Device for closing containers, closing system, method for closing containers

Abstract

Device (22) for closing containers (12), in particular individual pharmaceutical containers (12), with closures (18), in particular stoppers (18), comprising: - a closure station (24) for placing the closures (18) onto the containers (12), - a first transport device (26) for continuously transporting the closures (18) to the closure station (24) along a first transport route, - a second transport device (32) for continuously transporting the containers (12) to the closure station (24) along a second transport route, and - a fumigation device (40) comprising at least one first gas channel (42) arranged adjacent to the first transport route and oriented such that a gas stream, in particular a protective gas stream, flowing out of an outlet section (44) of the first gas channel (42) flows obliquely upwards from the outlet section (44) and crosses the first transport route, wherein the outlet section (44) of the first gas channel (42) is obliquely cut off at its outlet (46), and wherein the outlet section (44) is rotatably mounted about its longitudinal central axis.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for closing containers. It also relates to a closing system. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for closing containers.

[0002] In packaging plants, containers are often sealed automatically. For example, in pharmaceutical manufacturing, it is common practice to first fill a container with a drug, especially a drug solution or a drug suspension, and then to seal the container automatically with a closure.

[0003] In many pharmaceutical applications, a minimal residual oxygen content in the container after sealing is desirable, particularly a residual oxygen content of less than 1%. Several approaches are known to achieve such a low residual oxygen content. For example, it is known to flood the entire area surrounding a sealing device with inert gas. However, this requires a large quantity of inert gas, making this solution very expensive. Another known method is to enclose the sealing device in a housing and evacuate the interior of the housing during sealing. This solution is also expensive and is technically complex and space-consuming. Furthermore, evacuating the housing limits operation to intermittent cycles.

[0004] Patent application US 2014 / 0 331 607 A1 describes a device for sealing containers that includes a fumigation unit. The fumigation unit comprises first gas outlet openings from which gas streams for purging closures exit upwards, and second gas outlet openings from which gas streams for purging containers exit downwards. Further fumigation units for purging closures and / or containers are described in patent applications DE 10 2017 207 260 A1, US 2003 / 0 159 408 A1, DE 10 2012 104 765 A1, WO 2010 / 087 097 A1, and JP 2004-42 994 A.

[0005] The invention addresses the problem of creating a way to achieve a low residual oxygen content in a device for sealing containers using cost-effective means. In particular, the device should also be capable of operating continuously without a timer.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by a device with the features of claim 1, by a locking system with the features of claim 16, and by a method with the features of claim 17. The respective dependent claims and the description specify advantageous variants and embodiments.

[0007] According to the invention, a device for closing containers with closures is provided. Preferably, the containers are individual pharmaceutical containers such as vials or injection vials. The closures are preferably stoppers. However, the device can also be configured to handle other types of containers and / or closures.

[0008] The device according to the invention comprises a closure station for placing the closures onto the containers. The closure station is thus designed to perform the actual closure process. Preferably, the closure station is designed to press the closures into the containers or to press the closures onto the containers. For this purpose, the closure station can have a projection over which the containers or the closures are transported, and which applies a pressure force to the containers or the closures in the direction of the closures or the containers. It is also possible for both the containers and the closures to be subjected to a pressure force acting in the direction of the other element within the closure station.

[0009] The device according to the invention also comprises a first transport device for continuously transporting the closures to the closure station along a first transport route. The closures are thus fed to the closure station by the first transport device along the first transport route. The first transport route describes the path that a closure travels in the device before reaching the closure station, in particular the path between a closure reservoir of the device and the closure station.

[0010] The device according to the invention also comprises a second transport device for continuously transporting the containers to the sealing station along a second transport route. The containers are thus fed to the sealing station by the second transport device along the second transport route. The second transport route describes the path that a container travels within the device before reaching the sealing station, in particular the path between a filling system and the sealing station.

[0011] The device according to the invention also comprises a gassing device which has at least one first gas channel which is arranged adjacent to the first transport route and is oriented such that a gas stream, in particular a protective gas stream, flowing out of an outlet section of the first gas channel, flows obliquely upwards from the outlet section and crosses the first transport route.

[0012] It has been shown that the residual oxygen content in the containers can be effectively reduced by means of a first gas channel designed and arranged as described above. When a container is closed with a closure, gas, in particular oxygen-containing gas or air, located on the underside of the closure, is typically introduced into the interior of the container. This effect is intensified by the fact that closures often have a depression on their underside that is significantly larger than the free volume of the container to be closed. Due to the arrangement and orientation of the first gas channel according to the invention, the underside of the closures can be selectively supplied with protective gas during operation of the device in order to displace any oxygen-containing gas present there.Preferably, an imaginary straight extension of the outlet section intersects the first transport route, leaving a free area between the outlet of the outlet section and the first transport route. This results in the gas flow exiting the outlet section directly crossing the first transport route. Thus, the gas flow crosses the first transport route without being deflected by one or more fluid guiding elements between the outlet section and the first transport route.

[0013] Preferably, the outlet section is straight. The orientation of a gas flow exiting the outlet section essentially corresponds to the orientation of the outlet section. Preferably, the outlet section of the first gas channel is tubular. The outlet section can form a section of the first gas channel. However, the first gas channel can also be formed entirely by the outlet section.

[0014] In some preferred embodiments, the first gas channel is oriented such that the angle between a horizontal plane and the outlet section of the first gas channel is between +10° and +80°. Such an orientation of the outlet section results in a gas flow that displaces gas present on the underside of a closure particularly effectively. In this context, a positive degree value means that the outlet section is oriented such that it extends obliquely upwards. Preferably, the angle between the horizontal plane and the outlet section of the first gas channel is between +30° and +60°, and particularly preferably between +40° and +50°.

[0015] According to the invention, the outlet section of the first gas channel is cut at an angle at its outlet and is rotatably mounted about its longitudinal center axis. This means that the opening plane of the outlet is oriented at an angle to the longitudinal center axis of the outlet section. This offers the advantage that the flow direction of the gas stream exiting the outlet section can be at least slightly altered by rotating the outlet section about its longitudinal center axis. This has the advantage, for example, that the gassing device can be adapted to closures of different sizes without having to change the arrangement of the first gas channel – apart from the rotation of the outlet section.

[0016] In some preferred embodiments, the gassing device has several first gas channels arranged one after the other with respect to the first transport route. All of the first gas channels are then arranged adjacent to the first transport route and oriented such that gas flows exiting the outlet sections of the first gas channels flow obliquely upwards from the respective outlet section and cross the first transport route. This has the advantage of increasing the effectiveness of the gassing device in displacing gas from the undersides of the closures.

[0017] In some preferred embodiments, the gassing device has at least one second gas channel arranged adjacent to the second transport route and oriented such that a gas stream, particularly a protective gas stream, flowing out of an outlet section of the second gas channel, exits the outlet section obliquely downwards and crosses the second transport route. A second gas channel designed and arranged as described above allows the residual oxygen content in the containers to be further reduced. Due to the arrangement and orientation of the outlet section of the second gas channel, the gas stream exiting the outlet section of the second gas channel is directed to an opening of a container transported along the second gas channel. The gas stream can enter the interior of the container through the opening and displace any gas present there.Preferably, the second gas channel is oriented such that the angle between a horizontal plane and the outlet section of the second gas channel is between -10° and -80°, preferably between -30° and -60°, and particularly preferably between -40° and -50°. A negative degree value in this context means that the outlet section is oriented so that it extends obliquely downwards. The gassing device can have several second gas channels arranged one after the other with respect to the second transport route.

[0018] In some preferred embodiments, the gassing device has at least one third gas channel, arranged adjacent to the second transport route and oriented such that a gas stream, particularly a protective gas stream, flowing out of an outlet section of the third gas channel flows downwards perpendicular to a horizontal plane and crosses the second transport route. Such a third gas channel can further reduce the residual oxygen content in the containers. The gas stream flowing out of the outlet section of the third gas channel can enter the interior of a container through its opening and displace any gas present there. The gassing device can have several third gas channels arranged one after the other with respect to the second transport route.

[0019] In some preferred embodiments, the first transport device comprises a rotatable first transport wheel for transporting the closures along an arcuate end section of the first transport route, the second transport device comprises a rotatable second transport wheel for transporting the containers along an arcuate end section of the second transport route, and the first and second transport wheels are arranged coaxially. The transport wheels transport the closures and the containers, respectively, along the end section of the first and second transport routes. This means that the transport wheels feed the closures and the containers to the closure station.The coaxial arrangement of the two transport wheels ensures that the arc-shaped end sections of the two transport routes run parallel to each other and are offset vertically. This facilitates the placement of the closures onto the containers. The first transport wheel is preferably designed as a sawtooth gear.

[0020] In some preferred embodiments, the first gas channel, or at least one of several first gas channels, is arranged adjacent to the arc-shaped end section of the first transport route. The outgoing gas stream crosses the end section of the first transport route accordingly. This has the advantage that any gas present on the underside of the closures is displaced by a gas stream, particularly a protective gas stream, shortly before the containers are sealed with the closures. However, at least one first gas channel can also be arranged adjacent to a section of the first transport route that is upstream of the arc-shaped end section.

[0021] In some preferred embodiments, the second gas channel, or at least one of several second gas channels, is arranged adjacent to the arc-shaped end section of the second transport route. This has the advantage that the interior of the containers is permeated by a gas flow, particularly a protective gas flow, shortly before the containers are closed with the closures. However, at least one second gas channel can also be arranged adjacent to a section of the second transport route that is located upstream of the arc-shaped end section.

[0022] In some preferred embodiments, the second gas channel is arranged upstream of the first gas channel in the direction of rotation of the transport wheels. The first gas channel is therefore located closer to the closure station than the second gas channel. The underside of the closures is less protected from gas exchange than the interior of the containers. It is therefore preferred to expose the undersides of the closures to the gas flow or shielding gas flow immediately upstream of the closure station.

[0023] In some preferred embodiments, the second transport device comprises at least one further transport unit upstream of the second transport wheel for transporting the containers along a feed section of the second transport route, and the third gas channel, or at least one of the third gas channels, is arranged adjacent to the feed section. The further transport unit can, for example, comprise another transport wheel and / or a circular conveyor.

[0024] In some preferred embodiments, the fumigation device has a surround that at least partially encloses the first transport route and / or the second transport route. The surround restricts gas exchange between the environment and the area through which the first and second transport routes pass. The surround can be composed of several sections. Alternatively, the surround can be formed in one piece.

[0025] In some preferred embodiments, the housing has a side wall that is radially opposite the transport wheels and extends at least partially along the circumference of the transport wheels. This side wall restricts gas exchange between the environment and the area through which the arc-shaped end sections of the transport routes pass. Preferably, the first gas channel projects through a first opening in the side wall. Preferably, the second gas channel projects through a second opening in the side wall.

[0026] In some preferred embodiments, the enclosure has a tunnel wall that is open vertically downwards, wherein the feed section extends at least partially through a tunnel volume surrounded by the tunnel wall such that the tunnel side walls project vertically downwards beyond an opening edge of a container transported through the tunnel volume. The tunnel wall, and in particular the tunnel side walls, effectively restricts the inflow of gas from the environment into the interior of the containers in the area of ​​the feed section. Specifically, the tunnel wall enables the local creation of an atmosphere within the tunnel volume whose composition corresponds to that of the gas flow exiting the outlet section of the third gas channel.

[0027] In some preferred embodiments, the enclosure features a barrier wall located at the transition from the feed section to the arc-shaped end section of the second transport route, projecting radially between the first and second transport wheels. The transition from the feed section to the arc-shaped end section is particularly susceptible to the inflow of gas from the surroundings into the area through which the arc-shaped end sections of the transport routes pass. This is primarily because the transport wheels at this point can convey gas from the surroundings into the area containing the arc-shaped end sections. The barrier wall projecting radially between the transport wheels can at least largely prevent this inflow.

[0028] In some preferred embodiments, the first gas channel and the second gas channel are fluidically connected to separate gas ports, the first gas channel and the third gas channel are fluidly connected to separate gas ports, and / or the second gas channel and the third gas channel are fluidly connected to separate gas ports. If two gas channels are fluidically connected to separate gas ports, the flow velocity of the two gas channels can be adjusted independently. Preferably, the flow velocity is adjusted such that the gas flow exiting the third gas channel has a higher flow velocity than the gas flow exiting the first gas channel and the gas flow exiting the second gas channel.If two gas channels are fluidically connected to different gas connections, it is possible to create gas flows from the channels that differ in composition. For example, a protective gas with a higher density than air can be selected for the second and third gas channels. Due to its high density, such a protective gas remains in the containers for a particularly long time. Conversely, a protective gas with a lower density than air can be selected for the first gas channel. Due to its lower density, such a protective gas remains in a recess on the underside of the closures for a particularly long time. However, the same composition can also be used for all three gas channels.

[0029] The closure system according to the invention comprises several containers, in particular individual pharmaceutical containers, and several closures, in particular stoppers, for closing the containers, wherein the closures each have a bottom and a top that can be assigned to the containers. When a closure is placed on a container, the top of the closure faces away from the containers. Preferably, the closures have a recess on their underside.

[0030] The closure system according to the invention further comprises a device comprising a closure station for placing the closures onto the containers, a first transport device for continuously transporting the closures to the closure station along a first transport route, a second transport device for continuously transporting the containers to the closure station along a second transport route, and a gassing device having at least one first gas channel which is arranged adjacent to the first transport route and is oriented such that a gas stream, in particular a protective gas stream, flowing out of an outlet section of the first gas channel, flows obliquely upwards from the outlet section and strikes the underside of a closure transported by the first transport device along the first transport route.

[0031] Regarding the advantages achievable with the locking system, reference is made to the relevant descriptions of the device and / or method. The features described in connection with the device and / or method can be used for further development of the locking system.

[0032] The inventive method for sealing containers, in particular individual pharmaceutical containers, with closures, especially stoppers, comprises at least the following: Continuous transport of the closures to a sealing station along a first transport route; continuous transport of the containers to the sealing station along a second transport route; placement of the closures onto the containers in the sealing station, wherein the closures are placed onto the containers such that an underside of the closures faces the containers and an upper side of the closures faces away from the containers; and provision of at least one protective gas stream which, before reaching the sealing station, impinges on the underside of the closures transported along the first transport route. Preferably, a nitrogen stream is provided as the protective gas stream.

[0033] The advantages and further training opportunities of the device are to be understood as being described in relation to the method, and conversely, the advantages and further training opportunities of the method are to be understood as being described in relation to the device.

[0034] In some preferred embodiments of the method, the closures have a recess on their underside, and the protective gas flow enters this recess. When a container is closed with the closure, the gas present in the recess enters the interior of the container. This flow of protective gas into the recess and the associated gas exchange effectively reduces the residual oxygen content in the recess, and thus in the interior of the container, after it has been closed.

[0035] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the figures, whereby identical or functionally equivalent elements are, if necessary, only designated once with reference numerals. The description serves as an example and is not to be understood as limiting. The figures show Fig. 1. A perspective view of a locking system; Fig. 2 the locking system Fig. 1, wherein individual elements of the locking system are omitted; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a gassing device of the closure system made of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a view of the fumigation device from Fig. 3 from the bottom; and Fig. 5 a perspective detail view of the fumigation device from Fig. 3.

[0036] In the Fig. Figures 1 to 5 show a locking system 10 or parts of the locking system 10.

[0037] The closure system 10 comprises several containers 12. In this case, the containers 12 are individual pharmaceutical containers 12, namely vials 12. The containers 12 have an opening 14 which is enclosed by an opening rim 16. The interior of the unsealed containers 12 is accessible through the opening 14.

[0038] The closure system 10 also includes several closures 18 for closing the containers 12. In this case, the closures 18 are plugs 18. Each closure 18 has a top surface 20 and a bottom surface facing away from the top surface, the bottom surface being not shown in the figures. The bottom surface of the closures 18 has a recess. When a container 12 is closed by a closure 18 as intended, the top surface 20 of the closure 18 faces away from the container 12. The bottom surface faces the container, with the recess being in contact with the interior of the container 12.

[0039] The closure system 10 also includes a device 22 for closing the containers 12 with the closures 18.

[0040] The device 22 comprises a locking station 24 designed to place the closures 18 onto the containers 12. In this case, the locking station 24 includes a projection, which is not visible. When a container 12 and an associated closure 18 are transported along the projection, the container 12 is subjected to a pressure force by the projection, which presses the container 12 against the closure 18 positioned above it. The closure 18 is thereby placed onto the container 12.

[0041] The device 22 also comprises a first transport device 26 for continuously transporting the closures 18 to the closure station 24. The first transport device 26 transports the closures 18 along a first transport route. The first transport route describes the path that a closure 18 travels in the device 22 before reaching the closure station 24, in particular the path between a closure reservoir (not shown) of the device 22 and the closure station.

[0042] The first transport device 26 comprises a rotatable first transport wheel 28, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a sawtooth wheel 28. For transporting the closures 18, the first transport wheel 28 has several recesses 30, each designed to receive and hold a closure 18. In operation, the first transport wheel 28 transports the closures 18 along an arc-shaped section of the first transport route. The first transport wheel 28 guides the closures 18 directly to the closure station 24, so that the arc-shaped section is an arc-shaped end section of the first transport route. Fig. 2 The first transport wheel 28 is cut out to show the parts underneath.

[0043] The device 22 also includes a second transport device 32 for continuously transporting the containers 12 to the sealing station 24. The second transport device 32 transports the containers 12 along a second transport route. The second transport route is the path that the containers 12 travel within the device 22 before reaching the sealing station 24, in particular the path between a filling system (not shown) and the sealing station 24.

[0044] The second transport device 32 comprises a rotatable second transport wheel 34. For transporting the containers 12, the second transport wheel 34 has several recesses 35, each designed to receive and hold a container 12. In operation, the second transport wheel 34 transports the containers 12 along an arc-shaped section of the second transport route. The second transport wheel 34 guides the containers 12 directly to the closing station 24, so that the arc-shaped section is an arc-shaped end section of the second transport route.

[0045] The first transport wheel 28 and the second transport wheel 34 are arranged coaxially. The recesses 30 and 35 of the transport containers 28 and 34 are spaced equally far apart radially from the common axis of rotation of the transport wheels 28 and 34. Accordingly, the arc-shaped end section of the first transport route and the arc-shaped end section of the second transport route run parallel to each other and are spaced apart vertically.

[0046] The second transport facility 32 also comprises several further transport units 36, 38. The further transport units 36, 38 transport the containers 12 along a section of the second transport route, which is hereinafter referred to as the feed section.

[0047] The additional transport unit 36 ​​is designed as another transport wheel 36. The additional transport wheel 36 is directly upstream of the second transport route 34.

[0048] The additional transport unit 38 is designed as a circular conveyor 38. The circular conveyor 38 is directly upstream of the additional transport wheel 36.

[0049] Depending on the contents of the containers 12, it is desirable that the residual oxygen content in the containers 12 be as low as possible after they are sealed. To achieve a low residual oxygen content, the device 22 has a gassing unit 40, the design of which is explained in more detail below.

[0050] The fumigation device 40 comprises at least one first gas channel 42. The first gas channel 42 is arranged adjacent to the first transport route and oriented such that a gas stream exiting an outlet section 44 of the first gas channel 42 flows obliquely upwards from the outlet section 44 and crosses the first transport route. Preferably, during operation of the closure system 10, protective gas or a protective gas stream flows out of the first gas channel 42. Given the arrangement and orientation of the first gas channel 42, during operation of the closure system 10, the gas stream impinges on the undersides of closures 18 that are transported along the first transport route. In particular, the gas stream enters the aforementioned recesses on the undersides of the closures 18 and displaces the gas present in the recesses. In this case, the first gas channel 42 is arranged adjacent to the arc-shaped end section of the first transport route.

[0051] Preferably, the first gas channel 42 is oriented such that the angle between a horizontal plane and the outlet section 44 of the first gas channel 42 is between +30° and +60°. In this case, the angle is approximately +40°.

[0052] The outlet section 44 of the first gas channel 42 is cut at an angle at its outlet 46. Furthermore, the outlet section 44 is rotatably mounted about its longitudinal central axis. The combination of these two features makes it possible to slightly change the flow direction of the outgoing gas stream by rotating the outlet section 44.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the fumigation device 40 comprises several first gas channels 42 in which the aforementioned features are implemented. The first gas channels 42 are arranged one after the other with respect to the first transport route.

[0054] The fumigation device 40 also comprises at least one second gas channel 48. The second gas channel 48 is arranged adjacent to the second transport route and oriented such that a gas stream exiting an outlet section 50 of the second gas channel 48 flows obliquely downwards from the outlet section 50 and crosses the second transport route. Given the arrangement and orientation of the second gas channel 48, the gas stream, in particular the protective gas stream, enters the interior of the containers 12 during operation of the closure system 10 and displaces the gas present therein. In this case, the second gas channel 48 is arranged adjacent to the arc-shaped end section of the second transport route.

[0055] Preferably, the second gas channel 48 is oriented such that the angle between a horizontal plane and the outlet section 50 of the second gas channel 48 is between -30° and -60°. In this case, the angle is approximately -40°.

[0056] The outlet section 50 of the second gas channel 48 is cut at an angle at its outlet 52. Furthermore, the outlet section 50 is rotatably mounted about its longitudinal central axis. The combination of these two features makes it possible to slightly change the flow direction of the outgoing gas stream by rotating the outlet section 50.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the fumigation device 40 comprises several second gas channels 48 in which the aforementioned features are implemented. The second gas channels 48 are arranged one after the other with respect to the second transport route.

[0058] In the present embodiment, the second gas channels 48 are arranged in the direction of rotation 56 of the transport wheels 28 and 34 upstream of the first gas channels 42. The first gas channels 42 are therefore located closer to the closing station 24 than the second gas channels 48.

[0059] The fumigation device 40 also comprises at least one third gas channel 58. The third gas channel 58 is arranged adjacent to the second transport route and oriented such that a gas flow, in particular a protective gas flow, exiting an outlet section 60 of the third gas channel 58 flows downwards perpendicular to a horizontal plane from the outlet section 60 and crosses the second transport route. Given the arrangement and orientation of the third gas channel 58, the gas flow enters the interior of the containers 12 during operation of the closure system 10 and displaces the gas present therein. In this case, the third gas channel 60 is arranged adjacent to the feed section of the second transport route.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the gassing device 40 comprises several third gas channels 58 in which the aforementioned features are implemented. The third gas channels 58 are arranged one after the other with respect to the second transport route.

[0061] The fumigation device 40 also includes a containment structure 62, which surrounds at least part of the first and second transport routes. The containment structure 62 shields the transport routes from the surrounding environment. Accordingly, the containment structure 62 reduces the inflow of gas into the area through which the transport routes run.

[0062] The frame 62 comprises a lateral wall 64, which is radially opposite the transport wheels 28 and 34 and extends circumferentially along the transport wheels 28 and 34, at least partially. The outlet sections 44 of the first gas channels 42 and the outlet sections 50 of the second gas channels 48 are arranged in separate through-openings of the lateral wall 64.

[0063] The fasteners 18 are fed to the first transport wheel 28 through a notch 65 formed in the side wall 64. The notch 65 thus forms the first transport route.

[0064] The enclosure 62 also includes a tunnel wall 66, which is open vertically downwards. The feed section of the second transport route extends through a tunnel volume 68 enclosed by the tunnel wall 66 in such a way that the tunnel side walls 70 of the tunnel wall 66 project vertically downwards beyond the opening edge 16 of a container 12 transported through the tunnel volume 68. This is, for example, Fig. Figure 4 shows the fumigation device 40 from below. The side walls 70 extend vertically downwards to such an extent that, viewed horizontally, they almost completely cover the container 12 shown as an example.

[0065] The outlet sections 60 of the third gas channels 58 are formed by passage openings 74 in a ceiling 72 of the tunnel traverse 66.

[0066] The enclosure 62 also includes a barrier wall 76, which is arranged at a transition from the feed section to the circular arc-shaped end section of the second transport route. The barrier wall 76 projects radially between the first transport wheel 28 and the second transport wheel 34.

[0067] The fumigation device 40 comprises at least one first gas connection 78. In this case, exactly one first gas connection 78 is present. The first gas connection 78 is fluidically connected only to the first gas channels 42. Therefore, a gas, in particular a protective gas such as nitrogen, can be supplied to the first gas channels 42 via the first gas connection 78, but not to the second gas channels 48 and the third gas channels 58.

[0068] The fumigation device 40 also includes at least one second gas connection 80. In this case, exactly two second gas connections 80 are present. The second gas connections 80 are fluidically connected only to the second gas channels 48. Thus, a gas, in particular a protective gas such as nitrogen, can be supplied to the second gas channels 48 via the second gas connections 80, but not to the first gas channels 42 and the third gas channels 58.

[0069] The fumigation device 40 also has at least one third gas connection 82. In this case, exactly two third gas connections 82 are present. The third gas connections 82 are fluidically connected only to the third gas channels 58. Therefore, a gas, in particular a protective gas such as nitrogen, can be supplied to the third gas channels 58 via the third gas connections 82, but not to the first gas channels 42 and the second gas channels 48.

[0070] The above-described equipment of the fumigation device 40 with the gas connections 78, 80 and 82 makes it possible to adjust the flow velocity of the gas flows flowing out of the first, the second and the third gas channels 42, 48 and 58 independently of each other.

Claims

[1] Device (22) for closing containers (12), in particular individual pharmaceutical containers (12), with closures (18), in particular stoppers (18), comprising: - a closure station (24) for placing the closures (18) onto the containers (12), - a first transport device (26) for continuously transporting the closures (18) to the closure station (24) along a first transport route, - a second transport device (32) for continuously transporting the containers (12) to the closure station (24) along a second transport route, and - a fumigation device (40) comprising at least one first gas channel (42) arranged adjacent to the first transport route and oriented such that a gas stream, in particular a protective gas stream, flowing out of an outlet section (44) of the first gas channel (42) flows obliquely upwards from the outlet section (44) and crosses the first transport route, wherein the outlet section (44) of the first gas channel (42) is obliquely cut off at its outlet (46), and wherein the outlet section (44) is rotatably mounted about its longitudinal central axis. [2] Device (22) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first gas channel (42) is oriented such that an angle between a horizontal plane and the outlet section (44) of the first gas channel (42) is between +10° and +80°, preferably between +30° and +60°, particularly preferably between +40° and +50°. [3] Device (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the fumigation device (40) has several first gas channels (42) arranged one after the other with respect to the first transport route. [4] Device (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fumigation device (40) has at least one second gas channel (48) which is arranged adjacent to the second transport route and is oriented such that a gas stream, in particular a protective gas stream, flowing out of an outlet section (50) of the second gas channel (48) flows obliquely downwards from the outlet section (50) and crosses the second transport route, in particular wherein an angle between a horizontal plane and the outlet section (50) of the second gas channel (48) is between -10° and -80°, preferably between -30° and -60°, particularly preferably between -40° and -50°. [5] Device (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the fumigation device (40) has at least one third gas channel (58) which is arranged adjacent to the second transport route and is oriented such that a gas flow, in particular a protective gas flow, flowing out of an outlet section (60) of the third gas channel (58) flows downwards from the outlet section (60) perpendicular to a horizontal plane and crosses the second transport route. [6] Device (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first transport device (26) has a rotatable first transport wheel (28) for transporting the closures (18) along a circular arc end section of the first transport route, that the second transport device (32) has a rotatable second transport wheel (34) for transporting the containers (12) along a circular arc end section of the second transport route, and that the first transport wheel (28) and the second transport wheel (34) are arranged coaxially to each other. [7] Device (22) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the first gas channel (42) is located adjacent to the arc-shaped end section of the first transport route. [8] Device (22) according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized by , that the second gas channel (48) is located adjacent to the arc-shaped end section of the second transport route. [9] Device (22) according to claim 8, characterized by, that the second gas channel (48) is arranged in front of the first gas channel (42) in the direction of rotation of the transport wheels (28, 34). [10] Device (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second transport device (32) has at least one further transport unit (36, 38) upstream of the second transport wheel (34) for transporting the containers (12) along a feed section of the second transport route, and that the third gas channel (58) is arranged adjacent to the feed section. [11] Device (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fumigation device (40) has a surround (62) which at least partially surrounds the first transport route and / or the second transport route. [12] Device (22) according to claim 11, characterized by, that the frame (62) has a side wall (64) which is radially opposite the transport wheels (28, 34) and extends in the circumferential direction of the transport wheels (28, 34) at least partially along the transport wheels (28, 34). [13] Device (22) according to one of claims 11 and 12, characterized by , that the enclosure (62) has a tunnel wall (66) which is open vertically downwards, wherein the feed section extends at least partially through a tunnel volume (68) surrounded by the tunnel wall (66) such that tunnel side walls (70) of the tunnel wall (66) project vertically downwards beyond an opening edge (16) of a container (12) transported through the tunnel volume (68). [14] Device (22) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by, that the enclosure (62) has a barrier wall (76) which is arranged at a transition from the feed section to the arc-shaped end section of the second transport route and projects radially between the first transport wheel (28) and the second transport wheel (34). [15] Device (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first gas channel (42) and the second gas channel (48) are fluidically connected to a different gas connection (78, 80), that the first gas channel (42) and the third gas channel (58) are fluidically connected to a different gas connection (78, 82), and / or that the second gas channel (48) and the third gas channel (58) are fluidically connected to a different gas connection (80, 82). [16] Locking system (10), comprising: - several containers (12), in particular individual pharmaceutical containers (12), - several closures (18), in particular stoppers (18), for closing the containers (12), wherein the closures (18) each have a bottom and a top (20) attributable to the containers (12), and - a device (22), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 15, the device (22) comprising: i. a closure station (24) for placing the closures (18) onto the containers (12), ii. a first transport device (26) for continuously transporting the closures (18) to the closure station (24) along a first transport route, iii. a second transport device (32) for continuously transporting the containers (12) to the closure station (24) along a second transport route, and iv. a fumigation device (40) comprising at least one first gas channel (42) arranged adjacent to the first transport route and oriented such that a gas stream, in particular a protective gas stream, flowing out of an outlet section (44) of the first gas channel (42) flows obliquely upwards from the outlet section (44) and strikes the underside of a closure (18) transported by the first transport device (26) along the first transport route, wherein the outlet section (44) of the first gas channel (42) is obliquely cut off at its outlet (46), and wherein the outlet section (44) is rotatably mounted about its longitudinal central axis. [17] Method for closing containers (12), in particular individual pharmaceutical containers (12), with closures (18), in particular stoppers (18), comprising: - Continuous transport of the closures (18) to a closure station (24) along a first transport route, - Continuous transport of the containers (12) to the closure station (24) along a second transport route, - Placing the closures (18) onto the containers (12) in the closure station (24), wherein the closures (18) are placed onto the containers (12) such that an underside of the closures (18) is associated with the containers (12) and an upper side (20) of the closures (18) is turned away from the containers (12), and - Providing at least one protective gas stream through a fumigation device (40) which has at least one first gas channel (42) which is arranged adjacent to the first transport route and is oriented such that the protective gas stream flowing out of an outlet section (44) of the first gas channel (42) impinges on the undersides of the closures (18) transported along the first transport route before reaching the closure station (24), wherein the outlet section (44) of the first gas channel (42) is cut at an angle at its outlet (46), and wherein the outlet section (44) is rotatably mounted about its longitudinal central axis. [18] Method according to claim 17, characterized by , that the closures (18) have a recess on their underside, and that the protective gas flow enters the recess.

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