DEVICE AND METHOD FOR WEIGHING INDIVIDUAL CONTAINERS, AND A SET COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for weighing individual containers, in particular pharmaceutical containers, arranged in a nest, having the features of claim 1, a set having the features of claim 8 and a method for weighing individual containers, in particular pharmaceutical containers, arranged in a nest, having the features of claim 9.

[0002] Pharmaceutical containers, such as vials or syringes, are often arranged in a nest, e.g., for transport purposes. To verify the correct fill level, the containers are weighed. For this purpose, the containers can be removed individually from the nest and weighed at a weighing station. Alternatively, weighing can take place directly in the nest.

[0003] DE 10 2016 207 600 A1 discloses a device for weighing containers arranged in a nest.

[0004] DE 10 2017 207 307 A1 discloses a device for weighing containers.

[0005] The disadvantage is that weighing the containers directly in the nest means they can become jammed during weighing or rest against the nest, thus distorting the weighing result. This can lead to critical weighing errors, especially with small containers due to their very low weight.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method for weighing individual containers, in particular pharmaceutical containers, arranged in a nest, and a set comprising such a device, wherein the above disadvantages are eliminated.

[0007] This object is achieved by a device for weighing individual containers arranged in a nest, having the features of claim 1. The containers can be pharmaceutical containers, such as bottles, vials, syringes, cartridges, packaging, etc. The containers have a base region and a lid region. The containers are in particular elongated. The containers can have an upper end (lid region) and a lower end (base region). The containers can be designed as syringes with a needle guard. The lower end of the needle guard, pointing in the direction of gravity, can represent the base region. It is also conceivable, particularly in the case of relatively large syringes, that the area of the syringe adjacent to the needle guard can represent the base region.

[0008] The device comprises at least one weighing device for weighing the containers. The weighing device has at least one load cell for weighing the containers and at least one weighing receptacle for receiving the base area of one of the containers.

[0009] The weighing system can have multiple load cells. Each load cell can have multiple weighing receptacles. For example, several containers can be weighed simultaneously using a load cell with multiple weighing receptacles. It is also conceivable that only one container can be weighed at a time using the load cell.

[0010] The weighing support can be stamp-shaped (elongated). The weighing support can be designed in the form of a weighing stamp. The weighing support can be arranged above (relative to the direction of gravity) the load cell and mechanically coupled to it.

[0011] The device further comprises an arrangement unit. The arrangement unit is configured to arrange the nest in the device for the weighing process. The arrangement unit can be configured, for example, as a handling device or a robot or robot arm.

[0012] The device is configured such that the weighing receptacle and the arrangement unit are configured to be movable relative to one another in order to be able to move a container arranged in the nest, which is arranged in the arrangement unit, completely out of the nest.

[0013] In this case, "fully out" means that a gap is created between the container to be weighed and the nest, particularly along the direction of gravity. In particular, the container to be weighed is positioned above (relative to the direction of gravity) the nest.

[0014] This allows the containers to be fully lifted from the nest. This prevents the container from becoming jammed, tipping, and / or resting in or against the nest. This increases weighing accuracy. In particular, it prevents the container to be weighed from resting in the nest during the weighing process.

[0015] The device further comprises at least one centering device for centering the container to be weighed by the weighing device. The centering device is particularly configured to center the container to be weighed by the weighing device with respect to the weighing receptacle. The centering device can be configured to center the container to be weighed by the weighing device with respect to its base region. The centering device can be configured to center the lid region and the base region of the container to be weighed by the weighing device. The centering device comprises a centering receptacle for receiving the lid region of the container to be weighed by the weighing device.

[0016] The centering receptacle can have a contact surface for contacting, in particular (fully) circumferentially, the container to be centered (or its lid area). The centering receptacle and the weighing receptacle can be arranged in alignment with one another before and / or during weighing. With respect to the direction of gravity, the centering receptacle can be arranged above the weighing receptacle and above the nest or the container to be weighed. The centering receptacle can be configured such that the lid area of a container rests evenly, in particular along its circumference, in or on the centering receptacle (or on the contact surface).

[0017] This allows the containers to be completely lifted out of the nest and centered, particularly in relation to the respective weighing device.

[0018] The distance between the weighing device, in particular the weighing receptacle, and the centering device, in particular the centering receptacle, can be variable.

[0019] The arrangement unit is designed to place the nest for the weighing process between the weighing device and the centering device, in particular between the weighing receptacle and the centering receptacle.

[0020] The arrangement unit, the weighing receptacle, and / or the centering receptacle are designed to be movable along the direction of gravity. This refers to the relative mobility between the individual elements. For example, the arrangement unit and the weighing receptacle can be movable along the direction of gravity, while the centering receptacle can be fixed (immovable) along the direction of gravity. It is conceivable that the weighing receptacle can be fixed (immovable) along the direction of gravity, and the arrangement unit and the centering receptacle can be movable along the direction of gravity. It is also conceivable that the arrangement unit can be fixed (immovable) along the direction of gravity, while the weighing receptacle and the centering receptacle can be movable along the direction of gravity.

[0021] The arrangement unit, the weighing receptacle and / or the centering receptacle can be designed to be movable along a direction of movement (horizontal, horizontal) oriented perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0022] Through the relative movements described above, the base area of a container can be picked up (positioned) in the weighing holder or the lid area of a container can be picked up (positioned) in the centering holder.

[0023] According to a further development, the weighing support and / or the centering support can be designed to be interchangeable. The weighing support and / or the centering support can, in particular, be designed to be interchangeable without the use of tools. This allows, for example, adaptation to different container sizes and formats by exchanging the weighing support and / or the centering support.

[0024] According to a further development, the device can have a handling device for changing the weighing receptacle and / or the centering receptacle. The handling device can be designed in the form of a robot or robot arm. This allows for automated changing of the weighing receptacle and / or the centering receptacle. It is also conceivable for the arrangement unit to be configured for changing the weighing receptacle and / or the centering receptacle.

[0025] The handling device can be designed as a gripping device or as a robot with a gripper (see below) in order to remove a container from the weighing device, in particular from the weighing receptacle, after weighing.

[0026] According to a further development, the centering receptacle can have at least one web, in particular four webs, for applying (exerting) a force to the container to be weighed, in particular in the direction of gravity, in order to return the container to the nest. This can enable or at least facilitate the return of the container to a nest in which the containers are held by, for example, spring-loaded clips (e.g., lugs) or other retaining elements, for example, on the lid area (or neck or neck area) of the containers.

[0027] According to a further development, the centering mount can be designed as a centering ring. This allows round containers (or containers with a round lid area) to be optimally accommodated or centered using the centering mount designed as a centering ring. It is also conceivable for the centering mount to have a square (triangular, square, polygonal) or at least partially rounded (semicircular, elliptical) shape. This allows containers of various shapes to be optimally accommodated or centered using the centering mount.

[0028] According to a further development, the device can have a gripping device. The gripping device can be configured to remove a container from the weighing device after weighing. The gripping device can be configured to remove a container from the weighing receptacle. The removal of the container can be implemented mechanically or by means of negative pressure or vacuum. The gripping device can be designed as a separate handling device according to the above embodiments. In other words, the gripping device can be designed to handle (change, remove) the weighing receptacle, the centering receptacle and / or a container, in particular a weighed container. In this way, rejected containers can be removed directly after weighing so that they are not returned to the nest.

[0029] According to a further development, the device can have a filling and / or closing device. The filling and / or closing device can be configured to fill and / or close a container whose base region is accommodated in the weighing receptacle. This allows the containers to be filled and / or closed directly within the nest (or at the nest). For example, the filling process can be monitored and / or controlled by the weighing device.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the filling and / or closing device can be configured to fill and / or close a container whose lid area is accommodated in the centering recess. This enables particularly precise filling and / or closing of the container, since the centering recess enables precise alignment of the lid area of a container.

[0031] The device can have a lifting unit. The lifting unit can be configured to mechanically decouple the weighing receptacle and the load cell. In other words, the weighing receptacle can be decoupled (raised) from the load cell, in particular mechanically, by means of the lifting unit. The lifting unit can be arranged between the load cell and the weighing receptacle. The lifting unit can be configured to raise the weighing receptacle (with respect to the direction of gravity) so that a distance is created between the weighing receptacle and the load cell. The lifting unit can be configured to lower the weighing receptacle (with respect to the direction of gravity) so that no distance is created between the weighing receptacle and the load cell, in particular so that the load cell and the weighing receptacle are arranged in contact with one another. The lifting unit can be designed as part of the weighing device.The lifting unit can be designed to be movable along the direction of gravity. The lifting unit can be mechanically coupled to the weighing support.

[0032] The lifting unit can be used, for example, when containers, particularly in the form of vials, are held in so-called clip nests via spring-loaded retaining clips between a body and a neck of the containers and must be actively pushed upwards out of the nest against the spring-loaded retaining clips.

[0033] The lifting unit can remove the mechanical coupling between the weighing support and the load cell, preventing the forces acting on the weighing support from being transferred to the load cell, which could lead to overloading and damage to the load cell in the event of excessive load. To weigh the container, the mechanical coupling between the re-support and the load cell can be restored, allowing the weight of the container to be weighed to act on the weighing support during the weighing process to be transferred to the load cell, and the container can be weighed using the load cell.

[0034] The above object is further achieved by a set having the features of claim 8. The set comprises a device according to the above embodiments, at least one nest, and at least one container, in particular a pharmaceutical container, arranged in the nest. The container can be a container according to the above embodiments.

[0035] Regarding the advantages achievable with the set, reference is made to the relevant information on the device. Further configuration of the set can be achieved by the measures described in connection with the device and / or those explained below.

[0036] The above object is further achieved by a method for weighing individual containers arranged in a nest with the features of claim 9. The containers can be pharmaceutical containers, such as bottles, vials, syringes, cartridges, packaging, etc. The containers have a base region and a lid region. The containers are in particular elongated. The containers can have an upper end (lid region) and a lower end (base region). The containers can be designed as syringes with a needle guard. The lower end of the needle guard, pointing in the direction of gravity, can represent the base region. It is also conceivable, particularly in the case of relatively large syringes, that the area of the syringe adjacent to the needle guard can represent the base region.

[0037] The method comprises the steps of: providing a nest with at least one container arranged therein.

[0038] Picking up the base area of a container to be weighed in a weighing receptacle of a weighing device in order to weigh it using the weighing device.

[0039] Completely lifting the container to be weighed from the nest by moving the weighing support and / or the nest relative to each other along the direction of gravity. One of these two elements (nest or weighing support) can be held stationary (immobile) while the other, second, element is moved (relative to the first element). The moving elements can be moved continuously or incrementally.

[0040] Weighing the container completely removed from the nest using the weighing device.

[0041] Holding the lid area of the container to be weighed in a centering holder in order to center it, particularly in relation to the weighing holder.

[0042] The complete removal of the container to be weighed from the nest can be achieved by moving the weighing support, the centering support, and / or the nest relative to each other along the direction of gravity. One of these three elements (nest, weighing support, or centering support) can be held fixed (stationary) while the other two elements are moved (relative to each other). The moving elements can be moved continuously or incrementally.

[0043] It is conceivable that the container to be weighed is first lifted completely out of the nest, then its lid area is picked up in the centering holder and then the lifted container is weighed.

[0044] It is also conceivable that the container to be weighed is first partially lifted, then its lid is placed in the centering fixture, then the container is completely lifted out, and finally the lifted container is weighed. After the lid of the container to be weighed is placed in the centering fixture, the movement of the centering fixture can be coupled to the movement of the weighing fixture. In other words, the centering fixture and the weighing fixture can perform the same movement after the lid of the container to be weighed is placed in the centering fixture.

[0045] The method may further comprise the step of applying (exerting) a force, in particular in the direction of gravity, to the weighed container in order to return it to the nest.

[0046] The method may comprise the steps of: determining, after weighing a container, whether the weighed container is a reject container.

[0047] Removing the container identified as a reject container from the weighing receptacle so that a container identified as a reject container is not returned to the nest.

[0048] The method may further comprise the step of filling and / or closing a container whose base region is received in the weighing receptacle.

[0049] Alternative or additional filling and / or closing of a container whose lid area is accommodated in the centering recess.

[0050] To carry out the method, a device according to the above statements or a set according to the above statements can be used.

[0051] With regard to the advantages achievable with the method, reference is made to the relevant explanations of the device or set. The measures described in connection with the device or set and / or those explained below may serve to further refine the method.

[0052] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of the device according to the invention in a first state; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the device according to Figure 1 in a second state; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the device according to Figure 1 in a third state; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the device according to Figure 1in a fourth state; Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the device according to a second embodiment, and Fig. 6 shows a section of a weighing device and a centering device of the device according to a third embodiment.

[0053] In the following description and in the figures, corresponding components and elements bear the same reference symbols. For the sake of clarity, not all reference symbols are shown in all figures.

[0054] Figure 1shows a perspective view of the device 10 according to the invention in a first state. The device 10 is designed for weighing individual containers 14. The containers 14 are arranged in a nest 12. The containers 14 are elongated and have a base region 16 (lower end of the container 14) and a lid region 18 (upper end of the container 14). For clarity, only one container 14 is shown in the nest 12.

[0055] In the Figures 1 to 5The container 14 shown is a syringe 23 with a cylinder 25 (which can be filled with, for example, a liquid medication) and a needle guard 27 that encloses a needle (not shown) arranged on the cylinder 25. The base region 16 of the syringe 23 shown refers to the lower end of the needle guard 27. The syringe 23 can be closed with a piston (not shown). By means of the piston, the contents (e.g., liquid medication) can be pressed out of the cylinder 25 through the needle of the syringe.

[0056] The device 10 comprises a weighing device 20 for weighing the containers 14. The weighing device 20 has a weighing receptacle 22. The weighing receptacle 22 is designed in the form of a weighing die. The weighing receptacle 22 is configured to receive the base region 16 of a container 14. In other words, the weighing receptacle 22 can receive a container 14 at its base region 16.

[0057] The weighing device 20 further comprises a load cell 19. The weighing receptacle 22 is arranged above (with respect to the direction of gravity 30) the load cell 19 and is mechanically coupled to it. The weight force exerted on the weighing receptacle 22 by picking up the container can thus be (mechanically) transferred to the load cell 19 and determined by the load cell 19. In other words, the container received in the weighing receptacle 22 is weighed by the load cell 19.

[0058] In the present case, the weighing device 21 has a lifting unit 21. The lifting unit 21 is designed to be movable along the direction of gravity 30. This is Figures 1 to 5 Indicated by a double arrow. The lifting unit 21 is coupled to the weighing receptacle 22 in such a way that a movement of the lifting unit 21 along the direction of gravity 30 causes a movement of the weighing receptacle 22. In other words, by means of the lifting unit 21, the weighing receptacle 22 can be moved relative to the load cell 19 along the direction of gravity 30 and thus coupled to or decoupled from the load cell 19.

[0059] Thus, the weighing support 22 can be moved by means of the lifting unit 21 into Figure 1be moved upwards (lifted) and thereby decoupled from the load cell 19. Then the forces acting on the weighing support 22 (e.g. during the lifting of the container 14) are not transferred to the load cell 19. For the weighing process, the weighing support 22 can be moved into Figure 1 be moved downwards (lowered) and thereby mechanically coupled to the load cell 19, so that the lifted container 14 held in the weighing receptacle 22 can be weighed by means of the load cell 19.

[0060] The device 10 further comprises a centering device 24 for centering the container 14 received in the weighing receptacle 22 of the weighing device 20. For this purpose, the centering device 24 has a centering receptacle 26. The centering receptacle 26 is configured to receive the lid region 18 of a container 14. In other words, the centering device 24 can center a container 14 at its lid region 18, in particular with respect to the weighing receptacle 22. In this case, the centering receptacle 26 is designed as a centering ring.

[0061] In the present case, the Figures 1 to 5 In the syringe 23 shown, the lid area 18 means the upper end (with respect to the direction of gravity 30) of the cylinder 25.

[0062] The device 10 further comprises an arrangement unit 28. The arrangement unit 28 is in the Figures 1 to 5indicated only schematically by means of two clamping jaws 33, which clamp the nest 12 on two opposite sides. The arrangement unit 28 is designed to place the nest 12 in the device 10 for the weighing process. For this purpose, the arrangement unit 28 positions the nest 12 between the weighing device 20 (or the weighing receptacle 22) and the centering device 24 (or the centering receptacle 26).

[0063] The centering device 24 is arranged above the weighing device 20 with respect to the direction of gravity 30, which is indicated in all figures by an arrow. In the present case, the centering device 24 is arranged above the weighing device 20 such that the centering receptacle 26 and the weighing receptacle 20 are aligned with each other.

[0064] In the present case, the weighing device 20 is designed to be immobile along the direction of gravity 30. The centering device 24 (and thus the centering receptacle 26) and the arrangement unit 28 (and thus the nest 12) are each designed to be movable along the direction of gravity 30. The arrangement unit 28 is also designed to be movable along a direction oriented perpendicular to the direction of gravity 30 (horizontal). Thus, the arrangement unit 28 is designed to be movable in all three spatial directions.

[0065] The Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a weighing process of the container 14 shown by means of the device 10.

[0066] First, the nest 12 is positioned between the weighing device 20 and the centering device 24 by means of the arrangement device 28. In this case, the nest 12 (or the arrangement device 28), the centering device 24 and / or the weighing device 20 are moved along a direction oriented perpendicular to the direction of gravity 30 such that the container 14 to be weighed (shown) is arranged with its base region 16 directly above the weighing receptacle 22 of the weighing device 20 and the centering receptacle 26 of the centering device 24 is arranged directly above the lid region 18 of the container 14 to be weighed (shown). The device 10 is then located in the first ( Figure 1 ) Condition.

[0067] The movement of the nest 12 (or the arrangement device 28), the centering device 24 (or the centering receptacle 26), and / or the weighing device 20 (or the weighing receptacle 22) along a direction oriented perpendicular to the direction of gravity 30 is to be understood as a relative movement. This means that one, two, or all three elements (arrangement device 28, weighing device 20, centering device 24) can be moved. The movement of these elements can be implemented continuously or stepwise.

[0068] From the Figure 1 In the first state of the device 10 shown, the nest 12 is moved by means of the arrangement device 28 in the direction of gravity 30 (in Figure 1 downwards). This is in Figure 1 indicated by an arrow. This moves the container 14 held in the nest 12 toward the weighing receptacle 22 of the weighing device 20.

[0069] The nest 12 is moved in the direction of gravity 30 until the container 14 contacts the weighing receptacle 22 with its base region 16 or is received in the weighing receptacle 22 of the weighing device 20. The nest 12 is then moved further in the direction of gravity 30 until the container 14 (with its lid region 18) is partially lifted out of the nest 12, so that the device 10 is arranged in a second state.

[0070] This second state of the device 10 according to Figure 1 is in Figure 2 In the second state of the device 10, the container 14 is partially lifted (with its lid area 18) out of the nest 12. From the second state, the centering device 24 and thus the centering receptacle 26 are moved in the direction of gravity 30 (in Figure 2 downwards) towards the container 14 or its lid area 18.

[0071] This movement of the centering device 28 or the centering receptacle 26 is continued until the lid portion 18 of the container 14 is received in the centering receptacle 26 or is contacted or centered by the centering receptacle 26. The device 10 is thus in a third state.

[0072] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the device 10 according to Figure 1 in the third state. In the third state of the device 10, the container 14 is received or arranged with its base region 16 in the weighing receptacle 22 and with its lid region 18 in the centering receptacle 26. From this third state, the nest 12 is further moved in the direction of gravity 30 (in Figure 3 downwards) until the container 14 is completely lifted out of the nest 12. The device is then in a fourth state.

[0073] Figure 4shows a perspective view of the device 10 according to Figure 1 in the fourth state. In the fourth state of the device 10, the weighing process is carried out. In the fourth state of the device 10, the container 14 is completely lifted out of the nest 12 and does not contact the nest 12. The lifted container 14 is contacted or held exclusively by the weighing receptacle 22 and the centering receptacle 26. This avoids weighing inaccuracies that can arise, for example, due to the container 14 being tilted in the nest 12 and / or the container 14 being positioned improperly in the nest 12.

[0074] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the device 10 according to a second embodiment. The second embodiment of the device 10 differs from the first, in the Figures 1 to 4shown embodiment by a handling device 32 and a filling and / or closing device 36. In addition, the weighing receptacle 22 and the centering receptacle 26 according to the second embodiment of the device 10 are designed to be exchangeable (changeable).

[0075] The handling device 32 serves to change the weighing receptacle 22 and / or the centering receptacle 26. The handling device 32 is designed in the form of a robot arm. The handling device 32 is in Figure 5 only indicated schematically.

[0076] For example, by means of the handling device 32, the weighing receptacle 22 and / or the centering receptacle 26 can be exchanged for another weighing receptacle 22 and / or another centering receptacle 26 with a different size and / or format. Thus, the device 10 can be automatically adapted to different sizes and / or formats of containers 14 by means of the handling device 32. It is conceivable that such a change can be carried out by means of the arrangement unit (which can be designed, for example, as a robot arm).

[0077] The filling and / or closing device 36 serves to fill and / or close the containers 14. The filling and / or closing device 36 is in Figure 5only indicated schematically. While being filled and / or closed, the container 14 is held with its base region 18 in the weighing receptacle 22 and with its lid region 18 in the centering receptacle 26. Thus, the filling and / or closing process can be monitored or controlled by means of the weighing device 20 (or the load cell 19 of the weighing device 20), with the container 14 being precisely aligned by the centering device 24 for the filling and / or closing process.

[0078] Figure 6 shows a section of the weighing device 20 and the centering device 24 of the device 10 according to a third exemplary embodiment. The third exemplary embodiment of the device 10 differs from the two described above in that the weighing receptacle 22 and the centering receptacle 26 have a different size and shape.

[0079] The weighing receptacle 22 and the centering receptacle 26 are adapted to the illustrated container 14, which in this case is in the form of a vial 15. In other words, the weighing receptacle 22 and the centering receptacle 26 have a shape corresponding to the base region 16 and the lid region 18 of the vial 15, respectively. The vial 15 has a neck region 38. The neck region 38 is arranged below the lid region 18 of the vial 15.

[0080] In the present case, the centering recess 26 has four webs 34. The webs 34 extend from the centering recess 26 toward the vial 15 (along the direction of gravity 30). The webs 34 are elongated (pin-like). The webs 34 contact the vial 15 with their respective lower ends in the direction of gravity 30 in the neck region 38 of the vial 15. It is conceivable that the extension of the webs 34 each runs at an angle to the direction of gravity. In other words, the webs 34 can also run obliquely (with respect to the direction of gravity).

[0081] Thus, a relative movement of the centering device 24 or the centering receptacle 26 in the direction of gravity 30 can generate a force and transmit it via the webs 34 to the neck region 38 of the vial 15. In other words, a force can be exerted on the neck region 38 of the vial 15 via the webs 34, which force is directed in the direction of gravity 30.

[0082] If the vials 15 are held in the nest 12 by resilient retaining elements (e.g. resilient clips or noses), for example in the neck region 38 of the vials 15, then a return of the vial 15 into the nest 12 can be made possible or at least facilitated by exerting a force via the webs 34 onto the vial 15 or its neck region 38.

Claims

1. Device (10) for weighing individual containers (14), in particular pharmaceutical containers, arranged in a nest (12), wherein the containers (14) are designed to have a base region (16) and a lid region (18) and the device (10) comprises: - at least one weighing apparatus (20), wherein the weighing apparatus (20) has at least one load cell (19) for weighing the containers (14) and at least one weighing receptacle (22) for receiving the base region (16) of one of the containers (14), - an arrangement unit (28) which is designed to arrange the nest (12) in the device (10) for the weighing process, - wherein the device (10) is designed such that the weighing receptacle (22) and the arrangement unit (28) are designed to be movable relative to one another in order to be able to move a container (14) arranged in the nest (12), which is arranged in the arrangement unit (28), completely out of the nest (12), wherein the device (10) has at least one centering apparatus (24) for centering the container (14) to be weighed by means of the weighing apparatus (20), in particular with respect to the weighing receptacle (22), wherein the centering apparatus (24) has a centering receptacle (26) for receiving the lid region (18) of the container (14) to be weighed by means of the weighing apparatus (20), wherein the arrangement unit (28) is designed to place the nest (12) between the weighing apparatus (20) and the centering apparatus (24), in particular between the weighing receptacle (22) and the centering receptacle (26), for the weighing process, wherein the arrangement unit (28), the weighing receptacle (22) and / or the centering receptacle (26) are designed to be movable in the direction of gravity (30).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the weighing receptacle (22) and / or the centering receptacle (26) are designed to be exchangeable, in particular without tools.

3. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a handling apparatus (32) for changing the weighing receptacle (22) and / or the centering receptacle (26).

4. Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centering receptacle (26) has at least one projection (34), in particular four projections (26), for applying a force to the container (14) to be weighed, in particular in the direction of gravity (30), in order to return the container (14) to the nest (12).

5. Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centering receptacle (26) is designed as a centering ring.

6. Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) has a gripping apparatus, the gripping apparatus being designed to remove a container (14) from the weighing apparatus (20), in particular from the weighing receptacle (22), after weighing.

7. Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a filling and / or closing apparatus (36) which is designed to fill and / or close a container (14), the base region (16) of which is received in the weighing receptacle (22).

8. Set comprising a device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, at least one nest (12) and at least one container (14), in particular a pharmaceutical container, arranged in the nest (12).

9. Method for weighing individual containers (14), in particular pharmaceutical containers, arranged in a nest (12), the containers having a base region (16) and a lid region (18), the method comprising the steps of: - providing a nest (12) with at least one container (14) arranged therein; - receiving the base region (16) of a container (14) to be weighed in a weighing receptacle (22) of a weighing apparatus (20) in order to weigh said container by means of the weighing apparatus (20); - completely lifting the container (14) to be weighed out of the nest (12) by moving the weighing receptacle (22) and / or the nest (12) relative to one another in the direction of gravity (30); - weighing the container (14) completely lifted out of the nest (12) by means of the weighing apparatus (20); - receiving the lid region (18) of the container (14) to be weighed in a centering receptacle (26) in order to center said container, in particular with respect to the weighing receptacle (22), wherein the centering receptacle (26) is arranged above the weighing receptacle (22) and above the nest (12) with respect to the direction of gravity (30).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the method comprises the step of: - applying a force to the weighed container (14) in order to return it to the nest (12).

11. Method according to either claim 9 or claim 10, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: - determining, after weighing a container (14), whether the weighed container (14) is a reject container (14); - removing the container (14) identified as a reject container (14) from the weighing receptacle (22) so that a container (14) identified as a reject container (14) is not returned to the nest (12).

12. Method according to any of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the method comprises the step of: - filling and / or closing a container (14), the base region (16) of which is received in the weighing receptacle (22).

13. Method according to any of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that in order to carry out the method, a device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 7 or a set according to claim 8 is used.