Device for filling nested containers

Abstract

Device for filling several containers (1) in a nest (10) comprising columns (101) and rows (102), in particular for filling nested ampoules or carpules, comprising a filling system with a filling needle (200) by means of which a container (1) arranged in a column (101) can be filled, wherein a sensor device (21) is provided, wherein the sensor device (21) is configured to detect when a defined filling level has been reached during the filling process of the container (1), wherein the sensor device (21) is connected to a control device (23) of the filling system, and wherein the control device (23) is configured such that the detected reaching of the defined filling level triggers a stop signal for the filling process of the container (1), wherein a lifting device (24) is provided, wherein by means of the lifting device (24) the container to be filled can be lifted from the slot (101) out of the nest (10) before and / or during the filling process, and wherein the lifting device (24) has a fixing device, wherein the container (1) to be filled can be secured against tipping when being lifted on the lifting device (24) by means of the fixing device.

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The invention relates to a device for filling a plurality of containers in a nest comprising columns and rows, in particular for filling nested ampoules or carpules, wherein a container is filled by means of a filling needle.

[0002] In the context of this application, a nest refers to a packaging unit in which several containers are arranged in a matrix comprising columns and rows. The terms columns and rows serve merely to distinguish them and do not define the orientation of the matrix or the nest. For a denser arrangement of containers, the columns and / or rows can be offset. In the context of this application, containers refer to objects that can be filled with a liquid, in particular a cosmetic and / or pharmaceutical liquid, such as syringes, vials, ampoules, cartridges, or the like.

[0003] For filling cosmetic and / or pharmaceutical liquids into containers, it is known to wash, sterilize and / or depyrogenate the containers beforehand and to feed them to a filling machine in a sterile packaged nest.

[0004] Depending on the application, filling with a precise filling volume is particularly relevant for pharmaceutical products. DE 103 45 338 B4 discloses a method for the controlled filling of nested containers. The containers in a row of a nest are filled simultaneously, the filled containers are then sealed, and a row of containers is removed from the nest at regular intervals and weighed while empty. The weighed containers are filled simultaneously, and the row of weighed and filled containers is weighed a second time. The row of containers weighed a second time is then returned to the nest.

[0005] WO 2023 / 174645 A1 discloses a method and a device for filling nested containers. During the filling process, a sensor device detects when a defined fill level is reached, and the detection of the defined fill level triggers a stop signal for the container filling process. By detecting the defined fill level for the container, it can be ensured that the container has a predetermined fill level after the filling process. TASK AND SOLUTION

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a device for filling several containers in a nest, which further improves the exact filling of a container in the nest.

[0007] This object is achieved by the device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

[0008] According to a first aspect, a device is provided for filling a plurality of containers in a nest comprising columns and rows, in particular for filling nested ampoules or carpules, comprising a filling system with a filling needle, by means of which a container arranged in a column can be filled, wherein a lifting device is provided, by means of which the container to be filled in the column can be lifted out of the nest before the filling process and / or during the filling process, and wherein the lifting device has a fixing device, by means of which the container to be filled can be secured against tipping when lifted on the lifting device.

[0009] A method is disclosed for filling a plurality of containers in a nest comprising columns and rows, in particular for filling nested ampoules or carpules, wherein a container arranged in a column is filled by means of a filling needle, wherein before the filling process and / or during the filling process the container of the column to be filled is lifted out of the nest by means of a lifting device, and wherein the container to be filled is secured against tipping on the lifting device during lifting.

[0010] As mentioned, the terms “rows” and “columns” serve only to distinguish them and do not specify the orientation of the nest for processing.

[0011] The terms "a," "an," etc., are used in the context of this application merely as specific terms and not as counting words. In particular, one embodiment of the disclosed method and / or device provides for a plurality of containers arranged in different rows, in particular all in a common column, to be filled simultaneously using a filling needle, wherein the containers are lifted simultaneously or at different times using the lifting device for filling.

[0012] Depending on the application, the lifting device is designed to lift one, several or all of the containers in a column. In one embodiment, the lifting device comprises a bolt arranged below the nest for lifting exactly one container, several bolts arranged below the nest for lifting several containers and / or a bar or similar elements arranged below the nest, which is / are advanced from below to lift the containers. In one embodiment, a bar is provided below the nest, which extends in the direction of the columns and can be arranged below a column for filling one or more containers in this column. In other embodiments, several bars are provided, each assigned to a column.

[0013] The lifting device features a locking mechanism that secures the container(s) to be filled against tipping during lifting. This allows for precise positioning of the container during the filling process. By positioning and centering the container using the lifting device, and thus from below, a centering device above the open container is eliminated.

[0014] A sensor device is provided, wherein the sensor device is configured to detect when a defined fill level is reached during the filling process of the container, wherein the sensor device is connected to a control device of the filling system, and wherein the control device is configured such that the detected reaching of the defined fill level triggers a stop signal for the filling process of the container.

[0015] In one embodiment, it is provided that the filling system has a plurality of filling needles, by means of which a plurality of containers arranged in different rows, in particular all containers arranged in the column, can be filled simultaneously, wherein a plurality of sensor devices are provided, wherein the sensor devices are configured to detect when a defined fill level is reached during the filling processes of the containers, wherein the sensor devices are connected to a control device of the filling system, and wherein the control device is configured so that the detected reaching of the defined fill level triggers a stop signal for the filling process of the respective container.

[0016] By using a sensor device to detect when a uniformly defined fill level is reached in the container, it can be ensured that the container has a predefined fill level after the filling process.

[0017] The fixing device prevents the container from tipping over when it is lifted, thus ensuring that the detection of the defined fill level is not influenced by the container being tilted.

[0018] The defined fill level can be set individually for each container. In other embodiments, the defined fill level is set uniformly for containers in a column or for all containers in a nest. By detecting the reaching of a defined fill level for each container using a sensor device, it can be ensured that each container has a pre-determined fill level after the filling process, wherein in particular all containers in a nest have the same fill level. Such a method and / or such a device is / are particularly advantageous for filling cylindrical ampoules or carpules to be closed with a piston stopper, wherein the piston stopper is to be set in a precise position relative to an upper or lower end of the cylindrical ampoule or carpule for later use, avoiding air inclusions.

[0019] Depending on the design, the containers of the nest can be filled one after the other or individual or all containers in different rows and / or columns can be filled simultaneously.

[0020] A "defined fill level" refers to a fill level that can be defined by a user and / or when setting up a device or system for filling the containers, depending on the application. Since stopping a filling process immediately upon detection of the defined fill level is not feasible in most applications, or only with significant technical effort and / or very long filling times, the defined fill level is selected below the fill level specified for filling in embodiments of the disclosed method. The stop signal then makes it possible to terminate the filling process with a refill time and / or a refill volume that can be suitably determined by the person skilled in the art.

[0021] In one embodiment, the sensor device(s) is / are mounted at a stationary height. In other embodiments, the sensor device(s) is / are mounted so that its height can be adjusted, whereby by adjusting the height, a defined fill level for the associated container(s) can be individually set and / or two or more fill levels of the associated container(s) can be detected.

[0022] In one embodiment, exactly one sensor device is provided, wherein the sensor device is mounted so as to be adjustable in the direction of the columns, so that containers arranged in different rows can be filled one after the other, wherein in each case the reaching of the defined filling level can be monitored by means of exactly one sensor device.

[0023] In other embodiments, several sensor devices are provided so that sensor-monitored filling of several containers at the same time is possible.

[0024] In one embodiment, the sensor devices are each assigned to a row of the nest, wherein, for the filling process of each container, an evaluation of a measurement signal from the sensor device and / or a follow-up time and / or a follow-up volume after triggering the stop signal takes place depending on the position of the container relative to the sensor device, in particular depending on the gaps of the container in the nest. In one embodiment, a transport system is provided by means of which the nests can be transported to the filling system or away from the filling system in the direction of the gaps.

[0025] In one embodiment, the reaching of the defined fill level is detected by means of an optical sensor device comprising a transmitter arranged adjacent to the nest and a receiver arranged adjacent to the nest, or by means of several optical sensor devices, each comprising a transmitter arranged adjacent to the nest and a receiver arranged adjacent to the nest. The optical sensor device is, for example, a sensor device which detects light absorption by the liquid, wherein the transmitter and receiver are arranged at the level of the defined fill level. In another embodiment, a camera system with one or more cameras is provided for detecting the fill level.

[0026] In one embodiment, the lifting device comprises a receptacle for the container to be filled, wherein the receptacle has at least one, preferably three or more support points, and the container can be supported circumferentially by means of the support points during lifting. The containers can be secured against tipping by means of the support point(s). In some embodiments, the support points are loaded by means of spring elements or the like. In some embodiments, the support points are arranged and / or designed such that a signal from the sensor device is not or only insignificantly affected by the receptacle.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, embodiments provide for the lifting device to be fluidly connected to a vacuum source so that a vacuum can be applied to the lifting device when lifting the container to be filled, the container being secured to the lifting device by means of the vacuum. By means of the vacuum source, also referred to as a vacuum source, a suction force acting on the container can be generated at a suction opening of the lifting device. Depending on the embodiment, the suction opening is provided on a contact surface of the lifting device and / or on a side of the lifting device which, during use, is associated with a casing surface of the container. In an embodiment with a suction opening on the contact surface of the lifting device, no elements are provided which enclose a casing surface of the container during use, so that interference with a signal from the sensor device can be reliably avoided, even for detection of low fill levels.

[0028] In one embodiment, the lifting device is designed to lift the containers of different columns and / or different rows with a different lift in order to change the defined fill level, to compensate for tolerances and / or to compensate for a distance-dependent measurement signal from the sensor devices. In another embodiment, all containers are lifted with a uniform lift, wherein a stop is provided. In one embodiment, the stop interacts with the element being adjusted, for example the bar or the bolt(s). In other embodiments, the containers are lifted against the stop. In one embodiment, for high precision, it is provided that the element being adjusted, for example the bar or the bolt, or the containers are forced against the stop, for example by means of a spring device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Further advantages and aspects of the invention emerge from the claims and from the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the figures. The figures schematically show: Fig. 1 a sectional side view of a cylindrical ampoule or carpule closed with a piston stopper, Fig. 2 a plan view of a first embodiment of a device for filling several containers, in particular several carpules, in a nest, Fig. 3 a sectional side view of the device according to Fig. 2, Fig. 4 a sectional side view of a device similar Fig. 2, Fig. 5 a plan view of a second embodiment of a device for filling several containers, in particular several carpules, in a nest, Fig. 6 a sectional side view of the device according to Fig. 5, Fig. 7 a sectional side view of a device similar Fig. 2, Fig. 8 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a device for filling several containers, in particular several carpules, in a nest, and Fig. 9 a side view of an opaque barrier designed as a slit aperture. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic, sectional side view of a container 1 designed as a cylindrical ampoule or carpule. The container 1 is closed at a first end 11, which has a head and serves for the subsequent dispensing of a liquid filled into the container 1, by means of a crimp cap (not shown). At the opposite second end 12, the container is closed by means of a plunger stopper 14.

[0031] Such cartridges are typically used in special syringes, also known as initiators. The position of the plunger plug 14 within the cartridge is critical for secure insertion of the cartridge into the syringe and its reliable functionality. Depending on the application, this position can be specified by a distance x between a rear end of the plunger plug 14 and the first end 11 of the cartridge or by a distance y between the rear end of the plunger plug 14 and the second end 12 of the cartridge.

[0032] In embodiments, a filling process is monitored by means of a sensor device to fill the container 1 with a defined, predetermined filling level.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a device 2 which allows filling of the containers 1 in a nest 10 with a predetermined filling level. Fig. 3 shows the device 2 according to Fig. 2 in a view cut along a row 102.

[0034] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the nest 10 shown has a 10x12 matrix, with the containers arranged in ten columns 101 and twelve rows 102. The terms "rows" and "columns" are used merely for differentiation and do not specify an orientation of the nest 10 for processing. In other embodiments, the nest 10 has more or fewer rows or columns.

[0035] The device 2 comprises a filling system 20 with a plurality of filling needles 200, twelve in the illustrated embodiment, by means of which a plurality of containers 1, all of which are arranged in a column 101 in the illustrated embodiment, can be filled simultaneously. Furthermore, the device 2 comprises a control device 23, by means of which the liquid dispensing at the filling needles 200 can be individually controlled or regulated. The filling system 20 for filling by means of the filling needles 200 can be suitably selected by a person skilled in the art depending on the application. For example—but not exclusively—the filling system 20 comprises a peristaltic pump, a rotary piston pump, and / or is designed as a time-pressure system.

[0036] The Fig. 2 and Fig. The device 2 shown in Figure 3 further comprises a plurality of sensor devices 21, twelve in the illustrated embodiment, by means of which the reaching of a defined filling level can be detected during the filling processes of the containers 1 by means of the filling system 20.

[0037] The sensor devices 21 are as shown schematically in Fig. 2, indicated by arrows, is connected to the control device 23 for the filling system 20. A connection between the sensor devices 21 and the control device 23 is wired or wireless, depending on the application.

[0038] The control device 23 is configured such that the detected reaching of the defined fill level triggers a stop signal for the filling process of the respective container 1. Depending on the configuration, after the stop signal is triggered, the filling process is terminated immediately or after a defined refill time and / or with a defined refill volume. This allows the containers 1 in the nest 10 to be filled to a predetermined fill level.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the measuring directions of the sensor devices 21 lie in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the containers 1. The illustrated sensor devices 21 are optical sensor devices comprising transmitters 210 and receivers 212 arranged adjacent to the nest 10. The transmitters 210 and receivers 212 are arranged at a suitable height in order to detect when the defined fill level is reached.

[0040] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, an opaque barrier designed as a slit diaphragm 5 is provided between the transmitter 210 and the nest 10 and between the receiver 212 and the nest 10. Fig. Figure 9 shows the slit diaphragm 5 in a side view. The slit diaphragm 5 has a plurality of slits 50, the number of slits 50 being equal to the number of sensor devices 21.

[0041] The slit diaphragm 5 limits the radiation emitted by the transmitter 210 and received by the receiver downwards, upwards, and laterally. The slit diaphragm 5 can be used to compensate for tolerances in the positioning of the sensor devices 21, ensuring a uniform measurement plane for all containers 1.

[0042] In some embodiments, the containers are filled column by column. In the example shown, the fourth column 101 from the left in the plane of the drawing is filled, with the filling needles 20 being arranged above this column 101 for this purpose. As schematically indicated by an arrow in Fig. 2, the filling needles 20 are movably mounted in the direction of the rows 102 and can thus be positioned above the containers 1 of a column to be filled.

[0043] The device 2 further comprises a Fig. 3, wherein, prior to the filling processes, the containers 1 to be filled in column 101 can be lifted out of the nest 10 by means of the lifting device 24. In one embodiment, the lifting device 24 is a bar 240 which is fed from below. In one embodiment, a bar 240 is provided for each column 101. In other embodiments, the bar 240 is adjustable with the filling needles 20 in the direction of the rows 102 and can thus be placed under the containers of the column 101 to be filled. The bar 240 is parallel to the slotted aperture 5, i.e. parallel to the slots 50 (cf. Fig. 9) of the slit diaphragm 5.

[0044] As an alternative to a bar 240, the lifting device 24 in other embodiments comprises a plurality of bolts, each positioned beneath a container 1 for lifting this container 1. In some embodiments, the bolts are arranged stationary in a horizontal plane and assigned precisely to a single container. In other embodiments, the bolts are adjustable in the horizontal plane.

[0045] The Fig. The lifting device 24 shown in Figure 3 has a receptacle 241 for each container 1 to be filled in column 101. The receptacle 241 has a plurality of support points 242 distributed over the circumference of the received container 1, wherein the container 1 can be supported circumferentially by means of the support points 242 during lifting. In the illustrated embodiment, three support points 242 are provided, although only two support points 242 are visible. Secure centering of the containers is possible using three support points 242. In other embodiments, more or fewer than three support points 242 are provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the three support points 242 each extend only over a region of the head of the container 1, which is arranged at the bottom during filling.

[0046] In other embodiments, the contact points 242 are designed in such a way that they are - as shown by dashed lines in Fig. 3 - up to an area of ​​the container 1 with a larger diameter, in which a Fig. 1, a piston plug 14 is inserted. The contact points 242 are selected such that, when the container 1 is lifted, a collision with elements of the nest 10, which serve to center the container 1 in the nest 10, is avoided.

[0047] The support points 242 secure the container 1 or containers 1 of the column 101 to be filled against tipping during lifting. This allows the containers 1 to be positioned precisely relative to the sensor device 21.

[0048] As in Fig. 2, the sensor devices 21 are each assigned to a row 102 of the nest 10. To fill all containers 1 of the nest 10, the containers 1 of a column 101 can be lifted from the nest 10 by means of the lifting device 24 and filled by means of the filling needles 200. The filling process of the containers 1 of each row 102 can be monitored by means of a respective sensor device 21 and can thus be carried out with a predetermined fill level.

[0049] To change the defined fill level, one embodiment provides for a variable stroke of the lifting device 24. Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment, to compensate for tolerances, for example, during assembly of the sensor devices 21, the containers 1 of a column 101 for different rows 102 are lifted with a different stroke. For this purpose, in some embodiments, the receptacles 241 of the lifting device 24 assigned to the different rows 102 are adjustable relative to one another.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the transmitter 210 and the receiver 212 of the sensor devices 21 are arranged outside the nest 10 in a fixed position relative to the nest 10 in the direction of the rows 102 in order to avoid contamination of the nest 10 and / or the containers 1 arranged therein by the sensor devices 21.

[0051] Due to the arrangement of the transmitter 210 and the receiver 212 outside the nest 10, the containers 1 of different columns 101 are arranged at different distances from the respective transmitters 210 and receivers 212. To prevent measurement deviations due to the different distances to the transmitters 210 and receivers 212 from influencing the fill level of the containers 1, the control device 23 is configured to evaluate a measurement signal from the sensor device 21 for the filling process of each container 1 and / or to determine a follow-up time and / or a follow-up volume after triggering the stop signal depending on the column 102 of the container 1 in the nest 10.For example, in an optical sensor device, a sensor signal can be distance-dependent in such a way that reaching the defined fill level is detected earlier for containers 1 arranged centrally between the transmitter 210 and the receiver 212 than for containers 1 which are positioned closer to the transmitter 210 or the receiver 212. In this case, for example, one embodiment provides that a longer follow-up time and / or a larger follow-up volume is specified for containers 1 arranged in columns 101 arranged centrally in the nest 10 than for containers in columns 101 arranged at the edge of the nest 10. Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment, a position of the container 1 in the nest 10 is taken into account when evaluating the measurement signal of the sensor device 21.In yet another embodiment, in order to compensate for a distance-dependent measuring signal, the containers 1 of different columns 101 are lifted with a different stroke by means of the lifting device 24.

[0052] A filling process, i.e. a dispensing of liquid at the filling needles, can be suitably defined by a person skilled in the art depending on the application. For example, in one embodiment, provision is made for a filling process to take place in two or more stages, with a volume flow decreasing with each stage. Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment, a continuous reduction in the volume flow according to a suitably definable linear or non-linear function is provided over the entire filling process or in one stage or in several stages. In one embodiment, the filling processes can be specified differently for different containers 1. In other embodiments, essentially identical filling processes are specified, with the filling processes differing only in a phase after the stop signal is triggered.

[0053] As shown schematically by an arrow in Fig. 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the filling needles 200 are movably mounted individually or as a group, so that during the filling process, the filling needles 200 can be moved relative to the containers 1 in the direction out of the containers 1. To enable consistent fluid separation, the control device 23 is configured in embodiments to stop the movement of the filling needles 200 in a defined position at or before the end of the filling process. For rapid process execution, one embodiment provides for the filling needles 200 to be inserted into the containers 1 as soon as the containers 1 are lifted from the nest 10.

[0054] As shown schematically in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the nests 10 can be moved before, during, and / or after the filling process in a transport direction perpendicular to the measuring direction of the sensor devices 21. For moving the nest 10 during the filling process by means of the filling needles 200, in one embodiment the filling system 20, the sensor devices 21, and the lifting device 24 are movably mounted and can be moved with the nest in the transport direction. In other embodiments, the nest 10 remains in a defined position for the filling process.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows a sectional side view of a second embodiment of a device 2. The device 2 according to Fig. 4 is similar to the device 2 according to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 and uniform reference symbols are used for identical or similar components.

[0056] As shown schematically in Fig. 4, the lifting device 24 in the embodiment according to Fig. 4 a stop 243, wherein the container 1 is lifted for filling by means of a bar 240 or a bolt and is forced against the stop 243, for example by means of a schematically illustrated spring 244. The stop allows a very precise lifting of the container 1 to a defined position relative to the second end 12 (cf. Fig. 1) of container 1 defined filling level.

[0057] In one embodiment - as shown schematically in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 - the entire filling process using the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, wherein the filling needles 200 are inserted into empty containers.

[0058] In another embodiment, a Fig. 5 is provided, by means of which pre-filling takes place before the filling process by means of the filling system 20.

[0059] In one embodiment, filling of the containers 1 by means of the pre-filling device is carried out in a volume-based manner, with a defined volume being supplied to each container 1.

[0060] The pre-filled containers are then - as shown schematically in Fig. 6 - by means of the filling needles 200 up to a specified filling level, whereby the filling needles 200 are inserted into the pre-filled containers 1.

[0061] Fig. 5 shows schematically a device 2 similar Fig. 2 for filling and closing the containers 1 comprising the prefilling device 3, the filling system 20 and a closing device 4. Fig. Figure 6 shows a detail of the device 2 according to Fig. 5 in a sectioned view along a row 102. The device 2 according to Figures 5 and 6 is similar to the device 2 according to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, and identical reference symbols are used for identical or similar components. For a detailed description of previously described components, please refer to the above.

[0062] At the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, it is provided that the prefilling device 3 fills the containers 1 in the nest 10 row by row and the closing device 4 closes the filled containers 1 in the nest 10 row by row.

[0063] By means of the filling system 20 with the filling needles 200, the containers 1 are processed column by column, wherein the sensor devices 21 for monitoring the filling process by means of the filling needles 200 are arranged adjacent to the nest 10 in such a way that one row at a time can be monitored. The complete filling and closing process can be carried out without moving the nest 10 along a linear transport direction. Fig. 5 illustrated embodiment - in contrast to Fig. 2 - the containers 1 of a column 101 are not aligned along a straight line, but are offset to ensure a dense arrangement of the containers in the nest 10. The filling needles 200 are also arranged alternately offset along two parallel lines.

[0064] The filling and closing process by means of the device 2 according to Fig. 5 can be implemented in the following manner.

[0065] The containers 1 are fed to the device 2 in a nested form. The nests 10 are arranged in a manner generally known for transport in troughs (not shown), also referred to as tubs.

[0066] To process the containers 1, the nests 10 are removed from the tubs and inserted into a centering plate (not shown) for transport through the device 2. In the case of a container without a flange, such as one in Fig. 1, the centering plate can only position the nest 10 and not, as with containers with a flange, for example syringes, center the container itself.

[0067] The centering plate transports the nest 10 to the prefilling device 3. In the illustrated embodiment, this operates with 10 stations. After all containers 1 of a nest have been prefilled with a prefill volume, the nest 10 is transported, in one embodiment, to a position change station (not shown), by means of which the nest 10 is transferred from a first transport system to a second transport system.

[0068] The second transport system transports the nest 10 with the prefilled containers 1 under the filling needles 200. By means of the filling needles 200, the containers 1 are filled to a specified filling level as described above.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the filling processes monitored by the sensor devices 21 are carried out in 12 places, wherein a holder receiving the filling needles 200 is arranged rotated by 90° to the pre-filling device 3.

[0070] After all containers 1 have been completely filled to the specified filling level, the nest 10 is again transported to a position change station (not shown), at which the nest 10 is inserted into a third transport system.

[0071] The third transport system transports the nests 10 to the closing device 4, by means of which the containers 1 are closed with the piston stopper 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the stopper is inserted in 10 places.

[0072] After closing, the Nest 10 can be placed back into the corresponding tray.

[0073] Fig. 7 shows a sectional side view of another embodiment of a device 2. The device 2 according to Fig. 7 is similar to the device 2 according to the Fig. 3 and uniform reference symbols are used for identical or similar components.

[0074] As shown schematically in Fig. 7, in the embodiment according to Fig. 7, the lifting device 24 is fluidically connected to a negative pressure source 246, also referred to as a vacuum source. The negative pressure source 246 is, for example, a vacuum pump. The lifting device 24 shown comprises a bar 240, which is placed against the containers 1 from below for lifting. Suction openings 247 are provided on a contact surface of the bar 240, which are fluidically connected to the negative pressure source 246 in such a way that a suction force can be applied to the containers 1 at the suction openings 247, so that the containers 1 can be secured to the lifting device 24 by means of negative pressure. By fixing and centering them by means of negative pressure, the containers 1 can be lifted from the nest 10, thereby preventing interference with a sensor signal. In some embodiments, it is possible to reliably detect even smaller fill quantities using the sensor devices 21.

[0075] Fig. Fig. 8 shows a plan view of another embodiment of a device 2 similar to the device 2 according to Fig. 2. Uniform reference symbols are used for identical or similar components; for a detailed description of known components, reference is made to the above.

[0076] In contrast to the device 2 according to Fig. 2 comprises the filling system 20 according to Fig. 8 only a single filling needle 200 and a single sensor device 21. The filling needle 20 is adjustable along the rows 102 in order to fill the containers 1 of a row 102 one after the other. Furthermore, the nest 10 is movable along the columns 101 in order to move the containers 1 of different rows 102 one after the other to the filling needle 200, wherein the sensor device 21 is arranged at the level of the filling needle 200 in order to monitor a filling process in the individual rows 102.

[0077] As a lifting device (not visible in Fig.6) In some embodiments, a bolt is provided which is adjustable synchronously with the filling needle 200 along the rows 102 in order to lift the containers 1 of a row 102 one after the other in the direction of the filling needle 20.

[0078] In a further embodiment not shown, the lifting device 24, the sensor device 21 and the filling needle 200 are movable in a synchronized manner along columns 101 in order to lift containers 1 in a stationary nest 10 one after the other and to fill them in a sensor-monitored manner.

[0079] In yet another embodiment not shown, the lifting device 24, the sensor device 21 and the filling needle 200 are arranged in a stationary manner, wherein a distance between the transmitter 210 and the receiver 212 of the sensor device 21 is selected to be sufficiently large in order to displace the nest 10 for sensor-monitored filling along the columns 101 and along the rows 102.

[0080] The illustrated embodiments are merely schematic, and numerous modifications are conceivable. In particular, it is conceivable to combine components illustrated and described as part of one embodiment with those of other embodiments in order to obtain further configurations. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 103 45 338 B4

[0004] WO 2023 / 174645 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Device for filling a plurality of containers (1) in a nest (10) comprising columns (101) and rows (102), in particular for filling nested ampoules or carpules, comprising a filling system with a filling needle (200) by means of which a container (1) arranged in a column (101) can be filled, wherein a sensor device (21) is provided, wherein the sensor device (21) is designed to detect when a defined filling level is reached during the filling process of the container (1), wherein the sensor device (21) is connected to a control device (23) of the filling system, and wherein the control device (23) is arranged so that the detected reaching of the defined filling level triggers a stop signal for the filling process of the container (1), wherein a lifting device (24) is provided, wherein the container to be filled in the column (101) can be lifted out of the nest (10) by means of the lifting device (24) before the filling process and / or during the filling process, and wherein the lifting device (24) has a fixing device, wherein by means of the fixing device the container (1) to be filled can be secured against tipping when lifted on the lifting device (24). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the sensor device (21) is designed as an optical sensor device comprising a transmitter (210) arranged adjacent to the nest (10) and a receiver (212) arranged adjacent to the nest (10). [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the lifting device (24) has a receptacle (241) for the container (1) to be filled, wherein the receptacle (241) has at least one, preferably three or more contact points (242) and the container (1) can be supported circumferentially by means of the contact points (242) during lifting. [4] Device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by that the lifting device (24) is fluidically connected to a vacuum source (246) so that a vacuum can be applied to the lifting device (24) when lifting the container to be filled, wherein the container (1) can be secured to the lifting device (24) by means of the vacuum. [5] Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the lifting device (24) is designed to lift the containers (1) of different columns (101) and / or different rows (102) with a different stroke in order to change the defined filling level, to compensate for tolerances and / or to compensate for a distance-dependent measuring signal of the sensor device (21). [6] Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the lifting device (24) has a stop (243). [7] Device for filling a plurality of containers (1) in a nest (10) comprising columns (101) and rows (102), in particular for filling nested ampoules or carpules, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is designed to carry out a method, wherein a container arranged in a column (101) is filled by means of a filling needle (200), wherein before the filling process and / or during the filling process, the container (1) to be filled in the column (101) is lifted out of the nest (10) by means of a lifting device (24), and wherein the container (1) to be filled is secured against tipping during lifting on the lifting device (24), wherein in particular during the filling process of the container (1), reaching a defined fill level is detected by means of a sensor device (21), wherein the detected reaching of the defined fill level triggers a stop signal for the filling process of the container (1).

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