Transfer device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transfer device (100) for allowing a transfer, in particular an aseptic transfer, between a first object (102), in particular a first process unit (102), and a second object (104), in particular a second process unit (104). The present invention further relates to a system (200) formed of at least two objects (102, 104), in particular process units (102, 104), and to a system (200) formed of three or four or more objects (102, 104, 202, 204), in particular process units (102, 104, 202, 204).

Description

[0001] Transfer device

[0002] The present invention relates to a transfer device for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first object, in particular a first process unit, and a second object, in particular a second process unit.

[0003] Particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, for example, for personalized therapeutics, a plurality of process units and / or process rooms and / or process areas are often used to manufacture a biological-pharmaceutical product, for example, to enable different treatment processes to be carried out for the production of the product. It may often be necessary to connect such objects, such as the process units and / or process rooms and / or process areas, to one another in order to carry out a specific treatment process.

[0004] For example, it may be necessary to efficiently transfer a material and / or object from one process unit to another. This requires the highest level of sterility.

[0005] Furthermore, these highly personalized therapeutics are associated with high costs, particularly personnel costs, due to their individual and / or small-scale production, and there is often no possibility for large-scale application and / or industrial production of individual and / or small batch sizes.

[0006] The present invention is based on the object of providing a transfer device for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first object, in particular a first process unit, and a second object, in particular a second process unit, which transfer device can preferably be operated in an automated manner.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] A transfer device according to the invention for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first object, in particular a first process unit, and a second object, in particular a second process unit, can be installed, in particular arranged and / or mounted, at least partially in the first object, in particular the first process unit, and at least partially in the second object, in particular the second process unit.

[0009] For example, a first part of the transfer device can be installed in the first object, in particular the first process unit, and a second part of the transfer device can be installed in the second object, in particular the second process unit.

[0010] The transfer device according to the invention comprises the following: a first door element, arranged in the installed state on the first object, in particular the first process unit, for opening and closing an access opening formed in a wall section of the first object, in particular the first process unit, to an interior of the first object, in particular the first process unit; a second door element, arranged in the installed state on the second object, in particular the second process unit, for opening and closing an access opening formed in a wall section of the second object, in particular the second process unit, to an interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit;a locking device for locking the first door element in a closed state and for releasing the first door element to open it, wherein the locking device is arranged in and / or on the first object, in particular the first process unit, in the installed state; and an opening device for opening and closing at least one of the door elements, wherein the opening device is arranged in and / or on the second object, in particular the second process unit, in the installed state, wherein the first door element and the second door element are engageable with one another and, in the engaged state, when the first door element is opened by means of the;

[0011] Locking device is released, can be removed together from the access openings by means of the opening device to enable the particularly aseptic transition between the first object, in particular the first process unit, and the second object, in particular the second process unit.

[0012] The transfer device according to the invention can be particularly advantageously installed and used in process units configured as described herein. However, it is understood that the transfer device according to the invention is not limited to such process units. Therefore, a first and / or second object can also be any solid body, for example a vessel and / or a container and / or a production space and / or a conveyor device, and / or even just a part of such a solid body, for example a wall or wall.

[0013] Advantageously, it can be provided that the first object is a process unit and in particular a first process unit and that the second object is a further process unit and in particular a second process unit.

[0014] For example, it can be provided that a process unit is designed as a treatment box, e.g. a patient box, in particular for receiving and / or transporting and / or treating a treatment object.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that a process unit is designed as a tool box, in particular for treating a treatment object, which can in particular comprise a tool unit, in particular for treating the treatment object and / or a sensor unit, in particular for analyzing the treatment object.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that a process unit is designed as a supply box, in particular for providing a material, e.g. a consumable, and / or a substance which may be required for the treatment of a treatment object.

[0017] For example, it can be provided that the first process unit or the second process unit is designed as a treatment box and the corresponding other process unit is designed as a tool box and / or a supply box.

[0018] For example, it may be provided additionally or alternatively that the first process unit or the second process unit is designed as a tool box and the correspondingly other process unit is designed as a supply box.

[0019] For example, it can be provided that the particularly aseptic transition between the objects, in particular process units, serves to supply something, for example a treatment object, a tool unit, a sensor unit, a material and / or a substance, to one process unit from the other process unit, in particular to supply it temporarily and / or permanently. The particularly aseptic transition between the objects, in particular process units, can be used bidirectionally and / or unidirectionally, for example for an exchange of something between the objects, in particular process units. In other words, the particularly aseptic transition between the objects, in particular process units, can be a bidirectional and / or a unidirectional transition.

[0020] A treatment object can, for example, comprise at least one of the following: a reactant, in particular a material comprising cells, for example a starting material comprising cells, and / or a biological-pharmaceutical material and / or a biological-pharmaceutical workpiece, an intermediate product, in particular an intermediate product comprising cells and / or a biological-pharmaceutical intermediate product, a product, for example the product to be manufactured, in particular a biological-pharmaceutical product, for example the biological-pharmaceutical product to be manufactured.

[0021] It should be understood that the above list is exemplary and not exhaustive. Alternatively or additionally, the treatment object may include one or more and / or a combination of the previously described elements.

[0022] It can be provided that a process unit is movable and / or transportable and / or in particular automatically movable relative to its surroundings.

[0023] For example, a process unit can comprise a particularly freely moving transport vehicle or can be designed as such and / or can be coupled to a particularly freely moving transport vehicle.

[0024] It can be provided that the transport vehicle, in particular a free-moving one, is guided by an induction loop and / or magnetically, in particular by permanent magnets and / or by magnetic coils. Additionally or alternatively, sensor-based guidance, in particular camera-based guidance and / or radar / LIDAR-based guidance, can be provided.

[0025] It can be provided that a process unit has one or more coupling devices by means of which the process unit can be connected, in particular mechanically coupled, to one or more further process units. For example, the coupling devices can be fully automatically operated. In other words, the connectable process units can be fully automatically connected to one another.

[0026] For example, it can be provided that a coupling device has one or more locking elements for locking and / or arresting the process unit with at least one further process unit and / or is designed as such.

[0027] For example, it can be provided that the at least one further process unit can have coupling devices and in particular locking elements corresponding to the locking elements.

[0028] It is conceivable, for example, that such a locking element can be designed as a holding element for engaging with a holding contour and / or as a holding contour for receiving a holding element. The holding elements can, for example, be motorized, so that locking and / or arresting can preferably be automated, and in particular fully automated.

[0029] For example, it may additionally or alternatively be provided that a coupling device has one or more positioning elements for positioning the process unit with and / or with respect to at least one further process unit and / or is designed as such.

[0030] For example, it can be provided that the at least one further process unit can have coupling devices and in particular positioning elements corresponding to the positioning elements.

[0031] It may be conceivable, for example, that such a positioning element can be designed as a positioning projection for insertion into a positioning receptacle and / or as a positioning receptacle for receiving a positioning projection.

[0032] Additionally or alternatively, it may be conceivable for such a positioning element and corresponding positioning element to be magnetically engageable with one another. For example, such positioning elements may additionally be part of a device, in particular a coil device, for the wireless and / or inductive transmission of energy between coupled process units. For example, it may additionally or alternatively be provided that a coupling device comprises and / or is designed as one or more plug elements and / or socket elements for transmitting energy and / or fluids, in particular gases, gas mixtures, and / or liquids, between coupled process units.

[0033] For example, it can be provided that the at least one further process unit can have coupling devices corresponding to the plug elements and / or socket elements and in particular plug elements and / or socket elements.

[0034] For example, it may additionally or alternatively be provided that a coupling device comprises a device, in particular a coil device, for the wireless and / or inductive transmission of energy between coupled process units and / or is designed as such.

[0035] For example, it can be provided that the at least one further process unit can have at least one coupling device corresponding to this device, in particular coil device, and in particular complementary coil device.

[0036] It can be provided that the wireless and / or inductive transmission of energy between coupled process units can be unidirectional and / or bidirectional.

[0037] It can be provided that a process unit, in particular a treatment box and / or a tool box and / or a supply box, defines a process cell, in particular an aseptic process cell. To a certain extent, a process unit, in particular a process unit designed as a treatment box and / or a tool box and / or a supply box, can be a process cell, in particular an aseptic process cell.

[0038] It can be provided that each processing unit, in particular the treatment box and / or tool box and / or supply box, has a particularly lockable interior. Said interior can correspond to and / or be the same as the respective interior of the first and / or second processing unit and / or partially or completely form this interior.

[0039] It can be provided that each process unit comprises a shell wall which encloses and thereby defines the respective interior space and / or the respective interior.

[0040] The said shell wall may comprise the respective wall section of the first and / or the second process unit or be partially formed by it.

[0041] A particularly aseptic production area can be defined or defined and / or formed by the interior and / or interior of a process unit. To a certain extent, it can be provided that the interior and / or interior of a process unit is a particularly aseptic production area.

[0042] To a certain extent, the respective access opening of the first and the second process unit can enable a respective access to a respective, in particular aseptic, production area of ​​the first and the second process unit.

[0043] In a certain sense, it can be provided that the first door element arranged on the first process unit in the installed state serves to open and close the access opening to a particularly aseptic production area in the interior of the first process unit.

[0044] In a certain sense, it can be provided that the second door element arranged on the second process unit in the installed state serves to open and close the access opening to a particularly aseptic production area inside the second process unit.

[0045] It can be provided that the first door element comprises a section, in particular a truncated cone or truncated pyramid, which tapers in a direction which, in the closed state of the first door element, is directed towards the interior of the first object, in particular the first process unit.

[0046] It is understood that a truncated pyramid-shaped section can have a triangular, quadrangular, or polygonal cross-section. It can be provided that a peripheral surface of said section of the first door element, in the closed state of the first door element, abuts against an inner peripheral surface of the access opening of the first object, in particular the first process unit.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the second door element comprises a section, in particular a truncated cone or truncated pyramid, which tapers in a direction which, in the closed state of the second door element, is directed outwards with respect to the second object, in particular the second process unit.

[0048] It can be provided that a peripheral surface of said portion of the second door element, in the closed state of the second door element, rests against an inner peripheral surface of the access opening of the second object, in particular the second process unit.

[0049] It can be provided that the transfer device has a sealing device which is formed from or comprises a plurality of sealing sub-elements.

[0050] It can be provided that in the closed state of the first door element, the first door element and an inner peripheral surface of the access opening of the first object, in particular of the first process unit, can be sealed or are sealed to the outside by means of the sealing device.

[0051] Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that in the closed state of the second door element, the second door element and an inner peripheral surface of the access opening of the second object, in particular the second process unit, can be sealed or are sealed to the outside by means of the sealing device.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that, by means of the sealing device, in the engaged state of the first and the second door element, respective surfaces of both door elements can be sealed or are sealed to the outside, which surfaces are directed outwards in the respective closed state of the corresponding door elements with respect to the corresponding object, in particular the corresponding process unit.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that in a state in which the respective wall sections of the objects, in particular of the process units, lie against one another for engaging the first and the second door element, respective opening areas of both access openings of both objects, in particular process units, can be sealed or are sealed to the outside by means of the sealing device.

[0054] It can be provided that the sealing device and in particular each sealing part element has a closed and in particular circular or polygonal, e.g. square and / or square-like, contour.

[0055] It can be provided, for example, that such a polygonal, e.g. square-shaped and / or square-like, contour can have rounded corner areas and / or corner areas provided with radii, preferably to ensure a hygienic design, in particular a hygienic design.

[0056] It can be provided that the sealing device comprises several, for example four, sealing sub-elements.

[0057] For example, a first sealing part element can be arranged on an edge region of the first door element, which, in the closed state of the first door element, is adjacent to the inner peripheral surface of the access opening of the first object, in particular the first process unit, and is directed outwards with respect to the first object, in particular the first process unit.

[0058] For example, a second sealing part element can be arranged or arranged on an edge region of the access opening of the first object, in particular the first process unit, which, in the closed state of the first door element, is adjacent to the first door element and in particular to the said edge region of the first door element and is directed outwards with respect to the first object, in particular the first process unit.

[0059] For example, a third sealing part element can be arranged on an edge region of the second door element, which, in the closed state of the second door element, is adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the access opening of the second object, in particular the second process unit, and is directed outwards with respect to the second object, in particular the second process unit.

[0060] For example, a fourth sealing part element can be arranged or arranged on an edge region of the access opening of the second object, in particular the second process unit, which, in the closed state of the second door element, is adjacent to the second door element and in particular to the said edge region of the second door element and is directed outwards with respect to the second object, in particular the second process unit.

[0061] It can be provided that the first and the third sealing part element are arranged directly next to one another, in particular in the engaged state of the first and the second door element.

[0062] By means of the first and third sealing sub-elements, the respective surfaces of both door elements can be sealed or sealed to the outside, which, in the respective closed state of the corresponding door elements, are directed outwards with respect to the corresponding object, in particular the corresponding process unit, and in particular are enclosed by the first and third sealing sub-elements. This can be understood in particular that a respective surface of the mutually engaging door elements, which, in the engaged state of the door elements, face one another and / or against which the door elements abut one another, can be sealed or sealed to the outside by means of the first and third sealing sub-elements.

[0063] It can be provided that the second and the fourth sealing part element can be arranged or are arranged directly against one another, in particular in a or the state in which the respective wall sections of the objects, in particular of the process units, lie against one another for bringing the first and the second door element into engagement or engagement.

[0064] By means of the second and the fourth sealing part element, respective opening areas of both access openings of both objects, in particular process units, can be sealed or sealed to the outside.

[0065] It can be provided that each sealing element has a circular cross-section. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that each sealing element has a polygonal, e.g., wedge-shaped, cross-section.

[0066] For example, a respective sealing sub-element can have at least one, e.g., conically tapered section in cross-section. The tapered section can taper outwardly relative to the respective object, in particular the respective process unit, and in particular the respective door element on which the respective sealing sub-element can be arranged. This advantageously makes it possible to reduce the sealing surface, thereby avoiding high contact forces that may be required for large sealing surfaces.

[0067] For example, it may be provided that a respective sealing sub-element can be produced or is produced from a plastic. For example, a respective sealing sub-element may comprise and / or be at least partially formed from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and / or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and / or silicone. This can advantageously enable good autoclavability.

[0068] It may be conceivable, for example, that the sealing device comprises two sealing sub-elements, preferably the second and the third sealing sub-element or the first and the fourth sealing sub-element.

[0069] For example, by means of the third and / or the first sealing part element, in particular in the engaged state of the first and the second door element, the respective surfaces of both door elements can be sealed or sealed to the outside, which in the respective closed state of the corresponding door elements are directed outwards with respect to the corresponding object, in particular the corresponding process unit.

[0070] For example, by means of the second and / or the fourth sealing sub-element, respective opening regions of both access openings of both objects, in particular process units, can be sealed or sealed to the outside, in particular when the objects, in particular process units, are arranged on one another and / or are coupled to one another.

[0071] It can be provided that the second door element comprises a coupling element which is provided in and / or on the second door element and forms at least part of the second door element.

[0072] By means of the coupling element, the first door element can be engaged with the second door element and secured thereto. The coupling element can be configured to engage the first door element with the second door element and secure it thereto, in particular by magnetic means, force-locking means, positive locking means, and / or vacuum-locking means.

[0073] For example, it can be provided that the coupling element forms a part of the second door element which is directed outwards with respect to the second object, in particular the second process unit, and which in particular has a flush transition to the remaining part of the second door element which is directed outwards with respect to the second object, in particular the second process unit.

[0074] For example, it can be provided that the coupling element is designed as at least one electromagnet or comprises at least one electromagnet and that the first door element is designed partially or completely as a magnetic counter-element or comprises such a counter-element.

[0075] For example, the coupling element may comprise one or more, e.g. two, electromagnets.

[0076] It can be provided that the coupling element designed as an electromagnet can be controlled by means of a control unit of the transfer device and / or by means of a control unit that can be assigned or is assigned to the transfer device, in particular in order to bring the first door element into engagement with the second door element and to hold it thereto.

[0077] It can be provided that the coupling element is provided in and / or on the, in particular truncated cone-shaped or truncated pyramid-shaped, section of the second door element, in particular centrally.

[0078] For example, it can be provided that the coupling element is designed as a bayonet device and / or comprises such a device. Male and / or female bayonet elements can be provided in and / or on the second door element. It is understood that corresponding female and / or male counter-bayonet elements can be provided in and / or on the first door element in order to be able to engage with the bayonet elements. In and / or on the first and / or the second door element, a rotation device can also be provided in order to be able to engage the bayonet elements and / or counter-bayonet elements, in particular in a rotating manner. For example,It can be provided that the rotation device can be controlled by means of a control unit of the transfer device and / or by means of a control unit that can be assigned to or is assigned to the transfer device, in particular in order to bring the first door element into engagement with the second door element and to hold it thereto.

[0079] It can be provided, for example, that the coupling element is designed as a screw element and / or comprises such a element. The screw element can be provided in and / or on the second door element. It goes without saying that a counter-screw element can be provided in and / or on the first door element in order to be able to engage with the screw element. A rotation device can also be provided in and / or on the first and / or the second door element in order to be able to engage the screw element and / or the counter-screw element, in particular by screwing. It can be provided, for example, that the rotation device can be controlled by means of a control unit of the transfer device and / or by means of a control unit that can be assigned to or is assigned to the transfer device, in particular in order to bring the first door element into engagement with the second door element and to hold it thereto.

[0080] It can be provided, for example, that the coupling element is designed as part of a fluid device for providing a negative pressure and / or comprises such a device. The fluid device can be arranged or arranged in and / or on the second object, in particular the second process unit, and optionally be comprised by the transfer device. The fluid can be a gas or gas mixture, in particular air. By means of the fluid device, a negative pressure can be provided between the first and the second door element, in particular via the coupling element, when the first and the second door element are arranged adjacent to one another. As a result, the first and the second door element can be engaged with one another and held against one another, for example by suction. It can, for example,It can be provided that the fluid device can be controlled by means of a control unit of the transfer device and / or by means of a control unit that can be assigned to or is assigned to the transfer device, in particular in order to bring the first door element into engagement with the second door element and to hold it thereto.

[0081] For example, it can be provided that the coupling element is designed as and / or comprises an eccentric device. The eccentric device can comprise a shaft on which an eccentric element is formed, and a movement device by means of which the shaft can be moved, in particular linearly and / or rotationally. The shaft can be provided in and / or on the second door element. The movement device can be arranged or can be arranged in and / or on the second object, in particular the second process unit, and can optionally be included in the transfer device. A counter element can be provided in and / or on the first door element in order to be able to be brought into engagement with the shaft and in particular with the eccentric element.For example, the shaft and in particular the eccentric element can be linearly positioned relative to the counter-element by means of the movement device and then rotated in order to bring the eccentric element and the counter-element into engagement with one another and to push the counter-element from the first to the second door element. As a result, the first and second door elements can be brought into engagement with one another and held against one another. It can be provided, for example, that the movement device can be controlled by means of a control unit of the transfer device and / or by means of a control unit that can be assigned to or is assigned to the transfer device, in particular in order to bring the first door element into engagement with the second door element and to hold it thereto.

[0082] For example, it can be provided that the coupling element is designed as and / or comprises a wedge device. The wedge device can comprise a displacement element on which a wedge-shaped element is formed, and a movement device by means of which the displacement element is movable, in particular linearly movable. The displacement element can be provided in and / or on the second door element. The movement device can be arranged or can be arranged in and / or on the second object, in particular the second process unit, and can optionally be comprised by the transfer device. A wedge-shaped counter-element can be provided in and / or on the first door element in order to be able to be brought into engagement with the displacement element and in particular with the wedge-shaped element.For example, the displacement element, and in particular the wedge-shaped element, can be linearly movable relative to the counter-element by means of the movement device and then movable along one another while in contact in order to push the counter-element from the first to the second door element. As a result, the first and second door elements can be brought into engagement with one another and held against one another. It can be provided, for example, that the movement device can be controlled by means of a control unit of the transfer device and / or by means of a control unit that can be assigned to or is assigned to the transfer device, in particular in order to bring the first door element into engagement with the second door element and to hold it thereto. It is understood that the respective embodiments of the coupling element can each be encapsulated and / or designed separately with respect to the relevant interior of the relevant objects, in particular process units.

[0083] It can be provided that the first door element and / or the second door element each have an outwardly directed shell surface with a hygienic design, in particular a hygienic design.

[0084] Hygienic design can be understood in particular as the design of parts, components and / or production systems that are suitable for cleaning and / or sterilization.

[0085] For hygienic design, the first door element and / or the second door element may not have any undercuts on the outside and in particular on the shell surface side.

[0086] It can be provided that the opening device comprises a pivotable lever element which, in the installed state in the second object, in particular the second process unit, is pivotably fixed at a first end region of the lever element and to which the second door element is fastened at a second end region of the lever element.

[0087] It can be provided that by means of the lever element, the second door element or the door elements engaging with one another can be moved together into the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit, in particular in a pivoting manner and can thus be removed from the access openings.

[0088] In other words, it can be provided that the pivotable lever element has the first end region for, in particular, pivotable fixing in an interior of an object, in particular the second object, preferably of a process unit, in particular the second, and the second end region for holding a door element, in particular the second, and in particular extends therebetween with a central region.

[0089] It can be provided that the pivotable lever element, and in particular the second end region of the lever element, is rigidly connected to the second door element or is movably connected, in particular via a joint device. It can be provided that, by means of the lever element, the second door element or the mutually engaged door elements can be moved jointly into the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit, in a purely pivoting manner, or can be moved both in a pivoting and linear manner and thus removed from the access openings.

[0090] The lever element can preferably be fixable in the second object, in particular the second process unit, in order to be able to pivot the second door element towards a lateral and / or upper surface of the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit.

[0091] It can be provided that at least a part of the opening device is rotatable and / or pivotable about a rotation axis that can be arranged or is arranged in the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit. This part can be, for example, the first and / or second end region and / or the central region.

[0092] It can be provided that the rotation axis can be arranged or is arranged partially or completely in the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit.

[0093] It can be provided that the rotation axis can be arranged or is arranged partially outside the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit, e.g. on the outside and / or in a separate space, in particular the interior, of the second object.

[0094] It can be provided, for example, that the rotation axis forms part of the first end region of the lever element, via which the latter can be fixed or is fixed in the second object, in particular the second process unit, or is designed as a separate component on which the lever element is arranged via its first end region and via which the lever element can be fixed or is fixed in the second object, in particular the second process unit.

[0095] For example, it can be provided that the rotation axis is part of a drive unit of the opening device and / or is included in such a drive unit.

[0096] It may be conceivable here that the lever element is arranged and / or fastened via the first end region directly or indirectly to the rotational axis of the drive unit, preferably in a linearly movable manner, and that the lever element can be fixed or is fixed, preferably movably fixed or is fixed, via the drive unit and in particular the rotational axis in the second object, in particular the second process unit.

[0097] It can be provided that the opening and closing of at least one of the door elements can be initiated by means of a corresponding rotational and / or pivoting movement. For example, the rotational and / or pivoting movement can be or can be performed around the rotation axis.

[0098] Preferably, in the installed state, the rotation axis can be arranged with respect to the access opening of the second object, in particular the second process unit, at a distance which is greater than or equal to a widest opening dimension of the access opening of the second object, in particular the second process unit, in particular as an opening diameter of the access opening of the second object, in particular the second process unit.

[0099] In particular, said distance may extend between the axis of rotation and a center, in particular center point, of the access opening of the second object, in particular of the second process unit.

[0100] For example, the distance may be at least 100%, in particular at least 150%, preferably at least 200%, further preferably at least 250%, in particular preferably at least 300%, greater than or equal to the widest opening dimension of the access opening of the second object, in particular of the second process unit, in particular than the opening diameter of the access opening of the second object, in particular of the second process unit.

[0101] It can be provided that the opening device comprises a pressing device for generating a contact pressure and / or for keeping the second door element sealed with respect to the wall section and / or access opening assigned to the second door element.

[0102] The pressing device can, for example, be partially fixed to the rotation axis and partially fixable or fixed to the second object, in particular the second process unit. In particular, the part on the rotation axis side can be arranged at a distance from the lever element and / or the second door element and be rigidly connected to the rotation axis. For example, it can be provided that the part on the rotation axis side is designed as a wedge-like actuating projection and / or comprises such a wedge, and the part on the object side is designed as an active or passive linear actuator with an actuating contour and / or comprises such a wedge. An active linear actuator can, for example, be magnetically actuated. A passive linear actuator can, for example, operate based on spring force. By means of the linear actuator, the actuating contour can be brought into engagement with and / or held in place by the wedge-like actuating projection.In the engaged state, extending the linear actuator can increase the contact pressure and / or seal the second door element with respect to the wall section and / or access opening associated with the second door element, while retracting the linear actuator can have the opposite effect. During extension and retraction, the actuating contour can be moved or moved along an inclined surface of the wedge-like actuating projection in the engaged state. It is understood that the pivoting movement generated by the actuating contour and the actuating projection is transmitted to the second door element via the rotation axis.

[0103] For example, it can be provided that the part on the rotation axis side is designed as and / or comprises a wedge-like actuating projection, and the part on the object side is designed as and / or comprises an actuating contour preloaded with a spring element. The actuating contour can press on the actuating projection, in particular an inclined surface of the actuating projection, based on spring force and thus generate the contact pressure. When opening the second door element, a dead center of the spring element can be overcome in order to be able to open the second door element. When closing the second door element, the dead center of the spring element can be overcome again in order to be able to close the second door element, in which case the actuating contour can then again exert the contact pressure based on spring force.

[0104] For example, it can be provided that the part on the rotation axis side is designed as a first magnetic element and / or comprises such a first magnetic element, and the object-side part is designed as a second magnetic element and / or comprises such a second magnetic element. For example, the magnetic elements can abut one another or can be adjacent to one another when the second door element is closed, so that the contact pressure and / or the sealing can be effected based on magnetic force. When the second door element is opened, the magnetic elements can be spaced apart from one another by a pivoting movement of the rotation axis, in particular after overcoming the magnetic force and / or after a corresponding current switching. It is therefore understood that the magnetic elements can be designed as permanent and / or electromagnet elements.For example, it can be provided that the pressing device for generating a contact pressure and / or for keeping the second door element sealed with respect to the wall section and / or access opening assigned to the second door element comprises one or more magnetic elements.

[0105] Preferably, the magnetic elements can be arranged on and / or in the associated wall section of the second object, in particular the second process unit, preferably adjacent to and / or on the associated access opening.

[0106] For example, the magnetic elements can be arranged on the outside of the associated wall section.

[0107] It can be provided that the second door element is partially or completely designed as a magnetic counter element or at least comprises such a magnetic counter element.

[0108] For example, a respective counter element encompassed by the second door element can be arranged corresponding to the said magnetic elements of the pressing device.

[0109] For example, the magnetic elements and the counter element(s) can abut one another due to the corresponding arrangement or can be adjacent to one another when the second door element is closed or is accommodated in the corresponding access opening, so that the contact pressure and / or the sealing can be effected based on magnetic force.

[0110] The said counter element can be manufactured or can be manufactured, for example, from a magnetizable metal or alloy, e.g. magnetizable steel.

[0111] Additionally or alternatively, the said counter element can be produced or manufactured, for example, from a magnetic material. It is conceivable, for example, that this counter element is fixed in and / or on the door element in question, for example in a particularly integrated housing, e.g. a stainless steel housing, of the door element in question and / or by means of a cast-in plastic, e.g. epoxy resin. This can advantageously enable a hygienic design, in particular a hygienic design. A magnetic element can, for example, be designed as an electromagnet. It is conceivable, for example, that this can bring about the contact pressure and / or the sealing without current. In a certain sense, a current supply can trigger a release of the second door element.

[0112] It can be provided that the first door element can be or is manufactured partially or completely from a plastic, preferably from a sterilizable and / or autoclavable plastic, for example polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0113] It can be provided that the second door element can be or is manufactured partially or completely from a plastic, preferably from a sterilizable and / or autoclavable plastic, for example polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0114] It can be provided that the opening device and in particular the lever element for said opening and closing is motorizable or motorized.

[0115] For example, a motor device can be provided for this purpose, which can be arranged or arranged in and / or on the second object, in particular the second process unit, and can optionally be included in the transfer device and in particular the opening device.

[0116] The motor device can, for example, be part of the said drive unit and / or be included therein.

[0117] The opening device and in particular the lever element can be actuated in particular automatically by means of the motor device.

[0118] The motor device can be controlled by means of a control unit of the transfer device and / or by means of a control unit that can be assigned to or is assigned to the transfer device.

[0119] Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the pivotable lever element is formed from several, e.g. two or more, lever members, which can be connected to one another in particular in a movably manner.

[0120] For example, the pivotable lever element can be formed from a first and a second lever member. When installed in the second object, in particular the second process unit, the first lever member can be pivotably secured to a first end region of the first lever member, and a first end region of the second lever member can be pivotably secured to a second end region of the first lever member. The second door element can be pivotably secured to a second end region of the second lever member.

[0121] For example, a third lever member of the lever element can be arranged between the second lever member and the second door element and, in particular, can be pivotably secured. A first end region of the third lever member can be pivotably secured to the second end region of the second lever member, and a second end region of the third lever member can be pivotably secured to the second door element. Preferably, the first, second, and third lever members can be arranged in a parallelogram arrangement and / or a parallelogram guide and / or form such a guide. The parallelogram arrangement and / or parallelogram guide can advantageously be space-saving inside the second object, in particular the second process unit.

[0122] By means of the lever members, the second door element or the door elements engaging with one another can be moved together into the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit, and thus can be removed from the access openings, in particular by a movement in a plane, advantageously by a one-dimensional and / or two-dimensional linear movement in a plane.

[0123] By means of the parallelogram arrangement and / or parallelogram guide, the second door element or the mutually engaging door elements can be moved together into the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit, and thus can be removed from the access openings, in particular by a movement in a plane, advantageously by a one-dimensional and / or two-dimensional linear movement in a plane.

[0124] It can be provided that a first motor is arranged between the second object, in particular the second processing unit, and the first lever member, and a second motor is arranged between the first lever member and the second lever member. The first and second motors can form and / or be comprised of a motor device, respectively.

[0125] Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that a motor is arranged between the second object, in particular the second process unit, and the first lever member and / or the first lever member is connected to the second object via the motor, wherein the first lever member and the second lever member can form a lever kinematics, so that the second door element arranged on the second lever member or the door elements engaged with one another can be moved together linearly into the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit, and can then be pivoted inside, so that unhindered access to the associated access opening is possible.

[0126] It can be provided that a first and a second motor are arranged between the second object, in particular the second process unit, and the lever element, wherein the second motor is arranged between the first motor and the lever element and the first motor is arranged between the second motor and the second object. In a sense, the following arrangement can be provided: second object, first motor, second motor, lever element. The first and the second motor can form or form the said motor device and / or be comprised thereby. For example, the first motor can be a motor for initiating a linear movement, e.g. a spindle drive motor, and / or the second motor can be a motor for initiating a rotational movement, e.g. a rotary motor.

[0127] It can be provided that the first motor can move the second door element or the interlocking door elements together linearly toward the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit, and, in particular subsequently, the second motor can pivot the second door element or the interlocking door elements together in the interior, preferably for an opening process. It can be provided that a closing process can take place in the reverse manner.

[0128] It can be provided that a first and a second motor are arranged between the second object, in particular the second process unit, and the lever element, wherein the second motor is arranged between the first motor and the lever element and the first motor is arranged between the second motor and the second object. In a sense, the following arrangement can be provided: second object, first motor, second motor, lever element. The first and the second motor can form a or the said motor device and / or be comprised thereby. For example, the first motor and the second motor can each be a motor for initiating a rotational movement, e.g. a rotary motor. For example, the first and the second motor can be arranged transversely and in particular perpendicular to one another; in a sense, their respective axes of rotation can be arranged transversely and in particular perpendicular to one another.

[0129] For example, it can be provided that the lever element is arranged and / or fixed centrally or eccentrically on the second motor with respect to one or the rotational axis of the second motor.

[0130] It can be provided that the second motor can rotate the second door element or the interlocking door elements together toward the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit, and, in particular subsequently, the first motor can pivot the second door element or the interlocking door elements together inside, preferably for an opening process. It can be provided that a closing process can take place in the opposite direction.

[0131] For example, it can be provided that the lever element is connected to the second motor via a guide kinematics, in particular a parallelogram kinematics, so that a rotational movement that can be initiated or is initiated by the second motor can cause a circular path-like movement of the lever element and thus of the second door element or the interlocking door elements away from the access opening. Preferably, at least the second door element or the interlocking door elements can remain aligned substantially parallel to the access opening during this circular path-like movement.

[0132] Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the pivotable lever element is formed from one or more, e.g. two, lever members, which can be connected to one another in particular in a movable manner, wherein the pivotable lever element and thus at least partially the opening device can form part of a handling device and / or can be encompassed by such a device.

[0133] A lever member assigned or assignable to the second door element can be detachably connected to the second door element, in particular via a gripper actuator and / or coupling device arranged on this lever member.

[0134] The handling device can be or comprise a multi-axis robot arm. Additionally or alternatively, the handling device can be or comprise a pick-and-place robot or a cable robot, and / or the handling device can be or comprise a suitable gripper actuator mounted on a planar runner.

[0135] Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the handling device, in the installed state in the second object, in particular the second process unit, is rail-guided for a wide and in particular larger range of action and in particular handling range.

[0136] It can be provided that by means of the handling device the second door element or the door elements engaging with each other can be moved together into the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit, and thus removed from the access openings.

[0137] It can be provided, for example, that by means of the handling device the second door element or the door elements which are in engagement with one another can be moved together, preferably in a plug-like manner, out of the access openings and back into them, in particular into the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit, and thus can be removed from the access openings and can also be moved back into them.

[0138] For example, it can be provided that a linear guide and / or a pull-out guide, e.g. a telescopic guide, is arranged at the access opening of the second object, in particular the second process unit, along which the second door element or the door elements which are in engagement with one another can be moved together by means of the handling device, preferably in the manner of a drawer, out of the access openings and back into them, in particular into the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit, and can thus be removed from the access openings and can also be moved back into them. For example, the second door element can be coupled and / or coupled to a displacement device, e.g. a slide and / or carriage, of the linear guide and / or the pull-out guide.

[0139] It is understood that, by means of the handling device, further second door elements or further door elements that engage with one another can be moved together into the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit, and thus removed from the access openings. It can be provided that the opening device has at least one guide device and a motor device, wherein the second door element is fixed to the guide device and the guide device is fixed adjacent to the inlet opening, and wherein the second door element can be moved, in particular linearly, out of the associated access opening by means of the motor device along a portion of the guide device and then moved, in particular linearly, away from the associated access opening along a further portion of the guide device.

[0140] For example, the second door element can be movable out of the associated access opening by a movement which lies in a plane which can be oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly with respect to the associated access opening or to the plane spanned by it.

[0141] For example, the second door element can be movable away from the associated access opening by a movement which lies in a plane which can be oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly with respect to the previous movement.

[0142] For example, vectors of the respective movements can be transverse and, in particular, perpendicular to each other.

[0143] For example, the movement out of the access opening may be substantially horizontally oriented and the subsequent movement away from the access opening may be substantially vertically oriented.

[0144] It can be provided that the second door element can be moved back into the access opening in an analogous manner; in a sense, it can be moved back along the previously described movement path.

[0145] For example, the guide device may comprise a first guide element and a second guide element, which are arranged on opposite sides of the access opening in the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit. The guide elements can preferably be arranged parallel to one another and / or in a common plane, e.g., in a plane parallel to the access opening.

[0146] Preferably, the second door element can be held movably on the guide elements via a holding kinematics of the guide device.

[0147] For example, the second door element can be held movably on the guide elements via several holding members of the holding kinematics.

[0148] For example, the second door element can be movably held on a respective guide element via one, two, three or more holding members.

[0149] For example, a number of holding members per guide element, with which the second door element can be movably held on the guide elements, can be the same or different from one another.

[0150] It can be provided that the second door element can be moved out of the access opening, in particular linearly, and / or back in again via the holding kinematics by means of the motor device.

[0151] Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided that the second door element can be moved out of the access opening, in particular linearly, and / or back in again by means of one or more eccentric devices, which are respectively arranged and / or arranged on the guide elements and which can be actuated by means of the motor device. To a certain extent, the second door element can be moved together with the guide elements, in particular linearly, away from the access opening and / or towards the access opening by means of the one or more eccentric devices of the guide elements.

[0152] It can be provided that the second door element, in particular in a state moved out of the access opening, can be moved away from the access opening via the guide elements.

[0153] It may be conceivable for a guide element to be designed as a guide rail and / or to include one; for example, a magnetic rail on which the second door element can be held movably and based on magnetic force. For example, the holding elements of the holding kinematics can each be designed as counter-elements to the magnetic rail and / or function as such and / or have such.

[0154] The holding members can, for example, be at least partially designed as sleds and / or carriages.

[0155] As already described, it can be provided that the opening device has a or the drive unit which is arranged in and / or on the second object, in particular process unit, wherein the lever element is fastened to the drive unit and thus also the second door element (via the lever element).

[0156] By means of the opening device, and in particular initiated by the drive unit, the second door element or the mutually engaging door elements can be moved together in a pivoting and linear manner into the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit, and can thus be removed from and / or from the access opening(s).

[0157] In other words, it can be provided that the drive unit can move the second door element or the door elements that are in engagement with one another together linearly in the direction of the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit, and, in particular subsequently, can pivot in the interior, preferably for an opening process.

[0158] In particular, it can be provided that the drive unit can pivot the second door element or the interlocking door elements together inside the second object, in particular the second process unit, and, in particular subsequently, can move them linearly in the direction of the access opening and preferably into it. This can be, for example, a closing process. The pivoting can take place here, for example, until the second door element or the interlocking door elements are aligned with the access opening(s), preferably so that they can be guided back to the access openings.

[0159] It can be provided that the drive unit has a movement device and a motor device, e.g., the one already described, wherein the movement device is rotatable and at least partially linearly movable by means of the motor device. It can be provided, for example, that the movement device has a rotation axis, e.g., the one already described, which is preferably designed as a shaft, e.g., a hollow shaft, and a displacement device, wherein the displacement device is arranged on the outside of the rotation axis and is linearly movable and / or displaceable along the rotation axis.

[0160] For example, the displacement device may comprise a plurality of roller elements for rolling on the rotation axis and / or one or more sliding elements for sliding on the rotation axis, in particular to enable linear mobility of the displacement device along the rotation axis.

[0161] For example, the displacement device can be designed like a carriage and / or can have at least one carriage unit.

[0162] For example, the displacement device can be designed like a slide and / or can have at least one slide unit.

[0163] For example, the traversing device can surround the rotation axis partially and / or completely on the outside.

[0164] Preferably, the axis of rotation can be arranged transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the wall of the second object.

[0165] By means of the motor device, the rotation axis and the displacement device can be rotatable and / or the displacement device can be linearly movable and / or displaceable.

[0166] For example, the motor device may comprise a rotary motor for causing a rotational movement of the movement device and a spindle drive motor for causing a linear movement of at least one part, in particular the displacement device, of the movement device.

[0167] The rotational axis and the displacement device can be rotated by means of the rotational motor, and / or the displacement device can be caused to move linearly by means of the spindle drive motor. The rotational motor can be arranged on the outside of the rotational axis and / or directly or indirectly attached to the wall of the second object.

[0168] The spindle drive motor can be arranged in the rotation axis. Alternatively, the spindle drive motor can be arranged on the rotation axis.

[0169] It can be provided that a displacement element, in particular a slide-like and / or carriage-like element, which is comprised by the movement device, is arranged in the rotation axis, which is in engagement with a spindle of the spindle drive motor and is linearly movable and / or displaceable by rotation of the spindle drive motor along the spindle within the rotation axis.

[0170] It can be provided that the displacement element and the displacement device are operatively connected to one another in a contactless, preferably magnetic, manner, in particular for joint mobility and preferably for joint mobility along the rotation axis.

[0171] It can thus be provided that when the displacement element moves, preferably linearly, the displacement device moves correspondingly, preferably linearly, in particular along the axis of rotation.

[0172] For example, the displacement element can have one or more driver magnets and the displacement device can have one or more corresponding magnetic and / or magnetizable counter-elements, whereby a contactless operative connection between the displacement element and the displacement device can be enabled.

[0173] It can be provided that the motor device has a braking device which is arranged on the rotation axis, preferably at one end thereof and / or adjacent to the rotary motor, and by means of which a rotational movement of the rotation axis can be braked, in particular slowed down and / or stopped.

[0174] It can be provided that the drive unit is arranged partially or completely inside the second object, in particular the second process unit. It can be provided that the drive unit is arranged partially outside the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit, for example, on the outside and / or in a separate interior of the second object.

[0175] For example, it may be conceivable for the rotation axis to extend through the wall of the second object, in particular the second process unit, in particular in a sealed manner. Preferably, the part of the rotation axis on which the displacement device is arranged can be arranged inside the second object, in particular the second process unit.

[0176] For example, that part of the rotation axis on which the rotation motor and / or the braking device and / or the spindle drive motor is arranged can be arranged outside the interior of the second object, in particular the second process unit, so to speak on the outside.

[0177] For example, the rotation axis can be mounted on and / or in and / or adjacent to the wall by means of at least one bearing device.

[0178] It can be provided that the transfer device comprises one or more sensor units for detecting an opening state of the first door element and / or for detecting an opening state of the second door element.

[0179] It can be provided that each sensor unit is connected, in particular in terms of signaling, to a control unit of the transfer device and / or to a control unit that can be assigned to or is assigned to the transfer device, in particular for detecting the opening state of the first door element and / or for detecting the opening state of the second door element and furthermore in particular for determining whether a transition between the objects, in particular the first and the second process unit, is possible.

[0180] It can be provided that the opening state of the first door element and / or the opening state of the second door element can be detected by means of a position detection of the first door element and / or the second door element by the one or more sensor units.

[0181] To a certain extent, a sensor unit can be designed as a position detection sensor and / or comprise such a sensor. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the opening state of the first door element and / or the opening state of the second door element can be detected by the one or more sensor units based on torque and / or force.

[0182] To a certain extent, a sensor unit can be designed as a torque sensor and / or force sensor and / or comprise such a sensor and / or such a sensor.

[0183] Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided that the opening state of the first door element and / or the opening state of the second door element can be detected inductively and / or optically and / or capacitively and / or magnetically by the one or more sensor units. To a certain extent, a sensor unit can be designed as a sensor operating on the basis of the aforementioned principles and / or can comprise such a sensor(s). For example, a sensor unit can be designed as a pressure sensor and / or as a distance sensor and / or can comprise such a sensor(s).

[0184] It can additionally or alternatively be provided that the opening state of the first door element and / or the opening state of the second door element can be detected by means of a particularly mechanical or electrical contact detection on the first door element and / or on the second door element with respect to the corresponding object, in particular the corresponding process unit, in particular the access opening of the corresponding object, in particular the corresponding process unit, by the one or more sensor units.

[0185] It can additionally or alternatively be provided that the transfer device comprises at least one sensor unit by means of which it can be detected whether the first door element and the second door element are in engagement with one another.

[0186] It may additionally or alternatively be provided that a mass moved by the opening device during opening and / or closing can be detected by means of the at least one sensor unit.

[0187] It can be provided additionally or alternatively that a change in a magnetic field in and / or on the second object, in particular the second process unit, can be detected by means of the at least one sensor unit, which change can be caused by the opening device during opening and / or closing. It can be provided additionally or alternatively that an electrical contact can be detected by means of the at least one sensor unit, which is closed when the first and second door elements are engaged.

[0188] It can additionally or alternatively be provided that by means of the at least one sensor unit an air pressure can be provided between the engaged first and second door elements and this air pressure can be detected in order to check a tightness between the first and the second door element.

[0189] It can be provided that the at least one sensor unit is connected, in particular by signaling, to a control unit of the transfer device and / or to a control unit that can be assigned to or is assigned to the transfer device in order to determine whether the first door element and the second door element are in engagement with one another.

[0190] It is conceivable that one or more sensor units are provided on the rotational axis assigned to the opening device, by means of which the opening state of the first door element and / or the opening state of the second door element can be detected, and / or whether the first door element and the second door element are engaged with one another. Here, for example, in addition to or as an alternative to the previously mentioned sensor units, it is conceivable that a sensor unit can detect a rotation of the rotational axis based on motor current, in particular using the motor device, in particular a motor device designed as a pivoting motor, by means of which the opening device and in particular the lever element and / or the rotational axis can be motorized.

[0191] It is understood that detection of the respective opening states may additionally include an opening and / or closing process of the said door elements.

[0192] It is further understood that a sensor unit for detecting an opening state of the first door element and / or for detecting an opening state of the second door element and a sensor unit for detecting whether the first door element and the second door element are engaged with one another can be implemented in one sensor unit or in several, for example different, sensor units. It is understood that any suitable combination of the sensor units is conceivable here. It can be provided that the first door element comprises a holding contour which, in the closed state, is arranged on the inside with respect to the first object, in particular the first process unit, for example is arranged in the interior of the first object, in particular the first process unit, and faces it.

[0193] It can be provided that the first door element comprises a holding section which is arranged on the section, in particular a truncated cone or truncated pyramid, of the first door element and extends away from it, in particular in the closed state of the first door element into the interior of the first object, in particular the first process unit.

[0194] The holding section can, for example, be substantially cylindrically shaped and said holding contour can be formed on and / or in the holding section.

[0195] Preferably, the holding contour can be formed in the form of a depression, for example a recess and / or groove, in a lateral surface of the holding section and / or in the form of a projection on the lateral surface of the holding section.

[0196] For example, the holding section, which has a holding contour formed as a recess, can be substantially mushroom-shaped and / or substantially T-shaped or H-shaped in a cross-sectional view.

[0197] It can be provided that the locking device comprises at least one holding element which, in the installed state, is arranged in the first object, in particular the first process unit, and which can be selectively brought into engagement with the holding contour for locking the first door element.

[0198] It should be understood that the at least one retaining element may comprise exactly one retaining element or more than one retaining element. For example, multiple retaining elements may be provided, which may be arranged at regular or irregular intervals around the retaining contour in order to be selectively engageable with the retaining contour for locking the first door element.

[0199] It can be provided that the locking device comprises a drive device by means of which the or each retaining element can be moved in order to selectively engage it with the retaining contour. In particular, the or each retaining element can be moved between a locking position and a release position by means of the drive device.

[0200] The locking position can correspond to an engaged state of the holding element with the holding contour and the release position can correspond to a non-engaged state of the holding element with the holding contour.

[0201] For example, it can be provided that the locking device comprises at least one elastic element, in particular a spring element, by means of which the or each holding element can be or is prestressed into an engaged state, wherein the drive device can cause the or each holding element to move counter to the spring force of the elastic element.

[0202] For example, it can be provided that an associated elastic element, in particular a spring element, is provided on each holding element for the respective provision of said preload.

[0203] For example, it can be provided that the elastic element is arranged between several, e.g. two, holding elements in order to provide the said prestress on the respective holding elements together.

[0204] For example, it can be provided that the locking device comprises at least one elastic element, in particular a spring element, and at least two holding elements designed as clamping levers, between which the elastic element is arranged, in particular in order to prestress the holding elements into an engaged state. For example, the holding elements can be rotatably mounted, wherein the elastic element is fixed to a respective end region of the holding elements and a respective end region of the holding elements that is opposite to the mounting serves for engagement. The elastic element can be a compression spring, for example. The elastic element can prestress the end regions to which it is fixed into a spaced-apart state and therefore - in particular via the mounting - prestress the other end regions into the engaged state.

[0205] For example, it can be provided that the locking device comprises one or more retaining elements and a number of elastic elements, in particular spring elements, corresponding to the retaining elements. Each elastic element is assigned to a retaining element and biases the respective associated retaining element into an engaged state. For example, the retaining elements can be rotatably mounted. The elastic element can, for example, engage the retaining element at a distance from the mounting. The elastic element can, for example, be a compression spring.

[0206] For example, it can be provided that the locking device comprises one or more holding elements and a toggle lever device, by means of which the holding elements can be held in an engaged state. Optionally, the toggle lever device can comprise at least one elastic element, in particular a spring element, by means of which the toggle lever device can be prestressed or is prestressed into the state in which the holding elements are in the engaged state. For example, it can be conceivable for the toggle lever device to be actuated by a spindle drive and / or eccentric drive, e.g., an eccentric disc drive, and / or a lever drive and / or a linear actuator drive and / or a rotary actuator drive and / or a rack drive in order to move the holding elements into and / or out of the engaged state.

[0207] For example, it can be provided that the locking device comprises a joint arrangement comprising a plurality of links and at least two mutually different elastic elements, in particular spring elements, for example tension and / or compression spring elements, as well as one or more holding elements, wherein the holding elements are held in an engaged state via the joint arrangement and the joint arrangement can be prestressed or is prestressed by means of the elastic elements into the state in which the holding elements are in the engaged state.

[0208] It can be provided that the drive device, in the installed state, is arranged in and / or on the first object, in particular the first process unit.

[0209] For example, the drive device can be arranged in the installed state in the interior of the first object, in particular the first process unit, and / or on a wall defining the interior of the first object, in particular the first process unit, in particular the already described casing wall of the first object, in particular the first process unit.

[0210] It can be provided that the transfer device and in particular the locking device comprises at least one sensor unit for detecting a locking state of the first door element, by means of which a position of the holding element with respect to the drive device and / or the holding contour can be detected.

[0211] For example, the locking state of the first door element can be detected by the at least one sensor unit by means of a position detection of the holding element with respect to the drive device and / or the holding contour and / or the first object, in particular the first process unit, via which the position of the holding element can be determined.

[0212] For example, the locking state of the first door element can be detected by the at least one sensor unit by means of a particularly mechanical or electrical contact detection between the holding element and the drive device and / or the holding contour and / or the first object, in particular the first process unit, via which the position of the holding element can be determined.

[0213] It can be provided that the at least one sensor unit is connected to a control unit of the transfer device and / or a control unit that can be assigned to or is assigned to the transfer device, in particular in terms of signaling, for detecting the locking state of the first door element.

[0214] It can be provided that the drive device comprises an elastic element, in particular a spring element, by means of which the or each holding element can be or is prestressed in the direction of engagement with the holding contour and in particular in the direction of the locking position.

[0215] It can be provided that the drive device is operatively connected to the holding element via a shaft and via which shaft the holding element can be brought into engagement with the holding contour and out of it again and in particular can be moved into the locking position and the release position.

[0216] In other words, in the case of a plurality of holding elements, the drive device can be operatively connected to respective holding elements via a respective shaft and via which shafts the holding elements can be brought into engagement with the holding contour and out of it again and in particular can be moved into the locking position and the release position.

[0217] It can be provided that the drive device comprises a motor which is operatively connected to the or each shaft and thus to the or each holding element and by means of which a force and / or a torque can be generated, via which the or each holding element can be caused to move in order to move the or each holding element selectively into the locking position or into the release position.

[0218] It can be provided that the drive device comprises a motor and a transmission gear, via which a torque and / or a force that can be caused by the motor can be output and in particular can be output to the shaft for bringing the holding element into engagement with the holding contour and in particular for moving the holding element into the locking position and the release position.

[0219] It can be provided that the drive device comprises a motor, in particular the motor, and a spindle drive driven by the motor, and an actuating arm is formed on the shaft, which is movably connected to the spindle drive and over which the holding element can be caused to move in order to move the holding element selectively into the locking position or into the release position.

[0220] Preferably, a rotational movement of the spindle drive can be transmitted to the shaft via the connection to the actuating arm of the shaft in the form of a pivoting movement, which can be transmitted to the holding element via the shaft.

[0221] In other words, it can be provided that the drive device comprises a motor and a spindle drive driven by the motor, and an actuating arm is formed on the shaft, which is movably connected to the spindle drive, wherein a rotational movement of the spindle drive can be transmitted to the shaft via the connection to the actuating arm of the shaft in the form of a pivoting movement, which can be transmitted to the holding element via the shaft.

[0222] As already described, the locking device can comprise a plurality of retaining elements. It should be understood that the relevant statements relating to the at least one retaining element can also apply to each retaining element.

[0223] Preferably, the locking device can comprise, for example, a further, e.g., second, holding element, which is movably connected to the spindle drive via a further, e.g., second, shaft by means of a further, e.g., second, actuating arm formed on the further shaft. It should be understood that the holding element described so far, as well as the components connected thereto, such as the shaft and / or the actuating arm, can be referred to as the first holding element and the first corresponding component, respectively.

[0224] It can be provided that the two holding elements can be brought into engagement with the holding contour and out of it again by means of a mutually opposing and in particular synchronous pivoting movement and can be moved in particular into the locking position and the release position.

[0225] It can be provided that the drive device and in particular the motor of the drive device can be controlled by means of a control unit of the transfer device and / or by means of a control unit that can be assigned to or is assigned to the transfer device, in particular in order to be able to cause the or each holding element to move and in particular to be able to move it into the locking position and the release position.

[0226] Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided that the locking device comprises one or more magnetic elements.

[0227] Preferably, the magnetic elements can be arranged on and / or in the associated wall section of the first object, in particular the first process unit, preferably adjacent to and / or on the associated access opening.

[0228] For example, the magnetic elements can be arranged on the inside or inside the first object, in particular the first process unit, on the associated wall section.

[0229] It can be provided that the first door element is partially or completely designed as a magnetic counter element or at least comprises such a magnetic counter element.

[0230] For example, a respective counter element encompassed by the first door element can be arranged corresponding to the said magnetic elements of the locking device.

[0231] For example, the magnetic elements and the counter element(s) can abut one another due to the corresponding arrangement or can be adjacent to one another when the first door element is closed or is received in the corresponding access opening, so that a contact pressure and / or a sealing can advantageously be effected based on magnetic force.

[0232] The said counter element can be manufactured or can be manufactured, for example, from a magnetizable metal or alloy, e.g. magnetizable steel.

[0233] Additionally or alternatively, said counter element can be manufactured or produced, for example, from a magnetic material. It is conceivable, for example, for this counter element to be fixed in and / or on the door element in question, for example in a particularly integrated housing, e.g., a stainless steel housing, of the door element in question and / or by means of a plastic encapsulation, e.g., epoxy resin. This can advantageously enable a hygienic design, in particular a hygienic design.

[0234] A magnetic element can be designed, for example, as an electromagnet. It is conceivable, for example, that this can exert the contact pressure and / or seal without the need for current. To a certain extent, applying current can trigger the release of the first door element.

[0235] For example, it can be provided that the locking device can function as a pressing device for generating a contact pressure and / or for keeping the first door element sealed with respect to the wall section and / or access opening assigned to the first door element and / or can form such a device.

[0236] It can preferably be provided that the magnetic elements of the locking device and / or pressing device of the first door element are arranged at a distance from the magnetic elements of the locking device and / or pressing device of the second door element in order to enable a spacing of their magnetic fields from one another.

[0237] It can be provided that the respective magnetic elements of one locking device and / or pressing device are arranged in a substantially vertical or substantially horizontal arrangement on the respectively assigned wall section, and the respective magnetic elements of the other locking device and / or pressing device are arranged in a transverse and, in particular, perpendicular arrangement on the respectively assigned other wall section. It can additionally or alternatively be provided that the magnetic elements of the locking device and / or pressing device that can be assigned or is assigned to the first and / or second door element are each arranged at the same distance from the respective access opening.

[0238] It can be provided that the transfer device comprises a further locking device for locking the second door element in a closed state and for releasing the second door element for opening the same.

[0239] The further locking device can be arranged in and / or on the second object, in particular the second process unit, in the installed state.

[0240] It can be provided, for example, that the first door element and the second door element can be brought into engagement with one another and, in the engaged state, when the first door element is released by means of the locking device and the second door element is released by means of the further locking device, can be removed together from the access openings by means of the opening device to enable the particularly aseptic transition between the objects, in particular the first process unit and the second process unit.

[0241] For example, it can be provided that the further locking device is designed as the previously described pressing device, which comprises one or more magnetic elements. Furthermore, reference can be made to the relevant description of the pressing device comprising magnetic element(s).

[0242] For example, it can be provided that the further locking device is designed as a bayonet device and / or comprises such a device. Male and / or female bayonet elements can be provided in and / or on the second door element and / or the opening device, in particular the lever element. It is understood that corresponding female and / or male counter bayonet elements can be arranged in and / or on the second object, in particular the second process unit, or can be arranged in the installed state in order to be able to engage with the bayonet elements. The bayonet device and in particular the bayonet elements and / or the counter bayonet elements can be motorized in order to be able to engage the bayonet elements and / or counter bayonet elements, in particular in a rotational manner, for locking and / or releasing the second door element. For example,It can be provided that the motorized bayonet elements and / or counter-bayonet elements can be controlled by means of a control unit of the transfer device and / or by means of a control unit that can be assigned or is assigned to the transfer device, in particular for locking and / or releasing the second door element.

[0243] For example, it can be provided that the further locking device is designed as a clamping and / or tensioning device and / or comprises such a device. For example, at least one clamping and / or tensioning lever can be arranged in and / or on the second object, in particular the second process unit, or can be arranged in the installed state in order to be able to engage with the second door element and / or the opening device, in particular the lever element, and to selectively exert a force on this / these directed towards the access opening of the second object, in particular the second process unit, in order to lock the second door element. The clamping and / or tensioning device and in particular the clamping and / or tensioning lever can be motorized in order to be able to engage the clamping and / or tensioning lever with the second door element and / or the opening device, in particular the lever element. For example,It can be provided that the motorized clamping and / or tensioning device and in particular the motorized clamping and / or tensioning lever can be controlled by means of a control unit of the transfer device and / or by means of a control unit that can be assigned to or is assigned to the transfer device, in particular for locking and / or releasing the second door element.

[0244] For example, it can be provided that the further locking device is designed as a toggle lever device and / or comprises one which can be arranged, for example, in and / or on the second object, in particular the second process unit, or is arranged in the installed state in order to hold the second door element in a locked state. Optionally, the toggle lever device can comprise an elastic element, in particular a spring element, by means of which the second door element can be prestressed or is prestressed in the locked state. The toggle lever device can be connected to the second door element and / or the opening device, in particular the lever element, and in the installed state can be connected to the second object, in particular the second process unit. The spring element can be connected to the remaining toggle lever device and, in the installed state, to the second object, in particular the second process unit.By means of the toggle lever device, for example, a force directed towards the access opening of the second object, in particular the second process unit, can be exerted to lock the second door element. It can be provided, for example, that the further locking device is designed as an eccentric device and / or comprises such an eccentric device. The eccentric device can comprise at least one shaft on which an eccentric element is formed. By means of a rotation of the shaft, a section of the eccentric element that is eccentric to the shaft can be brought into engagement with the second door element and / or the opening device, in particular the lever element, to lock the second door element, in particular in order to be able to exert a force on it / these directed towards the access opening of the second object, in particular the second process unit, to lock the second door element.The eccentric device and in particular the shaft can be motorized to enable the eccentric element to engage with the second door element and / or the opening device, in particular the lever element. For example, it can be provided that the motorized eccentric device and in particular the motorized shaft can be controlled by a control unit of the transfer device and / or by a control unit that can be assigned to or is assigned to the transfer device, in particular for locking and / or releasing the second door element.

[0245] It can be provided that the transfer device and in particular the further locking device comprises at least one sensor unit for detecting a locking state of the second door element.

[0246] For example, the locking state of the second door element can be detected by the at least one sensor unit by means of position detection.

[0247] For example, the locking state of the second door element can be detected by the at least one sensor unit by means of a particularly mechanical or electrical contact detection between the second door element and the second object, in particular the second process unit, and in particular the relevant access opening.

[0248] For example, the locking state of the second door element can be detected inductively and / or optically and / or capacitively by at least one sensor unit.

[0249] It can be provided that the at least one sensor unit is connected to a control unit of the transfer device and / or a control unit that can be assigned to or is assigned to the transfer device, in particular in terms of signaling, for detecting the locking state of the second door element.

[0250] Furthermore, it can be provided that the transfer device comprises one or more sensor units for detecting foreign bodies in the respective access openings, in particular of the first and the second process unit.

[0251] For example, the presence of foreign bodies in the respective access openings can be detected optically, e.g. camera-based and / or light barrier-based, and / or force-based and / or position-based by means of the said sensor units.

[0252] Furthermore, it can be provided that the transfer device comprises one or more sensor units for detecting a contact pressure of the first and / or the second door element in the respective access openings of the objects, in particular the first and the second process unit.

[0253] For example, the contact pressure can be measured based on torque and / or force and / or motor current by means of the said sensor units.

[0254] It can be provided that the drive device, in the installed state, is arranged on the first object, in particular the first process unit, and outside the interior of the first object, in particular the first process unit.

[0255] It can be provided that the drive device is arranged in the installed state within the first object, in particular the first process unit, wherein the drive device is arranged partially or completely in a separate interior space of the first object, in particular the first process unit, which is different from the interior of the first object, in particular the first process unit, and, optionally, is arranged partially in the interior of the first object, in particular the first process unit.

[0256] Alternatively, it can be provided that the drive device, in the installed state, is arranged within the first object, in particular the first process unit, and is designed to be at least partially autoclavable, wherein an autoclavable part of the drive device and a non-autoclavable part of the drive device are connectable or connected to one another via at least one coupling component and the non-autoclavable part of the drive device is detachably installable in the interior of the first object, in particular the first process unit.

[0257] Alternatively, it can be provided that the drive device, in the installed state, is arranged within the first object, in particular the first process unit, and is designed to be autoclavable, wherein in particular the drive device comprises a sealed housing which is partially or completely, in particular thermally, insulated from its surroundings.

[0258] It can be provided that the drive device is arranged in the installed state within the first object, in particular the first process unit, wherein the drive device is detachably installed or installable therein, in particular for selective installation and removal after and before an autoclaving process from at least the interior of the first object, in particular the first process unit.

[0259] It can be provided that the transfer device comprises a control unit or the control unit already described and / or that a control unit or the control unit already described, in particular a control unit of the first and / or the second object, preferably the first and / or the second process unit, can be assigned or is assigned to the transfer device.

[0260] It can be provided that this control unit and / or its signaling connections can be selectively separated and / or switched off for auto-locking of the transfer device and in particular for auto-locking of the respective interior of the objects, in particular of the first and / or the second processing unit.

[0261] The present invention further provides a system comprising at least two objects, in particular process units, and / or three or four or more objects, in particular process units.

[0262] It is understood that not every object in the system in question needs to be a process unit. For example, any combination of suitable objects may be provided, such as one or more process units and / or one or more production spaces and / or one or more conveyor devices.

[0263] It should further be understood that all structural and / or functional features associated with the transfer device according to the invention and its embodiments described above and / or below can also be included in said system, either alone or in combination, and the associated properties, configurations and / or advantages can also be included and achieved accordingly.

[0264] For example, it can be provided that the system is formed from and / or comprises at least two process units.

[0265] The two process units may comprise at least one transfer device according to the above and / or following embodiments.

[0266] It can be provided that each process unit serves to manufacture a product, in particular a biological-pharmaceutical product, as already described at the beginning.

[0267] It may be provided that the system is formed from and / or comprises three or four or more process units.

[0268] Each process unit may include one or more first and / or one or more second parts of a transfer device according to the above and / or following explanations. It is understood that this may be conceivable and / or applicable to any object.

[0269] The transfer device can be formed from at least a first and at least a second part.

[0270] It can be provided that at least a first part and at least a second part of the transfer device are provided in different process units.

[0271] In the present case, a first part can be understood to mean in particular the part of the transfer device which is assigned to the first door element and / or is connected thereto, or which can be arranged or is arranged in and / or on the first process unit.

[0272] In the present case, a second part can be understood to mean in particular the part of the transfer device which is assigned to the second door element and / or is connected thereto, or which can be arranged or is arranged in and / or on the second process unit.

[0273] For example, a process unit can be provided in which one or more first and / or one or more second parts of the transfer device are provided and which can be connected to a further process unit in which at least one first and / or one second part of the transfer device is provided, by means of the transfer device, which can be formed from at least one first and at least one second part.

[0274] This makes it possible to achieve a particularly aseptic transition between these process units, for example for passing through one or more tool units and / or one or more sensor units and / or consumables and / or consumables.

[0275] With reference to the foregoing description, the present invention can provide a transfer device by means of which anything, e.g. a treatment object, a tool unit, a sensor unit, a material and / or a substance, can be exchanged in a germ-free manner between two objects and preferably between two process units.

[0276] Furthermore, the simple and robust configuration of the transfer device can enable easy cleaning and / or sterilization, in particular autoclavability.

[0277] Furthermore, the transfer device can in particular be operated in a fully automated manner, so that it can facilitate large-scale application and / or industrial production of individual and / or small batch sizes.

[0278] Further preferred features and / or advantages of the present invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

[0279] The figures show:

[0280] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a transfer device for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first process unit and a second process unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0281] Fig. 2 is a further schematic perspective view of the transfer device of Fig. 1;

[0282] Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the transfer device of Fig. 1 starting from the first process unit in the direction of the second process unit;

[0283] Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the transfer device of Fig. 3 along section AA;

[0284] Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of the transfer device of Fig. 1;

[0285] Fig. 6 is a schematic plan view of a system comprising at least two

[0286] Process units according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0287] Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view of a system of three or four or more process units according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0288] Fig. 8 to 18 each show a schematic view of a part and / or components of a transfer device for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first process unit and a second process unit according to respective further exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0289] Fig. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a transfer device for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first process unit and a second process unit according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0290] Fig. 20 shows a further perspective view of the transfer device of Fig. 19 during an opening process; Fig. 21 shows a further perspective view of the transfer device of Fig. 19 after an opening process;

[0291] Fig. 22 is a further perspective view of the transfer device of Fig. 21;

[0292] Fig. 23 is a further perspective view of the transfer device of Fig. 19;

[0293] Fig. 24 is a sectional perspective view of the transfer device of Fig. 19;

[0294] Fig. 25 is a schematic perspective view of a part and / or components of the transfer device of Fig. 19;

[0295] Fig. 26 is a sectional perspective view of a part and / or components of the transfer device of Fig. 19;

[0296] Fig. 27 is a further schematic view of a part and / or components of the transfer device of Fig. 19;

[0297] Fig. 28 is a further sectional perspective view of a part and / or components of the transfer device of Fig. 19;

[0298] Fig. 29 is a sectional detailed view of a part and / or components of the transfer device of Fig. 19;

[0299] Fig. 30 is a further sectional perspective view of a part and / or components of the transfer device of Fig. 19;

[0300] Fig. 31 is a further sectional perspective view of a part and / or components of the transfer device of Fig. 19;

[0301] Fig. 32 is a further sectional perspective view of a part and / or components of the transfer device of Fig. 19;

[0302] Fig. 33 is a schematic view of a portion and / or components of the transfer device of Fig. 19; Fig. 34 is a schematic plan view of a system of two processing units according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0303] Fig. 35 is a schematic side view of a part and / or components of a transfer device for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first process unit and a second process unit according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0304] Fig. 36 is a schematic side view of a part and / or components of a transfer device for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first process unit and a second process unit according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0305] Fig. 37 is a schematic plan view of a part and / or components of a transfer device for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first process unit and a second process unit according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0306] Fig. 38 is a schematic side view of the part and / or components of Fig. 37;

[0307] Fig. 39 is a schematic plan view of a part and / or components of a transfer device for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first process unit and a second process unit according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0308] Fig. 40 is a schematic side view of the part and / or components of Fig. 39;

[0309] Fig. 41 is a schematic plan view of a part and / or components of a transfer device for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first process unit and a second process unit according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0310] Fig. 42 is a schematic side view of the part and / or components of Fig. 41;

[0311] Fig. 43 is a schematic plan view of a part and / or components of a transfer device for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first process unit and a second process unit according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0312] Fig. 44 is a schematic side view of the part and / or components of Fig. 43;

[0313] Fig. 45 is a schematic plan view of a part and / or components of a transfer device for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first process unit and a second process unit according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0314] Fig. 46 is a schematic side view of the part and / or components of Fig. 45;

[0315] Fig. 47 is a schematic side view of a part and / or components of a transfer device for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first process unit and a second process unit according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0316] Fig. 48 is a schematic plan view of the part and / or components of Fig. 47;

[0317] Fig. 49 is a schematic side sectional view of a part and / or components of a transfer device for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first process unit and a second process unit according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0318] Fig. 50 is a further schematic side sectional view of the part and / or components of Fig. 49;

[0319] Fig. 51 is a schematic side view of a part and / or components of a transfer device for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first process unit and a second process unit according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0320] Fig. 52 is a schematic side view of a part and / or components of a transfer device for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first process unit and a second process unit according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0321] Fig. 53 is a schematic side sectional view of a part and / or components of a transfer device for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first processing unit and a second processing unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0322] Fig. 54 is a further schematic side sectional view of the part and / or components of Fig. 53.

[0323] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0324] Referring to Figs. 1 to 54, the embodiments of the present invention described therein are described in connection with objects configured as process units. This use of the present invention can, for example, be particularly advantageous. Figs. 1 to 5 schematically illustrate a transfer device 100 for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between one, e.g., first, process unit 102 and another, e.g., second, process unit 104 according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0325] The transfer device 100 therefore serves to enable a, or in particular aseptic, transition between the first process unit 102 and the second process unit 104.

[0326] The transfer device 100 can be installed at least partially in the first process unit 102 and at least partially in the second process unit 104.

[0327] In particular, a first part 106 of the transfer device 100 can be installed in the first process unit 102 and a second part 108 of the transfer device 100 can be installed in the second process unit 104.

[0328] Referring to Figs. 1 to 5, the transfer device 100 comprises a first door element 110, a second door element 112, a locking device 114 and an opening device 116.

[0329] The first door element 110 can be arranged on the first process unit 102 or arranged in the installed state.

[0330] The first door element 110 is thus assignable or assigned to the first part 106 of the transfer device 100.

[0331] The first door element 110 serves to open and close an access opening 118 of the first process unit 102.

[0332] The access opening 118 of the first processing unit 102 is formed in a wall section 120 of the first processing unit 102 and allows access to an interior 122 of the first processing unit 102.

[0333] In a sense, a first door element 110, arranged in the installed state on the first processing unit 102, is provided for opening and closing an access opening 118 formed in a wall section 120 of the first processing unit 102 to an interior 122 of the first processing unit 102. The second door element 112 can be arranged on the second processing unit 104 or is arranged in the installed state.

[0334] The second door element 112 is thus assignable or assigned to the second part 108 of the transfer device 100.

[0335] The second door element 112 serves to open and close an access opening 124 of the second process unit 104.

[0336] The access opening 124 of the second processing unit 104 is formed in a wall portion 126 of the second processing unit 104 and allows access to an interior 128 of the second processing unit 104.

[0337] In a sense, a second door element 112 arranged on the second process unit 104 in the installed state is provided for opening and closing an access opening 124 formed in a wall section 126 of the second process unit 104 to an interior 128 of the second process unit 104.

[0338] By means of the locking device 114, the first door element 110 can be locked in a closed state.

[0339] In other words, the locking device 114 serves to lock the first door element 110 in a closed state.

[0340] By means of the locking device 114, the first door element 110 can be released to open it.

[0341] In other words, the locking device 114 serves to release the first door element 110 to open it.

[0342] The locking device 114 can be arranged in and / or on the first process unit 102 or is arranged in the installed state.

[0343] The locking device 114 is thus assignable or associated with the first part 106 of the transfer device 100. At least one of the door elements 110, 112 can be opened and / or closed by means of the opening device 116.

[0344] In other words, the opening device 116 serves to open and close at least one of the door elements 110, 112.

[0345] The opening device 116 can be arranged in and / or on the second process unit 104 or arranged in the installed state.

[0346] The opening device 116 is thus assignable or assigned to the second part 108 of the transfer device 100.

[0347] Furthermore, the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 can be engaged with each other in order to be removable together from the access openings 118, 124 by means of the opening device 116.

[0348] In the engaged state of the door elements 110, 112 and when the first door element 110 is released by means of the locking device 114, the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 can be removed together from the access openings 118, 124 by means of the opening device 116.

[0349] As a result, the said particularly aseptic transition between the first process unit 102 and the second process unit 104 can be enabled and / or realized.

[0350] In the present embodiment, the first process unit 102 is designed as a treatment box, e.g. as a patient box, in particular for receiving and / or transporting and / or treating a treatment object.

[0351] Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the second process unit 104 is designed as a tool box, in particular for treating the treatment object, which can in particular comprise a tool unit, in particular for treating the treatment object and / or a sensor unit, in particular for analyzing the treatment object.

[0352] It may be conceivable that the first and / or the second process unit 102, 104 are designed as a supply box, in particular for providing a material, e.g. a consumable material, and / or a substance which may be required for the treatment of a treatment object.

[0353] The particularly aseptic transition between the process units 102, 104 serves to supply something, for example a treatment object, a tool unit, a sensor unit, a material and / or a substance, to one process unit 102 from the other process unit 104, in particular to supply it temporarily and / or permanently.

[0354] The particularly aseptic transition between the process units 102, 104 can be used bidirectionally and / or unidirectionally, for example for an exchange of something between the process units 102, 104.

[0355] In other words, the particularly aseptic transition between the process units 102, 104 is a bidirectional and / or a unidirectional transition.

[0356] In the present exemplary embodiment, a treatment object can, for example, comprise at least one of the following: a reactant, in particular a material comprising cells, for example a starting material comprising cells, and / or a biological-pharmaceutical material and / or a biological-pharmaceutical workpiece, an intermediate product, in particular an intermediate product comprising cells and / or a biological-pharmaceutical intermediate product, a product, for example the product to be produced, in particular a biological-pharmaceutical product, for example the biological-pharmaceutical product to be produced.

[0357] It should be understood that the above list is exemplary and not exhaustive. Alternatively or additionally, the treatment object may include one or more and / or a combination of the previously described elements.

[0358] In the present exemplary embodiment, a respective process unit 102, 104 is movable and / or transportable relative to its surroundings and / or, in particular, can be moved automatically. For example, it is conceivable that a respective process unit 102, 104 can comprise a transport vehicle, in particular a freely moving transport vehicle, or can be designed as such and / or can be coupled to a transport vehicle, in particular a freely moving transport vehicle.

[0359] For example, it is also conceivable that a respective process unit 102, 104 defines a process cell, in particular an aseptic process cell. To a certain extent, a respective process unit 102, 104 can be a process cell, in particular an aseptic process cell.

[0360] Each process unit 102, 104 comprises a particularly closable interior space, wherein said interior space corresponds to the respective interior 122, 128 of the first and second process units 102, 104.

[0361] Furthermore, each process unit 102, 104 comprises a shell wall which encloses and thereby defines the respective interior space or the respective interior 122, 128.

[0362] The said shell wall comprises the respective wall section 120, 126 of the first and second process units 102, 104 and / or is partially formed by it.

[0363] A particularly aseptic production area can be defined or defined and / or formed by the interior space or interior 122, 128 of a respective process unit 102, 104. To a certain extent, it can be provided that the interior space or interior 122, 128 is a particularly aseptic production area.

[0364] The respective access openings 118, 124 of the first and second processing units 102, 104 enable respective access to a respective, in particular aseptic, production area of ​​the first and second processing units 102, 104.

[0365] In a sense, the first door element 110 arranged on the first process unit 102 in the installed state serves to open and close the access opening 118 to a particularly aseptic production area in the interior 122 of the first process unit 102.

[0366] In a sense, the second door element 112 arranged on the second process unit 104 in the installed state serves to open and close the access opening 124 to a particularly aseptic production area in the interior 128 of the second process unit 104. The first door element 110 and the second door element 112 each have a jacket surface directed outwards with respect to the respective process unit 102, 104 and having a hygienic design, in particular a hygienic design.

[0367] Hygienic design can be understood in particular as the design of parts, components and / or production systems that are suitable for cleaning and / or sterilization.

[0368] For hygienic design, the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 have no undercuts on the outside and in particular on the shell surface side.

[0369] As can be seen particularly in Fig. 4, the first door element 110 comprises a frustoconical section 130.

[0370] The frustoconical section 130 of the first door element 110 tapers in a direction which, in the closed state of the first door element 110, is directed towards the interior 122 of the first process unit 102.

[0371] A peripheral surface of said section 130 of the first door element 110 rests against an inner peripheral surface of the access opening 118 of the first process unit 102 when the first door element 110 is closed.

[0372] Furthermore, it can be seen in particular in Fig. 4 that the second door element 112 comprises a frustoconical section 132.

[0373] The frustoconical section 132 of the second door element 112 tapers in a direction which, in the closed state of the second door element 112, is directed outwards with respect to the second process unit 104.

[0374] A peripheral surface of said section 132 of the second door element 112 rests against an inner peripheral surface of the access opening 124 of the second processing unit 104 when the second door element 104 is closed. Referring to Fig. 4, the transfer device 100 has a sealing device 134, which is formed from and / or comprises a plurality of sealing sub-elements 136, 138, 140, 142.

[0375] By means of the sealing device 134, in the closed state of the first door element 110, the first door element 110 and an inner peripheral surface of the access opening 118 of the first process unit 110 can be sealed or are sealed to the outside.

[0376] Furthermore, by means of the sealing device 134, in the closed state of the second door element 112, the second door element 112 and an inner peripheral surface of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104 can be sealed or are sealed to the outside.

[0377] Furthermore, in the engaged state of the first and second door elements 110, 112, the sealing device 134 can seal or seal the respective surfaces of both door elements 110, 112 outwardly, which surfaces are directed outwardly relative to the corresponding process unit 102, 104 in the respective closed state of the corresponding door elements 110, 112.

[0378] Furthermore, by means of the sealing device 134, in a state in which the respective wall sections 120, 126 of the process units 102, 104 lie against one another for engaging the first and second door elements 110, 112 (cf. Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5), respective opening areas of both access openings 118, 124 of both process units 102, 104 can be sealed or are sealed to the outside.

[0379] The sealing device 134 and in particular each sealing part element 136, 138, 140, 142 have a closed and circular contour.

[0380] Due to this closed and circular contour, the aforementioned components can be sealed or are sealed radially and axially to the outside.

[0381] As can be seen in Fig. 4, the sealing device in the present embodiment comprises four sealing sub-elements 136, 138, 140, 142.

[0382] A first sealing element 136 is arranged at an edge region of the first door element 110. This edge region of the first door element 110 is adjacent to the inner peripheral surface of the access opening 118 of the first processing unit 102 when the first door element 110 is closed and faces outward relative to the first processing unit 102.

[0383] A second sealing part element 138 can be arranged or is arranged at an edge region of the access opening 118 of the first process unit 102.

[0384] This edge region of the access opening 118 of the first process unit 102 is, in the closed state of the first door element 110, adjacent to the first door element 110 and in particular to the said edge region of the first door element 110 and directed outwards with respect to the first process unit 102.

[0385] A third sealing part element 140 is arranged on an edge region of the second door element 112.

[0386] This edge region of the second door element 112 is, in the closed state of the second door element 112, adjacent to the inner peripheral surface of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104 and directed outwards with respect to the second process unit 104.

[0387] A fourth sealing sub-element 142 can be arranged or is arranged at an edge region of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104.

[0388] This edge region of the access opening 124 of the second processing unit 104 is, in the closed state of the second door element 112, adjacent to the second door element 112 and in particular to the said edge region of the second door element 112 and directed outwards with respect to the second processing unit 104.

[0389] The first and third sealing part elements 136, 140 are arranged directly next to one another in the engaged state of the first and second door elements 110, 112 (see Fig. 4).

[0390] By means of the first and the third sealing sub-element 136, 140, the respective surfaces of both door elements 110, 112 can be sealed or are sealed to the outside, which in the respective closed state of the corresponding door elements 110, 112 are directed outwards with respect to the corresponding process unit 102, 104 and are enclosed by the first and the third sealing sub-element 136, 140 in a respective assigned manner.

[0391] This can be understood in particular to mean that a respective surface of the mutually engaging door elements 110, 112, which face one another in the engaged state of the door elements 110, 112 and / or on which the door elements 110, 112 abut one another, can be sealed or sealed to the outside by means of the first and third sealing part elements 136, 140.

[0392] The second and fourth sealing part elements 138, 142 can be arranged or arranged directly against one another, for example in a state in which the respective wall sections 120, 126 of the process units 102, 104 lie against one another for engaging the first and second door elements 110, 112 (cf. Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5).

[0393] By means of the second and fourth sealing part elements 138, 142, respective opening areas of both access openings 118, 124 of both process units 102, 104 can be sealed or are sealed to the outside.

[0394] In the present exemplary embodiment, a respective sealing sub-element 136, 138, 140, 142 can be manufactured or is manufactured from a plastic. For example, a respective sealing sub-element 136, 138, 140, 142 can comprise and / or be at least partially formed from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and / or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and / or silicone. This advantageously enables good autoclavability.

[0395] Referring to Fig. 4, the second door element 112 comprises a coupling element 144.

[0396] The coupling element 144 is provided in and / or on the second door element 112 and forms at least a part of the second door element 112.

[0397] By means of the coupling element 144, the first door element 110 can be brought into engagement with the second door element 112 and can be held thereon.

[0398] In the present embodiment, the coupling element 114 is configured to magnetically engage the first door element 110 with the second door element 112 and to hold it thereto. However, it is also conceivable that the coupling element 114 can be configured to be actuated in a force-locking, form-locking, and / or vacuum-based manner, or can be operated in such a manner.

[0399] As can be seen in Fig. 4, the coupling element 144 forms a part of the second door element 112 that is directed outwards with respect to the second process unit 104.

[0400] This part of the second door element 112 has a flush transition to the remaining part or remainder of the second door element 112, which is directed outwards with respect to the second process unit 104.

[0401] In the present case, the coupling element 144 is arranged substantially centrally in the frustoconical section 132 of the second door element 112.

[0402] In the present embodiment, the coupling element 144 is designed as an electromagnet.

[0403] The first door element 110 is accordingly partially or completely designed as a magnetic counter element. For example, the first door element 110 can be manufactured or is manufactured from a magnetic or magnetizable material.

[0404] The coupling element 144, designed as an electromagnet, can be controlled by means of a control unit 146 in order to engage the first door element 110 with the second door element 112 and to hold it thereto.

[0405] The control unit 146 may be included in the transfer device 100 and / or may be assignable or associated with the transfer device 100. For example, a control unit 146 that is assignable or associated with the transfer device 100 may be included in the first and / or second processing unit 102, 104.

[0406] As can also be seen in Figs. 1 to 5, the opening device 116 has a pivotable lever element 148 and a rotation axis 150.

[0407] When installed in the second processing unit 104, the lever element 148 can be pivotally secured or is secured to a first end region 152 of the lever element 148. In the present case, the lever element 148 is secured in the second processing unit 104 in order to be able to pivot the second door element 112 toward a lateral surface of the interior 128 of the second processing unit 104.

[0408] Furthermore, the second door element 112 is attached to a second end region 154 of the lever element 148.

[0409] The pivotable lever element 148 and in particular the second end region 154 of the lever element 148 are rigidly connected to the second door element 112.

[0410] By means of the lever element 148, the second door element 112 or the mutually engaging door elements 110, 112 can be moved together into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104, in particular in a pivoting manner.

[0411] In the present embodiment, this is a purely pivoting movement. However, it is also conceivable that a pivoting and / or linear movement could occur.

[0412] As a result, the second door element 112 or the door elements 110, 112 that are in engagement with one another can be removed together from the access openings 118, 124.

[0413] In the present embodiment, the lever element 148 is arranged via the rotation axis 150 in the interior 128 of the second process unit 104.

[0414] The lever element 148 can be rotated and pivoted via the rotation axis 150.

[0415] In the present case, the rotation axis 150 is formed integrally with the first end region 152 of the lever element 148.

[0416] The opening and closing of at least one of the door elements 110, 112 - in this case the second door element 112 or the door elements 110, 112 that are in engagement with one another - can be initiated by means of a corresponding rotational and / or pivoting movement.

[0417] It is understood that this rotational and / or pivoting movement can be or occurs around the rotation axis 150. Specifically, at least one of the door elements 110, 112—in this case, the second door element 112 or the mutually engaging door elements 110, 112—opens in a rotational direction, which is designated by A in the figures. In a sense, this is an opening rotational direction A.

[0418] Specifically, at least one of the door elements 110, 112—in this case, the second door element 112 or the interlocking door elements 110, 112—is closed in a rotational direction, which is indicated in the figures by B. In a sense, this is a closing rotational direction B.

[0419] Referring to Figs. 1 to 5, the rotation axis 150 is advantageously arranged at a distance from the access opening 124 of the second processing unit 104 in the installed state.

[0420] The said distance extends in particular between the rotation axis 150 and a center, in particular the midpoint, of the access opening 124 of the second processing unit 104.

[0421] This distance is greater than or equal to a widest opening dimension of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104 and, in particular, an opening diameter of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104.

[0422] For example, the distance may be at least 100%, in particular at least 150%, preferably at least 200%, further preferably at least 250%, in particular preferably at least 300%, greater than or equal to the widest opening dimension of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104, in particular than the opening diameter of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104.

[0423] It is understood that the opening device 116 and in particular the lever element 148 is motorizable or motorized for said opening and closing.

[0424] A corresponding motor device is provided for this purpose (shown as an example in Fig. 6 with the reference number 208).

[0425] This motor device can be arranged or is arranged in and / or on the second processing unit 104. The motor device is advantageously included in the transfer device 100 and in particular in the opening device 116.

[0426] The opening device 116 and in particular the lever element 148 can be actuated in an automated manner by means of the motor device for the said opening and closing.

[0427] The motor device can be controlled by means of the control unit 146.

[0428] Furthermore, the transfer device 100 comprises sensor units 156, 158 for detecting an opening state of the first door element 110 and for detecting an opening state of the second door element 112.

[0429] Specifically, a first sensor unit 156 is used to detect an opening state of the first door element 110 and a second sensor unit 158 ​​is used to detect an opening state of the second door element 112.

[0430] These sensor units 156, 158 are further connected to the control unit 146, in particular via signaling.

[0431] This serves in particular to detect the opening state of the first door element 110 and to detect the opening state of the second door element 112 by means of the control unit 146 and further to determine whether a transition between the first and the second process unit 102, 104 is possible.

[0432] In the present embodiment, the opening state of the first door element 110 and the opening state of the second door element 112 can be optically detected by the sensor units 156, 158. It is understood that this is purely exemplary, and other sensor configurations are conceivable.

[0433] Furthermore, the transfer device 100 comprises a third sensor unit 160.

[0434] By means of the third sensor unit 160 it can be detected whether the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 are engaged with each other.

[0435] For example, a change in a magnetic field in and / or on the second processing unit 104 can be detected by means of the third sensor unit 160. This change can be caused by the opening and / or closing device 116.

[0436] This makes it possible to detect whether the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 are engaged with each other.

[0437] It is understood that this sensor design is purely exemplary and other sensor designs are conceivable.

[0438] The third sensor unit 160 is also connected to the control unit 146, in particular in terms of signaling.

[0439] This serves in particular to determine whether the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 are engaged with each other.

[0440] As already described, the first door element 110 has a frustoconical section 130.

[0441] Referring to Figs. 1 to 5, the first door element 110 further includes a holding portion 162.

[0442] The holding portion 162 is arranged on the frustoconical portion 130 of the first door element 110 and extends away therefrom.

[0443] In particular, when the first door element 110 is closed, it extends into the interior 122 of the first process unit 102.

[0444] The holding portion 162 is substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0445] A holding contour 164 is formed on and / or in said holding section 162.

[0446] In the closed state (of the first door element 110), the retaining contour 164 is arranged internally with respect to the first processing unit 102, in particular arranged in the interior 122 of the first processing unit 102 and facing it. The retaining contour 164 is formed in the form of a recess, for example a circumferential groove, in a lateral surface of the retaining section 162.

[0447] The holding section 162 is therefore essentially mushroom-shaped (see, for example, Figs. 4 and 5).

[0448] The holding section 162 and in particular the holding contour 164 serve to lock the first door element 110.

[0449] The locking device 114 comprises a first holding element 166 and a second holding element 168, which also serve to lock the first door element 110.

[0450] The holding elements 166, 168 are arranged in the first process unit 102 in the installed state.

[0451] The holding elements 166, 168 can be selectively engaged with the holding contour 164 to lock the first door element 110.

[0452] The retaining elements 166, 168 are arranged on opposite sides of the retaining contour 164 in order to be selectively engageable with the retaining contour 164 for locking the first door element 110.

[0453] The holding elements 166, 168 are motorized and, in particular, can be operated automatically.

[0454] For this purpose, the locking device 114 has a drive device 170.

[0455] By means of the drive device 170, the holding elements 166, 168 are movable in order to be able to selectively engage them with the holding contour 164.

[0456] In particular, each holding element 166, 168 is movable between a locking position and a release position by means of the drive device 170.

[0457] For example, the locking position is shown in Fig. 4.

[0458] The locking position corresponds to an engaged state of the holding elements 166, 168 with the holding contour 164.

[0459] The release position corresponds to a non-engaged state of the holding elements 166, 168 with the holding contour 164. The drive device 170 is arranged in and / or on the first process unit 102 in the installed state.

[0460] In particular, the drive device 170 is arranged in the installed state in the interior 122 of the first process unit 102 and on a wall defining the interior 122 of the first process unit 102, in particular the already described casing wall, of the first process unit 102.

[0461] The transfer device 100 further comprises a fourth sensor unit 172 (see Fig. 2).

[0462] The fourth sensor unit 172 serves to detect a locking state of the first door element 110.

[0463] By means of the fourth sensor unit 172, a position of the holding elements 166, 168 with respect to the drive device 170 and the holding contour 164 can be detected.

[0464] For example, the locking state of the first door element 110 can be detected by the fourth sensor unit 172 by means of a position detection of the holding elements 166, 168 with respect to the drive device 170 and the holding contour 164, via which the position of the holding elements 166, 168 can be determined.

[0465] It is understood that this sensor design is purely exemplary and other sensor designs are conceivable.

[0466] The fourth sensor unit 172 is also connected to the control unit 146, in particular for signaling purposes, in particular for detecting the locking state of the first door element 110.

[0467] As can be seen in Figs. 1 to 5, the drive device 170 comprises an elastic element, which in the present case is designed as a spring element 174.

[0468] By means of the spring element 174, the first and second retaining elements 166, 168 can be preloaded or are preloaded in the direction of engagement with the retaining contour 164, and in particular in the direction of the locking position. The drive device 170 is operatively connected to the first retaining element 166 via a first shaft 176.

[0469] The drive device 170 is operatively connected to the second holding element 168 via a second shaft 178.

[0470] The first and second holding elements 166, 168 can be brought into engagement with the holding contour 164 and out of it again via the first and second shafts 176, 178.

[0471] This can be understood in particular to mean that the first and second holding elements 166, 168 can be moved into the locking position and the release position via the first and second shafts 176, 178, respectively.

[0472] In other words, the drive device 170 is operatively connected to respective holding elements 166, 168 via a respective shaft 176, 178, and via which shafts 176, 178 the holding elements 166, 168 can be brought into engagement with the holding contour 164 and out of it again and in particular can be moved into the locking position and the release position.

[0473] For example, the drive device 170 has a motor 180 and a spindle drive 182.

[0474] The motor 180 is operatively connected to each shaft 176, 178 and thus to each holding element 166, 168.

[0475] By means of the motor 180, a force and / or a torque can be generated, via which each holding element 166, 168 can be caused to move.

[0476] As a result, each holding element 166, 168 can be moved either into the locking position or into the release position.

[0477] In particular, the spindle drive 182 can be driven via the motor 180, whereby the force and / or torque can be transmitted.

[0478] For this purpose, an actuating arm 184 is formed on each shaft 176, 178.

[0479] Each actuating arm 184 is movably connected to the spindle drive 182. The respective holding elements 166, 168 can be caused to move via a respective actuating arm 184 in order to move the holding elements 166, 168 selectively into the locked position or into the released position.

[0480] Preferably, a rotational movement of the spindle drive 182 is transferable via the connection to the actuating arms 184 of the shafts 176, 178 to the respective shaft 176, 178 in the form of a pivoting movement, which is transferable via the shafts 176, 178 to the holding elements 166, 168.

[0481] This can include, in particular, that the drive device 170 comprises a motor 180 and a spindle drive 182 driven by the motor 180, and that an actuating arm 184 is formed on the respective shafts 176, 178, which are movably connected to the spindle drive 182, wherein a rotational movement of the spindle drive 182 is transmittable via the connection to the respective actuating arm 184 of the respective shaft 176, 178 to the respective shaft 176, 178 in the form of a pivoting movement, which is transmittable via the respective shaft 176, 178 to the respective holding element 166, 168.

[0482] In this case, the two holding elements 166, 168 can be brought into engagement with the holding contour 164 and out of it again by means of a mutually opposing and in particular synchronous pivoting movement and can be moved in particular into the locking position and the release position.

[0483] This can be understood in particular to mean that when the actuating arms 184 are moved towards one another via the spindle drive 182, the holding elements 166, 168 are moved out of the holding contour 164 and, when the actuating arms 184 are moved away from one another via the spindle drive 182, the holding elements 166, 168 are moved into the holding contour 164.

[0484] The drive device 144 and in particular the motor 180 can be controlled by means of the control unit 146

[0485] This serves, in particular, to enable each retaining element 166, 168 to move, particularly into the locking position and the release position. This allows the locking of the first door element 110 to be motorized and, in particular, automated.

[0486] As can be seen in the figures, the drive device 170 is arranged in the installed state within the first process unit 102.

[0487] It is conceivable that the drive device 170 is arranged partially or completely in a separate interior of the first process unit 102, which is different from the interior 122 of the first process unit 102 (cf. Fig. 6).

[0488] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the drive device 170, in the installed state, is arranged within the first processing unit 102 and is designed to be at least partially or completely autoclavable. The drive device 170 comprises a sealed housing, which is partially or completely, in particular thermally, insulated from its surroundings.

[0489] It is also understood that the control unit 146 and / or its signaling connections can be selectively disconnected and / or de-energized for auto-cavitation of the transfer device 100 and in particular for auto-cavitation of the respective interior 122, 128 of the first and second processing units 102, 104.

[0490] Referring to Figs. 1 to 5, a transfer device 100 is now provided, by means of which anything, e.g. a treatment object, a tool unit, a sensor unit, a material and / or a substance, can be exchanged in a germ-free manner between two process units 102, 104.

[0491] In particular, the simple and robust configuration of the transfer device 100 allows for easy cleaning and / or sterilization, in particular autoclavability.

[0492] Furthermore, the transfer device 100 can be operated in a fully automated manner, so that it can facilitate large-scale application and / or industrial production of individual and / or small batch sizes.

[0493] A system 200 according to the invention comprising at least two process units 102, 104, 202, 204 is described in more detail below. It should be understood that all structural and / or functional features associated with the transfer device 100 according to the invention described above and / or below and / or the process units 102, 104 according to the invention described above and / or below can also be included in said system 200, either alone or in combination, and the associated properties, configurations, and / or advantages can also be included and achieved accordingly.

[0494] The system 200 is formed from and / or includes at least two process units 102, 104.

[0495] Referring to Fig. 6, a system 200 comprising two processing units 102, 104, namely the first and second processing units 102, 104, is provided.

[0496] The two process units 102, 104 comprise a transfer device 100 according to the above and / or following embodiments.

[0497] Each process unit 102, 104 serves to produce a product, in particular a biological-pharmaceutical product, as already described at the beginning.

[0498] In the present embodiment, the first process unit 102 is designed as a treatment box, e.g. as a patient box, in particular for receiving and / or transporting and / or treating a treatment object.

[0499] Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the second processing unit 104 is designed as a tool box, in particular for treating the treatment object, which can in particular comprise a tool unit, in particular for treating the object and / or a sensor unit, in particular for analyzing the treatment object.

[0500] It may be conceivable that the first and / or the second process unit 102, 104 are designed as a supply box, in particular for providing a material, e.g. a consumable material, and / or a substance which may be required for the treatment of a treatment object.

[0501] The first part 106 of the transfer device 100 is installed in the first process unit 102. The second part 108 of the transfer device 100 is installed in the second process unit 104.

[0502] As can be seen in Fig. 6, the drive device 170 is arranged in a separate interior 206 of the first process unit 102, which is different from the interior 122 of the first process unit 102 (see Fig. 6).

[0503] A corresponding operative connection of the drive device 170 to the holding elements 166, 168 is realized via the shafts 176, 178.

[0504] In a sense, the shafts 176, 178 serve as coupling components to connect the respective sections of the transfer device 100. This can, for example, facilitate autoclavability.

[0505] The motor device 208 described in connection with Figs. 1 to 5 is further shown schematically in Fig. 6.

[0506] In the present embodiment, the transfer device 100 can be controlled via the control unit 146 of the first and second process units 102, 104.

[0507] Furthermore, the transfer device 100 can be supplied with power via an energy storage device 210 of the first and second processing units 102, 104.

[0508] Referring to Fig. 7, a system comprising four processing units 102, 104, 202, 204, namely the first and second processing units 102, 104 and a third processing unit 202 and a fourth processing unit 204, is provided.

[0509] In each process unit 102, 104, 202, 204, one or more first and / or one or more second parts 106, 108 of a transfer device 100 according to the above and / or following explanations are provided.

[0510] The transfer device 100 can be formed from at least a first part 106 and at least a second part 108.

[0511] At least a first part 106 and at least a second part 108 of the transfer device 100 are provided in mutually different process units 102, 104, 202, 204. As already described, a first part 106 can be understood in particular as the part of the transfer device 100 that is assigned to and / or connected to the first door element 110, or that can be arranged or is arranged in and / or on the first process unit 102.

[0512] Furthermore, as already described, a second part 108 can be understood in particular as the part of the transfer device 100 which is assigned to the second door element 112 and / or is connected thereto, or which can be arranged or is arranged in and / or on the second process unit 102.

[0513] As can be seen in Fig. 7, process units 102, 104, 202, 204 are provided, in which one or more first and / or one or more second parts 106, 108 of the transfer device 100 are provided and which can be connected to a further process unit 102, 104, 202, 204, in which at least one first and / or one second part 106, 108 of the transfer device 100 is provided, by means of the transfer device 100, which can be formed from at least one first and at least one second part 106, 108.

[0514] The first and / or second parts 106, 108 are respectively arranged on the same sides and / or on different sides of the process units 102, 104, 202, 204.

[0515] This enables a particularly aseptic transition between these process units 102, 104, 202, 204, for example for passing through one or more tool units and / or one or more sensor units and / or consumables and / or consumables.

[0516] In particular, these process units 102, 104, 202, 204 can be connected to one another flexibly and / or as required, in particular aseptically.

[0517] In Figs. 8 to 18, parts and / or components of a transfer device 100 for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first process unit 102 and a second process unit 104 are schematically illustrated according to respective further exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0518] It should be understood that all structural and / or functional features described with the transfer device 100 of FIGS. 1 to 7 and / or the process units 102, 104 of FIGS. 1 to 7 can also be included in the embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 18, either alone or in combination, and the associated properties, configurations, and / or advantages can also be included and achieved accordingly. Furthermore, it is understood that the reverse is also true.

[0519] In the following, since the transfer device 100 of Figs. 1 to 7 is essentially the same as the respective transfer devices 100 of Figs. 8 to 18, only the respective differences are described in connection with Figs. 8 to 18.

[0520] Referring to Fig. 8, a part of a transfer device 100 according to a further embodiment is shown, in which the coupling element 144 is configured to bring the first door element 110 into engagement with the second door element 112, in particular in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, and in particular to hold it thereon in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.

[0521] The coupling element 144 is designed as an eccentric device 300.

[0522] The eccentric device 300 comprises a shaft 302 and a movement device 304.

[0523] An eccentric element 306 is eccentrically formed on the shaft 302.

[0524] By means of the movement device 304, the shaft 302 is movable and in particular linearly and rotationally movable, which is schematically indicated by arrows in Fig. 8.

[0525] The shaft 302 is provided in and / or on the second door element 112.

[0526] The movement device 304 can be arranged or is arranged in and / or on the second process unit 104.

[0527] A counter element 308 is provided in and / or on the first door element 110.

[0528] The counter element 308 can be brought into engagement with the shaft 302 and in particular with the eccentric element 306.

[0529] The shaft 302 and in particular the eccentric element 306 can be positioned linearly relative to the counter element 308 by means of the movement device 304 and can then be rotated in order to engage the eccentric element 306 and the counter element 308 and to press the counter element 308 from the first door element 110 to the second door element 112.

[0530] As a result, the first and second door elements 110, 112 can be engaged with one another and held together.

[0531] The movement device 304 can be controlled by means of the control unit 146 in order to engage the first door element 110 with the second door element 112 and to hold it thereto.

[0532] Referring to Fig. 9, a part of a transfer device 100 according to a further embodiment is shown, in which the coupling element 144 is configured to bring the first door element 110 into engagement with the second door element 112, in particular in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, and in particular to hold it thereon in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.

[0533] The coupling element 144 is designed as a wedge device 310.

[0534] The wedge device 310 comprises a displacement element 312 and a movement device 314.

[0535] A wedge-shaped element 316 is formed on the sliding element 312.

[0536] By means of the movement device 314, the displacement element 312 is movable and in particular linearly movable, which is schematically marked with an arrow in Fig. 9.

[0537] The sliding element 312 is provided in and / or on the second door element 112.

[0538] The movement device 314 can be arranged or is arranged in and / or on the second process unit 104.

[0539] A wedge-shaped counter element 318 is provided in and / or on the first door element 110.

[0540] The counter element 318 can be brought into engagement with the displacement element 312 and in particular with the wedge-shaped element 316. Furthermore, a spring element 320 is provided between the movement device 314 and the displacement element 312, which can cause the wedge-shaped element 316 to move toward the wedge-shaped counter element 318 under the action of a spring force.

[0541] The sliding element 312 and in particular the wedge-shaped element 316 is linearly movable relative to the counter element 318 by means of the movement device 314 and subsequently movable along one another in contact in order to push the counter element 318 from the first door element 110 to the second door element 112.

[0542] As a result, the first and second door elements 110, 112 can be engaged with one another and held together.

[0543] The movement device 314 can be controlled by means of the control unit 146 in order to engage the first door element 110 with the second door element 112 and to hold it thereto.

[0544] Referring to Fig. 10, there is shown in particular a part of a sealing device 134 of a transfer device 100 according to a further embodiment in a simplified and enlarged manner, in which at least the first and the third sealing part element 136, 140 have a substantially polygonal cross-section.

[0545] The first and third sealing part elements 136, 140 have a conically tapered section 320 in cross section.

[0546] The tapered portion 320 tapers outwardly relative to the respective process unit 102, 104 and in particular the respective door element 110, 112 on which the respective sealing part element 136, 140 is arranged.

[0547] This advantageously makes it possible to reduce the sealing surface, thus avoiding high contact forces that may be necessary for large sealing surfaces.

[0548] It is understood that the second and fourth sealing sub-elements 138, 142 can also be configured like the previously described first and third sealing sub-elements 136, 140. Referring to Fig. 11, the opening device 116 of the transfer device 100 of Fig. 1 is shown again in simplified form for the purpose of explaining the embodiments of Figs. 12 to 14.

[0549] Here, the pivotable lever element 144 and in particular the second end region 154 of the lever element 144 is rigidly connected to the second door element 112.

[0550] By means of the lever element 144, the second door element 112 or the mutually engaged door elements 110, 112 can be moved together in a purely pivoting manner into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104 and thus removed from the access openings 118, 124.

[0551] Referring to Fig. 12, a part of a transfer device 100 according to a further embodiment is shown, in which the opening device 116 and in particular the lever element 148 is designed differently compared to Fig. 11.

[0552] The pivotable lever element 148 is formed from several, here two, lever members 322, 324.

[0553] The lever members 322, 324 are movably connected to one another.

[0554] In the present case, the pivotable lever element 148 is thus formed from a first and a second lever member 322, 324.

[0555] In the installed state in the second process unit 104, the first lever member 322 is pivotably fixed to a first end region of the first lever member 322 and a first end region of the second lever member 324 is pivotably fixed to a second end region of the first lever member 322.

[0556] The second door element 112 is pivotably fixed to a second end region of the second lever member 324.

[0557] By means of the lever members 322, 324, the second door element 112 or the mutually engaging door elements 110, 112 can be moved together into the interior 128 of the second processing unit 104 and thus removed from the access openings 118, 124 by a movement in one plane. The movement in one plane is advantageously a two-dimensional linear movement in one plane, which is indicated by straight arrows in Fig. 12.

[0558] A first motor (not shown in figures) is arranged between the second processing unit 104 and the first lever member 322, and a second motor (not shown in figures) is arranged between the first lever member 322 and the second lever member 324.

[0559] The first and second motors may form and / or be included in said motor device 208.

[0560] Referring to Fig. 13, a part of a transfer device 100 according to a further embodiment is shown, in which the opening device 116 and in particular the lever element 148 is designed differently compared to Fig. 11.

[0561] The pivotable lever element 148 and in particular the second end region 154 of the lever element 148 is movably connected to the second door element 112, in particular via a joint device 326.

[0562] By means of the lever element 148, the second door element 112 or the mutually engaged door elements 110, 112 can be pivoted and moved linearly together into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104 and thus removed from the access openings 118, 124.

[0563] Referring to Fig. 14, a part of a transfer device 100 according to a further embodiment is shown, in which the opening device 116 and in particular the lever element 148 is designed differently compared to Fig. 11.

[0564] In particular, the second process unit 104 is schematically shown with several, here two, second door elements 112.

[0565] The pivotable lever element 148 is formed from two lever members 322, 324 which are movably connected to one another.

[0566] The pivotable lever element 148 and thus at least partially the opening device 116 are designed as part of a handling device 328 and / or are encompassed by such a device. A lever member 324 assigned or assignable to the second door elements 112 is detachably connectable to a respective second door element 112 via a gripper actuator 328 arranged on this lever member 324.

[0567] The handling device 326 is designed, for example, as a multi-axis robot arm and / or pick-and-place robot.

[0568] When installed in the second processing unit 104, the handling device 326 is rail-guided and movable for a wide and in particular larger range of action and in particular handling range (see arrow in Fig. 14).

[0569] By means of the handling device 326, a respective second door element 112 or the mutually engaging door elements 110, 112 can be moved together into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104 and thus removed from the respective access openings 118, 124.

[0570] Referring to Fig. 15 to 18, there is shown a part of a transfer device 100 according to a respective further embodiment, in which a further locking device 330 is provided for locking the second door element 112 in a closed state and for releasing the second door element 112 for opening the same.

[0571] The further locking device 330 is arranged in and / or on the second process unit 104 in the installed state.

[0572] The first door element 110 and the second door element 112 can be engaged with one another and, in the engaged state, when the first door element 110 is released by means of the locking device 114 and the second door element 112 is released by means of the further locking device 330, can be removed together from the access openings 118, 124 by means of the opening device 116 to enable the particularly aseptic transition between the first process unit 102 and the second process unit 104.

[0573] It is understood that the transfer device 100 and in particular the further locking device 330 can comprise at least one sensor unit for detecting a locking state of the second door element 112. For example, the locking state of the second door element 112 can be detected by the at least one sensor unit by means of position detection. For example, the locking state of the second door element 112 can be detected by the at least one sensor unit by means of a particularly mechanical or electrical contact detection between the second door element 112 and the second process unit 104 and in particular the relevant access opening 118, 124. For example, the locking state of the second door element 112 can be detected by the at least one sensor unit inductively and / or optically and / or capacitively.It can be provided that the at least one sensor unit is signal-connected to the control unit 146 for detecting the locking state of the second door element 112.

[0574] Referring to Fig. 15, a possible further locking device 330 is shown therein by way of example and schematically.

[0575] The further locking device 330 of Fig. 15 is designed as a bayonet device.

[0576] Female bayonet elements 332 are provided in and / or on the lever element 148.

[0577] In and / or on the second process unit 104, corresponding male counter bayonet elements 334 can be arranged or arranged in the installed state in order to be engageable with the bayonet elements 332.

[0578] The bayonet device and in particular the counter bayonet elements 334 are motorized (see arrow in Fig. 15) in order to be able to engage the bayonet elements and counter bayonet elements in a rotational manner for locking and / or releasing the second door element 112.

[0579] The motorized counter bayonet elements 334 can be controlled by the control unit 146 to lock and / or release the second door element 112.

[0580] Referring to Fig. 16, a possible further locking device 330 is shown therein by way of example and schematically.

[0581] The further locking device 330 of Fig. 16 is designed as a clamping and / or tensioning device. A clamping and / or tensioning lever 336 can be arranged in and / or on the second processing unit 104 or is arranged in the installed state in order to be engageable with the second door element 112 and in particular the lever element 148 and to selectively exert a force thereon directed toward the access opening 124 of the second processing unit 104 to lock the second door element 112.

[0582] The clamping and / or tensioning device and in particular the clamping and / or tensioning lever 336 are motorized in order to be able to bring the clamping and / or tensioning lever 336 into engagement with the second door element 112 and in particular the lever element 148.

[0583] The motorized clamping and / or tensioning device and in particular the motorized clamping and / or tensioning lever 336 can be controlled by means of the control unit 146 to lock and / or release the second door element 112.

[0584] Referring to Fig. 17, a possible further locking device 330 is shown therein as an example and schematically.

[0585] The further locking device 330 of Fig. 17 is designed as a toggle lever device.

[0586] The toggle lever device can be arranged in and / or on the second process unit 104 or is arranged in the installed state in order to hold the second door element 112 in a locked state.

[0587] The toggle lever device comprises a spring element 338, by means of which the second door element 112 can be or is pre-tensioned into the locked state.

[0588] The toggle lever device is connected to the second door element 112 and in particular to the lever element 148 and, in the installed state, is connected to the second process unit 104.

[0589] The spring element 338 is connected to the rest of the toggle lever device and, in the installed state, to the second process unit 104.

[0590] By means of the toggle lever device, a force directed toward the access opening 124 of the second processing unit 104 can be exerted to lock the second door element 112. By means of the motor device 208, this force can be overcome to open the access opening 124 of the second processing unit 104.

[0591] Referring to Fig. 18, a possible further locking device 330 is shown therein as an example and schematically.

[0592] The further locking device of Fig. 18 is designed as an eccentric device.

[0593] The eccentric device comprises a shaft 340 on which an eccentric element 342 is formed.

[0594] By means of a rotation (see arrow in Fig. 18) of the shaft 340, a section of the eccentric element 342 that is eccentric to the shaft 340 can be brought into engagement with the second door element 112 and in particular the lever element 148 to lock the second door element 112, in particular in order to be able to exert a force on it / these directed towards the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104 to lock the second door element 112.

[0595] The eccentric device and in particular the shaft 340 are motorized in order to be able to engage the eccentric element 342 with the second door element 112 and in particular the lever element 148.

[0596] The motorized eccentric device and in particular the motorized shaft 340 can be controlled by the control unit 146 to lock and / or release the second door element 112.

[0597] Referring to Figs. 19 to 33, a transfer device 100 for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between one, e.g. first, process unit 102 and another, e.g. second, process unit 104 according to a further embodiment is schematically shown.

[0598] The transfer device 100 of Figs. 19 to 33 is essentially designed like the transfer device of Figs. 1 to 7, so only the differences are described below. For the rest, reference is made to the above description.

[0599] As can be seen in particular in Fig. 24, the transfer device 100 has a first door element 110, a second door element 112, a locking device 114 for the first door element 110, a further locking device 330 for the second door element 112 and an opening device 116.

[0600] As can be seen in particular in Fig. 24 and Fig. 28 to 30, the first door element 110 comprises a truncated pyramid-shaped section 130 with a rectangular base area.

[0601] The truncated pyramid-shaped section 130 of the first door element 110 tapers in a direction which, in the closed state of the first door element 110, is directed towards the interior 122 of the first process unit 102.

[0602] A peripheral surface of said section 130 of the first door element 110 rests against an inner peripheral surface of the access opening 118 of the first process unit 102 when the first door element 110 is closed.

[0603] Furthermore, it can be seen in particular in Figs. 24, 28, 30 and 31 that the second door element 112 comprises a truncated pyramid-shaped section 132 with a rectangular base area.

[0604] The truncated pyramid-shaped section 132 of the second door element 112 tapers in a direction which, in the closed state of the second door element 112, is directed outwards with respect to the second process unit 104.

[0605] A peripheral surface of said section 132 of the second door element 112 rests against an inner peripheral surface of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104 when the second door element 104 is closed.

[0606] As can be clearly seen in Fig. 24 together with Fig. 30, the sealing device 134 comprised by the transfer device 100 in the present case has two sealing sub-elements 138, 140, namely the second and the third sealing sub-element 138, 140, and / or is formed from these.

[0607] By means of the sealing device 134, when the first door element 110 is closed, the first door element 110 and an inner peripheral surface of the access opening 118 of the first processing unit 110 can be sealed or are sealed to the outside (see Fig. 29). Furthermore, when the second door element 112 is closed, the second door element 112 and an inner peripheral surface of the access opening 124 of the second processing unit 104 can be sealed or are sealed to the outside (see Fig. 31).

[0608] Furthermore, by means of the sealing device 134, in the engaged state of the first and second door elements 110, 112, respective surfaces of both door elements 110, 112 can be sealed or are sealed to the outside, which surfaces are directed outwards in the respective closed state of the corresponding door elements 110, 112 with respect to the corresponding process unit 102, 104 (cf. Fig. 28).

[0609] Furthermore, by means of the sealing device 134, in a state in which the respective wall sections 120, 126 of the process units 102, 104 lie against one another for engaging the first and second door elements 110, 112 (cf. Fig. 30), respective opening areas of both access openings 118, 124 of both process units 102, 104 can be sealed or are sealed to the outside.

[0610] The sealing device 134 and in particular each sealing part element 138, 140 have a closed and quadrangular contour.

[0611] The second sealing part element 138 can be arranged or is arranged on an edge region of the access opening 118 of the first process unit 102.

[0612] This edge region of the access opening 118 of the first process unit 102 is, in the closed state of the first door element 110, adjacent to the first door element 110 and in particular to an edge region of the first door element 110 and directed outwards with respect to the first process unit 102.

[0613] The contour of the second sealing part element 138 essentially corresponds to the edge region of the access opening 118 of the first process unit 102.

[0614] The third sealing part element 140 is arranged on an edge region of the second door element 112.

[0615] This edge region of the second door element 112 is, in the closed state of the second door element 112, adjacent to the inner peripheral surface of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104 and directed outwards with respect to the second process unit 104.

[0616] The contour of the third sealing part element 140 essentially corresponds to the edge region of the second door element 112.

[0617] By means of the third sealing sub-element 140, the respective surfaces of both door elements 110, 112 can be sealed or are sealed to the outside, which in the respective closed state of the corresponding door elements 110, 112 are directed outwards with respect to the corresponding process unit 102, 104 and are enclosed by the third sealing sub-element 140 on the second door element 112.

[0618] This can be understood in particular to mean that a respective surface of the mutually engaging door elements 110, 112, which face one another in the engaged state of the door elements 110, 112 and / or on which the door elements 110, 112 abut one another, can be sealed or sealed to the outside by means of the third sealing part element 140.

[0619] By means of the second sealing part element 138, respective opening areas of both access openings 118, 124 of both process units 102, 104 can be sealed or are sealed to the outside when the two process units 102, 104 are coupled to one another.

[0620] In the present exemplary embodiment, a respective sealing sub-element 138, 140 can be manufactured or is manufactured from a plastic. For example, a respective sealing sub-element 138, 140 can comprise and / or be at least partially formed from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and / or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and / or silicone. This advantageously enables good autoclavability.

[0621] The locking device 114 serves to lock the first door element 110 in a closed state and to release the first door element 110 to open the same.

[0622] The locking device 114 comprises several, in this case 14, magnetic elements 400.

[0623] A magnetic element 400 is designed as an electromagnet. When the magnetic elements 400 are de-energized, the first door element 110 is held in the closed state. To some extent, applying current can trigger the release of the first door element 110.

[0624] The magnetic elements 400 are arranged in the associated wall section 120 of the first process unit 102 in receiving bores 402 provided there.

[0625] The receiving bores 402 and thus the magnetic elements 400 are arranged at the associated access opening 118.

[0626] The magnetic elements 400 face the access opening 118. When the first door element 110 is located in the access opening 118, the magnetic elements 400 face the door element 110 and are arranged directly adjacent to it. It can be provided that the door element 110 can rest against the magnetic elements 400 in this state or can be spaced apart from the magnetic elements 400 while maintaining a magnetic operative connection, e.g., a holding force, between them.

[0627] The receiving bores 402 and thus the magnetic elements 400 are arranged in particular at an upper and a lower region of the access opening 118.

[0628] The magnetic elements 400 are thus arranged on opposite sides with respect to the access opening 118.

[0629] In the present embodiment, seven magnetic elements 400 are arranged on each side.

[0630] The magnetic elements 400 are arranged at equal distances from one another and, in the present case, essentially directly adjacent to one another.

[0631] As can be seen, for example, in Figs. 26 and 27, the magnetic elements 400 are provided in a substantially horizontal arrangement in the associated wall section 120.

[0632] The first door element 110 is designed here as a magnetic counter-element, so that it can be attracted by the magnetic elements 400 to lock it in the closed state and can also be released again to open it. Advantageously, the magnetic elements 400 can be used to exert a contact pressure and / or seal the first door element 110 with respect to the access opening 118 based on magnetic force. In a sense, the locking device 114 can function as a pressing device for generating a contact pressure and / or for sealing the first door element 110 with respect to the wall section 120 and the access opening 118.

[0633] In other words, the first door element 110 can be pressed against the second sealing part element 138 by means of the locking device 114 based on magnetic force, whereby a reliable seal therebetween is possible.

[0634] As can be seen particularly in Fig. 23, the receiving bores 402 above the access opening 118 and below the access opening 118 are covered on the outside by a respective cover element attached therein in order to ensure a secure fit of the magnetic elements 400. Alternatively, the magnetic elements 400 can also be held in the receiving bores 402 in an alternative manner, e.g., by being glued there.

[0635] The further locking device 330 serves to lock the second door element 112 in a closed state and to release the second door element 112 to open it.

[0636] The further locking device 330 is arranged in and / or on the second process unit 104 in the installed state.

[0637] Essentially, the further locking device 330 is designed like the further locking device 330 of Fig. 15 to 18, so that only the differences are described below.

[0638] The further locking device 330 comprises several, in this case 10, magnetic elements 404.

[0639] A magnetic element 404 is designed as an electromagnet.

[0640] When the magnetic elements 404 are de-energized, the second door element 112 is held in the closed state. To a certain extent, applying current can trigger the release of the second door element 112. The magnetic elements 404 are arranged on the associated wall section 126 of the second process unit 104 in holding components 406 mounted thereon, which have receiving bores 408. In other words, the magnetic elements 404 are arranged in the receiving bores 408 formed in the holding components 406.

[0641] The holding components 406 with the receiving bores 408 and thus the magnetic elements 400 are arranged at the associated access opening 124.

[0642] The support components 406 are attached to the outside of the wall section 126 and to the side next to the access opening 124.

[0643] The magnetic elements 404 arranged in the receiving bores 408 of the holding components 406 are directed towards the access opening 124 and in particular towards the interior 128 of the second process unit 104.

[0644] When the second door element 112 is located in the access opening 124, the magnetic elements 404 face the door element 112 and are arranged correspondingly to a respective counter element 410 encompassed by the second door element 112 with respect to the magnetic elements 404.

[0645] In other words, the second door element 112 has a respective counter element 410, which is arranged laterally to the truncated pyramid-like section 132.

[0646] The counter elements 410 are designed as separate components and are fixed to a respective lateral section of the truncated pyramid-like section 132.

[0647] Said counter element 410 can be manufactured or produced, for example, from a magnetizable metal or alloy, e.g., magnetizable steel. The second door element 112 can be manufactured or produced, for example, from PEEK.

[0648] When the second door element 112 is arranged and / or received in the access opening 124, a respective counter-element 410 is arranged corresponding to the said magnetic elements 404, so that the magnetic elements 404 and the counter-elements 410 can be adjacent to one another in such a way that, when the second door element 112 is closed, a contact pressure and / or a sealing of the second door element 112 can be effected based on magnetic force. The holding components 406 and receiving bores 408, and thus the magnetic elements 404, are arranged in particular in a respective lateral region of the access opening 124.

[0649] The magnetic elements 404 are thus arranged on opposite sides of the access opening 124 with respect to the access opening 124.

[0650] In the present embodiment, five magnetic elements 404 are arranged on each side.

[0651] The magnetic elements 404 are arranged at equal distances from one another and, in the present case, essentially directly adjacent to one another.

[0652] As can be seen, for example, in Figs. 25 and 27, the magnetic elements 404 are provided in a substantially vertical arrangement on the associated wall section 126 in the holding components 406.

[0653] Alternatively, it may be provided that the magnetic elements 404 can be provided directly in and / or on the associated wall section 126.

[0654] By providing respective counter elements 410 on the second door element 112, the second door element 112 can be attracted by means of the magnetic elements 404 to lock it in the closed state and can also be released again to open it.

[0655] Advantageously, the magnetic elements 404 can be used to exert said contact pressure and / or seal the second door element 112 with respect to the access opening 124 based on magnetic force. In a sense, the further locking device 330 can function as a pressing device for generating a contact pressure and / or for sealing the second door element 112 with respect to the wall section 126 and the access opening 124.

[0656] In other words, the second door element 112 with the third sealing sub-element 140 can be pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the access opening 124 by means of the further locking device 330 based on magnetic force, thereby enabling a reliable seal therebetween. As can also be seen in particular from Fig. 27, the magnetic elements 400 of the locking device 114 of the first door element 110 are arranged at a distance from the magnetic elements 404 of the further locking device 330 of the second door element 112. This enables a spacing of their magnetic fields from one another, so that any adverse interaction or influence between them can be avoided.

[0657] As can also be seen in Fig. 23, the receiving bores 408 of the lateral holding components 406 are covered on the outside by a respective cover element fastened thereto in order to ensure a secure fit of the magnetic elements 404. Alternatively, the magnetic elements 404 can also be held in the receiving bores 408 in an alternative manner, e.g., by being glued there.

[0658] Referring in particular to Figs. 24, 28 and 30, the coupling element 144 of the second door element 112, by means of which the first door element 110 can be brought into engagement with the second door element 112 and can be held thereon, is formed from two electromagnets 412.

[0659] The electromagnets 412 are each arranged in a receiving pocket 414 which is formed in the second door element 112.

[0660] The second door element 112 further comprises a cover element 416 for covering the electromagnets 412 in the receiving pockets 414.

[0661] As can be seen in Figs. 28 and 30, the cover element 416 forms a part of the second door element 112 directed outwards with respect to the second process unit 104.

[0662] This part of the second door element 112 has a flush transition to the remaining part or remainder of the second door element 112, which is directed outwards with respect to the second process unit 104.

[0663] In the present case, the coupling element 144 is arranged substantially centrally in the truncated pyramid-like section 132 of the second door element 112.

[0664] Since the first door element 110, as already described, is designed as a magnetic counter-element - for example, can be produced or manufactured from a magnetic or magnetizable material - the first door element 110 can be brought into engagement with the second door element 112 by means of the coupling element 144 and can be held thereon.

[0665] The coupling element 144, designed as an electromagnet 412, can be controlled by means of the control unit 146 described herein in order to engage the first door element 110 with the second door element 112 and to hold it thereto.

[0666] As already described, the control unit 146 can be included in the transfer device 100 and / or can be assigned or associated with the transfer device 100. For example, a control unit 146 that can be assigned or is associated with the transfer device 100 can be included in the first and / or second process unit 102, 104.

[0667] It is understood that all, preferably electrically operable, devices, facilities and / or components of the transfer device 100 can be signal-connected to the control unit 146 and can be controlled by it for proper operation of the transfer device 100 and / or the process units 102, 104.

[0668] Referring now in particular to Figs. 19 to 24 and Figs. 32 and 33, the opening device 116 for opening and closing at least one of the door elements 110, 112 is designed differently compared to Figs. 1 to 5.

[0669] As already described, the opening device 116 serves to open and close at least one of the door elements 110, 112 and can be arranged in and / or on the second process unit 104 or is arranged in the installed state.

[0670] The first door element 110 and the second door element 112 are engageable with each other in order to be jointly removable from the access openings 118, 124 by means of the opening device 116.

[0671] When the door elements 110, 112 are engaged and when the first and second door elements 110, 112 are released by the locking devices 114, 330, the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 can be removed together from the access openings 118, 124 by means of the opening device 116. This enables and / or implements the aforementioned, particularly aseptic, transition between the first processing unit 102 and the second processing unit 104. The opening device 116 has a drive unit 418.

[0672] The drive unit 418 is arranged and fixed in and on the second process unit 104.

[0673] In particular, the drive unit 418 is fixed in and on the wall section 126 of the second processing unit 104.

[0674] The drive unit 418 has a movement device 420 and a motor device 422.

[0675] The lever element 148 is attached to the drive unit 418 and thus also the second door element 112 (via the lever element 148).

[0676] Specifically, the lever element 148 is attached to the movement device 420.

[0677] The movement device 420 is movable relative to the wall section 126 and to the access opening 124 by means of the motor device 422.

[0678] In particular, the movement device 420 is both rotatable and at least partially linearly movable by means of the motor device 422.

[0679] In other words, the lever element 148 and thus also the second door element 112 and / or the mutually engaging door elements 110, 112 can be moved both rotatably and linearly by means of the motor device 422.

[0680] The movement device 422 has a rotation axis 150 designed as a hollow shaft and a displacement device 424.

[0681] The rotation axis 150 comprises a cylinder section 426 and an adjoining cuboid section 428.

[0682] The rotation axis 150 is arranged perpendicular to the wall section 126 of the second processing unit 104. The rotation axis 150 extends through the wall section 126, with the cuboid section 428 being arranged entirely within the interior 128 of the second processing unit 104 and the cylindrical section 426 being arranged predominantly outside the interior 128 of the second processing unit 104.

[0683] The rotation axis 150 is rotatably mounted in the wall section 126 and a fastening section 430 of the wall section 126 by a respective bearing device 432.

[0684] The fastening section 430 is only shown in Fig. 33 and is omitted from the other figures for reasons of clarity.

[0685] The fastening section 430 is provided on the outside relative to the interior 128 of the second processing unit 104. The fastening section 430 is preferably detachably attached to the wall section 126 and, together with the wall section 126, can form a housing in which the motor device 422 is at least partially arranged.

[0686] Specifically, a bearing device 432 is arranged between the wall portion 126 and the cylinder portion 426, and another bearing device 432 is arranged between the mounting portion 430 and the cylinder portion 426.

[0687] A transition between the interior 128 and the exterior of the second processing unit 104, which results from the extension of the rotation axis 150 through the wall section 126, is preferably aseptically sealed by means of a further sealing device 434.

[0688] In other words, the drive unit 418 may comprise two bearing devices 432, e.g. ball bearing devices, and the further sealing device 434.

[0689] The displacement device 424 is arranged on the rotation axis 150 and in particular on the cuboid section 428 on the outside and thus within the second process unit 104.

[0690] The traversing device 424 is linearly movable and / or displaceable along the rotation axis 150 and in particular along the cuboid section 428, as illustrated, for example, by the arrows shown in Fig. 33. The traversing device 424 is designed like a carriage and, in this case, has a carriage unit 436.

[0691] The carriage unit 436 is arranged on the outside of the cuboid section 428 and can be moved and / or displaced linearly along the cuboid section 428.

[0692] As can be seen in particular in Fig. 32, the carriage unit 436 encompasses the cuboid section 428 essentially completely or the four lateral surfaces of the cuboid section 428.

[0693] The carriage unit 436 has four carriage sections 438 and four connecting sections 440.

[0694] A carriage section 438 has several, in this case four, roller elements 442 for rolling on the rotation axis 150 and in particular on the cuboid section 428.

[0695] Each carriage section 438 is arranged on a lateral surface of the cuboid section 428.

[0696] A connecting section 440 is arranged between respective carriage sections 438, by means of which the respective carriage sections 438 are connected to one another.

[0697] To a certain extent, the connecting sections 440 bridge the edge area of ​​the cuboid section 428 between the individual lateral surfaces.

[0698] For this purpose, the connecting sections 440 have an L-like cross-section.

[0699] As can be seen from the figures, the lever element 148 is attached to a carriage section 438, which, in the non-actuated state of the motor device 422, faces the access opening 124. In the figures, this is, for example, the upper carriage section 438.

[0700] The carriage unit 436 can enable linear mobility of the displacement device 424 along the rotation axis 150. As already described, the rotation axis 150, in particular the cylinder section 426 and the cuboid section 428, are jointly rotatable, and the displacement device 424 is jointly rotatable by means of the motor device 422.

[0701] Furthermore, the displacement device 424 and in particular the carriage unit 436 can be moved and / or displaced linearly along the rotation axis 150 and in particular along the cuboid section 428 by means of the motor device 422.

[0702] In order to initiate said rotational movement, the motor device 422 has a rotational motor 444. In a sense, the rotational motor 444 is a rotational motor for initiating a rotational movement of the movement device 420.

[0703] Furthermore, in order to be able to initiate said linear movement, the motor device 422 has a linear motor, here spindle drive motor 446. In a sense, the spindle drive motor 446 is a motor for initiating a linear movement of at least one part, in particular the displacement device 424, of the movement device 420. The spindle drive motor 446 has a drivable spindle 448.

[0704] In other words, the rotation axis 150 and the displacement device 424 are rotatable by means of the rotation motor 444, and the displacement device 424 can be caused to move linearly by means of the spindle drive motor 446.

[0705] The motor device 422, in particular the rotation motor 444 and the spindle drive motor 446, can be controlled by means of the control unit 146.

[0706] The rotary motor 444 is fixed between the rotation axis 150, in particular the cylinder section 426, and the fastening section 430 of the wall section 126 and is preferably arranged adjacent to the wall section 126.

[0707] In a sense, the rotary motor 444 is arranged on the outside of the rotation axis 150, in particular the cylinder section 426, and is fastened to the wall or wall section 126 of the second processing unit 104. The spindle drive motor 446 is arranged and fastened within the rotation axis 150. This can be understood, in particular, to mean that the spindle drive motor 446 is rotatable together with the rotation axis 150.

[0708] In particular, the spindle drive motor 446 is arranged within the cylinder section 426 and is attached to a partition wall 450 which separates the respective interiors of the cylinder section 426 and the cuboid section 428 from each other.

[0709] The spindle 448 extends through this partition wall 450 and is mounted by means of a spindle bearing device 452 on a cover element 454 of the cuboid section 428, which closes the interior of the cuboid section 428 in an end region opposite the partition wall 450 with respect to the interior 128 of the second process unit 104.

[0710] A slide-like and / or carriage-like displacement element 456 encompassed by the movement device 420 is arranged inside the cuboid section 428 on a linear guide 458 of the movement device 420 arranged inside the cuboid section 428 and is engaged with the spindle 448. The linear guide 458 may be optional. In this case, the displacement element 456 may, for example, be guided linearly solely by the spindle 448.

[0711] By rotating the spindle drive motor 446 and in particular the spindle 448, the displacement element 456 can be moved and / or displaced linearly back and forth along the spindle 448 within the cuboid section 428.

[0712] Here, the displacement element 456 and the displacement device 434 and in particular the carriage unit 436 are operatively connected to one another in a contactless and, in this case, magnetically manner in order to enable joint mobility and, in particular, to enable a movement of the displacement element 456 to cause a movement of the carriage unit 436.

[0713] For this purpose, the displacement element 456 has a plurality of driver magnets 460, and the displacement device 434, and in particular the carriage unit 436, has a plurality of corresponding magnetic and / or magnetizable counter-elements, so to speak, driver counter-elements 462, whereby the contactless operative connection between the displacement element 456 and the displacement device 424 is possible. As can be seen generally schematically in Fig. 33 and exemplarily in particular in Fig. 32, driver magnets 460 are fixed on the outside of the displacement element 456, and correspondingly, driver counter-elements 462 are fixed on the inside of the carriage unit 436, and in particular on carriage sections 438, in order to be arranged opposite one another with respect to a wall of the cuboid section 428, and thus to be in contactless operative connection with one another.

[0714] As shown by way of example in Fig. 32, a respective driver magnet 460 is arranged on a respective side of the travel element 456 and a respective driver counter element 462 is arranged on a respective inwardly directed side of a laterally arranged carriage section 438.

[0715] When the displacement element 456 moves linearly (caused by a rotation of the spindle 448), the displacement device 424 and in particular the carriage unit 436 moves correspondingly, preferably linearly, along the rotation axis 150 and in particular the cuboid section 428.

[0716] Referring in particular to Fig. 33 and e.g. Fig. 24, the motor device 422 has a braking device 464 for braking a rotation of the rotation axis 150 and / or the movement device 420.

[0717] The braking device 464 is arranged and fastened to an end region of the rotation axis 150 and in particular of the cylinder section 426 facing away from the wall section 126.

[0718] In a sense, the rotary motor 444 is arranged between the braking device 464 and the wall section 126.

[0719] By means of the braking device 464, a rotational movement of the rotational axis 150, and thus also a pivoting movement of the second door element 112 or of the mutually engaging door elements 110, 112, can be braked and preferably slowed down and / or stopped. It is understood that this can also apply to the other components directly or indirectly attached to the rotational axis 150, such as the traversing device 424.

[0720] By means of the opening device 116 and in particular initiated by the drive unit 418, the second door element 112 or the mutually engaging door elements 110, 112 can be moved together into the interior 128 of the second processing unit 104, initially linearly (cf. Figs. 19 and 20) and then pivotally (cf. Fig. 21) and thus removed from the access openings 118, 124.

[0721] In other words, the drive unit 418 can move the second door element 112 or the mutually engaged door elements 110, 112 together linearly towards the interior 128 of the second process unit 104 (see Figs. 19 and 20) and then pivot in the interior 128 (see Fig. 21), preferably for an opening operation.

[0722] Once the aforementioned opening process is complete and a preferably aseptic transition between the processing units 102, 104 is enabled, an exchange of treatment objects can take place between the processing units 102, 104. For example, FIGS. 21 and 22 show a magazine device 466, e.g., for storing cells, which in FIG. 22 is moved from the first processing unit 102 into the second processing unit 104 via an extraction device arranged in the first processing unit 102.

[0723] The drive unit 418 can pivot the second door element 112 or the mutually engaged door elements 110, 112 together within the interior 128 of the second processing unit 104 and then move them linearly toward the access opening 124 and preferably into it. This is preferably a closing process.

[0724] As already described, a process unit 102, 104 can have one or more coupling devices by means of which the process unit 102, 104 can be connected, for example mechanically coupled, to one or more further process units 102, 104.

[0725] In the present exemplary embodiment, a coupling device of positioning elements 468 for positioning the first process unit 102 with the second process unit 103 is formed, which are arranged and / or fastened and / or formed on the first process unit 102 and in particular on the wall section 120.

[0726] The second process unit 104 has positioning elements 470 complementary to the positioning elements 468, which are arranged and / or fastened and / or formed on the wall section 126 of the second process unit 104 in a manner corresponding to the positioning elements 468.

[0727] Such a positioning element 468 is designed as a positioning projection for insertion into a positioning receptacle.

[0728] Such a complementary positioning element 470 is designed as a positioning receptacle for receiving a positioning projection.

[0729] Furthermore, a further coupling device in the present embodiment is formed by a plug element 472 and a socket element 474.

[0730] The plug element 472 and the socket element 474 serve to transmit energy and / or fluids, in particular gases, gas mixtures and / or liquids, between coupled process units 102, 104.

[0731] The plug element 472 is arranged and / or fastened and / or formed on the first process unit 102 and in particular on the wall section 120.

[0732] The socket element 474 is arranged and / or fastened and / or formed on the second process unit 102 and in particular on the wall section 126 corresponding to the plug element 472.

[0733] It can be provided that the coupling devices and in particular the said positioning elements 468, 470 and the plug element 472 and the socket element 474 can be assigned or assigned to the transfer device 100 and / or can be included therein.

[0734] The transfer device 100 further comprises a further, e.g. fifth, sensor unit 476 for detecting the presence and / or identifying a first process unit 102.

[0735] In the present embodiment, this fifth sensor unit 476 is fixed to the wall section 126 of the second processing unit 104 and adjacent to a holding component 406 of the further locking device 330.

[0736] The fifth sensor unit 476 is signal-connected to the control unit 146. If the fifth sensor unit 476 detects that the first process unit 102 is in a state of readiness for coupling of the door elements 110, 112, the control unit 146 can control the coupling element 144 accordingly and subsequently initiate an opening process of the door elements 110, 112.

[0737] For example, the fifth sensor unit 476 can be configured as an RFID sensor and / or include one to capture additional information about the first process unit 102, e.g., about its contents. It is understood that the first process unit 102 can be or is provided with a corresponding RFID tag.

[0738] The following briefly describes an operation and in particular an opening process of the transfer devices 100:

[0739] In an initial state, the first and second processing units 102, 104 are coupled to each other (see Figs. 19, 23, 24 and 30) to enable a preferably aseptic transition.

[0740] The control unit 146 controls the coupling element 144 to connect and / or engage the first and second door elements 110, 112 with each other.

[0741] Subsequently, the first door element 110 is released by means of the locking device 114, preferably in response to a corresponding control by the control unit 146.

[0742] At the same time or subsequently, the second door element 112 is released by means of the further locking device 330, preferably in response to a corresponding control by the control unit 146.

[0743] The first and second door elements 110, 112 are now engaged with each other and are no longer locked.

[0744] The spindle 448 is rotated by means of the spindle drive motor 446, whereupon the travel element 456 is moved linearly and away from the wall section 126.

[0745] Via the contactless operative connection between the travel element 456 and the carriage unit 436, the carriage unit 436 is moved correspondingly linearly and thus also the door elements 110, 112, which are connected to the carriage unit 436 via the lever element 148 and are in engagement with one another, are moved. As a result, the door elements 110, 112 which are in engagement with one another are moved out of the corresponding access openings 118, 124 (cf. Figs. 20, 28 and 33).

[0746] Subsequently, the rotation axis 150 is rotated by means of the rotary motor 444, and the carriage unit 436 arranged thereon, and thus the door elements 110, 112, are pivoted. As a result, the intermeshing door elements 110, 112 are moved away from the corresponding access openings 118, 124 (see Fig. 21).

[0747] An unobstructed and preferably aseptic transition between the process units 102, 104 is now provided, so that, for example, a magazine device 466 can be or can be transferred from the first process unit 102 to the second process unit 104 (cf. Fig. 22).

[0748] Conversely, the process units 102, 104 can be closed again.

[0749] Referring to Fig. 34, there is shown a system 200 comprising two processing units 102, 104 which are substantially configured and designed as described in connection with Figs. 19 to 33, so that only the differences are explained below.

[0750] As can be seen in Fig. 34, the second processing unit 104 has the coupling devices already described, which are formed by the complementary positioning elements 470 and the socket element 474. The first processing unit 102 correspondingly has the positioning elements 468 and the plug element 472.

[0751] In the present case, the second process unit 104 further comprises a further coupling device which is formed from a plurality of, in the present case two, locking elements 478 for locking and / or arresting the first process unit 102 to the second process unit 104.

[0752] The locking elements 478 are arranged on the outside of the wall section 126 of the second processing unit 104 and opposite one another with respect to the access opening 124 of the second processing unit 104.

[0753] The locking elements 478 are each designed as pivotable holding elements, by means of which lateral edge regions of the wall section 120 of the first process unit 102 can be engaged behind. Such a state, in which the wall section 120 of the first process unit 102 is engaged behind by means of the locking elements 478, is shown as an example in Fig. 34.

[0754] In a sense, the lateral edge regions of the wall section 120 of the first process unit 102 serve as holding contours for receiving the locking elements 478.

[0755] In other words, such a locking element 478 of the second process unit 104 is designed as a holding element for engaging in a holding contour, and a locking element of the first process unit 102 complementary to the locking element 478 is designed as a holding contour for receiving the holding element.

[0756] In the present case, the locking elements 478 are motorized, so that locking and / or arresting can preferably take place automatically and in particular fully automatically.

[0757] Advantageously, the first process unit 102 can be pulled towards the second process unit 104 by means of the locking elements 478 and held there, whereby a compressive force can be exerted and thus a reliable and / or sealed coupling of the process units 102, 104 can be enabled.

[0758] Referring to Fig. 35, a part of a transfer device 100 according to a further embodiment is shown, in which the opening device 116 and in particular the lever element 148 is designed differently compared to the previous figures.

[0759] The opening device 116 shown in Fig. 35 is essentially designed like the opening device 116 shown in Fig. 12, so that only the differences are described below.

[0760] The pivotable lever element 148 is formed from several, here three, lever members 322, 324, 480.

[0761] The lever members 322, 324, 480 are movably connected to one another.

[0762] In the present case, the pivotable lever element 148 is formed from a first, a second, and a third lever member 322, 324, 480. In the installed state in the second process unit 104, the first lever member 322 is pivotably secured to a first end region of the first lever member 322, and a first end region of the second lever member 324 is pivotably secured to a second end region of the first lever member 322.

[0763] A first end portion of the third lever member 480 is pivotally attached to a second end portion of the second lever member 324, and a second end portion of the third lever member 480 is pivotally attached to the second door element 112.

[0764] By means of the lever members 322, 324, 480, the second door element 112 or the mutually engaging door elements 110, 112 can be moved together into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104 and thus removed from the access openings 118, 124.

[0765] A first motor (not shown in figures) is arranged between the second processing unit 104 and the first lever member 322 and optionally a second motor (not shown in figures) is arranged between the first lever member 322 and the second lever member 324.

[0766] The first, and optionally the second motor, may form and / or be comprised by said motor device 208.

[0767] Optionally, a third motor can be provided between the second and the third lever member 324, 480, which can also be assigned or associated with the motor device 208, for example.

[0768] Preferably, the first, second and third lever members 322, 324, 480 are arranged in a parallelogram arrangement and form a parallelogram guide 482.

[0769] The parallelogram arrangement can advantageously be space-saving in the interior 128 of the second process unit 104.

[0770] By means of the parallelogram arrangement or parallelogram guide 482, the second door element 112 or the mutually engaged door elements 110, 112 can be moved together into the interior 128 of the second processing unit 104 and thus removed from the access openings 118, 124. The movement guided by the parallelogram arrangement or parallelogram guide 482 is advantageously a two-dimensional linear movement in a plane.

[0771] Referring to Fig. 36, a part of a transfer device 100 according to a further embodiment is shown, in which the opening device 116 and in particular the lever element 148 is designed differently compared to the previous figures.

[0772] The opening device 116 shown in Fig. 36 is essentially designed like the opening device 116 shown in Fig. 12, so that only the differences are described below.

[0773] A motor 484 is arranged between the second processing unit 104, in particular the wall section 126, and the first lever member 322.

[0774] The first lever member 322 is connected to the second processing unit 104, in particular the wall section 126, via the motor 484.

[0775] The first lever member 322 and the second lever member 324 form a lever kinematics 486.

[0776] By means of the lever kinematics 486, the second door element 112 arranged on the second lever member 324 or the mutually engaged door elements 110, 112 can be moved together linearly into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104 and then pivotally or linearly movable in the interior 128, whereby unhindered access to the associated access opening 118, 124 is possible.

[0777] In other words, the second door element 112 arranged on the second lever member 324 or the door elements 110, 112 that are in engagement with one another can first be lifted out of the access openings 118, 124 and then moved to the side, thereby enabling unhindered access to the access openings 118, 124.

[0778] Referring to Figs. 37 and 38, a portion of a transfer device 100 according to a further embodiment is shown, in which the opening device 116 is configured differently compared to the previous figures. The opening device 116 comprises a guide device 488 and a motor device 208.

[0779] The second door element 112 is fixed to the guide device 488.

[0780] The guide device 488 is arranged adjacent to the access opening 124.

[0781] The second door element 112 can be moved linearly out of the associated access opening 124 by means of the motor device 208 along a part of the guide device 488 (see arrow in Fig. 38) and then linearly away from the associated access opening 124 along a further part of the guide device 488 (see arrow in Fig. 37).

[0782] The guide device 488 has a first guide element 490 and a second guide element 492, which are each arranged on opposite sides of the access opening 124 in the interior 128 of the second process unit 104.

[0783] The first and second guide elements 490, 492 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and to the access opening 124.

[0784] The first and second guide elements 490, 492 are each designed as a guide rail in the form of a magnetic rail.

[0785] The first and second guide elements 490, 492 are essentially of equal length.

[0786] The second door element 112 is movably supported on the first and second guide elements 490, 492.

[0787] In particular, the second door element 112 is held on the first and second guide elements 490, 492 based on magnetic force.

[0788] The guide device 488 further comprises a holding kinematics 494, via which the second door element 112 is movably held on the guide elements 490, 492.

[0789] As can be seen from the relevant figure, the second door element 112 is movably held on the guide elements 490, 492 via several, in this case four, holding members 496 of the holding kinematics 494. The holding members 496 of the holding kinematics 494 are each designed as counter-elements to the magnetic rail and / or function as such and / or have such.

[0790] The holding members 496 of the holding kinematics 494 are preferably designed like a slide.

[0791] In the present case, the number of holding members 496 per guide element 490, 492, with which the second door element 112 is movably held on the guide elements 490, 492, is the same, in the present case two.

[0792] The second door element 112 can be moved linearly out of the access opening 124 and / or back in again via the holding kinematics 494 by means of the motor device 208 (see arrow in Fig. 38).

[0793] In other words, the holding kinematics 494 can be actuated by means of the motor device 208 such that the second door element 112 can be caused to move linearly out of the access opening 124 and / or back into it.

[0794] The second door element 112 can be moved away from the access opening 124 and / or fed back into it by means of the motor device 208 via the guide elements 490, 492 (see arrow in Fig. 37).

[0795] In other words, the holding kinematics 494 can be actuated by means of the motor device 208 when the second door element 112 is moved out of the access opening 124 in such a way that the second door element 112 can be caused to move linearly along the guide elements 490, 492.

[0796] In particular, the second door element 112 is movable away from the associated access opening 124 by a movement which lies in a plane which is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly with respect to the previous movement.

[0797] For example, vectors of the respective movements can be perpendicular to each other.

[0798] As can be seen in the relevant figures, the movement out of the access opening 124 is essentially horizontal (see arrow in Fig. 38) and the subsequent movement away from the access opening 124 is essentially vertical (see arrow in Fig. 37). This is preferably an opening process. The open state is shown in dashed lines in Fig. 37. The second door element 112 can be moved back into the access opening 124 in a similar manner; in a sense, the second door element 112 can be moved back along the previously described movement path. This is preferably a closing process.

[0799] Referring to Figs. 39 and 40, a part of a transfer device 100 according to a further embodiment is shown, in which the opening device 116 is designed differently compared to the previous figures.

[0800] The opening device 116 shown in Fig. 39 and 40 is essentially designed like the opening device 116 shown in Fig. 37 and 38, so that only the differences are described below.

[0801] The opening device 116 can, for example, be arranged rotated by 90° compared to the opening device 116 shown in Figs. 37 and 38.

[0802] It is understood that the respective movements which cause the second door element 112 to open and / or close the access opening 124 are oriented differently accordingly.

[0803] Furthermore, the first guide element 490, which is arranged above the second guide element 492 with respect to a height direction, is shorter, preferably at least by a length of the access opening 124 in a direction transverse to the height direction and in particular perpendicular to the height direction.

[0804] In the present case, the second door element 112 is movably held on the first guide element 490 via a holding member 496 and on the second guide element 492 via two holding members 496. In other words, the number of holding members 496 per guide element 490, 492 differs.

[0805] Advantageously, by shortening the first guide element 490 and thus preventing the second door element 112 from being guided above the access opening 124, a laminate flow 498 that can be achieved in the second process unit 104 can flow unhindered over the second door element 112 and / or the access opening 124, and / or particle contamination from above the access opening 124, e.g., by trickling down, can preferably be avoided. For the rest, reference is made to the description of Figs. 37 and 38.

[0806] Referring to Figs. 41 and 42, a part of a transfer device 100 according to a further embodiment is shown, in which the opening device 116 is designed differently compared to the previous figures.

[0807] The opening device 116 shown in Fig. 41 and 42 is essentially designed like the opening device 116 shown in Fig. 37 and 38, so that only the differences are described below.

[0808] The opening device 116 can, for example, be arranged obliquely, for example rotated by 45°, compared to the opening device 116 shown in Figs. 37 and 38.

[0809] It is understood that the respective movements which cause the second door element 112 to open and / or close the access opening 124 are oriented differently accordingly.

[0810] The opening device 116 has several, in this case four, eccentric devices 500, via which the guide elements 490, 492 are fixed to the wall section 126.

[0811] In particular, an eccentric device 500 is arranged at a respective end region of a respective guide element 490, 492.

[0812] The eccentric devices 500 can be actuated by means of the motor device 208 in order to move the guide elements 490, 492 away from the wall section 126 and back towards it.

[0813] The second door element 112 can thus be moved linearly out of the access opening 124 and / or back in again by means of the eccentric devices 500.

[0814] In a sense, the second door element 112, together with the guide elements 490, 492, is linearly movable away from the access opening 124 and / or toward the access opening 124 by means of the eccentric devices 500.

[0815] Furthermore, the second door element 112, in a state moved out of the access opening 124, can be moved obliquely away from the access opening 124 and / or fed back in again by means of the motor device 208 via the guide elements 490, 492 (see arrow in Fig. 41).

[0816] Referring to Figs. 43 and 44, a part of a transfer device 100 according to a further embodiment is shown, in which the opening device 116 is designed differently compared to the previous figures.

[0817] The opening device 116 shown in Fig. 43 and 44 essentially enables a movement sequence like the opening device 116 shown in Fig. 19 to 33.

[0818] A first and a second motor 502, 504 are arranged between the second processing unit 104, in particular the wall section 126, and the lever element 148.

[0819] The second motor 504 is arranged between the first motor 502 and the lever element 148.

[0820] The first motor 502 is arranged between the second motor 504 and the second processing unit 104, in particular the wall section 126.

[0821] Preferably, the first and second motors 502, 504 are connected to each other via the rotation axis 150.

[0822] The first and second motors may, for example, form and / or be comprised of a motor device 208.

[0823] The first motor 502 is a motor for causing a linear movement, e.g., a spindle drive motor, and the second motor 504 is a motor for causing a rotational movement, e.g., a rotary motor.

[0824] The first motor 502 can move the second door element 112 or the mutually engaged door elements 110, 112 together linearly toward the interior 128 of the second processing unit 104 and out of the access opening 124 and also back again (see arrow in Fig. 44).

[0825] Subsequently, the second motor 504 can move the second door element 112 or the

[0826] Engaging door elements 110, 112 pivot together in the interior 128 and preferably away from the access opening 124 (e.g., into the dashed state in Fig. 43), preferably for an opening operation.

[0827] A closing process can be carried out in the reverse manner.

[0828] Referring to Figs. 45 and 46, a part of a transfer device 100 according to a further embodiment is shown, in which the opening device 116 is designed differently compared to the previous figures.

[0829] The opening device 116 shown in Fig. 45 and 46 is essentially designed like the opening device 116 shown in Fig. 43 and 44, so that only the differences are described below.

[0830] A first and a second motor 502, 504 are arranged between the second processing unit 104, in particular the wall section 126, and the lever element 148.

[0831] The second motor 504 is arranged between the first motor 502 and the lever element 148.

[0832] The first motor 502 is arranged between the second motor 504 and the second processing unit 104, in particular the wall section 126.

[0833] The first and second motors may, for example, form and / or be comprised of a motor device 208.

[0834] The first and second motors 502, 504 are each a motor for causing a rotational movement, e.g., a rotary motor.

[0835] The first and second motors 502, 504 are arranged transversely and in particular perpendicularly to each other; in a sense, their respective axes of rotation are arranged transversely and in particular perpendicularly to each other.

[0836] The second motor 504 can pivot the second door element 112 or the mutually engaged door elements 110, 112 together toward the interior 128 of the second processing unit 104 and out of the access opening 124 and back again (see left arrow in Fig. 45). Subsequently, the first motor 502 can pivot the second door element 112 or the mutually engaged door elements 110, 112 together within the interior 128 and preferably away from the access opening 124 (e.g., right arrow in Fig. 45 and arrow in Fig. 46), preferably for an opening operation.

[0837] A closing process can be carried out in the reverse way.

[0838] Referring to Figs. 47 and 48, a part of a transfer device 100 according to a further embodiment is shown, in which the opening device 116 is designed differently compared to the previous figures.

[0839] The opening device 116 shown in Fig. 47 and 48 is essentially designed like the opening device 116 shown in Fig. 45 and 46, so that only the differences are described below.

[0840] The first and second motors 502, 504, designed as rotary motors, are attached directly to one another.

[0841] As can be seen from the relevant figures, the lever element 148 is arranged eccentrically with respect to one or the rotation axis of the second motor 504.

[0842] As a result, for example, a larger movement path can be made possible by means of the rotation of the second motor 504 than in the case of the opening device 116 shown in Figs. 45 and 46, whereby, for example, wear of the sealing device 134 or its sealing sub-elements can be reduced and / or avoided.

[0843] In addition, the larger movement path can, for example, enable larger construction tolerances of the components and / or parts used.

[0844] Referring to Figs. 49 and 50, a part of a transfer device 100 according to a further embodiment is shown, in which the opening device 116 is designed differently compared to the previous figures.

[0845] The opening device 116 shown in Figs. 49 and 50 is essentially designed like the opening device 116 shown in Figs. 47 and 48, so that only the differences are described below. The lever element 148 is connected to the second motor 504 via a guide kinematics 506, for example a parallelogram kinematics, so that a rotational movement that can be initiated or is initiated by the second motor 504 can cause a circular path-like movement of the lever element 148 and thus of the second door element 112 or of the mutually engaged door elements 110, 112 away from the access opening 124.

[0846] For example, the kinematics 506 comprises at least two movably connected kinematic members 512, 514 and a drive pulley 516, to which the lever element 148 is directly or indirectly connected. For example, the drive pulley 516 can be part of a shaft and / or rotational axis, on which the lever element 148 can be eccentrically mounted.

[0847] The second motor 504 is connected to a first kinematic member 512 for causing a pivoting movement thereof, preferably a pivoting movement along a direction oriented transversely and preferably perpendicularly to the access opening 124.

[0848] The first kinematic member 512 is movably connected to the second kinematic member 514, which (the second kinematic member 514) is eccentrically and movably fixed to the drive disk 516.

[0849] As a result, because the first kinematic member 512 is operatively connected to the drive pulley 516 via the second kinematic member 514, a pivoting movement of the first kinematic member 512 can cause a rotation of the drive pulley 516, whereby ultimately the second door element 112 or the mutually engaged door elements 110, 112 can be moved out of the access opening 124 or can be moved back in.

[0850] Preferably, the second door element 112 or the mutually engaging door elements 110, 112 may remain aligned substantially parallel to the access opening 124 during this circular path-like movement.

[0851] In other words, to avoid an angle between the second door element 112 and the access opening 124 in the embodiment of Figs. 47 and 48, a guide kinematics 506, for example a parallelogram kinematics, is provided and used within the rotation axis 150, which displaces the second door element 112 on a circular path without a hinged opening angle. This allows the subsequent rotation by the first motor 502 to take place with minimal space requirements.

[0852] Referring to Fig. 51, a part of a transfer device 100 according to a further embodiment is shown, in which the opening device 116 is designed differently compared to the previous figures.

[0853] The opening device 116 is in the present case formed by a handling device 508 and / or comprises such a device.

[0854] The handling device 508 is designed, for example, as a multi-axis robot arm and / or pick-and-place robot.

[0855] The handling device 508 is arranged in the installed state in the second process unit 104 and is optionally rail-guided and / or movable for a wide and in particular larger range of action and in particular handling range.

[0856] By means of the handling device 508, a respective second door element 112 or the mutually engaging door elements 110, 112 can be moved together into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104 and thus removed from the respective access openings 118, 124, as shown schematically in the figure.

[0857] In other words, by means of the handling device 508, the second door element 112 or the mutually engaging door elements 110, 112 can be moved together, preferably in a plug-like manner, out of the access openings 118, 124 and back into them, preferably into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104 and thus removed from the access openings 118, 124.

[0858] Furthermore, the second door element 112 or the door elements 110, 112 that are in engagement with one another can also be moved together into the access openings 118, 124 in this way.

[0859] Referring to Fig. 52, a portion of a transfer device 100 according to a further embodiment is shown, in which the opening device 116 is configured differently compared to the previous figures. The opening device 116 shown in Fig. 52 is essentially configured like the opening device 116 shown in Fig. 51, so only the differences are described below.

[0860] In the present embodiment, a pull-out guide 510, e.g. a telescopic guide, is arranged at the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104.

[0861] Along the pull-out guide 510, the second door element 112 or the mutually engaging door elements 110, 112 can be moved together by means of the handling device 508, preferably in a drawer-like manner, out of the access openings 118, 124 and back into them, in particular can be moved into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104 and thus removed from the access openings 118, 124.

[0862] Furthermore, the second door element 112 or the door elements 110, 112 that are in engagement with one another can also be moved together into the access openings 118, 124 in this way.

[0863] For example, the second door element 112 can be coupled and / or coupled to a moving device, e.g. slide and / or carriage, of the pull-out guide.

[0864] Referring to Figs. 53 and 54, a part of a transfer device 100 according to a further embodiment is shown, in which the opening device 116 is designed differently compared to the previous figures.

[0865] The opening device 116 shown in Fig. 53 and 54 is essentially designed like the opening device 116 shown in Fig. 49 and 50, so that only the differences are described below.

[0866] As can be seen in Figs. 53 and 54, the kinematics 506 has at least one kinematic element 514, here the second kinematic element 514, the drive pulley 516 and a further drive pulley 518.

[0867] The further drive pulley 518 is fixed to the second motor 504 for transmitting a torque and / or a rotational movement.

[0868] The kinematic element 514 is arranged eccentrically and movably on both the drive pulley 516 and the additional drive pulley 518. In a sense, compared to Figs. 49 and 50, the additional drive pulley 518 replaces the first kinematic element 512 in this embodiment.

[0869] A rotation of the further drive disk 518 can cause the kinematic member 514 to move two-dimensionally in a plane oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the further drive disk 518, wherein by means of this movement of the kinematic member 514 the drive disk 516 can be caused to rotate.

[0870] The kinematic element 514 thus enables an operative connection between the two drive disks 516, 518.

[0871] As a result, because the drive disks 516, 518 are operatively connected to one another via the kinematic member 514, a rotational movement of the further drive disk 518 (caused by the second motor 504) can cause a rotation of the drive disk 516, whereby ultimately the second door element 112 or the mutually engaged door elements 110, 112 can be moved out of the access opening 124 or can be moved back in again.

[0872] List of reference symbols

[0873] Transfer device first object, process unit, first process unit second object, further process unit, second process unit first part of transfer device second part of transfer device first door element second door element

[0874] Locking device

[0875] Opening device

[0876] Access opening of first process unit

[0877] Wall section of first process unit

[0878] Interior of first process unit

[0879] Access opening of second process unit

[0880] Wall section of second process unit

[0881] Interior of second process unit frustoconical section of first door element frustoconical section of second door element

[0882] Sealing device first sealing element second sealing element third sealing element fourth sealing element

[0883] coupling element

[0884] Control unit

[0885] Lever element

[0886] Rotation axis first end region of lever element second end region of lever element first sensor unit second sensor unit third sensor unit

[0887] holding section

[0888] Holding contour first holding element second holding element drive device fourth sensor unit spring element first shaft second shaft

[0889] Motor

[0890] Spindle drive Actuating arm System third process unit fourth process unit separate interior Motor device Energy storage

[0891] Eccentric device

[0892] Wave

[0893] Movement device of eccentric device eccentric element

[0894] Counter element wedge device sliding element

[0895] Movement device of wedge device wedge-shaped element wedge-shaped counter element tapered section first lever member second lever member

[0896] Joint device

[0897] Gripper actuator additional locking device bayonet element

[0898] Counter bayonet element

[0899] Clamping and / or tensioning lever spring element of toggle lever device shaft

[0900] Eccentric element

[0901] Magnetic element of locking device mounting hole

[0902] Magnetic element of another locking device

[0903] Holding component of another locking device

[0904] Mounting hole of holding component

[0905] Counter element

[0906] Electromagnet of coupling element

[0907] Recording pocket

[0908] Cover element

[0909] drive unit

[0910] Movement device

[0911] Engine setup

[0912] Traversing device

[0913] Cylinder section

[0914] Cuboid section

[0915] Fastening section

[0916] Bearing device additional sealing device

[0917] Car unit

[0918] Car section

[0919] connecting section

[0920] Roller element

[0921] rotary engine

[0922] Spindle drive motor

[0923] spindle

[0924] partition

[0925] Spindle bearing device

[0926] Cover element

[0927] Travel element

[0928] Linear guide

[0929] Carrier magnet

[0930] Carrying counter element

[0931] braking device

[0932] Magazine facility

[0933] Positioning element complementary positioning element

[0934] Plug element

[0935] Socket element 476 fifth sensor unit

[0936] 478 locking element

[0937] 480 third lever link

[0938] 482 Parallelogram guide

[0939] 484 engine

[0940] 486 Lever kinematics

[0941] 488 guidance device

[0942] 490 first guide element

[0943] 492 second guide element

[0944] 494 Holding kinematics

[0945] 496 retaining link

[0946] 498 Laminate flow

[0947] 500 eccentric device

[0948] 502 first engine

[0949] 504 second engine

[0950] 506 Guide kinematics

[0951] 508 Handling device

[0952] 510 drawer guide

[0953] 512 first kinematic term

[0954] 514 second kinematic element

[0955] 516 drive pulley

[0956] 518 additional drive pulley

[0957] A Opening direction of rotation

[0958] B Closing direction

Claims

Patent claims 1. Transfer device (100) for enabling a particularly aseptic transition between a first object (102), in particular a first process unit (102), and a second object (104), in particular a second process unit (104), wherein the transfer device (100) can be installed at least partially in the first object (102) and at least partially in the second object (104) and has the following: a first door element (110) arranged on the first object (102) in the installed state for opening and closing an access opening (118) formed in a wall section (120) of the first object (102) to an interior (122) of the first object (102); a second door element (112) arranged on the second object (104) in the installed state for opening and closing an access opening (124) formed in a wall section (126) of the second object (104) to an interior (128) of the second object (104);a locking device (114) for locking the first door element (110) in a closed state and for releasing the first door element (110) to open the same, wherein the locking device (114) is arranged in and / or on the first object (102) in the installed state; and an opening device (116) for opening and closing at least one of the door elements (110, 112), wherein the opening device (116) is arranged in and / or on the second object (104) in the installed state, wherein the first door element (110) and the second door element (112) are engageable with one another and, in the engaged state, when the first door element (110) is released by means of the locking device (114), are jointly removable from the access openings (118, 124) by means of the opening device (116) to enable the particularly aseptic transition between the first object (102) and the second object (104).

2. Transfer device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first door element (110) comprises a, in particular truncated cone-shaped or truncated pyramid-shaped, section (130) which tapers in a direction which, in the closed state of the first door element (110), is directed towards the interior of the first object (102), wherein a peripheral surface of said section (130) of the first door element (110) in the closed state of the first door element (110) bears against an inner circumferential surface of the access opening (118) of the first object (102), and / or the second door element (112) comprises a section (132), in particular a truncated cone or truncated pyramid, which tapers in a direction which, in the closed state of the second door element (112), is directed outwards with respect to the second object (104), wherein a circumferential surface of said section (132) of the second door element (112) bears against an inner circumferential surface of the access opening (124) of the second object (104) in the closed state of the second door element (112).

3. Transfer device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transfer device (100) has a sealing device (134) which is formed from or comprises a plurality of sealing part elements (136, 138, 140, 142), and wherein at least one of the following applies: by means of the sealing device (134), in the closed state of the first door element (110), the first door element (110) and an inner circumferential surface of the access opening (118) of the first object (102) are sealable or sealed to the outside, and / or by means of the sealing device (134), in the closed state of the second door element (112), the second door element (112) and an inner circumferential surface of the access opening (124) of the second object (104) are sealable or sealed to the outside, and / or by means of the sealing device (134), in the engaged state of the first and second door elements (110, 112) respective surfaces of both door elements (110,112) are sealed or sealed to the outside, which in the respective closed state of the corresponding door elements (110, 112) are directed outwards with respect to the corresponding object (102, 104), and / or by means of the sealing device (134), in a state in which the respective wall sections (120, 126) of the objects (102, 104) lie against one another for engagement of the first and second door elements (110, 112), respective opening areas of both access openings (118, 124) of both objects (102, 104) are sealed or sealed to the outside, and / or the sealing device (134) and in particular each sealing part element (136, 138, 140, 142) has a closed and in particular circular contour.

4. Transfer device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second door element (112) comprises a coupling element (144) which is provided in and / or on the second door element (112) and forms at least a part of the second door element (112), wherein by means of the coupling element (144) the first door element (110) can be brought into engagement with the second door element (112) and can be held thereon, wherein optionally at least one of the following is provided: the coupling element (144) forms a part of the second door element (112) which is directed outwards with respect to the second object (104), which part has a flush transition to the remaining part of the second door element (112) which is directed outwards with respect to the second object (104),and / or the coupling element (144) is designed as an electromagnet or comprises at least one electromagnet and the first door element (110) is designed partially or completely as a magnetic counter-element or comprises such a magnetic counter-element., 5. Transfer device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first door element (110) and / or the second door element (112) each have an outwardly directed jacket surface with a hygienic design, in particular a hygienic design, in which in particular the first door element (110) and / or the second door element (112) have no undercuts on the outside and in particular on the jacket surface side.

6. Transfer device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the opening device (116) comprises a pivotable lever element (148) which, in the installed state in the second object (104), is pivotally fixed to a first end region (152) of the lever element (148) and to which the second door element (112) is fastened to a second end region (154) of the lever element (148), wherein by means of the lever element (148) the second door element (112) or the mutually engaged door elements (110, 112) can be moved together into the interior (128) of the second object (104) and thus can be removed from the access openings (118, 124).

7. Transfer device (1009) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least a part of the opening device (116) is rotatable and / or pivotable about a rotation axis (150) that can be arranged or is arranged in the interior (128) of the second object (104), wherein the opening and closing of at least one of the door elements (110, 112) can be initiated by means of a corresponding rotation and / or pivoting movement, wherein the rotation axis (150), in the installed state, is arranged with respect to the access opening (124) of the second object (104) at a distance that is greater than or equal to a widest opening dimension of the access opening (124) of the second object (104), in particular as an opening diameter of the access opening (124) of the second object (104).

8. Transfer device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the transfer device (100) comprises one or more sensor units (156, 158) for detecting an opening state of the first door element (110) and / or for detecting an opening state of the second door element (112), wherein in particular each sensor unit (156, 158) is connected, in particular by signaling, to a control unit (146) of the transfer device (100) and / or to a control unit (146) that can be assigned or is assigned to the transfer device (100) in order to determine whether a transition between the first and the second object (102, 104) is possible.

9. Transfer device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transfer device (100) comprises at least one sensor unit (160), by means of which it can be detected whether the first door element (110) and the second door element (112) are engaged with each other, wherein optionally at least one of the following is provided: by means of the sensor unit (160), a mass moved by the opening device (116) during opening and / or closing can be detected, and / or by means of the sensor unit (160), a change in a magnetic field in and / or on the second object (104) can be detected, which change can be brought about by the opening device (116) during opening and / or closing, and / or by means of the sensor unit (160) an electrical contact can be detected which is closed in the engaged state of the first and second door elements (110, 112).

10. Transfer device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first door element (110) comprises a holding contour (164) which, in the closed state, is arranged on the inside with respect to the first object (102), wherein the locking device (114) comprises: at least one holding element (166, 168) which, in the installed state, is arranged in the first object (102) and which can be selectively brought into engagement with the holding contour (164) for locking the first door element (110); and a drive device (170) by means of which the holding element (166, 168) is movable in order to be able to selectively engage it with the holding contour (164), and in particular is movable between a locking position and a release position, wherein in particular the drive device (170) is arranged in and / or on the first object (102) in the installed state, wherein it is optionally providedthat the drive device (170) comprises an elastic element, in particular a spring element (174), by means of which the holding element (166, 168) can be or is prestressed in the direction of engagement with the holding contour (164) and in particular in the direction of the locking position, wherein it is provided in particular that the transfer device (100) and in particular the locking device (114) comprises at least one sensor unit (172) for detecting a locking state of the first door element (110), by means of which a position of the holding element (166, 168) with respect to the drive device (114) and / or the holding contour (164) can be detected.

11. Transfer device (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the drive device (170) is operatively connected to the holding element (166, 168) via a shaft (176, 178) and via which shaft (176, 178) the holding element (166, 168) can be brought into engagement with the holding contour (164) and out of this again and in particular can be moved into the locking position and the release position, wherein in particular one of the following applies: the drive device (170) comprises a motor (180) and a transmission gear, via which a torque that can be caused by the motor (180) and / or a force that can be caused by the motor (180) can be output and in particular can be output to the shaft (176, 178) for bringing the holding element (166, 168) into engagement with the holding contour (164) and in particular for moving the holding element (166, 168) into the locking position and the release position; and / or the drive device (170) comprises a motor (180) and a spindle drive (182) driven by the motor (180), and an actuating arm (184) is formed on the shaft (176, 178) and is movably connected to the spindle drive (182), wherein a rotational movement of the spindle drive (182) is transmittable to the shaft (176, 178) via the connection to the actuating arm (184) of the shaft (176, 178) in the form of a pivoting movement, which is transmitted via the shaft (176,178) is transferable to the holding element (166, 168), wherein, optionally, the locking device (114) comprises a further holding element (166, 168) which is movably connected to the spindle drive (182) via a further shaft (176, 178) by means of an actuating arm (184) formed on the further shaft (176, 178), wherein the two holding elements (166, 168) can be brought into engagement with the holding contour (164) and out of it again by means of a mutually opposite and in particular synchronous pivoting movement and can be moved in particular into the locking position and the release position.

12. Transfer device (100) according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the drive device (170) in the installed state is arranged on the first object (102) and outside the interior (122) of the first object (102), or the drive device (170) in the installed state is arranged within the first object (102) and is designed to be at least partially autoclavable, wherein an autoclavable part of the drive device (170) and a non-autoclavable part of the drive device (170) are connectable or connected to one another via at least one coupling component and the non-autoclavable part of the drive device (170) is detachably installable in the interior (122) of the first object (102), or the drive device (170) is arranged in the installed state within the first object (102) and is designed to be autoclavable, wherein in particular the drive device (170) comprises a particularly sealed housing which is partially or completely, in particular thermally, insulated from its surroundings.

13. Transfer device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the opening device (116) has a drive unit (418) by means of which the second door element (112) or the mutually engaged door elements (110, 112) can be moved together into the interior (128) of the second object (104) in a pivoting and / or linear manner, preferably linearly and then pivoting, in particular whereby they can be removed from and / or from the access openings (118, 124).

14. Transfer device (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the drive unit (418) has a movement device (420) and a motor device (422), wherein the movement device (420) is rotatable and at least partially linearly movable by means of the motor device (422), wherein it is provided in particular that: - the movement device (420) has a rotation axis (150), which is preferably designed as a shaft, and a displacement device (424), wherein the displacement device (424) is arranged on the outside of the rotation axis (150) and is linearly movable and / or displaceable along the rotation axis (150); and / or - the motor device (422) comprises a rotary motor (444) for causing a rotary movement of the movement device (420) and a linear motor, in particular designed as a spindle drive motor (446), for causing a linear movement of at least one part, in particular the displacement device (424), of the movement device (420).

15. Transfer device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the transfer device (100) comprises a control unit (146) and / or a control unit (146), in particular a control unit (146) of the first and / or the second object (102, 104), can be assigned or is assigned to the transfer device (100), wherein the control unit (146) and / or its signaling connections can be optionally separated and / or switched off for autocavitation of the transfer device (100).

16. System (200) comprising at least two objects (102, 104), in particular process units (102, 104), wherein the two objects (102, 104) comprise at least one transfer device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein optionally each object (102, 104) serves to produce a product, in particular a biological-pharmaceutical product.

17. A system (200) comprising three or four or more objects (102, 104, 202, 204), in particular process units (102, 104, 202, 204), wherein one or more first and / or one or more second parts (106, 108) of a transfer device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 15 are provided in each object (102, 104, 202, 204), wherein the transfer device (100) can be formed from at least one first and at least one second part (106, 108), and wherein at least one first part (106) and at least one second part (108) of the transfer device (100) are provided in mutually different objects (102, 104, 202, 204).

Images