Device, set and method for filling and / or closing containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for filling and / or closing containers (12) with features of claim 1, a set (50) for filling and / or closing containers (12) with features of claim 13 and a method for filling and / or closing containers (12) with features of claim 15.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for filling and / or closing containers with features of claim 1, a set for filling and / or closing containers with features of claim 13 and a method for filling and / or closing containers with features of claim 15.

[0002] For filling or closing containers, these can be permanently centered throughout the entire filling and / or closing process, i.e., fixed or clamped in a device. Centering is generally necessary because, during filling and closing, filling needles or dip tubes, for example, must be inserted into the container (e.g., a syringe) with only a minimal annular gap between the dip tube or filling needle and the container. DE 10 2018 219 400 A1 discloses a centering plate for the row-by-row centering of nested pharmaceutical containers.

[0003] During transport, the containers can be moved unsecured within a nest. This has the advantage that the individual containers can be removed for weighing before filling (net) and after filling (gross). However, during filling, and especially when plugging (sealing), the containers must be positioned precisely.

[0004] The disadvantage is that precise positioning leads to long cycle times and requires technically complex devices.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device, a set and a method for filling and / or closing containers, thereby eliminating the above disadvantages.

[0006] The above problem is solved by a device for filling and / or closing containers with the features of claim 1. The containers each have a lower end and an upper end. The containers can be (nested) pharmaceutical containers, in particular syringes, vials, and / or cartridges. The containers can have an elongated, in particular cylindrical, shape. The filling and / or closing process can involve aseptic filling and / or closing of the containers.

[0007] The device comprises a transport unit for picking up and transporting several tested containers. The transport unit can be configured as a planar armover device. The transport unit can include at least one planar armover that can be moved by means of magnetic interaction. The transport unit can be configured to pick up the containers without being fixed, i.e., with some (radial) play.

[0008] The device comprises a centering device for centering several containers held in the transport device. The centering device has several centering receptacles. The centering receptacles can be arranged in a row. Each centering receptacle is configured to receive the upper end of a container. The centering receptacles each have a conical cross-section. The conical cross-section is tapered, in particular, in a direction away from the respective container (especially along the direction of gravity).

[0009] This allows for simple and quick centering of the containers, enabling short cycle times. Furthermore, the centering device can also function as a hold-down device.

[0010] According to a further development of the device, the centering receptacles can each be designed as a through-hole. In particular, the centering receptacles can be designed as a through-hole that tapers upwards.

[0011] In this context, terms such as "above" and "upper" or "below" and "lower" refer to the direction of gravity. For example, an upper element is positioned above a lower element.

[0012] This allows the containers to be centered using simple means, while at the same time the containers remain accessible through their respective upper ends, e.g. for the filling and / or closing process.

[0013] According to a further development of the device, the centering device can include a centering strip. Centering receptacles can be arranged in the centering strip. In particular, the centering receptacles can be arranged along a row in the centering strip. The centering receptacles can be arranged equidistantly.

[0014] This allows the centering shots to be implemented using simple means.

[0015] According to a further development of the device, the transport system can include a nest for receiving the containers. The nest can have multiple recesses. In particular, the containers can be arranged in a nested configuration within the nest. The containers can be held in the nest with some play (perpendicular to the direction of gravity) or without being fixed.

[0016] This allows for nested collection or nested transport of the containers using simple means.

[0017] According to a further development of the device, the device can comprise a setting tube assembly with several setting tubes. Each setting tube can be designed for insertion into a specific container. The setting tubes can have an outer diameter that is (only minimally) smaller than the inner diameter of the containers. The setting tubes can serve to insert stoppers (to close containers). The setting tubes can be designed as filling needles, or filling needles can be provided instead of the setting tubes. The filling needles can be designed for filling the containers.

[0018] This allows for the sealing (inserting stoppers) or filling of the containers using simple means.

[0019] According to a further development of the device, the setting tube assembly can include at least one centering mandrel for aligning the setting tubes relative to the centering device. The centering device can include at least one centering mandrel receptacle for receiving the centering mandrel. The centering mandrel can be designed as an element that tapers downwards, at least partially (conically), in the direction of the centering receptacle. The centering mandrel receptacle can correspondingly be designed as an opening or receptacle that widens upwards, at least partially (conically), in the direction of the centering mandrel.

[0020] This allows for the simple centering or adjustment of the setting tube assembly relative to the centering device. In particular, the setting tubes can be centered or adjusted relative to the centering receptacles.

[0021] According to a further development of the device, the setting tube assembly can include at least one setting tube drive for moving the setting tubes into and / or out of the containers. The setting tubes can be moved by means of the setting tube drive, in particular along the direction of gravity. The setting tubes are designed to be movable (along the direction of gravity).

[0022] This allows the movement of the setting tubes into or out of the containers to be implemented using simple means.

[0023] According to a further development of the device, the device can comprise a plunger assembly with several plungers. Each plunger can be designed for insertion into a respective setting tube. The plungers can each have an outer diameter that is (only minimally) smaller than the inner diameter of the respective setting tubes.

[0024] This allows for the simple insertion or sealing of plugs in the containers.

[0025] According to a further development of the device, the plunger assembly can include a plugging fork. The plugging fork can be configured for feeding plugs. The plugs can be transferred from a sorting and / or plug feeding system to a suitable insertion point by means of the plugging fork.

[0026] This allows plugs to be easily transferred to the desired location for plugging.

[0027] According to a further development of the device, the plunger assembly can comprise at least one plunger drive for moving the plungers into and / or out of the setting tubes. The plungers can be moved by means of the plunger drive, in particular along the direction of gravity. The plungers are specifically designed to be movable (along the direction of gravity).

[0028] This allows the movement of the plungers into and out of the setting tubes to be implemented using simple means.

[0029] According to a further development of the device, the device can include a lifting mechanism for lifting the containers from the transport device. The lifting mechanism can be configured to move the upper ends of the containers into the respective centering receptacles. In particular, the lifting mechanism can move the containers from bottom to top. Naturally, the lifting mechanism can also be configured to subsequently lower the containers again and / or move them back down into the transport device.

[0030] This allows the containers to be lifted out of the transport device and moved into the centering device using simple means (and vice versa).

[0031] According to a further development of the device, the lifting mechanism can comprise several spring-loaded lifting supports. Each lifting support can be configured to receive a container. In particular, each lifting support can be configured to receive a container at its lower end. Each lifting support can also be configured to receive a container carrier. The containers can each be arranged, at least partially, within the respective container carrier.

[0032] This allows for the simple implementation of container placement within the lifting device. Furthermore, variations in container size, for example, can be compensated for by the spring-loaded (and therefore yielding) lifting supports, particularly along the direction of gravity.

[0033] The above problem is solved by a set for filling and / or closing containers with the features of claim 13. The set comprises a device according to the above descriptions. The set comprises at least one container. The containers may be pharmaceutical containers, in particular syringes, vials, or cartridges. The container may have an elongated, in particular cylindrical, shape.

[0034] Regarding the advantages achievable with the set, reference is made to the relevant explanations concerning the device. The measures described in connection with the device and / or those explained below can be used to further develop the set.

[0035] According to a further development of the set, the container can include a container carrier. The container can be at least partially located inside the container carrier. The container carrier can be in the form of a sleeve.

[0036] This allows the container to be protected (mechanically) using simple means. Furthermore, the sleeve allows the container to be held and (roughly) positioned.

[0037] The above problem is solved by a method for filling and / or closing containers with the features of claim 15. The method is carried out using a device according to the above descriptions and / or using a set according to the above descriptions. The method comprises the steps: Positioning the containers under (with respect to the direction of gravity) the centering device using the transport device. Centering the containers using the centering device. Filling and / or closing the containers.

[0038] To center the containers, they can be moved upwards (against the direction of gravity) using the lifting device or its lifting supports, and their upper ends pressed into the respective centering supports. Due to the conical shape of the centering supports, the containers are centered or adjusted as their upper ends are pressed into them.

[0039] Regarding the advantages achievable with the method, reference is made to the relevant explanations concerning the device or set. The measures described in connection with the device or set and / or those explained below can be used to further develop the method.

[0040] According to a further development of the procedure, to center the containers, they can be partially lifted out of the transport device and / or the nest, so that their upper ends are inserted into the respective centering receptacles and thus centered. The containers are moved upwards, against the direction of gravity.

[0041] This allows for the centering of containers at a high cycle rate using simple means, eliminating the need for complex devices.

[0042] According to a further development of the procedure, after centering the containers, the setting tubes can be inserted into the respective containers, after which the containers are set down.

[0043] "Setting down" refers to moving the containers back or downwards. During this process, the containers remain securely held in their respective centering mounts. After setting down, the containers have some radial play. In other words, the containers can move (minimally) perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0044] This prevents or at least reduces scratches caused by contact with the setting tubes inside the containers, as the respective container can evade a collision with the setting tube due to the (radial) play.

[0045] According to a further development of the method, the setting tubes (or filling needles) can be aligned and / or moved relative to the centering device. Alternatively or additionally, the centering device can be aligned and / or moved relative to the setting tubes (or filling needles). Alternatively or additionally, the plungers can be aligned and / or moved relative to the setting tubes. Alternatively or additionally, the setting tubes can be aligned and / or moved relative to the plungers.

[0046] This allows the containers to be filled and / or sealed using simple means.

[0047] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1. A side view of a device for filling and / or closing containers; Fig. 2 a section of a perspective view of the device according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a section of a cross-section through a centering device of the apparatus according to Fig. 1.

[0048] In the following description and in the figures, corresponding components and elements bear the same reference symbols. For the sake of clarity, not all reference symbols are shown in every figure.

[0049] Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of a device 10 for filling and / or closing containers 12. The containers 12 each have a lower end 14 and an upper end 16. In this case, the containers 12 are syringes.

[0050] The device 10 comprises a transport device 18 for picking up and transporting several nested containers 12. The transport device 18 is in the present form of a planar armover, which can be moved, in particular on a planar plane, due to magnetic interaction.

[0051] The device 10 comprises a centering device 20 for centering several containers 12 received (nested) in the transport device 18. The centering device 20 has several centering receptacles 22. The centering receptacles 22 are each configured to receive an upper end 16 of a container 12. The centering receptacles 22 each have a conical cross-section (see figure). Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) The conical cross-section of the centering receptacles 22 is designed to taper in the opposite direction of gravity 15.

[0052] The device comprises a setting tube assembly 28 with several setting tubes 30. The setting tubes 30 are each designed for insertion into a respective container 12.

[0053] The setting tube assembly 28 can include at least one centering mandrel 32 for aligning the setting tubes 30 relative to the centering assembly 20. The centering assembly 20 can include at least one centering mandrel receptacle 34 for receiving the centering mandrel 32. In this case, the setting tube assembly 28 has two centering mandrels 32. Accordingly, the centering assembly 20 has two centering mandrel receptacles 34.

[0054] The setting tube assembly 28 comprises a setting tube drive 36 for moving the setting tubes 30 into and / or out of the containers 12. The setting tube drive 36 is designed as a slide driven by an (electric) motor via a lever or eccentric. The setting tubes 30 can be moved back and forth along the direction of gravity 15 by means of the setting tube drive 36.

[0055] The device 10 comprises a plunger assembly 38 with several plungers 40. The plungers 40 are each designed for insertion into a respective setting tube 30.

[0056] The plunger assembly 38 comprises a plug fork 42 for feeding plugs 54. The plug fork 42 can be configured to feed plugs 54. The plugs 54 can be transferred from a sorting and / or plug feeding system to a suitable insertion point by means of the plug fork 42.

[0057] The plunger assembly 38 comprises a plunger drive 44 for moving the plungers 40 into and / or out of the setting tubes 30. The plunger drive 44 is designed as a slide driven by an (electric) motor via a lever or eccentric. The plungers 40 can be moved back and forth along the direction of gravity 15 by means of the plunger drive 44.

[0058] The device 10 comprises a lifting device 46 for lifting the containers 12 from the transport device 18. The lifting device 46 is also designed to move the upper ends 16 of the containers 12 into the respective centering receptacles 22.

[0059] The lifting device 46 comprises several spring-loaded lifting supports 48. Each lifting support 48 is configured to receive a container 12. Specifically, each lifting support 48 is configured to receive a container 12 at its lower end 14 and / or a container carrier 52, wherein the container 12 is at least partially located within the container carrier 52. The lifting supports 48 are designed to be resilient, particularly along the direction of gravity 15. In other words, the lifting supports 48 can yield against a spring force during an upward movement (i.e., against the direction of gravity 15).

[0060] The lifting supports 48 can be moved upwards. In doing so, the containers 12, particularly at their lower ends 14, and / or the container carriers 52 are picked up and also moved upwards towards the centering device 20. The upper ends 16 of the respective containers 12 are thereby pressed into the centering receptacles 22 of the centering device 20. Due to the conical cross-section or conical shape of the centering receptacles 22, the containers 12 are centered or adjusted within the centering receptacles 22. The lifting supports 48 can also be moved downwards.

[0061] Fig. Figure 2 shows a section of a perspective view of the device 10 according to Fig. 1.

[0062] The centering receptacles 22 are each designed as a through-hole. The centering device 20 comprises a centering strip 24. The centering receptacles 22 are arranged in the centering strip 24. The centering receptacles 22 are arranged equidistantly along a (straight) row. It is also conceivable that the centering receptacles 22 could be arranged offset from one another (in a slalom pattern). The arrangement of the centering receptacles 22 can correspond to the nested arrangement of the containers 12 in the transport device 18.

[0063] The transport device 18 comprises a nest 26 for receiving the containers 12. In other words, the containers 12 are arranged in the nest 26.

[0064] Fig. Figure 3 shows a section of a cross-section through the centering device 20 of the apparatus 10 according to Fig. 1. The upper end 16 of a container 12 is shown, centered within a centering receptacle 22. A settling tube 30 is partially inserted into the container 12. A plug 54 is arranged inside the settling tube 30. The plug 54 can be pushed from above out of the settling tube 30 and into the container 12 by means of a plunger 40 (not shown).

[0065] The device 10 and at least one container 12 according to the above descriptions, in particular those described in the Fig. The device 10 and container 12 shown in 1 to 3 can form a set for filling and / or closing containers 12.

[0066] The container 12 of the set 50 can comprise a container carrier 52. The container 12 can be arranged at least partially inside the container carrier 52. In this case, the container carrier 52 is designed in the form of a sleeve.

[0067] The following will be used as an example to illustrate the Fig. 1 to 3 describe a method for filling and / or closing containers 12.

[0068] To carry out the procedure, a device 10 according to the above descriptions, in particular the one described in the Fig. Device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is used. Alternatively, a set as described above, in particular the one shown in the figures, is used to carry out the method. Fig. Set 50 shown in 1 to 3 is used.

[0069] The process includes the following steps: Positioning the containers 12 under the centering device 20 using the transport device 18. Centering the containers 12 using the centering device 20. Filling and / or closing the containers 12.

[0070] To center the containers 12, the containers 12 can be partially lifted out of the transport device 18 and / or the nest 26 by means of the lifting device 46, so that the containers 12 are received with their upper ends 16 into the respective centering receptacles 22 and thus centered. In other words, the lifting device 46 (or its lifting receptacles 48) moves the containers 12 upwards and presses them with their upper ends 16 against the conically shaped centering receptacles 22, so that the containers 12 are centered or adjusted.

[0071] After centering the containers 12, the setting tubes 30 can be inserted into the respective containers 12. Then (immediately afterwards), the containers 12 can be set down. In other words, after inserting the setting tubes 30, the containers 12 can be lowered or moved slightly so that they have some play perpendicular to the direction of gravity 15.

[0072] The setting tubes 30 can be aligned with respect to the centering device 20. Alternatively or additionally, the centering device 20 can be aligned with respect to the setting tubes 30. This can be achieved using the two centering mandrels 32 and the two centering mandrel receptacles 34.

[0073] The setting tubes 30 can be moved relative to the centering device 20. This can be achieved by means of the setting tube drive 36.

[0074] The plungers 40 can be aligned with the setting tubes 30. Alternatively or additionally, the plungers 40 can be aligned with the setting tubes 30.

[0075] The plungers 40 can be moved relative to the setting tubes 30. This can be achieved by means of the plunger drive 44. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2018 219 400 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Device (10) for filling and / or closing containers (12) comprising a lower end (14) and an upper end (16): - a transport device (18) for receiving and transporting several nested containers (12), - a centering device (20) for centering several containers (12) received in the transport device (18), wherein the centering device (20) has several centering receptacles (22), wherein the centering receptacles (22) are each configured to receive an upper end (16) of a container (12), wherein the centering receptacles (22) each have a conical cross-section. [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the centering receptacles (22) are each designed as a through hole. [3] Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the centering device (20) comprises a centering strip (24), wherein the centering receptacles (22) are arranged in the centering strip (24). [4] Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the transport device (18) includes a nest (26) for receiving the containers (12). [5] Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the device (10) comprises a setting tube device (28) with several setting tubes (30), wherein the setting tubes (30) are each designed for insertion into a respective container (12). [6] Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the setting tube device (28) comprises at least one centering mandrel (32) for aligning the setting tubes (30) relative to the centering device (20) and the centering device (20) comprises at least one centering mandrel receptacle (34) for receiving the centering mandrel (32). [7] Device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by , that the setting tube device (28) comprises at least one setting tube drive (36) for moving the setting tubes (30) into and / or out of the containers (12). [8] Device (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by , that the device (10) comprises a plunger assembly (38) with several plungers (40), wherein the plungers (40) are each designed for insertion into a respective setting tube (30). [9] Device (10) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the plunger device (38) includes a plug fork (42) for feeding plugs (54). [10] Device (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the plunger device (38) comprises at least one plunger drive (44) for moving the plungers (40) into and / or out of the setting tubes (30). [11] Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the device (10) comprises a lifting device (46) for lifting the containers (12) out of the transport device (18) and moving the upper ends (16) of the containers (12) into the respective centering receptacles (22). [12] Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the lifting device (46) comprises several spring-loaded lifting supports (48), wherein the lifting supports (48) are each configured to receive a container (12), in particular at its lower end (14), and / or a container carrier (52), wherein the container (12) is arranged at least partially within the container carrier (52). [13] Set (50) for filling and / or closing containers (12) comprising a device (10) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one container (12). [14] Set (50) according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat the container (12) comprises a container support (52), wherein the container (12) is arranged at least partially within the container support (52). [15] Method for filling and / or closing containers (12) using a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or a set (50) according to claim 13 or 14 comprising the steps: - Positioning the containers (12) under the centering device (20) using the transport device (18); - Centering the containers (12) using the centering device (20); - Filling and / or closing the containers (12). [16] Method according to claim 15, characterized by , that in order to center the containers (12), the containers (12) are partially lifted out of the transport device (18) and / or the nest (26) so that the containers (12) are received with their upper ends (16) into the respective centering receptacles (22) and thus centered. [17] Method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by , that after centering the containers (12) the setting tubes (30) are inserted into the respective containers (12), and the containers (12) are then set down. [18] Method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized by , that - the setting tubes (30) opposite the centering device (20), - the centering device (20) opposite the setting tubes (30), - the plungers (40) opposite the setting tubes (30) and / or - the setting tubes (30) are aligned and / or moved relative to the plungers (40).

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