Transfer device for moving objects in a cleanroom

Abstract

The invention relates to a transfer device (14) for moving objects in a cleanroom (10). To create a transfer device (14) that reliably moves objects in a cleanroom (10) and meets the hygienic requirements for a cleanroom (10) without requiring extensive cleaning, characterized by a working element (16) located in the cleanroom (10), a drive unit (20a, 20b) located outside the cleanroom (10), a push chain (18a, 18b) operatively connected to the working element (16) and movable by the drive unit (20a, 20b), wherein the push chain (18a, 18b) extends from the drive unit (20a, 20b) through a partition (12) of the cleanroom (10) to the working element (16) located in the cleanroom (10), wherein a first section of the push chain (18a,18b) extends from the working element (16) located inside the cleanroom (10) to a partition (12) of the cleanroom (10), while a second section of the push chain (18a, 18b) extends from the partition (12) to the drive unit (20a, 20b) located outside the cleanroom (10) and through a germproof cover of the first section of the push chain (18a, 18b) located inside the cleanroom (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer device for moving objects in a virtually germ-free cleanroom. A cleanroom is a hermetically sealed room in which the microbial load must not exceed a defined, critical limit. In particular, the microbial load of the supply air to the cleanroom must also not exceed the critical limit. Highly sensitive pharmaceutical products that must be kept germ-free are manufactured, processed, and / or stored in such a cleanroom.

[0002] For example, when freeze-drying a pharmaceutical product, it is essential to ensure that the product is not contaminated by microorganisms. For this reason, a suitable freeze-drying system is located in a cleanroom. This cleanroom also contains the pharmaceutical product, which is stored in open vials, and a transport system that moves the vials into the freeze-drying system and removes them after freeze-drying is complete. An example of such a transport system is described in EP 2 019 278 B1. The transport system includes, among other things, a conveyor belt on which the vials are transported and a transfer device that removes the vials from the conveyor belt and, if necessary, places them back onto it. The transfer device includes a push chain, such as that described in EP 1 591 693 B1.

[0003] Due to the large number of individual components and the sometimes difficult-to-access surfaces of the sliding device, it requires a great deal of effort to keep the germ load in the sliding device low, i.e., to clean the sliding device according to the requirements of a cleanroom.

[0004] Further background information on the technical field to which the present disclosure relates can be found in US 2008 / 134537 A1, JP 2020 203798 A, JP 2000 320963 A, EP 1 881 284 A1 and DE 10 2004 030 676 A1. US 2008 / 134537 A1 discloses a sliding device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] Based on this, the present invention aims to create a transfer device of the type mentioned above that reliably moves objects in a cleanroom and meets the hygienic requirements of a cleanroom without requiring extensive cleaning.

[0006] As a technical solution to this problem, a sliding device of the type mentioned at the outset, comprising the features of claim 1, is proposed according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of this sliding device are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] A sliding mechanism designed according to this technical principle has the advantage that only the working element is located in the cleanroom, while the much larger part of the sliding mechanism, including the drive unit, is located outside the cleanroom. The sliding chain, driven by the drive unit and consisting of a number of chain links, extends through a partition wall into the cleanroom, but is in turn separated from the cleanroom by the germ-proof cover. As a result, significant parts of the sliding mechanism are located outside the cleanroom and are therefore not subject to the stringent hygienic requirements of a cleanroom.

[0008] According to the invention, a rack is formed on the underside of the chain link, via which the chain links and thus the entire push chain can be moved back and forth.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the germ-proof cover is designed as a bellows, the bellows extending from the partition wall to the working element and completely enclosing the push chain. Such a bellows has the advantage that it can be easily extended and thus completely encloses the push chain even when it is fully extended into the cleanroom.

[0010] According to the invention, the push chain comprises a number of chain links with a cylindrical outer contour. This cylindrical outer contour has the advantage of avoiding particularly sharp corners and edges, thus preventing damage to the bellows. A further advantage is that the bellows, which has a circular cross-section, can rest on the chain links of the push chain and thereby has a comparatively large contact area. As a result, the friction occurring between the bellows and the push chain does not damage the bellows, or at least only very slightly, leading to a long service life for the bellows.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical chain link is bounded by a first and a second end wall, the first and second end walls being aligned parallel to each other. The first and second end walls are inclined at the same angle to a longitudinal axis of the chain link. This has the advantage that a chain link can bear a large area of ​​contact with its first end wall against an adjacent chain link with its second end wall, thus creating a virtually closed push chain. Consequently, the bellows cannot become entangled between adjacent chain links and therefore cannot be damaged. It has proven particularly advantageous to align the first and second end walls orthogonally to the longitudinal axis to achieve uniform contact between adjacent chain links.

[0012] In a further, preferred embodiment, a projection extending from the chain link is formed on the first end wall, while a recess extending into the chain link is formed on a second end wall, allowing the projection to be received in the recess. This has the advantage that the adjacent chain links abut each other at their first and second end walls. Furthermore, an axle receptacle is formed in the projection or in the area of ​​the recess in the chain link, so that adjacent chain links are movably connected to each other via this common axis. In the projections, the axle receptacle is arranged outside the chain link, while in the area of ​​the recess, the axle receptacle is provided inside the chain link, so that the axis connecting the two chain links lies within the chain link.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the axle is located at the lower edge of each chain link. This has the advantage that the adjacent chain links can be swung downwards for space-saving storage. A further advantage is that the chain links adjacent to each other at the first and second end faces are held together by the axle located below, thus preventing chain deflection, since the first end face of each chain link rests against the second end face of the adjacent link. This gives the push chain a rigidity similar to a rod, enabling it to move the working element back and forth very effectively.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the drive unit comprises a deflection wheel on which the push chain rests and a drive gear which engages with the rack of a single chain link, wherein actuation of the drive gear moves the push chain forward or backward. The advantage here is that the engagement of the drive gear with the rack enables precise and accurately metered movement of the push chain.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment, the drive sprocket is arranged below the push chain, and a retaining wheel engages the chain link above the push chain to keep the rack of a chain link of the push chain engaged with the drive sprocket and to prevent the push chain from accidentally jumping off the drive sprocket. This has the advantage of ensuring safer operation of the push chain.

[0016] In yet another preferred embodiment, a single or double groove is provided on the upper side of the chain link to accommodate a data and / or power cable. This has the advantage that the data and / or power cable is integrated into the push chain, and that the chain links of the push chain can still retain their cylindrical outer contour. A further advantage is that this allows the data and / or power cable to be inserted into the cleanroom from the outside and thus connected to sensors, switches, or other electrical devices of the working element without the data and / or power cable itself entering the cleanroom.

[0017] Although it is possible in practice to move the working element with a single push chain of this type, it has proven advantageous to have two such parallel push chains engage the working element in order to prevent it from tilting. It is advantageous to design this second push chain identically to the first and to equip it with its own drive unit. As a result, the preferred push-over device comprises two identical push chains with correspondingly identical drive units, with the portion of the push chain projecting into the cleanroom being covered by its own bellows.

[0018] Further advantages of the overrun device according to the invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawing and the embodiments described below.

[0019] The aforementioned embodiments are not to be understood as an exhaustive list, but rather as examples. They demonstrate: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a sliding device according to the invention in perspective view; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a chain link of a sliding chain of the sliding device according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a top view of the chain link according to Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 a side view of the chain link according to Fig. 2 ; Fig. 5 a sectional side view of the chain link according to Fig. 2 , cut along line V - V in Fig. 3 ; Fig. 6 a front view of the chain link according to 2;

[0020] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a cleanroom 10 set up in a production hall, which is bounded by a partition wall 12 and a transfer device 14 according to the invention located in the production hall. In the cleanroom there is a freeze-drying system (not shown) and a transport system (not shown) for transporting a number of open vials filled with a drug.

[0021] The transfer device 14 comprises a working element 16 located in the cleanroom 10 for moving the vials from the transport system into the freeze-drying system, two parallel push chains 18a, 18b for moving the drive element 16, for each push chain 18a, 18b a drive unit 20a, 20b located outside the cleanroom 10 for driving the push chain 18a, 18b and one bellows 22a, 22b provided in the cleanroom 10 for each push chain 18a, 18b for encapsulating the part of the push chain 18a, 18b located in the cleanroom 10. Each drive unit 20a, 20b includes a deflection wheel 24a, 24b on which the push chain 18a, 18b rests, a drive gear 26a, 26b for driving the push chain 18a, 18b and a hold-down wheel 28a, 28b for pressing the push chain 18, 18b onto the drive gear 26, 26b.

[0022] Both the first push chain 18a and the second push chain 18b are attached to the working element 16 located in the cleanroom 10. The push chain 18a, 18b extends from the working element 16 through the partition 12 and rests on the deflection pulley 24a, 24b outside the cleanroom 10, while a portion of the push chain 18a, 18b beyond this point is suspended in a guide device (not shown). A first section of the push chain 18a, 18b is located inside the cleanroom 10 and extends from the working element 16 to the partition 12, while a second section of the push chain 18a, 18b is located outside the cleanroom 10 and extends from the partition 12 to beyond the deflection pulley 24a, 24b. The first section of the push chain 18a, 18b is covered by the bellows 22a, 22b, which has a circular cross-section and separates this part of the push chain 18a, 18b from the cleanroom 10 in a germ-tight manner.The bellows 22a, 22b is attached to the working element 16 in a germ-tight manner on one side and to the partition wall 12 on the other, so that no germs can enter the cleanroom 10.

[0023] The working element 16 is equipped with sensors (not shown in detail) for detecting vials on the transport system. As soon as vials on the transport system are detected by the sensors, the push chain 18a, 18b is driven and pushed further into the cleanroom 10. During this process, the working element 16 moves perpendicular to the transport system and pushes the vials located within its area from the transport system into the freeze-drying unit. The first section of the push chain 18a, 18b, located in the cleanroom 10, extends to up to 180 cm. Simultaneously, the bellows 22a, 22b lengthen accordingly, completely enclosing the first section of the push chain 18a, 18b and thus ensuring reliable shielding of the push chain 18a, 18b from the sterile area in the cleanroom 10.This ensures that the push chain 18a, 18b and the drive unit 20a, 20b of the push-over device 14 are not subject to the strict hygienic requirements of the cleanroom 10 and therefore do not need to be cleaned as frequently or as thoroughly.

[0024] In the Figures 2 to 6 Figure 1 shows a single chain link 30 of the push chain 18a, 18b. This chain link 30 has a double groove 32 on its upper side for receiving a data cable 34 and a power cable 36. This data cable 34 is connected to the sensor in the working element 16 and transmits data supplied by the sensor to a processing unit for controlling the push chain 18a, 18b. The power cable 36 is also connected to the sensor and supplies it with power. The double groove 32 is designed such that the data cable 34 and the power cable 36 can be completely enclosed within it.

[0025] On an underside of the chain link 30, a number of downward-extending teeth 38 are formed, which are arranged linearly and are designed in such a way that a rack 40 is formed over the length of the chain link 30.

[0026] The chain link 30 has a cylindrical outer contour. That is, apart from the double groove 32 and the rack 40, the outer contour of the chain link 30 is cylindrical. A web 42 located between the individual grooves of the double groove 32 is curved on its outer surface such that the outer contour of the chain link 30 is cylindrical.

[0027] On one side of the cylindrical chain link 30, a first end wall 44 is formed, limiting the chain link 30, and on one side of the chain link 30 opposite the first end wall 44, a second end wall 46 is formed, limiting the chain link 30, wherein both the first end wall 44 and the second end wall 46 are arranged parallel to each other and orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the chain link 30.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, not shown here, the first and second end walls are arranged parallel to each other and are inclined in the same way to a longitudinal axis of the chain link.

[0029] On the first end wall 44, a first and a second projection 48a, 48b is formed, projecting from the chain link 30, wherein a first axle receptacle 50a is formed in the first projection 48a and a second axle receptacle 50b is formed in the second projection 48b, and wherein the first and the second axle receptacle 50a, 50b are arranged outside the chain link 30.

[0030] On the second end wall 46, a first and a second recess 52a, 52b are formed, extending into the chain link 30. The first recess 52a is designed to accommodate the first projection 48a formed on the first end wall 44, while the second recess 52b is designed to accommodate the second projection 48b formed on the first end wall 44. A third axle receptacle 50c is formed in the area of ​​the first recess 52a, and a fourth axle receptacle 50d is formed in the area of ​​the second recess 52b. The third axle receptacle 50c and the fourth axle receptacle 50d are located within the chain link 30.

[0031] All axle receptacles 50a - 50d are designed to correspond in such a way that an axle (not shown) holding two adjacent chain links 30 together can be received in them. In the embodiment shown here, the axle receptacles 50a - 50d are formed on a lower edge of the chain link 30, so that the common axle is also arranged on the lower edge of the chain link 30.

[0032] The arrangement of the first and second axle mounts 50a, 50b outside the chain link 30 and the arrangement of the third and fourth axle mounts 50c, 50d inside the chain link 30 means that the common axle is also located inside the chain link 30. With the axle attached to the lower edge of the chain link 30, the chain links 30 can only be pivoted downwards. Together with the parallel end walls 44, 46, this results in the first end wall 44 abutting the second end wall 46 when the adjacent chain links 30 are aligned. Consequently, chain links 30 located between two supports are aligned, and the push chain 18a, 18b thus acts similarly to a rod. For this embodiment according to the Figs. 1 to 6This means that the chain links 30 of the push chain 18a, 18b, which is attached to the working element 16 and held on the deflection wheel 24a, 24b, lie against each other with their end walls 44, 46 and that the push chain 18a, 18b acts like a rod in this area, so that the working element 16 can be moved forwards and backwards in a controlled manner.

[0033] In this area between the working element 16 and the deflection wheel 24a, 24b, a drive gear 26a, 26b is arranged below the push chain 18a, 18b such that the teeth 38 of the rack 40 engage with the drive gear 26a, 26b, allowing the push chain 18a, 18b, which acts like a rod in this area between the working element 16 and the deflection wheel 24a, 24b, to be moved back and forth by the drive gear 26a, 26b. To ensure reliable engagement between the drive gear 26a, 26b and the push chain 18a, 18b, a hold-down wheel 28a, 28b is provided above the push chain 18a, 18b in the area between the working element 16 and the deflection wheel 24a, 24b. Reference symbol list

[0034] 10 Cleanroom 12 Partition 14 Transfer device 16 Working element 18a, 18b Push chain 20a, 20b Drive unit 22a, 22b Bellows 24a, 24b Deflection wheel 26a, 26b Drive gear 28a, 28b Hold-down wheel 30 Chain link 32 Double groove 34 Data cable 36 Power cable 38 Tooth 40 Rack 42 Web 44 End wall 46 End wall 48a, 48b Projection 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d Axle mount 52a, 52b Recess

Claims

1. Transfer device (14) for moving objects in a clean room (10), comprising - a working element (16) located in the clean room (10), - a drive unit (20a, 20b) located outside the clean room (10), - a push chain (18a, 18b) connected to the working element (16) and movable by the drive unit (20a, 20b), comprising a number of chain links (30), wherein the push chain (18a, 18b) extends from the drive unit (20a, 20b) through a partition wall (12) of the clean room (10) to the working element (16) located in the clean room (10), wherein a first section of the push chain (18a, 18b) extends from the working element (16) located within the clean room (10) located inside the clean room (10) to a partition wall (12) of the clean room (10), while a second section of the push chain (18a, 18b) extends from the partition wall (12) to the drive unit (20a, 20b) located outside the clean room (10), and - a germ-proof cover for the first section of the push chain (18a, 18b) located in the clean room (10) characterized in that each chain link (30) has a cylindrical outer contour, wherein - a rack (40) is formed on a lower side of the chain link (30).

2. Transfer device (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that in that the germ-proof cover is designed as a bellows (22a, 22b) and, in particular, in that the bellows (22a, 22b) extends from the partition wall (12) to the working element (16) and is attached in a germ-proof manner both to the partition wall (12) and to the working element (16).

3. Transfer device (14) according to claim 2, characterized in that in that the bellows (22a, 22b) has a circular cross-section.

4. Transfer device (14) according to claim 3, characterized in that in that the at least substantially cylindrical chain link (30) has a first end wall (44) delimiting the chain link (30) and a second end wall (46) delimiting the chain link (30), wherein the first end wall (44) and the second end wall (46) are aligned parallel to each other, wherein the first end wall (44) and the second end wall (46) are equally inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the chain link (30), in particular wherein the first end wall (44) and the second end wall (46) are aligned orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the chain link (30).

5. Transfer device (14) according to at least one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that in that a projection (48a, 48b) protruding from the chain link (30) is formed on the first end wall (44), wherein an axis receptacle (50a, 50b, 50c, 50d) is formed in the projection (48a, 48b), and wherein the axis receptacle (50a, 50b, 50c, 50d) is arranged outside the chain link (30), that a recess (52a, 52b) extending into the chain link (30) is formed on the second end wall (46), wherein the recess (52a, 52b) is formed such that the projection (48a, 48b) formed on the first end wall (44) formed on the first end wall (44) can be accommodated therein, wherein the chain link (30) has an axis receptacle (50a, 50b, 50c, 50d) in the region of the recess (52a, 52b).

6. Transfer device (14) according to at least one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that in that a first and a second projection (48a, 48b) is projecting from the chain link (30), wherein a first axis receptacle (50a) is formed in the first projection (48a) and a second axis receptacle (50b) is formed in the second projection (48b), and wherein the first and second axis receptacles (50a, 50b) are arranged outside the chain link (30), that a first and a second recess (52a, 52b) extending into the chain link (30) are formed on the second end wall (46), wherein the first recess (52a) is formed such that the first projection (48a) formed on the first end wall (44) can be accommodated therein, the second recess (52b) being designed such that it accommodates the second projection (48b) formed on the first end wall (44), and that the chain link (30) has a third axis receptacle (50c) in the area of the first recess (52a) and a fourth axis receptacle (50d) in the area of the second recess (52b).

7. Transfer device (14) according to claim 6, characterized in that in that all axis receptacles (50a, 50b, 50c, 50d) are arranged on a common axis at the lower edge of the chain link (30).

8. Transfer device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the drive unit (20a, 20b) has a deflection wheel (24a, 24b) and a drive gear (26a, 26b), wherein the drive gear (26a, 26b) meshes with the rack (40) of a chain link (30) of the push chain (18a, 18b), while a portion of the push chain (18a, 18b) rests on the deflection wheel (24a, 24b) and a portion of the push chain (18a, 18b) located behind hangs in a guide device.

9. Transfer device (14) according to claim 8, characterized in that in that a hold-down wheel (28a, 28b) engages a chain link (30) of the push chain (18a, 18b) in order to hold the rack (40) of a chain link (30) of the push chain (18a, 18b) in engagement with the drive gear (26a, 26b).

10. Transfer device (14) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in that a single groove or a double groove (32) is formed on an upper side of the chain link (30) to accommodate at least one cable (36), in particular a data and / or power cable.

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