Transport mechanism for transporting, in particular medical containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport mechanism (110) for transporting, in particular, pharmaceutical containers (102), which defines at least one transport direction (134), comprising: at least one transport track (140, 142) having a first lateral restriction (166) and a second lateral restriction (168) between which the containers (102) can be transported; a blocking element (186, 188) that is transitionable relative to the at least one transport rail (140, 142) from a release position to a blocking position and from a blocking position to a release position; wherein in the release position of the blocking element (186, 188), the at least one transport track (140, 142) is released for the passage of the container (102) in the transport direction (134), and wherein in the blocking position, the blocking element (186, 188) is arranged within the at least one transport track (140, 142) and can be contacted by the container (102); edge elements (212, 214) which are preferably arranged at the same height as the blocking elements (186, 188) with respect to the transport direction (134); wherein the edge element (212, 214) is transitionable relative to the transport track (140, 142) from a base position to an open position and from an open position to a base position; wherein, in the base position, the edge element (212, 214) forms a second lateral delimitation (168) in sections, and, in the open position, the edge element releases a discharge opening (220, 222) at the second lateral delimitation (168) via which the container (102) blocked by the blocking element (186, 188) can be discharged from the at least one transport track (140, 142).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport mechanism for transport containers, in particular pharmaceutical containers.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a device for processing containers of this type, which comprises a first station for processing the containers, a second station for processing the containers, and a transport mechanism for transporting the containers from the first station to the second station. Background Art

[0003] In a device of this type, for example, containers to be filled are first provided, cleaned, dried and disinfected here, and then filled and closed. It is known that the containers are transported between two consecutively arranged stations by means of a transport mechanism. In the context of process monitoring, situations may occur in which the containers must be discarded, especially in batches, in order to avoid risks caused by defective batches. The reason for this may be, for example, an incorrect process in the station. It is also conceivable that, for example, glass breaks in the station, which causes the device to be emptied preventively. It is known to discharge the containers via a so-called discharge mechanism (Ausschleuseeinrichtung) or an emptying mechanism (Leerfahrteinrichtung). In this case, for example, a switch is provided at the transport mechanism, which must be manually operated by the user. In this case, the disadvantage is that the machine protection part of the shielding device must be opened to manually operate the switch. Alternatively, a glove intervention part (Handschuheingriff) is provided. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a transport mechanism and a device of the type mentioned at the beginning, by means of which the containers can be discharged in a simpler manner.

[0005] This object is achieved by a transport mechanism for transporting in particular pharmaceutical containers according to the invention, which defines at least one transport direction and comprises

[0006] - at least one transport track having a first lateral limiting part and a second lateral limiting part, between which containers can be transported;

[0007] - a blocking element which can be switched from a release position to a blocking position and from a blocking position to a release position relative to at least one transport track, wherein in the release position of the blocking element, at least one transport track is released to allow the containers to pass through in the transport direction, and wherein in the blocking position, the blocking element is arranged within at least one transport track and can be contacted by the containers;

[0008] - An edge element, which is preferably arranged at the same height as the stop element with reference to the transport direction, wherein the edge element can be switched from a basic position to an open position and from the open position to the basic position relative to the transport track, and wherein in the basic position, the edge element sectionally forms a second lateral limitation, and in the open position, the edge element releases a discharge opening at the lateral limitation, through which the container blocked by the stop element can be discharged from at least one transport track.

[0009] In the transport mechanism according to the invention, a movable stop element and a movable edge element are particularly provided. When the stop element assumes a release position, the container can pass through the transport track in the transport direction, wherein the container moves between two lateral limitations. When the stop element assumes a blocking position, it is at least sectionally arranged within at least one transport track. In the blocking position, the stop element is arranged, for example, within the free cross-section of the transport track. The container can contact the stop element assuming the blocking position. It is also conceivable that the container guided in the transport direction contacts the stop element and blocks subsequent containers and forms a container blockage in the transport track. When the edge element assumes an open position at the second lateral limitation, the discharge opening is released. The container blocked by the stop element can be discharged from the transport track through the discharge opening and is thus advantageously led out of the transport mechanism.

[0010] In the transport mechanism according to the invention, the stop element and the edge element can advantageously be moved by means of at least one drive unit. This provides a feasible solution for eliminating the manual intervention of the user. Existing machine protection parts can remain closed. This significantly simplifies the discharge of, in particular, an entire batch of containers.

[0011] The transport track can preferably be emptied independently of the loading state of the container, for example, by "emptying" in the case of using at least one drive unit as described above and the driven transport elements of the transport mechanism.

[0012] In the present invention, the first lateral limitation is preferably arranged at the transport mechanism in a position-invariant and / or immovable manner and forms a guide for the container. The stop element formed independently of the first lateral limitation can move relative to the first lateral limitation. Therefore, the transport mechanism is different from a traditional switch, in which the transport track itself moves together with the first lateral limitation and the second lateral limitation. Instead, the transport track at the second lateral limitation is opened at the discharge opening.

[0013] Preferably, the container is guided through the discharge opening via the stop element, such that the stop element forms a guide element for the container.

[0014] For example, the transportation of the container in the transportation mechanism can be actively achieved. For example, at least one transportation element, such as a conveyor belt, is provided for the container. Under its action, the container can be transported within the transportation track and can come into contact with the blocking element or the blocked container. Advantageously, the container is transported through the discharge opening under the action of at least one transportation track.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the transportation mechanism is designed to be passive. For example, it can be envisaged that the container can move downward along an inclined plane within the transportation track. Thereby, the conveyor belt can be omitted.

[0016] The container is in particular a stably erected container, such as a tubular bottle (vial).

[0017] The blocking element is designed to be displaceable relative to at least one transportation track, for example, transversely and in particular vertically.

[0018] It can be provided that the blocking element is designed to be movable and in particular displaceable within the plane defined by at least one transportation track. The blocking element moves horizontally, for example.

[0019] Orientation and position descriptions, such as "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", etc., currently refer to the normal use of the transportation mechanism. In this case, at least one transportation track is advantageously horizontally oriented.

[0020] It can be beneficial that the blocking element projects through at least one transportation track in the blocking position, at least until it enters the discharge opening. For example, a container in contact with the blocking element can be guided along the blocking element to the discharge opening and preferably through the opening.

[0021] Advantageously, it can be provided that a through-opening is formed in the first lateral limiting part, and the blocking element can move through the through-opening into at least one transportation track to enter the blocking position. In this way, the first lateral limiting part can form a guiding part for the container, which can be stationary. This type of stationary or position-invariant first lateral limiting part has been explored. The blocking element can move through the through-opening, for example, under the guiding part, into at least one transportation track.

[0022] The blocking element can be arranged outside at least one transportation track in the release position, in particular, entirely or partially outside the first lateral limiting part.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the blocking element includes or constitutes a deflecting element for the container, and the deflecting element is oriented at an angle relative to the transportation direction at least in the blocking position. This angle is advantageously greater than 0° and less than 90°. This angle is currently understood as the smaller of the two angles between the deflecting element and the transportation direction.

[0024] Preferably, the angle can be from about 20° to 70°, preferably from about 30° to 60° and more preferably from about 40° to 50°. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the angle is about 45°.

[0025] The container moving in the transport direction can reach the deflection element and is guided out of the transport track along the deflection element and through the discharge opening, especially under the action of the conveyor belt.

[0026] The blocking element, especially the deflection element, is preferably configured to extend linearly.

[0027] Alternatively, it can be provided that the blocking element, especially the deflection element, is configured to be arcuate. For example, an arc shape can be provided.

[0028] The transport mechanism preferably can include at least one conveyor belt on which the containers are preferably transported upright in at least one transport track. In the case of multiple transport tracks, each transport track can be associated with an independent conveyor belt. Alternatively, it can be provided that the conveyor belt is associated with two or more transport tracks to transport the containers therein.

[0029] Advantageously, the containers are transported upright. However, it can also occur that the containers lie on the transport element, especially the conveyor belt, so that lying transport can also be considered.

[0030] Preferably, as described above, the containers can move along the deflection element through the discharge opening when the conveyor belt moves.

[0031] It can be provided that the blocking element includes or forms a pushing element, and when changing from the release posture to the blocking posture, the pushing element can be used to push the container out of at least one transport track through the through opening.

[0032] It has proven advantageous that when the blocking element assumes the blocking posture, the container reaches the lateral edge of the transport mechanism via the discharge opening and preferably falls from the transport mechanism over the edge. This provides, for example, a simple and feasible solution for discharging a large number of containers from the transport mechanism.

[0033] The transport mechanism advantageously includes a container mechanism for receiving the containers taken out of the transport track. For example, the containers fall from the transport mechanism into the container mechanism.

[0034] The container mechanism has, for example, a collection container and a well arranged above it, and the containers fall into the collection container through the well.

[0035] The container mechanism can, for example, have sensor elements for ascertaining the filling height of the container. In the case of a high filling height, for example, a message can be sent to the user. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the transport element of the transport mechanism can be stopped.

[0036] This is particularly advantageous when the transport mechanism includes at least one, in particular controllable, drive unit. For example, a drive unit is provided for the blocking element to transition from the release position to the blocking position and / or from the blocking position to the release position.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, for example, a drive unit is provided for the edge element to transition from the basic position to the open position and / or from the open position to the basic position.

[0038] At least one drive unit can be designed in different types. For example, a pneumatic drive unit is provided. Alternatively, electrical, mechanical or magnetic drive units can be envisaged. Hydraulic drive units can also be envisaged.

[0039] At least one drive unit can include a drive, for example a piston-cylinder unit. The drive can be arranged below at least one transport track in the direction of gravity, where it is coupled to the blocking element and / or to the edge element via at least one coupling element extending in the height direction. The drive can be coupled directly or indirectly to the blocking element and / or the edge element. The coupling element is arranged, for example, on the sides of the transport mechanism facing away from each other and extends upwards from below the transport track. The arrangement of the drive below the transport track makes it easier to access or operate the transport mechanism from above. The possible enclosure of the drive can preferably be arranged in a space-saving manner on the underside.

[0040] It is advantageous to provide a common drive unit for the blocking element and the edge element, where the transport mechanism includes corresponding coupling elements for coupling to the blocking element and the edge element. The structural design of the transport mechanism can be simplified by the common drive unit. Activating the drive unit, in particular the drive, causes the movement of the blocking element and the edge element. This enables a reliable function of the transport mechanism.

[0041] In the case of a common drive unit, the drive, for example, moves a displacement body, which can be designed as a slide. The displacement body is directly or indirectly connected to the blocking element or the edge element via the aforementioned coupling element.

[0042] The transport mechanism preferably may include a control unit. The control unit is coupled, for example, to a drive unit of the transport mechanism for at least one transport element, such as at least one conveyor belt, and to at least one drive unit for a blocking element and / or for an edge element. By manipulating the control unit, the transport element can be activated, for example, and the blocking element can be shifted to a blocking position and the edge element can be shifted to an open position. This can, for example, enable the transport mechanism to "empty" the container.

[0043] It may be provided that the transport mechanism includes a control unit coupled to at least one drive unit and a sensor unit coupled to the control unit, wherein at least one drive unit can be activated based on a signal of the sensor unit to shift the blocking element from a release position to a blocking position and / or to shift the edge element from a basic position to an open position. With the sensor unit, for example, a fault of a station of a device for handling containers can be determined. Based thereon, the drive unit can be activated to remove the container from the transport mechanism. Preferably, the drive unit of at least one transport element is also activated in this case.

[0044] The transport mechanism may include more than one transport track.

[0045] For example, the transport mechanism includes other transport tracks which are arranged laterally beside this transport track and are preferably oriented parallel thereto, wherein the other transport tracks are bounded by a second lateral boundary and a third lateral boundary and can transport containers between the second lateral boundary and the third lateral boundary.

[0046] It is desirable that containers transported in the other transport tracks can also be removed.

[0047] For this purpose, it is preferably provided, for example, that the transport mechanism includes other edge elements which are preferably arranged at the same height as the blocking element with reference to the transport direction and can be shifted from a basic position to an open position and from the open position to the basic position, wherein in the basic position, the other edge element sections form the third lateral boundary sectionally, and in the open position, the other edge element releases a discharge opening at the third lateral boundary, wherein the edge element releases two discharge openings in its respective open position and can discharge the container through the discharge openings from the two transport tracks.

[0048] By releasing this other discharge opening, on the one hand, the container can be discharged from the other transport track. On the other hand, preferably, the container can be moved from the first transport track into the second transport track and also be output via the other discharge opening.

[0049] The blocking element preferably projects through the other transport track in the blocking position, at least up to the other discharge opening, preferably up to the edge of the transport mechanism.

[0050] Advantageously, other edge elements are coupled to the edge element, in particular mechanically, via at least one connecting element and can be pivoted jointly therewith, in particular by means of a common drive unit, from a basic position to an open position and / or from the open position to the basic position. This makes it possible to dispense with a separate drive unit for the other edge elements and simplifies the design of the transport mechanism. For example, a common drive unit is provided for the blocking element and the edge element. The aforementioned connecting element is coupled, for example, to other edge elements which are in turn coupled to the first-mentioned edge element via a connecting element.

[0051] The at least one connecting element is, for example, a bridging element under which the container can move through the transport track when the blocking element assumes the release position and the edge element assumes the basic position.

[0052] The other edge elements can, for example, have an extent greater than that of the edge element with reference to the transport direction.

[0053] As described at the beginning, the container can move in at least one transport track in the transport direction.

[0054] The transport mechanism can define a further transport direction which is oriented in a direction opposite to the transport direction. In this case, in particular at least one transport element of the transport mechanism, in particular a conveyor belt, can selectively convey the container in at least one transport track in the transport direction or in the further transport direction depending on the operating state of the transport element. Depending on the operating state, the container is conveyed, for example, in the apparatus in the direction from a first station towards a second station or in the direction from the second station towards the first station. Advantageously and desirably, in particular when the discharge of the container in the above explanation relates to a container arranged upstream with reference to the blocking element, the transport mechanism can also empty a container arranged downstream of the blocking element with reference to the transport direction.

[0055] It can thus be advantageous if the transport mechanism includes a further blocking element which can be pivoted from a release position to a blocking position and from the blocking position to the release position with respect to at least one transport track, wherein at least one transport track is released in the release position of the further blocking element to allow the container to pass through in the further transport direction, and wherein the further blocking element is arranged within at least one transport track in the blocking position and can be contacted by the container to discharge the container from at least one transport track via a discharge opening. This in particular provides a feasible solution for "emptying" the transport mechanism in the further transport direction. For example, at least one conveyor belt is moved to convey the container in the further transport direction and the further blocking element is pivoted to the blocking position. It should be understood that the edge element assumes the open position in this case so that the discharge opening is released.

[0056] The blocking element is preferably designed to correspond to other blocking elements. It can currently be particularly understood that the other blocking elements are deflection elements or ejection elements. The other blocking elements can protrude through the transport track into the discharge opening. For example, the other blocking elements move through the through-opening of the first lateral limitation into the transport track. In other respects, reference may be made to the foregoing embodiments regarding the blocking element.

[0057] It can be provided that the blocking element and the other blocking elements are designed to be symmetric or substantially symmetric with respect to each other with reference to a symmetry plane perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0058] It can be provided that the transport mechanism includes a blocking body, which includes or constitutes the blocking element and the other blocking elements.

[0059] The blocking body has, for example, a wedge-shaped or triangular shape in a top view, with a vertex pointing in the direction of at least one transport track. The blocking element can be formed by two sides of the wedge shape or triangle.

[0060] As already mentioned, the invention also relates to a device for processing, in particular, pharmaceutical containers.

[0061] The device according to the invention includes a first station for processing containers, a second station for processing containers, and a transport mechanism of the type described above for transporting the containers from the first station to the second station.

[0062] The advantages already mentioned in connection with the transport mechanism according to the invention can equally be achieved by means of the device. In this regard, reference may be made to the foregoing embodiments.

[0063] Advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention can be derived from advantageous embodiments of the transport mechanism according to the invention. In this regard, reference may be made to the foregoing embodiments.

[0064] The first station can, for example, be a cleaning station for cleaning the containers. The second station can, for example, be a drying station and can particularly include a so-called tunnel dryer for drying and disinfecting the containers. Description of the Drawings

[0065] The following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention serves to explain the invention in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawings:

[0066] Figure 1 A schematic view of the device according to the invention in a preferred embodiment is shown, including the transport mechanism according to the invention in a preferred embodiment;

[0067] Figure 2 A three-dimensional partial view of the transport mechanism according to the invention is shown;

[0068] Figure 3 Along Figure 2 The viewing direction along arrow "3" shows a (partial) view of the transport mechanism;

[0069] Figure 4 A perspective view of the transport mechanism is shown, in which, different from Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 7 a container mechanism of the transport mechanism is also shown;

[0070] Figure 5 Shows Figure 2 a three-dimensional partial view of the transport mechanism of

[0071] Figure 6 in which the blocking element assumes a corresponding release posture and the edge element assumes a corresponding basic posture; Figure 5 Shows a view corresponding to

[0072] Figure 7 in which the blocking element transitions from a release posture to a blocking posture and the edge element transitions from a basic posture to an open posture; and Figure 6 Shows a view corresponding to in which the blocking element assumes a corresponding blocking posture and the edge element assumes a corresponding open posture.

[0073] Figure 1 A preferred embodiment labeled with reference numeral 100 of the device for processing the medical container 102 according to the present invention is schematically shown. In this embodiment, the container 102 is a vial (tubular vial) 104. However, the device 100 can also be designed for processing other types of containers 102.

[0074] In this example, the device 100 includes a first station 106 and a second station 108 interconnected via a transport mechanism 110. The transport mechanism 110 is a preferred embodiment of the transport mechanism according to the present invention and will be discussed in detail below with reference to the remaining drawings.

[0075] The first station 106 can be, for example, a cleaning station 112, and the second station 108 can be a drying station 114. The drying station 114 can particularly include a tunnel dryer for drying and disinfecting the container 102.

[0076] The device 100 also includes a filling machine 116 for the container 102, which is connected to the second station 108 via another transport mechanism 118. The filling machine 116 can include, for example, a loading station and at least one sealing station for filling or closing the container 102.

[0077] In Figure 1, a dashed line 120 marks a zone division between a first zone 122 and a second zone 124, which differ from each other in their cleanliness class. In this case, the cleanliness class of the second zone 124 is higher than the cleanliness class of the first zone 122. For example, the second zone 124 is covered by an insulation 126, while a machine protection 128 in the form of a cover is sufficient for the first zone 122.

[0078] The device 100 further comprises a control unit 130, which in particular is also the control unit of the transport mechanism 110. The operation of the device 100 and in particular also of the transport mechanism 110 can be controlled and / or regulated by means of the control unit 130.

[0079] The device 100 comprises at least one sensor unit 132, which can in particular also be a component of the transport mechanism 110. The sensor unit 132 is shown by way of example at the first station 106. It can be provided that in the event of a fault in the process at the station 106, a signal is provided by the sensor unit 132 to the control unit 130. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit can be arranged at the station 108, for example.

[0080] Arrows 134 and 136 indicate transport directions in which the container 102 can be transported by means of the transport mechanism 110. In this case, the transport direction 134 corresponds to the direction through which the container 102 passes during normal handling. The transport direction 136 is opposite to the transport direction 134 and is a "further transport direction" within the meaning of the present patent application.

[0081] Especially from Figures 2 to 4 It is known from the drawings that the transport mechanism 110 comprises a substantially cuboid or profile-shaped support mechanism 138 in this example. The support mechanism 138 can be held, for example, on a frame or substructure of the device 100 (not shown in the figure), or it can stand on a placement surface. The support mechanism 138 is constructed as a whole to extend longitudinally along the transport direction 134, just like the transport mechanism 110.

[0082] In the present example, the transport mechanism 110 comprises at least one transport track 140 for the containers 102. Two transport tracks 140, 142 are provided in the present case. The transport tracks 140, 142 extend in particular parallel to one another over the main part of the transport mechanism 110. The transport track 142 is in the present case a "further transport track" within the meaning of the present patent application.

[0083] The transport mechanism 110 has an input side 144 at which the container 102 is received from the first station 106. An output side 146 is also provided, via which the container 102 is delivered directly or indirectly (e.g., via other transport mechanisms not shown in the figures) to the second station 108. The transport tracks 140, 142 extend over the largest area from the input side 144 to the output side 146 except for the starting area 148 at the input side 144.

[0084] Currently, each of the transport tracks 140, 142 for moving the container 102 is associated with an independent conveying element. The conveying element is a conveyor belt 150 or 152. Optionally, a common conveyor belt 150, 152 may be provided. The conveyor belts 150, 152 are belt conveyors that are driven by respective drive units 154. They are controlled by the control unit 130.

[0085] The conveyor belts 150, 152 can each assume two operating states here. In the first state, it is the normal operating state, and the container 102 moves in the transport direction 134. In the second operating state, the container 102 moves in the opposite transport direction 136.

[0086] Currently, the container 102 can be moved upright on the conveyor belts 150, 152 as a stably erected vial 104. Optionally, a neck guide can be provided.

[0087] However, it is also possible for the container 102 to arrive on the conveyor belts 150, 152 in a lying position. In this case, the container 102 can be discharged via the discharge mechanism 156 included in the transport mechanism 110. The discharge mechanism 156 is currently designed as a known lying discharger 158. The discharged container 102 enters the collection container 162 of the container mechanism 164 of the device 100 via at least one shaft 160. The container mechanism 164 can be a part of the transport mechanism 110.

[0088] The transport tracks 140, 142 have lateral limiting portions between which the container 102 is correspondingly transported. In this case, the transport tracks 140, 142 share a lateral limiting portion.

[0089] The transport track 140 has a first lateral limiting portion 166 and a second lateral limiting portion 168 spaced apart from it. In the current example, with reference to the transport direction 134, the limiting portion 166 is arranged on the left side of the transport track 140, while the limiting portion 168 is arranged on the right side of the transport track 140.

[0090] The transport track 142 has this (second) lateral limiting portion 168 on the left side with reference to the transport direction 134, and a third lateral limiting portion 170 spaced apart from it and on the right side with reference to the transport direction 134.

[0091] In the extending direction of the transport mechanism 110, the restricting parts 166, 168, and 170 are respectively divided into a plurality of individual segments 172. The segments 172 are preferably standardized components, which may be part of a set of standardized components 174 of the transport mechanism 110. The corresponding components of the set of standardized components 174 differ in at least one container-specific characteristic in this case. Preferably, the standardized components can be replaced manually and without tools as in this example, which makes it easy to retrofit the transport mechanism 110 to other container specifications.

[0092] The respective adjacent segments 172 of the restricting parts 166, 168, and 170 can be connected to each other. For this purpose, for example, at least one connecting element 176 is provided, which connects two or three segments 172 of the respective restricting parts 166, 168, and 170 to each other. The connecting element 176 can be designed as a bridging piece 178, and when the transport mechanism 110 is operating, the container 102 can be transported under this bridging piece through the transport tracks 140, 142.

[0093] The transport mechanism 110 can be used to specifically export the container 102 from the processing process. For this reason, the transport mechanism 110 can also be regarded as an export mechanism 180 or an emptying device 182, or the transport mechanism 110 forms such a type of mechanism 180, 182.

[0094] The export of the container 102 is necessary, for example, when an incorrect process is carried out during processing, for example, at the first station 106. This can be detected, for example, by the sensor unit 132, which transmits a related signal to the control unit 130, and the control unit starts the export process. Alternatively or additionally, the export process can be triggered by the user. For this purpose, for example, an operating unit 184 is provided.

[0095] However, different from the emptying device with a manually operated switch in the prior art, in the present invention, it is not necessary for the user to intervene in the transport mechanism 110 or even open the machine protection part 128.

[0096] As can be clearly seen especially Figures 5 to 7 in, the transport mechanism 110 includes a blocking element 186. Currently, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, other blocking elements 188, "other blocking elements" in the sense of this patent application, are provided.

[0097] In this example, the two blocking elements 186, 188 are part of the blocking body 190, but they can also be formed to be separated from each other. The blocking elements 186, 188 are currently deflection elements 192, 194 via which the containers 102 transported in the transport tracks 140, 142 can be deflected.

[0098] Currently, the blocking elements 186, 188 are constructed symmetrically with respect to each other with reference to a symmetry plane oriented perpendicular to the transport direction 134.

[0099] In a top view of the transport mechanism 110, the blocking body is designed to be wedge-shaped or triangular, with a vertex pointing in the direction of the transport tracks 140, 142. The blocking elements 186, 188 are formed by the sides of the wedge or triangle.

[0100] The blocking body 190 and thus the blocking elements 186, 188 are designed to be movable relative to the transport track 140. In particular, the blocking body 190 is designed to be displaceable. The displacement of the blocking body 190 takes place essentially in the plane defined by the transport tracks 140, 142. The displacement direction is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicular to the transport direction 136 (double arrow 196).

[0101] In order to displace the blocking body 190, the transport mechanism 110 includes a drive unit 198 coupled to the control unit 130. The drive unit 198 includes a drive 200, which is currently designed as a piston-cylinder unit 202.

[0102] The piston-cylinder unit 202 is currently arranged below the carrier mechanism 138 and the transport tracks 140, 142 and is held at the carrier mechanism 138. The piston-cylinder unit 202 is connected to a coupling member 204, which is currently designed as a slide or displacement body 206 with two sliding elements 207. The displacement body 206 is supported displaceably at the holding member 208 and can be displaced transversely and in particular perpendicular to the transport direction 134. On one side, to the left with reference to the transport direction 134, the displacement body 206 is coupled to the blocking body 190 via at least one (currently two) coupling elements 210 extending in the height direction.

[0103] With reference to the transport direction 134 at the height of the blocking elements 186, in particular the blocking body 190, the transport mechanism 110 includes an edge element 212. The edge element 212 forms a second lateral limiting portion 168 for limiting the two transport tracks 140, 142 in a segmented manner in the basic attitude. The edge element 212 forms one of the segments 172 here.

[0104] The transport mechanism 110 also includes other edge elements 214, "other edge elements" in the sense of this patent application. The edge element 214 segmentally forms the third lateral restraint 170 in the basic position, and itself also forms a segment 172.

[0105] The edge elements 212, 214 are mechanically connected to each other, and in particular they are connected to each other via at least one (currently two) bridging elements 178.

[0106] With reference to the transport direction 134, the edge element 214 has a greater extension than the edge element 212 and extends beyond the edge element 212 on both sides.

[0107] The edge elements 212, 214 are also connected to the drive unit 198 and can be moved thereby. Via at least one coupling element 216, the edge elements 212, 214 are connected to the displacement body 206. Currently, two coupling elements 216 are provided, which are connected to the edge element 214 and respectively connected to one of the sliding elements 207 of the displacement body 206.

[0108] Correspondingly, only one common drive unit 198 is provided for moving the stop 190 on one side and the edge elements 212, 214 on the other side. Separate drive units are not necessary, which simplifies the structural design of the transport mechanism 110.

[0109] The coupling elements 210 and 216 are arranged on sides of the transport mechanism 110 that face away from each other. The stop 190 and the edge elements 212, 214 are displaced together and in the same displacement direction. However, here the stop 190 is displaced into the transport tracks 140, 142 and the edge elements 212, 214 are displaced away from the transport tracks 140, 142 or vice versa.

[0110] During normal operation of the transport mechanism 110, the stop 190 assumes the release position as can be seen in Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 . In the release position, the stop 190 is released outside the two transport tracks 140, 142, so that the container 102 therein can pass through unobstructed along the transport direction 134. In particular, the corresponding cross-sections of the transport tracks 140, 142 are unobstructed.

[0111] During normal operation, the edge elements 212, 214 are positioned such that they segmentally form the lateral restraints 168 or 170.

[0112] During normal operation, the piston-cylinder unit 202 extends, but this kinematics can also be the opposite.

[0113] To empty and discharge the container 102 from the transport mechanism 110, the drive unit 198 can be activated. This can be done either under the control of the control unit 130 based on signals from the sensor unit 132, or triggered by the user at the operating unit 184.

[0114] The piston-cylinder unit is activated and moved in. This causes the stop 190 to be displaced transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the transport tracks 140, 142 with respect to the edge elements 212, 214 (see Figure 6 and Figure 7 ).

[0115] The stop 190 can be displaced through the through-opening 218 in the first lateral restriction 166 into the transport tracks 140, 142. The guide formed by the restriction 166 above the through-opening 218 can thereby remain stationary, such that the associated section 172 itself does not have to be moved.

[0116] In particular, the first lateral restriction 166 is arranged in a position-invariant manner at the transport track 140, while the stop 190 is formed in a manner separated from the restriction 166 and is movable between a release position and a blocking position.

[0117] The edge element 212 is displaced out of the restriction 168, and the discharge opening 220 in the restriction 168 is released. The edge element 212 can also be displaced through the transport track 142.

[0118] The edge element 214 is displaced out of the restriction 170, and the discharge opening 222 in the restriction 170 is released therein.

[0119] The edge elements 212, 214 are displaced so far that the edge element 212 is also displaced through the discharge opening 222 and the edge 224 of the transport mechanism 110 is released.

[0120] Below the edge 224, there is a well 226 of the container mechanism 164, and its upper opening 228 is also released.

[0121] The stop 190 can be displaced so far that it protrudes beyond the transport track 140 and the discharge opening 220 into the transport track 142, currently up to the edge 224. Thereby, the stop 190 also intervenes in the discharge opening 222.

[0122] After the displacement, the stop 190 assumes a blocking position, in which it is arranged within the transport tracks 140, 142 and can come into contact with the container 102. The edge elements 212, 214 assume corresponding open positions, in which the discharge openings 220, 222 are released.

[0123] In the case of the activated conveyor belts 150, 152, the container 102 moving in the transport direction 134 reaches the deflection element 192. The deflection element 192 is oriented at an angle with respect to the transport direction 134, which angle is currently approximately 45°. In the case of the moving conveyor belts 150, 152, the container 102 contacts the deflection element 192 and is guided along it until it reaches the edge 224. Here, the container 102 from the transport track 140 is first guided via the discharge opening 220 to the transport track 142 and subsequently via the discharge opening 222 to the edge 224.

[0124] At the edge 224, the container 102 tips over and falls through the shaft 226 into the collection container 162.

[0125] One of the shafts 160 communicates with the shaft 226 such that only one collection container 162 is required, which is currently designed as a bucket.

[0126] In the case of the activated drive unit 198, the container 102 located at the height of the stop element 186 with reference to the transport direction 134 can be pushed out by this stop element, so that the stop element 186 also forms the ejection element 230.

[0127] The stop body 190 can be changed from the stop position to the release position. In a corresponding manner, the edge elements 212, 214 can be changed back to the basic position. A common displacement movement is carried out by means of the drive unit 198.

[0128] In the transport mechanism 110, even if the container 102 is arranged downstream of the stop body 190 with reference to the transport direction 134, the container can still be discharged. For this purpose, the operating state of the conveyor belts 150, 152 can be changed such that the container 102 moves in the (other) transport direction 136.

[0129] For example, when a fault occurs at or in front of the station 108, this provides the advantage, for example, that the device does not have to empty the container via the isolation mechanism 126. It can be emptied via the transport mechanism 110.

[0130] In the case described so far, the stop element 186 is effective, and in this operating state, the stop element 188, which can also act as the deflection element 194 and the ejection element 232, is effective.

[0131] The above-described embodiments apply in a corresponding manner. The container 102 also moves through the discharge openings 220, 222 to the edge 224 and falls into the collection container 162.

[0132] The present invention has been described above by way of example with a transport mechanism 110 having two transport tracks 140, 142. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto. The transport mechanism according to the present invention may also have only one transport track. In this case, only one edge element is necessary, which releases a discharge opening through which the container can be discharged from the transport track.

[0133] Preferably, even in the case of only one transport track, there is a feasible solution, that is, as described above, the transport direction is reversed so that the containers 102 arranged upstream and downstream of the blocking body can be discharged.

[0134] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the feasible solution in which the transport direction can be reversed. In the case of the transport mechanism according to the present invention, it may be sufficient to discharge only the containers 102 moving in the transport direction. Correspondingly, only one blocking element is necessary in the case of the transport mechanism 110 according to the present invention.

[0135] List of reference numerals

[0136] 100 Device

[0137] 102 Container

[0138] 104 Vial

[0139] 106 First station

[0140] 108 Second station

[0141] 110 Transport mechanism

[0142] 112 Cleaning station

[0143] 114 Drying station

[0144] 116 Filling machine

[0145] 118 Transport mechanism

[0146] 120 Dashed line

[0147] 122 First area

[0148] 124 Second area

[0149] 126 Isolation mechanism

[0150] 128 Machine protection part

[0151] 130 Control unit

[0152] 132 Sensor unit

[0153] 134 Transport direction

[0154] 136 Other transportation directions

[0155] 138 Loading mechanism

[0156] 140 Transportation track

[0157] 142 Transportation track

[0158] 144 Input side

[0159] 146 Output side

[0160] 148 Starting area

[0161] 150 Conveyor belt

[0162] 152 Conveyor belt

[0163] 154 Driving unit

[0164] 156 Discharging mechanism

[0165] 158 Horizontal discharger

[0166] 160 Hoistway

[0167] 162 Collection container

[0168] 164 Container mechanism

[0169] 166 First lateral limiting part

[0170] 168 Second lateral limiting part

[0171] 170 Third lateral limiting part

[0172] 172 Section

[0173] 174 Specification component set

[0174] 176 Connecting element

[0175] 178 Bridging piece

[0176] 180 Discharging mechanism

[0177] 182 Emptying device

[0178] 184 Operating unit

[0179] 186 Blocking element

[0180] 188 Blocking element

[0181] 190 Blocking body

[0182] 192 Deflecting element

[0183] 194 Deflecting element

[0184] 196 Double arrow

[0185] 198 Drive unit

[0186] 200 Driver

[0187] 202 Piston-cylinder unit

[0188] 204 Connecting part

[0189] 206 Displacement body

[0190] 207 Sliding element

[0191] 208 Holding part

[0192] 210 Connecting element

[0193] 212 Edge element

[0194] 214 Edge element

[0195] 216 Connecting element

[0196] 218 Through opening

[0197] 220 Discharge opening

[0198] 222 Discharge opening

[0199] 224 Edge

[0200] 226 Shaft

[0201] 228 Opening

[0202] 230 Pushing element

[0203] 232 Pushing element

Claims

1. A transport mechanism (110) for transporting, in particular, pharmaceutical containers (102), the transport mechanism defining at least one transport direction (134), comprising at least one transport track (140, 142), having a first lateral restraint (166) and a second lateral restraint (168), capable of transporting the container (102) between the first lateral restraint and the second lateral restraint, blocking elements (186, 188) capable of transitioning from a release position to a blocking position and from the blocking position to the release position relative to the at least one transport track (140, 142), wherein in the release position of the blocking elements (186, 188), the at least one transport track (140, 142) is released to allow the container (102) to pass along the transport direction (134), and wherein in the blocking position, the blocking elements (186, 188) are disposed within the at least one transport track (140, 142) and can be contacted by the container (102), edge elements (212, 214), which are preferably disposed at the same height as the blocking elements (186, 188) with reference to the transport direction (134), wherein the edge elements (212, 214) can transition from a basic position to an open position and from the open position to the basic position relative to the transport track (140, 142), wherein in the basic position, the edge elements (212, 214) sectionally form the second lateral restraint (168), and in the open position, the edge elements release discharge openings (220, 222) at the second lateral restraint (168), and through the discharge openings (220, 222), the container (102) blocked by the blocking elements (186, 188) can be discharged from the at least one transport track (140, 142).

2. The transport mechanism (110) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: - The blocking elements (186, 188) are designed to be displaceable laterally and in particular vertically relative to the at least one transport track (140, 142); - The blocking elements (186, 188) are designed to be movable within a plane defined by the at least one transport track (140, 142).

3. The transport mechanism (110) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the blocking position, the blocking elements (186, 188) project through the at least one transport track (140, 142), at least up to entering the discharge openings (220, 222).

4. The transport mechanism (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A through-opening (218) is formed in the first lateral restraint portion (166), and the blocking elements (186, 188) can move through the through-opening (218) into the at least one transport track (140, 142) to enter the blocking position.

5. The transport mechanism (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the release position, the blocking elements (186, 188) are arranged outside the at least one transport track (140, 142), in particular entirely or partially outside the first lateral restraint portion (166).

6. The transport mechanism (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking elements (186, 188) include or constitute deflection elements (192, 194) for the container (102), the deflection elements being oriented at an angle with respect to the transport direction (134), where preferably the angle is from about 20° to 70°, preferably from about 30° to 60° and more preferably from about 40° to 50°.

7. The transport mechanism (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking elements (186, 188), in particular the deflection elements (192, 194), are configured to extend linearly or arcuately.

8. The transport mechanism (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: - The transport mechanism (110) includes at least one conveyor belt (150, 152) on which the container (102) is preferably transported in an upright manner in the at least one transport track (140, 142), where the container (102) can preferably move along the deflection elements (192, 194) through the discharge openings (220, 222) when the conveyor belt (150, 152) moves; - The blocking elements (186, 188) include or form ejection elements (230, 232), and when transitioning from the release position to the blocking position, the ejection elements can be used to eject the container (102) through the through-opening from the at least one transport track (140, 142).

9. The transport mechanism (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the blocking elements (186, 188) assume the blocking position, the container (102) reaches the lateral edge (224) of the transport mechanism (110) via the discharge openings (220, 222), and preferably falls from the transport mechanism (110) over the edge (224).

10. The transport mechanism (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport mechanism (110) includes a container mechanism (164) for receiving the container (102) taken out of the transport track (140, 142).

11. The transport mechanism (110) according to claim 10, It is characterized in that at least one of the following applies: - The container mechanism (164) has a collection container (162) and a shaft (226) arranged above the collection container, and the container (102) falls into the collection container (162) through the shaft; - The container mechanism (164) has a sensor element for ascertaining the filling height of the container (102).

12. The transport mechanism (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that the transport mechanism (110) includes at least one drive unit (198) that can be particularly controlled, and at least one of the following applies: - A drive unit (198) is provided for the blocking elements (186, 188) to transition from the release position to the blocking position and / or from the blocking position to the release position; - A drive unit (198) is provided for the edge elements (212, 214) to transition from the basic position to the open position and / or from the open position to the basic position.

13. The transport mechanism (110) according to claim 12, It is characterized in that the at least one drive unit (198) includes a driver (200), the driver is arranged under the at least one transport track (140, 142) in the direction of gravity, and the driver is connected to the blocking elements (186, 188) and / or to the edge elements (212, 214) via at least one coupling element (210, 216) extending in the height direction.

14. The transport mechanism (110) according to claim 12 or 13, It is characterized in that a common drive unit (198) is provided for the blocking elements (186, 188) and the edge elements (212, 214), and the transport mechanism (110) includes corresponding coupling elements (210, 216) for connecting to the blocking elements (186, 188) and the edge elements (212, 214).

15. The transport mechanism (110) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, It is characterized in that the transport mechanism (110) includes a control unit (130) connected to the at least one drive unit (198) and a sensor unit (132) connected to the control unit (130), wherein the at least one drive unit (198) can be activated according to the signal of the sensor unit (132) to transition the blocking elements (186, 188) from the release position to the blocking position and / or to transition the edge elements (212, 214) from the basic position to the open position.

16. The transport mechanism (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The transport mechanism (110) includes other transport tracks (140, 142), which are laterally arranged beside the transport tracks (140, 142) and are oriented in particular parallel to the transport tracks, wherein the other transport tracks (140, 142) are restricted by the second lateral restriction part (168) and the third lateral restriction part (170) and can transport the container (102) between the second lateral restriction part and the third lateral restriction part.

17. The transport mechanism (110) according to claim 16, characterized in that the transport mechanism (110) includes other edge elements (212, 214), which are preferably arranged at the same height as the blocking elements (186, 188) with reference to the transport direction (134), and the other edge elements can be transformed from a basic posture to an open posture and from the open posture to the basic posture, wherein in the basic posture, the other edge elements (212, 214) segmentally constitute the third lateral restriction part (170), and in the open posture, the other edge elements release the discharge openings (220, 222) at the third lateral restriction part, wherein the other edge elements (212, 214) release the two discharge openings (220, 222) in their respective open postures and can discharge the container (102) through the discharge openings (220, 222) from the two transport tracks (140, 142).

18. The transport mechanism (110) according to claim 17, characterized in that the blocking elements (186, 188) project through the other transport tracks (140, 142) in the blocking posture, at least until entering the other discharge openings (220, 222).

19. The transport mechanism (110) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the other edge elements (212, 214) are mechanically coupled to the edge elements (212, 214) via at least one connecting element (176) in particular, and can be transformed from the basic posture to the open posture and / or from the open posture to the basic posture jointly with the edge elements, especially by means of a common drive unit (198).

20. The transport mechanism (110) according to claim 19, characterized in that the at least one connecting element (176) is a bridging element (178), and in the case where the blocking elements (186, 188) adopt the release posture and the edge elements (212, 214) adopt the basic posture, the container (102) can move in the transport tracks (140, 142) passing under the bridging element.

21. The transport mechanism (110) according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that Said other edge element (214) has an extension greater than that of the edge element (212) with reference to the transport direction (134).

22. The transport mechanism (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport mechanism (110) defines an other transport direction (136), which is oriented in a manner opposite to the transport direction (134), wherein in particular at least one transport element of the transport mechanism (110), in particular a conveyor belt (150, 152), can selectively transport the container (102) in the at least one transport track (140, 142) along the transport direction (134) or the other transport direction (136) according to the operating state of the transport element.

23. The transport mechanism (110) according to claim 22, characterized in that the transport mechanism (110) includes other blocking elements (186, 188), which can be switched from a release position to a blocking position and from the blocking position to the release position with respect to the at least one transport track (140, 142), wherein the at least one transport track (140, 142) is released in the release position of the other blocking elements (186, 188) to allow the container (102) to pass through along the other transport direction (136), and wherein the other blocking elements (186, 188) are arranged within the at least one transport track (140, 142) in the blocking position and can be contacted by the container (102) to take the container (102) out of the at least one transport track (140, 142) via the discharge opening (220, 222).

24. The transport mechanism (110) according to claim 23, characterized in that the blocking elements (186, 188) are designed to correspond to the other blocking elements (186, 188), in particular the blocking elements (186, 188) and the other blocking elements (186, 188) are designed to be symmetric or substantially symmetric with respect to each other with reference to a symmetry plane perpendicular to the transport direction (134).

25. The transport mechanism (110) according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: - The transport mechanism (110) includes a blocking body (190), which includes or constitutes the blocking elements (186, 188) and the other blocking elements (186, 188); - The blocking body (190) has, for example, a wedge-shaped or triangular shape in a top view, with a vertex pointing in the direction of the at least one transport track (140, 142).

26. A device (100) for processing in particular pharmaceutical containers (102), including a first station (106) for processing the container (102), a second station (108) for processing the container (102), and a transport mechanism (110) for transporting the container (102) from the first station (106) to the second station (108) according to any one of the preceding claims.

27. The apparatus (100) according to claim 26, wherein the first station (106) is a cleaning station (112) and the second station (108) is a drying station (114).

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