DEVICE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF AT LEAST ONE OBJECT, IN PARTICULAR A PHARMACEUTICAL CONTAINER

Abstract

An apparatus for transporting at least one object (11), in particular a pharmaceutical container, to multiple stations (50, 52, 54) is proposed, comprising at least one receiving device (30), at least one drive (16) for generating a rotational movement (21) of the receiving device (30) for transporting the object (11), located in the receiving device (30), between at least one station (50, 52, 54), preferably multiple stations (50, 52, 54), and a delivery and / or removal position (46) in which at least one object (11) can be delivered to or removed from the receiving device (30), wherein the receiving device (30) is designed such that the object (11) remains in the receiving device (30) when the object (11) is located at the station (50, 52, 54).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Device for transporting at least one object, in particular one

[0004] pharmaceutical container

[0005] The invention relates to a device for transporting at least one object, in particular a pharmaceutical container, according to the preamble of the independent claim.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] From DE 1020080002245 A1, a stem wheel arrangement for transporting containers is already known, comprising a first stem wheel, a second stem wheel, and a transfer device arranged between the two stem wheels in the transport direction. The transfer device comprises a first stem segment with a first drive, a further stem segment with a further drive, and a third stem segment with a third drive, wherein the stem segments are arranged one above the other and rotatably about a common axis.

[0008] A robot for the execution of [unclear text] has already been developed from DE 202005017588 Ul.

[0009] Handling processes in a cleanroom are known. Drive elements move a robot arm located within the cleanroom. Sealing elements are provided to completely seal the interior of the robot arm from the cleanroom.

[0010] From DE 102009045947 Al a device for filling and closing containers, in particular different types of pharmaceuticals, is described.

[0011] Containers with processing stations for carrying out various tasks

[0012] Processing steps for the different types of containers are known, whereby different processing steps are carried out at the processing stations depending on the type of container to be filled and sealed. At least one processing station is designed to perform different processing steps on different types of containers.

[0013] The invention is based on the objective of further improving the state of the art, in particular by reducing the technical effort. This objective is achieved by the features of the independent claim.

[0014] Advantages of the invention

[0015] In contrast, the device according to the invention with the features of the independent claim has the advantage, particularly for the pharmaceutical environment, that it requires only a simple transport device designed as a lifting and rotating unit. Especially in processes that always follow one another without intermediate steps, separate handling of the objects (i.e., insertion and removal separately for each process station) is unnecessary. The transport of the objects during these successive process steps can be achieved using simpler, cost-effective, preferably stationary, transport devices. These fixed stations are designed as process islands. The process islands are supplied with objects to be processed, for example, by high-quality multi-axis robot technology, and removed again after processing. However, the robot does not access the individual processes.For this purpose, the device for transporting the object was designed in such a way that the objects handled with it are made available for a wide variety of process requirements, but can still remain in the transport device. The design of such a device.

[0016] Transport devices can be implemented simply and cost-effectively. A significant advantage of this is that less complex robotics technology is required, especially as more process cells are created. Another advantage is that fewer access operations to the objects, particularly sensitive glass containers, are necessary. This increases the safety of the process.

[0017] Processing processes. Advantageously, the loading and unloading of objects from the process cells can occur in parallel with the process flows. This means that the required total cycle time is determined solely by the process times plus a simple position change of the preferably stationary transport device. This allows the complex external robot technology to operate at a slower speed over a larger time window. This reduces the influence on the fluid dynamics of the

[0018] Laminar flow is reduced, particularly in sensitive filling areas. Alternatively, more tasks can be performed than before, or further savings in robotics can be achieved, for example, by using one robot with a double gripper instead of two robots with single grippers.

[0019] In a suitable further development, a handling device, preferably a robot, is provided that feeds or removes the object from the receiving device at the feeding and / or unloading position. A handling device is only required for this task. During the actual process steps, transport is carried out via the transport device.

[0020] In a well-designed system, objects are added or removed only when another object is located within the vicinity of at least one station. This allows object handling to be performed during operation without interrupting the process step. As a result, overall process flows can be accelerated.

[0021] In a suitable further development, the holding device comprises at least a base holder and a receptacle for the object, whereby the base holder and the receptacle are designed to be movable relative to each other. This limited

[0022] Movement may be necessary in some processes

[0023] Lifting operations can be implemented particularly easily, without requiring a complete

[0024] The object must be moved.

[0025] In a suitable further development, the mount and / or base holder includes a guiding element. In particular, the guiding element is dome-shaped or conical. This allows for particularly easy execution of restricted relative movements between the mount and the base holder. Advantageously, the guiding element can interact with a recess on the base holder or the mount for this purpose.

[0026] In a suitable further development, at least one drive is provided to generate movement of the receiving device and / or a means of movement, for example, to drive a station. The excavation movement can be carried out via the existing drive. This simplifies the overall design of the device. In a suitable further development, the receiving device includes at least a limit to restrict relative movement between the receiving device and the base holder. This ensures that excavation only occurs within the desired permissible areas. The safety of the arrangement is increased. Particularly advantageous is the inclusion of a form-fit in the receiving device. This ensures the secure holding of the object's head, thus preventing damage. Particularly advantageous is the inclusion of a lower holding area that can interact with the object's base and / or a scale.Firstly, secure holding is ensured, and secondly, the object can be positioned freely for precise weight measurement. The holder is made of plastic, which is particularly practical. This ensures especially gentle handling of the objects being measured, particularly when dealing with fragile glass containers or similar items.

[0027] Further appropriate training opportunities arise from other dependent

[0028] Claims and from the description.

[0029] drawing

[0030] An embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown in the drawing and is described in more detail below.

[0031] They show:

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a basic structure of the device for transporting an object, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the receiving device with the receiver, and Figure 3 is a section through the receiving device in the non-

[0033] excavated state, Figure 4 shows a section through the receiving device in the excavated state,

[0034] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a process island with a robot as an external handling device, and Figure 6 shows a more detailed perspective view of the transport device with associated stations.

[0035] A device 10 for transporting an object 11 comprises an assembly 32, on the plate 23 of which at least one receiving device 30 is arranged.

[0036] In this example, there are three receiving devices 30.

[0037] The mounting devices 30 are each permanently connected to the plate 23.

[0038] The receiving devices 30 can be set into a rotary motion 17 along an axis 25 by a drive 16. Furthermore, a lifting drive 20 is provided, by means of which the assembly 32 can be raised or lowered. This movement is designated as movement 21 with a double arrow. The axis 25 is surrounded by a column 12, which is rigidly connected, for example, to a base plate. The base plate is preferably horizontally oriented. The base plate serves, for example, in the pharmaceutical sector as a partition wall of a cleanroom or other sterile area in which the objects 11 to be transported are processed. Here, the objects 11 can, for example, be filled with pharmaceuticals and / or weighed and / or sealed. The device 10 transfers the objects 11 from a feed and / or removal position 46 to the individual stations 50, 52, 54, and / or 55.

[0039] Process stations in the cleanroom. Several devices (10) can also be provided.

[0040] The device 10 is designed as a lifting-rotating unit. Successive processes (e.g., filling, weighing, closing) at the associated stations 50, 52, 54 are not loaded and unloaded separately, but rather by a lifting-rotating movement of the

[0041] Device 10 is connected. A handling device 48, such as a robot, feeds objects 11 to and / or removes them from the device 10 while the processes are running, i.e., not after the process has ended.

[0042] Figure 2 shows the structure of the recording device 30 in more detail.

[0043] In this embodiment, the receiving device 30 serves to receive two objects 11. However, the receiving device 30 could also receive only one object 11 or several objects 11 simultaneously. The objects 11 could be, for example, glass containers, ampoules, vials, or similar items, which are filled with pharmaceutical products in particular.

[0044] A receptacle 31 is provided to protect the object 11. The receptacle 31 is designed, for example, as a form part and is oriented to the geometry of the object 11 to be received. The receptacle 31 could, for example, be made of plastic. The receptacle 31 receives the base of the object 11 in a lower section 33. Furthermore, the object 11 is enclosed laterally by corresponding openings that are adapted to the outer contour of the object 11 to be received. Such contours are provided in the middle section of the receptacle 31 as well as in the upper section of the receptacle 31. The receptacles 31 are designed so that the objects 11 are centered in the receptacles 31 as effectively as possible, in particular by a form fit 35 in the upper section of the object 11, especially in the case of injection molding. The actual handling of the objects 11 by the device 10 is carried out by lifting and rotation (in the exemplary embodiment, a 120° rotation).

[0045] Furthermore, recording 31 includes at least one guide instrument 34. In

[0046] In this embodiment, three guide elements 34 are provided. These guide elements 34 are, for example, designed as conical guide domes. Preferably, they taper towards the end. The guide elements 34 align in corresponding openings or recesses 27 of the receiving devices 30.

[0047] In this embodiment, these openings 27 are formed in the base holder 26. The base holder 26 in turn surrounds the receptacle 31. The base holder 26 serves to

[0048] Holding of the receptacle 31. The guide means 34 adjust the exact position of the receptacle 31 relative to the base holder 26. In addition, a limit 28 is provided. The limit 28 is located above the base holder 26. The

[0049] Limit 28 interacts with a mounting surface 29 of the receptacle 31. Limit 28 allows a certain defined excavation movement of the receptacle 31 along the axis of the object 11, corresponding to the lifting movement 21.

[0050] The special feature is that the fixtures 31, together with the objects 11, can be processed freely suspended in the respective stations 50, 52, 54, depending on the process requirements (for example, when closing or plugging) or lifted out when placed on a scale 52 or weighing station (for filling on the scale 52). The fixture 31 is designed to be liftable relative to the fixture 30 and / or in the base holder 26. In particular, the use of conical guide domes as guide elements 34 enables the objects 11 to be positioned without tension, yet with sufficient accuracy, in the lifted state. For example, when filling the empty objects 11 on the scale or weighing station 52 with the lifted fixture 31, a tare value of the product is recorded.

[0051] In this embodiment, the process is configured as a two-station system. Two objects 11 can be filled and weighed simultaneously at two independent weighing and filling stations in the filling station 50 and weighing station 52, respectively.

[0052] The different lifting positions are shown in Figures 3 and 4. The view in Figure 3 shows object 11 inserted into the receptacle 31, but not lifted out. In this position, object 11 can be transported or is suitable for process steps where it does not need to be lifted out.

[0053] In the view shown in Figure 4, however, object 11 has been lifted out. As an example, object 11 is shown in a filling position on a scale 52. The product to be filled is fed in via a filling needle 38, which dips into object 11 from above, and is simultaneously weighed in the lifted position. This allows the product being fed in to be detected and weighed during filling, and the filling process to be controlled accordingly. In the lifted position, the guide elements 34 are no longer held by the preferably conical bearing surfaces of the recesses of the base holder 26. Nevertheless, the guide elements 34 are still within the recesses 27, so that they can be easily inserted into them when the object is reset.

[0054] The lifting action could be carried out, for example, by the lifting drive 20. Alternatively, movement devices are provided which could be components of stations 50, 52, 54 and which can act on the receiving 31 for the purpose of lifting.

[0055] The embodiment according to Figure 5 shows, by way of example, a complete process cell 44 with object handling using only one handling device 48, such as a robot. This handling device 48 includes, for example, a double gripper. The grippers 49 of the double gripper are each operated independently of one another. They are each equipped with two clamping points for holding two objects 11. More or fewer clamping points can also be provided. In this variant, the handling of the objects 11 takes place in parallel with the process sequences. Thus, the feeding or removal of the objects 11 to the holding devices 30 occurs during the execution of the processes at the respective stations 50, 52, 54. At the process cell 44, two new, empty objects 11 to be loaded are fed by the robot 48 to a feeding position 46. Previously, the robot 48 may have already removed objects 11 that were already filled using the other gripper 49.Robot 48 transports the filled objects 11 to the transfer point of the next process cell. Robot 48 also retrieves new, empty objects 11 from the previous transfer point (for example, a station that takes empty objects 11 from a nest (holding device for a large number of usually pre-sterilized objects 11) for further processing).

[0056] Process island 44 comprises several stations. These may include a filling station 50 and / or a weighing station 52 with a scale and / or a transfer station 54 and / or a control station or similar.

[0057] A detailed view of the process cell 44 with the corresponding transport device 10 is shown in Figure 6. This illustrates how the gripper 49 of the handling device 48 feeds and removes the objects 11 from the device 10. The empty objects 11 are pressed into the receptacles 31. The gripper 49 then opens and moves away from the feed position 46. In this embodiment, the device 10 for transporting the object 11 moves counterclockwise to the next station, namely the filling station 50. As already indicated in Figure 4, in the filling position, the filling needle 38 is lowered into the object 11 to be filled. To release the object 11, it is lifted out together with the receptacle 31. Below this is the scale of a weighing station 52.

[0058] In general, the processes can lift the fixtures 31 or process them in the lowered state. The process units only need to allow the objects 11 to rotate laterally within their fixtures 31.

[0059] After the filling process is complete, the filled objects 11, along with their associated fixtures 31, are returned to their unexcavated state. The device 10 then moves the objects 11 to the next station 54.

[0060] In this embodiment, the further process station 54 is a

[0061] Shifting station. Here, closure elements such as plugs or similar are positioned appropriately over the opening of the object 11 and pressed in. The pressing in can be carried out by a corresponding movement of the shifting station 54 and / or by a lifting movement 21 of the device 10.

[0062] After sealing, the device 10 moves the filled and sealed object 11 to the feed and / or removal position 46. There, the gripper 49 of the handling device 48 removes the filled and sealed objects 11.

[0063] The handling device transports the sealed objects 11 to another station (for example, an inspection station, labeling station, or similar). Here, the handling device 48 could place the filled and sealed objects 11 back into a nest. Subsequently, as already described, the handling device 48 feeds empty objects 11, which still need to be filled, to the feed position 46 of the device 10 for transporting the objects 11.

[0064] Alternatively, it could also involve other stations (removal from a nest, cleaning station, inspection station, weighing station, labeling, plugging, capping vials, crimping vials, returning to a nest, etc.).

[0065] Firstly, the device 10 for transporting the object 11 is characterized by a simple design. The device 10 performs only a rotary-lifting motion. The movement path of the receiving device 30 is characterized by a simple, continuous motion, so that as few disruptive air currents as possible are generated. In particular, when the receiving device 30 is stationary, the lifting motion 21 can cause the receiving device 30 to be raised or lowered. This is achieved according to the invention by a device for transporting at least one object 11, in particular a pharmaceutical container, comprising at least one receiving device 30 and at least one drive 16, 20 for generating a lifting-rotating motion 21 of the receiving device 30 for transporting the object 11.

[0066] Receiving device 30 of object 11 located between several stations 50, 52, 54, in particular a filling station 50, wherein the receiving device 30 comprises at least one base holder 26 and at least one receptacle 31 for the object 11, wherein the base holder 26 and the receptacle 31 are designed to be movable relative to each other.

[0067] The device 10 can transport a variety of objects 11 or containers, in particular pharmaceutical containers such as syringes, vials, cartridges, ampoules, or similar items. The device 10 is especially suitable for applications with high sterility requirements, for example, in the filling of pharmaceuticals or foodstuffs, particularly under aseptic conditions. However, its use is not limited to these applications.

Claims

Claims 1. Device for transporting at least one object (11), in particular one pharmaceutical container, to several stations (50, 52, 54), comprising at least one receiving device (30), at least one drive (16) for generating a rotary movement (21) of the receiving device (30) for transporting the object (11) located in the receiving device (30) between at least one station (50, 52, 54), preferably several stations (50, 52, 54), and a feed and / or discharge position (46) in which at least one object (11) can be fed into or removed from the receiving device (30), wherein the The receiving device (30) is designed such that the object (11) is in the The recording device (30) remains when the object (11) is at the station (50, 52, 54).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one A handling device (48), preferably a robot, is provided which feeds or removes the object (11) in the feeding and / or removal position (46) of the receiving device (30).

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handling device (48) supplies or removes the object (11) from the receiving device (30) when another object (11) is located in the area of ​​at least one station (50, 52, 54).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one filling station (50) and / or weighing station (52) and / or a closing station (54) and / or a control station is provided as a station.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving device (30) comprises at least one base holder (26) and at least one receptacle (31) for the object (11), wherein the base holder (26) and the receptacle (31) are designed to be movable relative to each other.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (31) or the base holder (26) comprises at least one guide means (34) which interacts with the base holder (26) or the receptacle (31).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide means (34) is dome-shaped and / or conical.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide means (34) interacts with at least one recess (27) on the base holder (26) or receptacle (31).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one drive (20) for generating a lifting movement of the A receiving device (30) is provided.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one means of movement (20, 50) is provided for generating a relative movement between the receiver (31) and the base holder (26).

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive (20) for generating the lifting movement and / or a drive of a station (50, 52, 54), in particular the filling station (50) and / or the weighing station or scale (52) and / or the closing station (54) is / are provided as a means of movement.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving device (30) comprises at least one limit (28) for limiting a relative movement between receiving (31) and base holder (26).

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (31) has at least one form fit (35), in particular for securely holding a head area of ​​the object (11).

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (31) comprises a lower holding area (33) which is designed to is designed to interact with a base of the object (11) and / or with a scale (52).

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (31) is made of plastic.