Equipment and filling devices for handling medical containers

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing a pharmaceutical container (12), particularly a vial (14), syringe, or cartridge, comprising: a frame (54) positionable on a mounting surface (55) having a surface (63), a first side (61), and a second side opposite to the first side; at least one processing station for the container; and a particularly linear transport device (36) arranged between the first side (62) and the second side, having a retaining element (68) for the circulation of the container (12), which, at the transport section (66), extends from the receiving side to the receiving side. The transport section (66) moves in the lateral transport direction (67) and moves against the transport direction (67) at the return section (70), wherein at least one processing station (78) is arranged at the transport section (66), and the transport section (66) and the return section (70) define the transport surface (72) of the transport device (36) and are arranged above the surface (63), wherein the transport surface (72) is inclined at an angle (73) relative to the layer (65) and / or horizontal plane of the surface (63), and the transport section (66) is arranged above the return section (70) in the direction of gravity. The invention also relates to a filling device for filling a pharmaceutical container (12).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for processing medical containers, in particular vials, syringes or cartridges. The apparatus is used, in particular, for filling the containers with a medical substance. For this purpose, a filling station is preferably provided with the apparatus. The medical substance is in particular a medically effective substance (medicament).

[0002] The invention also relates to a filling device for filling medical containers. BACKGROUND

[0003] As described below, different types of containers can preferably be selectively processed with the apparatus. The different types of containers include, in particular, vials, syringes and / or cartridges. A vial can also be referred to as a "flask" or "tubular bottle". A container can also be referred to as a "vessel". SUMMARY

[0004] It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus of the type mentioned at the outset, which has a compact configuration.

[0005] According to the invention, this object is achieved by an apparatus for processing medical containers, in particular vials, syringes and / or cartridges, comprising:

[0006] - a rack positionable on a build-up surface, having a surface, a first side and a second side opposite thereto,

[0007] - at least one processing station for containers,

[0008] - a, in particular linear, transport device arranged between the first side and the second side, having circulating holding elements for containers, which move along a transport direction from an access side to a detachment side at a transport section and against the transport direction at a return section,

[0009] wherein the at least one processing station is arranged at the transport section, and the transport section and the return section define a transport plane of the transport device and are arranged above the surface,

[0010] and wherein the transport plane is inclined by an inclination angle with respect to a level plane and / or a horizontal plane of the surface, and the transport section is arranged above the return section in the direction of gravity.

[0011] In the device according to the application, the containers can be accessed at the access side into the holding elements at the transport section (hereinafter also referred to as: "accessed into the transport section or handed over to the transport section") and moved at the transport section, in particular linearly, along the transport direction to at least one treatment station and, after treatment, to the disengagement side. The containers can be disengaged at the disengagement side from the holding elements at the transport section (hereinafter also referred to as: "disengaged from the transport section or received from the transport section"). The transport section and the return section define a transport plane. The transport plane can also be regarded as a layer plane in which the transport means move. The transport plane is inclined at an inclination angle with respect to the surface of the rack and / or with respect to the horizontal. The surface of the rack is defined, for example, by at least a local and / or substantially plate-shaped building element of the rack. Due to the inclination of the transport plane, the transport section is arranged above the return section with reference to the direction of gravity. It has proven in practice that in this way the required installation space for the transport means between the first side and the second can be kept small. In this way, a device with a more compact structure can be realized, in particular in the direction from the first side to the second side, for example transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the transport direction. It is advantageous in practice that the parts of the device, in particular the transport means, can thus be particularly easily accessible for maintenance purposes.

[0012] It is furthermore advantageous that the return section and the transport section are arranged above the surface. By positioning the transport section and the return section above the surface and thus within the outer contour of the rack, unwanted impacts on the user are avoided. Furthermore, the following possibility is given, namely to cover the rack along the entire outer contour with a shielding device in order to provide an atmosphere for protection and / or for decontamination purposes, wherein the atmosphere comprises, for example, a protective gas, such as H2O2.

[0013] Position and orientation indications such as "above", "below", "horizontal" and the like refer here to the normal use of the device. The rack is here positioned on a building plane, for example in a plant or a laboratory, wherein the building plane can be regarded as horizontally oriented. The surface preferably defines, in particular, a horizontal layer plane.

[0014] The device preferably comprises a control device for controlling and / or regulating the operation of the device and of the filling device. It is understood that the device can have driver devices for the respective action parts. These are not set out below. Driver devices of this type are known to the person skilled in the art.

[0015] There is preferably provided exactly one, preferably linear, transport means with a filling device for transporting the containers from the access side to the disengagement side.

[0016] It has proven advantageous in practice that the inclination angle is greater than 45°, preferably greater than 60°, more preferably greater than 70°.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the application, the inclination angle is approximately 80°.

[0018] It has proven advantageous for the inclination to be less than 90°, preferably less than 85°.

[0019] In the case of an inclination of, for example, more than 60° and preferably of approximately 80°, a smaller length of the device in the direction from the first side towards the second side can be achieved. It can furthermore be advantageous here for the transport section not to be arranged directly above the return section. This is advantageous, for example, in order to avoid damage and / or contamination of the holding elements at the return section in the event of an inadvertent dropping and / or loss of medical substances from the transport section.

[0020] It can accordingly be advantageous for the transport device to have a free space below the holding elements arranged in the transport section, wherein the holding elements arranged at the return section are arranged outside the free space.

[0021] The containers held at the holding elements are transported in the transport section above the free space, preferably in a vertical orientation.

[0022] Advantageously, the return section is arranged in a manner that is offset in relation to the free space in the direction towards the second side.

[0023] It can be provided for the inclination to be unchangeable. Alternatively, it can be provided for the inclination to be changeable.

[0024] It is advantageous for the spacing between the transport section and / or the return section and the first side to be smaller than the spacing between the same and the second side. A free space can be arranged in particular between the return section and the second side. Other components of the device, for example a weighing station, can be joined into the free space, for example.

[0025] Preferably, the spacing between the transport section and the first side is smaller than the spacing between the return section and the first side.

[0026] The first side and / or the second side can be, for example, a longitudinal side of the rack.

[0027] It is advantageous for the transport device to be a cyclic transport device and preferably to comprise a plurality of holding element carriers with a corresponding plurality of holding elements, wherein the containers are processed at at least one processing station within a predefined or predefinable cycle time. Each holding element carrier comprises a plurality of holding elements. In an advantageous manner of use, for example, six holding elements can be provided, wherein the invention is not limited to this number of holding elements. The transport device can be stopped at the at least one processing station in order to process the containers. The cycle time can be the duration between the processing of the containers at successive holding element carriers at the same processing station.

[0028] Cyclic processing can also be achieved without providing holding element carriers for the holding elements.

[0029] The number of retaining elements limits the number of "points" in a device that operates on a cycle.

[0030] Advantageously, the cycle time is the same across multiple processing stations. This enables efficient container processing.

[0031] Unlike the above implementation schemes, in the preferred embodiment, the transport device may be configured to operate continuously rather than periodically.

[0032] The components are advantageously characterized by the fact that they can encompass a variety of different specifications. In this context, “specification” is currently understood, in particular, to mean different styles of containers that differ from one another in terms of their container type (vial, syringe, or cartridge) and / or in terms of their container characteristics (e.g., especially size).

[0033] The equipment preferably comprises multiple sets of specification components, each specification component having a holding element carrier and / or holding element, wherein the specification components of different sets of specification components differ from each other in terms of container-specific, container part-specific, and / or processing-specific characteristics. The equipment thus proves to be highly versatile. In particular, it can equip transport devices with specification components best suited to the corresponding application as needed.

[0034] The spacing of the container receiving parts of the retaining elements in different specification component groups is advantageously the same. This allows for the assembly of equipment with a uniform, constant so-called "space," which is independent of specifications. This reduces the cost of modifications required when changing between containers to be processed.

[0035] Multiple processing stations can preferably have the same spacing.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the retaining elements are retaining clamps that can be actively opened and actively closed. Upon insertion, the retaining elements can be guided by a control contour, thereby unfolding them to receive the container. Upon disengagement, the reverse operation is performed. At at least one processing station, multiple retaining elements can preferably be opened simultaneously using the control contour.

[0037] The container is preferably guided horizontally across the frame during the transport section.

[0038] Advantageously, the container is oriented along the direction of gravity during transport.

[0039] The transport section and / or return section preferably extend in a manner parallel to the first side and / or parallel to the second side.

[0040] Advantageously, at least one processing station includes a filling station for filling containers with pharmaceutical substances. Accordingly, the equipment may in particular be or constitute a filling device for filling containers.

[0041] The filling station advantageously includes a filling element and a particularly robotic operating device for the filling element, wherein the operating device is preferably arranged between the transport section and the first side. The filling element, in particular a needle-like object, can be lowered into the container by means of the operating device for filling. The operating device can be positioned between the transport section and the first side, for example, so that it can be particularly easily accessed for maintenance purposes.

[0042] The operating device is preferably an articulated arm robot or includes an articulated arm robot. An articulated arm robot may, for example, include a so-called "Scara" robot.

[0043] It can be stipulated that the container can be filled while moving in the transport section, thereby reducing the cycle time.

[0044] The filling station preferably includes at least one pump mechanism and / or metering mechanism for supplying material to the filling element, arranged between the return section and the second side. In practice, this arrangement advantageously allows access to the pump mechanism and / or metering mechanism from the second side for maintenance purposes. Fluid lines for pharmaceutical materials are preferably guided to the filling element over the transport device.

[0045] The operating device and pump mechanism and / or metering mechanism are advantageously arranged on the frame.

[0046] At least one processing station preferably includes a first weighing station for weighing unfilled containers, which is arranged upstream of the filling station in the transport direction. The tare weight of the containers can be determined using the first weighing station for process control purposes.

[0047] The first weighing station is preferably located between the transport section and the first side, and for example, on a frame. This arrangement makes the first weighing station easily accessible to the user during maintenance.

[0048] The weighing element of the weighing station is preferably able to abut against the container from below, and the container can be laid flat on the weighing element. When the container is laid flat on the weighing element, for example, the transport device is stopped and the holding element is opened. The weighing station can, for example, engage with the free space below the container in the transport section.

[0049] At least one processing station preferably includes a second weighing station for weighing the filled containers, which is arranged downstream of the filling station in the transport direction. This is because process control can determine the gross weight of the filled containers through the second weighing station.

[0050] The second weighing station is preferably located directly downstream of the filling station in the transport direction. Referring to the "position" of the holding elements in the transport section, the second weighing station is preferably the last holding element in the transport direction after the first holding element at the filling station.

[0051] The second weighing station is preferably arranged on the frame between the transport section and the first side.

[0052] The weighing element of the second weighing station is advantageously positioned to rest against the container from below, allowing the container to be laid flat on the weighing element. Similar to the first weighing station, the holding element is activated, for example, when the container is laid flat on the weighing element. The weighing station can, for example, engage with the free space beneath the container in the transport section.

[0053] Preferably, the equipment can confirm whether the container is filled with a predetermined or pre-determined amount of substance, wherein if it is confirmed that the container is not filled and the filling amount is too low, the container can be refilled by the filling station. In particular, the filling amount can be determined by the difference between the gross weight and the tare weight. In case of insufficient filling, the filling station can be triggered to refill.

[0054] Preferably, the containers can be refilled at a second weighing station, wherein the filling element can be supplied via the operating device of the equipment. The operating device of the filling station can, for example, position the filling element above the weighing element of the second weighing station and refill underfilled containers.

[0055] In cases of overfilled containers, for example, it is stipulated that the container be removed from the equipment.

[0056] At least one processing station preferably includes a sealing station for sealing the container with a sealing element, wherein the sealing station is located downstream of the filling station in the transport direction. Preferably, the container is also sealed within the transport section to prevent contamination and / or accidental spillage of the material in the filled state.

[0057] The sealing station is preferably located downstream of the aforementioned second weighing station in the direction of transportation.

[0058] The sealing station advantageously includes a lowering unit through which the sealing element can be lowered from above toward the container being filled. For example, a sealing element in the form of a mushroom-shaped plug can be pushed onto the container from above, wherein the container is preferably supported from below in this case. A sealing element in the form of a piston-shaped plug can, for example, be introduced into the container.

[0059] The lowering unit is preferably arranged on the frame between the transport section and the first side. This arrangement facilitates access to the lowering unit for maintenance purposes.

[0060] The sealing station preferably includes a storage unit for storing sealing elements and a supply unit for supplying sealing elements individually, wherein the storage unit and the supply unit are preferably arranged between the return section and the second side. The storage unit, such as a tank, is preferably specification-independent. The supply unit includes, for example, a supply track according to the specification to be processed, which can be replaced in an operationally friendly manner and at low cost during retrofitting. By being positioned between the return element and the second side, the storage unit and the supply unit can be easily accessed for maintenance purposes.

[0061] The supply unit includes, for example, at least one supply track oriented at an angle to the transport direction. This angle is preferably about 30° to 70°, more preferably about 40° to 60°. In practice, this orientation of the supply unit has proven to enable a compact configuration of the equipment.

[0062] The sealing station preferably includes a receiving unit for receiving and supplying individual sealing elements to a lowering unit, wherein the sealing elements are preferably movable over the transport device. The sealing elements are preferably flipped by means of the receiving unit. In the supply unit, a protective gas can be applied to one side of the sealing element, which faces the material when the container is closed due to the flipping. This method can remove any foreign particles and / or contaminants that may be present at the sealing element.

[0063] The frame is preferably designed to be substantially L-shaped in a top view and includes a first leg and a second leg oriented at an angle relative to it, which intersect each other in an intersection area. The angle is, for example, 90° or substantially 90°.

[0064] The transport device is preferably oriented along the first leg, and the supply unit of the sealing station preferably extends at least partially in the intersection area or extends through the intersection area. This arrangement and structure of the parts allows for a compact configuration of the equipment.

[0065] A verification unit can be provided to check whether a corresponding sealing element is present at the receiving unit. If a sealing element is missing, it is preferable to supplement the sealing element from the supply track and deliver it to the receiving unit.

[0066] At least one processing station preferably includes an inspection station for checking whether a sealing element is present at the corresponding container.

[0067] Inspection stations are advantageously arranged on the frame between the transport section and the first side. In this way, inspection stations designed, for example, optical means, can be easily accessed for maintenance purposes.

[0068] In the absence of sealing elements, the corresponding container can be drawn out.

[0069] An advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized by 100% inspection during container handling. In particular, it can be specified that the amount of pharmaceutical material in each container is checked by means of tare weight and gross weight, refilling is performed if necessary, and the presence of sealing elements at the container is checked.

[0070] The equipment preferably includes access elements for transferring containers one by one to the transport device and / or detachment elements for receiving containers one by one from the transport device. For example, the access elements and / or detachment elements are corresponding specification components of the specification component group.

[0071] The receiving and / or discharging elements are, for example, transport vessels. Transport vessels may, for example, periodically supply containers and transfer them to holding elements or periodically receive containers from them.

[0072] Alternatively or supplementally, the access element and / or disengagement element may be specified as a segmentrad. The segmentrad can, for example, periodically transfer a continuously supplied container to a holding element. On the disengagement side, the periodically moving container can be continuously disengaged.

[0073] The access element and / or detachment element are preferably held in the rack. “held in the rack” can be understood in particular as “arranged on the rack”, and vice versa.

[0074] The equipment preferably includes an inlet element located upstream of the inlet element in the supply direction and transferring the container to the inlet element, which is held at a rack, wherein preferably no other transport element is held at the rack on the inlet side. The inlet element and at most the inlet element are preferably held at the rack holding the transport device.

[0075] Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous for the device to include an outlet element located downstream of the disengagement element in the disengagement direction and receiving the container from the disengagement element, which is held in a rack, wherein preferably no other transport element is held in a rack on the disengagement side. Accordingly, the disengagement element and at most the outlet element are preferably held in a rack.

[0076] The two aforementioned advantageous embodiments enable a particularly compact configuration of the filling device, wherein the filling device includes a frame having a transport device, a filling station, a weighing station, a sealing station, and preferably an inspection station. Preferably, a first type of container can be supplied from a first supply unit or a second type of container can be supplied from a second supply unit by introducing elements.

[0077] The first type of container is, for example, a vial or a medicine cartridge, which is provided as bulk cargo (“bulk cargo”).

[0078] The second type of container is, for example, first received in a common carrier (“nest”); the second type of container here can be, for example, a vial, syringe, or cartridge. The genestet container can also be referred to as an RTU container (RTU = ready-to-use).

[0079] Advantageously, in the first supply unit, the spacing between containers (“space”) can already be adjusted to match the spacing of the receiving portions of the retaining elements (“machine spacing”). Similarly, the spacing between containers in the carrier (“nest spacing”) is preferably adjusted to match the spacing of the receiving portions of the retaining elements. In this way, the aforementioned filling device can be operated universally with a consistently consistent machine spacing.

[0080] Advantageously, the aforementioned features are applied on the detachment side. Containers can be discharged, for example, to the first retrieval unit via the lead-out element. The retrieval unit is configured, for example, to store containers, particularly vials and cartridges. The retrieval unit includes, for example, additional sealing stations, which can be used to finally seal already sealed containers with rolled caps. Advantageously, containers initially provided as bulk goods and containers removed from the carrier can be transferred to the first retrieval unit.

[0081] The second retrieval unit can be configured to transfer containers to a common carrier. Specifically, the spacing between containers, adjusted to machine clearance, is further adjusted to the nesting clearance of the common carrier. It is particularly advantageous that, after container retrieval, the common carrier is transported from the supply unit to the retrieval unit, and the containers are then rearranged in that carrier. It is advantageous to transfer containers initially supplied as bulk goods and containers retrieved from the carrier to the second retrieval unit.

[0082] The equipment preferably includes a transfer element at at least one, and particularly exactly one, transfer location, through which containers can be selectively supplied from a first supply unit or from a second supply unit. The transfer element may be, for example, an access element, an introduction element, or a transport element located upstream of the container. The transfer element is, for example, a transport wheel. The transfer element, such as an introduction element and / or an access element, may be a specification component.

[0083] It is understood that modifications to the equipment may be necessary to selectively supply containers to either the first or second supply unit. However, by using interchange components, modification costs and downtime can be kept to a minimum. Preferably, no modification is required.

[0084] It can be stipulated that, depending on whether the container is supplied from the first supply unit or the second supply unit, different handover elements are positioned at the same handover location.

[0085] The equipment preferably includes a transfer element at at least one, and particularly exactly one, transfer location, through which the processed container can be selectively supplied to a first or a second extraction unit. The transfer element is, for example, a container release element, an extraction element, or other transport element. The transfer element is, for example, a transport wheel. The transfer element may be a standard component.

[0086] It is understood that modifications to the equipment may be necessary to selectively transfer containers to either the first or second retrieval unit. However, by using transfer elements, modification costs and downtime can be kept to a minimum. Preferably, no modification is required.

[0087] It can be stipulated that, depending on whether the container is transferred to the first or the second retrieval unit, different handover elements are positioned at the same handover location.

[0088] Further details regarding the preferred arrangement of the transfer element, supply unit, and dispensing unit are described in an unpublished patent application filed by the applicant on the same filing date, entitled "Apparatus for Filling Medical Containers." The full disclosure of that patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0089] At least one processing station advantageously includes a reversing station located upstream of the filling station in the transport direction for reversing the container. In this way, the container can be reversed from a first orientation in the holding element to an orientation opposite to the first orientation in the holding element.

[0090] To perform the flipping, a flipping station is used to remove the container from the holding element and then reload it.

[0091] At least one processing station advantageously includes a sealing station located upstream of the reversing station in the transport direction for sealing the container with a sealing element. Accordingly, two sealing stations may be provided. The cartridge is sealed at the first sealing station, particularly on the first side, and then the container is reversed. The container is sealed on the second side after filling.

[0092] At least one processing station preferably includes additional turning stations upstream of the sealing station in the aforementioned section in the transport direction for turning the container. These additional turning stations can turn the container from a first orientation in the holding element to an orientation opposite to the first orientation. Accordingly, it can be specified that the container is turned twice along the transport section and sealed during this process.

[0093] Alternatively, it can be stipulated that the container can be connected to the transport section in a "reversed" manner to some extent, closed on one side and then flipped only once, after which the container can be filled and then closed on the other side.

[0094] It can be specified that the equipment, upstream of the transport device in the supply direction, includes additional sealing stations for sealing containers with sealing elements. The containers can, for example, be sealed on one side and then connected to the transport section.

[0095] The equipment preferably includes additional transport devices and at least one additional processing station for handling containers, the additional transport devices being constructed in a manner corresponding to the transport devices, and the containers being transferable to the additional transport devices via the transport elements of the equipment. The foregoing description of the transport devices can be applied accordingly to the additional transport devices. The additional transport devices may be arranged on the same rack of the equipment or on other racks.

[0096] At least one other processing station includes, for example, an inspection station for checking whether the sealing element is correctly positioned at the corresponding container. If it is confirmed that the sealing element is not correctly positioned, the corresponding container can be removed, for example.

[0097] Alternatively or supplementally, at least one other processing station preferably includes a sealing station for attaching sealing elements to an already sealed container. The sealing station is particularly used here in connection with already sealed vials in order to place the crimp cap onto the container.

[0098] Preferably, a crimping station is provided for crimping the crimped cover.

[0099] The device advantageously includes at least one isolation device that covers at least one rack with a covering element, preferably for providing an atmosphere and / or an atmosphere for purification purposes between the covering element and the rack, and for example for applying an atmosphere to a container. The covering element may cover the rack and preferably extends to the rack as a sidewall.

[0100] The filling device preferably has a separate or independent isolation device. In this way, the filling of the container can be performed in an atmosphere with a protective gas for protective and / or purification purposes. Therefore, the filling device is particularly suitable for filling containers with toxic or highly sensitive pharmaceutical substances.

[0101] Instead of isolation devices, a machine protection section, such as a cover-shaped enclosure with glass or plastic sheeting, can be provided to cover at least one frame.

[0102] As mentioned at the beginning, the present invention also relates to a filling device for filling pharmaceutical containers.

[0103] A filling device for filling a pharmaceutical container according to the present invention, which may in particular be a component of one of the aforementioned devices, comprises:

[0104] - A frame that can be positioned on a mounting surface, the frame having a surface, a first side, and a second side opposite to the first side.

[0105] - At least one processing station for containers, comprising a filling station for filling the containers with pharmaceutical substances.

[0106] - A particularly linear transport device arranged between the first and second sides, having a retaining element for container circulation, which moves in the transport section along the transport direction from the receiving side to the disembarking side and moves against the transport direction in the return section.

[0107] The filling station is located at the transport section, and the transport section and the return section define the transport surface of the transport device and are arranged above the surface, wherein the transport surface is inclined at an angle relative to the surface layer and / or horizontal plane, and the transport section is arranged above the return section along the direction of gravity.

[0108] The advantages already mentioned in the description of the device can also be obtained in the filling device. Advantageous embodiments of the filling device are obtained through advantageous embodiments of the device as described. The filling device can have the features of these embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0109] The following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrates the invention in more detail by way of the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0110] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an apparatus for processing pharmaceutical containers according to the present invention is shown, the apparatus including a filling device for pharmaceutical containers according to the present invention;

[0111] Figure 2 The diagram schematically shows multiple medical containers (above) received in a common carrier and multiple medical containers (below) held at the transport device of the equipment.

[0112] Figure 3 An enlarged view of the filling device according to detail A is shown in a non-schematic and simplified manner;

[0113] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A magnified partial view of the filling device in the image;

[0114] Figure 5 It shows the process of omitting parts along Figure 3 The view of the filling device is observed in the direction of arrow "5" in the image;

[0115] Figure 6 A view showing the angle of inclination of the transport surface symbolizing the filling device relative to the surface layer and / or horizontal plane;

[0116] Figure 7 It shows that according to Figure 3A magnified view of a local area of ​​detail C;

[0117] Figure 8 The device is shown in a non-illustrative and simplified manner. Figure 1 A magnified view of the extracted unit in detail B;

[0118] Figures 9 to 11 A partial area of ​​the device according to the invention is schematically shown;

[0119] Figure 12 Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown, including another embodiment of the filling device according to the invention;

[0120] Figure 13 Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown, including another embodiment of the filling device according to the invention; and

[0121] Figure 14 Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown, including another embodiment of the filling device according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0122] Preferred embodiments of an apparatus for processing pharmaceutical containers according to the invention and a preferred embodiment of a filling device for filling pharmaceutical containers according to the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent features and components.

[0123] First refer to Figures 1 to 8 A first preferred embodiment of the device and filling apparatus is discussed. The description of this embodiment applies accordingly to the embodiments described subsequently. The advantages obtainable by using the firstly described embodiment can also be obtained by the embodiments described subsequently. For this reason, the embodiments described subsequently are described in relation to… Figures 1 to 8 The main differences in the implementation methods are as follows. In other respects, the description provided herein shall apply.

[0124] In this example, pharmaceutical containers specifically include vials (also known as long-necked bottles or tubular bottles), syringes, and / or cartridges. This equipment is used to process containers, particularly to fill them using a filling device.

[0125] Figure 1 An advantageous embodiment of the apparatus for processing container 12 according to the invention is shown schematically, in a so-called "layout" view, and is generally labeled with reference numeral 10. Figure 5 and Figure 7 The container 12, in the form of a vial 14, is shown as an example.

[0126] Device 10 includes, as shown by reference numeral 16, and Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 7 A preferred embodiment of the filling device according to the invention is shown in detail in the figure. The filling device 14 may also be referred to as a "filling machine".

[0127] In addition, the device 10 includes a first supply unit 18 and a second supply unit 20 upstream of the filling device 16 in the supply direction of the container 12.

[0128] The device 10 includes a first extraction unit 22 and a second extraction unit 24 downstream of the filling device 16 in the detachment direction of the container 12.

[0129] Supply units 18 and 20 are configured to provide and supply different types of containers 12. Retrieval units 22 and 24 are configured as needed for further processing of the containers 12.

[0130] The “type” of containers 12 is determined here in particular by the form in which they are provided by supply units 18, 20. The first supply unit 18 is configured to provide containers 12 as bulk cargo (“bulk cargo”). Containers 12 are distributed here individually by transport elements in the form of turntables 26 and supplied, for example indirectly, to transfer elements 28 via other transport elements 27.

[0131] Element 29 is schematically shown upstream of turntable 26 in the accompanying drawings. This element serves as a substitute for other parts of supply unit 18, which are, for example and preferably, in the following order: a cleaning device, a sterilizing device, and / or a drying device for container 12.

[0132] The second supply unit 20 is configured to handle so-called RTU containers (ready-to-use type) and is constructed to remove containers 12 from a common carrier 30, which may also be referred to as a "nest". An operating device 31 is used for removal, from which containers 12 can be supplied to a transfer element 28, for example, via at least one other transport element 32, 33.

[0133] In this example, transport elements 27 and 33 are transport wheels, while transport element 32 is a unit chain through which container 12 is further transported one by one.

[0134] The transfer element 28 is, in this case, a transport vessel and is specifically arranged at the transfer position 34. Depending on whether the container 12 is provided as a batch of goods or via the carrier 30, the corresponding container to be processed can be selectively introduced into the filling device 16 via the transfer element 28. In both cases, the container 12 is introduced one by one.

[0135] The dimensions of the filling device 16 are designed such that, regardless of the type of container 12, the type and size of the container to be processed (within the area of ​​use of the equipment), the spacing 37 between adjacent containers 12 in the transport device 36, which will be described below, is equal to each other. This spacing (“machine gap”) is defined by the spacing between the receiving portions of the holding elements of the transport device 36.

[0136] The containers 12 introduced by the first supply unit 18 are distributed by the turntable 26 in such a way that the spacing has been adjusted to the machine spacing.

[0137] When the second supply unit 20 supplies the container 12, the spacing of the container 12 can preferably be adjusted to a spacing 37 by means of the operating device 31.

[0138] If the spacing 38 (“nest spacing”) of the containers 12 in the carrier 30 is different from the spacing 37, the spacing can be adjusted, for example, by means of the operating device 31 described in the applicant’s unpublished patent application DE 10 2020 134 783.9. The full disclosure of that patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0139] Using a constant machine spacing provides the advantages of simple structure and compact construction for the equipment 10, especially the filling device 16.

[0140] However, the device 10, especially the filling device 16, may have multiple component groups 39. Figure 1 Two specification component groups 39 are shown as an example.

[0141] The corresponding specification component group 39 has container-specific, container part-specific, or processing-specific specification components, which can be replaced at the equipment 10 as necessary to enable the processing of the desired container 12. However, in terms of the holding element and holding element carrier of the transport device 36, the specification components of the specification component group 39 are not different, because in different specification component groups, the receiving portion of the holding element for the container 12 is constructed to ensure a constant machine clearance.

[0142] It is understandable that the transport components used for container 12, especially the transport wheels, can also be standard components.

[0143] In this example, the transfer element 28 is also a transport wheel and can be a standard component. Advantageously, exactly one transfer position is used for introducing the container 12 into the filling device 16.

[0144] On the output side of the filling device 16, the container 12 being processed is received by the transfer element 40, which is designed as a transport wheel, at exactly one transfer position 41 in this example.

[0145] The container 12 processed by the filling device 16 can be selectively transferred to either the first extraction unit 22 or the second extraction unit 24. Reference will also be made below. Figure 8 The first extraction unit 22 will be discussed. Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, following the handover element 40 are first transport elements 42 and 43, transport device 44, and then other transport elements 45 and 46. Transport elements 42, 43, 45, and 46 are transport wheels in this case; their number is symbolic and exemplary in this example.

[0146] The machine spacing of the extraction unit 22, and especially the transport device 44, is preferably the same as the machine spacing of the filling device 16.

[0147] Functionally, the second extraction unit 24 is designed to correspond at least partially to the second supply unit 20, and includes, for example, a transport element 47 in the form of a transport wheel and a transport element 48 in the form of a unit chain. The supplied container 12 can be transported to the carrier 30 by means of other operating means 49, preferably from the supply unit 20 via a conveying device (arrow 50) not shown in the figure, to the previously emptied carrier.

[0148] When the container 12 is placed in the carrier 30, the spacing 37 of the container 12 is readjusted to the nest spacing with a spacing 38 by means of the operating device 49.

[0149] It is understandable that the parts removed from units 22 and 24 may also have a specification part from one of the specification part groups 39.

[0150] Depending on the desired type of further processing, the first or second type of container 12 can be transferred to the extraction unit 22 or extraction unit 24.

[0151] The device 10 includes a control device 52 for operating and / or regulating the operation of the device 10 and the filling device 16.

[0152] It is understood that device 10 has a actuator for the corresponding moving parts. This is not shown in the figures and is not described. This type of actuator is known to those skilled in the art.

[0153] In device 10, separate racks 54 are provided for filling devices 16, supply units 18 and 20, and dispensing units 22 and 24. These racks may also be referred to as bases or "tables" and can be positioned on a mounting surface 55, such as the floor of a laboratory or workshop. A cleanroom environment or atmosphere is preferred.

[0154] Advantageously, the filling device 16 itself has a separate frame 54. This allows for the construction of an apparatus according to the invention, with a substantially standardized construction, of the filling device 16 according to the invention, distinguishable from each other on the supply side or output side by supply units 18, 20 and / or take-out units 22, 24. This also provides feasible options for simple expansion and / or modular construction of the apparatus. This feasibility based on the use of standardized parts has proven advantageous in terms of equipment manufacturing costs. Training and maintenance costs can also be reduced.

[0155] The device 10 also includes at least one isolation device 56, which includes a covering element 57 for covering a corresponding rack 54. Here, the rack 54 is covered from above by means of the covering element 57, which also includes a side wall. It is understood that maintenance openings may be provided.

[0156] A separate frame 54 is provided for the filling device 16, in the case of combining a separate isolation device 56 ( Figure 3 In particular, it enables the filling of container 12 to be performed in a protective atmosphere containing a protective gas, especially H2O2, and / or an atmosphere used for purification purposes. For this reason, filling device 16 is also particularly suitable for filling container 12 with toxic or highly sensitive pharmaceutical substances.

[0157] For example, especially from Figure 3 As can be seen from the diagram, in the filling device 16, the frame 54 is substantially L-shaped in top view and includes a first leg 58 and a second leg 59. The legs 58 and 59 intersect each other at an intersection area 60. The angle between the legs 58 and 59 is 90° in this case.

[0158] The frame 54 has a first side 61 and a second side 62, the first side extending along the first leg 58. The second side 62 is opposite to the first side 61 relative to the surface 63 of the frame 54. The first side 61 is the longitudinal side of the frame 54. The second side 62 is stepped due to its L-shape. Sides 61 and 62 extend in a parallel manner to each other.

[0159] Surface 63 is defined by a mounting element 64 of the frame 54, which is designed to be plate-shaped. Surface 63 defines a layer 65. Layer 65 is oriented in a manner parallel to the layer of the mounting surface 55 and is particularly horizontally oriented.

[0160] The aforementioned transport device 36 is a linear transport device. This transport device has a transport section 66 along which the container 12 can be transported in the transport direction 67.

[0161] In order to receive the container 12, the transport device 36 includes retaining elements 68, which are designed here as retaining clamps. A plurality of retaining elements 68 are held at respective retaining element carriers 69, in this example six.

[0162] The transport device 36 is a cyclic transport device, wherein the holding element 68, together with the cyclic holding element carrier 69, moves along the return section 70 in the opposite direction of transport 67 when there is no container.

[0163] The transport section 66 and the return section 70 are oriented in a manner that is parallel to each other and parallel to the first side 61 and the second side 62, respectively.

[0164] The distance between the transport section 66 and the first side 61 is smaller than the distance between it and the second side 62. The return section 70 is arranged approximately centrally between the first side 61 and the second side 62.

[0165] For example, especially from Figure 5 It is understood that the transport section 66 and the return section 70 define the transport surface 72 of the transport device 36. For example, the transport surface is defined by a holding element carrier 69 having a holding element 68, which is located within the transport section 66 or the return section 70 respectively.

[0166] In the filling device 16, the transport surface 72 is inclined at an angle 73 relative to the horizontal plane and to the layer 65 relative to the surface 63. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this case, the tilt angle 73 is approximately 80°.

[0167] The transport device 36 is tilted toward the second side 62 in a "rearward" manner relative to the first side 61. The transport section 66 is arranged above the return section 70 with reference to the direction of gravity. It can be understood that the return section 70 is laterally offset from the transport section 66 toward the second side 62 in the top view. Figure 4 ).

[0168] Both the transport section 66 and the return section 70 are arranged above the surface 63 and thus entirely within the outer contour of the frame 54. This provides a feasible solution for fully covering the frame 54, particularly along the outer contour of the frame 54, by means of the isolation device 56.

[0169] A free space 74 is arranged below the transport section 66. The return section 70 is arranged outside the free space 74 and is laterally offset toward the second side 62 as previously described.

[0170] The tilting of the transport device 36 allows for a particularly compact configuration of the filling device 16 in the lateral direction 75 of the frame 54, i.e., transverse to the transport direction 67. This, for example, makes it particularly easy to access the parts of the filling device 16 for maintenance purposes, such as when changing the specification component group 39. The parts of the filling device 16 can be accessed from the first side 61 and the second side 62 in a user-friendly manner.

[0171] The positioning of the return section 70 outside the free space 74 provides the advantage that the retaining element will not be damaged in the event of a fall of the container 12, or that the retaining element 68 at the return section 70 will not be contaminated in the event of spillage of pharmaceutical substances. For this reason, the filling device 16 also has a high degree of operational safety. This has proven particularly advantageous when handling toxic pharmaceutical substances.

[0172] In the currently preferred example, the holding element carrier 69 is arranged such that the container 12, which is held in a suspended manner at the holding element 68, is transported in a vertical orientation above the free space 74 at the transport section 66.

[0173] Starting from the transfer element 28, the container 12 is supplied to the transport device 36 via the introduction element 76 (for introduction into the filling device 16) and the access element 77. The introduction element 76 and the access element 77 are transport wheels. The access element 77 is arranged on the access side of the transport device 36, and especially on the transport section 66.

[0174] The transport device 36 operates on a cycle, whereby the six containers 12 at the holding element carrier 69 are processed simultaneously at multiple processing stations 78 of the filling device 16. The corresponding cycle time is a few seconds, for example, about 2 to 4 seconds. Preferably, the cycle time of the processing stations 78 is the same.

[0175] A release element 79 for receiving the container 12 is arranged on the release side of the transport device 36, and especially on the transport section 66. Following the release element 79 is an extraction element 80 for extracting the container 12 from the filling device 16. The release element 79 and the extraction element 80 are, in this case, transport wheels.

[0176] As a processing station 78 of the filling device 16, a first weighing station 81, a filling station 82, a second weighing station 83, a sealing station 84 and an inspection station 85 are provided in the transport direction 67.

[0177] Weighing stations 81 and 83 are designed to be identical and are used to determine the tare weight before filling container 12 at filling station 82 and the gross weight after filling container 12 at filling station 82.

[0178] The corresponding weighing stations 81 and 83 include a weighing element 86, which engages in the free space 74. The weighing element 86 is arranged below the container 12 and can abut against the container from below. When abutting, the retaining element 68 can be opened so that the container 12 rests flat on the weighing element 86.

[0179] The filling station 82 includes an operating device 87, at which a plurality of filling elements 88, corresponding to the points at the holding element carrier 69, are held. The operating device 87 is designed, in particular, for a horizontal articulated arm robot 89, the so-called Scara robot.

[0180] The filling station 82 also includes a dispensing mechanism 90 for applying the liquid pharmaceutical substance to be filled to the filling element 88. Two dispensing mechanisms 90 are provided here for supplying six filling elements 88.

[0181] In the event of insufficient filling, container 12 can be refilled using filling station 82. For this purpose, filling element 88 is preferably positioned above container 12 at weighing station 83 and refills container 12 located at weighing station 83.

[0182] The operating device 87 and weighing stations 81 and 83 are arranged between the transport section 66 and the first side 61 and are thus easily accessible for maintenance purposes. The dispensing mechanism 90 is arranged between the return section 70 and the second side 62 and is also easily accessible for maintenance purposes. The fluid line 91 from the dispensing mechanism 90 to the filling element 88 is guided across the transport device 36.

[0183] The sealing station 84 includes a lowering unit 92, a storage unit 93, a supply unit 94, and a receiving unit 95. The lowering unit 92 is arranged between the transport section 66 and the first side 61 and is thus easily accessible for maintenance purposes. The storage unit 93 and the supply unit 94 are arranged between the return section 70 and the second side 62 and are thus easily accessible for maintenance purposes.

[0184] Storage unit 93 is preferably non-standardized and, for example, constructed as a can, arranged outside the intersection area 60 at the second leg 59. A sealing element for closing container 12, stored in storage unit 93, extends from storage unit to supply unit 94. The sealing element, depending on the style of container 12, may be, for example, a mushroom-shaped stopper or a piston-shaped stopper.

[0185] The supply unit 94 includes multiple supply tracks, with each point of the holding element carrier 69 equipped with a supply track 96. The sealing element is separated into individual components within each supply track 96.

[0186] Supply unit 94 extends locally through intersection area 60 ( Figure 3 This type of positioning of the parts of sealing station 84 is beneficial to the compact configuration of filling device 16.

[0187] The supply unit 94 is oriented at an angle 97 relative to the transport direction 67. In this example, the angle 97 is approximately 40° to 60°.

[0188] The sealing element is received at the end of the supply track 96 by means of the receiving unit 95 and supplied to the lowering unit 92 via the transport device 36. The sealing element can be lowered by the lowering unit 92 toward the container 12 to close the container.

[0189] Inspection station 85 checks whether there is a sealing element at container 12. If the sealing element is missing, the corresponding container 12 can be brought out, for example, by taking out units 22 and 24. Inspection station 85 is arranged between transport section 66 and first side 61 and can be easily accessed for maintenance purposes in this way.

[0190] 100% inspection during operation (IPC, process control) can be achieved in filling device 16.

[0191] Now refer to Figure 8 The structure of the first extraction unit 22 is described in detail.

[0192] The equipment 10 includes the aforementioned other transport device 44, which is used, in particular, for further processing of the container 12. Here, the container 12 supplied from bulk cargo via the first supply unit 18 or the container supplied from the second supply unit 20 can be processed.

[0193] The transport device 44 is constructed and operates in a manner corresponding to that of the transport device 36, and related details can be found in the foregoing embodiments. In particular, the transport surface 72 in the transport device 44 is also inclined at an angle relative to the horizontal plane and the surface 65, which is preferably equal to an angle 73.

[0194] Inspection station 98, sealing station 99, and edge-rolling station 100, which serve as other processing stations, are arranged at the transport device 44 and positioned there in that order along the transport direction 67.

[0195] Inspection station 98 checks whether container 12 is properly sealed with the sealing element, i.e., whether the sealing element is correctly positioned. If it is confirmed that it is not, the corresponding container 12 can be removed, for example.

[0196] Sealing station 99 is used to place the rolled cap onto the already sealed container 12, especially small bottles. Sealing station 99 is designed in a manner corresponding to sealing station 84 in terms of function and the arrangement of its corresponding parts. Figure 8 The aforementioned implementation plan can be followed.

[0197] The rolled edge cap can be rolled at 100 points on the rolling edge station.

[0198] exist Figure 1The transport element 43, schematically shown, forms an access element 101 for the transport device 44, and is disengaged by a disengagement element 102 formed by the transport element 45, which is exemplarily shown.

[0199] On the output side of the first retrieval unit 42, the processed container 12 can be transferred to the receiving unit 103. This can be referred to as "warehousing".

[0200] exist Figure 1 In the schematic layout of the device 10, the frame 54 of the supply unit 18 is arranged in a manner aligned with the frame 54 of the filling device 16. The supply unit 20 is connected laterally and, more particularly, vertically to the supply unit 18.

[0201] As described above, by using a separate frame 54, especially a separate frame 54 for the filling device 16, the parts of the equipment 10 can be adapted to the corresponding requirements in a versatile and structurally simple manner.

[0202] Figure 9 An example is shown where the rack 54 of the supply unit 20 is aligned with the rack 54 of the filling device 16. The supply unit 20 is connected to the supply unit 18, which is arranged laterally and, in particular, perpendicular to the alignment line (Flucht), and is itself connected to the filling device 16.

[0203] Figure 10 Exemplary examples illustrate feasible arrangements of the extraction units 22 and 24 on the output side of the device in different ways. The frame 54 of the filling device 16 is aligned with the frame 54 of the second extraction unit 20. The first extraction unit 22 is connected to the filling device 16 and oriented laterally and, more particularly, perpendicular to the alignment line. The second extraction unit 24 is connected to the first extraction unit 22.

[0204] According to Figure 11 In the structure, the second extraction unit 24 is changed relative to the frame 54 of extraction units 22 and 24 by aligning the frames 54 of extraction units 22 and 24 with each other. Figure 10 The location of the structure. In particular, the container 12 to be transferred back to the carrier 30 can first travel through the take-out unit 22, such as the transport device 44, where the processing station 78 located there remains unused.

[0205] Figure 12 A device 106 according to the invention is shown, having a filling device 108 according to the invention.

[0206] In the filling device 108, a turning station 109 is arranged upstream of the weighing station 81 in the transport direction 67, and a sealing station 110 is arranged upstream of the weighing station 81. For details about the sealing station 110, please refer to the description of the sealing station 84.

[0207] In the filling device 108, the container 12, in particular the cartridge, is inserted upside down into the transport section 66. One side of the container 12 is first sealed at the sealing station 110. Subsequently, the container 12 is flipped by means of the flipping station 109 and further processed as in the example of the filling device 16.

[0208] Figure 13 A partial view shows an apparatus according to the invention having a filling device 114 according to the invention, which is labeled with reference numeral 112.

[0209] The difference between equipment 112 and equipment 106 is that there is another transshipment station 115 located upstream of sealing station 110 in the transport direction 67.

[0210] In the filling device 114, the container 12, in particular the cartridge, is inserted into the transport section 66 in the orientation that the container 12 has during filling. The container 12 is first flipped by the flipping station 115, sealed on this side by the sealing station 110, and then flipped again by the flipping station 109.

[0211] Figure 14 An apparatus 118 according to the invention is shown, having a filling device 120 according to the invention. In the apparatus 118, a sealing station 122 is provided upstream of the transport device 36 in the supply direction. At the sealing station 122, the container 12, in particular the cartridge, can be sealed on one side before it is fed into the transport section 66. Here, the container 12 is sealed on the lower side, thereby eliminating the need for the turning stations 109 and / or 115 at the transport device 36.

[0212] Unlike device 10, in device 118, the transport device 44 and the transport device 36 of the filling device 16 are arranged on the same frame 54.

[0213] The metering mechanism 90 in filling devices 16 and 120 is, for example, a peristaltic pump. Figure 12 and Figure 13 Pump mechanism 124 is schematically shown at filling devices 108 and 114, which may represent multiple pump mechanisms, for example, pump mechanism 124 at each point of holding element carrier 69.

[0214] The structure and operating principle of sealing stations 84, 99 and / or 110 are preferably the same as those described in the applicant's unpublished patent application DE 10 2020 134 792.8. The full disclosure of that patent application is contained in this patent application.

[0215] List of reference numerals

[0216] 10 Equipment

[0217] 12 containers

[0218] 14 small bottles

[0219] 16 Filling device

[0220] 18 First Supply Unit

[0221] 20 Second Supply Unit

[0222] 22 First Extraction Unit

[0223] 24 Second extraction unit

[0224] 26 turntables

[0225] 27 Transport Components

[0226] 28. Interchange Components

[0227] 29 components

[0228] 30 vehicles

[0229] 31 Operating device

[0230] 32, 33 Transport elements

[0231] 34. Handover location

[0232] 36. Transport equipment

[0233] Spacing between 37 and 38

[0234] 39 Specification Components

[0235] 40 Interchange Components

[0236] 41. Handover Location

[0237] Transport elements 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48

[0238] 44. Transport equipment

[0239] 49 Operating device

[0240] 50 arrows

[0241] 52 Control device

[0242] 54 racks

[0243] 55. Construction Surface

[0244] 56 Isolation Device

[0245] 57 Covering elements

[0246] 58, 59 Legs

[0247] 60 Intersection area

[0248] 61 First side

[0249] 62 Second side

[0250] 63 Surface

[0251] 64 Building Components

[0252] 65 levels

[0253] 66 Transportation Section

[0254] 67. Transportation Direction

[0255] 68 Holding element

[0256] 69 Holding element carrier

[0257] 70 Return Section

[0258] 72 Transport surface

[0259] 73° Inclination

[0260] 74 Free Space

[0261] 75 Lateral direction

[0262] 76. Introduction of components

[0263] 77 Access Components

[0264] 78 Processing Station

[0265] 79 Detachable Component

[0266] 80 Lead-out components

[0267] 81 Weighing Station

[0268] 82 Filling Station

[0269] 83 Weighing Station

[0270] 84 Sealing Station

[0271] 85 Inspection Station

[0272] 86 Weighing elements

[0273] 87 Operating device

[0274] 88 Loading elements

[0275] 89 Articulated Arm Robot

[0276] 90 Quantitative distribution mechanism

[0277] 91 Fluid Piping

[0278] 92 Lowering Unit

[0279] 93 storage units

[0280] 94 Supply Units

[0281] 95 Reception Unit

[0282] 96 supply track

[0283] 97 degrees

[0284] 98 Inspection Station

[0285] 99 Sealing Station

[0286] 100 Curled-edge station

[0287] 101 Access Component

[0288] 102 Detachment Component

[0289] 103 Reception Unit

[0290] Equipment 106, 112, 118

[0291] 108, 114, 120 Filling devices

[0292] 109, 115 Flip Station

[0293] 110, 122 sealing station

[0294] 124 Pump mechanism.

Claims

1. An apparatus for processing medical containers (12), the medical containers comprising: - a rack (54) positionable on a build-up surface (55), the rack having a surface (63), a first side (61) and a second side (62) opposite the first side; - at least one processing station (78) for the containers (12), the processing station comprising a weighing station; - a linear transport device (36) arranged between the first side (61) and the second side (62), the transport device having holding elements (68) for a cycle of the containers (12) moving at a transport section (66) along a transport direction (67) from an access side to a detachment side and moving at a return section (70) against the transport direction (67), wherein the at least one processing station (78) is arranged at the transport section (66) and the transport section (66) and the return section (70) define a transport surface (72) of the transport device (36) and are arranged directly above the surface (63) and within an outer contour of the rack (54), and wherein the transport surface (72) is inclined by an inclination angle (73) with respect to a level (65) and / or a horizontal plane of the surface (63) and the transport section (66) is arranged above the return section (70) along a direction of gravity, wherein the transport device (36) has a free space (74) below the holding elements (68) arranged in the transport section (66), wherein the holding elements (68) arranged at the return section (70) are arranged outside the free space (74) and wherein the weighing station is engaged into the free space (74).

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The inclination angle (73) is greater than 45° and / or the inclination angle (73) is less than 90°.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The inclination angle (73) is greater than 60° and / or the inclination angle (73) is less than 85°.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The inclination angle (73) is greater than 70° and / or the inclination angle (73) is less than 85°.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The inclination angle (73) is 80°.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The transport device (36) is a cyclic transport device (36), wherein the containers (12) are processed at the at least one processing station (78) within a pre-given or pre-givable cycle time.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The transport device (36) comprises a plurality of holding element carriers (69) having a respective plurality of holding elements (68).

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The cycle time is identical in a plurality of processing stations (78).

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The apparatus (10; 106; 112; 118) comprises a plurality of format component groups (39) having respective format components, wherein the format components have holding element carriers (69) and / or holding elements (68), wherein the format components of different format component groups (39) differ from each other in container-specific, container-part-specific and / or process-specific characteristics.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein, The pitch (37, 38) of the container receptacles of the holding elements (68) of different format component groups (39) is identical.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The at least one processing station (78) comprises a filling station (82) for filling the containers (12) with a substance of a medicine, wherein the filling station (82) comprises a filling element (88) and an operating device (87) for the filling element (88).

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The operating device (87) is arranged between the transport section (66) and the first side (61).

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The operating device (87) is a robotic operating device.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The filling station (82) comprises at least one pump mechanism and / or a dosing mechanism (90, 124) for supplying the substance to the filling element (88), which is arranged between the return section (70) and the second side (62).

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein, A fluid line (91) for the substance is guided over the transport device (36).

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The at least one processing station (78) comprises a first weighing station (81) for weighing unfilled containers (12), which is arranged upstream of the filling station (82) in the transport direction (67).

17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The at least one processing station (78) comprises a second weighing station (83) for weighing filled containers (12), which is arranged downstream of the filling station (82) in the transport direction (67).

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein, The second weighing station (83) is located directly downstream of the filling station (82) in the transport direction (67).

19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, It can be ascertained by the apparatus (10; 106; 112; 118) whether the containers (12) are filled with a predefined or predefinable amount of the substance, wherein in the case of a negative ascertainment and an undersized filling, the containers (12) can be refilled by the filling station (82).

20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The at least one processing station (78) comprises a sealing station (84) for closing the containers (12) with a sealing element, wherein the sealing station (84) is located downstream of the filling station (82) in the transport direction (67).

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein, The sealing station (84) comprises a lowering unit (92) by means of which the sealing element can be lowered from above in the direction of a filled container (12).

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein, The lowering unit (92) is arranged between the transport section (66) and the first side (61).

23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein, The sealing station (84) comprises a storage unit (93) for storing sealing elements and a supply unit (94) for supplying individual sealing elements, wherein the storage unit (93) and the supply unit (94) are arranged between the return section (70) and the second side (62).

24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein, The sealing station (84) comprises a receiving unit (95) for receiving individual sealing elements and supplying them to the lowering unit (92).

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein, The sealing elements can be moved over the transport device (36) when they are turned over by means of the receiving unit (95).

26. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, 100% inspection is carried out when the containers (12) are processed.

27. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The device (10; 106; 112; 118) comprises an access element (77) for handing over the containers (12) one by one to the transport means (36) and / or a detachment element (79) for receiving the containers (12) one by one from the transport means (36).

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein, The device (10; 106; 112; 118) comprises an introduction element (76) upstream of the access element (77) in the supply direction and handing over the containers (12) to the access element (77), which is held at the rack (54), and / or is characterized in that The device (10; 106; 112; 118) comprises an extraction element (80) downstream of the detachment element (79) in the detachment direction and receiving the containers (12) from the detachment element (79), which is held at the rack (54).

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein, wherein no other transport element is held at the rack (54) on the access side.

30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein, wherein no other transport element is held at the rack (54) on the detachment side.

31. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The at least one processing station (78) comprises a turning station (109) for turning the containers (12) upstream of the filling station (82) in the transport direction (67), and the at least one processing station (78) comprises a closure station (110) for closing the containers (12) with closure elements upstream of the turning station (109) in the transport direction (67).

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein, The at least one processing station (78) comprises a further turning station (115) for turning the containers (12) upstream of the closure station (110) in the transport direction (67).

33. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The device (10; 106; 112; 118) comprises a further closure station (122) for closing the containers (12) with closure elements upstream of the transport means (36) in the supply direction, which can be supplied to the transport means (36) by at least one access element and / or introduction element.

34. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The device (10; 106; 112; 118) comprises a further transport means (44) and at least one further processing station (78) for processing the containers (12), the further transport means being configured in a manner corresponding to the transport means (36) and the containers being handed over to the further transport means by the transport elements of the device.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein, The further transport means (44) is assembled on a separate rack (54).

36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein, At least one further processing station (78) comprises at least one of the following features: - an inspection station (98) for checking whether closure elements are correctly positioned at the respective containers (12); - a closure station (99) for mounting closure elements on the containers (12) that have already been closed; - a crimping station (100).

37. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The device (10; 106; 112; 118) comprises at least one isolation means (56) for covering at least one rack (54) with a cover element (57).

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein, The device (10; 106; 112; 118) comprises at least one isolating means (56) for covering at least one rack (54) with a covering element (57) for providing a protective atmosphere and / or an atmosphere for purification purposes between the covering element (57) and the rack (54).

39. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The pharmaceutical containers are vials (14), syringes or cartridges.

40. A filling device for filling a pharmaceutical container (12), the pharmaceutical container being a device (10; 106) according to any one of claims 1-38. 112； 118) comprises: - a rack (54) positionable on a build-up surface (55), the rack having a surface (63), a first side (61) and a second side (62) opposite the first side, - at least one handling station (78) for the containers (12), the at least one handling station comprising a filling station (82) for filling the containers (12) with a substance of a pharmaceutical and a weighing station, - a linear transport device (36) arranged between the first side (61) and the second side (62), the transport device having holding elements (68) for a circulation of the containers (12) which move at the transport section (66) along a transport direction (67) from an access side to a detachment side and which move at a return section (70) against the transport direction (67), wherein the filling station (82) is arranged at the transport section (66) and the transport section (66) and the return section (70) define a transport surface (72) of the transport device (36) and are arranged directly above the surface (63) and within an outer contour of the rack (54), wherein the transport surface (72) is inclined by an inclination angle (73) relative to a level (65) and / or a horizontal plane of the surface (63) and the transport section (66) is arranged above the return section (70) along a direction of gravity, wherein the transport device (36) has a free space (74) below the holding elements (68) arranged in the transport section (66), wherein the holding elements (68) arranged at the return section (70) are arranged outside the free space (74) and wherein the weighing station is joined into the free space (74).

41. The filling apparatus of claim 40, wherein, The pharmaceutical containers are vials (14), syringes or cartridges. The pharmaceutical containers are vials (14), syringes or cartridges.

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