Supply device, barrier system and methods

Abstract

The invention relates to a supply device (22, 22') for supplying closure elements into an area with limited access, in particular into an isolator (12), wherein the supply device (22, 22') has a supply unit (32), a first vibrating plate (34, 34') and a second vibrating plate (34, 34'), wherein the supply unit (32) is designed to supply the closure elements to the first vibrating plate (34, 34'), wherein the first vibrating plate (34, 34') is designed to convey the closure elements to the second vibrating plate (34, 34'), in particular during normal operation, and wherein the second vibrating plate (34, 34') is designed to arrange, in particular orientate, the closure elements on the second vibrating plate (34, 34') in a defined position. The invention also relates to a barrier system (10). The invention further relates to methods (100) for supplying closure elements into an area with limited access, in particular into an isolator (12).

Description

Feeding device, barrier system and method

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeding device for feeding closure elements into an isolator. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a barrier system, in particular an isolator system. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for feeding closure elements into an isolator.

[0002] A barrier system is a system that provides a physical and aerodynamic barrier, e.g., by means of positive air pressure, between an external environment, such as an external cleanroom environment, and a work process. In particular, a barrier system provides a restricted-access environment in which the work process can be carried out. Various barrier systems are known in the art. A barrier system can, for example, comprise an isolator or a restricted-access barrier, a so-called RABS (Restricted Area Barrier System). The RABS can be an open RABS or a closed RABS.

[0003] The present invention primarily concerns aseptic isolators as barrier systems. However, the present invention can also be applied to other barrier systems, such as an open or closed RABS.

[0004] The term "isolator" generally refers to a container that is hermetically and gas-tightly sealed from the surrounding workspace. Within an isolator, a defined atmosphere can be created for processing sensitive or hazardous products.

[0005] In this context, isolators are typically used in biopharmaceutical process engineering, for example as part of a filling system with multiple process and processing stations, to create a highly clean or sterile, i.e. germ-free, environment.

[0006] In such filling systems, containers (e.g. vials, cartridges, bottles, syringes and / or the like) can be filled with a product (e.g. a pharmaceutical or cosmetic product, in particular a liquid or a powder) and then closed with a closure element (e.g. a stopper or a crimp cap).

[0007] One or more handling devices (e.g., handling robots) can be arranged in the insulator for handling the containers and / or the closure elements. A filling station can be provided in the insulator for filling the containers. One or more closing stations (e.g., a plug-inserting station and / or a crimping station) can be arranged in the insulator for closing the containers. In a closing station, each container is closed with a closure element after filling. In particular, a plug can be placed on the container in a plug-inserting station. In the crimping station, a crimping cap can be attached (in particular, crimped) to the container.

[0008] Feeding devices within the isolator can be used to introduce or feed closure elements into the isolator. For example, the closure elements can be provided in a transfer lock or a provision container (e.g., a beta container filled with closure elements) outside the isolator. This provision container can then be coupled from the outside to a port (e.g., an alpha-beta port) of the isolator. The feeding device can have a chute or a pipe, which can be coupled from the inside to the port. The closure elements can then be guided via the chute or pipe, for example, from the transfer lock into a collection container within the isolator. The closure elements can then be brought from the collection container, particularly individually, to the closing station.

[0009] Such feeding devices are known in the prior art.

[0010] For example, the document DE 102021 101 384 B3 shows a system for transporting sterile pourable closure elements from an environment of an isolator into an interior of the isolator, comprising a container for storing a supply quantity of closure elements in the environment of the isolator, an isolator opening and a collecting device for collecting the closure elements and for providing the closure elements in the interior of the isolator, with a dosing device for controlling a desired quantity of closure elements to be transported from the container through the isolator opening and into the collecting device.

[0011] Furthermore, the document EP 3 581 339 B1 shows a transfer system for a sealed housing, wherein the sealed housing defines a first closed volume and has at least one sealed connection device intended to connect the first closed volume to a second closed volume, wherein the transfer system is intended to be arranged in the housing, wherein the transfer system has at least one arm intended to be rotatably mounted on a wall of the sealed housing via a first pivot having a first axis of rotation, wherein the transfer system has a chute, wherein the chute has a docking edge and a pouring edge, wherein the docking edge is designed to cooperate with the sealed connection device. ken, wherein the transfer system has a second pivot joint between the arm and the chute, wherein the second pivot joint has a second axis of rotation.

[0012] Furthermore, the document WO 2021 / 214809 A1 discloses a device for filling containers with a powdered material, comprising a feeding station arranged to feed a plurality of the containers; a filling station arranged downstream of the loading station and comprising a measuring arrangement configured to fill each container with a measured amount of a powdered material; a closing station arranged downstream of the filling station; and at least one handling arrangement movable to transport at least one container from one station to a subsequent station.

[0013] Furthermore, document EP 2 801 828 A1 discloses a method for closing vessels containing biological samples. The method comprises providing a cap supply comprising a plurality of caps for the vessels within compartments in a predefined geometric arrangement. The cap supply is introduced into a pre-analytical system comprising a housing via an interface. For this purpose, it is reversibly docked to a feeding device for inserting and removing the cap supply from the pre-analytical system. A cap is then removed from the supply by a robotic manipulator and transported to a workstation holding the vessels. A vessel is then closed using the manipulator. The steps from inserting the cap supply into the pre-analytical system to closing a vessel are then repeated a certain number of times or until all caps in the supply have been removed.Finally, the cap supply is retrieved from the pre-analytical system.

[0014] However, the known feeding devices still leave room for improvement, particularly with regard to the provision of the closure elements.

[0015] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved feeding device for feeding closure elements into an insulator, in particular in which the provision of the closure elements is improved.

[0016] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved isolator system. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for feeding closure elements into an isolator.

[0017] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a feeding device for feeding closure elements into an environment with restricted access, in particular into an isolator, is provided, wherein the feeding device has a feeding device, a first vibrating plate and a second vibrating plate, wherein the feeding device is designed to feed the closure elements onto the first vibrating plate, wherein the first vibrating plate is designed to convey the closure elements, in particular during normal operation, onto the second vibrating plate, and wherein the second vibrating plate is designed to arrange, in particular to orient, the closure elements on the second vibrating plate in a defined position.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a barrier system is provided, wherein the barrier system comprises a restricted-access environment, in particular an isolator, and the delivery device according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the delivery device is arranged within the restricted-access environment, in particular within the isolator. The barrier system can in particular be an isolator system, wherein the restricted-access environment is an isolator. Alternatively, the barrier system can also be an open or closed RABS.

[0019] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for feeding closure elements into a restricted access environment, in particular into an isolator, wherein a feeding device is arranged within the restricted access environment, in particular within the isolator, wherein the feeding device comprises a feeding device, a first vibrating plate and a second vibrating plate, the method further comprising the following steps: Feeding the closure elements onto the first vibrating plate by means of the feeding device; Conveying the closure elements, particularly during normal operation, by means of the first vibrating plate onto the second vibrating plate; and Arranging, in particular orienting, the closure elements by means of the second vibrating plate on the second vibrating plate in a defined position.

[0020] The feed device is used to feed closure elements into the insulator. The closure elements can be, for example, plugs or closure caps, in particular crimp caps. The closure elements can have a height and a diameter. The height of the closure elements can be 5 to 16 mm, preferably 6 mm to 11 mm, in particular 7.5 mm. The diameter can be 5 to 40 mm, preferably 13 mm to 32 mm, in particular 20 mm. For example, plugs with a height of 5 mm to 16 mm and a diameter of 5 mm to 32 mm can be used as closure elements. Alternatively, crimp caps with a height of 6 mm and a diameter of 13 mm, or a height of 7.5 mm and a diameter of 20 mm, or a height of 11 mm and a diameter of 32 mm can also be used as closure elements.

[0021] The feed device is preferably arranged within the isolator. The isolator may have an interior space. The feed device may be arranged in the interior space. The isolator is preferably an aseptic isolator. An aseptic isolator has a highly clean or sterile, i.e., germ-free, environment in the interior space.

[0022] The isolator can preferably be part of a filling system with multiple processing and finishing stations. The filling system can, for example, be a system for filling and closing containers with a pharmaceutical or cosmetic substance. The system can, in particular, have a filling station and at least one closing station. During normal operation of the system, the containers are filled in the filling station and closed in the at least one closing station.

[0023] At least one closing station can be arranged in the insulator. The closing station can be a plug-inserting station or a flanging station. In the closing station, filled containers can be closed with the supplied closure elements. For this purpose, the closing station can, for example, have a closing device, in particular a plug-inserting device or a flanging device, by means of which the containers are closed with the closure elements. The supplied closure elements thus serve to close the containers.

[0024] Furthermore, a filling station can be arranged in the isolator, where the containers can be filled before sealing. In particular, the containers can be filled with the pharmaceutical or cosmetic substance in the filling station. One or more handling devices (e.g., handling robots) can be arranged in the isolator for handling the containers and / or the closure elements.

[0025] The isolator can, in particular, have a transfer system via which the closure elements can be introduced into the isolator. For this purpose, the transfer system can have an isolator opening. The isolator opening can be closed by means of a door. A transfer lock can be coupled to the isolator opening from the outside. The closure elements can be arranged in the transfer lock. Preferably, the transfer lock is coupled to the isolator opening when the door is closed, and the door is only opened when the door is coupled. For example, the transfer system can be designed as a port system, in particular as an alpha-beta port system. The port system can have an alpha port that is integrated into the isolator. The alpha port can have the isolator opening and the door. The transfer lock can accordingly be designed as a beta port or beta container, which can be coupled to the alpha port.The beta port or beta container can be, for example, a sterile bag or a rigid transport container (e.g. a stainless steel container, a plastic container or an aluminum container).

[0026] The feed device serves to feed the closure elements onto the first vibrating plate or to provide them on the first vibrating plate. The feed device can, for example, be coupled to the insulator opening from the inside in order to elements from the transfer lock into the isolator and feed them to the first vibrating plate.

[0027] The first vibrating plate and the second vibrating plate are configured to move closure elements. The closure elements are moved by a movement, in particular a vibration, of the respective vibrating plate. For this purpose, each vibrating plate can have a plate and a drive device. The plate serves as a support for the closure elements. In particular, the closure elements are conveyed or arranged on the plate. The drive device of the respective vibrating plate is configured to move the plate of the vibrating plate, in particular to shake or vibrate it, in order to convey or arrange the closure elements located thereon accordingly. The movement of the respective vibrating plate can be a translational and / or rotational movement. The translational movement can occur in a horizontal and / or vertical direction. The rotational movement can be a rotary movement about one or more axes.The vibration of the vibrating plate can be an oscillating movement.

[0028] During normal operation, the first vibrating plate conveys the supplied closure elements to the second vibrating plate. The closure elements are conveyed on the first vibrating plate in a first conveying direction towards the second vibrating plate. In particular, conveying to the second vibrating plate only takes place during normal operation. The first vibrating plate can preferably be designed to convey a number of closure elements (e.g. one, two or three closure caps) to the second vibrating plate. In particular, the first vibrating plate can convey the closure elements in a metered manner or individually (e.g. in small numbers) to the second vibrating plate. The closure elements are conveyed by vibrating the first vibrating plate. In particular, conveying can take place by a rotary movement or by a combination of a rotary and a translatory movement of the first vibrating plate.For example, conveying can be achieved by a preferably oscillating tilting movement of the first vibrating plate. The first vibrating plate is preferably horizontally aligned and, for conveying, is tilted or inclined from its horizontal position, preferably in an oscillating motion, in the appropriate conveying direction. "Oscillating" in this context means that the first vibrating plate is tilted, preferably several times, from the horizontal position. len position in the corresponding conveying direction and then tilted back to the horizontal position. This moves the locking elements in the conveying direction. During normal operation, the oscillating tilting movement occurs in the first conveying direction and is thus directed toward the second vibrating plate.

[0029] Each closure element that is conveyed onto the second vibrating plate is then provided in a defined position on the second vibrating plate. For this purpose, the second vibrating plate is configured such that each closure element can be arranged in this defined position. The defined position can be a position and / or an orientation in space. If a closure element on the second vibrating plate is not arranged in the defined position, the second vibrating plate can be configured to change the position of the closure element. The position can be changed by vibrating the second vibrating plate. The second vibrating plate is preferably aligned horizontally.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the defined position can comprise a defined spatial orientation of each closure element. The second vibrating plate is then configured to orient each closure element on the second vibrating plate in the defined orientation. Alternatively or additionally, the defined position can also comprise a position (or a specific area) in space, with the second vibrating plate being configured to arrange each closure element in the defined position (or specific area).

[0031] The first vibrating plate can preferably be arranged adjacent to the second vibrating plate. The first vibrating plate can be arranged higher in the vertical direction than the second vibrating plate. As a result, the closure elements then fall from the first vibrating plate onto the second vibrating plate when the closure elements are conveyed to the second vibrating plate. The first vibrating plate and the second vibrating plate can each have a peripheral edge. Each vibrating plate can have a barrier on the peripheral edge, wherein the barrier extends along the peripheral edge and preferably completely encloses the vibrating plate. The barrier is a border of the respective vibrating plate. Each barrier has a height in the vertical direction. The height can be 10 mm to 100 mm, preferably 25 mm to 75 mm, in particular especially 50 mm. The barrier of the first vibrating plate can have a first opening to the second vibrating plate. The first opening is thus located on a side of the first vibrating plate facing the second vibrating plate. The closure elements can be conveyed to the second vibrating plate through the first opening.

[0032] The closure feeding principle according to the invention is explained again below. The closure elements are supplied to the isolator via the feed device, which can be connected, for example, to a port (in particular, an isolator opening) of the isolator. The closure elements are fed to the first vibrating plate via the feed device. The first vibrating plate then conveys a number of the closure elements to the second vibrating plate during normal operation. Each closure element should then be arranged in a defined position on the second vibrating plate. To arrange the closure elements in the defined position, the closure elements can be vibrated on the second vibrating plate.

[0033] By providing a number of closure elements in a defined position on the second vibrating plate, one of the handling devices arranged in the isolator can then, for example, pick up the closure elements one after the other (preferably two at a time) from the second vibrating plate and transfer them to a closing station.

[0034] In this way, an improved, in particular simple and controlled, provision of the closure elements in the insulator is achieved.

[0035] The task posed at the beginning is thus completely solved.

[0036] In a first embodiment of the aspects, the feed device can be coupled to a port system, in particular to an insulator opening of the insulator, in order to feed the closure elements.

[0037] Preferably, the feed device can be coupled from the inside to an isolator opening of the isolator. From the outside, a transfer lock can then be connected to the isolator opening. The closure elements can then be fed through the isolator opening and via the feed device from the transfer lock onto the first vibrating plate. This allows the closure elements to be easily inserted into the isolator.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the feeding device can have a chute and / or a pipe via which the closure elements can be fed onto the first vibrating plate.

[0039] In particular, the closure elements can be fed via the pipe or chute from the isolator opening or from the transfer lock to the first vibrating plate. A first, open end of the pipe or chute can be coupled to the isolator opening. The second, open end of the pipe or chute can be arranged at or above the first vibrating plate. If the first end is coupled to the isolator opening, the second end is preferably arranged lower than the first end. As a result, the closure elements can slide along the pipe or chute from the isolator opening to the first vibrating plate due to gravity. In this way, the closure elements can be easily inserted into the isolator. The second end can be arranged at a preferably short distance above the first vibrating plate. The distance can be 5 mm to 100 mm, preferably 10 mm to 75 mm, in particular 15 or 35 mm or 63 mm.The distance is preferably greater than a maximum diameter of the closure elements. The distance can in particular be adjustable. In particular, the first vibrating plate can be moved in the vertical direction in order to adjust the distance. In normal operation, the distance can preferably be 10 mm to 50 mm, in particular 15 mm to 35 mm. In particular, the distance at the start of normal operation, in particular when the pipe is filled for the first time, can initially be 15 mm. After the start of normal operation, the distance can then be 15 mm to 35 mm. In special operation, in particular for ejecting closure elements, the distance can be greater than in normal operation. In particular, the distance in special operation can be 50 mm to 75 mm, in particular 63 mm.

[0040] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the first vibrating plate may have a first surface for conveying the closure elements, wherein the closure elements can be fed to the first surface and conveyed on the first surface, wherein the first surface is a flat surface.

[0041] In other words, the closure elements can be fed onto the first surface of the first vibrating plate and then conveyed along it. The first surface is arranged vertically on an upper surface of the first vibrating plate. The flat surface is well suited for conveying the closure elements.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the second vibrating plate can have a second surface, wherein the closure elements can be conveyed from the first vibrating plate to the second surface and can be arranged on the second surface in the defined position, wherein the second surface has knobs.

[0043] In other words, the closure elements can be conveyed onto the second surface of the second vibrating plate and then arranged or oriented in the defined position. The second surface is arranged vertically on an upper side of the second vibrating plate. The second surface is not flat, but has knobs. The knobs are evenly distributed on the second surface. The knobs protrude upwards from the second surface in the vertical direction. Thanks to the knobs, the closure elements come to rest or stop more quickly on the second vibrating plate after they have either been conveyed onto the second vibrating plate or the second vibrating plate has been vibrated to change position. In particular, closure elements such as caps or plugs generally have an essentially cylindrical shape and can therefore roll, particularly on flat surfaces.The nubs now prevent the closure elements from moving, especially rolling, for long periods on the second surface, thus preventing them from coming to a stop. This allows the position of the closure elements to be determined more quickly using a camera system, because determining the position is only possible when the closure elements are stationary. Furthermore, a handling device in the isolator can also grip the closure elements more quickly and transfer them to the closing station, because gripping is only possible when the closure elements are stationary. move and are arranged in the defined position. The knobs can have a height in the vertical direction and a diameter in the horizontal direction. The height can be 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.75 mm to 2 mm, in particular 1 mm. The diameter can be in particular 1 mm to 4 mm, preferably 1.4 mm to 2.5 mm, in particular 1.7 mm. In an alternative embodiment, the second surface can also be flat, in particular without knobs. The embodiment of the second surface with knobs is particularly suitable when the closure elements are closure caps, in particular crimp caps. The embodiment of the second surface without knobs can be used when the closure elements are plugs.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the feeding device may further comprise a control device which is configured to control the first vibrating plate and the second vibrating plate.

[0045] The first vibrating plate can be controlled such that the closure elements, preferably a number of closure elements, are conveyed onto the second vibrating plate. The second vibrating plate can be controlled such that the closure elements are arranged or oriented in a defined position on the second vibrating plate. In this way, the supply of the closure elements and the provision of a number of closure elements can be controlled. The control device can also be configured to control the handling device that transfers the closure elements to the closing station within the isolator. Alternatively, the isolator system can also have a separate control device that controls the handling device.

[0046] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the feeding device can further comprise a camera system which is configured to capture at least one image of the closure elements on the second vibrating plate, wherein the camera system and / or the control device are configured to determine the position of the closure elements on the second vibrating plate on the basis of the at least one captured image.

[0047] The camera system can have one or more cameras for this purpose. Based on the at least one captured image, the position (in particular position and / or orientation) of each closure element on the second vibrating plate can then be determined. This determination can be performed by the control device or by the camera system. Based on the determined position, the first vibrating plate and / or the second vibrating plate and / or the handling device can then be controlled accordingly to convey closure elements onto the second vibrating plate and / or to arrange them in a defined position and / or to transfer them to the closing station.

[0048] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the control device can be configured to control the first vibrating plate on the basis of the determined position of the closure elements in such a way that a number of closure elements are conveyed onto the second vibrating plate.

[0049] In this way, the closure elements can be fed to the second vibrating plate in a metered or individual manner. If only a small number of closure elements are arranged on the second vibrating plate, the second vibrating plate can arrange them more easily and quickly in the defined position. Furthermore, the closure elements can then be gripped more easily and quickly using the handling device.

[0050] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the control device can be configured to control the second vibrating plate on the basis of the determined position of the closure elements such that at least one of the closure elements is arranged in the defined position.

[0051] If the specific position of a closure element does not correspond to the defined position, the second vibrating plate can, for example, be controlled (or vibrated) in such a way that the position of the closure element changes. In this case, the closure elements are preferably not "specifically" brought into the defined position by the vibration of the second vibrating plate. The vibration changes the position of all closure elements on the second vibrating plate, with some closure elements returning to the correct position. In particular, the second vibrating plate can be vibrated until at least a certain number, for example, one or two, of the closure elements are arranged in the defined position. In this way, the closure elements can be gradually arranged in the defined position on the second vibrating plate. The strength, duration, and direction of the movement (vibration) of the second vibrating plate can be determined based on the determined position of the closure elements.

[0052] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the feeding device can further comprise an ejection device for ejecting closure elements.

[0053] In particular, the discharge device can be configured to discharge the closure elements fed onto the first vibrating plate during special operation. Special operation of the system occurs when the system is not operating during normal operation. Special operation can occur, for example, if contamination occurs in the isolator or if a handling device or process station within the isolator is defective. In this case, the system cannot continue to operate as intended, i.e. the containers are no longer to be filled or closed. During special operation, any closure elements fed in are therefore discharged using the discharge device. During special operation, particularly when contamination occurs, it may also be necessary to close isolator openings. To do this, the feed device must first be disconnected from the isolator opening.However, this is not possible as long as there are still closure elements in the feeder. By discharging closure elements that are being fed to the first vibrating plate in special mode, all closure elements can be fed from the feeder to the first vibrating plate one after the other and then discharged. This allows the feeder to be emptied and then disconnected from the isolator opening.

[0054] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the ejection device can have a collecting container for collecting ejected closure elements.

[0055] The collection container serves to collect the discharged closure elements. In particular, the closure elements are discharged from the first vibrating plate into the collection container during special operation.

[0056] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the first vibrating plate can be configured to convey the closure elements, in particular in special operation, to the discharge device, in particular wherein the control device is configured to control the first vibrating plate, in particular in special operation, in such a way that the first vibrating plate conveys the closure elements to the discharge device.

[0057] In this way, the closure elements can be conveyed from the first vibrating plate directly to the discharge device, in particular to the collection container, in order to discharge them there, in particular to collect them. The barrier of the first vibrating plate can have a second opening to the discharge device, in particular to the collection container. The second opening is thus arranged on a side of the first vibrating plate that faces the discharge device, in particular the collection container. The closure elements can thus be conveyed through the second opening to the discharge device, in particular into the collection container. During normal operation, the first vibrating plate conveys the closure elements in the first conveying direction through the first opening to the second vibrating plate.In special mode, the first vibrating plate conveys the closure elements in a second conveying direction through the second opening to the discharge device, in particular into the collection container. In particular, the first opening can be opened during normal mode and closed during special mode, whereas the second opening can be closed during normal mode and opened during special mode. This allows the closure elements to be conveyed only to the second vibrating plate in normal mode and only to the discharge device in special mode.

[0058] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the second vibrating plate can be configured to convey the closure elements, in particular in special operation, to the discharge device, in particular wherein the control device is configured to control the second vibrating plate, in particular in special operation, in such a way that the second vibrating plate conveys the closure elements to the discharge device.

[0059] To convey the closure elements to the discharge device, the second vibrating plate can be vibrated in the same way as the first vibrating plate. In this way, the closure elements can be conveyed from the second vibrating plate to the discharge device, in particular to the collection container, where they can be discharged, in particular collected.

[0060] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the second vibrating plate and the discharge device can be arranged on opposite sides of the first vibrating plate.

[0061] The first opening and the second opening are then arranged on opposite sides of the first vibrating plate. In this case, the first conveying direction and the second conveying direction run opposite to each other. In other words, with this configuration, the closure elements are conveyed in opposite conveying directions during normal operation and during special operation.

[0062] In an alternative embodiment of the aspects, the second vibrating plate and the discharge device can be arranged on the same side of the first vibrating plate or on the same edge region of the first vibrating plate.

[0063] The first opening and the second opening are then arranged accordingly on the same side of the first vibrating plate and / or on the same edge region of the first vibrating plate. In particular, the first opening and the second opening can be arranged adjacent to one another on the edge of the vibrating plate. The edge region can, for example, be a corner region in which two sides of the vibrating plate adjoin one another, wherein the two openings on these two sides can be arranged in the corner region. In this embodiment, the first conveying direction and the second conveying direction run essentially parallel to one another. In other words, in this embodiment, the closure elements can be conveyed in the same conveying direction both during normal operation and during special operation. This simplifies the control and operation of the first vibrating plate.

[0064] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the first vibrating plate can be movable relative to the second vibrating plate, wherein the control device is configured to control the movement of the first vibrating plate relative to the second vibrating plate, in particular in special operation, such that the first vibrating plate is lowered relative to the second vibrating plate.

[0065] The first vibrating plate is movable, in particular, in a vertical direction relative to the second vibrating plate. For this purpose, the drive device of the first and / or the second vibrating plate can be configured to move the first vibrating plate or the second vibrating plate in the vertical direction. In particular, the relative movement is controlled by the control device such that the first vibrating plate is arranged in a raised position during normal operation and in a lowered position during special operation. The barrier of the second vibrating plate can have a first section and a second section. The first section can be arranged such that it closes the first opening in the lowered position. The second section can be arranged such that it closes the second opening in the raised position.This ensures that the first opening is open during normal operation and closed during special operation, whereas the second opening is closed during normal operation and open during special operation. This allows the closure elements to be conveyed only to the second vibrating plate during normal operation and only to the discharge device during special operation. Alternatively, movable flaps can be arranged at the first and second openings, which can close the respective openings, so that only the first opening is open during normal operation and only the second opening is open during special operation.

[0066] In a further embodiment of the isolator system, the isolator system can have a closing station for closing containers with the supplied closing elements and a handling device for transferring the closing elements from the second vibrating plate to the closing station.

[0067] The closing station and the handling device are arranged within the isolator. In particular, the isolator system can have several handling devices, at least one of which is designed to to transfer the closure elements from the second vibrating plate to the closing station. Preferably, the handling device can grip closure elements arranged on the second vibrating plate in the defined position, individually or in pairs, and transfer them to the closing station. The control device of the feed device or a separate control device of the isolator system can be configured to control the handling device accordingly. In particular, the handling device can be controlled based on the position determined by the camera system in order to transfer the closure elements accordingly to the closing station.

[0068] In a further embodiment of the method, the feed device may further comprise a discharge device for discharging closure elements, wherein the method further comprises the following step: Conveying the closure elements, particularly in special operation, by means of the first vibrating plate to a discharge device.

[0069] As already explained above, the closure elements can in this way be conveyed from the first vibrating plate directly to the discharge device, in particular to the collecting container, in order to discharge them there, in particular to collect them.

[0070] In a further embodiment of the aspects, the method may further comprise the following step: Lowering the first vibrating plate relative to the second vibrating plate, especially in special operation.

[0071] The first vibrating plate is movable, in particular, in a vertical direction relative to the second vibrating plate. For this purpose, the drive device of the first and / or the second vibrating plate can be configured to move the first vibrating plate or the second vibrating plate in the vertical direction. In particular, the relative movement is controlled by the control device such that the first vibrating plate, during normal operation, is in a raised position and in a lowered position during special operation. The barrier of the second vibrating plate can have a first section and a second section. The first section can be arranged such that it closes the first opening in the lowered position. The second section can be arranged such that it closes the second opening in the raised position. This ensures that the first opening is open during normal operation and closed during special operation, whereas the second opening is closed during normal operation and open during special operation. In this way, the closure elements can only be conveyed onto the second vibrating plate during normal operation and only to the discharge device during special operation.

[0072] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0073] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. They show: Fig: 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of an isolator system; Fig. 2 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a feeding device; Fig. 3 is an isometric view of a feeding device of the feeding apparatus of Fig. 2 in the coupled state; Fig. 4 is an isometric view of a feeding device of the feeding apparatus of Fig. 2 in the uncoupled state; Fig. 5 is an isometric view of a first vibrating plate of the feeding device of Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is a plan view of an upper side of the first vibrating plate from Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is an isometric view of a second vibrating plate of the feeding device of Fig. 2; Fig. 8 is a plan view of an upper side of the first vibrating plate from Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is an isometric view of the arrangement of the vibrating plates of the feeding device from Fig. 2; Fig. 10 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a feeding device; Fig. 11 is an isometric view of a first vibrating plate of the feeding device of Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a plan view of an upper side of the first vibrating plate from Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is an isometric view of a second vibrating plate of the feeding device of Fig. 10; Fig. 14 is a plan view of an upper side of the first vibrating plate from Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is an isometric view of the arrangement of the vibrating plates of the feeding device from Fig. 10; Fig. 16 is an isometric view of the arrangement of the first vibrating plate of the feeding device of Fig. 10 in a lowered position; Fig. 17 is an isometric view of the arrangement of the first vibrating plate of the feed device of Fig. 10 in a raised position; and Fig. 18 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a method for feeding closure elements into an insulator.

[0074] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an isolator system as a barrier system in its entirety designated by the reference numeral 10.

[0075] The isolator system 10 has an isolator 12. The isolator 12 has an interior space 14. The isolator 12 further has a transfer system 16. The transfer system 16 can be configured as an alpha-beta port system. The transfer system 16 has an isolator opening 18 and an isolator door 20. These form an alpha port. The isolator opening 18 is arranged on a wall of the isolator 12, which separates the interior space 14 from an external environment. The isolator door 20 is arranged on the isolator opening 18. The isolator door 20 is rotatably mounted on the wall of the isolator 12. The isolator opening 18 can be opened or closed by means of the isolator door 20. A transfer lock (not shown) can be coupled to the isolator opening 18 from the outside. The transfer lock can be designed as a beta container or beta port.

[0076] The isolator system 10 comprises a feed device 22, a closing station 24, and one or more handling devices 26 in the interior 14 of the isolator 12. The isolator system 10 may further comprise a filling station (not shown). The feed device 22 serves to feed closure elements into the isolator 12. The closure elements can be provided outside the isolator in a transfer lock, in particular in a beta container, and then introduced into the isolator 12 through the isolator opening 18 and the feed device 22.

[0077] In the closing station 24, containers filled with a product are closed with the supplied closure elements. To close the containers, the closing station 24 has a closing device 28. The closing device 28 can be a crimping device with which crimp caps can be applied to the containers as closure elements.

[0078] The one or more handling devices serve to handle the closure elements and / or the containers in the isolator 12. The closure elements can be handled by means of the handling device 26. In particular, the handling device 26 can transfer closure elements supplied by the feed device to the closing station. The handling device 26 has an end effector 30. The end effector can, for example, have one or more grippers by means of which closure elements and / or containers can be gripped (i.e., picked up and held) for transfer.

[0079] Figures 2 to 10 show a first embodiment of a feed device, designated in its entirety by reference numeral 22. The feed device of the isolator system 10 can be designed corresponding to the feed device 22 of the first embodiment. The structure of the feed device 22 is shown in its entirety in Fig. 2. The feed device 22 has a feed device 32, a first vibrating plate 34, and a second vibrating plate 36.

[0080] The feed device 32 serves to feed the closure elements from the insulator opening 18 to the first vibrating plate 34. The feed device 32 can, for example, be coupled to the insulator opening 18 from the inside. In particular, by means of the feed device 32, closure elements can be introduced from a transfer lock through the insulator opening 18 and the feed device 32 into the insulator 12 and fed to the first vibrating plate 34.

[0081] The first vibrating plate 34 is configured to convey the closure elements onto the second vibrating plate 36 during normal operation. The closure elements are conveyed on the first vibrating plate 34 in a first conveying direction toward the second vibrating plate 36. The first vibrating plate 34 has a first drive device 38 and a first plate 42. The first plate 42 serves as a support for the closure elements. In particular, the closure elements can be fed onto the first plate 42 and conveyed thereon. The first drive device 38 is configured to move the first plate 42. In particular, the first drive device 38 is configured to tilt and vibrate the first plate 42. The conveyance of the closure elements during normal operation can be achieved by vibrating the plate 42.

[0082] The second vibrating plate 36 is designed to arrange, in particular to orient, the closure elements in a defined position on the second vibrating plate 36 during normal operation. The second vibrating plate 36 has a second drive device 40 and a second plate 44. The second plate 44 serves as a support for the closure elements. In particular, the closure elements can be fed onto the second plate 44 and conveyed thereon. The second drive device 40 is designed to move the second plate 44. In particular, the second drive device 40 is designed to vibrate the second plate 44. The arrangement or orientation of the closure elements in the defined position can be achieved by vibrating the plate 44. The closure elements are thereby provided on the second vibrating plate 36 in the defined position.Closure elements provided in this defined position can then be picked up by the handling device 26 and transferred to the closing station.

[0083] The feed device 22 can further comprise a discharge device 46. The discharge device 46 and the second vibrating plate 36 are arranged on opposite sides of the first vibrating plate 34. The discharge device 46 serves to discharge closure elements, particularly during special operation. The discharge device 46 has a collection container 48. The collection container 48 serves to receive or collect discharged closure elements. The first vibrating plate 34 is configured to convey the closure elements during special operation to the discharge device 46, particularly into the collection container 48. The closure elements are conveyed on the first vibrating plate 34 in a second conveying direction toward the discharge device 46. The conveyance of the closure elements during special operation can be achieved by vibrating the plate 42.

[0084] The feed device 22 may further comprise a camera system 50. The camera system 50 is preferably arranged above the second vibrating plate 36. For example, the camera system 50 may be attached to a ceiling of the insulator. The camera system 50 is configured to capture at least one image of the closure elements on the second vibrating plate 36. The camera system 50 may comprise one or more cameras for this purpose. The camera system 50 may also comprise lighting, by means of which at least the area to be captured during the image capture is illuminated. is illuminated. Based on the at least one captured image, the position of each closure element on the second vibrating plate 36, in particular its position and / or its orientation on the second vibrating plate 36, can be determined. In particular, the number of closure elements located on the second vibrating plate 36 is also determined.

[0085] The feed device 22 can further comprise a control device (not shown). The control device is configured to control the vibrating plates 34, 36 (in particular the drive devices 38, 40). The first vibrating plate 34 can be controlled such that the closure elements, preferably a number of closure elements, are conveyed to the second vibrating plate 36 during normal operation and the closure elements are conveyed to the discharge device 46 during special operation. The second vibrating plate 36 can be controlled such that the closure elements are arranged or oriented in a defined position on the second vibrating plate 36. In particular, the control device can control the drive devices 38, 40 in order to move the plates of the vibrating plates 34, 36 accordingly, in particular to vibrate and / or incline them.

[0086] The control device can be configured to control the camera system 50. In particular, the control device can control the image recording of the camera system for capturing the at least one image. The control device can be configured, in particular, to determine the position of the closure elements on the second vibrating plate 36 based on the at least one captured image. Based on the determined position, the first vibrating plate 34 and / or the second vibrating plate 36 and / or the handling device 26 can then be controlled accordingly.

[0087] In particular, the control device can be configured to control the first vibrating plate 34 (in particular the first drive device 38) based on the determined position of the closure elements such that a number of closure elements are conveyed onto the second vibrating plate. Furthermore, the control device can be configured to control the second vibrating plate 36 (in particular the second drive device 40) based on the determined position of the closure elements such that the closure elements are arranged or oriented in the defined position. Furthermore, the control device can be configured to control the handling device 26 in such a way that closure elements arranged in the defined position on the second vibrating plate 36 are transferred to the closing station 24.

[0088] For this purpose, the control device can, for example, have various subunits, each of which controls a component and / or processes data. For example, the control device can have a control unit that controls the vibrating plates 34, 36 (in particular the drive devices 38, 40). The control unit can also control the camera system 50 and / or the handling device 26. The control unit can, for example, send control commands to these components to control the respective components. Furthermore, the control device can have a data processing unit that is configured to evaluate images captured by the camera system. The data processing unit can, for example, determine the position of closure elements on the second vibrating plate based on the captured images.

[0089] The control device may be connected to or include a non-volatile data memory in which a computer program is stored. In some embodiments, the control device is a general-purpose computer, such as a commercially available personal computer running Windows®, Linux, or MacOS, and the computer program from the memory includes program code designed and configured to implement control and determination steps. In an alternative embodiment, the control device is a logic circuit, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microcontroller, or any other appropriate programmable electrical circuit. Therein, control and determination steps may be implemented using the logic circuit.Any appropriate programming language or hardware description language may be used to implement the control and determination steps in the logic circuit, such as C, VHDL, and the like.

[0090] Figures 3 and 4 show the structure of the feed device 32. The feed device comprises a tube 52. The tube 52 has a first, open end 54 and a second, open end 56. The first end 54 can be coupled to the insulator opening 18. The feed device 32 further comprises a pivoting mechanism by means of which the feed device 32 can be coupled to or decoupled from the insulator opening 18. For this purpose, the feed device 32 has an arm 58 and a motor 60. The tube 52 is pivotally mounted on the wall of the insulator 12, in particular above the insulator opening 18, via the arm 58. The arm 58 is fixedly connected to the tube 52. The arm is pivotally mounted on the wall of the insulator 12.The motor 60 is configured to move, in particular to displace, in particular to pivot, the arm 58 (and thus also the tube 52) relative to the insulator opening 18 between a coupled state 62 and a decoupled state 64.

[0091] In Fig. 3, the feed device 32 is shown in the coupled state 62. In the coupled state 62, the first end 52 is coupled to the isolator opening 18. In the coupled state 62, the second end 54 is arranged at a distance above the first vibrating plate 34. In the coupled state 62, the first end 54 is preferably arranged higher in the vertical direction than the second end 56.

[0092] In Fig. 4, the feed device 32 is shown in the decoupled state 64. In the decoupled state 64, the first end 52 is not coupled to the insulator opening 18. In particular, in the decoupled state, the tube 52 is pivoted far enough away from the insulator opening 18 that the insulator door 20 can close the insulator opening.

[0093] Figures 5 and 6 show the structure of the first vibrating plate 34, with the drive device 38 omitted for better illustration of the plate.

[0094] The first vibrating plate 34 has (in particular on an upper side of the plate 42) a first surface 66 as a support for the closure elements. The closure elements can in particular be fed onto the first surface 66 and conveyed on the first surface 66. The first surface is a flat surface. The first vibrating plate 34 has a first side 70 and a second side 72. The first side 70 is the second The first side 70 faces the vibrating plate 36. The second side 72 faces the discharge device 46. The sides 70, 72 are arranged opposite each other.

[0095] The first vibrating plate 34 (in particular the plate 42) has a circumferential edge. The first vibrating plate 34 has a barrier 68 on the circumferential edge. The barrier 68 extends along the circumferential edge and preferably completely encloses the first vibrating plate 34. The barrier 68 projects upwards in the vertical direction from the first surface 66. The barrier 68 has a first opening 74 to the second vibrating plate 36 on the first side 70. The barrier 68 has a second opening 76 to the discharge device 46 on the second side 72. The closure elements can be conveyed onto the second vibrating plate 36 through the first opening 74. The closure elements can be conveyed to the discharge device 46, in particular into the collection container 50, through the second opening 76.

[0096] Figures 7 to 9 show the structure of the second vibrating plate 36, with the drive device 40 being omitted for a better illustration of the plate.

[0097] The second vibrating plate 36 has (in particular on an upper side of the plate 44) a second surface 78 as a support for the closure elements. The closure elements can be conveyed, in particular, from the first vibrating plate 34 onto the second surface 78 and arranged on the second surface 78 in the defined position. The second surface 78 has studs 80. The studs 80 are evenly distributed over the surface 78. The studs 80 protrude upward from the second surface 78 in the vertical direction.

[0098] The second vibrating plate 36 (in particular the plate 44) has a circumferential edge. The second vibrating plate 36 has a barrier 82 on the circumferential edge. The barrier 82 extends along the circumferential edge and preferably completely encloses the second vibrating plate 36. The barrier 82 projects upward in the vertical direction from the second surface 66. The barrier 68 has an opening 84. The opening 84 is on a side facing the first vibrating plate 34. the second vibrating plate 36. In particular, the opening 84 is aligned with the first opening 74. The closure elements can then be conveyed from the first vibrating plate 34 to the second vibrating plate 36 through the opening 74 and the opening 84.

[0099] Fig. 10 shows the arrangement of the first vibrating plate 34 relative to the second vibrating plate 36 and the discharge device 46. The first vibrating plate 34 is arranged between the discharge device 46 and the second vibrating plate 36. In particular, the collection container 48 and the second vibrating plate 36 are each arranged adjacent to the first vibrating plate 34. In particular, the plate 42 of the first vibrating plate 34 is arranged higher than the plate 44 of the second vibrating plate. Furthermore, the plate 42 of the first vibrating plate 34 is also arranged higher than the collection container 48.

[0100] During normal operation, the plate 42 of the first vibrating plate 34 is vibrated such that the closure elements are conveyed toward the second vibrating plate 36 and, preferably, a number of closure elements are conveyed through the first opening 74 onto the second vibrating plate 36. During special operation, the plate 42 of the first vibrating plate 34 is vibrated such that the closure elements are conveyed toward the discharge device 46 and through the second opening 76 into the collection container 48.

[0101] Figures 11 to 18 show a second embodiment of a feeding device, designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 22'. The feeding device 22' of the second embodiment essentially corresponds to the feeding device 22 of the first embodiment from Figures 2 to 10. Identical elements are designated by the same reference numerals and are not explained in detail. The feeding device 22' of the second embodiment differs from the feeding device 22 of the first embodiment in the design of the first vibrating plate, the second vibrating plate and the discharge device. In particular, the feeding device 22' of the second embodiment differs from the feeding device 22 of the first embodiment in the arrangement of the discharge device. The first vibrating plate is designated in the second embodiment by the reference numeral 34'. The second vibrating plate is designated in the second embodiment by the reference numeral 36'.In the second embodiment, the discharge device is designated by the reference number 46'.

[0102] Figures 11 and 16 show that the discharge device 46' and the second vibrating plate 36' are not arranged on opposite sides of the first vibrating plate 34'. Instead, the discharge device 46' and the second vibrating plate 36' are arranged on two adjacent sides of the first vibrating plate 34'. The discharge device 46' and the second vibrating plate 36' are arranged in a corner region of the first vibrating plate 34', in particular adjacent to one another. As in the first embodiment, the discharge device 46' has a collecting container 48' for collecting closure elements.

[0103] The first vibrating plate 34' essentially corresponds to the first vibrating plate 34 of the first embodiment shown in Figs. 2 to 10. The first vibrating plate 34' of the second embodiment differs from the first vibrating plate 34 of the first embodiment in the arrangement of the second opening 76.

[0104] The second vibrating plate 36' essentially corresponds to the second vibrating plate 36 of the first embodiment shown in Figs. 2 to 10. The second vibrating plate 36' of the second embodiment differs from the second vibrating plate 36 of the first embodiment in the design of the barrier 82.

[0105] Figures 12 and 13 show the structure of the first vibrating plate 34', with the drive device 38 being omitted for better illustration of the plate.

[0106] In the second embodiment, the second side 72 of the first vibrating plate 34' is not arranged opposite the first side 70, but rather adjacent to the first side 70. The first opening 74 and the second opening 76 are arranged in an edge region 86. The edge region 86 is a corner region in which the first side 70 and the second side 72 adjoin one another. In particular, the first opening 74 and the second opening 76 are arranged adjacent to one another.

[0107] Figures 14 and 15 show the structure of the second vibrating plate 36', with the drive device 40 omitted for better illustration of the plate.

[0108] In the second embodiment, the barrier 82 additionally has a first section 88 and a second section 90. The first section 88 and the second section 90 are arranged on the side of the second vibrating plate 36' facing the first vibrating plate 34'. The first section 88 extends in the region of the opening 84 along the circumferential edge of the second vibrating plate 36'. The second section 90 protrudes from the circumferential edge in the direction of the first vibrating plate 34'. In particular, the two sections 88, 90 are arranged such that they extend along the edge region 86 of the first vibrating plate 36', in particular bordering thereon. The first section 88 is arranged in the region of the first opening 74. The second section is arranged in the region of the second opening 76.

[0109] Fig. 16 shows the arrangement of the first vibrating plate 34' relative to the second vibrating plate 36' and the discharge device 46'. As previously described, the discharge device 46' and the second vibrating plate 36' are arranged on two adjacent sides of the first vibrating plate 34'. In particular, the two openings 74, 76 are arranged in the same edge region (corner region) 86 of the first vibrating plate 34'. The first conveying direction, in which the closure elements are conveyed during normal operation, and the second conveying direction, in which the closure elements are conveyed during special operation, are essentially parallel to one another in the second embodiment. In particular, the first plate 42 of the first vibrating plate 34' can be vibrated both during normal operation and during special operation in such a way that the closure elements are conveyed towards the edge region 86 and thus through the first opening 74 or the second opening 76.

[0110] The first vibrating plate 34' and the second vibrating plate 36' further comprise a mechanism by which the first opening 74 can be opened during normal operation and closed during special operation, and the second opening 76 can be opened during special operation and closed during normal operation. This ensures that the closure elements are conveyed only onto the second vibrating plate 36' during normal operation and only into the collection container 48' during special operation.

[0111] This mechanism is illustrated in Figures 16 to 18. The first vibrating plate 34' is movable in the vertical direction relative to the second vibrating plate 36'. bar. In particular, the first and / or second drive device 38, 40 can be configured to move the first plate 42 and / or the second plate 44 in the vertical direction. In particular, the first vibrating plate 34' can be moved relative to the second vibrating plate 36' in the vertical direction between a lowered position 92 and a raised position 94.

[0112] In particular, the first vibrating plate 34' can be arranged in the raised position 94 during normal operation and in the lowered position during special operation. In other words, the first vibrating plate 34' can be lowered into the lowered position 92 during special operation and raised into the raised position 94 during normal operation. The control device can be configured to control the first vibrating plate 34' and / or the second vibrating plate 36' during special operation such that the first vibrating plate 34' is lowered into the lowered position 92 relative to the second vibrating plate 36'. The control device can further be configured to control the first vibrating plate 34' and / or the second vibrating plate 36' during normal operation such that the first vibrating plate 34' is raised into the raised position 94 relative to the second vibrating plate 36'.

[0113] Fig. 17 shows the arrangement of the first section 88 and the second section 90 relative to the first vibrating plate 34 in the lowered position 92. The first section 88 is arranged in the lowered position 92 such that it closes the first opening 74. The second section 90 is arranged in the lowered position 92 such that it does not close the second opening 76. The first opening 74 is thus closed in the lowered position 92, so that no closure elements can be conveyed through the first opening 74. The second opening 76 is correspondingly open in the lowered position 92, so that closure elements can be conveyed through the second opening 76.

[0114] In Fig. 18, the arrangement of the first section 88 and the second section 90 relative to the first vibrating plate 34 in the raised position 94 is shown. The first section 88 is arranged in the raised position 94 such that it does not close the first opening 74. The second section 90 is arranged in the raised position 94 such that it closes the second opening 76. The first opening 74 is thus in the raised position 94, so that closure elements can be conveyed through the first opening 74. The second opening 76 is correspondingly closed in the raised position 94, so that no closure elements can be conveyed through the second opening 76.

[0115] By arranging or lowering the first vibrating plate 34' in special operation to the lowered position 92, the closure elements are thus conveyed only into the collection container 48'. By arranging or raising the first vibrating plate 34' in normal operation to the raised position 94, the closure elements are thus conveyed only onto the second vibrating plate 36'.

[0116] Fig. 19 shows a first embodiment of a method for feeding closure elements into a restricted-access environment, in particular into the isolator 12. The method is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 100. The method 100 can be carried out in the isolator system 10. The method steps can be carried out, for example, using the feeding device 22, 22' according to the first or second embodiment. In particular, in the method 100, the feeding device 22, 22' is arranged within the restricted-access environment, in particular within the isolator 12.

[0117] In a first step 102 of the method 100, the closure elements are fed onto the first vibrating plate 34, 34' by means of the feed device 32.

[0118] In a further step 104 of the method 100, the closure elements are conveyed, particularly during normal operation, by means of the first vibrating plate 34, 34' onto the second vibrating plate 36, 36'. During normal operation, the first vibrating plate is preferably arranged in the raised position 94.

[0119] In a further step 106 of the method 100, the closure elements are arranged, in particular oriented, in a defined position on the second vibrating plate 36, 36' by means of the second vibrating plate 36, 36'.

[0120] In a further, optional step 108 of the method 100, the closure elements are conveyed, particularly in special operation, to the discharge device 46, 46' by means of the first vibrating plate 34, 34'. In particular, the closure elements are conveyed into the collection container 48.

[0121] In a further, optional step 110 of the method 100, the first vibrating plate 34' is lowered relative to the second vibrating plate 36', particularly in special operation. Step 110 occurs before step 108. In particular, the first vibrating plate 34' is lowered into the lowered position 92 in special operation. The lowering occurs particularly after the system switches from normal operation to special operation.

[0122] When the system changes back from special operation to normal operation, the first vibrating plate 34' can be raised again to the raised position 94.

Claims

Patent claims Feeding device (22, 22') for feeding closure elements into an environment with restricted access, in particular into an isolator (12), wherein the feeding device (22, 22') has a feeding device (32), a first vibrating plate (34, 34') and a second vibrating plate (34, 34'), wherein the feeding device (32) is designed to feed the closure elements onto the first vibrating plate (34, 34'), wherein the first vibrating plate (34, 34') is designed to convey the closure elements, in particular during normal operation, onto the second vibrating plate (36, 36'), and wherein the second vibrating plate (36, 36') is designed to arrange, in particular to orient, the closure elements on the second vibrating plate (36, 36') in a defined position.Feeding device (22, 22') according to claim 1, wherein the feeding device (32) can be coupled to a port system, in particular to an insulator opening (18) of the insulator (12), in order to feed the closure elements. Feeding device (22, 22') according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the feeding device (32) has a chute and / or a pipe (52) via which the closure elements can be fed to the first vibrating plate (34, 34'). Feeding device (22, 22') according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first vibrating plate (34, 34') has a first surface (66) for conveying the closure elements, wherein the closure elements can be fed to the first surface (66) and conveyed on the first surface (66), wherein the first surface (66) is a flat surface.Feeding device (22, 22') according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second vibrating plate (36, 36') has a second surface (78), wherein the closure elements are conveyed from the first vibrating plate (34, 34') onto the second surface (78). derable and can be arranged on the second surface (78) in the defined position, wherein the second surface (78) has knobs (80). Feeding device (22, 22') according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the feeding device (22, 22') further comprises a control device configured to control the first vibrating plate (34, 34') and the second vibrating plate (36, 36'). Feeding device (22, 22') according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the feeding device (22, 22') further comprises a camera system (50) which is configured to capture at least one image of the closure elements on the second vibrating plate (36, 36'), wherein the camera system (50) and / or the control device are configured to determine the position of the closure elements on the second vibrating plate (36, 36') on the basis of the at least one captured image.The feed device (22, 22') according to claim 7, wherein the control device is configured to control the second vibrating plate (36, 36') based on the determined position of the closure elements such that at least one of the closure elements is arranged in the defined position. The feed device (22, 22') according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the feed device (22, 22') further comprises an ejection device (46, 46') for ejecting closure elements. The feed device (22, 22') according to claim 9, wherein the ejection device (46, 46') comprises a collecting container (48, 48') for collecting ejected closure elements. Feeding device (22, 22') according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first vibrating plate (34, 34') and / or the second vibrating plate (36, 36') is configured to feed the closure elements, in particular in special operation, to the discharge device. (46, 46'), in particular wherein the control device is configured to control the first vibrating plate (34, 34') and / or the second vibrating plate (36, 36'), in particular in special operation, such that the first vibrating plate (34, 34') and / or the second vibrating plate (36, 36') conveys the closure elements to the discharge device (46, 46'). Feeding device (22, 22') according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the second vibrating plate (36) and the discharge device (46) are arranged on opposite sides of the first vibrating plate (34). Feeding device (22, 22') according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the second vibrating plate (36') and the discharge device (46') are arranged on the same side of the first vibrating plate (34') or on the same edge region (86) of the first vibrating plate (34').Feeding device (22, 22') according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first vibrating plate (34') is movable relative to the second vibrating plate (36'), in particular wherein the control device is configured to control the first vibrating plate (34') and / or the second vibrating plate (36'), in particular in special operation, such that the first vibrating plate (34') is lowered relative to the second vibrating plate (36'). Barrier system, in particular isolator system (10), wherein the barrier system comprises a restricted-access environment, in particular an isolator (12), and the feeding device (22, 22') according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the feeding device (22, 22') is arranged within the restricted-access environment, in particular within the isolator (12).Barrier system (10) according to claim 15, wherein the barrier system (14) comprises a closing station (24) for closing containers with the supplied closure elements and a handling device (26) for transferring the. Closure elements from the second vibrating plate (36, 36') to the closing station (24). A method (100) for feeding closure elements into a restricted-access environment, in particular into an isolator (12), wherein a feeding device (22, 22') is arranged within the restricted-access environment, in particular within the isolator (12), wherein the feeding device (22, 22') comprises a feeding device (32), a first vibrating plate (34, 34'), and a second vibrating plate (36, 36'), the method (100) comprising the following steps: Feeding (102) the closure elements by means of the feeding device (32) onto the first vibrating plate (34, 34'); Conveying (104) the closure elements, in particular during normal operation, by means of the first vibrating plate (34, 34') onto the second vibrating plate (36, 36'); and Arranging (106), in particular orienting, the closure elements by means of the second vibrating plate (36, 36') on the second vibrating plate (36, 36') in a defined position. The method (100) according to claim 17, wherein the feed device further comprises an ejection device (46, 46') for ejecting closure elements, the method (100) further comprising the following step: Conveying (108) the closure elements, particularly in special operation, by means of the first vibrating plate (34, 34') to a discharge device (46, 46'). The method (100) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the method (100) further comprises the following step: Lowering (110) the first vibrating plate (34, 34') relative to the second vibrating plate (36, 36'), in particular in special operation.

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