Closing device, barrier system and procedure

Abstract

A closing device (10) for closing a container (52), in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic container, with a cap (48), wherein the closing device (10) comprises a holding device (12) and a crimping device (14), wherein the holding device (12) is configured to hold the container (52) at a crimping position (62), and wherein the crimping device (14) is configured to crimp the cap (48) onto the container (52) at the crimping position (62), wherein the holding device (12) is configured to rotate the container (52) at the crimping position (62) about a vertical axis, characterized in that the closing device (10) further comprises an optical inspection device (16) which is configured to inspect one or more properties of the container (52) and / or the cap (48) at the crimping position (62).wherein the control device (16) comprises a camera system (17), wherein a camera (40, 40') of the camera system (17) is configured to successively capture a plurality of images of the closure cap (48) and / or the container (52) at the crimping position (62), while the holding device (12) rotates the container (52) at the crimping position (62) about the vertical axis, wherein the control device (16) is configured to check one or more properties of the container (52) and / or the closure cap (48) based on the plurality of images.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a closing device for closing a container, in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic container, with a closure cap. The present invention further relates to a barrier system, in particular an isolator system. The present invention further relates to a method for closing a container, in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic container, with a closure cap.

[0002] A barrier system is understood to be a system that provides a physical and aerodynamic barrier, e.g., by means of positive air pressure, between an external environment, such as an external cleanroom environment, and a work process. In particular, a barrier system provides an environment with restricted access in which the work process can be carried out. Various barrier systems are known in the prior art. A barrier system can, for example, include an isolator or a barrier with restricted access, a so-called RABS (Restricted Area Barrier System). The RABS can be an open RABS or a closed RABS.

[0003] The present invention primarily relates to aseptic isolators as barrier systems. However, the present invention can also be applied in other barrier systems, such as open or closed RABS.

[0004] The term "isolator" generally refers to a container that is hermetically and gas-tightly sealed off from the surrounding workspace. A defined atmosphere can be created within an isolator for processing sensitive or hazardous products.

[0005] In this context, isolators are typically used in biopharmaceutical process engineering, for example as part of a filling line with multiple process and processing stations, to create a highly pure or sterile, i.e., germ-free, environment. In such filling lines, containers, such as vials, cartridges, bottles, syringes, and / or the like, can be filled with a product, for example a pharmaceutical or cosmetic product, in particular a liquid or powder, and then sealed with a closure element, such as a stopper or cap, preferably a crimp cap.

[0006] For handling the containers and / or the closure elements, one or more handling devices, in particular handling robots, can be arranged in the isolator. A filling station can be provided in the isolator for filling the containers. For closing the containers, one or more closing stations, for example a plug-insertion station and / or a crimping station, can be arranged in the isolator. In a closing station, each container is closed with a closure element after filling. In particular, a plug can be placed on the container in a plug-insertion station. In the crimping station, a cap can be attached to the container, in particular crimped. To close a container, a plug can, in particular, first be placed on or in an opening of the container.Then a cap can be placed on the container and crimped, with the plug being pressed against the mouth edge of the container by means of the cap to ensure a proper seal of the container.

[0007] To close containers with a cap, the closing station can include a closing device, such as a crimping device. This closing device can be used to apply a cap, particularly a crimped cap, to a filled container. Such closing devices are known from the prior art.

[0008] For example, publication WO 2021 / 214809 A1 discloses a device for filling containers with a powdered material comprising a feed station arranged to feed a plurality of containers; a filling station arranged downstream of the feed station and comprising a measuring arrangement configured to fill each container with a measured quantity of a powdered material; a closing station arranged downstream of the filling station; and at least one handling arrangement movable to transport at least one container from one station to a subsequent station.

[0009] In bottling plants, it is generally desirable to monitor the process steps. Various types of sensors can be used for this purpose. Optical sensors (such as cameras) are usually mounted on the ceiling or outside the isolator behind a glass panel. Such optical sensors can be used, for example, to determine the position of objects inside the isolator and to control handling equipment accordingly. Other sensors, such as light barriers and pressure or force sensors, are preferably installed in individual process stations to directly record process parameters within those stations.

[0010] Especially when filling and sealing cosmetic or pharmaceutical products, it is important that the filled container is properly sealed. This can be achieved, for example, by checking the sealing device itself or downstream of it. For instance, it is known to use a force sensor or a position sensor to determine whether the cap has been correctly crimped onto the container.

[0011] For example, US Patent 2009 / 020496 A1 discloses a system and method for validating the crimping of a vial with a stopper and cap. The system includes a crimping cylinder; a controller that validates the crimping of the cap onto the vial; and an indicator to show whether the crimping has been validated. The crimping cylinder includes a piston; several crimping jaws that interact with the piston, with the crimping jaws moving to a closed position when the piston is moved downward and to an open position when the piston is moved upward; a position indicator; and a position sensor. The position indicator and the position sensor indicate the position of the piston.

[0012] Furthermore, the publication EP 1 955 949 A1 describes a machine for filling and sealing containers. The machine comprises: a conveyor controlled in stages in one feed direction, which is laterally equipped with several gripping devices capable of carrying containers at an active branch of a conveyor to which a main gas stream of a sterile substance is applied; a filling station in which several nozzles for batch filling the containers below and weighing devices for detecting that the containers have been correctly filled are located; a sealing station in which sealing devices that enable the containers to be sealed with caps and sensors capable of detecting that the containers have been correctly sealed by the sealing devices are located;A release station downstream of the closing station, in which manipulator elements operate, wherein the manipulator elements are kept deactivated to allow the transport of containers in which faulty filling and / or closing parameters have been detected, wherein these containers are released onto a reject conveyor located downstream and in series with the active branch; or wherein the manipulator elements are activated transversely to the feed direction to collect the containers passed with correct filling and closing parameters and discharge them onto a discharge conveyor located adjacent to and parallel with that of the reject conveyor.

[0013] Furthermore, German patent application DE 10 2020 117 790 A1 discloses a device for testing the tightness of a container closure, in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic container, which has a cap for closing the container and an elastic sealing element arranged between the cap and an opening rim of the container, comprising: a rotary plate movable relative to the container closure for exerting a compressive force on the elastic sealing element to cause compression of the elastic sealing element, wherein the rotary plate is connected to an axially displaceable drive shaft of a drive unit, and wherein the rotary plate is designed to be set in rotation with the container coupled to it; a flanging device for flanging the cap; and a control unit for controlling the drive unit.and a position encoder to provide a value representing a lifting position of the turntable.;

[0014] However, the known sealing devices and methods for closing a container with a cap still leave room for improvement, especially with regard to the control of the sealing process.

[0015] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved closing device, an improved barrier system, in particular an isolator system, and an improved method for closing a container with a closure cap, in particular in which the control of the closing process is improved.

[0016] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a closing device for closing a container, in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic container, with a cap is provided, wherein the closing device comprises a holding device and a crimping device, wherein the holding device is configured to hold the container at a crimping position, and wherein the crimping device is configured to crimp the cap onto the container at the crimping position, wherein the holding device is configured to rotate the container at the crimping position about a vertical axis, wherein the closing device further comprises an optical inspection device configured to inspect one or more properties of the container and / or the cap at the crimping position, wherein the inspection device comprises a camera system.wherein a camera of the camera system is configured to successively capture a plurality of images of the cap and / or the container at the crimping position, while the holding device rotates the container at the crimping position about the vertical axis, wherein the control device is configured to check one or more properties of the container and / or the cap based on the plurality of images.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a barrier system is provided, wherein the barrier system comprises a restricted access environment, in particular an isolator, and the closing device according to the first aspect. The closing device can, in particular, be arranged within the restricted access environment. The barrier system can, in particular, be an isolator system, wherein the restricted access environment is an isolator. Alternatively, the barrier system can also be an open or closed RABS.

[0018] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for closing a container, in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic container, with a closure cap is provided, the method comprising the following steps: - Holding the container in a crimping position by means of a holding device of a closing device; - Rotate the container at the crimping position around a vertical axis using the holding device; - Crimping the cap at the crimping position onto the container using a crimping device of the closure assembly; and - Checking one or more properties of the container and / or the closure cap at the crimping position by means of an optical inspection device of the closure device, wherein the inspection device comprises a camera system, wherein a camera of the camera system successively captures a plurality of images of the cap and / or the container at the crimping position, while the holding device rotates the container at the crimping position around the vertical axis, wherein the control device checks the one or more properties of the container and / or the cap based on the plurality of images.

[0019] The method according to the third aspect can preferably be carried out using the closing device according to the first aspect and in particular in the isolator system according to the second aspect.

[0020] The closure device is preferably a crimping device, wherein the closure cap is preferably a crimp cap. The container is preferably a vial, an ampoule, or the like, which may be filled with a pharmaceutical or cosmetic product. The closure cap can be placed on the container. In other words, the container can be arranged or provided at the crimping position for closure with the closure cap in place. In particular, the container can have an opening in which a stopper is arranged, wherein the closure cap is placed on the container such that it surrounds the opening and the stopper.

[0021] The sealing device comprises a holding device and a crimping device for sealing the container. In particular, the sealing device may have a support structure that carries the holding device and the crimping device. The holding device serves to hold the container in the crimping position. The crimping device serves to crimp the cap onto the container at the crimping position. The crimping position is a specific position in space where the container is positioned for crimping. Preferably, the crimping position is a position within a restricted-access environment where the container is positioned for crimping.

[0022] The cap is attached to the container by crimping. For this purpose, the container may have a crimped area. The cap is preferably crimped within this crimped area. When the cap is placed on the container, it extends from the opening to the crimped area. The crimping process presses the cap against or into the crimped area. The crimped area may, for example, have a recess, a depression, or a groove. The crimped area preferably extends around the entire circumference of the container. Preferably, the crimped area is located at or below the opening.

[0023] Preferably, the container is positioned at the crimping position with a cap already attached. In particular, the cap can be placed on the container before crimping, for example, using one of the handling devices of the barrier system. Specifically, the container can be fed to the crimping device already with the cap already attached. Alternatively, the cap can be placed on the container in the crimping device before crimping. At the crimping position, the container, together with the cap attached, can then be held by the holding device. The crimping device can then crimp the cap onto the container while the container with the cap attached is held.

[0024] The barrier system, in particular an isolator system, can preferably be part of a filling plant with several process and processing stations. The process and processing stations can be located in an area with restricted access to the barrier system. The filling plant can, for example, be a system for filling and sealing containers with a pharmaceutical or cosmetic substance. In the filling plant, the containers are filled in the filling station and then sealed with a cap in the sealing station. For this purpose, the filling plant can include a filling station, a sealing station, and optionally a stopper insertion station. The filling station and the sealing station can be located within the area with restricted access. The sealing device can be part of this sealing station. Before sealing in the sealing station, a stopper can be placed on filled containers in the stopper insertion station.

[0025] The barrier system may also include one or more handling devices in areas with restricted access. These handling devices are used to handle containers and caps. For example, one of the handling devices can transfer filled containers from the filling station or the stopper insertion station to the capping station. Furthermore, at the capping station, one of the handling devices can also place a cap onto the container. The cap can then be crimped onto the container at the crimping position using the crimping device.

[0026] The restricted-access environment is preferably an isolator. The isolator may have an interior. The isolator is preferably an aseptic isolator. An aseptic isolator has a highly clean or sterile, i.e., germ-free, environment in its interior. The sealing device may be arranged in the isolator, particularly in its interior. Furthermore, the filling station and / or the stopper insertion station and / or one or more handling devices may also be arranged in the isolator.

[0027] The barrier system may also include a control unit. This control unit may, for example, be configured to control devices such as the locking mechanism and / or one or more handling devices within the restricted access area.

[0028] According to the invention, the closure device includes an optical inspection device. This device serves to optically inspect and monitor the closure process. Specifically, the device can optically inspect the container and / or the cap placed on the container and / or, optionally, the stopper placed on the container at the crimping position. The optical inspection is performed using the camera system of the inspection device. In particular, the device inspects one or more properties of the container and / or the cap. The properties of the container can, for example, include its design and / or arrangement. The design of the container can, for example, include its shape, size, color, surface finish, and / or surface profile.The arrangement of the container can include, for example, its position and / or orientation. The properties of the closure cap can include its design and / or arrangement, particularly on the container. The design of the closure cap can include, for example, its shape, size, color, surface finish, and / or surface profile. The arrangement of the closure cap can include, for example, its position and / or orientation.

[0029] Because the sealing device incorporates the optical inspection unit, the inspection unit is integrated into the sealing station. This allows for in-process optical monitoring of the sealing operation. The inspection unit can monitor one or more properties of the container and / or the cap during the sealing process.

[0030] In particular, the inspection device can check whether the container and cap are positioned at the crimping point. For this purpose, the inspection device can, for example, check the position of the container and cap. Furthermore, the inspection device can also check whether the correct container and / or cap are positioned at the crimping point. For this purpose, the inspection device can, for example, check the shape, size, and / or color of the container and / or cap. Furthermore, the inspection device can also check whether the cap is correctly affixed to the container. For this purpose, the inspection device can, for example, check the position and / or orientation of the cap. Finally, the inspection device can also check whether the container has been properly closed.In particular, the inspection device can check the crimping quality. For this purpose, the inspection device can, for example, check the shape, position, and orientation of the cap, preferably after crimping. Specifically, the inspection device can check whether the crimping of the cap is uniform all around and / or whether the cap is positioned in a specific location after crimping.

[0031] Based on the optical inspection by the inspection device, the control unit of the barrier system can then control the closing device and / or the handling devices accordingly. For example, the control unit can control the closing device based on the optical inspection in such a way that the closing device only performs crimping on caps that are correctly placed on a container. Furthermore, the control unit can transfer an inspected container that has been found to be incorrectly closed to a reject device via one of the handling devices in order to remove the incorrectly closed container or collect it in a collection container.

[0032] In other words, according to the invention, a control device with a camera system is integrated into the capping device, whereby the container and the cap are inspected. In particular, the capping process in the capping device can be optically monitored and controlled by means of this control device. Previous solutions did not perform the optical inspection of capped containers in the capping device itself, but only in subsequent stages, for example, by means of a camera system using multiple cameras to image the container from different angles, or in separate inspection machines downstream in the production process. With the control device according to the invention, the inspection is carried out directly and immediately in the capping device. In this way, the control of the capping process is improved.

[0033] According to the invention, the holding device is configured to rotate the container at the crimping position about a vertical axis, in particular while the crimping device crimps the closure cap onto the container and / or the control device checks one or more properties of the container and / or the closure cap at the crimping position.

[0034] In particular, the holding device can rotate the container when the cap is positioned on or attached to the container and / or when the plug is positioned or inserted in the container's opening. In other words, the container can be rotated together with the plug and / or cap. Specifically, the container can be rotated with the cap attached while the crimping device crimps the cap. Rotating the container and cap during crimping crimps the cap all the way around. Furthermore, the container, especially with the plug and / or cap attached, can be rotated while the inspection device performs the inspection. Rotating the container during inspection allows the camera system to capture different areas of the container, cap, and / or plug.

[0035] According to the invention, a camera of the camera system is configured to successively capture a plurality of images of the closure cap and / or the container at the crimping position, while the holding device rotates the container at the crimping position around the vertical axis, wherein the control device is configured to check one or more properties of the container and / or the closure cap and / or the stopper based on the plurality of images, in particular wherein the control device is configured to determine the design of the closure cap and / or the container and / or the stopper, in particular the crimping quality, based on the plurality of images.

[0036] In other words, the camera system captures the majority of images while the container is rotated at the crimping position using the holding device. The images thus depict different sections of the container and the cap. In particular, the captured images allow for the complete recording of the crimped area of ​​the cap. Based on these images, it can then be determined whether the crimp is uniform throughout. In this way, the crimp quality can be assessed directly during the crimping process. The images can also be combined into a single, continuous image depicting the entire crimped circumference of the cap, with the inspection device evaluating this combined image to determine the crimp quality.

[0037] The task posed at the beginning is thus fully solved.

[0038] In a first embodiment of the aspects, the control device can further be configured to control one or more properties of a plug that is arranged in an opening of the container.

[0039] The stopper can be a rubber stopper. The stopper can be inserted into the opening of the container. The container can be provided with the stopper already inserted, particularly at the crimped position. The properties of the stopper can include its design and / or arrangement, especially on the container. The design of the stopper can include, for example, its shape, size, color, surface finish, and / or surface profile. The arrangement of the stopper can include, for example, its position and / or orientation. This also allows for inspection of the stopper. In particular, the stopper can be inspected before the cap is placed on the container. For example, it can be checked whether the stopper is correctly positioned on the container.In particular, the container can be positioned at the crimping point with the plug inserted but without the cap. The plug can then be checked. After this check, the cap can be placed on the container, for example, using a handling device of the barrier system. Crimping can then be carried out.

[0040] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the holding device can have a receiving element for receiving the container.

[0041] The receiving element serves to hold the container. The receiving element can be designed, for example, as a turntable or disc with a recess for a container. A container held in the receiving element is positioned at the flanged location. In this way, the container can be easily positioned at the flanged location.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the holding device can have a counter element, wherein the container can be arranged between the receiving element and the counter element at the flange position, in particular wherein the receiving element and the counter element are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction.

[0043] The counter element can preferably be arranged vertically above the receiving element. In particular, the container with the attached cap can be held between the receiving element and the counter element. In this way, the container with the cap can be easily positioned and held at the crimping position.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the holding device may also have a drive device for rotary and / or translational movement of the receiving element and / or the counter element, in particular wherein the drive device is configured to move the receiving element and / or the counter element in a vertical direction and / or to rotate it about a vertical axis.

[0045] The drive unit can move the receiving element and / or the counter element, for example, translationally to change the distance between the receiving element and the counter element. For instance, the distance can be reduced to hold the container between the receiving element and the counter element. The translational movement preferably occurs in the vertical direction. The movement in the vertical direction can also be referred to as a lifting movement. The drive unit can also move the receiving element and / or the counter element rotationally to change the arrangement of the container and the attached closure cap relative to the camera system and / or to achieve a uniform crimp all around during crimping. The rotational movement preferably occurs about a vertical axis.

[0046] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the drive device can be configured to move the receiving element and the counter element relative to each other between a first arrangement and a second arrangement, wherein the container in the first arrangement can be received in the receiving element, and wherein the container in the second arrangement can be held between the receiving element and the counter element at the crimping position.

[0047] In other words, the drive unit can adjust the distance between the receiving element and the counter element. In the first arrangement, the container, particularly with its cap attached, can be received in the receiving element. In the first arrangement, the container and the cap can be spaced apart from the counter element. The first arrangement thus serves to receive the container. In the second arrangement, the receiving element is positioned closer to the counter element than in the first arrangement. In the second arrangement, the container, with its cap attached, can be pressed against the counter element. This holds the container, together with the cap, in the crimping position. The second arrangement thus serves to hold the container in the crimping position. Crimping preferably takes place when the container is held in the second arrangement.In particular, in the second arrangement, the cap can be pressed against the container, especially against the plug located in the opening, with a defined force. This ensures that the container is tightly sealed.

[0048] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the drive device can be configured to rotate the receiving element and / or the counter element about a vertical axis, in particular while the flanging device flangs the closure cap onto the container.

[0049] In particular, the drive unit can be configured to rotate the receiving element about a vertical axis when the container with the attached cap is held in the receiving element and thus in the crimped position. This rotation occurs especially when the receiving element and the counter element are arranged in the second configuration. The drive unit can, for example, rotate the receiving element about the vertical axis. The counter element can then be mounted so that it can rotate freely about the vertical axis. If a container is held between the receiving element and the counter element and the receiving element is rotated, the counter element rotates along with it. Alternatively, the drive unit can also rotate the counter element about the vertical axis. The receiving element can then be mounted so that it can rotate freely about the vertical axis.Alternatively, the drive unit can also rotate the receiving element and the counter element simultaneously around the vertical axis. The rotation of the receiving element and / or the counter element during the crimping process crimps the cap all the way around.

[0050] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the flanging device can have a flanging element, wherein the flanging element can be moved into a working position in which the flanging element is pressed against the closure cap.

[0051] The flaring element can be mounted, in particular pivotably, to move between a working position and a waiting position. The flaring device can, for example, have a drive unit configured to move the flaring element between the working position and the waiting position. In the working position, the flaring element is pressed against the cap for flaring. The working position is thus used for flaring the cap. In the waiting position, the flaring element is spaced apart from the cap. The flaring element can preferably be a flaring disc or a flaring roller. The flaring element can be mounted to rotate freely about an axis, preferably a vertical one.

[0052] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the control device can be configured to check the arrangement of the closure cap and / or the container and / or the stopper at the crimping position.

[0053] Holding and crimping at the crimping position should preferably only be performed when the container with the cap in place is positioned at the crimping position. The control device can verify whether the container is positioned at the crimping position. Furthermore, the control device can verify whether the plug is positioned on the container at the crimping position. Additionally, the control device can verify whether the cap is positioned on the container at the crimping position. Preferably, the holding device and the crimping device are controlled such that they perform the holding and crimping only when the container and the cap, in particular the container with the plug inserted and the cap in place, are positioned at the crimping position.Furthermore, the inspection device can check whether the container and / or the stopper and / or the cap is correctly positioned at the crimping point. For example, it can determine whether the arrangement of the container and / or the stopper and / or the cap corresponds to a predetermined configuration. If the cap and / or the container and / or the stopper are not correctly positioned at the crimping point, this can lead to the cap being crimped incorrectly or the container being improperly closed. The inspection device can, in particular, check the arrangement of the cap and / or the container and / or the stopper at the crimping point before crimping or before holding the crimp.Preferably, the holding device and the flanging device are controlled in such a way that they only perform the holding and flanging when the container, the stopper and the cap are correctly positioned at the flanging position.

[0054] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the control device can be configured to check the design of the closure cap and / or the container and / or the stopper at the crimping position.

[0055] In particular, the inspection device can verify whether the correct container and / or the correct stopper and / or the correct cap are positioned at the crimping point. For this purpose, the inspection device can, for example, compare the design of the container and / or the stopper and / or the cap with a predetermined design. For example, the inspection device can compare the shape, size, and / or color of the container and / or the stopper and / or the cap with a predetermined shape, size, or color. An identifying feature, such as a code, can also be applied to the container and / or the stopper and / or the cap, by which the container, the stopper, and the cap can be identified by the inspection device. The code can, for example, be a Data Matrix code. The Data Matrix code can, in particular, be placed on the cap's outer surface.The device must be printed. Checking that the correct container and / or stopper and / or cap are positioned at the crimping location is preferably done before holding and / or crimping. Furthermore, the device can check whether the container and / or stopper and / or cap has a defect, such as a crack, dent, or scratch. This check can be performed before or after holding and / or crimping. Additionally, the device can check whether the cap has been crimped correctly onto the container. For this purpose, the device can, for example, check the shape of the cap. In particular, it can check whether the cap has been crimped correctly onto the container.The inspection device can check whether the crimp is uniform all the way around and / or whether a lower edge of the crimped wall of the cap runs at a consistent height, i.e., linearly, all the way around. This check can be carried out during or after the crimping process.

[0056] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the control device may be designed to control the flanging quality of the flanging process, in particular wherein the control device is designed to control the flanging quality during or after flanging.

[0057] The crimp quality describes how well the cap is crimped onto the container. Specifically, crimp quality indicates whether the container is properly sealed with the cap. The inspection device can determine whether the cap is positioned in a predetermined location, particularly its position and / or orientation, after crimping. If the cap is not in the specified location, the container is incorrectly sealed. In other words, the crimp quality is poor. Furthermore, the inspection device can also determine whether the shape of the cap in the crimped area of ​​the container corresponds to a predetermined shape. Crimping reshapes the cap in the crimped area of ​​the container. This reshaping should be as uniform as possible. Specifically, it can be determined whether the crimp of the cap is uniform throughout the crimped area.If the shape of the cap in the crimping area of ​​the container does not correspond to the predetermined shape, especially if the crimping in the crimping area is not uniform, the container is improperly sealed. If the arrangement and / or the shape of the cap in the crimping area correspond to the predetermined arrangement or shape, the container is properly sealed. The crimping quality is then good. In this way, the inspection device can visually check whether the crimping quality is good or sufficient, in particular whether the container is properly sealed. Improperly crimped or improperly sealed containers can then be diverted or rejected in the barrier system downstream of the sealing device. For example, one of the handling devices can transfer improperly sealed containers to a collection container.

[0058] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the camera system may include one or more cameras which are configured to capture or record one or more images of the closure cap and / or the container and / or the stopper at the crimping position, wherein the control device is configured to check the one or more properties of the container and / or the closure cap and / or the stopper on the basis of the one or more images.

[0059] Each camera captures at least one image of the container and / or the cap at the crimping position. Each camera can also capture multiple images of the container and / or the cap at the crimping position. These images can preferably be captured sequentially, particularly at regular intervals, preferably during the sealing of the container. The visual inspection is then carried out based on the captured images.

[0060] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the control device can be configured to determine, based on one or more images, whether the container and / or the closure cap and / or the plug are arranged at the crimping position, preferably in a predetermined arrangement.

[0061] The inspection device can determine, in particular based on the captured images, whether the container and the cap are positioned at the crimping position and / or whether the container and the cap are correctly positioned at the crimping position, preferably in a predetermined arrangement. For this purpose, the inspection device can, for example, evaluate the captured images.

[0062] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the control device can be configured to determine, based on one or more images, whether the design of the container and / or the stopper and / or the cap corresponds to a predetermined design.

[0063] The inspection device can, in particular, check whether the correct container and / or the correct stopper and / or the correct cap are positioned at the crimping point. Furthermore, the inspection device can check whether the container and / or the stopper and / or the cap are defective. Additionally, the inspection device can check whether the cap has been crimped correctly onto the container. To check the design of the container and / or the stopper and / or the cap, the inspection device can, for example, analyze the captured images.

[0064] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the control device may be configured to determine the flanging quality of the flanging process based on one or more images, in particular wherein the control device is configured to monitor the flanging quality during or after flanging.

[0065] In particular, the inspection device can determine, based on the captured images, whether the container is correctly sealed with the cap and whether the crimp is flawless. For example, it can determine whether the cap is correctly positioned on the container and whether the crimp is uniform all the way around. The inspection device can do this by, for example, analyzing the captured images.

[0066] In a further embodiment of these aspects, the camera system can be arranged laterally next to the flanging position.

[0067] The camera system, and in particular the camera of the camera system, is preferably arranged vertically at essentially the same height as the crimping position. The camera system is preferably arranged horizontally at a distance from the crimping position. The camera's image plane is preferably aligned parallel to the vertical direction. In other words, the camera's viewing direction is preferably perpendicular to the vertical direction. In particular, the camera system, and in particular the camera of the camera system, can be arranged adjacent to the crimping device and / or the holding device. The crimping area of ​​the container is preferably also arranged vertically. Therefore, the crimping area can be captured particularly well in this configuration.

[0068] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the closing device can have a plurality of holding devices and a plurality of crimping devices, wherein each holding device is configured to hold a container at a respective crimping position, wherein each crimping device is configured to crimp a closure cap onto the respective container at the respective crimping position, and wherein the optical inspection device is configured to inspect each container and / or each closure cap and / or each stopper at the respective crimping position, in particular wherein the camera system has a plurality of cameras, wherein each camera is configured to capture one or more images of the closure cap and / or the container and / or the stopper at each crimping position, wherein the inspection device is configured toto check each container and / or each cap and / or each stopper based on one or more images from the cameras.

[0069] Preferably, the sealing device is designed to seal two containers simultaneously with a cap each. For this purpose, the sealing device can have two holding devices and two crimping devices, each holding the respective container at a corresponding crimping position and crimping the respective cap onto the container. The camera system can have two cameras, each camera being assigned to a crimping position and capturing one or more images of the container and the cap positioned at the corresponding crimping position. The camera system can preferably be arranged between the two holding devices.

[0070] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the control device can, in the step of checking, control one or more properties of a stopper that is arranged in an opening of the container.

[0071] As previously described, the plug can also be checked in this way.

[0072] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the camera system can have one or more cameras, wherein the one or more cameras capture one or more images of the closure cap and / or the container and / or the stopper at the crimping position, wherein the control device checks the one or more properties of the container and / or the closure cap and / or the stopper on the basis of the one or more images.

[0073] Each camera captures at least one image of the container and / or the cap at the crimping position. Each camera can also capture multiple images of the container and / or the cap at the crimping position. These images can preferably be captured sequentially, particularly at regular intervals, preferably during the sealing of the container. The visual inspection is then carried out based on the captured images.

[0074] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0075] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description. They show: Fig. 1 an isometric view of an embodiment of a locking device; Fig. 2 an isometric view of a rear side of the locking device Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a top view of a front of the locking device Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a top view of an upper side of the closing device Fig. 1; Fig. 5 an isometric view of the locking device Fig. 1 without control device; Fig. 6 a top view of a front of the locking device Fig. 1 without control device; Fig. 7 an isometric view of a control device of the locking device Fig. 1; Fig. 8 a top view of a front of the control device Fig. 7; Fig. 9A a view of a container; Fig. 9B a view of a plug; Fig. 9C a view of a cap; Fig. 10 a view of a container with the cap attached; Fig. 11 a top view of a front of the locking device made of Fig. 1 in a first arrangement with a container and without the control device; Fig. 12 a top view of a front of the locking device made of Fig. 1 in a second arrangement with a container held at a crimping position and without the control device; Fig. 13 the view from Fig. 12 with the control device; Fig. 14 an isometric view of an embodiment of a barrier system; and Fig. 15 an isometric view of an embodiment of a method.

[0076] The Fig. Figures 1 to 4 show an embodiment of a closing device, collectively designated by reference numeral 10. The closing device 10 serves to close a container with a cap. The closing device 10 can be arranged in an environment with restricted access, in particular in an isolator. The closing device 10 can, in particular, be part of a barrier system.

[0077] With regard to the locking device 10, a vertical direction 64, a first direction 66, and a second direction 68 are defined. The first direction 66 and the second direction 68 are perpendicular to the vertical direction 64. The first direction 66 and the second direction 68 are therefore horizontal. The first direction 66 is perpendicular to the second direction 68.

[0078] The closing device 10 serves to close containers with a cap. The closing device 10 comprises a first holding device 12, a first crimping device 14, and an optical inspection device 16. The first holding device 12 and the first crimping device 14 serve to close a first container with a first cap. The optical inspection device 16 serves to check one or more properties of the first container and / or the first cap. The optical inspection device 16 can also check one or more properties of a first plug, which may be arranged in an opening of the first container.

[0079] The first holding device 12 is configured to hold the first container with the first cap at a first crimping position. The first crimping device 14 is configured to crimp the first cap onto the first container at the crimping position. The crimping process secures the cap to the container.

[0080] The first holding device 12 has a first receiving element 20 and a first counter element 22. The first receiving element 20 serves to receive the first container. The first receiving element 20 and the first counter element 22 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction 64. The first counter element 22 is arranged above the first receiving element 20 in the vertical direction 64. The first counter element 22 is arranged above the first crimp position in the vertical direction 64. The first receiving element 20 is arranged below the first crimp position in the vertical direction 64.

[0081] The first container can be positioned between the first receiving element 20 and the first counter element 22 at the first crimp position. In particular, the first container can be held with the first closure cap between the first receiving element 20 and the first counter element 22 at the crimp position. For this purpose, the first receiving element 20 and / or the first counter element 22 can be designed to be movable in the vertical direction 64.

[0082] Furthermore, the first holding device 12 is configured to rotate the first container about a vertical axis at the first crimping position. In particular, the first holding device 12 can rotate the first container about the vertical axis while the first crimping device 14 crimps the first closure cap onto the first container. Specifically, the first receiving element 20 and / or the first counter element 22 can be designed to rotate about the vertical axis for this purpose.

[0083] The first flaring device 14 has a first flaring element 24 for flaring. The first flaring element can, in particular, be a flaring disc. The first flaring element 24 can be pressed against the first closure cap for flaring, while the first container with the first closure cap is held at the first flaring position and rotated about the vertical axis.

[0084] The first flaring element 24 is movable between a waiting position and a working position. In the working position, the first flaring element 24 is pressed against the first cap for flaring. In the waiting position, the first flaring element 24 is positioned at a distance from the first cap. In other words, the first flaring element 24 is positioned closer to the first flaring position in the working position than in the waiting position. Fig. In sections 1 to 4, the first flanging element 24 is arranged in the waiting position. In the waiting position, the first flanging element 24 is preferably spaced in the first direction 66 from the first flanging position, in particular from the first receiving element 20 and the first counter element 22. In particular, the first flanging element 24 is arranged next to the first flanging position in the first direction 66.

[0085] The optical inspection device 16 is configured to optically inspect the first cap and / or the first container and / or the first stopper, preferably during the closing process. In particular, the inspection device checks one or more properties of the first container and / or the first cap and / or the first stopper.

[0086] For visual inspection, the inspection device 16 includes a camera system 17. The camera system 17 is specifically designed to detect a detection area 18 in space. The first crimp position is located within the detection area 18. In other words, the first container and the first cap are located within the detection area 18 when they are positioned at the first crimp position.

[0087] The camera system 17 is arranged in the vertical direction 64 essentially at the same height as the first flanging position. In the second direction 68, the camera system 17 is spaced apart from the first flanging position, in particular from the first receiving element 20 and the first counter element 22. Specifically, in the second direction 68, the camera system 17 is arranged laterally to the side of the first flanging position.

[0088] The sealing device 10 can, in particular, process or seal two containers simultaneously. For this purpose, the sealing device 10 can have a second holding device 12' and a second crimping device 14'. In particular, the second holding device 12' and the second crimping device 14' can serve to seal a second container with a second cap. The optical inspection device 16 can further serve to monitor the sealing process of the first and second containers. A second plug can be arranged in an opening of the second container. The second container can be sealed at a second crimping position using the second holding device 12' and the second crimping device 14'.In particular, the second holding device 12' can hold the second container at the second crimping position, and the second crimping device 14' can crimp the second closure cap onto the second container at the second crimping position. The second crimping position can preferably be spaced apart from the first crimping position in the first direction 66. In particular, the second crimping position can be arranged adjacent to the first crimping position in the first direction 66.

[0089] The second holding device 12' and the second flanging device 14' have essentially the same structure and function as the first holding device 12 and the first flanging device 14. In particular, the second holding device 12' has a second receiving element 20' and a second counter element 22'. Furthermore, the second flanging device 14' has a second flanging element 24'.

[0090] The inspection device 16 can, in particular, inspect the respective containers and / or caps and / or stoppers at both crimping positions. Specifically, the inspection device 16 can visually inspect both caps and / or both containers during the crimping process. The camera system 17 can detect the first container at the first crimping position in the first detection area 18. The camera system 17 can detect the second container at the second crimping position in a second detection area 18'. Alternatively, the camera system 17 can also detect both containers at both crimping positions in a common detection area 18.

[0091] The holding device 12 and the flanging device 14, as well as their arrangement in the closing device 10, are described in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown.

[0092] The closure device 10 has a first support structure 26. The first receiving element 20 is arranged on the first support structure 26. In particular, the first support structure 26 carries the first receiving element 20. The first receiving element 20 is movably mounted on the first support structure 26 in the vertical direction 64. This allows the first receiving element 20 to be moved relative to the first counter element 22. In particular, the first receiving element 20 can be moved relative to the first counter element 22 between a first arrangement and a second arrangement. In the second arrangement, the first receiving element 20 is arranged closer to the first counter element 22 than in the first arrangement. In the first arrangement, the first receiving element 20 and the first counter element 22 are spaced apart sufficiently to allow the first container to be received in the first receiving element 20 and the first closure cap to be placed on it.Alternatively, the cap can already be placed on the container before the container is positioned or received in the receiving element 20. In this case, the first receiving element 20 and the first counter element 22 are spaced far enough apart in the first arrangement that the first container with the cap attached can be received in the first receiving element 20. In the second arrangement, the first receiving element 20 and the first counter element 22 are positioned so close together that the first container can be held at the first crimp position between the first receiving element 20 and the first counter element 22. Furthermore, the first receiving element 20 is also rotatably mounted on the first support structure 26 about a vertical axis.

[0093] The first holding device 12 can have a drive device 28. The drive device 28 can be configured to move the first receiving element 20 in the vertical direction 64 and / or to rotate it about the vertical axis. The first holding device 12 can have a first rod 30. The first receiving element 20 is mounted on the first support structure 26 via the first rod 30 so as to be movable in the vertical direction 64 and / or rotatable about the vertical axis. The first receiving element 20 is arranged at a first, upper end of the first rod 30. A second, lower end of the first rod 30 is mounted on the first support structure 26 so as to be movable in the vertical direction 64 and / or rotatable about the vertical axis. The drive device 28 can be configured to move the first rod 30 in the vertical direction 64 and / or to rotate the first rod 30 about the vertical axis.

[0094] The closing device 10 has a second support structure 32. The first counter element 22 is arranged on the second support structure 32. In particular, the second support structure 32 carries the first counter element 22. The first counter element 22 can be mounted on the support structure 32 so as to be freely rotatable about a vertical axis. Furthermore, the first flanging element 24 can also be arranged on the second support structure 32. In particular, the first flanging element 24 can be pivotably mounted on the second support structure 32 about a vertical axis. In particular, the first flanging element 24 can be pivoted between the waiting position and the working position.

[0095] The first flaring device 14 can have a drive unit 34. The drive unit 34 can be configured to pivot the first flaring element 24 between the waiting position and the working position. The first flaring device 14 can have a first arm 36. The first flaring element 24 is pivotably mounted on the second support structure 32 via the first arm 36. The first flaring element 24 is arranged at a first end of the first arm 36, in particular so as to be freely rotatable about a vertical axis. A second end of the first arm 36 is rotatably mounted on the second support structure 32 about a vertical axis. The drive unit 34 can be configured to rotate the first arm 36 about the vertical axis.

[0096] In particular, the second holding device 12' can have a drive device 28' for moving the second receiving element 20' and a second rod 30'. The second receiving element 20' and the second rod 30' can be arranged on or mounted on the first support structure 26. The second counter element 22' can be arranged on or mounted on a further support structure 32'. Furthermore, the second flanging device 14' has a drive device 34' for moving the second flanging element 24' and a second arm 36'. The second flanging element 24' and the second arm 36' can be arranged on or mounted on the further support structure 32'.

[0097] Control device 16 is located in the Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows the control device 16 having a base body 38. The camera system 17 is arranged in the vertical direction 64 in an upper part of the base body 38.

[0098] The camera system 17 comprises a first camera 40. The first camera 40 faces the first crimping position. The first camera 40 is arranged in the vertical direction 64 essentially at the same height as the first crimping position. One viewing direction of the first camera 40 preferably runs parallel to the second direction 68.

[0099] The first camera 40 is configured to capture an image of the first detection area 18. In other words, the first camera 40 is configured to capture one or more images of the first cap and / or the first container at the first crimp position. The control device 16 can then use the one or more images to check one or more properties of the first container and / or the first cap and / or the first stopper.

[0100] The camera system 17 can further comprise a second camera 40'. The second camera 40' is arranged adjacent to the first camera 40 in the first direction 66. The second camera 40' faces the second crimping position. The second camera 40' is arranged in the vertical direction 64 essentially at the same height as the second crimping position. One viewing direction of the second camera 40' preferably runs parallel to the second direction 68.

[0101] The second camera 40' is configured to capture an image of the second detection area 18'. In other words, the second camera 40' is configured to capture one or more images of the second cap and / or the second container at the second crimp position. The control device 16 can then use the one or more images to check one or more properties of the second container and / or the second cap and / or the second stopper.

[0102] Alternatively, the camera system 17 can also have only one camera 40, which can capture both detection areas 18, 18'.

[0103] In Fig. Figure 9A shows a closure cap 48. The closure cap 48 can, in particular, be a crimped cap. The closure cap 48 is sleeve-shaped, with one end closed. The closure cap 48 has a circumferential wall 50.

[0104] In Fig. Figure 9B shows a plug 51. The plug has a projection 53. The plug may have a lip 55 that surrounds the projection 53. The plug may be a rubber plug.

[0105] In Fig. Figure 9c shows a container 52. The container 52 can be a pharmaceutical or cosmetic container. In particular, the container 52 can be an ampoule or a vial. The container 52 has an opening 54. The container 52 can be filled with a pharmaceutical or cosmetic product. The container has a crimped area 56.

[0106] The flanged area 56 preferably extends around the entire circumference of the container 52. The flanged area may, for example, have a recess, a depression, or a groove. The flanged area 56 may be located below the opening 54.

[0107] The cap 48 can preferably be crimped in the crimped area 56 of the container 52. When the cap 48 is placed on the container 52, it can extend from the opening 54 to the crimped area 56. The crimping process presses the cap 48 against or into the crimped area 56. In particular, a lower edge of the wall 50 can be pressed into the crimped area 56. This secures the cap 48 to the container 52.

[0108] In Fig. Figure 10 shows an arrangement in which the closure cap 48 is arranged on the container 52, in particular placed on it. The closure cap 48 is positioned over the opening 54. The closure cap 48 completely covers the opening 54 and extends to the crimped area 56. The surrounding wall 50 surrounds the crimped area 56. In other words, the wall 50 extends all the way around the crimped area 56. The plug 51 can be arranged or inserted in the opening 54. The projection 53 can extend into the opening 54. The lip 55 can rest on the edge of the opening 54 all the way around. The plug 51 is then also covered by the closure cap 48.

[0109] When the closure cap 48 is positioned on the container 52, the closure cap 48 can be crimped into the crimped area 56 of the container 52. In particular, the wall 50 can be pressed all around into or against the crimped area 56 for this purpose.

[0110] In particular, the container 52 with the attached closure cap 48 can be positioned at the first or second crimping position in order to close the container 52 by means of the respective holding device 12, 12' and crimping device 14, 14'. The closing of the container 52 with the closure cap 48 at the first crimping position 62 is described below. The container 52 is referred to below as the first container. The closure cap 48 is referred to below as the first closure cap. A second container 52' ​​can be closed with a second closure cap 48' at the second crimping position 62' in the same manner.

[0111] In order to be able to arrange each container 52, 52' at the respective flange position 62, 62', each receiving element 20, 20' and each counter element 22, 22' are arranged in a first arrangement 58. In the Fig. 1 to 6 and 11 are the receiving elements 20, 20' and the counter elements 22, 22' arranged in the first arrangement 58.

[0112] In the first arrangement 58, the receiving element 20, 20' and the corresponding counter element 22, 22' are spaced apart from each other to such an extent that the corresponding container 52, 52' can be arranged or received in the receiving element 20, 20' and the corresponding closure cap 48, 48' can be placed on the respective container 52, 52'. For this purpose, the respective drive unit 28, 28' can move the receiving element 20, 20' and / or the counter element 22, 22' relative to each other. In particular, the drive unit 28, 28' can move the receiving element 20, 20' away from the counter element 22, 22' in the vertical direction. In this way, the respective receiving element 20, 20' and the corresponding counter element 22, 22' can be brought into the first arrangement 58.

[0113] When the respective receiving element 20, 20' and the corresponding counter element 22, 22' are arranged in the first arrangement 58, the corresponding container 52, 52' can be arranged in or on the corresponding receiving element 20, 20' and the corresponding closure cap 48, 48' can be placed on the container 52, 52'. This state is in Fig. 11 shown.

[0114] Each container 52, 52' can be positioned in or on the corresponding receiving element 20, 20', in particular by means of a handling device. Furthermore, the respective closure cap 48, 48' can then be placed on the corresponding container 52, 52' by means of a handling device.

[0115] To hold each container 52, 52' at the respective flange position 62, each receiving element 20, 20' and each counter element 22, 22' can be brought into the second arrangement 60. Fig. In the second arrangement 60, each receiving element 20, 20' and each counter element 22, 22' is arranged. In the second arrangement 60, the receiving element 20, 20' and the corresponding counter element 22, 22' are arranged so close together that the respective container 52, 52' and the respective closure cap 48, 48' are held between the receiving element 20, 20' and the corresponding counter element 22, 22'. In particular, the counter element 22, 22' rests against the corresponding closure cap 48, 48' and presses it against the respective container 52, 52', especially in the direction of the opening 54. For this purpose, the respective drive device 28, 28' can move the receiving element 20, 20' and / or the counter element 22, 22' relative to each other accordingly. In particular, the drive device 28, 28' can move the receiving element 20, 20' in the vertical direction towards the counter element 22, 22'.In this way, the receiving element 20 and the corresponding counter element 22, 22' can be brought into the second arrangement 60.

[0116] When the respective receiving element 20, 20' and the corresponding counter element 22, 22' are arranged in the second arrangement 60, the corresponding container 52, 52' and the corresponding closure cap 48, 48' are held at the respective crimp position 62, 62'. This is shown in Fig. 12 shown.

[0117] To crimp the respective closure cap 48, 48', the corresponding crimping element 24, 24' can then be moved into the working position. This presses the respective crimping element 24, 24' against the wall 50 of the respective closure cap 48, 48'. The wall 50 is thereby pressed into the crimping area 56 of the respective container 52, 52'. During crimping, the respective holding device 12, 12' then rotates the container 52, 52' together with the corresponding closure element 48, 48'. This presses the wall 50 all the way around into the crimping area 56. This crimps the respective closure cap 48, 48' all the way around onto the corresponding container 52, 52'.

[0118] As previously described, each camera 40, 40' is configured to capture one or more images of the respective container 52, 52' and the respective closure cap 48, 48' at the corresponding crimp position 62, 62'. The first crimp position 62 is located within the detection range 18 of the first camera 40. The second crimp position 62' is located within the detection range 18' of the second camera 40'. This is in Fig. 13 shown.

[0119] Based on the captured images, the inspection device 16 can, for example, check the arrangement of the closure cap 48, 48' and / or the container 52, 52' at the respective crimping position 62, 62'. In particular, it can check whether the container 52, 52' and / or the closure cap 48, 48' are arranged at the respective crimping position 62, 62'. Specifically, the inspection device 16 can determine, based on the one or more images, whether the container and / or the closure cap are arranged at the crimping position, preferably in a predetermined arrangement. Furthermore, it can also check whether the respective closure cap 48, 48' is correctly positioned on the container 52, 52'. This check can be performed before, during, and after crimping.

[0120] Based on the captured images, the inspection device 16 can also check the crimping quality. In particular, the inspection device 16 can determine, based on the captured images, whether the respective container 52, 52' is correctly sealed with the respective cap 48, 48', or whether the crimp is flawless. For example, it can be determined whether the cap 48, 48' is correctly positioned on the container 52, 52' and whether the crimp is uniform all around.

[0121] Furthermore, each camera 40, 40' can also take several pictures in succession while the respective container 52, 52' and the respective closure cap 48, 48' are rotated during the crimping process. The pictures then depict, in particular, the circumferential crimp completely. Based on these pictures, it can then be determined, in particular, whether the crimp is uniform all the way around.

[0122] Fig. Figure 14 shows an embodiment of a barrier system, designated in its entirety by reference numeral 70. The barrier system 70 comprises an environment 72 with restricted access. The barrier system 70 can be an isolator system. The environment 72 with restricted access can be an isolator.

[0123] The barrier system 70 includes the locking device 10, which is associated with the Fig. The locking device 10 is located in the area 72 with restricted access. The locking device 10 is located in the area 72 with restricted access.

[0124] The barrier system 70 can have a closing station 74 in the restricted access area 72, wherein the closing device 10 is part of the closing station 74. The containers 52 can be closed with the closure cap 48 in the closing station 74.

[0125] The barrier system 70 can further include a feeding device 76 by means of which the closure caps 48 can be fed and made available in the environment 72 with restricted access.

[0126] The barrier system 70 can further comprise a first station 78. In the first station 78, the containers 52 are provided without caps. The containers 52 are preferably filled with a pharmaceutical or cosmetic product. The first station 78 can be a filling station where the containers are filled with the pharmaceutical or cosmetic product. The first station 78 can also be a stopper-insertion station where a stopper can be inserted into the opening 54 of the filled containers 52. The first station 78 can also be a transfer station where filled containers, and in particular those fitted with a stopper, can be arranged or transferred.

[0127] The barrier system 70 can also include a second station 80. Containers 52, sealed with a cap 48, are arranged in the first station 80. The second station 80 can, for example, be a transfer station where the sealed containers can be arranged or transferred.

[0128] The barrier system 70 can further comprise one or more handling devices 82. The handling devices 82 can be configured to handle the containers 52 and / or the closure caps 48. For example, one of the handling devices 82 can be configured to transfer the containers 52 from the first station 78 to the sealing station. In particular, this handling device 82 can arrange the containers 52 in the receiving element 20. Furthermore, one of the handling devices 82 can be configured to transfer the closure caps 48 from the feeding device 76 to the sealing station. In particular, this handling device 82 can place the closure caps 48 onto the containers 52 in the sealing station 74, for example, when they are arranged in the receiving element 20. Alternatively, the closure caps 48 can also be placed onto the containers 52 before they reach the sealing station 74.Furthermore, one of the handling devices 82 can be configured to transfer the containers 52 sealed with a closure cap 48 from the sealing station to the second station 80.

[0129] The barrier system 70 may also include a control unit 84. The control unit 84 may be configured to control the handling devices 82. Furthermore, the control unit 84 may also be configured to control the closing device 10. In particular, the control unit 84 may, for example, control the holding device 12 and the flanging device 14.

[0130] The control unit 84 can, in particular, control the closing device and / or the handling devices based on the optical inspection by the inspection device 16. For example, the control unit 84 can control the closing device 10 based on the optical inspection such that the closing device 10 only performs crimping on caps that are correctly placed on a container. Furthermore, the control unit 84 can transfer a container that has been inspected and found to be incorrectly closed, by means of one of the handling devices 84, to a rejection device within the environment 72 in order to reject the incorrectly closed container or collect it in a collection container.

[0131] Fig. Figure 15 shows an embodiment of a method, designated in its entirety by reference numeral 100. The method 100 serves to close a container 52 with a cap 48. The container 52 can be a pharmaceutical or cosmetic container. In particular, the container 52 can be an ampoule or a vial. The cap 48 can in particular be a crimp cap. A stopper 51 can be arranged or inserted in the opening 54 of the container 52. The cap 48 can be arranged on or placed on the container 52. The method 100 can be combined with the closing device 10 from the Fig. Procedures 1 to 13 can be carried out. Procedure 100 can be used in particular in barrier system 70. Fig. 14 will be carried out.

[0132] In a first step 102 of the process 100, the container 52 is held at a crimp position 62 by means of the holding device 12 of the closing device 10. In particular, one container 52, 52' can each be held at the respective crimp position 62, 62' by means of the corresponding holding device 12, 12'.

[0133] In a further optional step 104 of the procedure 100, the container 52 can be rotated about a vertical axis at the flange position 62 by means of the holding device 12.

[0134] In a further step 106 of the process 100, the closure cap 48 is crimped onto the container 52 at the crimping position 62 using the crimping device 14 of the closure device 10. In particular, one closure cap 48, 48' can each be crimped onto the corresponding container 52, 52' at the respective crimping position 62, 62' using the corresponding crimping device 14, 14'.

[0135] The holding device 12 can rotate the container 52 and the closure cap 48 about the vertical axis during crimping. In particular, each holding device 12, 12' can rotate the respective container 52, 52' and the corresponding closure cap 48, 48' about the respective vertical axis during crimping.

[0136] In a further step 108 of the procedure 100, one or more properties of the container 52 and / or the closure cap 48 and / or the plug 51 are checked at the crimping position 62 by means of the optical control device 16 of the closure device, wherein the control device comprises the camera system 17.

[0137] The holding device 12 can rotate the container 52 and the closure cap 48 about the vertical axis, while the control device 16 checks one or more properties of the container 52 and / or the closure cap 48 at the crimping position 62.

[0138] In particular, the camera system 17 can have one or more cameras 40, 40', wherein the cameras 40, 40' capture one or more images of the closure caps 48, 48' and / or the container 52, 52' at the respective crimping position 62, 62', wherein the control device 16 checks the closing of the respective container 52, 52' on the basis of the one or more images.

[0139] Based on the captured images, the control device 16 can, for example, check the arrangement of the closure cap 48, 48' and / or the container 52, 52' at the respective crimping position 62, 62'. Based on the captured images, the control device 16 can also check the crimping quality.

Claims

[1] A closing device (10) for closing a container (52), in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic container, with a cap (48), wherein the closing device (10) has a holding device (12) and a crimping device (14), wherein the holding device (12) is configured to hold the container (52) at a crimping position (62), and wherein the crimping device (14) is configured to crimp the cap (48) onto the container (52) at the crimping position (62), and wherein the holding device (12) is configured to rotate the container (52) about a vertical axis at the crimping position (62). characterized by, that the closing device (10) further comprises an optical inspection device (16) which is configured to inspect one or more properties of the container (52) and / or the closure cap (48) at the crimping position (62), wherein the inspection device (16) comprises a camera system (17), wherein a camera (40, 40') of the camera system (17) is configured to successively capture a plurality of images of the closure cap (48) and / or the container (52) at the crimping position (62), while the holding device (12) rotates the container (52) at the crimping position (62) about the vertical axis, wherein the inspection device (16) is configured to inspect the one or more properties of the container (52) and / or the closure cap (48) on the basis of the plurality of images. [2] Closing device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (16) is further configured to control one or more properties of a plug (51) which is arranged in an opening (54) of the container (52). [3] Closure device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holding device (12) is configured to rotate the container (52) at the crimping position (62) about the vertical axis, while the crimping device (14) crimps the closure cap (48) onto the container (52) and the control device (16) controls one or more properties of the container (52) and / or the closure cap (48) at the crimping position (62). [4] Closure device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the holding device (12) has a receiving element (20) for receiving the container (52), wherein the holding device (12) has a counter element (22), wherein the container (52) can be arranged between the receiving element (20) and the counter element (22) at the crimping position (62), in particular wherein the receiving element (20) and the counter element (22) are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction (64). [5] Locking device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the holding device (12) further comprises a drive device (28) for rotary and / or translational movement of the receiving element (20) and / or the counter element (22), in particular wherein the drive device (28) is configured to move the receiving element (20) and / or the counter element (22) in a vertical direction (64) and / or to rotate it about a vertical axis. [6] Closure device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the drive device (28) is configured to move the receiving element (20) and the counter element (22) relative to each other between a first arrangement (58) and a second arrangement (60), wherein the container (52) is receptible in the receiving element (20) in the first arrangement (58), and wherein the container (52) is held between the receiving element (20) and the counter element (22) at the crimping position (62) in the second arrangement (60). [7] Closure device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the drive device (28) is configured to rotate the receiving element (20) and / or the counter element (22) about a vertical axis, in particular while the crimping device (14) crimps the closure cap (48) onto the container (52). [8] Closure device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the crimping device (14) has a crimping element (24), wherein the crimping element (24) is movable into a working position in which the crimping element (24) is pressed against the closure cap (48). [9] Closure device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control device (16) is configured to control the arrangement of the closure cap (48) and / or the container (52) and / or the plug (51) at the crimping position (62). [10] Closure device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control device (16) is configured to control the design of the closure cap (48) and / or the container (52) and / or the plug (51) at the crimping position (62), in particular the crimping quality. [11] Closure device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the camera system (17) comprises one or more cameras (40, 40') configured to capture one or more images of the closure cap (48) and / or the container (52) and / or the stopper (51) at the crimping position (62), wherein the control device (16) is configured to check the one or more properties of the container (52) and / or the closure cap (48) and / or the stopper (51) on the basis of the one or more images. [12] Closure device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the control device (16) is configured to determine, on the basis of one or more images, whether the container (52) and / or the closure cap (48) and / or the plug (51) are arranged at the crimping position (62), preferably in a predetermined arrangement. [13] Closure device (10) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the control device (16) is configured to determine, on the basis of one or more images, whether the design of the closure cap (48) and / or the container (52) and / or the plug (51) corresponds to a predetermined design, in particular wherein the control device (16) is configured to determine, on the basis of one or more images, the crimping quality of the crimping. [14] Closure device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the control device (16) is configured to determine the design of the closure cap (48) and / or the container (52) and / or the plug (51), in particular the crimping quality, on the basis of the plurality of images. [15] Closure device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the camera system (17) is arranged laterally next to the crimping position (62). [16] A closure device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the closure device (10) comprises a plurality of holding devices (12, 12') and a plurality of crimping devices (14, 14'), wherein each holding device (12, 12') is configured to hold a container (52, 52') at a corresponding crimping position (62, 62'), wherein each crimping device (14, 14') is configured to crimp a closure cap (48, 48') onto the respective container (52, 52') at the respective crimping position (62, 62'), and wherein the optical inspection device (16) is configured to inspect each container (52, 52') and / or each closure cap (48, 48') and / or each plug (51) at the respective crimping position (62, 62'). to control, in particular wherein the camera system (17) comprises a plurality of cameras (40, 40'), each camera (40, 40') being configured to take one or more pictures of the closure cap (48, 48') and / or the container (52,52') and / or of the stopper (51) at each crimp position (62, 62'), wherein the control device (16) is configured to inspect each container (52, 52') and / or each cap (48, 48') and / or each stopper (51) on the basis of the one or more images from the cameras (40, 40'). [17] Barrier system (70), in particular isolator system, wherein the barrier system (70) comprises an environment (72) with restricted access, in particular an isolator, and the closing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, in particular wherein the closing device (10) is arranged in the environment (72) with restricted access. [18] Method (100) for closing a container (52), in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic container, with a closure cap (48), wherein the method (100) comprises the following steps: - Holding (102) the container (52) at a crimping position (62) by means of a holding device (12) of a closing device (10); - Rotating (104) the container (52) at the flange position (62) by means of the holding device (12) about a vertical axis; - Flanging (106) the closure cap (48) at the flanging position (62) onto the container (52) by means of a flanging device (14) of the closure device (10); and - Checking (108) one or more properties of the container (52) and / or the closure cap (48) at the crimping position (62) by means of an optical inspection device (16) of the closure device (10), wherein the inspection device (16) comprises a camera system (17). wherein a camera (40, 40') of the camera system (17) successively captures a plurality of images of the closure cap (48) and / or the container (52) at the crimping position (62), while the holding device (12) rotates the container (52) at the crimping position (62) about the vertical axis, wherein the control device (16) checks the one or more properties of the container (52) and / or the closure cap (48) on the basis of the plurality of images. [19] Method (100) according to claim 18, wherein in the step of checking (108) the checking device (16) checks one or more properties of a plug (51) which is arranged in an opening (54) of the container (52). [20] Method (100) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the container (52) is rotated about the vertical axis at the crimping position (62) by means of the holding device (12), while the crimping device (14) crimps the closure cap (48) onto the container (52) and the control device (16) checks one or more properties of the container (52) and / or the closure cap (48) at the crimping position (62). [21] Method (100) according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the camera system (17) comprises one or more cameras (40, 40'), wherein the one or more cameras (40, 40') capture one or more images of the closure cap (48) and / or the container (52) and / or the stopper (51) at the crimp position (62), wherein the control device (16) checks the one or more properties of the container (52) and / or the closure cap (48) and / or the stopper (51) on the basis of the one or more images.

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