Transfer system for use in an isolator, isolator and production plant, and methods for their operation

Abstract

Transfer system (1) for an isolator (2) with a sterile isolation area (4) separated from a non-sterile operating area (6) by a partition (5), wherein the transfer system (1) is designed for transferring objects from the operating area (6) to the isolation area (4) and vice versa, and wherein the transfer system (1) comprises an alpha component (7) and a beta component (8), wherein the alpha component (7) has an alpha flange (9) for connection with the partition (5) and an openable and closable alpha closure unit (10), wherein the beta component (8) has a beta flange and a removable beta closure unit for coupling to the alpha component (7), and wherein the beta component (8) further comprises a, in particular dimensionally stable,Beta container (11) with a receiving chamber (12) and further comprising a drawer-like, in particular interchangeable, insert (13) for receiving the objects to be transferred, which is guided in the receiving chamber (12) by means of guide rails and can be extended and retracted from the receiving chamber (12), wherein the transfer system (1) is designed such that, in the interconnected and open state of the alpha component (7) and the beta component (8), the insert (13) can be moved out of the receiving chamber (12) through the alpha flange (10) into the isolation area (4), wherein the fully extended insert sags downwards, characterized in that the transfer system (1) has at least one centering device (15) associated with the insert (13), which can be arranged or is arranged in the isolation area (4), wherein the centering device (15) and the insert (13) each have at least one engagement element (16).wherein the engagement elements (16) on the centering device (15) and the insert (13) are designed to be complementary to each other in such a way that they can be brought into engagement with each other in a centering position for centering the insert (13) in such a way that the insert (13) is fixed in a vertical direction by force or form locking at least on one side, in particular on both sides, and the insert (13) is also pre-positioned in a horizontal plane by force or form locking, in particular fixed, so that the normally sagging insert is brought into a centering position and locked there, and sagging is prevented, so that the insert remains parallel to a guide direction after being fully extended.

Description

In pharmaceutical production facilities, it is regularly crucial to ensure sterile handling of the products throughout the production process. Highly potent pharmaceuticals have particularly stringent requirements for isolation from the environment. For this purpose, corresponding production facilities typically feature an isolator with an isolation area hermetically separated and sealed from the environment. The isolation area, or isolator, forms a closed environment with its own atmosphere, meeting specific requirements for purity and freedom from contamination, and preventing the release of, for example, highly potent pharmaceutical substances into the surrounding environment. In other words, the isolator forms an area separate from the environment, enabling sterile and controlled handling of the products. "Closed" in this sense means a hermetic separation that prevents both the introduction of contaminants and the escape of products from the isolator. The isolation area is separated from an operating area located outside the isolator, where operating personnel can be present, by at least one partition. This partition is typically part of the housing that surrounds the isolation area. From the operating area, personnel can manipulate products and objects inside the isolator, for example, using remotely controlled handling devices and / or glove ports. To allow the insertion of objects from the operating area into the isolation area (or vice versa) while ensuring the separation of the isolation area and its surroundings, so-called transfer systems (also known as rapid transfer ports) are used. Such a transfer system comprises an alpha component and a functionally interacting beta component. The alpha component includes an alpha port integrated into the partition wall, which is connected to or integrated into the partition wall by means of an alpha flange. Furthermore, the alpha component includes an openable and closeable alpha locking unit for opening and closing the alpha port, which is pivotally mounted on the alpha flange. The beta component, in turn, comprises a beta flange and a detachable beta closure unit for coupling to the alpha component. When used as intended, i.e., when coupled as intended, the alpha component and the beta component form a kind of airlock, through which objects can be introduced into the isolation area while ensuring sterility there. A beta container is arranged on the beta flange and is closed by the beta locking unit. The beta container is particularly dimensionally stable. Objects to be brought into the isolation area can be placed in the beta container. Accordingly, the beta container has an internal receiving compartment for storing these objects. In some embodiments of the beta component, this receiving compartment contains a slide-out insert, guided by a guide system, such as guide rails, which can be pulled out of and pushed back in like a drawer. The insert is designed to hold objects to be transferred. To ensure separation, the beta container is sealed by the beta locking unit when uncoupled and can only be opened when coupled to the alpha component via the beta flange. Therefore, the alpha and beta locking units can only be opened together when coupled. The transfer system is designed such that access to the insert is only possible when the beta component or beta container is properly coupled to the alpha component and the alpha component is in the open position. In this case, the insert can be moved from the receiving chamber, through the alpha flange, and into the isolation area. The transferred objects can then be removed from the relocated insert and used further within the isolation area under sterile conditions. However, a recurring problem with known transfer systems is that when the insert is fully extended, a certain degree of play exists – both horizontally and vertically. This usually results from the relatively short guide length of the guide system compared to the length of the insert. In simpler terms, the fully extended insert regularly sags, at least downwards. This leads to significant wear over time, especially with increasing load and corresponding deformation of the insert or its guide system. Furthermore, the degree of sagging can vary with changing loads, making the insert's position inaccurate. Another problem is that when the transferred objects are handled automatically by a handling device, removal from the tray is made more difficult due to sagging. More precisely, trouble-free removal is not always possible during automated removal processes because the tray does not remain in the intended removal position. This is particularly problematic when, for example, very small parts require precise positioning of the tray relative to the handling device. Therefore, achieving precise grip often necessitates a comparatively complex readjustment of the handling device or the removal process. To ensure process safety and efficiency, there is therefore a high demand for a way to precisely position and fix the pulled-out insert. The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved solution with regard to the problems discussed above, which enables a transfer system with accurate and reliable positioning and fixing of the extended insert. The problem is solved by the transfer system with the features of claim 1, the insulator with the features of claim 2, the production plant with the features of claim 3, and the method with the features of claim 11. The transfer system according to the invention comprises a beta and an alpha component as described above. The beta component comprises a preferably dimensionally stable beta container with a receiving chamber in which an extendable, drawer-like insert is guided and mounted by means of a guide system. The insert is designed to receive the objects to be transferred and is, in particular, replaceable. The Beta flange, Beta closure unit and Beta container together form a unit designed for coupling with the Alpha flange and Alpha closure unit. Once the alpha and beta components are connected, they form a closed unit. The two components are designed in such a way that, when connected and open, the insert can be moved from the receiving chamber through the alpha flange into the isolation area, allowing the objects stored in the insert to be removed and reused. According to the invention, the transfer system comprises at least one centering device associated with the insert, which can be arranged in the insulation area or is arranged in the insulation area during intended use of the transfer system. According to the invention, the centering device and the insert each have at least one engagement element, wherein the engagement elements on the centering device and the insert are designed to be complementary to each other such that they can be brought into engagement with each other to center the insert in a centering position, such that the insert is fixed in a vertical direction by force-locking or form-locking at least on one side, and in particular on both sides (upwards and downwards).In particular, the engagement elements on the centering device and the insert are designed to be complementary to each other in such a way that they can be brought into engagement with each other in order to center the insert in the centering position, so that the insert is also pre-positioned, in particular fixed, in its position in a horizontal plane by force or form locking. In the context of the present invention, "fixed on one side in the vertical direction" means that the insert rests on the centering device, at least partially, and is thus supported from below. "Fixed" means that the insert is not forced into the centering position, i.e., it does not remain under tension in the centering position, but rather is guided into the centering position without tension and then locked there. "Pre-positioned" in this sense means that the insert is fixed in a position with a certain amount of play, so that only minor movements around the fixed position are possible in the horizontal plane. A force-fit fixation can be achieved, for example, by a rubberized gripping jaw that allows for fixation without slipping. According to the invention, an isolator with a partition wall is also provided, by which a sterile isolation area can be separated from a non-sterile operating area, wherein the isolator has a transfer system for transferring objects from the operating area to the isolation area and vice versa. The isolator is characterized in that the transfer system is designed according to the invention as described above, wherein the centering device is arranged in the isolation area. Therefore, when the transfer system is used as intended, the centering device is located in the isolation area. Furthermore, according to the invention, a production plant is provided which is characterized by the fact that it has the insulator described above according to the invention. The solution according to the invention offers the advantage that the previously discussed problematic sagging of the insert in the extended state is reliably avoided. The centering device according to the invention moves the normally sagging insert into the advantageous centering position and locks it there, thus reducing wear and ensuring both precise removal of the objects and, consequently, process reliability and efficiency. According to a preferred embodiment, the engagement elements are designed as a centering bolt or pin and a complementary centering sleeve or groove. In this respect, the centering bolt or pin is located on the centering device and the corresponding complementary centering sleeve or groove is located on the insert, or vice versa. This advantageously represents a simple and therefore cost-effective embodiment of the engagement elements. The engagement elements preferably have a widening surface geometry, at least in certain areas. In particular, the engagement elements are rounded or chamfered in certain areas. For example, the engagement elements can be frustoconical or complementary to this shape, or they can have complementary insertion chamfers. Such widening surface geometries have the advantage of providing a self-centering effect when the engagement elements are brought together or inserted into one another. Preferably, the centering device is designed such that positioning in the centered position is achieved by a lifting movement, a lifting-rotating movement, or a gripping movement. The centering device is thus designed to perform one or more such movements, for example, as a lifting (rotating) column or as a gripping device. Advantageously, this allows for a structurally simple positioning and fixation in the centered position. Furthermore, designing the centering device as a gripping device offers the advantage that, in addition to the centering function, an extension function for insertion is also provided. Preferably, the centering device is designed to communicate with the insert, particularly for signal and / or data transmission. Advantageously, this enables identification of the insert. This is especially beneficial for beta containers with interchangeable inserts, as it allows verification that the correct insert is present. The insert and centering device can incorporate appropriate identification means or suitable reading devices, such as an RFID chip, barcode, or similar. Preferably, the identification means is located on the insert, and the corresponding reading device is located on or within the centering device, or integrated therein. According to a preferred further development, a handling device, in particular a robot arm, is provided which is designed to remove the objects from the insert. It may be provided that one or more centering aids (e.g., centering geometries) are attached to the handling device, and complementary centering aids (e.g., complementary counter-geometries) are attached to the insert. Using these centering aids and the additional centering aids, the insert can be positioned precisely in the horizontal direction when the parts to be gripped are approached. This is particularly useful if the insert is only pre-positioned in the horizontal plane by the centering device and not fixed in place. In this embodiment, the centering device pre-positions the insert horizontally, and the precise positioning is achieved by the handling device and the centering aids in conjunction with the additional centering aids. The handling device can then also remove the parts from the insert.This has the additional advantage of also compensating for positioning inaccuracies caused by the repeatability of the handling device itself. The centering aid elements and the complementary further centering aid elements arranged on the insert are designed in such a way that when the centering aid elements are inserted vertically into the further centering aid elements, a centering effect in the horizontal plane results, e.g. by means of frustoconical centering aid elements and complementary receptacles designed to serve as further centering aid elements. Preferably, a measuring system is provided with a measuring probe, in particular arranged on the handling device, which is designed to detect the exact position of the objects received in the insert with respect to the insert. This advantageously further improves process reliability and efficiency, especially with regard to the degree of automation. Preferably, a camera system is provided which is designed to identify the insert, in particular by means of an identification device, and to verify whether the correct objects have been recorded and / or are located in a defined storage position. This further increases process reliability and efficiency, especially with regard to the degree of possible automation. As mentioned above, the problem can also be solved by a method for operating a transfer system, an isolator or a production plant, as previously described. The procedure comprises the following steps: coupling the beta component with the alpha component, wherein the insert containing the objects to be transferred is completely stored within the receiving chamber and this chamber is sealed, in particular hermetically; opening the alpha component and the beta container coupled to it and moving the insert out of the receiving chamber through the alpha component into the sterile isolation area, in particular by means of the centering device and / or the handling device; positioning the fully extended insert in the centering position by means of the centering device; and removing the objects to be transferred stored in the insert while the insert is fixed in the centering position by means of the centering device. The advantages discussed previously emerge. The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures. Identical elements are designated with the same reference numerals, possibly only once. The figures show: Fig. 1 An advantageous transfer system arranged as intended on an insulator in a first simplified representation; Fig. 2 The transfer system from Fig. 1 in a second representation; Fig. 3 The transfer system in a first state; Fig. 4 The transfer system in a second state; Fig. 5 An advantageous embodiment of the transfer system; Fig. 6 A further advantageous embodiment of the transfer system or insulator; and Fig. 7 A further advantageous embodiment of the transfer system or insulator. Figures 1 and 2 each show a simplified representation of a transfer system 1. The transfer system 1 is designed for arrangement or assembly on or in an insulator 2, which, for the sake of clarity, is indicated in Figure 2 only by dashed lines. The insulator 2 is part of a production plant 3, which is also shown schematically here only by a dashed rectangle. The isolator 2 is designed and configured to enable the sterile handling of products, such as pharmaceutical or medical devices. For this purpose, the isolator 2 forms a sterile isolation zone 4, which is separated from a non-sterile operating zone 6 by at least one partition 5. Therefore, the isolator 2 includes at least one partition 5 to separate the sterile isolation zone 4 from the non-sterile operating zone 6. Of course, the insulator 2 may also have other components provided for in known insulators of the same type, which are not shown here for the sake of clarity. The transfer system 1 serves to enable the introduction of objects from the operating area 6 into the isolation area 4 while maintaining sterility in the isolation area 4. For this purpose, the transfer system 1 has an alpha component 7 designed for arrangement on the isolator 2 or the separating element 5 and a beta component 8 that can be coupled to the alpha component, in which the objects to be transferred can be stored under sterile conditions. The Alpha component 7 has an Alpha flange 9, which, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, is designed for installation in the partition 5 or is integrated into the partition 5 during normal use. Furthermore, the Alpha component 7 has an Alpha locking unit 10, which is pivotably mounted on the Alpha flange 9 and can be moved into an open and a closed position. In this case, the Alpha locking unit 10 can only be opened when the Beta component 8 is coupled to the Alpha component 7 as intended. Otherwise, the Alpha component 7 remains in the closed position to maintain sterility. The beta component 8 has a beta flange and a removable beta locking unit, which serve for coupling to the alpha component 7. The beta component 8 also has a dimensionally stable beta container 11 with a receiving chamber 12. A drawer-like insert 13 is mounted in the receiving chamber 12 and guided by means of guide elements 14, which are designed as guide rails. The insert 13 serves to hold the objects to be transferred and can be pulled out of the receiving chamber 12 by means of the guide elements 14 for object transfer. In particular, the insert 13 is interchangeable, so that different inserts 13 can be accommodated in the same beta container 11. The aforementioned beta flange and the detachable beta locking unit are either detachably arranged on the beta container 11 or, alternatively, formed integrally with it. For the sake of clarity, the beta flange and the beta locking unit are not shown in detail or identified with a reference numeral. The beta component 8, or the beta container 11 with beta flange and beta closure unit, is designed such that the beta container 11 can only be opened when coupled to the alpha component 7 or another alpha component, and otherwise remains closed. This ensures sterility inside the receiving chamber 12, preventing contamination when objects are transferred to the isolation area 4. Therefore, the beta closure unit can only be opened in conjunction with the alpha closure unit 7. In the intended coupled and open state of the Alpha component 7 and the Beta component 8, the insert 13 can then be pulled out of the receiving chamber 12. In this process, the insert 13 is moved through the Alpha flange 9 into the isolation area 4. Subsequently, the objects held in the insert can be removed from the insert 13 within the isolation area 4 and used further. Figures 3 and 4 show the transfer system 1 in its intended use. In both illustrations, the beta component 8 is coupled to the alpha component 7 as intended, the alpha locking unit 10 is open, and the insert 13 is completely withdrawn from the receiving chamber 12. Fig. 3 shows the extended insert 13 at a first point in time, and Fig. 4 at a second point in time. As can be clearly seen in Fig. 3, the fully extended insert 13 exhibits a downward tilt. In simpler terms, the insert 13 sags downwards. This sagging results from the comparatively short length of the guide elements 14 (guide rails) compared to the length of the insert 13. Due to the relatively large length and weight of the insert 13, it does not remain parallel to the guide direction after being fully extended, but is pulled downwards by its own weight, which cannot be completely compensated for by the guide elements 14. Especially in highly automated processes, precise positioning of the tray 13 is essential for the reliable removal of objects from the tray 13. However, sagging of the tray 13 leads to the problem that the objects held in the tray 13 may be difficult to remove. In other words, sagging negatively impacts process reliability and efficiency, as a comparatively complex readjustment of the removal process is required. This is the case, for example, when the tray 13 is approached automatically by a handling device and, due to sagging, is not in the specified or expected position. To solve this problem, it is advantageously provided that the transfer system 1 has a centering device 15 associated with the insert 13. The centering device 15 is designed to fix the insert 13 in an advantageous centered position, thus compensating for sagging and ensuring process reliability and efficiency. The centering device 15 is intended for arrangement in the insulation area 4 or, in normal use, is arranged in the insulation area 4 as shown in Figures 3 and 4. To effect or ensure centering or fixation in the centering position, the centering device 15 and the insert 13 each have an engagement element 16. The engagement elements 16 are designed to be complementary to each other in such a way that they can be brought into engagement with each other to center the insert 13 in the centering position, such that the insert 13 is pre-positioned in its position in a horizontal plane with a certain amount of play, and is simultaneously fixed in a vertical direction with a force-fit or form-fit at least on one side, and in particular on both sides.In other words, the engagement elements 16 are designed such that the insert 13 is essentially completely fixed horizontally and at least downwards in the vertical direction by the intended interaction of the engagement elements 16, so that the insert 13 rests immovably (horizontally) on the centering device 15. Pre-positioned in this sense means fixed in a position with a certain amount of play, so that only minor movements around the fixed position are possible in the horizontal plane. This state, in which the insert 13 is fixed in the centering position by the centering device 15, is shown in Fig. 4. As can be clearly seen in Fig. 3, for example, the engagement elements 16 are designed as a centering bolt or centering pin 16.1 and a complementary centering sleeve or centering groove 16.2. In this case, the centering bolt 16.1 is arranged on the centering device 15 and the complementary centering sleeve 16.2 on the insert 13. Additionally, it is provided that the engagement elements 16 have a widening surface geometry, at least in some areas. In this case, the centering pin 16.1 has a rounded tip for this purpose. The centering sleeve 16.2 has a complementary counter-geometry. Alternatively, the engagement elements 16 can also be chamfered or have insertion ramps. The widening surface geometry results in a self-centering effect when the engagement elements 16 are inserted into one another. The present embodiment provides that the centering device 15 is designed such that positioning in the centered position is achieved by a lifting movement, a lifting-rotating movement, or a gripping movement. According to the present embodiment, the centering device 15 is therefore designed as a lifting device or a lifting-rotating device. To implement a gripping movement, the centering device 15 can also be designed as a gripping device. In the present embodiment of the centering device 15 as a lifting device, the centering of the insert 13 is provided by the following: once the insert 13 is fully extended, the centering device 15, with its centering pin 16.1, engages the insert 13 from below in the area of ​​the centering sleeve 16.2. As soon as the complementary engagement elements 16 engage with each other, self-centering is effected by the expanding surface geometry until the insert 13 is positioned horizontally and vertically in the intended centering position. The centering device 15 then remains in the extended state, i.e., the engagement elements 16 remain engaged, so that the insert 13 is fixed in the centering position, as shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 5 shows a simplified representation of an advantageous further development of the transfer system 1, isolator 2, or production plant 3 described above. Advantageously, the centering device 15 is designed to communicate with the insert 13. This allows verification that the correct insert 13 is present, which can be particularly advantageous in automated production processes. Especially when the insert 13 is interchangeable (as mentioned earlier), this prevents confusion regarding the insert 13. For communication purposes, a reader 17 is provided in or on the centering device 15. The reader 17 is designed to identify an identification means 17.1 located on the insert 13, preferably in the area of ​​its engagement element 16.2. The identification means 17.1 can be, for example, an RFID chip or a barcode. Advantageously, each insert 13 can be assigned its own identification means 17.1, by means of which each insert 13 can be individually identified. This identification capability further increases the degree of automation and process reliability. Fig. 6 shows a simplified representation of a further advantageous embodiment. Advantageously, a handling device 18 is provided which is designed to remove the objects from the insert 13. In this case, the handling device 18 is designed as a robot arm and is arranged within the insulator 2 in the isolation area 4. According to the present embodiment, the handling device 18 further comprises a centering aid element 18.1, which is designed to complement a further centering aid element 18.2 arranged on the insert 13. By means of the centering aid elements 18.1 / 18.2, additional fixation of the insert 13 in the centered position is enabled, at least during part of the handling process. The centering aid elements 18.1 / 18.2 can be designed essentially analogously to the engagement elements 16. The additional fixation by the centering aid elements 18.1 / 18.2 can prove particularly advantageous if, for example due to wear, the fixation by the centering device 15 has play. A further advantageous embodiment is shown in Fig. 7. According to this embodiment, a measuring system 19 is provided, which includes a measuring probe 19.1, which is arranged on the handling device 18. The measuring system 19 is designed to detect the exact position of the objects received in the insert 13 with respect to the insert 13. For example, the insert 13 or the objects received therein are scanned with the measuring probe 19.1, and the detected topography is evaluated by a control unit of the measuring system 19 (not shown here) in order to determine the exact position of the objects, particularly for removal. Additionally or alternatively, a camera system 20, shown schematically here only as a rectangle for clarity, can also be provided. The camera system 20 is designed to identify the insert 13, in particular by means of an identification device, and to verify whether the correct objects have been recorded and / or whether they are located in a defined storage position. Both the measuring system 19 and the camera system 20 can advantageously further improve the degree of automation and process reliability.

Claims

Transfer system (1) for an isolator (2) with a sterile isolation area (4) separated from a non-sterile operating area (6) by a partition (5), wherein the transfer system (1) is designed for transferring objects from the operating area (6) to the isolation area (4) and vice versa, and wherein the transfer system (1) comprises an alpha component (7) and a beta component (8), wherein the alpha component (7) has an alpha flange (9) for connection with the partition (5) and an openable and closable alpha closure unit (10), wherein the beta component (8) has a beta flange and a removable beta closure unit for coupling to the alpha component (7), and wherein the beta component (8) further comprises a, in particular dimensionally stable,Beta container (11) with a receiving chamber (12) and further comprising a drawer-like, in particular interchangeable, insert (13) for receiving the objects to be transferred, which is guided in the receiving chamber (12) by means of guide rails and can be extended and retracted from the receiving chamber (12), wherein the transfer system (1) is designed such that, in the interconnected and open state of the alpha component (7) and the beta component (8), the insert (13) can be moved out of the receiving chamber (12) through the alpha flange (10) into the isolation area (4), wherein the fully extended insert sags downwards, characterized in that the transfer system (1) has at least one centering device (15) associated with the insert (13), which can be arranged or is arranged in the isolation area (4), wherein the centering device (15) and the insert (13) each have at least one engagement element (16) exhibitwherein the engagement elements (16) on the centering device (15) and the insert (13) are designed to be complementary to each other in such a way that they can be brought into engagement with each other in a centering position for centering the insert (13) in such a way that the insert (13) is fixed in a vertical direction by force or form locking at least on one side, in particular on both sides, and the insert (13) is also pre-positioned in a horizontal plane by force or form locking, in particular fixed, so that the normally sagging insert is brought into a centering position and locked there, and sagging is prevented, so that the insert remains parallel to a guide direction after being fully extended. Isolator (2) with a partition (5) by which a sterile isolation area (4) can be separated from or is separated from a non-sterile operating area (6), comprising a transfer system (1) for transferring objects from the operating area (6) to the isolation area (4) and vice versa, characterized by an embodiment of the transfer system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the centering device (15) is arranged in the isolation area (4). Production plant (3), characterized in that it comprises an insulator (2) according to claim 2. Transfer system, isolator or production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the engagement elements (16) are designed as centering bolts (16.1) or centering pins and complementary centering sleeves (16.2) or centering grooves. Transfer system, isolator or production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the engagement elements (16) have at least partially an expanding surface geometry, in particular being partially rounded or chamfered. Transfer system, isolator or production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centering device (15) is designed such that the positioning in the centering position is carried out by a lifting movement, a lifting-rotating movement, or a gripping movement. Transfer system, isolator or production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centering device (15) is designed to contact the insert (13) for communication purposes, in particular for signal and / or data transmission. Transfer system, isolator or production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a handling device (18), in particular a robot arm, is provided which is designed to remove the objects from the insert (13), in particular wherein at least one centering aid element (18.1) is arranged on the handling device (18) and at least one complementary further centering aid element (18.2) is arranged on the insert, wherein these are in particular designed such that when the centering aid elements (18.1) are inserted vertically into the further centering aid elements (18.2), a centering effect in the horizontal plane results. Transfer system, isolator or production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a measuring system (19) is provided with a measuring probe (19.1) arranged in particular on the handling device (18), which is designed to detect the exact position of the objects received in the insert (13) with respect to the insert (13). Transfer system, isolator or production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a camera system (20) is provided which is designed to identify the insert (13), in particular by means of an identification means, and to check whether the correct objects have been recorded and / or whether they are in a defined storage position. Method for operating a transfer system (1), an isolator (2), or a production plant (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: a) coupling the beta component (8) with the alpha component (7), wherein the insert (13) containing the objects to be transferred is completely stored within the receiving chamber (12) and the latter is, in particular, hermetically sealed; b) opening the alpha component (7) and the beta container (8) coupled to it and moving the insert (13) out of the receiving chamber (12) through the alpha flange (9) into the sterile isolation area (4), in particular by means of the centering device (15) and / or the handling device (18); c) positioning the fully extended insert (13) in the centering position by means of the centering device (15), so that the normally sagging insert is moved into a centering position and locked there, thus preventing sagging.so that the insert remains parallel to a guide direction after being fully extended, d) removal of the objects to be transferred stored in the insert (13) while the insert (13) is fixed in the centering position by means of the centering device (15).

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