Handling device for containers, especially pharmaceutical ones, and plant for processing such containers

Abstract

Handling device, for example for a plant (100) for processing containers, in particular pharmaceutical containers, comprising - a holding device (122) comprising a housing (124) forming an interior (126), - a drive device (130) comprising a drive unit (128) arranged within the interior (126), which is movable along a sliding track (132) by means of the drive device (130), and - a drive unit (138) supported outside the holding device (122) on a running surface (139) of the housing (124), wherein the drive unit (128) and the output unit (138) each comprise a magnet arrangement (134, 136) which cooperate to transmit a driving force from the drive device (130) to the output unit (138) by means of a magnetic force, wherein the driving force acts through the housing (124), wherein the output unit (138) is movable by means of the drive unit (128), and wherein at least one tool (140) is directly or indirectly arranged or fixed on the drive unit (138), which preferably comprises or forms a filling tool (140, 142, 144) for the container.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a handling device, for example for a system for processing containers. The containers are in particular pharmaceutical containers, for example vials, syringes, cartridges or ampoules. The containers can be stable containers that can stand independently on a surface, or non-stable containers that must be held by means of a support device.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system for processing containers, particularly pharmaceutical ones, comprising a frame for placement on a surface and at least one handling device.

[0003] Handling devices are used in pharmaceutical container processing plants to transport or process containers at different stations. These stations include, for example, weighing stations, filling stations, and closing stations. Handling devices require a drive unit, which is typically located in the base of the frame or in a housing. To enable the drive unit to act on the stations, a drive element may protrude through an opening into a cleanroom to perform various movements, such as displacement. This places stringent requirements on the sealing of the drive elements between the cleanroom and the base or housing.However, this poses a risk of abrasion causing particles to form on the seals, which could contaminate the cleanroom. Furthermore, incomplete sealing could allow germs from the substructure or housing to enter the cleanroom. Additionally, cleaning is difficult due to the stringent sealing requirements and the resulting complex design.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a handling device that has advantageous hygienic properties.

[0005] This problem is solved by a handling device according to the invention, for example for a system for processing containers, especially pharmaceutical ones, comprising - a holding device comprising a housing that forms an interior space, - a drive device comprising a drive unit arranged within the interior space, which is movable along a sliding track by means of the drive device, and - a drive unit supported on a running surface of the housing outside the holding device, wherein the drive unit and the driven unit each comprise a magnetic arrangement which cooperate to transmit a driving force from the drive device to the driven unit by means of a magnetic force, wherein the driving force acts through the housing, wherein the output unit is movable by means of the drive unit, wherein at least one tool is arranged or fixed directly or indirectly on the output unit, which preferably comprises or forms a filling tool for the container.

[0006] The present invention incorporates the consideration that the magnetic coupling between the drive unit and the driven unit avoids physical contact between them. This offers the particular advantage that the drive side can be mechanically and preferably hygienically decoupled from the driven side. This leads to a lower risk of abrasion and / or germ transmission and improves the hygienic properties of the handling device according to the invention.

[0007] Advantageously, the handling device can be designed modularly, allowing for adaptation to different container formats. For example, only the output unit needs to be partially or completely replaced, while the drive side remains unchanged. Output units are envisioned that are partially or fully container-specific or processing-specific for containers and are designed as format components.

[0008] The drive unit can preferably be replaced mechanically. For example, a further handling device, which may be robotic, is arranged in the cleanroom of the plant to remove the drive unit and replace it with a different type. Maintenance procedures on the handling device are thus advantageously easier to perform.

[0009] The invention advantageously enables a zone separation between a first zone, in particular a cleanroom zone of the system, and a second zone, which is located, for example, in the substructure of the system below a frame and communicates with the interior of the housing.

[0010] The invention advantageously enables improved cleaning of the handling device and the system, for example within the cleanroom. Wash-in-place (WIP) processes are particularly feasible.

[0011] A correct magnetic coupling of the output unit with the drive unit can advantageously be achieved, for example, by measuring the magnetic field.

[0012] Advantageously, the invention also offers the possibility of overload protection for the handling device, since advantageously there is no fixed connection between the output unit and the drive unit, so that an overload on the drive side as well as on the functional side (outside the holding device) is not transmitted to the other side as a result of the decoupling, or only to a limited extent.

[0013] The housing wall can, for example, be made of pharmaceutical-grade stainless steel and therefore have preferential cleaning properties.

[0014] It is advantageous if the output unit is held in place on the holding device by a holding force generated by the magnetic force, preferably with the output unit being held solely by this holding force. This eliminates the need for any additional holding elements besides the holding force of the magnetic arrangement to secure the output unit to the holding device. This prevents abrasion caused by relative movement to the holding elements. Furthermore, a simple design of the running surface is achievable, as no separate holding elements are required. Additionally, no germs can accumulate in any undercuts of the holding elements.

[0015] Advantageously, the transfer track is curved, arc-shaped, or straight, particularly along a transfer axis. The drive unit can be moved in a straight line or along any curved path necessary for processing the containers at the station. The transfer track can be straight, wavy, or have another linear shape, resulting in a correspondingly wavy or other linear guide. The straight transfer axis, in particular, offers the advantage of a simple design for guiding the track.

[0016] Preferably, the interior can be sealed relative to the exterior, particularly in a pharmaceutical-grade manner, with the exterior preferably having a higher cleanliness requirement than the interior. The closed housing preferably provides a sterile barrier through which no particles can pass, thus preventing contamination of the cleanroom. "Pharmaceutical-grade" can mean that the interior is impermeable to gases and / or liquids from the exterior.

[0017] It is advantageous if the housing consists of a base body, particularly a plate-shaped one, and a shell element covering the base body. The advantage here is that the base body can be more massive than the shell element, thus exhibiting greater strength and rigidity. In this configuration, all internal elements can be directly or indirectly attached to the base body, while the shell element acts as a kind of hood, forming a housing sealed off from the outside world together with the base body. It is also possible for the shell element to have a thinner wall thickness than the base body. For example, the base body can also be designed as a kind of hood that is closed by a shell element in the form of a lid.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the respective magnet arrangement can, for example, be configured as a Halbach array or form a Halbach array. The magnet arrangement can be configured in various ways, for example, depending on the application. The use of permanent magnets and / or electromagnets is conceivable. The alignment of the magnetic field can be ensured by selecting a suitable drive unit and / or a suitable output unit.

[0019] It is advantageous if the drive device includes a traction element and the drive unit can be moved back and forth along the sliding path by means of the traction element, wherein preferably the traction element is guided by means of at least one deflecting element and / or at least one tensioning element of the drive device for deflecting and / or tensioning the traction element, wherein preferably the traction element includes or forms a closed belt.

[0020] Advantageously, the traction element can be designed as a flat belt, toothed belt, V-belt, round belt, multi-ribbed belt, chain, or cable. Alternatively, the drive unit can be moved in one direction along the sliding track by means of a spring element, while the traction element moves the drive unit in the opposite direction. Advantageously, a deflection element can also form a tensioning element, or vice versa.

[0021] Preferably, the drive device comprises a drive motor and a drive shaft, wherein the drive force of the drive motor can be transmitted to the pulling element via the drive shaft, and wherein the drive shaft preferably includes a drive wheel which engages with the pulling element and the drive force can be transmitted from the drive shaft to the pulling element via the drive wheel. The drive wheel can be designed as a toothed belt pulley, a gear, or a disc.

[0022] Advantageously, the drive motor, drive shaft, drive wheel, at least one deflection element, at least one clamping element, and / or the tension element are arranged within the interior. For example, the entire drive unit for powering the output unit can be located within the interior. This eliminates the need for mechanical communication between the interior and the base of the system. Similarly, the drive motor can be located within the base, simplifying its cooling and maintenance. The drive force from the motor can then be transmitted from the base to the interior via a drive shaft.

[0023] It is advantageous if the drive unit comprises at least one first guide element and the holding device comprises a second guide element, wherein the second guide element forms the sliding path, and the at least one first guide element is movably coupled to the second guide element along the sliding path. The first guide element can, for example, be designed as a slide or guide carriage, and the second guide element as a guide rail or guide shaft. The guide elements can be moved relative to each other, for example, by means of sliding elements or roller elements.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, for example, the holding device can comprise a spacer element arranged on the housing, in particular a base body or a shell element of the housing, wherein the second guide element is held on the spacer element. Advantageously, the distance of the sliding track relative to the base body can be determined via the spacer element.

[0025] It is advantageous if the drive unit comprises a carrier body, wherein the magnet arrangement is arranged or formed on a first side of the carrier body, the first side preferably facing the housing and the running surface arranged on an outer side of the housing, wherein the magnet arrangement preferably has a distance to the housing of less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 1 mm. Ideally, the distance of the magnet arrangement to the housing is as small as possible so that the distance between the magnet arrangement of the drive unit and the magnet arrangement of the driven unit can be kept small in order to generate the highest possible magnetic force between the magnet arrangements.

[0026] Preferably, the at least one first guide element can be arranged on a second side of the carrier body, preferably facing away from the running surface. This allows for a large magnet arrangement to be arranged or formed on the first side of the carrier body without reducing this area, since the at least one first guide element is located on a second side of the carrier body.

[0027] Advantageously, a tension element of the drive unit can be fixed to the support body. The tension element can be clamped, screwed, and / or riveted to the support body.

[0028] It is advantageous if the holding device includes a support body, wherein the support body absorbs a support force from the supporting output unit, which is received by the housing, and transfers it to another section of the housing, in particular a base body of the housing, with the housing preferably being supported against the support body at the rear of the running surface. In the area of ​​the running surface, the wall thickness of the housing can advantageously be made thinner relative to the rest of the housing without the housing being indented in this area by the support force of the output unit, since the support body provides the necessary rigidity. Advantageously, the thinner design of the housing allows the magnetic force to act through a thinner wall, so that the highest possible driving force and / or holding force can be transmitted to the output unit.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, for example, the support body can have a recess in which the magnet arrangement of the drive unit is movable along the sliding path, the recess preferably being designed as an opening in the support body. The magnet arrangement can, for example, engage completely or partially in the recess.

[0030] For example, the support body can only rest against the running surface on the housing at the rear, so that the magnet arrangement can be moved along the housing with the smallest possible distance.

[0031] It is advantageous if the support body includes or forms at least one stiffening element extending transversely, and in particular perpendicularly, to the running surface, wherein preferably two or more stiffening elements are spaced apart from each other along the sliding track and are arranged, in particular, at the ends relative to the sliding track. The stiffening elements allow the support body to have a truss-like structure, so that the support body has the highest possible load-bearing capacity compared to its own weight.

[0032] Preferably, the output unit can comprise at least one contact element for contacting and, in particular, supporting the running surface, wherein the contact is designed as a sliding contact or rolling contact, wherein the output unit is preferably arranged without contact to the housing of the holding device, except for the at least one contact element.

[0033] Advantageously, the sliding contacts are designed as rollers and / or as sliding elements to enable a reduction of friction between the output unit and the holding device or the housing.

[0034] Advantageously, two or more contact elements are arranged at a distance from each other along the longitudinal axis of the sliding track, and / or two or more contact elements are arranged at a distance transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis of the sliding track. The output unit preferably has at least four contact elements, so that in the case of a cuboid output unit, one contact element is arranged at each corner, ideally allowing the output unit to be supported stably on the running surface of the housing without tilting.

[0035] It is advantageous if the magnet arrangement is positioned between at least two contact elements along the sliding path and / or if the magnet arrangement is positioned between at least two contact elements perpendicular to the sliding path. Ideally, when viewed from above, the magnet arrangement is located within the contact elements. This allows the holding force to be absorbed evenly by all contact elements and transferred to the running surface of the housing.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, for example, the drive unit can comprise a carrier body, wherein the magnet arrangement is arranged on a first side of the carrier body, the first side facing the running surface. Advantageously, this allows the distance between the magnet arrangement and the running surface to be kept as small as possible.

[0037] It is advantageous if the output unit comprises at least one tool holder that is directly or indirectly arranged or fixed to a second side of the carrier body facing away from the running surface, preferably with two or more tool holders arranged or fixed at intervals along the sliding path, particularly equidistantly. The tool holder can advantageously be designed as a format part, allowing for easy tool changes. This also enables rapid changeovers that meet container-specific or processing-specific requirements. For example, several tool holders are arranged on the output unit, so that different processing steps can advantageously be carried out with one output unit at one or more stations.

[0038] Preferably, at least one tool, more preferably a filling element, is held on the tool holder. Advantageously, two or more tools are held or fixed at a distance along the sliding path, particularly equidistantly. Several containers can be processed simultaneously using the tools. The filling element can be in the form of a filling needle. The distance between adjacent filling needles can also be technically referred to as a "pierce" and is preferably identical.

[0039] Advantageously, the output unit comprises a housing in which the magnet arrangement, a support body of the output unit, and / or at least one contact element are accommodated, wherein preferably the at least one contact element extends through an opening in the housing towards the running surface. The housing facilitates cleaning of the output unit, since the components necessary for the movement of the output unit are ideally housed within the interior of the housing, thus advantageously resulting in a less jagged surface for the output unit that is easy to clean.

[0040] It is advantageous if the housing includes or forms a base plate that faces the magnet assembly on one side and the running surface on the other. The base plate can partially, or preferably completely, accommodate the magnet assembly. Ideally, the base plate is aligned parallel to the running surface.

[0041] Advantageously, the base plate has a thickness of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 3 mm, and particularly preferably less than 1.5 mm. The thinner the base plate, the more easily the magnetic force can pass through it. Ideally, the base plate is made of a non-magnetic material, such as stainless steel.

[0042] Preferably, the second side has a distance of less than 3 mm, preferably 2 mm, from the running surface. This small distance to the running surface allows the effective magnetic force of the two magnet arrangements to be increased. Furthermore, this distance allows the second side of the base plate and, more generally, the entire drive unit to be cleaned and / or rinsed using vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) sterilization, thus enabling easy cleaning of the drive unit.

[0043] For example, the distance is determined by at least one contact element of the output unit.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing can, for example, have a cover element that faces a tool holder on one side and a support body of the output unit on the other. A fastening element for the tool holder can extend through the cover and be fixed to the support body. The cover is preferably made of pharmaceutical-grade stainless steel, thus enabling easy cleaning of the output unit.

[0045] It is advantageous if the handling device includes a lifting mechanism with at least one support unit to which the holding device is attached, and the holding device is displaceable along a lifting axis by means of the at least one support unit. The support unit can be designed as a cylinder and / or an electromechanical drive. The lifting movement provides the holding device with an additional degree of freedom. This allows, for example, height adjustment to accommodate different containers or transport systems for containers.

[0046] Advantageously, the lifting axis is aligned transversely, and in particular perpendicularly, to the sliding track.

[0047] It is advantageous if at least one support unit has a hollow body in which a drive shaft of the drive unit runs along the lifting axis, with a section of the drive shaft extending into the interior. The drive shaft can transmit a drive force from a drive motor located in the base through the hollow body of the support unit into the interior. Because of the hollow body in the support unit, no additional housing is required to contain the drive shaft and separate it from the cleanroom in accordance with pharmaceutical standards. A hollow body can also be understood to mean, for example, a cavity.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, for example, the drive unit can be detached from the holding device for cleaning and attached to the holding device for use. For cleaning, the drive unit can be removed from the holding device and cleaned, for example, outside the cleanroom. Similarly, cleaning the holding device is simplified when the drive unit is detached, as the running surface is then easily accessible. Since the drive unit can be easily removed, it can also be quickly and easily exchanged for a drive unit equipped with different tools. This allows the system to be prepared for other processing tasks in a time-saving manner.

[0049] The modular design, for example, makes it possible to use the same output unit for different holding devices and / or, conversely, different output units for the same holding device.

[0050] Advantageously, removing the output unit requires overcoming only the holding force of the magnet. A tool for releasing fasteners is preferably unnecessary. Replacing the output unit can ideally be done mechanically. For example, another handling device, which could be robotic, is located in the cleanroom of the system to remove the output unit and replace it with a different one.

[0051] Manual and tool-free separation of the output unit from the holding device is also conceivable.

[0052] As already mentioned, the present invention also relates to a plant. A plant according to the invention for processing containers, in particular pharmaceutical containers, comprises a frame for placement on a surface, at least one handling device of the type described above, which is arranged on the frame, and at least one processing station for the containers, wherein the at least one handling device is part of the processing station or wholly or partially forms it, and at least one tool of the processing station is arranged or fixed on the drive unit.

[0053] The advantages already explained in connection with the handling device according to the invention can also be achieved with the system. The problem underlying the invention can also be solved using the system.

[0054] Advantageous embodiments of the system according to the invention result from advantageous embodiments of the handling device according to the invention. In this regard, reference is made to the preceding explanations.

[0055] The frame is, for example, a machine base, as has already been mentioned.

[0056] For example, the frame includes a separating element, particularly a plate-shaped one, which separates a first zone from a second zone, wherein the first zone has a higher cleanliness requirement than the second zone, and wherein the first zone is, for example, a cleanroom zone.

[0057] Preferably, the holding device and the lifting device are arranged in the first zone.

[0058] Advantageously, the drive motor of the drive device is located in the second zone and a drive shaft of the drive device passes through a through-opening of the separating element.

[0059] The system may include a control unit coupled to the at least one drive unit to control and / or regulate the operation of the handling device. Advantageously, the control unit may control and / or regulate the operation of the system as a whole.

[0060] However, as already mentioned, the present invention is not limited to such an application and to such a type of installation.

[0061] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the drawing, serves to explain the invention in more detail. The drawing shows: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of a plant according to the invention for processing containers, comprising a handling device according to the invention; Fig. 2: a perspective view of the handling device according to the invention in a partial view; Fig. 3: a further perspective view of the handling device according to the invention in a partial view; Fig. 4: a further perspective view of the handling device according to the invention in different states of use; Fig. 5: a cross-sectional view of the handling device Fig. 4; Fig. 6: a sectional view of the handling device made of Fig. 4; Fig. 7: a perspective partial view of the handling device in an exploded view; Fig. 8: a perspective partial view of the drive unit; and Fig. 9: another perspective partial view of the output unit.

[0062] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus 100 according to the invention for processing containers, which are not shown in the drawing. The containers are, in particular, pharmaceutical containers, which may be, for example, vials, syringes, cartridges, or ampoules.

[0063] The system 100 comprises a frame 102, which forms a machine base 104 and can be placed on a mounting surface 106 of the system 100. The frame 102 includes a separating element 108, in this case, in particular, a plate-shaped element, for example, in the form of a tabletop. The separating element 108 separates a first zone 110 of the system 100 from a second zone 112.

[0064] The first zone 110 has a higher purity requirement than the second zone 112 and, for example, constitutes a cleanroom. An isolator device 114 of the system 100 may be provided, which covers the frame 102 and provides a predetermined atmosphere in the first zone 110. For example, a laminar flow (LF) of a gas may be provided to prevent particles from being resuspended.

[0065] The system 100 is particularly suitable for processing pharmaceutical products that may be highly potent or even toxic, which is why the use of the handling device 120 according to the invention, with its improved hygienic properties, is advantageous. The system 100 can comprise a plurality of processing stations 116, wherein the handling device 120 is a component of each processing station 116, and each processing station 116 can comprise more than one handling device 120.

[0066] Reference numeral 120 designates the handling device according to the invention in its entirety, with a preferred embodiment being described below.

[0067] For this purpose, reference is first made to the illustration of the handling device 120 according to Fig. 2 and subsequently on the design according to the Fig. 3 to 9 received.

[0068] The handling device 120 comprises a holding device 122, which includes a housing 124 and forms an interior space 126 that is sealed in a pharmaceutically compliant manner relative to an exterior surface 127. A drive unit 128 is arranged within the interior space 126 and can be moved back and forth along a sliding track 132 by a drive unit 130. The drive unit 128 is coupled to an output unit 138 outside the housing 124 by means of respective magnet arrangements 134 and 136.

[0069] The coupling ensures, firstly, that the output unit 138 is held against the housing 124 on a running surface 139 by means of a holding force, and secondly, that a drive force from the drive unit 130 can be transmitted through the housing 124 to the output unit 138 via the drive unit 128. Thus, the output unit 138 can be moved along the running surface 139 by the drive force. Apart from the holding force, no additional retaining elements are necessary to hold the output unit 138 on the running surface 139. Likewise, no further elements are necessary to move the output unit 138.

[0070] Therefore, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, the running surface 139 can be designed to be flat and without undercuts. Such a flat and smooth running surface 139 facilitates cleaning, since germs cannot accumulate in undercuts.

[0071] A filling tool 140 is directly or indirectly attached to the output unit 138. The tool 140 can be a filling element 142, preferably a filling needle 144. The filling needle can be used, for example, to fill a container with a liquid.

[0072] In the present example, the output unit 138 can be moved with the drive unit 128 in a lateral direction and in particular in a horizontal direction, for example parallel to a plane of the separating element 108.

[0073] However, the invention is not limited to this direction of movement of the output unit 138. Likewise, the output unit 138 can, for example, be moved in a vertical direction and, in particular, in a vertical direction, for example, perpendicular to a plane of the separating element 108. A superposition of directions of movement is also conceivable.

[0074] Furthermore, the output unit 138 can also be moved transversely, and in particular vertically, to the sliding track 132 by means of the holding device 122. For this purpose, the holding device 122 is mounted or fixed to a support unit 146 of the lifting device 148. For movement transversely to the sliding track 132, the support unit 146 can raise and lower the holding device 122 along a lifting axis 148.

[0075] However, the invention is not limited to this lifting movement of the holding device 122. Likewise, the holding device 122 can, for example, be moved in a lateral direction and, in particular, in a horizontal direction, for example, parallel to a plane of the separating element 108. A superposition of movement directions is also conceivable.

[0076] In the present example, the output unit 138 can be lowered by means of the lifting movement, thereby inserting the filling needle into a container. A moving container can be filled, in particular, by moving the output unit 138 laterally along the transfer track 132 at the same speed as the container to be filled. After the filling process, the filling needle is withdrawn from the container by a lifting movement in which the holding device 122 is raised.

[0077] In Fig. Figure 3 shows the components of the drive unit 130 that are included within the interior space 126.

[0078] The drive unit 128 is moved back and forth along the sliding track 132 between a first position 152 and a second position 154 by means of a traction element 150, which are each arranged at the ends of the holding device 122 in the longitudinal direction. Fig. Figure 3 shows the drive unit 128 in such an end-side position.

[0079] The traction element 150 is driven by a drive motor 156, which in the present example is arranged within the second zone 112 and thus not within the interior 126 of the holding device 122. However, it is of course also conceivable that the drive motor 156 is arranged within the interior 126, for example to keep the length of the drive train between drive motor 156 and drive unit 128 as short as possible and thus simplify the complexity of the assembly.

[0080] The driving force of the drive motor 156 is transmitted from the second zone 112 into the interior 126 via a drive shaft 158. For this purpose, the support unit 146 has a hollow body 160 within which the drive shaft 158 ​​runs. The hollow body 160 is designed as a kind of cavity. A section of the drive shaft 158 ​​engages in the interior 126 of the holding device 122, with a drive wheel 162 being mounted on the end face of the drive shaft 158. This drive wheel 162 engages with the tension element 150. In the exemplary embodiment, the drive wheel 162 is designed as a toothed belt pulley. However, it is also conceivable that the drive wheel 162 is designed in the form of a gear or a disc.

[0081] The tension element 150 is designed as a closed belt 164. This has the advantage that the drive unit 128 can be moved in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction using a single tension element 150. In this case, a section of the tension element 150 is clamped to the drive unit 128 for the transmission of the drive force.

[0082] Alternatively, it is also conceivable to use a belt 164 that is not closed. In this case, the respective end of the belt 164 is clamped to the drive unit 128.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the tension element 150 is designed as a toothed belt. For example, it is also conceivable that the tension element 150 could be designed as a flat belt, V-belt, round belt, multi-ribbed belt, chain, or rope.

[0084] The tension element 150 is guided and tensioned by means of several deflection elements 166 and tensioning elements 168. In this case, two deflection elements 166 in the form of a toothed belt pulley are arranged longitudinally at the ends of the holding device 122, enabling a reversal of direction of the tension element 150 of approximately 180°. However, it is also conceivable that further deflection elements 166 are provided, which allow for a smaller or larger reversal of direction of the tension element 150.

[0085] Furthermore, two clamping elements 168 are provided. One clamping element 168 is positioned upstream of the drive wheel 162 in the longitudinal direction of the sliding track 132, and one clamping element 168 is positioned downstream of the drive wheel 162. The distance between the clamping element 168 and the drive wheel 162 corresponds to slightly more than the diameter of one clamping element 168.

[0086] By means of a sliding element 170, the respective clamping element 168 can be changed in its position parallel to the sliding track 132. This allows the required circumferential length of the tensioning element 150 to be lengthened or shortened, and thus the tension of the tensioning element 150 to be adjusted.

[0087] The drive unit 128 comprises a support body 172, to which the magnet arrangement 134 is attached on a first side 174 and two first guide elements 178 are attached on a second side 176. The support body 172 is plate-shaped and its longitudinal and transverse dimensions correspond approximately to the width and length of the magnet arrangement 134.

[0088] The first guide element 178 is a carriage 180, which is movably coupled to a second guide element 182 along the sliding track 132. The second guide element 182 is designed as a guide rail 184 and forms the sliding track 132. The guide rail 184 can also be curved or arc-shaped. In this case, however, the guide rail 184 is straight and forms a sliding track 132 that is aligned parallel to the running surface 139.

[0089] The guide rail 184 is arranged on the base body 186 of the housing 124 by means of a spacer element, which in this case is designed in the form of a plate. The guide rail 184 extends along the holding device 122 between a first side 186 of the holding device 122 and a second side 188, which are each arranged at the ends of the holding device 122 in the longitudinal direction.

[0090] The spacer element 189, designed as a kind of bridge, receives the guide rail 184 and positions it at a distance from the plate-shaped base body 186. The sliding track 132 formed by the guide rail 184 is thereby aligned parallel to a plane of the base body 186. The distance perpendicular to the plane of the base plate corresponds approximately to half the length of the transverse extent of the output unit 138.

[0091] The support body 172 of the drive unit 128 is guided by means of two slides 180. The two slides 180 are arranged one behind the other on the support body 172 in the direction of the sliding track 132. A section remains free between the two slides 180, at which the traction element 150 is fixed to the support body 172.

[0092] The second side 176, on which the two slides 180 are mounted, faces away from the running surface 139, which is located on the outer surface 127 of the housing 124, and points towards the interior 126. In the present example, one plane of the second side 176 is aligned parallel to the running surface 139. Alternatively, the second side 176 could also be oriented transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the running surface 139 and thus, for example, also point towards the base body 186.

[0093] The magnet arrangement 134, located on the first side 174, is in this embodiment formed from a total of four magnet bodies 190, which are arranged along the sliding track 132. Each magnet body has a square base and is mounted on the support body 172 by means of four fixing elements. Each magnet body comprises or forms a Halbach array.

[0094] The first side 174 of the carrier body 172 faces the housing 124 and the running surface 139 arranged on the outer surface 127 of the housing 124. The distance between the magnet arrangement 134 and the housing 124 is kept as small as possible so that the distance between the magnet arrangements 134, 136 of the drive unit 128 and the output unit 138 is as small as possible. In the present embodiment, the distance between the magnet arrangement 134 and the housing 124 is approximately 1 mm.

[0095] In the area of ​​the running surface 139, the material thickness of the housing 124 should be chosen to be as thin as possible so that the material thickness to be penetrated by the magnet arrangement 134 is as small as possible. For this reason, the housing 124 does not have a constant material thickness at all points.

[0096] For this purpose, the housing 124 comprises, in addition to the base body 186, a shell element 192, which together with the base body 186 encloses the interior 126. The shape of the shell element 192 corresponds to a hood and covers the base body 186. In the area of ​​the running surface 139, which is arranged on the outer surface 127 of the shell element 192, the material thickness is approximately 1 mm.

[0097] In contrast, the plate-shaped base body 186 has a material thickness of approximately 10 to 15 mm to ensure sufficient stiffness and strength to absorb and transmit forces without deforming or even breaking the base body 186.

[0098] Alternatively, the basic body 186 is also possible to be designed as a kind of hood, which is covered by a shell element 192 in the form of a lid. In this case, for example, the running surface 139 would be located on the outside 127 of the lid and thus of the shell element 192.

[0099] A disadvantage of a thin material is that the casing element 192 can deform even under small forces. To reduce and ideally prevent deformation, the holding device 122 includes a support body 194, which rests against the casing element 192 on the rear side facing the running surface 139. This allows the support force of the supporting drive unit 138, absorbed by the casing element 192, to be transferred to the support body 194 and from there to the base body 186.

[0100] To ensure that the magnet assembly 134 remains as close as possible to the shell element 192, the support body 194 has an opening 196, so that the support body 194 resembles a frame 198. Within the opening 196 of the frame 198, the magnet assembly 134 is movable along the sliding track 132.

[0101] To further increase stiffness, the support body 194 has two stiffening elements 200 extending perpendicular to the running surface 139. The stiffening elements 200 are arranged at the ends of the sliding track 132 at a longitudinal distance and resemble a truss structure. In this case, the stiffening elements 200 are trapezoidal with a recess, with one of the two parallel sides of the trapezoid resting against the support body 194 on the rear side facing the running surface 139. Another side, oriented perpendicular to the parallel sides, rests against the base body 186 and is fixed there.

[0102] The output unit 138 has four contact elements 202 that establish contact between the output unit 138 and the running surface 139. The support force of the output unit 138 can also be transmitted into the housing 124 via the contact elements 202.

[0103] The contact element 202 is designed here as a roller 204, so that the contact is a roller contact. Instead of a roller 204, a sliding shoe, e.g. in the form of a Teflon disc, can also be used.

[0104] The rollers 204 are arranged transversely and longitudinally along the sliding track 132 at the corners of the output unit 138. In a top view of the running surface 139, the magnet assembly 136 of the output unit 138 is located within the rollers 204. This ensures that the output unit 138 is stable and can be supported on the running surface 139 without tilting.

[0105] The output unit 138, apart from the rollers 204, does not make contact with the housing 124. This ensures that the output unit 138 can be moved with minimal frictional resistance relative to the holding device 122. Since contact is only made via the rollers 204, virtually no particles are generated that could contaminate the cleanroom.

[0106] The output unit 138 has a carrier body 206 with a first side 208 facing the running surface 139. The magnet arrangement 136 of the output unit 138 is arranged on the first side 208. The magnet arrangement 136 is identical in construction to the magnet arrangement 134 of the drive unit 128 and also has four magnet bodies.

[0107] The carrier body 206 of the output unit 138 also has a second side 210, which faces away from the running surface 139. Both the first side 208 and the second side 210 are aligned parallel to the running surface 139.

[0108] The output unit 138 comprises a first tool holder 212, which is directly or indirectly fixed to the second side 210 of the carrier body 206 by means of at least one fastening element in the form of a screw or otherwise. Two or more first tool holders 212 can also be directly or indirectly fixed to the second side 210 at intervals along the sliding path, in particular equidistantly.

[0109] The first tool holder 212 has at least one arm 214 that extends transversely to the running surface 139, thus creating a distance to the output unit 138. A second tool holder 216 can be mounted at the end of the arm 214.

[0110] The second tool holder 216 can accommodate at least one tool, for example a filling element 142 in the form of a filling needle 144. The second tool holder 216 extends longitudinally along the sliding path 132 and has at least one receiving area 218 for a tool 140. Fig. 3 Eight receiving areas 218 are arranged at equidistant intervals along the sliding track 132 to each receive a filling needle 144. In the Fig. For example, only four recording areas 218 are provided in section 9. Furthermore, the distance between the recording areas 218 in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 9 different. Depending on the distance between the containers to be filled, which is also technically referred to as the "stitch", the stitch can be adjusted by changing the tool holders.

[0111] It is also possible to mount a second tool holder 216 on the first tool holder 212, as is done, for example, in the Fig. 9 is evident.

[0112] The drive unit 138 comprises a housing 220, preferably made of pharmaceutical-grade stainless steel. The housing 220 accommodates the magnet assembly 136, the support body 206, and the contact elements 202, such that the aforementioned components—except for the contact elements 202—are separated from the outside world and thus from the cleanroom. The contact elements 202 are enclosed by the housing 220 in such a way that they only extend through an opening 222 in the housing 220 toward the running surface 139. The housing 220 has a smooth, recess-free surface, making cleaning of the drive unit 138 easy.

[0113] The housing 220 comprises a base plate 224, which faces the magnet arrangement 136 on a first side 226 and the running surface 139 on a second side 228. Both the first side 226 and the second side 228 are aligned parallel to the running surface 139.

[0114] The base plate 224 has a material thickness of 1 to 2 mm, and the second side 228 has a distance of 1 to 2 mm from the running surface 139. The distance between the second side 228 and the running surface 139 is determined by the contact elements 202 and should be as small as possible to ensure that the highest possible driving force can be transmitted to the output unit 138.

[0115] Furthermore, the housing 220 has a cover element 228 which is inclined on a first side 230 towards the first tool holder 212 and on a second side 232 towards the second side 210 of the carrier body 206. The second side 232 of the cover element 228 rests against the second side 210 of the carrier body 206.

[0116] In this embodiment, the first tool holder 212 is fixed to the support body 206 by means of a fastening element, the fastening element extending through the cover element 228. Alternatively, the first tool holder 212 could also be fixed directly to the cover element 228.

[0117] The output unit 138 is shown here arranged laterally on the holding device 122. However, it is also conceivable that the output unit 138 is arranged lying on the top or hanging on the bottom of the holding device 122.

[0118] The drive unit 138 can be detached from the holding device 122 for cleaning. This requires only overcoming the holding force generated by the magnet. In the cleaning state, both the second side 228 of the base plate 224 and the running surface 139 are easily accessible and therefore easy to clean.

[0119] For the operating state, the output unit 138 must be placed back on the running surface 139 so that the holding force can build up through the magnet arrangements 134, 136 which then couple again.

[0120] The holding device 122 is vertically movable by means of two support units 146. A first support unit 146 is mounted longitudinally along the sliding track 132 at its end on the base body 186 of the holding device. A second support unit 146 is mounted centrally on the base body 186. It is also conceivable that the holding device 122 is supported by only one or by more than two support units 146.

[0121] The centrally located second support unit 146 comprises the hollow body 160 in which the drive shaft 158 ​​is arranged to transmit the drive force of the drive motor 156 from the second zone 112 to the interior 126 of the holding device 122. For this purpose, the separating element 108 includes a through-opening 234 through which the drive shaft 158 ​​passes.

[0122] A control unit 236 of the handling device 120 enables the operation to be controlled and / or regulated. For this purpose, the control unit 236 is operatively connected to the drive unit 130. The control unit 236 can be a control unit 236 of the system 100. Reference symbol list 100 plant 102 frame 104 Machine base 106 installation area 108 Separating element 110 first zone 112 second zone 114 Isolator device 116 processing stations 120 handling device 122 Holding device 124 cases 126 Interior 127 Outside 128 Drive unit 130 Drive unit 132 Shift track 134, 136 Magnet arrangement 138 Output unit 139 tread surface 140 tools 142 Filling element 144 Filling needle 146 Support unit 148 Lifting device 149 Lifting axle 150 pull element 152 first position 154 second position 156 Drive motor 158 Drive shaft 160 hollow bodies 162 drive wheel 164 belts 166 Deflection element 168 clamping element 170 sliding element 172 carrier bodies 174, 186, 208, 226, 230 first page 176, 188, 210, 228, 232 second page 178 first guide element 180 sleds 182 second guide element 184 Guide rail 186 Basic bodies 189 spacer element 190 magnetic bodies 192 Enclosure element 194 support bodies 196 Breakthrough 198 frames 200 stiffening element 202 Contact element 204 roller 206 carrier bodies 212 first tool holder 214 Arm 216 second tool holder 218 Recording area 220 case 222 Opening 224 Base plate 229 Cover element 234 Passage opening 236 Control unit

Claims

[1] Handling device, for example for a plant (100) for processing containers, in particular pharmaceutical containers, comprising - a holding device (122) comprising a housing (124) forming an interior (126), - a drive device (130) comprising a drive unit (128) arranged within the interior (126), which is movable along a sliding track (132) by means of the drive device (130), and - a drive unit (138) supported outside the holding device (122) on a running surface (139) of the housing (124), wherein the drive unit (128) and the output unit (138) each comprise a magnet arrangement (134, 136) which cooperate to transmit a driving force from the drive device (130) to the output unit (138) by means of a magnetic force, wherein the driving force acts through the housing (124), wherein the output unit (138) is movable by means of the drive unit (128), and wherein at least one tool (140) is directly or indirectly arranged or fixed on the output unit (138), which preferably comprises or forms a filling tool (140, 142, 144) for the container. [2] Handling device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the output unit (138) is held on the holding device (122) by means of a holding force generated by the magnetic force, wherein preferably the output unit (138) is held solely by the holding force on the holding device (122). [3] Handling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the displacement path (132) is curved, arc-shaped or straight, in particular along a displacement axis. [4] Handling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the interior (126) is sealed relative to the exterior (127), especially in a pharmaceutical manner, wherein preferably the outside (127) has a higher cleanliness requirement than the interior (126). [5] Handling device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing (124) is formed by a base body (186), in particular a plate-shaped one, and a shell element (192) covering the base body (186). [6] Handling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the respective magnet arrangement (134, 136) is designed as a Halbach array or forms a Halbach array. [7] Handling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the drive device (130) comprises a traction element (150) and by means of the traction element (150) the drive unit (128) can be moved back and forth along the sliding track (132), wherein preferably the pulling element (150) is guided by means of at least one deflecting element (166) and / or at least one clamping element (168) of the drive device (130) for deflecting and / or clamping the pulling element (150), wherein preferably the tension element (150) comprises or forms a closed belt (164). [8] Handling device according to claim 7, characterized by , that the drive device (130) comprises a drive motor (156) and a drive shaft (158), wherein the driving force of the drive motor (156) can be transmitted to the pulling element (150) via the drive shaft (158), wherein preferably the drive shaft (158) comprises a drive wheel (162) which engages with the pulling element (150) and the driving force can be transmitted from the drive shaft (158) to the pulling element (150) by means of the drive wheel (162). [9] Handling device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by, that the drive motor (156), the drive shaft (158), the drive wheel (162), the at least one deflecting element (166), the at least one clamping element (168) and / or the tensioning element (150) is arranged within the interior space (126). [10] Handling device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the drive unit (128) comprises at least a first guide element (178) and the holding device (122) comprises a second guide element (182), wherein the second guide element (182) forms the sliding track (132), wherein at least one first guide element (178) is movably coupled to the second guide element (182) along the sliding track (132). [11] Handling device according to claim 10, characterized by , that the holding device (122) comprises a spacer element (189) which is arranged on the housing (124), in particular a base body (186) or a shell element (192) of the housing (124), wherein the second guide element (182) is held on the spacer element (189). [12] Handling device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the drive unit (128) comprises a carrier body (172), wherein the magnet arrangement (134) is arranged or formed on a first side (174) of the carrier body (172), wherein preferably the first side (174) faces the housing (124) and the running surface (139) arranged on an outer side (127) of the housing (124), wherein preferably the magnet arrangement (134) has a distance to the housing (124) of less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, particularly preferably less than or equal to 1 mm. [13] Handling device according to claim 12 in conjunction with claim 10 or 11, characterized by , that at least one first guide element (178) is arranged on a second side (176) of the carrier body (172), wherein preferably the second side (176) faces away from the running surface (139). [14] Handling device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by , that a traction element (150) of the drive device (130) is fixed to the support body (172). [15] Handling device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the holding device (122) comprises a support body (194), wherein the support body (194) receives a support force of the supporting output unit (138) received by means of the housing (124) and transfers it to another section of the housing (124), in particular a base body (186) of the housing (124), wherein preferably the housing (124) is supported on the support body (194) towards the running surface (139). [16] Handling device according to claim 15, characterized by , that the support body (194) has a recess in which the magnet arrangement (134) of the drive unit (128) is movable along the sliding track (132), wherein preferably the recess is designed as a perforation (196) in the support body (194). [17] Handling device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by , that the support body (194) comprises or forms at least one stiffening element (200) which extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the running surface (139), wherein preferably two or more stiffening elements (200) have a distance from each other along the sliding track (132) and are arranged in particular at the end side with respect to the sliding track (132). [18] Handling device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the output unit (138) comprises at least one contact element (202) for contacting and, in particular, supporting the running surface (139), wherein the contact is designed as a sliding contact or rolling contact, wherein the output unit (138) is preferably arranged without contact to the housing of the holding device (122) except for the at least one contact element (202). [19] Handling device according to claim 18, characterized by , that two or more contact elements (202) are arranged at a distance from each other, with respect to a longitudinal extent of the sliding track (132) and / or that two or more contact elements (202) are arranged at a distance transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal extent of the sliding track (132). [20] Handling device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by, that the magnet arrangement (136) is arranged between at least two contact elements (202) along the sliding track (132) and / or that the magnet arrangement (136) is arranged between at least two contact elements (202) transversely to the sliding track (132). [21] Handling device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the output unit (138) comprises a carrier body (206), wherein the magnet arrangement (136) is arranged on a first side (208) of the carrier body (206), where the first side (208) faces the running surface (139). [22] Handling device according to claim 21, characterized by , that the output unit (138) comprises at least one tool holder (212, 216) which is arranged or fixed directly or indirectly on a second side (210) of the carrier body (206) facing away from the running surface (139), wherein preferably two or more tool holders (212, 216) are arranged or fixed at a distance along the sliding track (132), in particular equidistantly. [23] Handling device according to claim 22, characterized by , that at least one tool (140), preferably a filling element (142), is held on the tool holder (212, 216), wherein preferably two or more tools (140) are held or fixed at a distance along the sliding path (132), in particular equidistantly. [24] Handling device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the output unit (138) comprises a housing (220) in which the magnet arrangement (236), a support body (206) of the output unit (138) and / or at least one contact element (202) is accommodated, wherein preferably the at least one contact element (202) extends through an opening (222) of the housing (220) in the direction of the running surface (139). [25] Handling device according to claim 24, characterized by , that the housing (220) includes or forms a base plate (224) which faces the magnet arrangement (136) on a first side (226) and the running surface (139) on a second side (228), wherein preferably the base plate (224) has a thickness of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 3 mm, particularly preferably less than 1.5 mm and / or that the second side (228) has a distance to the running surface (139) of less than 3 mm, preferably 2 mm, wherein preferably the distance is determined by the at least one contact element (202) of the output unit (138). [26] Handling device according to claim 24 or 25, characterized by, that the housing (220) has a cover element (229) which on a first side (230) faces a tool holder (212, 216) and on a second side (232) faces a support body (206) of the output unit (138). [27] Handling device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the handling device (120) comprises a lifting device (148) which has at least one support unit (146) on which the holding device (122) is held, wherein the holding device (122) is displaceable along a lifting axis (149) by means of at least one support unit (146), wherein preferably the lifting axis (149) is aligned transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the sliding track (132). [28] Handling device according to claim 27, characterized by, that at least one support unit (146) has a hollow body (160) in which a drive shaft (158) of the drive device (130) runs along the lifting axis (149) and from which a section of the drive shaft (158) engages in the interior (126). [29] Handling device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the drive unit (138) is removable from the holding device (122) for cleaning and the drive unit (138) is attachable to the holding device (122) for use, preferably, only the holding force of the magnetic force needs to be overcome for removal. [30] Plant for processing containers, in particular pharmaceutical containers, comprising a frame (102) for placement on a base (106), at least one handling device (120) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged on the frame (102) and at least one processing station (116) for the containers, wherein the at least one handling device (120) is part of or forms the processing station (116) and at least one tool (140) of the processing station (116) is arranged or fixed on the output unit (138). [31] Plant according to claim 30, characterized by , that the frame (102) comprises a separating element (108), in particular a plate-shaped one, which separates a first zone (110) from a second zone (112), wherein the first zone (110) is preferably sealed in a pharmaceutical manner relative to the second zone (112), where the first zone (110) has a higher purity requirement than the second zone (112), wherein the holding device (122) and the lifting device (148) are arranged in the first zone (110), wherein preferably a drive motor (156) of the drive device (130) is arranged in the second zone (112) and a drive shaft (158) of the drive device (130) passes through a through-opening (234) of the separating element (108). [32] Plant according to claim 30 or 31, characterized by , that the system includes a control device (236) which is coupled to the at least one drive device (130) in order to control and / or regulate the operation of the handling device (120), wherein preferably the control device (236) controls and / or regulates the operation of the plant (100) as a whole.

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