this partition further improve the distribution of the bottles.
  • the bar 54 is in the raised position.
  • the transfer frame 11 is stationary and its flap 16 is also raised.
  • the bottles arrive via the corridor 27, in single file for example at the rate of ten bottles per second and they are counted before their introduction on the plate 3 of the vibrating table. Since the bar is raised the bottles pass below until a certain amount has been counted. It will be noted that the bottles are distributed alternately to the right and to the left of the partition 52 by predetermined quantities, then they fill the transfer carriage 11.
  • FIG. 18 The following sequence is illustrated in FIG. 18.
  • the bar 54 has been lowered and the carriage 11 flap 16 raised, moves back towards the corridor 27. It then comes to compress the bottles against the bar 54. At this point the dimension is measured back of the carriage materialized in Figure 18 by the distance r.
  • An optoelectronic device 55 with several cells located near the bar 54 on the side of the table whose pitch corresponds to the diameter of the bottles makes it possible to determine the number of bottles to be introduced in order to have the exact capacity of a shelf. We can then measure this quantity at the entrance of the table. Then the carriage returns to its place and when the quantity of missing bottles has passed through the carriage, the flap 16 is lowered and transport is carried out.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Jigging Conveyors (AREA)
  • Loading Or Unloading Of Vehicles (AREA)
  • Special Conveying (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)

Description

L'invention se rapporte à un dispositif de chargement et/ou déchargement des étagères d'une cuve de lyophilisation selon le préambule de la revendication 1.The invention relates to a device for loading and / or unloading the shelves of a lyophilization tank according to the preamble of claim 1.

Les cuves de lyophilisation sont destinées à traiter des produits ou substances généralement contenus dans des flacons de petite dimension. Avantageusement ces flacons sont répartis de la façon la plus compacte possible sur plusieurs étagères disposées les unes au dessus des autres à l'intérieur de la cuve. Il est évidemment indispensable de limiter au maximum le temps de chargement et de déchargement des étagères ou de tout autre dispositif intermédiaire, pour que le temps mort de la cuve, c'est-à-dire la durée de son non fonctionnement soit aussi court que possible, pour des raisons de rentabilité mais aussi pour éviter autant que possible que la cuve soit trop longtemps en communication avec l'atmosphère extérieure et que l'eau ne se condense ainsi sur les surfaces froides des pièces intérieures de la chambre.The lyophilization tanks are intended to treat products or substances generally contained in small bottles. Advantageously, these bottles are distributed as compactly as possible on several shelves arranged one above the other inside the tank. It is obviously essential to limit the loading and unloading time of the shelves or any other intermediate device as much as possible, so that the dead time of the tank, that is to say the duration of its non-operation, is as short as possible, for reasons of profitability but also to avoid as far as possible that the tank is too long in communication with the outside atmosphere and that water does not condense on the cold surfaces of the interior rooms of the room.

On connaît la disposition qui consiste à utiliser un chariot de hauteur constante qui se place au niveau d'un orifice d'accès à la cuve et à faire en sorte que les étagères destinées à être chargées ou déchargées puissent se déplacer chacune leur tour dans la cuve et venir à la hauteur correspondante. Des casiers préalablement chargés du produit et disposés sur la plateforme du chariot sont ensuite transférés manuellement, par exemple en les laissant glisser sur une prolongation de la plateforme en direction de la cuve.We know the provision which consists in using a trolley of constant height which is placed at the level of an orifice for access to the tank and in ensuring that the shelves intended to be loaded or unloaded can each move in turn in the tank and come to the corresponding height. Lockers previously loaded with the product and placed on the platform of the trolley are then transferred manually, for example by letting them slide over an extension of the platform in the direction of the tank.

On conçoit que ce mode de chargement manuel soit lent et fastidieux et qu'il impose en amont ou en aval un travail de prérangement dans les casiers, tout à fait incomptabile avec les exigences de rapidité évoquées précédemment.It is understandable that this manual loading mode is slow and tedious and that it imposes upstream or downstream a pre-arrangement work in the lockers, completely incompatible with the speed requirements mentioned above.

On connaît aussi, notamment par le GB-A 2 185 969 dont la divulgation a servi de base à la rédaction de la revendication 1 en deux parties, des installations de transfert de plateaux pour leur chargement automatique sur lesdites étagères, installations qui mettent en oeuvre une plateforme intermédiaire mobile de transfert qui est par exemple constituée d'un cadre portant des roulettes ou galets entraînés en rotation pour déplacer chaque plateau. Bien qu'automatiques, ces installations ne sont pas forcément plus rapides ; elles sont en tout cas compliquées et coûteuses à mettre en oeuvre, et nécessitent la fabrication et le stockage d'un grand nombre de plateaux appropriés.Also known, in particular from GB-A 2 185 969, the disclosure of which served as the basis for drafting claim 1 in two parts, trays transfer facilities for their automatic loading onto said shelves, facilities which implement a mobile intermediate transfer platform which is for example constituted by a frame carrying rollers or rollers driven in rotation to move each plate. Although automatic, these installations are not necessarily faster; they are in any case complicated and expensive to implement, and require the manufacture and storage of a large number of suitable trays.

Il existe encore des systèmes de chargement et de déchargement automatique qui n'utilisent pas de plateaux ou casiers de transfert mais qui permettent l'introduction d'un ensemble de flacons, en les faisant glisser sur une table d'alimentation. Pour cela les flacons peuvent être récupérés d'une bande transporteuse qui les achemine du poste de conditionnement jusqu'à cette table sur laquelle ils se rassemblent de façon compacte avant d'être introduits, par lots, à l'intérieur de la cuve, par exemple sous l'action d'un rateau pousseur.There are also automatic loading and unloading systems which do not use trays or transfer racks but which allow the introduction of a set of bottles, by sliding them on a feeding table. For this, the bottles can be recovered from a conveyor belt which transports them from the packaging station to this table on which they collect compactly before being introduced, in batches, inside the tank, by example under the action of a pusher rake.

Enfin, le document EP-A-0 391 208, qui est compris dans l'état de la technique au sens de l'article 54(3) CBE, décrit un système de chargement et de déchargement automatique utilisant un casier. Ce document ne divulgue pas, cependant, l'utilisation d'une table vibrante.Finally, document EP-A-0 391 208, which is included in the state of the art within the meaning of Article 54 (3) EPC, describes an automatic loading and unloading system using a rack. This document does not disclose, however, the use of a vibrating table.

L'invention a donc pour objet un dispositif de chargement et/ou de déchargement des étagères d'une cuve de lyophilisation prévu pour une pluralité de flacons provenant d'un poste d'alimentation en continu desdits flacons, dispositif qui comporte au moins une table vibrante destinée à recueillir et stocker lesdits flacons, ladite table vibrante étant équipée d'au moins un moyen mobile de blocage des flacons sur au moins une partie du plateau de la table vibrante, un cadre mobile du transfert portant des volets éclipsables étant apte à se déplacer entre une surface plane immédiatement voisine de ladite table vibrante et le plateau de la table vibrante pour recueillir et transférer les flacons accumulés.The subject of the invention is therefore a device for loading and / or unloading the shelves of a freeze-drying tank provided for a plurality of bottles from a station for continuously feeding said bottles, device which comprises at least one table vibrating machine intended to collect and store said bottles, said vibrating table being equipped with at least one mobile means for blocking the bottles on at least part of the table of the vibrating table, a mobile transfer frame carrying eclipsable flaps being able to move between a flat surface immediately adjacent to said vibrating table and the table of the vibrating table to collect and transfer the accumulated bottles.

Le moyen de blocage des flacons sur le plateau supérieur de la table vibrante est constitué d'un bras mobile, monté le long d'une bordure de ladite table, et susceptible de pivoter autour d'un axe vertical, pour occuper une position transversale à la table vibrante, ledit bras pouvant en outre coulisser en hauteur le long de l'axe vertical. D'autre part un volet déflecteur en arc de cercle est disposé au dessus du plateau de la table vibrante, une de ses extrémités aboutissant au tapis d'alimentation en continu des flacons sur la table.The means for blocking the bottles on the upper plate of the vibrating table consists of a movable arm, mounted along an edge of said table, and capable of pivoting about a vertical axis, to occupy a position transverse to the vibrating table, said arm also being able to slide in height along the axis vertical. On the other hand, a deflector flap in an arc is placed above the table of the vibrating table, a of its ends leading to the continuous feeding conveyor of the vials on the table.

Avantageusement, le cadre mobile de transfert est constitué de deux longerons longitudinaux entretoisés par deux barres transversales d'écartement, les volets étant montés également transversalement sur les longerons sensiblement aux deux extrémités du cadre.Advantageously, the movable transfer frame consists of two longitudinal beams braced by two transverse spacer bars, the flaps being also mounted transversely on the beams substantially at the two ends of the frame.

Chaque volet est monté sur le cadre de façon mobile autour d'axes horizontaux, pour pouvoir être indépendamment placés en position horizontale et laisser libre passage aux flacons.Each flap is mounted on the frame in a mobile manner around horizontal axes, so that it can be independently placed in a horizontal position and allow free passage to the bottles.

En outre chaque volet est manoeuvré indépendamment en rotation autour de ses axes horizontaux par au moins un vérin.In addition, each flap is independently operated in rotation about its horizontal axes by at least one jack.

Le dispositif selon l'invention est utilisable soit en liaison avec un chariot mobile soit en liaison directe avec une cuve de lyophilisation.The device according to the invention can be used either in connection with a mobile trolley or in direct connection with a lyophilization tank.

Dans le premier cas la surface plane de stockage des flacons recueillis par le cadre fait partie d'un chariot mobile qui supporte ledit cadre et assure le convoyage des flacons vers une cuve de lyophilisation.In the first case, the flat storage surface for the bottles collected by the frame is part of a mobile carriage which supports said frame and ensures the conveying of the bottles to a lyophilization tank.

Dans le second cas la surface plane de stockage des flacons recueillis par le cadre est constituée d'une des étagères d'une cuve de lyophilisation qui supporte ledit cadre, la table vibrante étant immédiatement voisine de ladite cuve. Dans ce cas l'espace vide entre l'étagère et le plateau de la table vibrante est occupé par une plaque mobile horizontale et une plaquette complémentaire pivotante, montée sur des petits bras support s'articulant sur la plaque.In the second case, the flat storage surface for the bottles collected by the frame consists of one of the shelves of a lyophilization tank which supports said frame, the vibrating table being immediately adjacent to said tank. In this case, the empty space between the shelf and the table of the vibrating table is occupied by a horizontal movable plate and a complementary pivoting plate, mounted on small support arms articulated on the plate.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, l'effacement d'un portillon d'accès à la cuve de lyophilisation provoque l'abaissement de la butée éclipsable et de la plaquette pivotante pour assurer la continuité entre une étagère et la table vibrante.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the erasure of an access door to the lyophilization tank causes the lowering of the eclipsable stop and of the pivoting plate to ensure continuity between a shelf and the vibrating table .

Selon une variante de l'invention, une autre table vibrante de déchargement est associée à la table vibrante de chargement et disposée au même niveau, entre cette dernière et l'entrée de la cuve de lyophilisation, pour l'évacuation latérale des flacons par la mise en oeuvre simultanée des deux tables vibrantes.According to a variant of the invention, another vibrating unloading table is associated with the vibrating loading table and disposed at the same level, between the latter and the inlet of the lyophilization tank, for the lateral evacuation of the bottles by the simultaneous implementation of the two vibrating tables.

Avantageusement la table de déchargement débouche latéralement sur un plateau tournant non vibrant qui distribue les flacons vers l'extérieur par un conduit, et elle est limitée par des butées éclipsables.Advantageously, the unloading table opens laterally onto a non-vibrating turntable which distributes the bottles towards the outside by a conduit, and it is limited by eclipsable stops.

Selon encore une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, le moyen de blocage des flacons sur le plateau supérieur de la table vibrante est constitué d'une pièce mobile jouant le rôle d'organe de retenue et de distribution de flacons et qui s'étend transversalement au-dessus de la table vibrante du côté du couloir d'alimentation des flacons. Avantageusement la pièce mobile est un poussoir de retenue et de distribution supportant un égalisateur s'étendant transversalement au-dessus de la table vibrante, dont des ouvertures de passage peuvent être fermées par un moyen d'obturation, ledit poussoir étant susceptible de coulisser au-dessus de la table vibrante.According to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, the means for blocking the bottles on the upper plate of the vibrating table consists of a movable part playing the role of retaining and dispensing member for bottles and which s' extends transversely above the vibrating table on the side of the vials feed corridor. Advantageously, the moving part is a retaining and dispensing pusher supporting an equalizer extending transversely above the vibrating table, the passage openings of which can be closed by means of shutter, said pusher being capable of sliding above the vibrating table.

L'égalisateur est essentiellement constitué d'un rateau, s'étendant au-dessus de toute la largeur de la table vibrante, transversalement à deux longerons latéraux du poussoir de retenue et de distribution.The equalizer essentially consists of a rake, extending over the entire width of the vibrating table, transversely to two lateral side members of the retaining and distribution plunger.

Avantageusement les ouvertures de passage sont prévues sur la face avant du rateau, tandis que la face arrière dudit rateau est profilée pour former des alvéoles en forme d'entonnoir s'ouvrant vers l'arrière et communiquant avec les ouvertures avant.Advantageously, the passage openings are provided on the front face of the rake, while the rear face of said rake is profiled to form funnel-shaped cells opening towards the rear and communicating with the front openings.

D'autres avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description suivante de formes de réalisation faisant référence aux dessins annexés qui représentent :

  • figure 1 une vue schématique en perspective de la table vibrante associée à un chariot mobile ;
  • figures 2 à 5 des schémas en plan montrant les phases de chargement du chariot mobile ;
  • figure 6 une vue schématique en perspective de la table vibrante associée à une cuve de lyophilisation ;
  • figure 7 une vue schématique partielle selon la figure 1, d'une variante de réalisation ;
  • figure 8 une vue schématique en plan, d'une variante de réalisation du dispositif ;
  • figures 9 à 12 des schémas en plan montrant les phases de chargement-déchargement d'une cuve de lyophilisation, selon la variante de la figure 8 ;
  • figure 13 une vue en perspective partielle d'une autre variante de table vibrante avec son poussoir de retenue et de distribution ;
  • figure 14 une vue en perspective du rateau de l'égalisateur partiellement écorchée ;
  • figures 15 et 16 des vues perspectives de la table vibrante et du poussoir durant d'autres phases de fonctionnement ;
  • figures 17 et 18 des vues perspectives simplifiées de la table vibrante équipée, en variante, d'une barre de retenue et de distribution dans deux phases de fonctionnement.
Other advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of embodiments with reference to the appended drawings which represent:
  • Figure 1 a schematic perspective view of the vibrating table associated with a mobile carriage;
  • Figures 2 to 5 diagrams in plan showing the loading phases of the mobile carriage;
  • Figure 6 a schematic perspective view of the vibrating table associated with a lyophilization tank;
  • Figure 7 a partial schematic view according to Figure 1, of an alternative embodiment;
  • Figure 8 a schematic plan view of an alternative embodiment of the device;
  • Figures 9 to 12 plan diagrams showing the loading-unloading phases of a lyophilization tank, according to the variant of Figure 8;
  • Figure 13 a partial perspective view of another variant of the vibrating table with its retaining and distribution pusher;
  • Figure 14 a perspective view of the partially equalized rake of the equalizer;
  • Figures 15 and 16 perspective views of the vibrating table and the pusher during other operating phases;
  • Figures 17 and 18 simplified perspective views of the vibrating table equipped, alternatively, a retaining bar and distribution in two operating phases.

On a représenté à la figure 1 un chariot mobile de transfert désigné dans son ensemble par la référence 1 et une table vibrante 2. La table présente un plateau supérieur 3 et un tapis 4 ou une vis d'alimentation de flacons 5 qui débouche dans un angle de plateau par une voie simple ou bien dans des secteurs déterminés au moyen d'aiguillages comme on le précisera plus loin. Les flacons sont orientés vers le centre du plateau par un volet déflecteur fixe 6, en arc de cercle, une de ses extrémités aboutissant au tapis 4, le plateau étant bordé sur ses deux côtés longitudinaux de cornières de guidage 7. Un bras mobile 8 monté le long d'un bord de la table pivote autour d'un axe vertical 9. Dans la position représentée, il est sans effet sur l'alimentation des flacons. Il peut occuper une autre position à 90° représentée en pointillés transversalement à la table vibrante, dans laquelle il ferme le passage vers l'autre extrémité de la table. Le bras mobile 8 a aussi la faculté d'occuper une position basse pour laquelle sa partie inférieure est à ras de la table vibrante ou bien une position haute pour laquelle, tout en restant parallèle à lui-même, et parallèle à la table, il se trouve à quelques centimètres au-dessus de celle-ci. Pour cela le bras est coulissant en hauteur le long de l'axe 9, grâce à un mécanisme non représenté.There is shown in Figure 1 a mobile transfer cart designated as a whole by the reference 1 and a vibrating table 2. The table has an upper plate 3 and a mat 4 or a screw for feeding bottles 5 which opens into a angle of plateau by a single track or in sectors determined by means of switches as will be specified later. The bottles are oriented towards the center of the plate by a fixed deflector flap 6, in an arc, one of its ends leading to the mat 4, the plate being bordered on its two longitudinal sides with guide angles 7. A movable arm 8 mounted along an edge of the table pivots about a vertical axis 9. In the position shown, it has no effect on the supply of the bottles. It can occupy another position at 90 ° shown in dotted lines transversely to the vibrating table, in which it closes the passage to the other end of the table. The movable arm 8 also has the option of occupying a low position for which its lower part is flush with the vibrating table or else a high position for which, while remaining parallel to itself, and parallel to the table, it is a few centimeters above it. For this, the arm is sliding in height along the axis 9, thanks to a mechanism not shown.

D'un autre côté, le chariot 1 est coiffé d'une plaque 10, destinée à supporter les flacons, qui se trouve à la hauteur du plateau 3 de la table vibrante 2. La plaque 10 supporte un cadre mobile 11 constitué de deux longerons longitudinaux 12 entretoisés par deux barres transversales d'écartement 13, qui forment l'ossature du cadre. Il est monté sur des roulettes 14 le rendant apte à se déplacer sur le chariot et sur la table vibrante. A cet effet, le chariot et la table vibrante sont équipés de rails sur lesquels sont guidées les roulettes.On the other hand, the carriage 1 is capped with a plate 10, intended to support the bottles, which is located at the height of the plate 3 of the vibrating table 2. The plate 10 supports a movable frame 11 consisting of two longitudinal members longitudinal 12 braced by two transverse spacing bars 13, which form the framework of the frame. It is mounted on casters 14 making it able to move on the carriage and on the vibrating table. For this purpose, the carriage and the vibrating table are equipped with rails on which the rollers are guided.

Il est équipé, à une de ses extrémités d'un premier volet transversal 15 mobile autour d'un axe horizontal et à son autre extrémité, sensiblement en deçà du bout des longerons longitudinaux, d'un second volet transversal 16 également mobile autour d'un axe horizontal. Chaque volet, dans la position verticale représentée, affleure la surface du support sur lequel repose le cadre et interdit le passage des flacons. Par contre quand un volet a pivoté en position horizontale, il laisse un libre passage auxdits flacons. Les volets sont manoeuvrés indépendamment par au moins un vérin 17 par l'intermédiaire de tiges de commande 18. Quand la table vibrante fixe 2 et le chariot mobile de transfert 1 sont placés côte à côte comme représentés sur la figure 1, leurs plateaux supérieurs 3 et 10 étant au même niveau, on comprend que le cadre mobile 11 monté sur roulettes puisse passer aisément de l'un à l'autre. Le chariot 1 a donc pour fonction de récupérer des flacons 5 accumulés sur la table vibrante 2, de les convoyer jusqu'à une cuve de lyophilisation et de les y décharger.It is equipped, at one of its ends with a first transverse flap 15 movable around a horizontal axis and at its other end, substantially below the end of the longitudinal beams, with a second transverse flap 16 also movable around a horizontal axis. Each flap, in the vertical position shown, is flush with the surface of the support on which the frame rests and prohibits the passage of the bottles. On the other hand when a flap has pivoted in a horizontal position, it leaves a free passage to said bottles. The shutters are operated independently by at least one actuator 17 by means of control rods 18. When the fixed vibrating table 2 and the mobile transfer carriage 1 are placed side by side as shown in FIG. 1, their upper plates 3 and 10 being at the same level, it is understood that the mobile frame 11 mounted on casters can pass easily from one to the other. The trolley 1 therefore has the function of recovering vials 5 accumulated on the table vibrating machine 2, convey them to a freeze-drying tank and discharge them there.

Dans la variante représentée à la figure 7, ce n'est plus un seul tapis qui débouche dans un angle de la table vibrante 2, mais deux sections de bandes 25 et 26 ou de vis qui alimentent la table par son extrémité et assurent ainsi une répartition plus régulière des flacons, dès leur arrivée sur le plateau 3. Les deux sections sont elles-mêmes alimentées par un convoyeur unique 27 par l'intermédiaire d'un aiguillage 28. Selon une autre variante non représentée les sections 25 et 26 pourraient être alimentées tout à fait indépendamment par des postes de conditionnement. Dans le cas de cette alimentation de la table vibrante par son extrémité, un déflecteur fixe ne s'avère pas nécessairement utile.In the variant shown in Figure 7, it is no longer a single mat which opens into a corner of the vibrating table 2, but two sections of bands 25 and 26 or screws which feed the table at its end and thus ensure a more regular distribution of the bottles, as soon as they arrive on the tray 3. The two sections are themselves fed by a single conveyor 27 via a switch 28. According to another variant not shown, sections 25 and 26 could be fed entirely independently by packaging stations. In the case of this feeding of the vibrating table by its end, a fixed deflector does not necessarily prove to be useful.

L'opération de récupération des flacons s'effectue de la façon suivante, à partir de la position représentée à la figure 2.The vials recovery operation is carried out as follows, starting from the position shown in FIG. 2.

Tout d'abord le chariot mobile 1 supporte le cadre mobile 11 qui s'y trouve momentanément immobilisé. Le volet 15 est baissé mais le volet 16 est ouvert (en position horizontale). On déplace alors le cadre mobile 11 en direction de la table vibrante 2 au-dessus de laquelle il va s'immobiliser après avoir roulé sur les cornières de guidage 7. Le bras mobile 8 de la table vibrante 2 occupe la position représentée à la figure 3. Le convoyeur 4 alimente en continu le plateau 3 avec des flacons 5. Ces derniers se déplacent sur ledit plateau, sont guidés par le volet fixe 6 puis viennent s'accumuler à l'extrémité de la table vibrante contre le volet 15 du cadre mobile.First of all the mobile carriage 1 supports the mobile frame 11 which is momentarily immobilized there. The flap 15 is lowered but the flap 16 is open (in the horizontal position). The mobile frame 11 is then moved in the direction of the vibrating table 2 above which it will stop after having rolled on the guide angles 7. The mobile arm 8 of the vibrating table 2 occupies the position shown in the figure 3. The conveyor 4 continuously feeds the tray 3 with vials 5. The latter move on said tray, are guided by the fixed flap 6 and then accumulate at the end of the vibrating table against the flap 15 of the frame mobile.

A l'approche de la fin du remplissage, mesuré par un compteur, de l'espace séparant les deux volets 15 et 16, le bras mobile 8 pivote en position basse ce qui a pour effet de pousser les flacons encore dans la zone d'alimentation vers le cadre mobile où ils complètent l'accumulation. Le bras mobile 8 en forme d'équerre s'encastre sous le volet 16. (Figure 4). On ferme alors le volet 16 (position baissée). Puis le cadre mobile 11 se déplace en sens inverse en direction du chariot 1 sur lequel se trouvent ainsi transférés tous les flacons "emprisonnés" entre les volets comme on le voit à la figure 5. Pendant ce temps les flacons qui continuent d'alimenter en continu la table vibrante 2 par le tapis 4 ou la vis, s'empilent dans l'espace de stockage 3 devant le bras mobile 8. Le chariot mobile 1, de son côté, se déplace en direction de la cuve de lyophilisation où il va décharger les flacons par une manoeuvre identique de déplacement du cadre mobile 11 et d'ouverture ou fermeture des volets relevables 15 et 16. Un autre chariot mobile peut prendre sa place auprès de la table vibrante. Dès que son cadre mobile aura été déplacé sur la table vibrante, le bras mobile 8 se soulève, libère ainsi les flacons accumulés et revient à sa position première le long de la table. Un nouveau cycle de remplissage du cadre mobile en vue du transfert de flacons sur le chariot mobile est alors engagé. On a indiqué précédemment que le chariot mobile 1 était apte à distribuer son chargement à l'une quelconque des cuves de lyophilisation choisies, qu'elles soient proches ou non de la table vibrante. La "rotation" simultanée de plusieurs chariots entre plusieurs cuves, voire plusieurs tables vibrantes, permet une grande souplesse et une grande rapidité de chargement puisqu'avec ce système il n'y a pas d'interruption dans l'alimentation en continu des flacons à traiter. Ces chariots peuvent transférer leur charge sur l'une ou l'autre des étagères superposées qui équipent une cuve et qui se placent à tour de rôle au niveau voulu.Approaching the end of filling, measured by a counter, of the space separating the two flaps 15 and 16, the movable arm 8 pivots in the low position which has the effect of pushing the bottles still in the area of feed to the mobile frame where they complete the accumulation. The movable arm 8 in the form of a square is fitted under the flap 16. (Figure 4). The shutter 16 is then closed (position lowered). Then the movable frame 11 moves in the opposite direction in the direction of the carriage 1 onto which are thus transferred all the bottles "trapped" between the flaps as seen in FIG. 5. During this time the bottles which continue to feed in continuous the vibrating table 2 by the conveyor 4 or the screw, stack in the storage space 3 in front of the movable arm 8. The movable carriage 1, for its part, moves in the direction of the lyophilization tank where it goes unload the bottles by an identical maneuver for moving the movable frame 11 and opening or closing the liftable flaps 15 and 16. Another movable carriage can take its place near the vibrating table. As soon as its movable frame has been moved on the vibrating table, the movable arm 8 is raised, thus releasing the accumulated bottles and returns to its first position along the table. A new filling cycle of the mobile frame for the transfer of vials to the mobile carriage is then started. It was previously indicated that the mobile carriage 1 was capable of distributing its load to any one of the lyophilization tanks chosen, whether or not they are close to the vibrating table. The simultaneous "rotation" of several trolleys between several tanks, or even several vibrating tables, allows great flexibility and great speed of loading since with this system there is no interruption in the continuous feeding of the bottles to treat. These trolleys can transfer their load to one or other of the superimposed shelves which equip a tank and which are placed in turn at the desired level.

Il peut être toutefois avantageux dans certains cas, d'associer une table vibrante directement avec une cuve de telle sorte que les flacons soient transférés directement sur une étagère. Dans ce cas une étagère 17 peut elle-même être équipée d'un cadre mobile. On voit sur la variante représentée à la figure 6 que cette étagère 17 est bordée de cornières 18 pour le guidage des flacons et du cadre mobile. L'extrémité avant de l'étagère du côté de son ouverture d'accès reçoit en outre une butée éclipsable 23. L'étagère est bien entendu à l'intérieur d'une cuve de lyophilisation 19 qui jouxte la table vibrante 2. Mais entre celle-ci et l'étagère se trouve un espace vide E formant une discontinuité avec le plateau 3. L'espace en question est occupé par une plaque horizontale mobile 20 qui se trouve entre le plateau 3 de la table vibrante et le plateau de l'étagère 17. Une plaquette complémentaire pivotante 21, est montée sur des petits bras support 24 s'articulant sur la plaque 20. La plaque et la plaquette ont la même longueur que la largeur de l'étagère 17. La plaquette 21 a une largeur qui compense, avec la largeur de la plaque 20 l'espace vide E séparant la table vibrante de l'étagère. Dans la position représentée à la figure 6, la plaquette 21 est levée, tandis qu'un portillon du sas d'accès 22 assurant la séparation entre la cuve 19 et la table vibrante 2, est en position haute. Quand le portillon 22 s'abaisse, la plaque mobile 20 vient au contact de l'étagère et par le jeu de poussoirs non représentés provoque l'abaissement de la butée éclipsable 23. Les bras 24 étant libérés par l'effacement du portillon, la plaquette 21 peut s'abaisser dans le sens de la flèche jusqu'à occuper une position horizontale où elle comble le dernier vide existant entre la plaque 20 et la table vibrante 2. La continuité est assurée -en vue d'un chargement ou déchargement- entre l'étagère et la table vibrante, puisque la butée 23 est éclipsée.It may however be advantageous in certain cases to associate a vibrating table directly with a tank so that the bottles are transferred directly to a shelf. In this case a shelf 17 can itself be equipped with a movable frame. We see in the variant shown in Figure 6 that this shelf 17 is bordered by angles 18 for guiding the bottles and the movable frame. The front end of the shelf on the side of its opening access also receives an eclipsable stop 23. The shelf is of course inside a lyophilization tank 19 which adjoins the vibrating table 2. But between the latter and the shelf is an empty space E forming a discontinuity with the plate 3. The space in question is occupied by a movable horizontal plate 20 which is located between the plate 3 of the vibrating table and the plate of the shelf 17. A complementary pivoting plate 21, is mounted on small support arms 24 articulated on the plate 20. The plate and the plate have the same length as the width of the shelf 17. The plate 21 has a width which compensates, with the width of the plate 20 the space vacuum E separating the vibrating table from the shelf. In the position shown in Figure 6, the plate 21 is raised, while a door of the access airlock 22 ensuring the separation between the tank 19 and the vibrating table 2, is in the high position. When the door 22 is lowered, the movable plate 20 comes into contact with the shelf and by the set of pushers not shown causes the lowering of the eclipsable stop 23. The arms 24 being released by the erasure of the door, the plate 21 can be lowered in the direction of the arrow until it occupies a horizontal position where it fills the last gap between the plate 20 and the vibrating table 2. Continuity is ensured -for loading or unloading- between the shelf and the vibrating table, since the stop 23 is eclipsed.

Ainsi est autorisé le passage du cadre mobile de l'une à l'autre. Les opérations de déchargement et de transfert des flacons peuvent avoir lieu de façon identique au fonctionnement décrit relativement à un chariot mobile, grâce au cadre mobile et à ses volets pivotants.Thus is allowed the passage of the movable frame from one to another. The unloading and transfer operations of the bottles can take place in the same way as the operation described with respect to a mobile carriage, thanks to the mobile frame and its pivoting flaps.

Pour le déchargement, l'opération de lyophilisation étant terminée, il est plus économique de ne pas immobiliser l'appareil trop longtemps et de procéder au déchargement simultané de tous les flacons, en utilisant un chariot à plusieurs étages, chacun étant équipé d'un cadre mobile de transfert, comparable à celui du chargement. Pour des questions de :

  • respect de la classe de stérilité du local et conception de celui-ci,
  • respect des normes de la pharmacopée,
  • d'organisation, de planning ou de disponibilité d'appareils,

il peut toutefois être préférable de procéder au déchargement étagère par étagère dans la salle même de chargement.For unloading, the lyophilization operation having been completed, it is more economical not to immobilize the device for too long and to proceed to the simultaneous unloading of all the bottles, using a multi-level trolley, each equipped with a mobile transfer frame, comparable to that of the load. For some questions from:
  • respect for the sterility class of the room and its design,
  • compliance with pharmacopoeial standards,
  • organization, planning or availability of devices,

however, it may be preferable to unload shelf by shelf in the same loading room.

Selon la variante illustrée à la figure 8, on voit la table vibrante de chargement 2 dont le plateau supérieur 3 est alimenté en flacons 5 par le tapis d'arrivée 4. Les flacons sont orientés vers le centre du plateau par le volet déflecteur fixe 6. On retrouve le bras mobile 8 monté le long d'un bord de la table, qui peut pivoter autour de l'axe vertical 9 pour se placer transversalement à la table ; il coulisse en hauteur le long de l'axe 9 et peut ainsi occuper une position basse où il coopère avec les flacons ou une position haute pour laquelle il se déplace au-dessus desdits flacons. Les flacons accumulés sur le plateau 3 se déplacent sous l'effet des vibrations, dans le sens des flèches F. 1 c'est-à-dire dans le sens longitudinal de la table vibrante. Au-dessus du plateau de la table vibrante 2 repose, sur des rails fixes latéraux, le cadre mobile 11 constitué de deux longerons longitudinaux 12, entretoisés de barres transversales d'écartement 13, et équipé des volets transversaux 15, 16 mobiles autour d'un axe horizontal. Un moteur 33 assure le déplacement dudit cadre mobile sur ses rails.According to the variant illustrated in FIG. 8, we see the vibrating loading table 2, the upper plate 3 of which is supplied with bottles 5 by the inlet conveyor 4. The bottles are oriented towards the center of the table by the fixed deflector flap 6 We find the movable arm 8 mounted along an edge of the table, which can pivot around the vertical axis 9 to be placed transversely to the table; it slides in height along the axis 9 and can thus occupy a low position where it cooperates with the bottles or a high position for which it moves above said bottles. The bottles accumulated on the plate 3 move under the effect of vibrations, in the direction of the arrows F. 1, that is to say in the longitudinal direction of the vibrating table. Above the plate of the vibrating table 2 rests, on lateral fixed rails, the movable frame 11 consisting of two longitudinal beams 12, braced with transverse spacing bars 13, and equipped with transverse flaps 15, 16 movable around a horizontal axis. A motor 33 moves said movable frame on its rails.

En bout du plateau 3 de la table vibrante de chargement 2, est disposée au même niveau une autre table vibrante 29, qui est une table de déchargement, dont les vibrations déchargent les flacons dans le sens des flèches F.2 c'est-à-dire transversalement au sens de déplacement F.1 des flacons sur la table 2 de chargement. Des butées éclipsables 30 limitent ladite table 29 qui débouche latéralement sur un plateau tournant non vibrant 31, lequel distribue les flacons par un conduit 32, vers une capsuleuse.At the end of the plate 3 of the vibrating loading table 2, is arranged at the same level another vibrating table 29, which is an unloading table, the vibrations of which unload the bottles in the direction of the arrows F.2, that is to say -display transversely to the direction of movement F.1 of the bottles on the loading table 2. Eclipsable stops 30 limit said table 29 which opens laterally on a non-vibrating turntable 31, which distributes the vials through a conduit 32, to a capper.

La table de déchargement 29 s'étend donc transversalement entre la table de chargement 2 et une cuve de lyophilisation 19 équipée d'étagères 17 bordée de cornières 18 pour le guidage des flacons. Au niveau des tables, la cuve est fermée par une porte à déplacement vertical 21 coopérant par une articulation à bras 24 avec une plaque horizontale mobile 20 destinée à compenser et occuper l'espace vide E, existant entre une étagère 17 et la table de déchargement 29.The unloading table 29 therefore extends transversely between the loading table 2 and a freeze-drying tank 19 equipped with shelves 17 bordered by angles 18 for guiding the bottles. At the tables, the tank is closed by a vertically moving door 21 cooperating by an articulation with arms 24 with a movable horizontal plate 20 intended to compensate and occupy the empty space E, existing between a shelf 17 and the unloading table 29.

Quant il s'agit d'opérer le chargement de flacons sur une étagère 17, et qu'à cet effet la porte 21 est ouverte, il y a continuité entre les plans de l'étagère 17, de la plaque 20, de la table de déchargement 29 et de la table de chargement 2. Pendant la phase de chargement, la table de déchargement 29 ne vibre pas et se comporte par conséquent comme un plateau fixe, les opérations de chargement des étagères à l'aide du cadre mobile de transfert s'effectuent à partir de la situation représentée à la figure 8.When it is a question of operating the loading of bottles onto a shelf 17, and that for this purpose the door 21 is open, there is continuity between the plans of the shelf 17, of the plate 20, of the table of unloading 29 and of the loading table 2. During the loading phase, the unloading table 29 does not vibrate and therefore behaves like a fixed tray, the operations of loading the shelves using the mobile transfer frame are performed from the situation shown in Figure 8.

La figure 9 illustre la situation à l'instant zéro du processus de déchargement. Le cadre mobile 11 est revenu en position sur la table vibrante 2. D'autre part, la porte 21 du lyophilisateur est fermée et les flacons 5 sont en place sur l'étagère 17.Figure 9 illustrates the situation at time zero of the unloading process. The movable frame 11 is returned to position on the vibrating table 2. On the other hand, the door 21 of the freeze dryer is closed and the bottles 5 are in place on the shelf 17.

Dans la position de la figure 10 correspondant à une première phase de déchargement, la porte est ouverte et le cadre mobile 11 est engagé à l'intérieur du lyophilisateur, son volet avant 16 et son volet arrière 15 étant en position verticale, c'est-à-dire qu'ils emprisonnent les flacons 5 qui sont ainsi bloqués, sur l'étagère 17, à l'intérieur du cadre mobile. L'opération de déchargement proprement dite, commence par le transfert de ces flacons en dehors du lyophilisateur, à l'aide du cadre mobile. On voit à la figure 11 que le cadre s'est immobilisé de telle sorte que le chargement de flacons qu'il emprisonnait repose pour partie sur la table de déchargement 29 et pour une plus grande partie sur la table de chargement 2. Pour qu'une partie des flacons restent sur la table 29, il a fallu qu'en fin de la course de retour du cadre vers la table de chargement, le volet avant 16 se soit levé quand il est passé au-dessus de l'entrée de la table 29, pour stopper l'avance des flacons.In the position of FIG. 10 corresponding to a first unloading phase, the door is open and the movable frame 11 is engaged inside the freeze dryer, its front flap 16 and its rear flap 15 being in the vertical position, this is ie they trap the bottles 5 which are thus blocked, on the shelf 17, inside the mobile frame. The actual unloading operation begins with the transfer of these bottles from the freeze dryer using the mobile frame. It can be seen in FIG. 11 that the frame has come to a standstill so that the load of bottles it trapped rests for part on the unloading table 29 and for a larger part on the loading table 2. For part of the bottles to remain on the table 29, it was necessary that at the end of the return stroke from the frame to the table loading, the front flap 16 rose when it passed over the entry of the table 29, to stop the advance of the bottles.

Une fois que les flacons sont ainsi immobilisés les deux tables 2 et 29 sont mises en vibration. Les flacons 5 reposant sur la table de déchargement 29 sont alors dégagés sur le côté dans le sens des flèches F.2, après levée de la butée éclipsable intermédiaire 30, en direction du plateau tournant 31. Simultanément les flacons reposant sur la table de chargement 2 se déplacent dans le sens des flèches F.1 en direction du lyophilisateur, pour alimenter la table de déchargement et compenser en permanence les flacons évacués, comme on le voit sur la figure 12.Once the bottles are thus immobilized, the two tables 2 and 29 are vibrated. The bottles 5 resting on the unloading table 29 are then released on the side in the direction of the arrows F.2, after lifting of the intermediate eclipsable stop 30, in the direction of the turntable 31. Simultaneously the bottles resting on the loading table 2 move in the direction of the arrows F.1 in the direction of the freeze-dryer, to supply the unloading table and permanently compensate for the evacuated bottles, as can be seen in FIG. 12.

Dès que l'opération est terminée, la butée 30, se remet en place, la porte du lyophilisateur se rouvre, l'étagère remplie suivante se présente au niveau, puis le cadre mobile va, selon le processus décrit, rechercher un nouvel empilement de flacons en vue de son déchargement.As soon as the operation is finished, the stopper 30 is put back in place, the door of the freeze-dryer reopens, the next filled shelf is at the level, then the mobile frame will, according to the process described, seek a new stack of vials for unloading.

On peut ainsi réaliser, avec un seul ensemble de tables vibrantes, le chargement et le déchargement automatique de flacons dans la même salle, d'un même côté du lyophilisateur, et sans passer par un transfert sur un chariot mobile intermédiaire.We can thus achieve, with a single set of vibrating tables, the automatic loading and unloading of bottles in the same room, on the same side of the freeze dryer, and without going through a transfer on an intermediate mobile carriage.

On a vu que dans ces différentes variantes, les flacons sont guidés et orientés vers le centre du plateau et regroupés de la façon la plus compacte possible à l'aide du volet déflecteur fixe et/ou du bras mobile pivotable. On a constaté que dans certaines conditions particulières d'utilisation, ainsi que pour certaines catégories et nombre de flacons à transférer, l'usage du bras mobile ne donne pas toujours toute satisfaction notamment pour assurer un regroupement compact des flacons en lisière de la table.We have seen that in these different variants, the bottles are guided and oriented towards the center of the plate and grouped together as compactly as possible using the fixed deflector flap and / or the pivotable movable arm. It has been found that under certain specific conditions of use, as well as for certain categories and number of bottles to be transferred, the use of the movable arm is not always entirely satisfactory, in particular for ensuring a compact grouping of the bottles at the edge of the table.

La variante illustrée à la figure 13 montre l'extrémité d'une table vibrante de chargement 2 dont le plateau 3 est alimenté en flacons 5 par un convoyeur 27 débouchant à un bout dudit plateau. La table est munie du cadre mobile de transfert 11, dont on n'a représenté qu'une partie, équipé d'un volet transversal 16 mobile autour d'un axe horizontal.The variant illustrated in FIG. 13 shows the end of a vibrating loading table 2, the plate 3 of which is supplied with bottles 5 by a conveyor 27 opening out at one end of said plate. The table is provided with the movable transfer frame 11, of which only a part has been shown, equipped with a transverse flap 16 movable around a horizontal axis.

Au-dessus du plateau, depuis son extrémité, peut coulisser un poussoir de retenue et de distribution 34 essentiellement formé de deux longerons latéraux 35 reliés en bout par une entretoise 36 au-dessus du plan des flacons. Le poussoir en question se déplace sous l'action d'un mécanisme quelconque non représenté, de sorte que les longerons 35 coulissent par exemple sur les bordures latérales du plateau de la table vibrante. Il peut alors se déplacer en direction du cadre de transfert 11 puis revenir à sa position première, à l'extrémité de la table vibrante. La partie avant des longerons 35, en direction du cadre de transfert 11, supporte un égalisateur désigné dans son ensemble par la référence 37, dont la structure est également visible à la figure 14. Ledit égalisateur 37 est essentiellement constitué d'un rateau 38 s'étendant transversalement aux longerons 35 au-dessus de toute la largeur de la table. La face avant du rateau (en direction du cadre transfert) est découpée d'ouvertures rectangulaires de passage 39 tandis que la face arrière est profilée pour former des alvéoles 40, en forme d'entonnoir, s'ouvrant vers l'arrière, et communiquant avec les ouvertures 39 comme on le voit sur la partie gauche de la figure 14. Le rateau 38 est fixe et solidaire des longerons 35. En avant du rateau est disposé un obturateur coulissant 41 qui est une sorte de grille pourvue d'ouvertures rectangulaires au pas et aux dimensions des ouvertures 39 du rateau. L'obturateur 41 est manoeuvré par un vérin 42. La zone intermédiaire 43 entre l'égalisateur 37 et le cadre de transfert 11 est une zone où s'effectue le comptage de flacons à l'aide de cellules non représentées.Above the tray, from its end, can slide a retaining and dispensing plunger 34 essentially formed of two lateral side members 35 connected at the end by a spacer 36 above the plane of the bottles. The pusher in question moves under the action of any mechanism not shown, so that the side members 35 slide for example on the lateral edges of the plate of the vibrating table. It can then move in the direction of the transfer frame 11 and then return to its original position, at the end of the vibrating table. The front part of the side members 35, in the direction of the transfer frame 11, supports an equalizer designated as a whole by the reference 37, the structure of which is also visible in FIG. 14. Said equalizer 37 essentially consists of a rake 38 s 'extending transversely to the side members 35 above the entire width of the table. The front face of the rake (in the direction of the transfer frame) is cut out with rectangular passage openings 39 while the rear face is profiled to form cells 40, funnel-shaped, opening towards the rear, and communicating with the openings 39 as seen on the left-hand side of FIG. 14. The rake 38 is fixed and integral with the side members 35. In front of the rake is disposed a sliding shutter 41 which is a kind of grid provided with rectangular openings at the pitch and dimensions of the openings 39 of the rake. The shutter 41 is operated by a jack 42. The intermediate zone 43 between the equalizer 37 and the transfer frame 11 is an area where the counting of bottles is carried out using cells not shown.

Dans la position représentée à la figure 13 le poussoir 34 et le cadre 11 sont immobiles. Les flacons 5 alimentés par le convoyeur 27 se dispersent sur le plateau 3 de la table vibrante en amont de l'égalisateur 37 ; ils atteignent l'égalisateur et sont canalisés de façon régulière par les alvéoles 40 du rateau 38. L'obturateur 41 étant en position ouverte, les flacons traversent le rateau en passant par les ouvertures 39 et s'empilent dans la zone du cadre transfert 11, en passant sous le volet 16 qui est relevé. Les flacons sont comptés lors de leur passage dans la zone intermédiaire 43.In the position shown in Figure 13 the pusher 34 and the frame 11 are stationary. The bottles 5 supplied by the conveyor 27 disperse on the plate 3 of the vibrating table upstream of the equalizer 37; they reach the equalizer and are channeled regularly by the cells 40 of the rake 38. The shutter 41 being in the open position, the bottles pass through the rake through the openings 39 and stack in the area of the transfer frame 11 , passing under the flap 16 which is raised. The bottles are counted when they pass through the intermediate zone 43.

Quand le comptage a comptabilisé un nombre prédéterminé de flacons accumulés dans le cadre transfert 11, l'obturateur 41 se ferme. Les flacons 5 s'immobilisent et s'accumulent alors sur le plateau 3 de la table vibrante en amont de l'égalisateur 37, à l'intérieur du poussoir de retenue et de distribution 34, toujours immobile. Pendant cette phase, illustrée à la figure 15, un certain nombre de flacons décomptés subsistent sur la table vibrante, en amont du cadre de transfert 11 dans la zone intermédiaire 43. Avant le transfert il faut récupérer ces flacons. Pour cela, ainsi que le montre la figure 16, le poussoir 34 s'est déplacé au-dessus du plateau 3 en direction du cadre 11 jusqu'à ce que le rateau 38 soit passe sous le volet 16 du cadre 11, encore immobile. L'obturateur 41 a ainsi poussé les flacons décomptés de la zone 43 dans la zone du cadre transfert.When the count has counted a predetermined number of bottles accumulated in the transfer frame 11, the shutter 41 closes. The bottles 5 come to a standstill and then accumulate on the plate 3 of the vibrating table upstream of the equalizer 37, inside the retaining and distribution pusher 34, always stationary. During this phase, illustrated in FIG. 15, a certain number of counted bottles remain on the vibrating table, upstream of the transfer frame 11 in the intermediate zone 43. Before the transfer, these bottles must be recovered. For this, as shown in Figure 16, the pusher 34 has moved over the plate 3 in the direction of the frame 11 until the rake 38 is passed under the flap 16 of the frame 11, still stationary. The shutter 41 thus pushed the counted vials from the area 43 into the area of the transfer frame.

Le poussoir de retenue et de distribution 34 peut alors revenir dans sa position première sans nuire à l'accumulation en cours des flacons. Le cadre transfert 11 est alors rempli du nombre exact de flacons décomptés. Son volet 16 va s'abaisser et il pourra alors transférer son cumul de flacons vers la cuve de lyophilisation. Quand cette opération sera terminée, il reviendra à la position de la figure 13, puis l'obturateur de l'égalisateur s'ouvrira à nouveau pour libérer de façon régulière et continue, par les ouvertures 39, une nouvelle série de flacons 5.The retaining and dispensing pusher 34 can then return to its original position without harming the current accumulation of the bottles. The transfer frame 11 is then filled with the exact number of counted bottles. Its flap 16 will drop and it will then be able to transfer its accumulation of bottles to the lyophilization tank. When this operation is finished, it will return to the position of FIG. 13, then the shutter of the equalizer will open again to release regularly and continuously, through the openings 39, a new series of bottles 5.

Dans une nouvelle autre variante de réalisation représentée à la figure 17, à la place d'un poussoir de retenue et de distribution, le plateau est équipé d'une barre de retenue et de distribution 54 montée transversalement au-dessus du plateau 3, sur l'extrémité de bras latéraux 53. Les bras forment avac la barre un cadre susceptible de pivoter autour d'axes horizontaux de pivotement aux extrémités des bras 53. Le plateau 3 est en outre équipé d'une cloison médiane 52 se terminant, du côté du couloir 27 d'alimentation des flacons, d'un volet orientable 50 pouvant faire passer les flacons d'un côté ou de l'autre de la cloison. Des diffuseurs 51, de part et d'autre de cette cloison améliorent encore la répartition des flacons.In another new alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 17, instead of a retaining and dispensing pusher, the tray is equipped with a retaining and dispensing bar 54 mounted transversely above the tray 3, on the end of the lateral arms 53. The arms form, with the bar, a frame capable of pivoting about horizontal pivot axes at the ends of the arms 53. The plate 3 is furthermore equipped with a central partition 52 ending, on the side corridor 27 for supplying the bottles, an adjustable flap 50 which can pass the bottles on one side or the other of the partition. Diffusers 51 on either side of this partition further improve the distribution of the bottles.

Dans la position représentée à la figure 17, la barre 54 est en position levée. Le cadre de transfert 11 est immobile et son volet 16 est également levé. Les flacons arrivent par le couloir 27, en file unitaire par exemple à raison de dix flacons par seconde et ils sont comptés avant leur introduction sur le plateau 3 de la table vibrante. Puisque la barre est levée les flacons passent au-dessous jusqu'à ce qu'une certaine quantité ait été décomptée. On notera que les flacons sont distribués alternativement à droite et à gauche de la cloison 52 par quantités prédéterminées, puis ils remplissent le chariot de transfert 11.In the position shown in Figure 17, the bar 54 is in the raised position. The transfer frame 11 is stationary and its flap 16 is also raised. The bottles arrive via the corridor 27, in single file for example at the rate of ten bottles per second and they are counted before their introduction on the plate 3 of the vibrating table. Since the bar is raised the bottles pass below until a certain amount has been counted. It will be noted that the bottles are distributed alternately to the right and to the left of the partition 52 by predetermined quantities, then they fill the transfer carriage 11.

La séquence suivante est illustrée par la figure 18. La barre 54 a été abaissée et le chariot 11 volet 16 relevé, recule en direction du couloir 27. Il vient alors comprimer les flacons contre la barre 54. A ce moment là est mesurée la cote de recul du chariot matérialisée sur la figure 18 par la distance r. Un dispositif optoélectronique 55,à plusieurs cellules localisé à proximité de la barre 54 sur le côté de la table dont le pas correspond au diamètre des flacons permet de déterminer le nombre de flacons à introduire pour avoir la capacité exacte d'une étagère. On peut alors mesurer cette quantité à l'entrée de la table. Puis le chariot reprend sa place et quand la quantité de flacons manquants est passée dans le chariot, le volet 16 s'abaisse et le transport se fait.The following sequence is illustrated in FIG. 18. The bar 54 has been lowered and the carriage 11 flap 16 raised, moves back towards the corridor 27. It then comes to compress the bottles against the bar 54. At this point the dimension is measured back of the carriage materialized in Figure 18 by the distance r. An optoelectronic device 55, with several cells located near the bar 54 on the side of the table whose pitch corresponds to the diameter of the bottles makes it possible to determine the number of bottles to be introduced in order to have the exact capacity of a shelf. We can then measure this quantity at the entrance of the table. Then the carriage returns to its place and when the quantity of missing bottles has passed through the carriage, the flap 16 is lowered and transport is carried out.

Claims (28)

  1. Device for the sequential loading and/or unloading of the racks of a lyophilization tank provided for a plurality of vials (5) coming from a station feeding the said vials continuously, characterized in that it includes at least one vibrating table (2) intended for collecting and storing the said vials (5), the said vibrating table (2) being equipped with at least one mobile means (8) for blocking the vials over at least a part of the tray (3) of the vibrating table, and in that a mobile transfer frame (11) with retractable flaps (15, 16) is capable of moving between a flat surface (10, 17) immediately adjacent to the said vibrating table (2) and the tray of the vibrating table for collecting and transferring the accumulated vials.
  2. Loading and/or unloading device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for blocking the vials (5) on the upper tray (3) of the vibrating table (2) are formed of a mobile arm (8), mounted along one edge of the said table and pivotable about a vertical shaft (9), so as to occupy a position transverse to the vibrating table, the said arm being further able to slide heightwise along the vertical shaft.
  3. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 1, characterized in that a deflector flap (6), in the form of an arc of a circle, is disposed above the tray (3) of the vibrating table, one of its ends terminating at a belt (4) which feeds vials continuously on to the table.
  4. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the vibrating table is fed by at least two sections (25 and 26) of supply belts or screws which open out at the end of the said table.
  5. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the mobile transfer frame (11) is formed of two longitudinal members (12) spaced apart by two transverse spacing bars (13), the flaps (15, 16) also being mounted transversely on the longitudinal members substantially at both ends of the frame.
  6. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claims 1 and 5, characterized in that each flap (15, 16) is mounted on the frame (11) so as to be movable about horizontal axes, so as to be able to be placed independently in a horizontal position and let the vials pass freely.
  7. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 5, characterized in that each flap (15, 16) is operated independently for rotation about its horizontal axes by at least one jack (17) and control rods (18).
  8. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claims 1 and 5, characterized in that the transfer frame (11) is made movable by a set of wheels (14) resting on guide rails (7, 18) provided on the vibrating table and the adjacent flat surface (10, 17).
  9. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the flat surface (10) for storing the vials collected by the frame (11) forms part of a mobile carriage (1) which supports the said frame and conveys the vials (5) to a lyophilization tank (19).
  10. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the flat surface (10) for storing the vials collected by the frame (11) is formed of one of the racks (17) of a lyophilization tank (19) which supports the said frame, the vibrating table (2) being immediately adjacent to the said tank (19).
  11. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the front end of the rack (17), on the same side as its access opening, is provided with a retractable stop (23).
  12. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the empty space (E) between the rack (17) and the tray (3) of the vibrating table (2) is occupied by a horizontal mobile plate (20) and a complementary pivoting platen (21).
  13. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 12, characterized in that the complementary pivoting platen (21) is mounted on small support arms (24) articulated to the plate (20).
  14. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 12, characterized in that retraction of an access door (22) to the lyophilization tank (19) causes lowering of the retractable stop (23) and of the pivoting platen (21) to ensure continuity between a rack (17) and the vibrating table (2).
  15. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 1, characterized in that an unloading vibrating table (29) is associated with the loading vibrating table (2) and is disposed at the same level, between the latter and the inlet of the lyophilization tank (19), for laterally discharging the vials by simultaneous action of the two vibrating tables.
  16. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 15, characterized in that the unloading vibrating table (29) opens laterally on to a non-vibrating rotary tray (31) which distributes the vials outwardly through a conduit (32).
  17. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 15, characterized in that retractable stops (30) limit the unloading vibrating table (29) laterally.
  18. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 15, characterized in that the empty space (E) between a rack (17) and the unloading vibrating table (29) is occupied by a mobile horizontal plate (20) cooperating by an articulation (24) with a vertically moving door (21).
  19. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the means (8) for blocking the vials (5) on the upper tray (3) of the vibrating table (2) is formed of a mobile part (34, 54) serving as member for retaining and distributing the vials and which extends transversely above the vibrating table on the same side as the vial feed passage (27).
  20. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 19, characterized in that the mobile part is a retention and distribution pusher (34) supporting an equalizer (37) extending transversely above the vibrating table, whose passage openings (39) may be closed by closure means (41), said pusher (34) being slidable above the vibrating table.
  21. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 20, characterized in that the equalizer (37) is essentially formed of a rake (38), extending above the whole width of the vibrating table (2), transversely to two lateral longitudinal members (35) of the retention and distribution pusher (34).
  22. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claims 20 and 21, characterized in that the passage openings (39) are provided on the front face of the rake (38), whereas the rear face of the said rake is profiled so as to form funnel shaped cavities (40) opening rearwards and communicating with the front openings (39)
  23. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claims 21 and 22, characterized in that the closure means are sliding closure means (41) in the form of a grid with rectangular openings with the spacing and dimensions of the openings (39) of the rake (38).
  24. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 21, characterized in that the intermediate zone (43) between the equalizer (37) and the transfer frame (11) is a zone where the vials having passed through the rake (38) are counted.
  25. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 19, characterized in that the mobile piece is a retention and distribution bar (54) mounted at the end of lateral arms (53), pivoting about horizontal axes.
  26. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claims 19 and 25, characterized in that the tray (3) is equipped with an orientable flap (50) for the distribution of vials on each side of a median partition (52).
  27. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 26, characterized in that the tray (3) is equipped with diffusers (51), on each side of the partition (52).
  28. Loading and/or unloading device according to Claim 25, characterized in that the backward travel (r) of the mobile transfer frame (11) is measured by an optoelectronic device (55) with several cells located close to the bar (54), on the table side.
EP19900403256 1989-11-20 1990-11-19 Apparatus for loading and/or unloading the shelves of a freeze drying enclosure Expired - Lifetime EP0429348B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT90403256T ATE101259T1 (en) 1989-11-20 1990-11-19 DEVICE FOR LOADING AND/OR UNLOADING THE SHELVES OF A FREEZE-DRYING ROOM.

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8915167A FR2654810B1 (en) 1989-11-20 1989-11-20 DEVICE FOR LOADING AND / OR UNLOADING THE SHELVES OF A LYOPHILIZATION TANK.
FR8915167 1989-11-20
FR9009901A FR2665484B2 (en) 1990-08-02 1990-08-02 DEVICE FOR LOADING AND / OR UNLOADING THE SHELVES OF A LYOPHILIZATION TANK.
FR9009901 1990-08-02
FR9012734 1990-10-16
FR9012734A FR2667930B2 (en) 1989-11-20 1990-10-16 DEVICE FOR LOADING AND / OR UNLOADING THE SHELVES OF A LYOPHILIZATION TANK.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0429348A1 EP0429348A1 (en) 1991-05-29
EP0429348B1 true EP0429348B1 (en) 1994-02-02

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EP19900403256 Expired - Lifetime EP0429348B1 (en) 1989-11-20 1990-11-19 Apparatus for loading and/or unloading the shelves of a freeze drying enclosure

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Country Link
EP (1) EP0429348B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3154718B2 (en)
DE (1) DE69006457T2 (en)

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AU617098B2 (en) * 1987-07-13 1991-11-21 Goldco Industries Inc. Apparatus and method for promotion of preselected article orientation in an assemblage of articles
DE9001612U1 (en) * 1989-04-07 1990-04-19 Finn-Aqua Santasalo-Sohlberg GmbH, 50354 Hürth Device for loading and unloading a freeze-drying device

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0931738A1 (en) * 1998-01-26 1999-07-28 Societe D'utilisation Scientifique Et Industrielle Du Froid Usifroid Device for the dense accumulation of identical objects coming out of a conveyor
FR2774080A1 (en) * 1998-01-26 1999-07-30 Usifroid DEVICE FOR COMPACT ACCUMULATION OF IDENTICAL OBJECTS FROM AN ONLINE CONVEYOR
US6206173B1 (en) 1998-01-26 2001-03-27 Societe D'utilisation Scientifique Et Industrielle Du Froid - Usifroid Device for compactly accumulating identical objects coming from a conveyor line
US6269932B1 (en) 1998-11-19 2001-08-07 Societe D'utilisation Scientiftique Et Industrielle Du Froid Usifroid Automatic device allowing for a high output in the discharging of objects from a vibrating table to an on-line conveyor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69006457D1 (en) 1994-03-17
JP3154718B2 (en) 2001-04-09
EP0429348A1 (en) 1991-05-29
DE69006457T2 (en) 1994-07-21
JPH03279105A (en) 1991-12-10

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