Transfer device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transfer device (100) for enabling a specific aseptic transfer between a first object (102), specifically a first process unit (102), and a second object (104), specifically a second process unit (104). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system (200) comprising at least two objects (102, 104), specifically process units (102, 104), and a system (200) comprising three, four, or five or more objects (102, 104, 202, 204), specifically process units (102, 104, 202, 204).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer device for enabling a transfer, specifically a sterile transfer, between a first object, specifically a first process unit, and a second object, specifically a second process unit.

Background Art

[0002] Specifically, for example, in the field of formulations for personalized therapeutic agents, by often using a plurality of process units and / or process spaces and / or process regions for manufacturing biological agent products, various different processing operations for manufacturing the product, for example, can be carried out. Often, in order to enable defined processing operations, it may be necessary to connect such objects, for example, process units and / or process spaces and / or process regions to each other. For example, in this case, it may be necessary to efficiently lock-in and / or lock-out materials and / or objects from one process unit into another process unit. In this case, the highest degree of sterility is required.

[0003] Furthermore, highly personalized therapeutic agents are associated with high costs, specifically labor costs, due to their individual production and / or minimum production, and large-scale application and / or industrial production of individual batch sizes and / or minimum batch sizes are often not possible.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The underlying problem of the present invention is to provide a transfer device for enabling a transfer, specifically a sterile transfer, between a first object, specifically a first process unit, and a second object, specifically a second process unit, which is preferably an automatically operable transfer device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] These problems are solved by the features of the independent claims according to the present invention. Further advantageous configurations of the present invention are described in the dependent claims. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] A transfer device according to the present invention, for enabling a sterile transfer between a first object, specifically a first process unit, and a second object, specifically a second process unit, is at least partially embeddable, specifically positioned, and / or assembled within the first object, specifically the first process unit, and at least partially within the second object, specifically the second process unit.

[0007] For example, the first part of the transfer device may be incorporated into the first object, specifically the first process unit, and the second part of the transfer device may be incorporated into the second object, specifically the second process unit.

[0008] The transfer device according to the present invention is as follows: - A first door element, formed within a wall section of the first object, specifically the first process unit, and positioned within the first object, specifically the first process unit, for opening and closing an access opening to the interior of the first object, specifically the first process unit, - A second door element, formed within the wall section of the second object, specifically the second process unit, and positioned within the second object, specifically the second process unit, for opening and closing an access opening to the interior of the second object, specifically the second process unit, - A locking device for locking the first door element in a closed position and for releasing the first door element to open the first door element, wherein the locking device is incorporated into the first object, specifically within the first process unit and / or located in the first object, specifically in the first process unit, - An opener device for opening and closing at least one of the door elements, wherein the opener device is incorporated into the second object, specifically within the second process unit and / or located in the second object, specifically within the second process unit, It has, The first door element and the second door element are engageable with each other, and when the first door element is released by the locking device while engaged, the first door element and the second door element can be moved together away from the access opening by the opener device to allow a sterile transfer between the first object, specifically the first process unit, and the second object, specifically the second process unit.

[0009] The transfer device according to the present invention may, particularly advantageously, be incorporated into and usable within a process unit formed as described herein. However, it goes without saying that the transfer device according to the present invention is not limited to such a process unit. Therefore, the first object and / or the second object may be, for example, some volumetric body, such as a container and / or production chamber and / or transfer device, or / or even just a part of such volumetric body, such as a wall or wall structure.

[0010] Advantageously, the first object may be a process unit, specifically a first process unit, and the second object may be a further process unit, specifically a second process unit.

[0011] For example, the process unit may be specifically formed as a processing box for housing and / or transporting and / or processing objects, such as a patient box.

[0012] In addition to or instead of this, the process unit may be specifically formed as a toolbox for processing the object to be processed, and the toolbox may specifically include a tool unit for processing the object to be processed and / or a sensor unit for analyzing the object to be processed.

[0013] In addition to or instead of this, the process unit may be formed as a supply box for providing materials that may be necessary to process the object to be processed, such as consumables and / or materials.

[0014] For example, the first or second process unit may be formed as a processing box, and other corresponding process units may be formed as toolboxes and / or supply boxes.

[0015] For example, in addition to or instead of this, the first process unit and / or the second process unit may be formed as a toolbox, and the corresponding other process unit may be formed as a supply box.

[0016] For example, the aseptic transfer between objects, specifically between process units, may serve to supply something, such as a processing object, a tool unit, a sensor unit, a material, and / or substance, from one process unit to another, specifically temporarily and / or continuously.

[0017] The transfer of objects, specifically between process units, specifically sterile transfers, may be bidirectional and / or unidirectional, for example, the exchange of something between objects, specifically between process units. In other words, the transfer of objects, specifically between process units, specifically sterile transfers, may be bidirectional and / or unidirectional transfers.

[0018] The objects to be processed are, for example, the following: - Extracts, specifically cell-containing materials, such as cell-containing starting materials, and / or biological agent materials and / or biological agent workpieces, - Intermediate products, specifically cell-containing intermediate products, and / or biological agent intermediate products, - For example, products to be manufactured, specifically biological agent products, such as biological agent products to be manufactured, can include at least one of the above. It should be understood that the above enumeration is illustrative and not exhaustive. Instead or in addition, the object to be processed may include one or two or more of the above-listed elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0019] The process unit can be movable relative to its surroundings, and / or transportable, and / or specifically automatically movable.

[0020] For example, the process unit can specifically include a free-running transport vehicle, or can be formed as such, and / or can specifically be coupled with a free-running transport vehicle.

[0021] Specifically, the free-running transport vehicle can be induction loop-guided, magnet-guided, specifically permanent magnet-guided, and / or solenoid-guided. In addition or instead, sensor-based guidance, specifically camera-based guidance, and / or Radar / LIDAR-based guidance may be provided.

[0022] The process unit may have one or two or more coupling devices, by which the process unit can be coupled with one or two or more additional process units, specifically mechanically coupled. For example, the coupling device can be operable in a fully automatic manner. In other words, the process units that can be coupled can be coupled with each other in a fully automatic manner.

[0023] For example, the coupling device may have one or more locking elements for locking and / or capturing a process unit with at least one further process unit and / or may be formed as such.

[0024] For example, said at least one further process unit may have a coupling device corresponding to the locking element, specifically a locking element.

[0025] For example, such a locking element may be formed as a holding element for engaging into a holding contour and / or as a holding contour for accommodating a holding element. The holding element may for example be motorized, whereby advantageously locking and / or capturing can be carried out automatically, specifically fully automatically.

[0026] For example, in addition to or instead of this, the coupling device may have one or more positioning elements for positioning a process unit with at least one further process unit and / or may be formed as such.

[0027] For example, said at least one further process unit may have a coupling device corresponding to the positioning element, specifically a positioning element.

[0028] For example, it is considered that such a positioning element may be formed as a positioning projection for introduction into a positioning receptacle and / or as a positioning receptacle for accommodating a positioning projection.

[0029] In addition to or instead of this, such positioning elements and corresponding positioning elements are considered to be magnetically engageable with each other. For example, such positioning elements may also be part of a device for wirelessly and / or inductively transmitting energy between coupled process units, specifically a coil device.

[0030] For example, in addition to or instead of this, the coupling device may have one or more plug elements and / or socket elements for transmitting energy and / or fluid, specifically gas, gas mixtures, and / or liquid, between coupled process units, and / or may be formed in such a manner.

[0031] For example, the coupling device may have, specifically, a plug element and / or socket element, corresponding to at least one plug element and / or socket element.

[0032] For example, in addition to or instead of this, the coupling device may have, and / or be formed as such, a device for wirelessly and / or inductively transmitting energy between coupled process units.

[0033] For example, the at least one further process unit may have at least one coupling device corresponding to such a device, specifically a coil device, specifically a complementary coil device.

[0034] Wireless and / or inductive energy transfer between coupled process units may be unidirectional and / or bidirectional.

[0035] A process unit, specifically a processing box and / or toolbox and / or supply box, may define a process cell, specifically a sterile process cell. In effect, a process unit formed as a processing box and / or toolbox and / or supply box may be a process cell, specifically a sterile process cell.

[0036] Each process unit, specifically the processing box and / or toolbox and / or supply box, may have an internal space that can be closed.

[0037] The aforementioned internal space corresponds to and / or may be such an interior as the first process unit and / or the second process unit, and / or may partially or completely form such an interior.

[0038] Each process unit may include side walls, which confine and / or define their respective internal spaces and / or interiors.

[0039] The side wall may include or be partially formed by the respective wall sections of the first process unit and / or the second process unit.

[0040] The internal space and / or interior of the process unit may, specifically, define, or form a sterile production area. In effect, the internal space and / or interior of the process unit may specifically be a sterile production area.

[0041] In effect, the access openings of the first and second process units can enable access to the respective sterile production areas of the first and second process units.

[0042] In effect, the first door element, positioned within the first process unit in an integrated manner, may serve to open and close an access opening to a specific sterile production area within the first process unit.

[0043] In effect, the second door element, positioned within the second process unit in an integrated manner, may serve to open and close an access opening to a specific sterile production area within the second process unit.

[0044] The first door element may specifically include a frustoconical or truncated pyramidal section, and the section may taper toward the interior of the first object, specifically the first process unit, when the first door element is closed.

[0045] Needless to say, a truncated pyramidal section can have a triangular, quadrilateral, or polygonal cross-section.

[0046] The circumferential surface of the aforementioned section of the first door element may be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the access opening of the first object, specifically the first process unit, when the first door element is closed.

[0047] In addition to or instead of this, the second door element may specifically include a frustoconical or truncated pyramidal section, the section tapering outward with respect to the second object, specifically the second process unit, when the second door element is closed.

[0048] The circumferential surface of the aforementioned section of the second door element may be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the access opening of the second object, specifically the second process unit, when the second door element is closed.

[0049] The transfer device may have a sealing device, and the sealing device may be formed from or include a plurality of sealing elements.

[0050] With the first door element closed, the first door element and the first object, specifically the inner circumferential surface of the access opening of the first process unit, may be sealed outward by a sealing device, or may already be sealed.

[0051] In addition to or instead of the above, when the second door element is closed, the second door element and the second object, specifically the inner surface of the access opening of the second process unit, may be sealed outward by a sealing device.

[0052] In addition to or instead of the above, the sealing device may, in the engaged state of the first door element and the second door element, and in the closed state of the corresponding door elements, allow, or may seal outwardly, the respective surfaces of both door elements facing outward toward a corresponding object, specifically a corresponding process unit.

[0053] In addition to or instead of the above, the respective opening areas of both access openings of both objects, specifically both process units, may be sealed outward by a sealing device, with each wall section of the object, specifically the process unit, positioned against each other so as to engage the first door element and the second door element.

[0054] The sealing device, specifically each sealing element, may have a closed, and specifically circular or polygonal, for example, quadrilateral and / or quadrilateral-like contour.

[0055] For example, such polygons, such as quadrilaterals and / or quadrilateral-like contours, may have rounded corner regions and / or corner regions with a radius of curvature, which is advantageous in order to maintain a hygienic configuration, specifically a hygienic design.

[0056] The sealing device may include multiple, for example, four sealing elements.

[0057] For example, the first sealing portion element may be positioned in the edge region of the first door element, which, in the closed state of the first door element, is adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the access opening of the first object, specifically the first process unit, and is oriented outward relative to the first object, specifically the first process unit.

[0058] For example, the second sealing portion element may be positioned in or be positioned in the edge region of the access opening of the first object, specifically the first process unit, the edge region being adjacent to the first door element, specifically the edge region of the first door element, when the first door element is closed, and facing outward with respect to the first object, specifically the first process unit.

[0059] For example, the third sealing element may be positioned in the 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, specifically the second process unit, and is oriented outward relative to the second object, specifically the second process unit.

[0060] For example, the fourth sealing portion element may be positioned in or be positioned in the edge region of the access opening of the second object, specifically the second process unit, the edge region being adjacent to the second door element, specifically the edge region of the second door element, when the second door element is closed, and facing outward with respect to the second object, specifically the second process unit.

[0061] Specifically, the first sealing element and the third sealing element may be positioned in direct contact with each other when the first door element and the second door element are engaged.

[0062] The first and third sealing elements may seal outwardly, or be sealed, each of the faces of both door elements, i.e., in the closed state of each corresponding door element, that which faces outward with respect to a corresponding object, specifically a corresponding process unit, and which is specifically surrounded by the first and third sealing elements in the assigned state. Specifically, this may mean that the faces of the door elements that are engaged with each other, that face each other in the engaged state of the door elements, and / or that come into contact with each other at these faces, may be sealable outwardly, or be sealed, by the first and third sealing elements.

[0063] The second sealing element and the fourth sealing element may be positioned in direct contact with each other, specifically, when the respective wall sections of an object, specifically a process unit, are positioned against each other to engage the first door element and the second door element.

[0064] The second and fourth sealing elements may enable or seal outward the open areas of both objects, specifically the access openings of both process units.

[0065] Each sealing element may have a circular cross-section. In addition to or instead of this, each sealing element may have a polygonal cross-section, such as a wedge-shaped cross-section.

[0066] For example, each sealing element may have at least one, for example, conical, tapered section in cross-section. The tapered section may taper outward with respect to the object, specifically the process unit, specifically the door element, and the sealing element may be positioned on the process unit / door element. This can advantageously reduce the sealing area, thereby avoiding the high clamping force that may be required when the sealing area is large.

[0067] For example, each sealing element may be manufactured from plastic, or may have been manufactured from plastic. For example, each sealing element may contain and / or be formed from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and / or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and / or silicone. This can advantageously enable good autoclaveability.

[0068] For example, the sealing device may include, for instance, two sealing elements, preferably a second sealing element and a third sealing element, or a first sealing element and a fourth sealing element.

[0069] For example, the third sealing element and / or the first sealing element may, specifically in the engaged state of the first door element and the second door element, and in the closed state of the corresponding door elements, allow, or may seal outwardly, the respective surfaces of both door elements facing outward toward a corresponding object, specifically a corresponding process unit.

[0070] For example, when objects, specifically process units, are arranged in contact with each other and / or connected to each other, the second sealing element and / or the fourth sealing element may be able to seal outward, or may be sealed outward, the open areas of both access openings of both objects, specifically process units.

[0071] The second door element includes a coupling element, and the coupling element may be provided within and / or on the second door element, forming at least a portion of the second door element.

[0072] The coupling element may enable the first door element to engage with and be retained by the second door element.

[0073] The coupling element may be formed to engage the first door element with the second door element and hold it to the second door element, specifically based on a magnet, frictionally, shape-coupled, and / or based on negative pressure.

[0074] For example, the coupling element may form a portion of the second door element that is oriented outward with respect to the second object, specifically the second process unit, and this portion has a coplanar transition to the rest of the second door element, the rest of which may be oriented outward with respect to the second object, specifically the second process unit.

[0075] For example, the coupling element may be formed as an electromagnet or include at least one electromagnet, and the first door element may be formed as a partially or completely magnetically compatible element or include the magnetically compatible element.

[0076] The coupling element may include one or more, for example, two electromagnets.

[0077] Specifically, a coupling element formed as an electromagnet for engaging the first door element with the second door element and holding it to the second door element may be controllable by the control unit of the transport device and / or by a control unit that can be assigned to or assigned to the transport device.

[0078] The coupling element may be located within and / or in the frustoconical or truncated pyramidal section of the second door element, and / or in the section, specifically at its center.

[0079] For example, the coupling element may be formed as a bayonet device and / or may include such a device. Male and / or female bayonet elements may be provided in and / or on the second door element. Needless to say, corresponding female and / or male bayonet elements may be provided in and / or on the first door element to enable engagement with these bayonet elements. To specifically enable rotational engagement of the bayonet elements and / or corresponding bayonet elements, a rotating device may be provided in and / or on the first door element and / or on the second door element. For example, to specifically engage the first door element with the second door element and hold it in the second door element, the rotating device may be controllable by the control unit of the transfer device and / or by a control unit that can be assigned to or assigned to the transfer device.

[0080] For example, the coupling element is formed as a threaded element and / or may include such an element. A threaded element may be provided in and / or on the second door element. Needless to say, a corresponding threaded element may be provided in and / or on the first door element to enable engagement with the threaded element. A rotating device may be provided in and / or on the first door element and / or on the first door element to enable specific screw-type engagement of the threaded element and / or the corresponding threaded element. For example, the rotating device may be controllable by and / or by a control unit assignable to or assigned to the transfer device to engage the first door element with the second door element and to hold it in place on the second door element.

[0081] For example, the coupling element may be formed as part of a fluid device for providing negative pressure, and / or may include such a device. The fluid device may be located in or in a second object, specifically a second process unit, and may be contained by a transfer device. The fluid device may be a gas or a mixture of gases, specifically air. When the first door element and the second door element are positioned facing each other, the fluid device may provide negative pressure between the first door element and the second door element, specifically through the coupling element. This allows the first door element and the second door element to engage with each other and may be held together, for example, by suction. For example, specifically to engage the first door element with the second door element and to hold it to the second door element, the fluid device may be controllable by a control unit of the transfer device, and / or by a control unit that can be assigned to or assigned to the transfer device.

[0082] For example, the coupling element may be formed as an eccentric device and / or may include such a device. The eccentric device may include an axis on which the eccentric element is formed and a moving device which can move the axis, specifically linearly and / or rotaryly. The axis may be located in and / or on the second door element. The moving device may be located in and / or on the second object, specifically in and / or on the second process unit, and may be contained by a transfer device. A corresponding element may be located in and / or on the first door element to be engageable with the axis, specifically the eccentric element. For example, the axis, specifically the eccentric element, may be linearly positionable and subsequently rotatable relative to the corresponding element by the moving device in order to engage the eccentric element and the corresponding element with each other and to press the corresponding element from the first door element to the second door element. As a result, the first door element and the second door element may be able to engage with each other and hold each other. For example, the moving device may be controllable by the control unit of the transport device and / or by a control unit that can be assigned to or assigned to the transport device in order to engage the first door element with the second door element and to hold it with the second door element.

[0083] For example, the coupling element may be formed as a wedge device and / or may include such a device. The wedge device may include a sliding element on which a wedge-shaped element is formed, and a moving device which can move the sliding element, specifically linearly. The sliding element may be provided in and / or on the second door element. The moving device may be located in and / or on the second object, specifically in and / or on the second process unit, and may be contained by a transfer device. A wedge-shaped corresponding element may be provided in and / or on the first door element to enable engagement with the sliding element, specifically the wedge-shaped element. For example, in order to press the corresponding element from the first door element to the second door element, the sliding element, specifically the wedge-shaped element, may be linearly positioned by the moving device with respect to the corresponding element, and subsequently move while in contact with each other. As a result, the first door element and the second door element may be able to engage with each other and be able to hold each other. For example, specifically to engage the first door element with the second door element and to hold it in the second door element, the moving device may be controllable by the control unit of the transport device and / or by a control unit that can be assigned to or assigned to the transport device.

[0084] Needless to say, each component of the coupling element may be formed in a state encapsulated and / or separated from the relevant object, specifically the relevant interior of the process unit.

[0085] The first door element and / or the second door element may each have outward-facing sides with a configuration suitable for hygiene, specifically a hygienic design.

[0086] Hygienic design can specifically mean a configuration of components, parts, and / or production equipment that is suitable for cleaning and / or sterilization.

[0087] In a configuration suitable for hygiene, the first door element and / or the second door element do not have an undercut on the outside, specifically on the side.

[0088] The opener device includes a rotatable lever element, the lever element being rotatably fixed in a rotatable manner to a first end region of the lever element within a second object, specifically within a second process unit, and a second door element may be fixed to a second end region of the lever element.

[0089] The lever element may cause the second door element or any door elements that are engaged with each other to move together in a pivotal manner into the interior of the second object, specifically the second process unit, and thus away from the access opening.

[0090] In other words, the rotatable lever element may extend having a first end region for rotatably fixing within an object, specifically a second object, advantageously a process unit, specifically a second process unit, and a second end region for holding a door element, specifically a second door element, with a central region between them.

[0091] A rotatable lever element, specifically the second end region of the lever element, may be immovably coupled to the second door element, or it may be movably coupled, specifically via a joint device.

[0092] The lever element may cause the second door element or any door elements that are engaged with each other to move together purely in a swift motion into the interior of the second object, specifically the second process unit, or to move in a swift and linear motion, thereby moving away from the access opening.

[0093] The lever element may be advantageously fixable to the second object, specifically the second process unit, so that the second door element can be rotated toward the side and / or top surface of the second object, specifically the second process unit.

[0094] At least a portion of the opener device may be rotatable and / or pivotable about a rotation axis that can be located or is located inside a second object, specifically a second process unit. This portion may be, for example, a first end region and / or a second end region and / or a central region.

[0095] The axis of rotation may be partially or completely located inside the second object, specifically the second process unit.

[0096] The axis of rotation may be partially located outside the second object, specifically outside the second process unit, for example, outside the second object, and / or in a space separate from the second object, specifically in the internal space.

[0097] For example, the axis of rotation may form part of the first end region of the lever element, through which the lever element can be fixed or is fixed within the second object, specifically within the second process unit, or it may be formed as a separate component, to which the lever element is positioned via the first end region, and through this component, the lever element can be fixed or is fixed within the second object, specifically within the second process unit.

[0098] For example, the axis of rotation may be a part of the drive unit of the opener device, and / or may be contained by such a part.

[0099] Here, the lever element may be positioned and / or fixed indirectly or directly to the rotation axis of the drive unit via a first end region, preferably in a linearly movable manner, and the lever element may be fixed to the drive unit, specifically via the rotation axis, within the second object, specifically within the second process unit, and preferably in a movably movable manner.

[0100] The opening and closing of at least one of the door elements may be caused by corresponding rotational and / or pivoting motions. For example, the rotational and / or pivoting motions may be performed around an axis of rotation.

[0101] Advantageously, the axis of rotation may, in its assembled state, be positioned at a predetermined distance from the access opening of the second object, specifically the second process unit, such that the distance is greater than or equal to the maximum opening dimension of the access opening of the second object, specifically the second process unit, and specifically greater than the opening diameter of the access opening of the second object, specifically the second process unit.

[0102] Specifically, the aforementioned distance may extend between the axis of rotation and the center point of the access opening of the second object, specifically the second process unit.

[0103] For example, the spacing is greater than or equal to the maximum opening dimension of the access opening of the second object, specifically the second process unit, and may be at least 100%, specifically at least 150%, advantageously at least 200%, more advantageously at least 250%, particularly advantageously at least 300%, larger than or equal to the opening diameter of the access opening of the second object, specifically the second process unit.

[0104] The opener device may include a crimping device for generating a crimping pressure on the second door element against the wall section and / or access opening assigned to the second door element, and / or for maintaining the sealing performance of the second door element.

[0105] The crimping device may be partially fixed to, for example, the axis of rotation, and may be partially fixed to, or fixed to, the second object, specifically, the second process unit. Specifically, the portion on the axis of rotation may be positioned apart from the lever element and / or the second door element, and may be immovably coupled to the axis of rotation.

[0106] For example, the portion on the axis of rotation may be formed as a wedge-shaped operating projection and / or may include such a projection, and the portion on the object side may be formed as an active or passive linear actuator having an operating contour and / or may include such a projection. The active linear actuator may be, for example, magnetically operable. The passive linear actuator may operate, for example, on the basis of a spring force. The linear actuator may enable the operating contour to engage with and / or be held by the wedge-shaped operating projection. In the engaged state, the extension of the linear actuator may increase the clamping pressure and / or sealing retention force of the second door element against the wall section and / or access opening assigned to the second door element, and the corresponding extension of the linear actuator may produce the opposite effect. During extension and retraction, the operating contour may be able to move along the slope of the wedge-shaped operating projection in the engaged state, or may be made to move. Needless to say, the pivoting motion that can be generated by the operating contour and operating projection is transmitted to the second door element via the axis of rotation.

[0107] For example, the portion on the axis of rotation may be formed as a wedge-shaped operating projection and / or may include such a projection, and the portion on the body side may be formed as an operating contour preloaded by a spring element and / or may include such a projection. The operating contour can be pressed against the operating projection, specifically the inclined surface of the operating projection, based on the spring force, thereby generating a pressing pressure. When the second door element is opened, the second door element can be opened by overcoming the dead center of the spring element. When the second door element is closed, the second door element can be closed by again overcoming the dead center of the spring element, and then the operating contour can again apply a pressing pressure based on the spring force.

[0108] For example, the portion on the axis of rotation may be formed as a first magnetic element and / or may include such an element, and the portion on the object side may be formed as a second magnetic element and / or may include such an element. For example, when the second door element is closed, the magnetic elements can be pressed against each other or adjacent to each other so that a clamping pressure and / or sealing holding force can be generated based on magnetic force. When the second door element is opened, specifically after the magnetic force has been overcome and / or after a corresponding current switching, the magnetic elements may be able to separate themselves from each other via the rotational motion of the axis of rotation. Needless to say, the magnetic elements may be formed as permanent magnet elements and / or electromagnet elements.

[0109] For example, a crimping device for generating a crimping pressure on the second door element against the wall section and / or access opening assigned to the second door element, and / or for maintaining the sealing performance of the second door element, may include one or more magnetic elements.

[0110] Advantageously, the magnetic element may be located in and / or within the assigned wall section of the second object, specifically the second process unit, preferably adjacent to and / or within the assigned access opening.

[0111] For example, the magnetic element may be positioned on the outside of the assigned wall section.

[0112] The second door element is formed as a partially or fully magnetically compatible element, or may include at least such an element.

[0113] For example, each corresponding element contained within the second door element may be arranged in accordance with the magnetic element of the crimping device.

[0114] For example, when the second door element is closed or housed within the corresponding access opening, the magnetic element and the corresponding element can be positioned against or adjacent to each other in a corresponding arrangement, thereby generating a crimping pressure and / or sealing retention force based on magnetic force.

[0115] The corresponding element may be manufactured, or has been manufactured, from, for example, a magnetizable metal or alloy, such as magnetizable steel.

[0116] In addition to or instead of the above, the corresponding element may be manufactured from, for example, a magnetic material. For example, such a corresponding element may be fixed in and / or to the door element, for example specifically, in an integrated enclosure of the door element, for example, in a stainless steel enclosure, and / or by overmolding with plastic, for example, epoxy resin. This can advantageously enable a hygienic configuration, specifically a hygienic design.

[0117] The magnetic element may be formed as an electromagnet, for example. For instance, the electromagnet may generate a crimping pressure and / or sealing force without current. In effect, supplying current can cause the second door element to open.

[0118] The first door element may be made, or is made, from plastic, partly or entirely, and advantageously from a sterilizable and / or autoclavable plastic, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0119] The second door element may be made, or is made, from plastic, partly or entirely, and advantageously from a sterilizable and / or autoclavable plastic, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0120] The opener device, specifically the lever element, may be motorizable or motorized for the purpose of opening and closing.

[0121] For example, a motor device may be provided for this purpose, and the motor device may be located within and / or in the second object, specifically within and / or in the second process unit, and may optionally be contained by a transfer device, specifically an opener device.

[0122] The motor device may be, for example, a part of the drive unit, and / or may be contained within the drive unit.

[0123] The opener device, specifically the lever element, may be operated by a motor device, specifically automatically.

[0124] The motor device may be controlled by and / or by a control unit that can be assigned to or assigned to the transfer device.

[0125] In addition to or instead of this, the rotatable lever element may be formed from a plurality of, for example, two or three or more lever members, which may be movably coupled to one another.

[0126] For example, a rotatable lever element may be formed from a first lever member and a second lever member. The first lever member may be rotatably fixed to the first end region of the first lever member within the second object, specifically the second process unit, while the first end region of the second lever member may be rotatably fixed to the second end region of the first lever member. A second door element may be rotatably fixed to the second end region of the second lever member.

[0127] For example, a third lever member of a lever element may be positioned between a second lever member and a second door element, and may specifically be rotatably fixed. The first end region of the third lever member may be rotatably fixed to the second end region of the second lever member, and the second end region of the third lever member may be rotatably fixed to the second door element. Advantageously, the first, second, and third lever members may be arranged in the form of a parallelogram arrangement and / or a parallelogram guide, and / or such an arrangement can be formed. The parallelogram arrangement and / or parallelogram guide may be advantageously space-saving within the second object, specifically the second process unit.

[0128] Using a lever member, specifically by motion in a single plane, and advantageously by one-dimensional and / or two-dimensional linear motion in a single plane, the second door element, or the door elements that are engaged with each other, can be moved together into the interior of the second object, specifically the second process unit, and thus away from the access opening.

[0129] Using a parallelogram arrangement and / or parallelogram guides, specifically by motion in a single plane, and advantageously by one-dimensional and / or two-dimensional linear motion in a single plane, the second door element, or the door elements engaged with each other, can be moved together into the interior of the second object, specifically the second process unit, and thus away from the access opening.

[0130] A first motor may be positioned between the second object, specifically the second process unit, and the first lever member, and a second motor may be positioned between the first lever member and the second lever member. The first motor and the second motor may form a single motor device and / or be contained within a motor device.

[0131] In addition to or instead of this, a motor may be formed between the second object, specifically the second process unit and the first lever member, and / or the first lever member may be coupled to the second object via the motor, so that the first lever member and the second lever member can form lever kinematics, thereby allowing the second door element positioned on the second lever member, or door elements engaged with each other, to move linearly together into the interior of the second object, specifically the second process unit, and subsequently to be pivotable within the interior, thereby enabling unobstructed access to the assigned access opening.

[0132] A first motor and a second motor may be positioned between the second object, specifically the second process unit and the lever element, with the second motor positioned between the first motor and the lever element, and the first motor positioned between the second motor and the second object. In effect, the following apparatus may be provided: the second object, the first motor, the second motor, and the lever element. The first motor and the second motor may form one or the aforementioned motor apparatus and / or be contained within such a motor apparatus. For example, the first motor may be a motor for generating linear motion, such as a spindle drive motor, and / or the second motor may be a motor for generating rotational motion, such as a rotary motor.

[0133] The first motor can move the second door element, or the door elements engaged with each other, together in a linear motion toward the interior of the second object, specifically the second process unit, and then, specifically, the second motor can subsequently rotate the second door element, or the door elements engaged with each other, together, advantageously within for an opening operation. A closing operation can be performed in the reverse manner.

[0134] A first motor and a second motor may be positioned between the second object, specifically the second process unit and the lever element, with the second motor positioned between the first motor and the lever element, and the first motor positioned between the second motor and the second object. In effect, the following devices may be provided: the second object, the first motor, the second motor, and the lever element. The first motor and the second motor may form one or the aforementioned motor device and / or be contained within such a motor device. For example, the first motor and the second motor may each be motors for generating rotational motion, such as rotary motors. For example, the first motor and the second motor may be positioned laterally to each other, specifically perpendicularly, and in effect, their respective axes of rotation may be positioned laterally to each other, specifically perpendicularly.

[0135] For example, the lever element may be positioned and / or fixed to the second motor, either centrally or eccentrically with respect to the rotation axis of the second motor.

[0136] The second motor can rotate the second door element, or the door elements engaged with each other, together toward the interior of the second object, specifically the second process unit, and then, specifically subsequently, the first motor can rotate the second door element, or the door elements engaged with each other, together, advantageously toward the interior for an opening operation. The closing operation can be performed in the reverse form.

[0137] For example, the lever element may be coupled to a second motor via guide kinematics, specifically parallelogram kinematics, so that the rotational motion caused or induced by the second motor can cause the lever element, and by extension the second door element, or any door elements engaged with each other, to move in a circular orbit away from the access opening. Advantageously, at least the second door element, or any door elements engaged with each other, may remain oriented substantially parallel to the access opening during such circular orbital motion.

[0138] In addition to or instead of this, a swivelable lever element may be formed from one or more, for example, two lever members, the lever members may be specifically movably coupled to one another, and the swivelable lever element, and by extension, the opener device, may form part of a handling device and / or be included by such a device.

[0139] A lever member assigned to or assignable to the second door element may be detachably coupled to the second door element, specifically via a gripper actuator and / or coupling device configured on such a lever member.

[0140] The handling device may be a multi-axis robotic arm, or may include such a device.

[0141] In addition to or instead of the above, the handling device may be, or may include, a pick-and-place robot or a cable robot, and / or the handling device may be, or may include, a suitable gripper actuator configured on a planar stage.

[0142] In addition to or instead of this, the handling device may be guided by rails within a second object, specifically within a second process unit, in an integrated manner, for a wider, specifically larger, action area, specifically a handling area.

[0143] The handling device can move the second door element, or any door elements that are engaged with each other, together into the second object, specifically the second process unit, and thus away from the access opening.

[0144] For example, a handling device can move the second door element, or door elements that are engaged with each other, together, advantageously in a plug-like manner, out of the access opening and back into the access opening, specifically into the interior of the second object, specifically the second process unit, and thus away from the access opening and back into the access opening.

[0145] For example, a linear guide and / or drawer guide, such as a telescopic guide, may be positioned at the access opening of a second object, specifically a second process unit, along which a second door element, or door elements engaged with each other, can be moved together, advantageously by a handling device, out of the access opening and back into the access opening, specifically into the interior of the second object, specifically the second process unit, and thus away from the access opening and back into the access opening. For example, the second door element may be coupled to and / or coupled to a moving device of the linear guide and / or drawer guide, such as a slide and / or carriage.

[0146] Needless to say, the handling device can also move any additional second door elements, or any additional door elements that are engaged with each other, into the second object, specifically the second process unit, and thus away from the access opening.

[0147] The opener device may have at least one guide device and a motor device, the second door element being fixed to the guide device, the guide device being fixed adjacent to the entrance, and the second door element being able to be moved by the motor device, specifically linearly along a portion of the guide device, so as to exit the access opening to which it belongs, and subsequently, specifically linearly along a further portion of the guide device, so as to move away from the access opening to which it belongs.

[0148] For example, the second door element can be moved to exit the access opening of its belonging during movement within a plane, i.e., a plane that can be oriented laterally, specifically perpendicularly, to the access opening of its belonging or to the plane generated by such an opening.

[0149] For example, the second door element can be moved away from the access opening to which it belongs by movement within a plane that can be oriented laterally with respect to the previous motion, specifically perpendicularly.

[0150] For example, the vectors of motion of each object may be lateral to each other, specifically perpendicular.

[0151] For example, the motion exiting the access opening may be oriented almost horizontally, and the subsequent motion away from the access opening may be oriented almost vertically.

[0152] The second door element can be moved in a similar manner to return to the access opening, and can effectively be returned along the aforementioned motion path.

[0153] For example, the guide device may have a first guide element and a second guide element, each of which is located inside a second object, specifically a second process unit, on opposite sides of the access opening.

[0154] Advantageously, the guide elements may be arranged parallel to each other and / or in a common plane, for example, a plane parallel to the access opening.

[0155] Advantageously, the second door element may be movably held to the guide element via the holding kinematics of the guide device.

[0156] For example, the second door element may be movably held to the guide element via a plurality of retaining members of the retaining kinematics.

[0157] For example, the second door element may be movably held by each guide element via one, two, three, or four or more retaining members.

[0158] For example, the number of retaining members per guide element that can movably hold the second door element to the guide element may be the same or different from one another.

[0159] The second door element can be moved by a motor device via holding kinematics to move specifically in a straight line out of the access opening and / or to move back into the access opening.

[0160] In addition to or instead of this, the second door element may also be moved specifically linearly out of and / or into the access opening by one or more eccentric devices, each configured and / or positioned on the guide element and operable by a motor device. In effect, the second door element can be moved together with the guide element by one or more eccentric devices on the guide element, specifically linearly away from and / or towards the access opening.

[0161] The second door element can be moved away from the access opening via a guide element, specifically while it is moved to exit the access opening.

[0162] The guide element is formed as a guide rail and / or may include such a rail, for example, a magnetic rail, on which the second door element may be held movably based on magnetic force.

[0163] For example, the retaining members of the retaining kinematics may each be formed as corresponding elements to the magnetic rail, and / or may function as such, and / or may have such elements.

[0164] The retaining member may be formed, for example, at least partially in a sliding and / or carriage-like manner.

[0165] As previously described, the opener device may have a drive unit, which is located within the second object, specifically within the second process unit, and / or within the second object, specifically within the second process unit, and the lever element, and consequently the second door element, is also fixed to the drive unit (via the lever element).

[0166] Using an opener device, specifically driven by a drive unit, the second door element or any door elements engaged with each other can be moved together in a swiveling and linear manner into the interior of the second object, specifically the second process unit, and thus moved out of and / or away from the access opening.

[0167] In other words, the drive unit can move the second door element or the door elements that are engaged with each other together toward the interior of the second object, specifically the second process unit, and then specifically subsequently pivot within it for an opening operation.

[0168] Specifically, the drive unit can pivot the second door element or the door elements engaged with each other together within the second object, specifically the second process unit, and then specifically move linearly toward the access opening, advantageously until it enters the access opening. This may be, for example, a closing operation. The pivot can be performed, for example, until the second door element or the door elements engaged with each other align with the access opening, advantageously so that the door elements can be fed back into the access opening.

[0169] The drive unit may have a motion device and a motor device, such as the motor device described above, wherein the motion device is rotatable by the motor device and is at least partially linearly movable.

[0170] For example, the motion device may advantageously have an axis, for example a rotational axis formed as a hollow axis, for example the rotational axis described above, and a moving device, the moving device being positioned outside the rotational axis and capable of moving and / or moving linearly along the rotational axis.

[0171] For example, the moving device may have a plurality of roller elements for rolling along the axis of rotation, and / or one or more sliding elements for sliding along the axis of rotation, specifically to enable linear motion of the moving device along the axis of rotation.

[0172] For example, the moving device may be formed in the shape of a carriage and / or may have at least one carriage unit.

[0173] For example, the moving device may be formed in a sliding manner and / or may have at least one sliding unit (Schlitteneinheit).

[0174] For example, the moving device can partially and / or completely surround the axis of rotation on the outside.

[0175] Advantageously, the axis of rotation may be positioned laterally, specifically perpendicular, to the wall of the second object.

[0176] The motor device may allow the rotation axis and the moving device to be rotatable, and / or the moving device to be linearly movable and / or movable.

[0177] For example, a motor device may include a rotary motor for generating rotational motion of a moving device and a spindle drive motor for generating linear motion of at least a portion of the moving device, specifically a moving device.

[0178] The rotating axis and the moving device may be rotatable by a rotary motor, and / or the moving device may be made linearly kinetic by a spindle drive motor.

[0179] The rotary motor may be positioned outside the axis of rotation and / or may be indirectly or directly fixed to the wall of the second object.

[0180] The spindle drive motor may be located within the axis of rotation. Alternatively, the spindle drive motor may be located on the axis of rotation.

[0181] A moving element, specifically a sliding and / or carriage-shaped moving element contained within the motion device, may be positioned within the axis of rotation, the moving element being engaged with the spindle of a spindle drive motor, and being able to move and / or move linearly along the spindle within the axis of rotation by the rotation of the spindle drive motor.

[0182] The moving element and the moving device may be coupled to each other in a non-contact manner, and preferably magnetically, so that they can move together and, preferably, together along the axis of rotation.

[0183] Therefore, if the moving element moves in a linear direction, the moving device can, in turn, move in a linear direction, specifically along the axis of rotation.

[0184] For example, the moving element may have one or more accompanying magnets, and the moving device may have one or more corresponding magnetic and / or magnetizable elements, thereby enabling a non-contact action coupling between the moving element and the moving device.

[0185] The motor device may have a braking device, which is positioned on the axis of rotation, preferably at its end, and / or adjacent to the rotating motor, and the rotational motion of the axis of rotation can be braked, specifically decelerated and / or stopped by this braking device.

[0186] The drive unit may be located partially or completely inside the second object, specifically inside the second process unit. Alternatively, the drive unit may be located outside the second object, specifically inside the second process unit, for example, outside the second object and / or in a separate internal space of the second object.

[0187] For example, the axis of rotation may extend through the wall of the second object, specifically the second process unit, and more specifically, it may extend outward in a sealed state. Advantageously, the portion of the axis of rotation where the moving device is located may be located inside the second object, specifically the second process unit.

[0188] For example, the portion of the rotation axis in which the rotary motor and / or braking device and / or spindle drive motor are located may be positioned effectively outside the interior of the second object, specifically the second process unit.

[0189] For example, the axis of rotation may be supported by at least one bearing device, either in the wall, and / or within the wall, and / or adjacent to the wall.

[0190] The transport device may include one or more sensor units for detecting the open state of the first door element and / or the open state of the second door element.

[0191] Specifically, each sensor unit may be signal-technically connected to a control unit of the transfer device and / or a control unit that can be assigned to or has been assigned to the transfer device, in order to detect the open state of the first door element and / or the open state of the second door element, and more specifically, to determine whether or not an object, specifically between the first process unit and the second process unit, is permitted to move.

[0192] The open state of the first door element and / or the open state of the second door element may be detectable by detecting the position of the first door element and / or the second door element using one or more sensor units.

[0193] In effect, the sensor unit may be formed as a position detection sensor and / or may include such a sensor.

[0194] In addition to or instead of this, the open state of the first door element and / or the open state of the second door element may be detectable by one or more sensor units based on torque and / or force.

[0195] In effect, the sensor unit may be formed as a torque sensor and / or force sensor, and / or may include such a sensor.

[0196] In addition to or instead of the above, the open state of the first door element and / or the open state of the second door element may be detectable inductively and / or optically and / or capacitively and / or magnetically by one or more sensor units. In effect, the sensor units may be formed as sensors that operate on the aforementioned principles, and / or may include such sensors. For example, the sensor units may be formed as pressure sensors and / or distance sensors, and / or may include such sensors.

[0197] In addition to or instead of the above, the open state of the first door element and / or the open state of the second door element may be detectable by one or more sensor units by detecting the specific mechanical or electrical contact of the first door element and / or the second door element with a corresponding object, specifically a corresponding process unit, specifically a corresponding object, specifically an access opening of a corresponding process unit.

[0198] In addition to or instead of this, the transport device may include at least one sensor unit capable of detecting whether the first door element and the second door element are engaged with each other.

[0199] In addition to or instead of this, at least one sensor unit may be used to detect the mass moved by the opener device when it is opened and / or closed.

[0200] In addition to or instead of the above, at least one sensor unit may be used to detect changes in the magnetic field in the second object, specifically the second process unit, which may be caused when the opener device opens and / or closes.

[0201] In addition to or instead of this, at least one sensor unit may be capable of detecting electrical contact between the first door element and the second door element when they are closed in an engaged state.

[0202] In addition to or instead of this, at least one sensor unit may be capable of providing air pressure between the engaged first door element and the second door element, and this air pressure may be detectable to test the sealing performance between the first door element and the second door element.

[0203] In addition to or instead of the above, the at least one sensor unit may be specifically signal-technically connected to a control unit of the transport device, and / or a control unit that can be assigned to or has been assigned to the transport device, in order to determine whether the first door element and the second door element are engaged with each other.

[0204] One or more sensor units are provided on the rotation axis assigned to the opener device, and the sensor units can detect the open state of the first door element and / or the open state of the second door element, and / or whether the first door element and the second door element are engaged with each other. Here, for example, in addition to or instead of the aforementioned sensor units, a motor device, specifically a motor device formed as a slewing motor, can be used so that the sensor units can detect the rotation of the rotation axis based on the motor current, and the opener device, specifically the lever element and / or the rotation axis, may be motorized by this motor device.

[0205] Needless to say, the detection of each open state may further include the opening and / or closing operation of the door element.

[0206] Needless to say, a sensor unit for detecting the open state of the first door element and / or the open 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 each other may be implemented in one sensor unit or in multiple, for example, different sensor units. Needless to say, any suitable combination of sensor units is conceivable.

[0207] The first door element may include a retaining contour, which, in the closed state, is positioned internally to the first object, specifically the first process unit, for example, located inside the first object, specifically the first process unit, and directed inward.

[0208] The first door element may include a retaining section, which is located in a frustoconical or truncated pyramidal section of the first door element and extends away from this section, specifically into the interior of the first object, specifically the first process unit, in the closed state of the first door element.

[0209] The retaining section may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, for example, and the retaining contour may be formed in and / or within the retaining section.

[0210] Advantageously, the retaining contour may be formed in the form of a recess, such as a notch and / or a groove, within the side surface of the retaining section, and / or in the form of a projection on the side surface of the retaining section.

[0211] For example, a retaining section having a retaining contour formed as a recess may be formed in a substantially mushroom shape, and / or its cross-section may be substantially T-shaped or H-shaped.

[0212] The locking device may include a retaining element, which is located within a first object, specifically within a first process unit, in an integrated state, and which can be selectively engaged with a retaining contour to lock a door element.

[0213] It should be understood that the at least one retaining element may consist of exactly one retaining element or two or more retaining elements. For example, there may be multiple retaining elements, which may be arranged at regular or irregular intervals around the retaining contour so as to be selectively engageable with the retaining contour to lock the first door element.

[0214] The locking device may include a drive mechanism, which may allow the retaining element or each retaining element to move in order to selectively engage the retaining element with the retaining contour.

[0215] Specifically, the retaining element or each retaining element may be movable between a locked position and a released position by a drive device.

[0216] The locked position can correspond to the engagement state of the retaining element with the retaining contour, and the released position can correspond to the disengaged state of the retaining element with the retaining contour.

[0217] For example, the locking device may include an elastic element, specifically a spring element, which can preload the retaining element or each retaining element into an engaged state, or is already preloaded, and the drive device can move the retaining element or each retaining element against the spring force of the elastic element.

[0218] For example, in order to provide the preload each time, each retaining element may be provided with an assigned elastic element, specifically a spring element.

[0219] For example, in order to provide the preload to the retaining element, the elastic element may be positioned between multiple, for example, two, retaining elements.

[0220] For example, the locking device may include at least one elastic element, specifically a spring element, and at least two retaining elements formed as tightening levers, between which the elastic element is positioned, specifically to preload the retaining elements in an engaged state. For example, the retaining elements may be rotatably supported, and the elastic element is fixed to each end region of the retaining elements, and each end region of the retaining elements facing the support device serves for engagement. The elastic element may be, for example, a compression spring. The elastic element can preload the end regions to which it is fixed, spaced apart from each other, and thus, specifically via the support device, can preload the other end region into an engaged state.

[0221] For example, the locking device may include one or more retaining elements and a corresponding number of elastic elements, specifically spring elements, where each elastic element is assigned to one retaining element and each assigned retaining element tightens into an engaged state. For example, the retaining elements may be rotatably supported. The elastic elements can act on the retaining elements at intervals relative to the support device. The elastic elements may be, for example, compression springs.

[0222] For example, the locking device may include one or more retaining elements and a knee lever device (Kniehebeleinrichtung), the knee lever device being able to hold the retaining elements in an engaged state. Optionally, the knee lever device may include at least one elastic element, specifically a spring element, which can preload, or is preloaded, the knee lever device to a state in which the retaining elements are engaged. For example, the knee lever device may be operated by a spindle actuation mechanism and / or an eccentric actuation mechanism, such as an eccentric disk actuation mechanism and / or a lever actuation mechanism and / or a linear actuator actuation mechanism and / or a rotary actuator actuation mechanism and / or a toothed rod actuation mechanism to move the retaining elements into and / or out of the engaged state.

[0223] For example, the locking device may include a joint device comprising a plurality of members, at least two different elastic elements, specifically spring elements, such as tension springs and / or compression springs, and one or more retaining elements, the retaining elements being able to be held in an engaged state via the joint device, and the joint device can be preloaded by the elastic elements to a state in which the retaining elements are in an engaged state, or are preloaded.

[0224] The drive unit may be incorporated into the first object, specifically within the first process unit, and / or located within the first object, specifically within the first process unit.

[0225] For example, the drive unit may be installed inside the first object, specifically the first process unit, and / or on a wall defining the inside of the first object, specifically the first process unit, specifically on the aforementioned side wall of the first object, specifically the first process unit.

[0226] The transfer device, specifically the locking device, may include at least one sensor unit for detecting the locking state of the first door element, the sensor unit capable of detecting the position of the retaining element relative to the drive device and / or retaining contour.

[0227] For example, the locked state of the first door element may be detectable by at least one sensor unit using position detection of the retaining element relative to the drive unit and / or retaining contour and / or first object, specifically the first process unit, and the position of the retaining element can be determined through this position detection.

[0228] For example, the locked state of the first door element may be detectable by at least one sensor unit using the detection of mechanical or electrical contact between the retaining element and the drive unit and / or retaining contour and / or first object, specifically the first process unit, through which the position of the retaining element can be determined.

[0229] To detect the locked state of the first door element, the at least one sensor unit may be specifically signal-technically connected to a control unit of the transport device and / or a control unit that can be assigned to or has been assigned to the transport device.

[0230] The drive mechanism may include an elastic element, specifically a spring element, which allows or applies a preload to the retaining element or each retaining element in the direction of engagement with the retaining contour, specifically toward the locking position.

[0231] The drive unit may be coupled to the retaining element via a shaft, through which the retaining element can engage with and disengage from the retaining contour, specifically moving to a locked position and a released position.

[0232] In other words, in the case of multiple retaining elements, the drive unit may be coupled to each retaining element via its respective shaft, and via this shaft, the retaining element can engage with and disengage from the retaining contour, specifically moving to a locked position and a released position.

[0233] The drive system may include a motor, which is coupled to the shaft or each shaft and, consequently, to the retaining element or each retaining element, and the motor can generate force and / or torque, which can move the retaining element or each retaining element via force and / or torque, thereby selectively moving the retaining element or each retaining element to a locked position or a released position.

[0234] The drive unit may include a motor and a transmission unit, via which torque and / or force that can be provided by the motor can be delivered, specifically to a shaft, in order to engage the retaining element with the retaining contour and, more specifically, to move the retaining element to a locked position and a released position.

[0235] The drive unit may include, specifically, a motor and a spindle drive unit driven by the motor, and an operating arm may be formed on the shaft, the operating arm being movably coupled to the spindle drive unit, and the retaining element can be moved via the operating arm to selectively move the retaining element to a locked position or a released position.

[0236] Advantageously, the rotational motion of the spindle drive device may be transmitted to the shaft in the form of a pivoting motion via coupling with the shaft's operating arm, and the pivoting motion can be transmitted to the holding element via the shaft.

[0237] In other words, the drive system includes a motor and a spindle drive system driven by the motor, and an operating arm may be formed on the shaft, the operating arm being movably coupled to the spindle drive system, the rotational motion of the spindle drive system may be transmitted to the shaft in the form of a pivoting motion via the coupling with the operating arm on the shaft, and the pivoting motion can be transmitted to the holding element via the shaft.

[0238] As previously described, the locking device may include multiple retaining elements. It should be understood here that the embodiments relating to at least one retaining element may also apply to each of the retaining elements accordingly.

[0239] Advantageously, the locking device may include, for example, a further, for example, second retaining element, which is movably coupled to the spindle drive device via a further, for example, second shaft, by a further, for example, second operating arm formed on the further shaft. It should be understood that the aforementioned retaining element, and components such as shafts and / or operating arms coupled thereto, can be correspondingly referred to as the first retaining element and the first corresponding component.

[0240] Both retaining elements may be able to engage with a retaining contour by opposing, specifically synchronous, rotational movements, and be able to disengage from said engagement, specifically being able to move to a locked position and a released position.

[0241] The drive unit, specifically the motor of the drive unit, may be controllable by and / or by a control unit assignable to or assigned to the transfer unit, specifically so that the holding element or each holding element can be moved, specifically so that it can be moved to a locked position and a released position.

[0242] In addition to or instead of this, the locking device may include one or more magnetic elements.

[0243] Advantageously, the magnetic element may be positioned in and / or within the wall section of the first object, specifically the first process unit, preferably adjacent to and / or in the assigned access opening.

[0244] For example, the magnetic elements may be located inside, or within the first object, specifically within the first process unit, in the assigned wall section.

[0245] The first door element may be formed as a partially or completely magnetically compatible element, or may include at least such an element.

[0246] For example, each corresponding element contained within the first door element may be arranged in accordance with the magnetic element of the locking device.

[0247] For example, when the second door element is closed or housed within the corresponding access opening, the magnetic element and the corresponding element can be positioned against or adjacent to each other in a corresponding arrangement, thereby generating a crimping pressure and / or sealing retention force based on magnetic force.

[0248] The corresponding element may be manufactured, or has been manufactured, from, for example, a magnetizable metal or alloy, such as magnetizable steel.

[0249] In addition to or instead of the above, the corresponding element may be manufactured from, for example, a magnetic material. For example, such a corresponding element may be fixed in and / or to the door element, for example specifically, in an integrated enclosure of the door element, for example, in a stainless steel enclosure, and / or by overmolding with plastic, for example, epoxy resin. This can advantageously enable a hygienic configuration, specifically a hygienic design.

[0250] The magnetic element may be formed as an electromagnet, for example. For instance, the electromagnet may generate a crimping pressure and / or sealing force without current. In effect, supplying current can cause the second door element to open.

[0251] For example, the locking device can function as a crimping device for generating crimping pressure and / or for maintaining a sealing relationship between the first door element and the wall section and / or access opening assigned to the first door element, and / or can be formed as such.

[0252] Advantageously, the magnetic element of the locking device and / or the crimping device of the first door element may be spaced apart from the magnetic element of the locking device and / or the crimping device of the second door element, thereby allowing these magnetic fields to be spaced apart.

[0253] Each magnet of one locking device and / or crimping device may be provided in its assigned wall section in a substantially vertical or substantially horizontal arrangement, and each magnet of the other locking device and / or crimping device may be provided in its assigned wall section in a laterally, specifically vertically, arrangement relative to the other.

[0254] In addition to or instead of this, the magnetic elements of the locking and / or crimping devices that can be assigned to or are assigned to the first door element and / or the second door element may each be arranged at the same interval with respect to their respective access openings.

[0255] The transfer device may include further locking devices for locking the second door element in a closed position and for releasing the second door element to open it.

[0256] The aforementioned further locking device may be incorporated into the second object, specifically within the second process unit, and / or located within the second object, specifically within the second process unit.

[0257] The first door element and the second door element are engageable with each other, and when the first door element is released by a locking device and the second door element is released by the further locking device, the first door element and the second door element can be moved away from each other together from the access opening by an opener device to allow for a sterile transfer between objects, specifically between a first process unit and a second process unit.

[0258] For example, the further locking device may be formed as a crimping device as described above, which includes one or more magnetic elements. For other points, refer here to the relevant description of a crimping device including magnetic elements.

[0259] The further locking device may be formed as a bayonet device and / or may include such a device. Male and / or female bayonet elements may be provided in the second door element and / or the opener device, specifically in the lever element, and / or in the second door element and / or the opener device, specifically in the lever element. Needless to say, corresponding female and / or male bayonet elements may be positioned or incorporated in the second object, specifically in the second process unit, and / or in the second object, specifically in the second process unit, in order to be engaged with the bayonet elements. The bayonet device, specifically the bayonet element, and / or the corresponding bayonet element may be motorized so as to specifically rotatably engage the bayonet element and / or the corresponding bayonet element to lock and / or release the second door element. For example, to lock and / or release the second door element, an electrically powered bayonet element and / or corresponding bayonet element may be controllable by a control unit of the transport device and / or by a control unit that can be assigned to or assigned to the transport device.

[0260] For example, the further locking device may be formed as a tightening and / or fastening device, and / or may include such a device. For example, at least one tightening and / or fastening lever may be configurable or incorporated within the second object, specifically within the second process unit, and / or in the second object, specifically the second process unit, so as to be engageable with the second door element and / or opener device, specifically the lever element, and selectively apply to the second door element / opener device a force directed toward the access opening of the second object, specifically the second process unit, in order to lock the second door element. The tightening and / or fastening device, specifically the tightening and / or fastening lever, may be motorized to enable the tightening and / or fastening lever to engage with the second door element and / or opener device, specifically the lever element. For example, an electric tightening and / or locking device, specifically an electric tightening and / or locking lever, may be controllable by a control unit of the transport device and / or by a control unit that can be assigned to or assigned to the transport device, specifically for locking and / or releasing the second door element.

[0261] For example, the further locking device may be formed as a knee lever device and / or may include such a knee lever device, which is, for example, located in a second object, specifically in a second process unit, and / or is located in or incorporated into the second object, specifically the second process unit, thereby holding the second door element in a locked state. Optionally, the knee lever device may include an elastic element, specifically a spring element, which can or is preloaded to the second door element into a locked state. The knee lever device may be coupled to the second door element and / or an opener device, specifically a lever element, and, when incorporated, to the second object, specifically the second process unit. The spring element may be coupled to the rest of the knee lever device and, when incorporated, to the second object, specifically the second process unit. The knee lever device may be configured to apply a force directed, for example, towards the access opening of the second object, specifically the second process unit, in order to lock the second door element.

[0262] For example, the further locking device may be formed as an eccentric device and / or include such a device. The eccentric device may include at least one shaft on which an eccentric element is formed. By rotation of the shaft, an eccentric portion of the eccentric element with respect to the shaft may be engageable with the second door element, specifically the second door element and / or opener device, specifically a lever element, in order to lock the second door element, and specifically, a force directed toward the second object, specifically the access opening of the second process unit, can be applied to the second door element / opener device, specifically in order to lock the second door element. The eccentric device, specifically the shaft, may be motorized in order to make the eccentric element engageable with the second door element and / or opener device, specifically the lever element. For example, the motorized eccentric device, specifically the motorized shaft, in order to lock and / or release the second door element may be controllable by a control unit of the transfer device and / or by a control unit that can be assigned to or assigned to the transfer device.

[0263] The transfer device, specifically the further locking device, may include at least one sensor unit for detecting the locked state of the second door element.

[0264] For example, the locked state of the second door element may be detectable by position detection using at least one sensor unit.

[0265] For example, the locked state of the second door element may be detectable by at least one sensor unit using the detection of mechanical or electrical contact between the second door element and the second object, specifically the second process unit, specifically the access opening in question.

[0266] For example, the locked state of the second door element may be detectable inductively and / or optically and / or capacitively and / or magnetically by the at least one sensor unit.

[0267] The at least one sensor unit may be specifically signal-technically connected to a control unit of the transport device, and / or a control unit that can be assigned to or has been assigned to the transport device, in order to detect the locked state of the second door element.

[0268] Furthermore, the transfer device may include one or more sensor units for detecting objects, specifically foreign objects within the access openings of the first and second process units, respectively.

[0269] For example, the presence of foreign matter in each access opening may be detectable by the sensor unit, for example, based on a camera and / or based on a light barrier and / or based on force and / or position.

[0270] Furthermore, the transfer device may include one or more sensor units for detecting the clamping pressure of an object, specifically the first door element and / or the second door element within the respective access openings of the first and second process units.

[0271] For example, the crimping pressure may be detectable by the sensor unit based on torque and / or force and / or motor current.

[0272] The drive unit may be installed in the first object, specifically the first process unit, and may also be located outside the first object, specifically the first process unit.

[0273] The drive unit may be located inside the first object, specifically the first process unit, in an assembled state, and the drive unit may be located partially or completely within the first object, specifically the first process unit, in a separate internal space distinct from the interior of the first process unit, and optionally, partially within the first object, specifically the first process unit.

[0274] Alternatively, the drive unit may be positioned inside the first object, specifically the first process unit, in an assembled state, and may be formed to be at least partially autoclavable, wherein the autoclavable portion of the drive unit and the non-autoclavable portion of the drive unit are coupled to each other via at least one coupling component, and the non-autoclavable portion of the drive unit can be disassembled and incorporated inside the first object, specifically the first process unit.

[0275] Alternatively, the drive unit may be incorporated and located inside the first object, specifically the first process unit, and be formed to be autoclavable, specifically including a sealed housing which is partially or completely thermally isolated from the surrounding area.

[0276] The drive unit may be located inside the first object, specifically the first process unit, in an assembled state, and the drive unit is detachably assembled or can be assembled in that location, specifically, at least before and after autoclave operations inside the first object, specifically the first process unit.

[0277] The transfer device includes a control unit or the control unit described above, and / or the transfer device may be assigned or have been assigned a control unit or the control unit described above, specifically a control unit for a first object and / or a second object, advantageously for a first process unit and / or a second process unit.

[0278] For autoclaving of a transfer device, specifically for autoclaving the contents of an object, a first process unit, and / or a second process unit, such a control unit and / or its signal-technical connections may be selectively separable and / or switchable to no current.

[0279] The present invention further provides a system comprising at least two objects, specifically process units, and / or three, four, or five or more objects, specifically process units.

[0280] Needless to say, in the aforementioned system, each object does not need to be a process unit. For example, any combination of articles may be provided, such as one or more process units and / or one or more production spaces and / or one or more conveying devices.

[0281] Furthermore, it should be understood that all structural and / or functional features associated with the transfer apparatus and embodiments thereof according to the present invention, as described above and / or below, may be included in the system individually or in combination, and the associated characteristics, configurations, and / or advantages may also be included and achieved accordingly.

[0282] For example, the system may consist of at least two process units and / or may include such units.

[0283] The two process units may include at least one transfer device based on the embodiments described above and / or below.

[0284] Each process unit may be used to produce a product, specifically a biological drug product, as already stated at the beginning.

[0285] The system is comprised of three, four, or five or more process units, and / or may include such units.

[0286] Each process unit may be provided with one or more first parts and / or one or more second parts of a transfer device based on the embodiments described above and / or below. Needless to say, this can be considered and / or applied to each object.

[0287] The transfer device may be formed from at least one first part and at least one second part.

[0288] At least one first part and at least one second part of the transfer device may be provided in different process units from each other.

[0289] Here, the first part may specifically mean a part of the transfer device that is assigned to and / or coupled with the first door element, or that can be arranged in and / or is arranged in the first process unit.

[0290] Here, the second part may specifically mean a part of the transfer device that is assigned to and / or coupled with the second door element, or that can be arranged in and / or is arranged in the second process unit.

[0291] For example, a process unit may be provided in which one or more first parts and / or one or more second parts of the transfer device are provided, and the process unit can be coupled by the transfer device to a further process unit in which at least one first part and at least one second part of the transfer device are provided, and the transfer device can be formed from at least one first part and at least one second part.

[0292] Thereby, a specifically aseptic transfer between these process units can be enabled, for example, to guide one or more tool units and / or one or more sensor units and / or consumables and / or expendables through. <00​​In connection with the above description, the present invention can provide a transfer device that can exchange something, such as a processed object, a tool unit, a sensor unit, a material and / or a raw material, aseptically between two objects, preferably between two process units.

[0294] Furthermore, the simple and robust configuration of the transfer device can enable easy cleaning and / or sterilization, specifically autoclave treatment.

[0295] Furthermore, since the transfer device can be specifically fully automatically operable, the transfer device can facilitate large-scale application and / or industrial production of individual batch sizes and / or minimum batch sizes.

[0296] Further preferred features and advantages of the present invention are the subject of the following description of exemplary embodiments and the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0297] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a transfer device for enabling a specifically aseptic transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit based on an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the transfer device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the transfer device of FIG. 1 as seen starting from the first process unit and heading towards the second process unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the transfer device of FIG. 1 in a state of being sectioned along line A-A. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the transfer device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view schematically showing a system consisting of at least two process units based on an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a schematic top view showing a system consisting of three, four, or five or more process units based on an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figures 8-18 are schematic diagrams showing parts and / or components of a transfer device that enables a sterile transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, each based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figures 8-18 are schematic diagrams showing parts and / or components of a transfer device that enables a sterile transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, each based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figures 8-18 are schematic diagrams showing parts and / or components of a transfer device that enables a sterile transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, each based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figures 8-18 are schematic diagrams showing parts and / or components of a transfer device that enables a sterile transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, each based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figures 8-18 are schematic diagrams showing parts and / or components of a transfer device that enables a sterile transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, each based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figures 8-18 are schematic diagrams showing parts and / or components of a transfer device that enables a sterile transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, each based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figures 8-18 are schematic diagrams showing parts and / or components of a transfer device that enables a sterile transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, each based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15]Figures 8-18 are schematic diagrams showing parts and / or components of a transfer device that enables a sterile transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, each based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figures 8-18 are schematic diagrams showing parts and / or components of a transfer device that enables a sterile transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, each based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] Figures 8-18 are schematic diagrams showing parts and / or components of a transfer device that enables a sterile transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, each based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] Figures 8-18 are schematic diagrams showing parts and / or components of a transfer device that enables a sterile transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, each based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view showing a transfer device for enabling a specific aseptic transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a further perspective view showing the transfer device of Figure 19 during the opening operation. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a further perspective view showing the transfer device of Figure 19 after the release operation. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a further perspective view showing the transfer device of Figure 21. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a further perspective view showing the transfer device of Figure 19. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the transfer device shown in Figure 19. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a schematic perspective view showing parts and / or components of the transfer device shown in Figure 19. [Figure 26]FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion and / or component of the transfer device of FIG. 19. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a further schematic view showing a portion and / or component of the transfer device of FIG. 19. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a further cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion and / or component of the transfer device of FIG. 19. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional detailed view showing a portion and / or component of the transfer device of FIG. 19. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a further cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion and / or component of the transfer device of FIG. 19. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a further cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion and / or component of the transfer device of FIG. 19. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a further cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion and / or component of the transfer device of FIG. 19. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a schematic view showing a portion and / or component of the transfer device of FIG. 19. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a top view schematically showing a system consisting of two or more process units according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a side view schematically showing a portion and / or component of a transfer device for enabling a specifically aseptic transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a side view schematically showing a portion and / or component of a transfer device for enabling a specifically aseptic transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a top view schematically showing a portion and / or component of a transfer device for enabling a specifically aseptic transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] Figure 38 is a schematic side view showing a portion and / or component of Figure 37. [Figure 39] Figure 39 is a schematic top view showing parts and / or components of a transfer device for enabling a specific aseptic transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 40] Figure 40 is a schematic side view showing a portion and / or component of Figure 39. [Figure 41] Figure 41 is a schematic top view showing parts and / or components of a transfer device for enabling a specific aseptic transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 42] Figure 42 is a schematic side view showing a portion and / or component of Figure 41. [Figure 43] Figure 43 is a schematic top view showing parts and / or components of a transfer device for enabling a specific aseptic transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 44] Figure 44 is a schematic side view showing a portion and / or component of Figure 43. [Figure 45] Figure 45 is a schematic top view showing parts and / or components of a transfer device for enabling a specific aseptic transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 46] Figure 46 is a schematic side view showing a portion and / or component of Figure 45. [Figure 47] Figure 47 is a schematic side view showing parts and / or components of a transfer device that enables a specific aseptic transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 48]Figure 48 is a schematic top view showing a portion and / or component of Figure 47. [Figure 49] Figure 49 is a schematic side view showing parts and / or components of a transfer device that enables a specific aseptic transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50] Figure 50 is a further side view schematically showing a portion and / or component of Figure 49. [Figure 51] Figure 51 is a schematic side view showing parts and / or components of a transfer device that enables a specific aseptic transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 52] Figure 52 is a schematic side view showing parts and / or components of a transfer device that enables a specific aseptic transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 53] Figure 53 is a schematic side view showing parts and / or components of a transfer device for enabling a specific aseptic transfer between a first process unit and a second process unit, based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 54] Figure 54 is a further side view schematically showing a portion and / or component of Figure 53. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0298] Elements that are the same or functionally equivalent are given the same reference numeral throughout the drawing.

[0299] Referring to Figures 1-54, embodiments of the present invention described therein are shown in relation to objects formed as process units. Such applications of the present invention may be particularly advantageous, for example.

[0300] Figures 1-5 schematically show a transfer device 100, based on one embodiment of the present invention, specifically for enabling aseptic transfer between a process unit, for example, a first process unit 102, and a further process unit, for example, a second process unit 104.

[0301] Therefore, the transfer device 100 is useful in enabling a specific aseptic transfer between the first process unit 102 and the second process unit 104.

[0302] The transfer device 100 can be incorporated at least partially within the first process unit 102 and at least partially within the second process unit 104.

[0303] Specifically, the first part 106 of the transfer device 100 can be incorporated into the first process unit 102, and the second part 108 of the transfer device 100 can be incorporated into the second process unit 104.

[0304] Referring to Figures 1-5, the transfer device 100 includes a first door element 110, a second door element 112, a locking device 114, and an opener device 116.

[0305] The first door element 110 is either positioned in or integrated into the first process unit 102.

[0306] The first door element 110 is thus assignable to, or has been assigned to, the first part 106 of the transfer device 100.

[0307] The first door element 110 is used to open and close the access opening 118 of the first process unit 102.

[0308] The access opening 118 of the first process unit 102 is formed within the wall section 120 of the first process unit 102, and allows access to the interior 122 of the first process unit 102.

[0309] In effect, the first door element 110, which is integrated and positioned within the first process unit 102, is provided to open and close an access opening 118 to the interior 122 of the first process unit 102, which is formed within the wall section 120 of the first process unit 102.

[0310] The second door element 112 is either positioned in or integrated into the second process unit 104.

[0311] The second element 112 is thus assignable to, or has been assigned to, the second part 108 of the transfer device 100.

[0312] The second door element 112 helps to open and close the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104.

[0313] The access opening 124 of the first process unit 104 is formed within the wall section 126 of the second process unit 104, and allows access to the interior 128 of the second process unit 104.

[0314] In effect, the second door element 112, positioned as an integrated component in the second process unit 104, is provided to open and close an access opening 124 to the interior 128 of the second process unit 104, which is formed within the wall section 126 of the second process unit 104.

[0315] The locking device 114 allows the first door element 110 to be closed in the closed position.

[0316] In other words, the locking device 114 helps to lock the first door element 110 in the closed position.

[0317] The locking device 114 allows the first door element 110 to be released in order to open it.

[0318] In other words, the inspection device 114 helps to open the first door element 110 for its opening.

[0319] The locking device 114 is located within and / or can be placed in or incorporated into the first process unit 102.

[0320] The locking device 114 is thus assignable to, or has been assigned to, the first part 106 of the transfer device 100.

[0321] The opener device 116 allows at least one of the door elements 110 and 112 to be opened and / or closed.

[0322] In other words, the opener device 116 is used to open and close at least one of the door elements 110 and 112.

[0323] The opener device 116 is located within and / or can be placed in or incorporated into the first process unit 102.

[0324] The opener device 116 is thus assignable to, or has been assigned to, the second part 108 of the transfer device 100.

[0325] Furthermore, the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 can be engaged with each other, thereby allowing the opener device 116 to move them together away from the access openings 118 and 124.

[0326] When the door elements 110 and 112 are engaged and the first door element 110 is released by the locking device 114, the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 can be moved together away from the access openings 118 and 124 by the opener device 116.

[0327] This enables and / or achieves the aforementioned sterile transfer between the first process unit 102 and the second process unit 104.

[0328] In this embodiment, the first process unit 102 is specifically formed as a processing box for housing and / or transporting and / or processing objects to be processed, for example, as a patient box.

[0329] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second process unit 104 may be specifically formed as a toolbox for processing the object to be processed, and the toolbox may specifically include a tool unit for processing the object to be processed and / or a sensor unit for analyzing the object to be processed.

[0330] The first process unit 102 and / or the second process unit 104 may be formed as a supply box for providing materials that may be necessary to process the object to be processed, such as consumable materials and / or raw materials.

[0331] Specifically, the aseptic transfer between process units 102 and 104 is useful for supplying something, such as a work object, tool unit, sensor unit, material, and / or raw material, from one process unit 102 to the other process unit 104, specifically for temporary and / or continuous supply.

[0332] Specifically, aseptic transfers between process units 102 and 104 can be utilized bidirectionally and / or unidirectionally, for example, for the exchange of something between process units 102 and 104.

[0333] In other words, the specific aseptic transfer between process units 102 and 104 is a bidirectional and / or unidirectional transfer.

[0334] In this embodiment, the object to be processed is, for example, the following: - Extracts, specifically cell-containing materials, such as cell-containing starting materials, and / or biological preparation materials and / or biological preparation workpieces. - Intermediate products, specifically cell-containing intermediate products, and / or biological product intermediate products, - For example, the product to be manufactured, specifically the biological product, for example, the biological product to be manufactured, It can include at least one of the following.

[0335] It should be understood that the above enumeration is illustrative and not exhaustive. Instead or in addition to this, the processing object may include one or more of the above enumerated elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0336] In this embodiment, each process unit 102, 104 is movable relative to its surroundings and / or transportable and / or specifically automatically movable.

[0337] For example, each process unit 102, 104 may specifically include, or be formed as such, a free-moving transport vehicle, and / or may specifically be coupling with a free-moving transport vehicle.

[0338] For example, each process unit 102, 104 can further be defined as a process cell, specifically a sterile process cell. In effect, each process unit 102, 104 may be a process cell, specifically a sterile process cell.

[0339] Each process unit 102, 104 specifically includes a retractable internal space. This internal space corresponds to the interiors 122, 128 of the first process unit 102 and the second process unit 104, respectively.

[0340] Furthermore, each process unit 102, 104 may include a side wall, which confines and / or defines its respective internal space and / or interior 122, 128.

[0341] The side wall includes and / or is partially formed by the wall sections 120 and 126 of the first process unit 102 and the second process unit 104, respectively.

[0342] Specifically, a sterile production area can be defined, has been defined, and / or is formed by the internal space or internal 122,128 of each process unit 102,104. In effect, the internal space or internal 122,128 may specifically be a sterile production area.

[0343] The access openings 118 and 124 of the first process unit 102 and the second process unit 104, respectively, allow access to the sterile production areas of the first process unit 102 and the second process unit 104, respectively.

[0344] In effect, the first door element 110, which is integrated and positioned within the first process unit 102, serves to open and close the opening 118 that provides access to the sterile production area within the interior 122 of the first process unit 102.

[0345] In effect, the second door element 112, positioned in the second process unit 104 in an integrated state, serves to open and close the access opening 124 to the sterile production area within the interior 128 of the second process unit 104.

[0346] The first door element 110 and / or the second door element 112 each have sides facing outward toward the process units 102, 104, and are configured to be hygienically appropriate, specifically with a hygienic design.

[0347] Hygienic design can specifically mean a configuration of components, parts, and / or production equipment that is suitable for cleaning and / or sterilization.

[0348] In a configuration suitable for hygiene, the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 do not have undercuts on the outside, specifically on the side.

[0349] Specifically, as can be seen from Figure 4, the first door element 110 includes a frustoconical section 130.

[0350] The frustoconical section 130 of the first door element 110 tapers toward the interior 122 of the first process unit 102 when the first door element 110 is in the closed state.

[0351] The circumferential surface of the section 130 of the first door element 110 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the access opening 118 of the first process unit 102 when the first door element 110 is in the closed state.

[0352] Furthermore, as can be seen in Figure 4, the second door element 112 includes a frustoconical section 132.

[0353] The frustoconical section 132 of the second door element 112 tapers outward relative to the second process unit 104 when the second door element 112 is closed.

[0354] The circumferential surface of the section 132 of the second door element 112 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104 when the second door element 104 is closed.

[0355] Referring to Figure 4, the transfer device 100 has a sealing device 134, the sealing device is formed from and / or includes a plurality of sealing partial elements 136, 138, 140, 142.

[0356] The sealing device 134 allows, or seals, the first door element 110 and the inner circumferential surface of the access opening 118 of the first process unit 110 to be sealed outward when the first door element 110 is closed.

[0357] Furthermore, the sealing device 134 allows, or already seals, the second door element 112 and the inner circumferential surface of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104 toward the outside when the second door element 112 is closed.

[0358] Furthermore, the sealing device 134 enables, or seals, outward-facing surfaces of both door elements 110 and 112, which are oriented outward relative to the corresponding process units 102 and 104, when the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 are engaged and in the closed state of the corresponding door elements 110 and 112.

[0359] Furthermore, with the sealing device 134 in place so that the respective wall sections 120 and 126 of the process units 102 and 104 engage with the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 (see Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5), the respective opening areas of the access openings 118 and 124 of both process units 102 and 104 can be sealed outward or are sealed.

[0360] The sealing device 134, specifically each sealing element 136, 138, 140, 142, may have a closed and circular contour.

[0361] Therefore, such a closed, circular contour allows the aforementioned components to be sealed outward in the radial and axial directions, respectively.

[0362] As can be seen from Figure 4, the sealing device in this embodiment includes four sealing elements 136, 138, 140, and 142.

[0363] The first sealing element 136 is located in the edge region of the first door element 110.

[0364] Such edge regions of the first door element 110 are adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the access opening 118 of the first process unit 102 when the first door element 110 is closed, and are oriented outward relative to the first process unit 102.

[0365] The second sealing element 138 can be positioned in or is positioned in the edge region of the access opening 118 of the first process unit 102.

[0366] Such edge regions of the access opening 118 of the first process unit 102 are adjacent to the first door element 110, specifically to the edge region of the first door element 110, when the first door element 110 is closed, and are oriented outward relative to the first process unit 102.

[0367] The third sealing element 140 is positioned in the edge region of the second door element 112.

[0368] Such edge regions of the second door element 112 are adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104 when the second door element 112 is closed, and are oriented outward relative to the second process unit 104.

[0369] The fourth sealing element 142 is positioned or can be positioned in the edge region of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104.

[0370] Such edge regions of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104 are adjacent to the second door element 112, specifically to the edge region of the second door element 112, when the second door element 112 is closed, and are oriented outward relative to the second process unit 104.

[0371] The first sealing element 136 and the third sealing element 140 are positioned in direct contact with each other when the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 are engaged (see Figure 4).

[0372] The first sealing element 136 and the third sealing element 140 enable, or seal, the respective surfaces of both door elements 110 and 112 to be sealed outward. These surfaces are oriented outward toward the corresponding process units 102 and 104 in the closed state of the corresponding door elements 110 and 112, and are surrounded by the first sealing element 136 and the third sealing element 140 in their respective assigned states.

[0373] Specifically, this may mean that the respective surfaces of the door elements 110 and 112 that are engaged with each other, and that face each other in the engaged state of the door elements 110 and 112, and / or that the door elements 110 and 112 come into contact with each other at these surfaces, can be sealed outward by the first sealing portion element 136 and the third sealing portion element 140, or may be sealed outward.

[0374] The second sealing element 138 and the fourth sealing element 142 can be positioned in direct contact with each other, for example, when the respective wall sections 120 and 126 of process units 102 and 104 are positioned against each other to engage the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 (Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5).

[0375] The second sealing element 138 and the fourth sealing element 142 enable or seal the open areas of the access openings 118 and 124 of both process units 102 and 104 toward the outside.

[0376] In this embodiment, each of the sealing partial elements 136, 138, 140, and 142 can be manufactured from or may be manufactured from plastic. For example, each of the sealing partial elements 136, 138, 140, and 142 may contain and / or be formed from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and / or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and / or silicone. This can advantageously enable good autoclaveability.

[0377] Referring to Figure 4, the second door element 112 includes a coupling element 144.

[0378] The coupling element 144 is provided within and / or on the second door element 112, and forms at least a part of the second door element 112.

[0379] The coupling element 144 allows the first door element 110 to engage with and be held by the second door element 112.

[0380] In this embodiment, the coupling element 114 is formed to engage the first door element 110 with the second door element 112 based on magnets, and to hold the second door element based on magnets. However, the coupling element 144 may be formed to be operable by friction coupling, shape coupling, and / or negative pressure, or may be operable in this manner.

[0381] As can be seen from Figure 4, the coupling element 144 forms a portion of the second door element 112 that is oriented outward relative to the second process unit 104.

[0382] Such portions of the second door element 112 have a coplanar transition to the rest or other portions of the second door element 112, the rest of which is oriented outward relative to the second process unit 104.

[0383] The coupling element 144 is located almost in the center of the frustoconical section 132 of the second door element 112.

[0384] In this embodiment, the coupling element 144 is formed as an electromagnet.

[0385] The first door element 110 is formed as a partially or fully magnetic-responsive element. For example, the first door element 110 can or may be manufactured from a magnetic material or a magnetizable material for this purpose.

[0386] A coupling element 144, formed as an electromagnet, is controllable by a control unit 146 in order to engage the first door element 110 with the second door element 112 and to hold it in place by the second door element.

[0387] The control unit 146 may be contained within the transfer device 100 and / or may be assignable to or assigned to the transfer device 100. For example, the control unit 146 that is assignable to or assigned to the transfer device 100 may be contained within the first process unit 102 and / or the second process unit 104.

[0388] As can be seen further from Figures 1-5, the opener device 116 has a rotatable lever element 148 and a rotation axis 150.

[0389] The lever element 148 can be fixed, or is fixed, in a rotatable manner within the second process unit 104 at its first end region 152 while assembled.

[0390] Here, the lever element 148 is fixed inside the second process unit 104 in order to allow the second door element 112 to pivot toward the side of the interior 128 of the second process unit 104.

[0391] Furthermore, the second door element 112 is fixed to the second end region 154 of the lever element 148.

[0392] A rotatable lever element 148, specifically the second end region 154 of the lever element 148, is immovably coupled to the second door element 112.

[0393] The lever element 148 can move the second door element 112 or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other together, specifically in a pivotal manner, into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104.

[0394] In this embodiment, this is purely a rotational motion. However, it is also conceivable to make it a rotational motion that is also linear.

[0395] This allows the second door element 112 or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other to be moved away from the access openings 118, 124.

[0396] In this embodiment, the lever element 148 is located inside the second process unit 104 via the rotation axis 150.

[0397] The lever element 148 is rotatable and pivotable via the rotation axis 150.

[0398] Here, the rotation axis 150 is integrally formed with the first end region 152 of the lever element 148.

[0399] The opening and closing of at least one of the door elements 110, 112 (here, the second door element 112 or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other) can be caused by a corresponding rotational and / or pivoting motion.

[0400] Needless to say, such rotational and / or orbital motions may or may be performed around the rotation axis 150.

[0401] Specifically, the opening of at least one of the door elements 110, 112 (here, the second door element 112 or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other) is performed in the rotational direction indicated by reference numeral A in the drawing. In effect, this is the opening rotational direction A.

[0402] Specifically, the closing of at least one of the door elements 110, 112 (here, the second door element 112 or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other) is performed in the rotational direction indicated by reference numeral B in the drawing. In effect, this is the closing rotational direction B.

[0403] Referring to Figures 1-5, the rotation axis 150 is advantageously integrated and positioned at a predetermined distance from the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104.

[0404] Specifically, the aforementioned interval extends between the rotation axis 150 and the center, specifically the center point, of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104.

[0405] Such a spacing is greater than or equal to the maximum opening dimension of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104, and specifically greater than or equal to the opening diameter of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104.

[0406] For example, the spacing is greater than or equal to the maximum opening dimension of the access opening 124 of the second object, specifically the second process unit 104, and specifically may be at least 100%, specifically at least 150%, advantageously at least 200%, more advantageously at least 250%, particularly advantageously at least 300%, larger than or equal to the opening diameter of the access opening 124 of the second object, specifically the second process unit 104.

[0407] Needless to say, the opener device 116, specifically the lever element 148, is motorizable or motorized for the purpose of opening and closing.

[0408] A suitable motor device is provided for this purpose (illustrated by reference numeral 208 in Figure 6).

[0409] Such a motor device can be placed in and / or in the second process unit 104.

[0410] The motor device is advantageously contained by the transfer device 100, specifically the opener device 116.

[0411] The opener device 116, specifically the lever element 148, can be operated automatically by a motor device for opening and closing.

[0412] The motor device is controllable by the control unit 146.

[0413] Furthermore, the transport device 100 includes sensor units 156, 158 for detecting the open state of the first door element 110 and / or the open state of the second door element 112.

[0414] Specifically, the first sensor unit 156 helps to detect the open state of the first door element 110, and the second sensor unit 158 ​​helps to detect the open state of the second door element 112.

[0415] These sensor units 156 and 158 are further connected to the control unit 146, specifically in terms of signal technology.

[0416] Specifically, this is useful for the control unit 146 to detect the open state of the first door element 110, to detect the open state of the second door element 112, and to determine whether a transition between the first process unit 102 and the second process unit 104 is permitted.

[0417] In this embodiment, the open state of the first door element 110 and / or the open state of the second door element 112 can be optically detected by sensor units 156 and 158. Needless to say, this is merely one example, and other sensor configurations are conceivable.

[0418] Furthermore, the transfer device 100 includes a third sensor unit 160.

[0419] The third sensor unit 160 can detect whether or not the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 are engaged with each other.

[0420] For example, the third sensor unit 160 can detect changes in the magnetic field within and / or of the second process unit 104.

[0421] Such changes may be caused by the opener device 116 during opening and / or closing.

[0422] This makes it possible to detect whether the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 are engaged with each other.

[0423] Needless to say, this type of sensor configuration is merely one example, and other sensor configurations are also conceivable.

[0424] The third sensor unit 160 is also connected to the control unit 146, specifically in terms of signal technology.

[0425] This is useful in determining whether the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 are engaged with each other.

[0426] As previously described, the first door element 110 has a frustoconical section 130.

[0427] Referring to Figures 1-5, the first door element 110 further has a retaining section 162.

[0428] The retaining section 162 is located in the frustoconical section 130 of the first door element 110 and extends away from this section.

[0429] Specifically, when the first door element 110 is closed, this retaining section extends into the interior 122 of the first process unit 102.

[0430] The holding section 162 is formed in a nearly cylindrical shape.

[0431] A retaining contour 164 is formed in and / or within the retaining portion 162.

[0432] The retaining contour 164 is positioned inward relative to the first process unit 102 when the (first door element 110) is closed, specifically located inside 122 of the first process unit 102 and directed toward it.

[0433] The retaining contour 164 is formed in the form of a recess, such as a groove, within the side surface of the retaining section 162.

[0434] The retaining section 162 is therefore approximately mushroom-shaped (see, for example, Figures 4 and 5).

[0435] The retaining section 162, specifically the retaining contour 164, serves to lock the first door element 110.

[0436] The locking device 114 includes a first retaining element 166 and a second retaining element 168, which also serve to lock the first door element 110.

[0437] The retaining elements 166 and 168 are positioned within the first process unit 102 in an assembled state.

[0438] The retaining elements 166 and 168 are selectively engaged with the retaining contour 164 to lock the first door element 110.

[0439] The retaining elements 166 and 168 are positioned on opposing sides of the retaining contour 164 so as to be able to selectively engage with the retaining contour 164 in order to lock the first door element 110.

[0440] The retaining elements 166 and 168 are motorized and, specifically, can be operated automatically.

[0441] The locking device 114 has a drive device 170 for this purpose.

[0442] The retaining elements 166, 168 are movable so that they can be selectively engaged with the retaining contour 164 by the drive device 170.

[0443] Specifically, each retaining element 166, 168 is movable between a locked position and a released position by the drive device 170.

[0444] Figure 4 shows an example of a locking position.

[0445] The locking position corresponds to the engagement state of the retaining elements 166 and 168 with the retaining contour 164.

[0446] The release position corresponds to the disengaged state of the retaining elements 166 and 168 from the retaining contour 164.

[0447] The drive unit 170 is installed and located within the first process unit 102, and / or on the first process unit 102.

[0448] Specifically, the drive unit 170 is installed inside the first process unit 102 in its assembled state, and is positioned on the wall defining the inside 122 of the first process unit 102, specifically on the aforementioned side wall of the first process unit 102.

[0449] The transfer device 100 includes a fourth sensor unit 172 (see Figure 2).

[0450] The fourth sensor unit 172 is useful for detecting the locked state of the first door element 110.

[0451] The fourth sensor unit 172 can detect the positions of the retaining elements 166 and 168 relative to the drive unit 170 and / or retaining contour 164.

[0452] For example, the locked state of the first door element 110 can be detected by the fourth sensor unit 172 using position detection of the retaining elements 166, 168 relative to the drive unit 170 and / or retaining contour 164, and the position of the retaining elements 166, 168 can be determined through this position detection.

[0453] Needless to say, this is merely one example, and other sensor configurations are also conceivable.

[0454] The third sensor unit 172 is also connected to the control unit 146, specifically in a signaling manner, to detect the locked state of the first door element 110.

[0455] As can be seen from Figures 1-5, the drive unit 170 includes an elastic element, which is formed here as a spring element 174.

[0456] The spring element 174 can apply a preload to the retaining elements 166 and 168 in the direction of engagement with the retaining contour 164, specifically toward the locking position, or a preload has been applied.

[0457] The drive unit 170 is coupled to the first holding element 166 via the first shaft 176.

[0458] The drive unit 170 is coupled to the second holding element 168 via the second shaft 178.

[0459] The first retaining element 166 and the second retaining element 168 are each capable of engaging with and disengaging from the retaining contour 164 via the first axis 176 and the second axis 178.

[0460] Specifically, this means that the first retaining element 166 and the second retaining element 168 are movable to a locked position and a released position, respectively, via the first axis 176 and the second axis 178.

[0461] In other words, the drive unit 170 is operationally coupled to the retaining elements 166, 168 via their respective shafts 176, 178, and via these shafts 176, 178, the retaining elements 166, 168 can engage with the retaining contour 164 and disengage from said engagement, specifically moving to a locked position and a released position.

[0462] For example, for this purpose, the drive unit 170 includes a motor 180 and a spindle drive unit 182.

[0463] The motor 180 is coupled to each shaft 176, 178, and consequently to each holding element 166, 168.

[0464] The motor 180 can generate force and / or torque, and through this force and / or torque, the holding elements 166 and 168 can be moved.

[0465] This allows each retaining element 166, 168 to be selectively moved to a locked or released position.

[0466] Specifically, the spindle drive unit 182 can be driven via the motor 180, thereby enabling the transmission of force and / or torque.

[0467] For this purpose, operating arms 184 are formed on shafts 176 and 178.

[0468] Each operating arm 184 is movably coupled to the spindle drive unit 182.

[0469] Each retaining element 166, 168 can be moved via its respective operating arm 184 in order to selectively move it to a locked or released position.

[0470] Advantageously, the rotational motion of the spindle drive unit 182 can be transmitted to the respective axes 176 and 178 in the form of a pivoting motion via the coupling with the operating arms 184 of the axes 176 and 178, and the pivoting motion can be transmitted to the holding elements 166 and 168 via the axes 176 and 178.

[0471] Specifically, this means that the drive unit 170 includes a motor 180 and a spindle drive unit 182 driven by the motor 180, and that operating arms 184 are formed on each of the shafts 176 and 178, respectively, and the operating arms are movably coupled to the spindle drive unit 182, and the rotational motion of the spindle drive unit 182 may be transmitted to the shafts 176 and 178 in the form of a pivoting motion via the coupling with the operating arms 184 on each of the shafts 176 and 178, and that the pivoting motion can be transmitted to the holding elements 166 and 168 via the shafts 176 and 178.

[0472] In this case, both retaining elements 166 and 168 can engage with the retaining contour 164 by opposing, specifically synchronous, rotational movements, and can disengage from the engagement again, specifically moving to a locked position and a released position.

[0473] Specifically, this may mean that when the operating arm 184 is moved continuously via the spindle drive unit 182, the retaining elements 166, 168 are moved out of the retaining contour 164, and when the operating arm 184 is moved away from each other via the spindle drive unit 182, the retaining elements 166, 168 are moved into the retaining contour 164.

[0474] The drive unit 144, specifically the motor 180, is controllable by the control unit 146.

[0475] This helps to move each retaining element 166, 168, specifically to the locked position and the released position.

[0476] This allows the locking of the first door element 110 to be motorized, specifically automated.

[0477] As can be seen from the drawing, the drive unit 170 is located inside the first process unit 102 in its assembled state.

[0478] In this case, the drive unit 170 may be partially or completely located within a separate internal space of the first process unit 102, distinct from the interior 122 of the first process unit 102 (see Figure 6).

[0479] Furthermore, in this case, the drive unit 170 is located inside the first process unit 102 in an assembled state and is formed to be at least partially or completely autoclavable. Specifically, the drive unit 170 includes a sealed housing, the housing being partially or completely, specifically, thermally isolated from the surrounding area.

[0480] Furthermore, it goes without saying that for autoclaving the transfer device 100, specifically for autoclaving the internals 122, 128 of the first process unit 102 and / or the second process unit 104, the control unit 146 and / or its signal-technical connections may be selectively separable and / or switchable to no-current.

[0481] Referring to Figures 1-5, a transfer device 100 is provided which can aseptically exchange something, such as a processing object, a tool unit, a sensor unit, a material, and / or raw material, between two objects, preferably between two process units 102 and 104.

[0482] Specifically, the simple and robust configuration of the transfer device 100 allows for easy cleaning and / or sterilization, specifically autoclaving.

[0483] Furthermore, since the transfer device 100 can be operated completely automatically, the transfer device can facilitate large-scale applications and / or industrial production of individual batch sizes and / or minimum batch sizes.

[0484] The following describes in detail a system 200 according to the present invention, which consists of at least two process units 102, 104, 202, and 204.

[0485] It should be understood that all structural and / or functional features associated with the transfer device 100 and the process unit 102 according to the present invention, as described above and / or below, may also be included in the system 200, either individually or in combination, and the associated characteristics, configurations, and / or advantages may also be included and achieved accordingly.

[0486] System 200 is formed from and / or includes at least two process units 102, 104.

[0487] Referring to Figure 6, a system 200 is provided, consisting of two process units 102 and 104, namely the first process unit 102 and the second process unit 104.

[0488] The two process units 102 and 104 include a transfer device 100 based on the embodiments described above and / or below.

[0489] Each process unit 102, 104 is used to produce the product, specifically the biological drug product, as already mentioned at the beginning.

[0490] In this embodiment, the first process unit 102 is specifically formed as a processing box for housing and / or transporting and / or processing objects to be processed, for example, as a patient box.

[0491] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second process unit 104 may be specifically formed as a toolbox for processing the object to be processed, and the toolbox may specifically include a tool unit for processing the object and / or a sensor unit for analyzing the object to be processed.

[0492] The first process unit 102 and / or the second process unit 104 may be formed as a supply box for providing materials that may be necessary to process the object to be processed, such as consumable materials and / or raw materials.

[0493] The first process unit 102 incorporates the first part 106 of the transfer device 100.

[0494] The second part 108 of the transfer device 100 is incorporated within the first process unit 104.

[0495] As can be seen from Figure 6, the drive unit 170 is located in a separate internal space 206 of the first process unit 102, distinct from the interior 122 of the first process unit 102 (see Figure 6).

[0496] The corresponding operational coupling of the drive unit 170 to the retaining elements 166 and 168 is achieved via shafts 176 and 178.

[0497] In effect, shafts 176 and 178 here serve as coupling components to connect the relevant sections of the transfer device 100 to one another. This can, for example, facilitate autoclavability.

[0498] The motor device 208, which was described in relation to Figures 1-5, is shown more schematically in Figure 6.

[0499] In this embodiment, the transfer device 100 is controllable via the control unit 146 of the first process unit 102 and the second process unit 104.

[0500] Furthermore, the transfer device 100 can be supplied with current via the energy storage units 210 of the first process unit 102 and the second process unit 104.

[0501] Referring to Figure 7, a system is provided consisting of four process units 102, 104, 202, and 204, namely the first process unit 102 and the second process unit 104, and the third process unit 202 and the fourth process unit 204.

[0502] Each process unit 102, 104, 202, 204 is provided with one or more first parts 106 and / or one or more second parts 108 of a transfer device 100 based on the embodiments described above and / or below.

[0503] The transfer device 100 can be formed from at least one first part 106 and at least one second part 108.

[0504] At least one first part 106 and at least one second part 108 of the transfer device 100 are provided within different process units 102, 104, 202, and 204.

[0505] As previously stated, the first part 106 here specifically means a part of the transfer device 100 that is assigned to and / or coupled with the first door element 110, or is located in and / or can be located in or is located in the first process unit 102.

[0506] Furthermore, as previously stated, the second part 108 here specifically means a part of the transfer device 100 that is assigned to and / or coupled with the second door element 112, or is located within and / or can be located in or is located within the second process unit 102.

[0507] As can be seen from Figure 7, process units 102, 104, 202, and 204 are provided, each process unit having one or more first parts 106 and / or one or more second parts 108 of a transfer device 100, and the process units are connectable by a transfer device to further process units 102, 104, 202, and 204, each having at least one first part 106 and / or second part 108 of the transfer device 100, and the transfer device can be formed from at least one first part 106 and at least one second part 108.

[0508] The first part 106 and / or the second part 108 are configured on the same side and different side of process units 102, 104, 202, and 204, respectively.

[0509] This allows for the specific aseptic transfer between these process units 102, 104, 202, 204 to guide through, for example, one or more tool units and / or one or more sensor units and / or consumable materials and / or consumables.

[0510] Specifically, these process units 102, 104, 202, and 204 can be flexibly and / or, as needed, joined to each other, specifically aseptically.

[0511] Figures 8-18 are schematic diagrams showing parts and / or components of the transfer device 100, respectively, that enable a specific aseptic transfer between the first process unit 102 and the second process unit 104, each based on a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0512] It should be understood that all structural and / or functional features associated with the transfer device 100 and / or process units 102, 104 in Figures 1-7 may also be included, individually or in combination, in the embodiments of Figures 8-18, and the associated characteristics, configurations, and / or advantages may also be included and achieved accordingly. Furthermore, the reverse is also true.

[0513] Since the transfer devices 100 in Figures 1-7 are almost identical to the respective transfer devices 100 in Figures 8-18, only the differences between them will be explained below in relation to Figures 8-18.

[0514] Referring to Figure 8, a portion of a transfer device 100 based on a further embodiment is shown, in which the coupling element 144 is formed to engage the first door element 110 with the second door element 112 specifically by friction and / or shape coupling, and to hold the first door element with the second door element specifically by friction and / or shape coupling.

[0515] The coupling element 144 is formed as an eccentric device 300.

[0516] The eccentric device 300 includes a shaft 302 and a motion device 304.

[0517] An eccentric element 306 is formed eccentrically on the shaft 302.

[0518] The shaft 302 is movable, specifically linearly and rotationally, by the motion device 304. This is schematically shown by corresponding arrows in Figure 8.

[0519] The shaft 302 is provided within and / or on the second door element 112.

[0520] The motion device 304 is located within and / or can be located in the second process unit 104.

[0521] A corresponding element 308 is provided within and / or in the first door element 110.

[0522] The corresponding element 308 can engage with the shaft 302, specifically with the eccentric element 306.

[0523] In order to engage the eccentric element 306 and the corresponding element 308 with each other, and to press the corresponding element 308 from the first door element 110 to the second door element 112, the shaft 302, specifically the eccentric element 306, is linearly positionable relative to the corresponding element 308 by the motion device 304, and subsequently rotatable.

[0524] As a result, the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 are able to engage with and hold each other.

[0525] The motion device 304 is controllable by the control unit 146 to engage the first door element 110 with the second door element 112 and to hold it in place by the second door element.

[0526] Referring to Figure 9, a portion of a transfer device 100 based on a further embodiment is shown, in which the coupling element 144 is formed to engage the first door element 110 with the second door element 112 specifically by friction and / or shape coupling, and to hold the first door element with the second door element specifically by friction and / or shape coupling.

[0527] The coupling element 144 is formed as a wedge device 310.

[0528] The wedge device 310 includes a sliding element 312 and a moving device 314.

[0529] A wedge-shaped element 316 is formed on the sliding element 312.

[0530] The sliding element 312 is movable by the motion device 314, specifically in a linear direction. This is schematically shown by corresponding arrows in Figure 9.

[0531] The sliding element 312 is provided within and / or on the second door element 112.

[0532] The motion device 314 is located within and / or can be located in the second process unit 104, or is located within the second process unit 104.

[0533] A wedge-shaped corresponding element 318 is provided within and / or on the first door element 110.

[0534] The corresponding element 318 can engage with the sliding element 312, specifically the wedge-shaped element 316.

[0535] Furthermore, a spring element 320 is provided between the moving device 314 and the sliding element 312. The spring element can move the wedge-shaped element 316 toward the corresponding wedge-shaped element 318 under the action of a spring force.

[0536] In order to press the corresponding element 318 from the first door element 110 to the second door element 112, the sliding element 312, specifically the wedge-shaped element 316, may be able to move linearly relative to the corresponding element 318 by the moving device 314, and subsequently move while in contact with each other along the axis.

[0537] As a result, the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 are able to engage with and hold each other.

[0538] The motion device 314 is controllable by the control unit 146 in order to engage the first door element 110 with the second door element 112 and to hold it in place by the second door element.

[0539] Referring to Figure 10, a simplified and enlarged view is shown of a part of the sealing device 134 of the transfer device 100, specifically according to a further embodiment. In this embodiment, at least the first sealing element 136 and the third sealing element 140 have a substantially polygonal cross-section.

[0540] The first sealing element 136 and the third sealing element 140 have a section 320 whose cross-section is tapered in a conical shape.

[0541] The tapered section 320 may be tapered outward with respect to the relevant process units 102, 104, specifically the relevant door elements 110, 112, and the relevant sealing elements 136, 140 are arranged on the relevant process units / door elements.

[0542] This allows for a reduction in the sealing area, thereby avoiding the high clamping force that may be required when the sealing area is large.

[0543] Needless to say, the second sealing element 138 and the fourth sealing element 142 may also be formed in the same way as the first sealing element 136 and the third sealing element 140.

[0544] Referring to Figure 11, the opener device 116 of the transfer device 100 in Figure 1 is also shown in a simplified form to illustrate the embodiments in Figures 12-14.

[0545] In this case, the rotatable lever element 144, specifically the second end region 154 of the lever element 144, is immovably coupled to the second door element 112.

[0546] The lever element 144 allows the second door element 112 or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other to move together in a purely swivel motion into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104, and thus away from the access openings 118, 124.

[0547] Referring to Figure 12, a portion of the transfer device 100 based on a further embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the opener device 116, specifically the lever element 148, is formed in a different manner compared to Figure 11.

[0548] The rotatable lever element 148 is formed from a plurality of lever members, in this case two, 322 and 324.

[0549] The lever members 322 and 324 are connected to each other so as to be movable.

[0550] Here, the rotatable lever element 148 is also formed from a first lever member 322 and a second lever member 324.

[0551] The first lever member 322 may be rotatably fixed to the first end region of the first lever member 322 within the second process unit 104 in its assembled state, and the first end region of the second lever member 324 may be rotatably fixed to the second end region of the first lever member 322.

[0552] The second door element 112 is rotatably fixed to the second end region of the second lever member 324.

[0553] Using the lever members 322 and 324, specifically through movement within a single plane, the second door element 112, or the door elements 110 and 112 that are engaged with each other, can be moved together into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104, and thus away from the access openings 118 and 124.

[0554] Motion within a single plane is, advantageously speaking, two-dimensional linear motion within that plane. This is illustrated by the straight arrows in Figure 12.

[0555] A first motor (not shown) is positioned between the second process unit 104 and the first lever member 322, and a second motor (not shown) is positioned between the first lever member 322 and the second lever member 324.

[0556] The first motor and the second motor can form the motor device 208 and / or may be contained within the motor device.

[0557] Referring to Figure 13, a portion of the transfer device 100 based on a further embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the opener device 116, specifically the lever element 148, is formed in a different manner compared to Figure 11.

[0558] A swivelable lever element 148, specifically the second end region 154 of the lever element 148, is immovably coupled to the second door element 112 via a joint device 326.

[0559] The lever element 148 allows the second door element 112 or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other to be moved together in a pivotal motion into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104, thereby moving them away from the access openings 118, 124.

[0560] Referring to Figure 14, a portion of the transfer device 100 based on a further embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the opener device 116, specifically the lever element 148, is formed in a different manner compared to Figure 11.

[0561] Specifically, a second process unit 104 having multiple, in this case two, second door elements 112 is schematically shown.

[0562] The rotatable lever element 148 is formed from two lever members 322 and 324. These lever members are movably coupled to one another.

[0563] The swivelable lever element 148, and by extension the opener device 116, is formed as part of the handling device 328 and / or is incorporated by such a device.

[0564] A lever member 324 assigned to or assignable to a second door element 112 is detachably coupled to each second door element 112 via a gripper actuator 328 configured on such a lever member 324.

[0565] The handling device 326 is formed, for example, as a multi-axis robotic arm and / or a pick-and-place robot.

[0566] The handling device 326 is guided by rails within the second process unit 104 in an integrated state for a wide, specifically larger action area, specifically a handling area (see arrow in Figure 14).

[0567] The handling device 326 can move each of the second door elements 112, or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other, together into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104, and thus away from the corresponding access openings 118, 124.

[0568] Referring to Figures 15-18, each shows a part of the transfer device 100 based on a further embodiment. In this embodiment, an additional locking device 330 is provided for locking the second door element 112 in a closed position and for releasing the second door element 112 to open it.

[0569] The aforementioned additional locking device 330 is incorporated into and / or located within the second process unit 104.

[0570] The first door element 110 and the second door element 112 are engageable with each other, and when the first door element 110 is released by the locking device 114 and the second door element 112 is released by the further locking device 330, the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 can be moved together away from the access openings 118, 124 by the opener device 116 to enable a specific aseptic transfer between the first process unit 102 and the second process unit 104.

[0571] Needless to say, the transfer device 100, and more specifically the further locking device 330, includes at least one sensor unit for detecting the locking state of the second door element 112. For example, the locking state of the second door element 112 may be detectable by the at least one sensor unit using position detection. For example, the locking state of the second door element 112 may be detectable by the at least one sensor unit using detection of mechanical or electrical contact between the second door element 112 and the second process unit 104, specifically the access openings 118, 124. For example, the locking state of the second door element 112 may be detectable inductively and / or optically and / or capacitively and / or magnetically by the at least one sensor unit. The at least one sensor unit may be signal-technically connected to the control unit 146 for detecting the locking state of the second door element 112.

[0572] Referring to Figure 15, a possible further locking device 330 is schematically shown as an example.

[0573] The further locking device 330 in Figure 15 is formed as a bayonet device.

[0574] A female bayonet element 332 is provided within and / or on the lever element 148.

[0575] In order to be able to engage with the bayonet element 332, a corresponding male bayonet element 334 may be positioned in and / or incorporated into the second process unit 104.

[0576] The bayonet device, specifically the corresponding bayonet element 334, is motorized to enable rotatable engagement of the bayonet element and / or the corresponding bayonet element in order to lock and / or release the second door element 112 (see arrow in Figure 15).

[0577] To lock and / or release the second door element 112, the motorized corresponding bayonet element 334 is controllable by the control unit 146.

[0578] Referring to Figure 16, a possible further locking device 330 is schematically shown as an example.

[0579] The further locking device 330 in Figure 16 is formed as a tightening and / or fastening device.

[0580] A tightening and / or locking lever 336 is positioned within and / or incorporated into the second process unit 104, thereby engaging with the second door element 112, specifically the lever element 148, and selectively applying force directed toward the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104 to the second door element / lever element in order to lock the second door element 112.

[0581] A tightening and / or locking device, specifically a tightening and / or locking lever 336, is motorized to enable the tightening and / or locking lever 336 to engage with the second door element 112, specifically the lever element 148.

[0582] An electrically operated tightening and / or locking device, specifically an electrically operated tightening and / or locking lever 336, is controllable by a control unit 146 to lock and / or release the second door element 112.

[0583] Referring to Figure 17, a possible further locking device 330 is schematically shown as an example.

[0584] The further locking device 330 in Figure 17 is formed as a knee lever device (Kniehebeleinrichtung).

[0585] The knee lever device is located within and / or positioned within the second process unit 104, thereby holding the second door element 112 in a locked state.

[0586] The knee lever device includes a spring element 338, which can preload the second door element 112 into a locked state, or is already preloaded.

[0587] The knee lever device is coupled to the second door element 112, specifically the lever element 148, and, in its assembled state, is coupled to the second process unit 104.

[0588] The spring element 338 is coupled to the rest of the knee lever device and, in its assembled state, to the second process unit 104.

[0589] The knee lever device applies a force directed towards the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104 in order to lock the second door element 112.

[0590] The motor device 208 can overcome such forces in order to open the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104.

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

[0592] The further locking device in Figure 18 is formed as an eccentric device.

[0593] The eccentric device includes at least one shaft 340 on which an eccentric element 342 is formed.

[0594] By the rotation of the shaft 340 (see arrow in Figure 18), the eccentric portion of the eccentric element 342 with respect to the shaft 340 may be able to engage with the second door element 112, specifically the lever element 148, in order to lock the second door element 122, and specifically, in order to lock the second door element 112, a force directed toward the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104 can be applied to the second door element.

[0595] In order to enable the eccentric element 342 to engage with the second door element 112, specifically the lever element 148, the eccentric device 342, specifically the shaft 340, is motorized.

[0596] An electric eccentric device, specifically an electric shaft 340, is controllable by a control unit 146 for locking and / or releasing the second door element 112.

[0597] Referring to Figures 19-33, a transfer device 100 is schematically shown, based on further embodiments, to enable a specific aseptic transfer between a process unit 102, for example, a first process unit 102, and a process unit 104, for example, a second process unit 104.

[0598] The transfer devices 100 in Figures 19-33 are constructed in much the same way as the transfer devices in Figures 1-7; therefore, only the differences will be explained below. For other points, please refer to the explanation above.

[0599] As can be seen from Figure 24, the transport device 100 includes 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 opener device 116.

[0600] Specifically, as can be seen from Figures 24 and 28-30, the first door element 110 includes a truncated pyramidal section 130 with a rectangular base.

[0601] The truncated pyramidal section 130 of the first door element 110 tapers toward the interior 122 of the first process unit 102 when the first door element 110 is in the closed state.

[0602] The circumferential surface of the section 130 of the first door element 110 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the access opening 118 of the first process unit 102 when the first door element 110 is in the closed state.

[0603] Furthermore, as can be seen specifically from Figures 24, 28, 30, and 31, the second door element 112 includes a truncated pyramidal section 132 with a rectangular base.

[0604] The truncated pyramidal section 132 of the second door element 112 tapers outward relative to the second process unit 104 when the second door element 112 is closed.

[0605] The circumferential surface of the section 132 of the second door element 112 is in contact with the inner circumferential 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 from Figure 24 as well as Figure 30, the sealing device 134 contained in the transfer device 100 here has and / or is formed from two sealing partial elements 138, 140, namely a second sealing partial element 138 and a third sealing partial element 140.

[0607] The sealing device 134 enables, or seals, the first door element 110 and the inner circumferential surface of the access opening 118 of the first process unit 110 in the closed state, to be sealed outward (see Figure 29).

[0608] Furthermore, the sealing device 134 allows, or seals, the second door element 112 and the inner circumferential surface of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104 to be sealed outward when the second door element 112 is closed (see Figure 31).

[0609] Furthermore, the sealing device 134 enables, or seals, outward-facing surfaces of both door elements 110 and 112 when the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 are engaged and the corresponding door elements 110 and 112 are closed relative to the corresponding process units 102 and 104 (see Figure 28).

[0610] Furthermore, with the sealing device 134 in place so that the respective wall sections 120 and 126 of the process units 102 and 104 engage with the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 (see Figure 30), the respective opening areas of the access openings 118 and 124 of both process units 102 and 104 can be sealed outward or are sealed.

[0611] The sealing device 134, specifically each sealing element 138, 140, has a closed and rectangular contour.

[0612] The second sealing element 138 can be positioned in or is positioned in the edge region of the access opening 118 of the first process unit 102.

[0613] Such edge regions of the access opening 118 of the first process unit 102 are adjacent to the first door element 110, specifically to the edge region of the first door element 110, when the first door element 110 is closed, and are oriented outward relative to the first process unit 102.

[0614] The contour of the second seal element 138 substantially corresponds to the edge region of the access opening 118 of the first process unit 102.

[0615] The third sealing element 140 is located in the edge region of the second door element 112.

[0616] Such edge regions of the second door element 112 are adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104 when the second door element 112 is closed, and are oriented outward relative to the second process unit 104.

[0617] The contour of the third seal element 140 substantially corresponds to the edge region of the second door element 112.

[0618] The third sealing portion element 140 allows each of the surfaces of both door elements 110, 112, i.e., the surfaces of the respective door elements 110, 112 that are oriented outward toward the corresponding process units 102, 104 in the closed state of the respective door elements 110, 112, and that are surrounded by the third sealing portion element 140 of the second door element, to be sealed outward or are sealed.

[0619] Specifically, this may mean that the respective surfaces of the door elements 110 and 112 that are engaged with each other, and which face each other in the engaged state of the door elements 110 and 112, and / or which are in contact with each other at these surfaces, can be sealed outward by the third sealing portion element 140, or may be sealed.

[0620] When the two process units 102 and 104 are coupled to each other, the second sealing element 138 allows or seals the open areas of the access openings 118 and 124 of both process units 102 and 104 toward the outside.

[0621] In this embodiment, each sealing partial element 138,140 can be manufactured from or has been manufactured from plastic. For example, each sealing partial element 138,140 contains and / or is formed from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and / or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and / or silicone. This can advantageously enable good autoclave treatment.

[0622] The locking device 114 serves to lock the first door element 110 in the closed position and to release it in order to open the first door element 110.

[0623] The locking device 114 includes a plurality of magnetic elements 400, in this case, for example, 14.

[0624] The magnetic element 400 is formed, for example, as an electromagnet.

[0625] In the current-free state of the magnetic element 400, the first door element 110 is held in the closed position. In effect, supplying current can cause the first door element 110 to open.

[0626] The magnetic element 400 is positioned within the wall section 120 assigned to the first process unit 102, and within a housing hole 402 provided therein.

[0627] The housing hole, and by extension the magnetic element 400, is configured within the assigned access opening 118.

[0628] The magnetic element 400 is oriented toward the access opening 118. When the first door element 110 is located within the access opening 118, the magnetic element 400 is oriented toward the door element 110 and is positioned directly adjacent to the door element 110. The door element 110 may be pressed against the magnetic element 400 in this manner, or it may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the magnetic element 400 while maintaining a magnetic coupling, such as a holding force, between them.

[0629] The housing hole 402, and by extension the magnetic element 400, is specifically located in the upper and lower regions of the access opening 118.

[0630] The magnetic elements 400 are thus positioned on sides facing each other with respect to the access opening 118.

[0631] In this embodiment, seven magnetic elements 400 are arranged on each side.

[0632] The magnetic elements 400 are arranged side by side, with uniform spacing between them, and are almost directly adjacent to one another.

[0633] As can be seen from Figures 26 and 27, the magnetic elements 400 are arranged in a nearly horizontal configuration within the assigned wall section 120.

[0634] Since the first door element 110 is formed here as a magnetically compatible element, the first door element can be attracted by the magnetic element 400 to lock it in the closed position and released again to open it.

[0635] Advantageously, the magnetic element 400 can generate a clamping pressure and / or sealing retention force on the first door element 110 against the access opening 118. In effect, the locking device 114 can function as a clamping device for generating a clamping pressure on the first door element 110 against the wall section 120 and / or the access opening 118, and / or for maintaining the sealing of the first door element 110.

[0636] In other words, the first door element 110 can be pressed against the second sealing element 138 based on magnetic force by the locking device 114, thereby enabling a reliable seal between them.

[0637] Specifically, as can be seen in Figure 23, the secure seating of the magnetic element 400 can be ensured by covering the housing hole 402 outward from above and below the access opening 118 with respective cover elements fixed therein. Alternatively, the magnetic element 400 may be held within the housing hole 402 in another form, for example, by being bonded therein.

[0638] The further locking device 330 serves to lock the second door element 112 in a closed position and to release it to open the first door element 112.

[0639] The aforementioned additional locking device 330 is incorporated into and / or located within the second process unit 104.

[0640] Since the further locking device 330 is essentially formed similarly to the further locking device 330 in Figures 15-18, only the differences will be described below.

[0641] The aforementioned further locking device 330 includes a plurality of, in this case, 10, magnetic elements 404.

[0642] The magnetic element 404 is formed, for example, as an electromagnet.

[0643] In the current-free state of the magnetic element 400, the second door element 112 is held in the closed position. In effect, supplying current can cause the second door element 112 to open.

[0644] The magnetic element 404 is located within a retaining component 406, which is mounted within the assigned wall section 126 of the second process unit 104 and has a housing hole 408. In other words, the magnetic element 404 is located within the housing hole 408, and the housing hole is formed within the retaining component 406.

[0645] The retaining component 406, which has a housing hole 408, and consequently the magnetic element 400, are configured within the assigned access opening 124.

[0646] The retaining component 406 is fixed to the wall section 126 on the outside and to the access opening 124 on the side.

[0647] The magnetic element 404, positioned within the housing hole 408 of the retaining component 406, is directed towards the access opening 124, and specifically towards the interior 128 of the second process unit 104.

[0648] When the second door element 112 is located within the access opening 124, the magnetic element 404 is directed toward the door element 112 and is positioned relative to the magnetic element 404, corresponding to each corresponding element 410 contained within the second door element 112.

[0649] In other words, the second door element 112 has corresponding elements 410, and the corresponding elements are positioned laterally with respect to the truncated pyramidal section 132.

[0650] The corresponding element 410 is formed as a separate component and is fixed to each of the lateral sections of the truncated pyramidal section 132.

[0651] The corresponding element may be manufactured from, for example, a magnetizable metal or alloy, such as magnetizable steel. The second door element 112 may be manufactured from, for example, PEEK.

[0652] When the second door element 112 is positioned and / or housed within the access opening 124, each corresponding element 410 is positioned in accordance with the magnetic element 404. Thus, the magnetic element 404 and the corresponding elements 410 can be adjacent to each other, and when the second door element 112 is closed, the clamping pressure and / or sealing retention force of the second door element 112 can be generated based on magnetic force.

[0653] The retaining components 406 and the housing holes 408, and consequently the magnetic elements 404, are specifically located in the respective lateral regions of the access opening 124.

[0654] The magnetic elements 404 are thus positioned on opposite sides of the access opening 124.

[0655] In this embodiment, five magnetic elements 404 are arranged on each side.

[0656] The magnetic elements 404 are spaced evenly apart from each other and are arranged overlapping each other, almost directly adjacent to each other.

[0657] As can be seen from Figures 25 and 27, the magnetic elements 404 are arranged in a nearly vertical configuration and are provided within the holding component 406 in the assigned wall section 126.

[0658] Alternatively, the magnetic element 404 may be directly located within and / or provided on the assigned wall section 126.

[0659] Since the second door element 112 is provided with corresponding elements 410, the second door element 112 can be attracted by the magnetic element 404 to lock it in the closed position, and can also be released again to open it.

[0660] Advantageously, the magnetic element 404 can generate the clamping pressure and / or sealing retention force of the second door element 112 against the access opening 125. In effect, the locking device 330 can function as a clamping device for generating clamping pressure of the second door element 112 against the wall section 126 and the access opening 124, and / or for maintaining the sealing of the second door element 112.

[0661] In other words, the second door element 112, equipped with the third sealing portion element 140, can be pressed against the inner surface of the access opening 124 based on magnetic force by an additional locking device 330, thereby enabling a reliable seal between them.

[0662] More specifically, as can be seen from Figure 27, the magnetic element 400 of the locking device 114 of the first door element 110 is spaced apart from the magnetic element 404 of the further locking device 330 of the second door element 112. This allows for the formation of mutual spacing between the magnetic fields, thereby avoiding undesirable interactions or influences between them.

[0663] Furthermore, as can be seen from Figure 23, the secure seating of the magnetic element 404 can be ensured by covering the housing hole 408 of the lateral holding component 406 outward with the respective cover elements fixed thereto. Alternatively, the magnetic element 404 may be held within the housing hole 408 in another form, for example, by being bonded thereto.

[0664] Specifically, referring to Figures 24, 28, and 30, the coupling element 144 of the second door element 112, which allows the first door element 110 to engage with and be held by the second door element 112, is formed from two electromagnets 412.

[0665] Each electromagnet 412 is located within a housing pocket 414. The housing pockets are formed within the second door element 112.

[0666] The second door element 112 further has a cover element 416 for covering the electromagnet 412 within the housing pocket 414.

[0667] As can be seen from Figures 28 and 30, the cover element 416 forms a portion of the second door element 112 that is oriented outward relative to the second process unit 104.

[0668] Such portions of the second door element 112 have a coplanar transition to the rest or other portions of the second door element 112, the rest of which is oriented outward relative to the second process unit 104.

[0669] The coupling element 144 may be located within the truncated pyramidal section 132 of the second door element 112, specifically near its center.

[0670] As described above, the first door element 100 may be manufactured, or has been manufactured, as a magnetic-compatible element, from, for example, a magnetic material or a magnetizable material, so that the first door element 110 can engage with the second door element 112 by the coupling element 144 and can be held by the second door element.

[0671] A coupling element 144, formed as an electromagnet 412, is controllable by a control unit 146 as described herein, in order to engage the first door element 110 with the second door element 112 and to hold it to the second door element.

[0672] As previously described, the control unit 146 may be contained within the transfer device 100 and / or may be assignable to or assigned to the transfer device 100. For example, the control unit 146 that is assignable to or assigned to the transfer device 100 may be contained within the first process unit 102 and / or the second process unit 104.

[0673] Needless to say, the entire, advantageously electrically operable devices, equipment, and / or components of the transfer device 100 may be signal-technically connected to the control unit 146 and can be controlled by the control unit for the orderly operation of the transfer device 100 and / or process units 102, 104.

[0674] Specifically, referring to Figures 19-24 and 32 and 33, the opener device 116 for opening and closing at least one of the door elements 110 and 112 is formed in a different manner compared to Figures 1-5.

[0675] As previously described, the opener device 116 is used to open and close at least one of the door elements 110, 112, and is located in and / or can be located in or incorporated into the second process unit 104.

[0676] The first door element 110 and the second door element 112 can be engaged with each other, thereby allowing the opener device 116 to move them together away from the access openings 118 and 124.

[0677] When the door elements 110 and 112 are engaged and the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 are released by the locking devices 114 and 333, the first door element 110 and the second door element 112 can be moved together away from the access openings 118 and 124 by the opener device 116. This enables and / or achieves the aforementioned aseptic transfer between the first process unit 102 and the second process unit 104.

[0678] The opener device 116 has a drive unit 418.

[0679] The drive unit 148 is located and fixed within the second process unit 104.

[0680] Specifically, the drive unit 148 is located within the wall section 126 of the second process unit 104 and is fixed to the wall section 126.

[0681] The drive unit 418 includes a motion device 420 and a motor device 422.

[0682] The lever element 148, and consequently the second door element 112, are also fixed to the drive unit 418 (via the lever element 148).

[0683] Specifically, the lever element 148 is fixed to the motion device 420.

[0684] The moving device 420 is capable of relative movement with respect to the wall section 126 and the access opening 124 by the motor device 422.

[0685] Specifically, the motion device 420 is rotatably and at least partially linearly movable by the motor device 422.

[0686] In other words, the lever element 148, and by extension the second door element 112, and / or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other, are also rotatable and linearly movable by the motor device 422.

[0687] The driving device 422 has a rotating axis 150 formed as a hollow shaft and a moving device 424.

[0688] The rotation axis 150 includes a cylindrical section 426 and a rectangular parallelepiped section 428 provided following the cylindrical section.

[0689] The rotation axis 150 is positioned perpendicular to the wall section 126 of the second process unit 104.

[0690] The rotation axis 140 extends through the wall section 126. The rectangular section 428 is entirely located inside the interior 128 of the second process unit 104, while the cylindrical section 426 is mostly located outside the interior 128 of the second process unit 104.

[0691] The rotation axis 150 is rotatably supported by one bearing device 432 each within the wall section 126 and within the fixed section 430 of the wall section 126.

[0692] Fixed section 430 is shown only in Figure 33 and is omitted in other drawings for the sake of clarity.

[0693] The fixed section 430 is located on the outside relative to the interior 128 of the second process unit 104. The fixed section 430 is advantageously detachably fixed to the wall section 126 and together with the wall section 126 can form a housing. A motor device 422 is at least partially located within this housing.

[0694] Specifically, a bearing device 432 is positioned between the wall section 126 and the cylindrical section 426, and a further bearing device 423 is positioned between the fixed section 430 and the cylindrical section 426.

[0695] The transition between the interior 128 and the exterior of the second process unit 104, resulting from the rotation axis 150 extending through the wall section 126, is advantageously aseptically sealed by an additional sealing device 434.

[0696] In other words, the drive unit 418 may have two bearing devices 432, for example, a ball bearing-bearing device, and the further sealing device 434.

[0697] The moving device 424 is positioned on the rotation axis 150, specifically on the outside of the rectangular parallelepiped section 428, and consequently on the inside of the second process unit 104.

[0698] The moving device 424 is capable of moving linearly along the rotation axis 150, specifically along the rectangular parallelepiped section 428, and / or being movable. This is indicated, for example, by the arrow shown in Figure 33.

[0699] The moving device 424 is formed in a carriage shape and has a carriage unit 436.

[0700] The carriage unit 436 is positioned on the outside of the rectangular section 428 and is capable of moving linearly along the rectangular section 428 and / or is movable.

[0701] Specifically, as is clear from Figure 32, the carriage unit 436 almost completely surrounds the rectangular prism section 428, or surrounds all four sides of the rectangular prism section 428.

[0702] The carriage unit 436 has four carriage sections 438 and four coupling sections 440.

[0703] The carriage section 438 has multiple, in this case four, roller elements 442 for rolling on the axis of rotation 150, specifically on the rectangular section 428.

[0704] Each carriage section 438 is positioned on the side of the rectangular section 428.

[0705] A connecting section 440 is positioned between each carriage section 438. The carriage sections 438 are connected to each other by the connecting sections.

[0706] In effect, the connecting section 440 bridges the edge regions of the rectangular parallelepiped section 428 between the individual sides.

[0707] The connecting section 440 has an L-shaped cross-section for this purpose.

[0708] As is clear from the drawing, the lever element 148 is fixed to the carriage section 438. The carriage section is oriented toward the access opening 124 when the motor unit 422 is not operating. In the drawing, this is the upper carriage section 438.

[0709] The carriage unit 436 can enable linear motion of the moving device 424 along the rotation axis 150.

[0710] As previously described, the rotation axis 150, specifically the cylindrical section 426 and the rectangular parallelepiped section 428, can rotate together, and the moving device 424 can rotate together with each other by the motor device 422.

[0711] Furthermore, the moving device 424, specifically the carriage unit 436, is capable of moving linearly along the rotation axis 150, specifically along the rectangular parallelepiped section 428, and / or being movable by the motor device 422.

[0712] To enable the aforementioned rotational motion, the motor device 422 has a rotary motor 444. In effect, the rotary motor 444 is the rotary motor that causes the rotational motion of the motion device 420.

[0713] Furthermore, in order to enable the linear motion described above, the motor device 422 has a linear motor, in this case a spindle drive motor 446. In effect, the spindle drive motor 446 is the motor for causing the linear motion of the moving device 420, specifically of at least a portion of the moving device 424. The spindle drive motor 446 has a driveable spindle 448.

[0714] In other words, the rotational axis 150 and the moving device 424 are rotatable by the rotary motor 444, and the moving device 424 is made linearly movable by the spindle drive motor 446.

[0715] The motor device 422, specifically the rotary motor 444 and the spindle drive motor 446, can be controlled by the control unit 146.

[0716] The rotary motor 444 is fixed to the rotation axis 150, specifically between the cylindrical section 426 and the fixed section 430 of the wall section 126, and is advantageously positioned adjacent to the wall section 126.

[0717] In effect, the rotary motor 444 is positioned on the outside of the rotation axis 150, specifically the cylindrical section 426, and is fixed to the wall or wall section 126 of the second process unit 104.

[0718] The spindle drive motor 446 is positioned and fixed inside the rotation axis 150. Specifically, this means that the spindle drive motor 446 is rotatable together with the rotation axis 150.

[0719] Specifically, the spindle drive motor 446 is located inside the cylindrical section 426 and is fixed to the partition wall 450. The partition wall 450 separates the interiors of the cylindrical section 426 and the rectangular parallelepiped section 428 from each other.

[0720] The spindle 448 extends through the partition wall 450 and is supported by a spindle bearing device 452 on a cover element 454 of the rectangular parallelepiped section 428. The cover element closes off the interior of the rectangular parallelepiped section 428 to the interior 128 of the second process unit 104 within the end region facing the partition wall 450.

[0721] A sliding and / or carriage-shaped moving element 456 contained within the motion device 420 is positioned within the rectangular parallelepiped section 428 on a linear guide 458 of the motion device 420, which is located within the rectangular parallelepiped section 428, and engages with the spindle 448. The linear guide 458 may be arbitrary. In this case, the moving element 456 may be linearly guided, for example, only by the spindle 448.

[0722] By the rotation of the spindle drive motor 446, specifically the spindle 448, the moving element 456 is capable of reciprocating linearly along the spindle 448 and / or reciprocating within the rectangular parallelepiped section 428.

[0723] In this case, the moving element 456 and the moving device 434, specifically the carriage unit 436, are magnetically coupled to each other in a non-contact manner, thereby enabling them to move together, and more specifically, enabling the movement of the moving element 456 to cause the movement of the carriage unit 436.

[0724] For this purpose, the moving element 456 may have multiple accompanying magnets 460, and the moving device 434, specifically the carriage unit 436, may have multiple corresponding magnetic and / or magnetizable corresponding elements, effectively accompanying corresponding elements 462. This enables a non-contact operational coupling between the moving element 456 and the moving device 424.

[0725] As can be seen in general terms from Figure 33, and more specifically from Figure 32, the traction magnet 460 is fixed to the moving element 456 on the outside, and correspondingly the traction-compatible element 462 is fixed to the carriage unit 436 on the inside, specifically to the carriage section 438. Thus, the traction magnets are positioned facing each other against the wall of the rectangular parallelepiped section 428, and are in a non-contact operational coupling state with each other.

[0726] As illustrated in Figure 32, one guide magnet 460 is positioned on each side of the moving element 456, and one guide-compatible element 462 is positioned on each inwardly facing side of the laterally positioned carriage section 438.

[0727] As the moving element 456 moves in a linear motion (caused by the rotation of the spindle 448), the moving device 424, specifically the carriage unit 436, moves in a corresponding and advantageously linear manner along the axis of rotation 150, specifically the rectangular parallelepiped section 428.

[0728] Specifically, referring to Figure 33, or for example Figure 24, the motor device 422 has a braking device 464 for braking the rotational motion of the rotation axis 150 and / or the motion device 420.

[0729] The braking device 464 is positioned and fixed to the rotation axis 150, specifically to the end region of the cylindrical section 426 opposite to the wall section 126.

[0730] In effect, the rotary motor 444 is positioned between the braking device 464 and the wall section 126.

[0731] The braking device 464 can brake, and advantageously decelerate and / or stop, the rotational motion of the rotation axis 150, and consequently the pivoting motion of the second door element 112, or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other. Needless to say, this can and does apply to components that are indirectly or directly fixed to the rotation axis 150, such as the moving device 424.

[0732] The opener device 116, and specifically the drive unit 418, can move the second door element 112, or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other, together into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104, first linearly (see Figures 19 and 20), and then pivotally (see Figure 21), thereby moving them away from the access openings 118, 124.

[0733] In other words, the drive unit 418 is capable of linearly moving the second door element 112, or the door elements 110, 112 engaged with each other, together toward the interior 128 of the second process unit 104, advantageously for opening operation (see Figures 19 and 20), and subsequently pivoting within the interior 128 (see Figure 21).

[0734] Once the opening operation is complete and a favorably aseptic transfer between process units 102 and 104 is possible, the processed objects can be exchanged between process units 102 and 104. Figures 21 and 22 show, for example, a magazine device 466 for storing cells. In Figure 22, the magazine device 466 is moved from the first process unit 102 into the second process unit 104 via a drawer device located inside the first process unit 102.

[0735] The drive unit 418 can rotate the second door element 112, or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other, together within the interior 128 of the second process unit 104, and then linearly move toward the access opening 124, and preferably into the access opening. This preferably constitutes a closing operation.

[0736] As previously described, process units 102, 104 may have one or more coupling devices. The coupling devices allow process units 102, 104 to be coupled with one or more further process units 102, 104, for example, mechanically.

[0737] In this embodiment, the coupling device is formed by positioning elements 468 for positioning the first process unit 102 together with the second process unit 103. These positioning elements are arranged and / or fixed to and / or formed in the first process unit 102, specifically in the wall section 120.

[0738] The second process unit 104 has a positioning element 470 that is complementary to the positioning element 468. The complementary positioning element 470 is positioned and / or fixed and / or formed in the wall section 126 of the second process unit 104, corresponding to the positioning element 468.

[0739] Such a positioning element 468 is formed as a positioning projection for introduction into the positioning housing.

[0740] Such complementary positioning elements 470 are formed as positioning housings for accommodating positioning protrusions.

[0741] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an additional coupling device is formed by a plug element 472 and a socket element 474.

[0742] The plug element 472 and socket element 474 serve to transmit energy and / or fluids, specifically gases, gas mixtures, and / or liquids, between the coupled process units 102 and 104.

[0743] The plug element 472 is positioned and / or fixed to and / or formed in the first process unit 102, specifically in the wall section 120.

[0744] The socket element 474 is positioned and / or fixed and / or formed in the second process unit 102, specifically in the wall section 126, in correspondence with the plug element 472.

[0745] The coupling device, specifically the positioning elements 468, 470, and the plug element 472 and socket element 474, can be assigned to the transfer device 100, or may be assigned to it, and / or may be contained within the transfer device.

[0746] The transfer device 100 further includes, for example, a fifth sensor unit 476 for detecting and / or identifying the presence of the first process unit 102.

[0747] In this embodiment, these five sensor units 476 are fixed to the wall section 126 of the second process unit 104 adjacent to the holding component 406 of the further locking device 330.

[0748] The five sensor units 476 are signal-technically connected to the control unit 146.

[0749] When the fifth sensor unit 476 detects the first process unit 102 with the door elements 110 and 112 ready for coupling, the control unit 146 can appropriately control the coupling element 144, and subsequently cause the door elements 110 and 112 to open.

[0750] For example, the fifth sensor unit 476 may be formed as an RFID sensor and / or may include such an RFID sensor in order to detect additional information, for example, through the first process unit 102 and its contents. Needless to say, the first process unit 102 may or may have a corresponding RFID tag.

[0751] Next, I will briefly explain the operation of the transfer device 100, specifically the release operation.

[0752] In the initial state, the first process unit 102 and the second process unit 104 are coupled to each other, which is advantageous in enabling aseptic transfer (see Figures 19, 23, 24, and 30).

[0753] The control unit 146 controls the coupling element 144 in order to connect and / or engage the first door element 100 and the second door element 112 with each other.

[0754] Next, advantageously, in response to appropriate control by the control unit 146, the first door element 100 is released by the locking device 114.

[0755] Simultaneously or subsequently, advantageously in response to corresponding control by the control unit 146, the second door element 112 is released by the further locking device 330.

[0756] The first door element 110 and the second door element 112 are now engaged with each other and are no longer locked together.

[0757] The spindle 448 is rotated by the spindle drive motor 446, and then the moving element 456 is moved linearly away from the wall section 126.

[0758] Through a non-contact action coupling between the moving element 456 and the carriage unit 436, the carriage unit 436, and consequently the door elements 110 and 112 that are coupled to the carriage unit 436 via the lever element 148 and are engaged with each other, are also moved linearly in correspondence. As a result, the engaged door elements 110 and 112 are moved to exit through their respective access openings 118 and 124 (see Figures 20, 28, and 33).

[0759] Next, the rotation axis 150 is rotated by the rotary motor 444, causing the carriage unit 436, and consequently the door elements 110 and 112, to pivot. As a result, the door elements 110 and 112, which are engaged with each other, are pivoted away from their respective access openings 118 and 124 (see Figure 21).

[0760] Since an unobstructed, and advantageously sterile, transfer between process units 102 and 104 is now provided, for example, the magazine device 466 may or can be transferred from the first process unit 102 into the second process unit 104 (see Figure 22).

[0761] Conversely, process units 102 and 104 can be closed again.

[0762] Referring to Figure 34, a system 200 consisting of two process units 102 and 104 is shown, which are essentially configured and formed in the same way as those described in relation to Figures 19-33. Therefore, only the differences will be explained below.

[0763] As can be seen from Figure 34, the second process unit 104 has the coupling device described above. The coupling device is formed by complementary positioning elements 470 and socket elements 474, respectively. The first process unit 102 has a corresponding positioning element 468 and plug element 472.

[0764] The second process unit 104 further includes additional coupling devices. These additional coupling devices are formed from a plurality of locking elements 478, in this case two, for locking and / or capturing the first process unit 102 to the second process unit 104.

[0765] The locking elements 478 are positioned on the outside of the wall section 126 of the second process unit 104 and facing each other with respect to the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104.

[0766] Each locking element 478 is formed as a pivotable retaining element. The retaining elements allow the side edge region of the wall section 120 of the second process unit 102 to be engaged from behind. Figure 34 illustrates a state in which the wall section 120 of the second process unit 102 is engaged from behind by the locking elements 478.

[0767] In effect, the side edge region of the wall section 120 of the second process unit 102 serves as a retaining contour for accommodating the locking element 478.

[0768] In other words, such a locking element 478 of the second process unit 104 is formed as a retaining element for engaging with a retaining contour, and a locking element of the first process unit 102 that is complementary to the locking element 478 is formed as a retaining contour for accommodating the retaining element.

[0769] Here, since the locking element 478 is motorized, it is advantageous that locking and / or capturing can be performed automatically, specifically fully automatically.

[0770] Advantageously, the first process unit 102 can be attracted to and held in the second process unit 104 by the locking element 478, thereby allowing a pressing force to be applied, thus enabling a reliable and / or sealed coupling of the process units 102 and 104.

[0771] Referring to Figure 35, a portion of the transfer device 100 based on a further embodiment is shown, in which the opener device 116, specifically the lever element 148, is formed in a different manner compared to the previous drawings.

[0772] The opener device 116 shown in Figure 35 is formed in almost the same way as the opener device 116 shown in Figure 12, so only the differences will be explained below.

[0773] The rotatable lever element 148 is formed from a plurality of lever members, in this case three, 322, 324, and 480.

[0774] The lever members 322, 324, and 480 are connected to each other so as to be movable.

[0775] Here, the rotatable lever element 148 is also formed from a first lever member 322, a second lever member 324, and a third lever member 480.

[0776] The first lever member 322 is rotatably fixed to the first end region of the first lever member 322 within the second process unit 104 in its assembled state, and the first end region of the second lever member 324 is rotatably fixed to the second end region of the first lever member 322.

[0777] The first end region of the third lever member 480 is rotatably fixed to the second end region of the second lever member 324, and the second end region of the third lever member 480 is rotatably fixed to the second door element 112.

[0778] The lever members 322, 324, and 480 can be used to move the second door element 112, or the door elements 110 and 112 that are engaged with each other, together into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104, and thus away from the access openings 118 and 124.

[0779] A first motor (not shown) is positioned between the second process unit 104 and the first lever member 322, and optionally, a second motor (not shown) is positioned between the first lever member 322 and the second lever member 324.

[0780] The first motor and optionally the second motor may form and / or be contained within the motor device 208.

[0781] Optionally, a third motor may be provided between the second lever member 324 and the third lever member 480. The third motor may also be, or may already be, assigned to, a motor device 208, for example.

[0782] Advantageously, the first, second, and third lever members 322, 324, and 480 may be arranged in a parallelogram configuration and / or form a parallelogram guide 482.

[0783] The parallelogram arrangement can be advantageously space-saving within the interior 128 of the second process unit 104.

[0784] The parallelogram arrangement or the parallelogram guide 482 allows the second door element 112, or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other, to be moved together into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104, and thus away from the access openings 118, 124.

[0785] Motion guided by a parallelogram arrangement or parallelogram guide 482 is advantageously two-dimensional linear motion in a single plane.

[0786] Referring to Figure 36, a portion of the transfer device 100 based on a further embodiment is shown, in which the opener device 116, specifically the lever element 148, is formed in a different manner compared to the previous drawings.

[0787] The opener device 116 shown in Figure 36 is formed in almost the same way as the opener device 116 shown in Figure 12, so only the differences will be explained below.

[0788] A motor 484 is positioned between the second process unit 104, specifically the wall section 126, and the first lever member 322.

[0789] The first lever member 322 is connected to the second process unit 104, specifically the wall section 126, via the motor 484.

[0790] The first lever member 322 and the second lever member 324 form a lever kinematics 486.

[0791] The lever kinematics 486 allows the second door element 112, positioned on the second lever member 324, or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other, to move linearly together into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104, and subsequently become rotatable or linearly movable within the interior 128, thereby enabling unobstructed access to the assigned access openings 118, 124.

[0792] In other words, the second door element 112 positioned on the second lever member 324, or the door elements 110 and 112 that are engaged with each other, can be lifted together first to exit the access openings 118 and 124, and then moved laterally, thereby enabling unobstructed access to the access openings 118 and 124.

[0793] Referring to Figures 37 and 38, a portion of the transfer device 100 based on a further embodiment is shown, in which the opener device 116 is formed in a different manner compared to the earlier drawings.

[0794] The opener device 116 includes a guide device 488 and a motor device 208.

[0795] The second door element 112 is fixed to the guide device 488.

[0796] The guide device 488 is positioned adjacent to the access opening 124.

[0797] The second door element 112 can be moved linearly by the motor device 208 along a portion of the guide device 488 so as to exit the access opening 124 to which it belongs (see arrow in Figure 38), and then linearly along a further portion of the guide device 488 so as to move away from the access opening 124 to which it belongs (see arrow in Figure 37).

[0798] The guide device 488 has a first guide element 490 and a second guide element 492, which are each located inside the interior 128 of the second process unit 104 on opposite sides of the access opening 124.

[0799] The first guide element 490 and the second guide element 492 are positioned substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the access opening 124.

[0800] The first guide element 490 and the second guide element 492 are, in this context, formed as guide rails that are magnetic rails.

[0801] The first guide element 490 and the second guide element 492 are approximately the same length.

[0802] The second door element 112 is movably held by the first guide element 490 and the second guide element 492.

[0803] Specifically, the second door element 112 is held by the first guide element 490 and the second guide element 492 based on magnetic force.

[0804] The guide device 488 further includes a holding kinematics 494. Through the holding kinematics 494, the second door element 112 is movably held by the guide elements 490, 492.

[0805] As is evident from the relevant drawings, the second door element 112 is movably held by the guide elements 490, 492 via a plurality of retaining kinematics 494, in this case four retaining members 496.

[0806] The retaining members 496 of the retaining kinematics 494 are, here, formed as corresponding elements to the magnetic rails, and / or function as such, and / or have such elements.

[0807] The retaining member 496 of the retaining kinematics 494 is advantageously formed in a sliding shape.

[0808] The second door element 112 is movably held by the guide elements 490, 492, with the number of retaining members 496 being the same for each guide element 490, 492, which is two in this case.

[0809] The second door element 112 can be moved by the motor device 208 via the holding kinematics 494 in a direction linearly out of the access opening 124 and / or in a direction re-entering the access opening (see arrow in Figure 38).

[0810] In other words, the holding kinematics 494 can be operated by the motor device 208 to move the second door element 112 linearly out of the access opening 124 and / or back into the access opening.

[0811] The second door element 112 is moved to exit the access opening 124 and is movable away from the access opening 124 by the motor device 208 via guide elements 490, 492 and / or can be re-supplied (arrow in Figure 37).

[0812] In other words, the holding kinematics 494 can be operated by the motor device 208 to move the second door element 112 linearly along the guide elements 490, 492 while the second door element 112 is being moved to exit the access opening 124.

[0813] Specifically, the second door element 112 can be moved away from the access opening 124 to which it belongs by motion in a plane that can be oriented laterally, and more specifically, perpendicularly, to the previous motion.

[0814] For example, the vectors of motion of each object may be perpendicular to each other.

[0815] As can be seen from the drawing, the movement exiting the access opening 124 is oriented almost horizontally (see arrow in Figure 38), and the subsequent movement away from the access opening 124 is oriented almost vertically (see arrow in Figure 37). This is advantageously an opening operation. The open state is shown by a dashed line in Figure 37.

[0816] The second door element 112 can similarly be moved back into the access opening 124, effectively allowing the second door element 112 to return along the aforementioned motion path. This is advantageously a closing operation.

[0817] Referring now to Figures 39 and 40, a portion of the transfer device 100 based on a further embodiment is shown, in which the opener device 116 is formed in a different manner compared to the previous drawings.

[0818] The opener device 116 shown in Figures 39 and 40 is formed in much the same way as the opener device 116 shown in Figures 37 and 38, so only the differences will be explained below.

[0819] The opener device 116 may be positioned rotated by 90° compared to the opener device 116 shown in Figures 37 and 38, for example.

[0820] Needless to say, each movement of the door element 112 to open and / or close the access opening 124 is appropriately oriented to the other state.

[0821] Furthermore, the first guide element 490, which is positioned above the second guide element 492 in the height direction, is shorter, and advantageously, is shorter by the length of the access opening 124 in the direction extending laterally, specifically vertically, with respect to the height direction.

[0822] Here, the second door element 112 is movably held by the first guide element 490 via a retaining member 496, and by the second guide element 492 via two retaining members 496. In other words, the number of retaining members per guide element 490,492 is different.

[0823] Advantageously, since the first guide element 490 is formed in a shortened shape and the second door element 112 is thus not guided above the access opening 124, laminar flow 498 that may be possible within the second process unit 104 can flow through the second door element 112 and / or the access opening 124 without obstruction and / or advantageously avoid particulate contamination from above the access opening 124, for example, by dripping (Herabrieseln).

[0824] For other points, please refer to the explanations in Figures 37 and 38.

[0825] Referring now to Figures 41 and 42, a portion of the transfer device 100 based on a further embodiment is shown, in which the opener device 116 is formed in a different manner compared to the previous drawings.

[0826] The opener device 116 shown in Figures 41 and 42 is formed in much the same way as the opener device 116 shown in Figures 37 and 38, so only the differences will be explained below.

[0827] The opener device 116 may be positioned at an angle, for example, rotated by 45°, compared to the opener device 116 shown in Figures 37 and 38.

[0828] Needless to say, each movement of the door element 112 to open and / or close the access opening 124 is appropriately oriented to the other state.

[0829] The opener device 116 has a plurality of eccentric devices 500, in this case four. Guide elements 490, 492 are fixed to the wall section 126 via the eccentric devices.

[0830] Specifically, one eccentricity device 500 is positioned at each end region of each guide element 490, 492.

[0831] The eccentric device 500 is operable by the motor device 208 in order to move the guide elements 490 and 492 away from the wall section 126 and then back towards the wall section 126.

[0832] The second door element 112 can therefore be moved by the eccentric device 500 in a direction that moves linearly out of the access opening 124 and / or in a direction that moves back into the access opening.

[0833] In effect, the second door element 112 can be moved linearly by the eccentric device 500 together with the guide elements 490, 492, away from the access opening 124 and / or toward the access opening.

[0834] Furthermore, while the second door element 112 is moved to exit the access opening 124, it can be moved diagonally away from the access opening 124 via guide elements 490, 492 by the motor device 208 and / or re-supplied (see arrow in Figure 41).

[0835] Referring to Figures 43 and 44, a portion of the transfer device 100 based on a further embodiment is shown, in which the opener device 116 is formed in a different manner compared to the earlier drawings.

[0836] The opener device 116 shown in Figures 43 and 44 enables a motion sequence that is almost identical to that of the opener device 116 shown in Figures 19 to 33.

[0837] A first motor 502 and a second motor 504 are positioned between the second process unit 104, specifically the wall section 126, and the lever element 148.

[0838] A second motor 504 is positioned between the first motor 502 and the lever element 148.

[0839] A first motor 502 is positioned between the second motor 504 and the second process unit 104, specifically between the wall section 126.

[0840] Advantageously, the first motor 502 and the second motor 504 are coupled to each other via the rotation axis 150.

[0841] The first motor and the second motor can form a motor device and / or may be contained within a motor device.

[0842] The first motor 502 is a motor for generating linear motion, such as a spindle drive motor, and the second motor 504 is a motor for generating rotational motion, such as a rotary motor.

[0843] The first motor can move the second door element 112, or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other, together in a straight line toward the interior 128 of the second process unit 104, and move it out through the access opening 124, and then move it back again (see arrow in Figure 44).

[0844] Next, the second motor 504 can rotate the second door element 112, or the door elements 110 and 112 that are engaged with each other, together, advantageously in an opening operation, and advantageously away from the access opening 124 (for example, the state shown by the dashed line in Figure 43).

[0845] The closing operation may be performed in the reverse order.

[0846] Referring to Figures 45 and 46, a portion of the transfer device 100 based on a further embodiment is shown, in which the opener device 116 is formed in a different manner compared to the earlier drawings.

[0847] The opener device 116 shown in Figures 45 and 46 is formed in much the same way as the opener device 116 shown in Figures 43 and 44, so only the differences will be explained below.

[0848] A first motor 502 and a second motor 504 are positioned between the second process unit 104, specifically the wall section 126, and the lever element 148.

[0849] A second motor 504 is positioned between the first motor 502 and the lever element 148.

[0850] A first motor 502 is positioned between the second motor 504 and the second process unit 104, specifically between the wall section 126.

[0851] The first motor and the second motor can, for example, form a motor device 208 and / or be contained within the motor device.

[0852] The first motor 502 and the second motor 504 are motors for generating rotational motion, such as rotary motors.

[0853] The first motor 502 and the second motor 504 are positioned laterally, specifically perpendicularly, to each other, and in effect, their respective axes of rotation are positioned laterally, specifically perpendicularly, to each other.

[0854] The second motor 504 can rotate the second door element 112, or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other, together toward the interior 128 of the second process unit 104, so that they exit through the access opening 124, and then return them (left arrow in Figure 45).

[0855] Next, the first motor 502 can, advantageously for opening operation, pivot the second door element 112, or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other, together within the interior 128, and advantageously out through the access opening 124 (for example, the right arrow in Figure 45 and the arrow in Figure 46).

[0856] The closing operation can be performed in the reverse order.

[0857] Referring to Figures 47 and 48, a portion of the transfer device 100 based on a further embodiment is shown, in which the opener device 116 is formed in a different manner compared to the earlier drawings.

[0858] The opener device 116 shown in Figures 47 and 48 is formed in much the same way as the opener device 116 shown in Figures 45 and 46, so only the differences will be explained below.

[0859] The first motor 502 and the second motor 504, which are formed as rotary motors, are directly fixed to each other.

[0860] As is evident from the relevant drawing, the lever element 148 is positioned eccentrically with respect to the rotation axis of the second motor 504.

[0861] This allows the rotation of the second motor 504 to enable a larger motion path than that of the opener device 116 shown in Figures 45 and 46, thereby reducing and / or avoiding wear on the seal device 134 or its sealing element.

[0862] In addition, for example, the larger the motion path, the greater the structural tolerance of the components and / or parts used.

[0863] Referring to Figures 49 and 50, a portion of the transfer device 100 based on a further embodiment is shown, in which the opener device 116 is formed in a different manner compared to the earlier drawings.

[0864] The opener device 116 shown in Figures 49 and 50 is formed in much the same way as the opener device 116 shown in Figures 47 and 48, so only the differences will be explained below.

[0865] The lever element 148 is coupled to the second motor 504 via guide kinematics 506, such as parallelogram kinematics, which can cause the rotational motion caused or induced by the second motor 504 to cause the lever element 148, and by extension the second door element 112, or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other, to move away from the access opening 124.

[0866] For example, the kinematics 506 has at least two kinematics members 512, 514 that are movably coupled to each other and a drive disk 516. The lever element 148 is indirectly or directly coupled to the drive disk. For example, the drive disk 516 may be a portion of the axis and / or rotation axis. The lever element 148 may be held eccentrically on the axis and / or rotation axis.

[0867] The second motor 504 is coupled to the first kinematic member 512, thereby causing a rotational motion of the first kinematic member, preferably along a direction oriented laterally and preferably vertically with respect to the access opening 124.

[0868] The first kinematics member 512 is movably coupled to the second kinematics member 514, which is eccentrically and movably fixed to the drive disk 516.

[0869] As a result, the first kinematics member 512 is coupled to the drive disk 516 via the second kinematics member 514, so that the rotational motion of the first kinematics member 512 can cause the drive disk 516 to rotate. This ultimately allows the second door element 112, or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other, to move out of the access opening 124 or back into the access opening.

[0870] Advantageously, the second door element 112, or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other, may remain oriented substantially parallel to the access opening 124 during such circular orbital motion.

[0871] In other words, in the embodiments of Figures 47 and 48, guide kinematics 506, such as parallelogram kinematics, are provided and used inside the rotation axis 150 to avoid the angle between the second door element 112 and the access opening 124. The guide kinematics displace the second door element 112 on a circular track without an opening rotation angle (Aufklappwinkel). This allows subsequent rotation by the first motor 502 to be performed in a small required space.

[0872] Referring to Figure 51, a portion of the transfer device 100 based on a further embodiment is shown, in which the opener device 116 is formed in a different manner compared to the previous drawings.

[0873] The opener device 116 is formed here by and / or includes a handling device 508.

[0874] The handling device 508 is formed, for example, as a multi-axis robotic arm and / or a pick-and-place robot.

[0875] The handling device 508 is guided by rails within the second process unit 104 and / or movable in an integrated state for a wide, specifically larger action area, specifically a handling area.

[0876] As schematically illustrated, the handling device 508 can move each of the second door elements 112, or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other, together into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104, and thus away from the corresponding access openings 118, 124.

[0877] In other words, the handling device 508 can move the second door element 112, or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other, together, advantageously in a plug-like manner, out of the access openings 118, 124 and back into the access openings, advantageously into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104, and thus away from the access openings 118, 124.

[0878] Furthermore, the second door element 112, or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other, can be moved together and again into the access openings 118, 124 in the same manner.

[0879] Referring to Figure 52, a portion of the transfer device 100 based on a further embodiment is shown, in which the opener device 116 is formed in a different manner compared to the previous drawings.

[0880] The opener device 116 shown in Figure 52 is formed in almost the same way as the opener device 116 shown in Figure 51, so only the differences will be explained below.

[0881] In this embodiment, a pull-out guide 510, such as a telescopic guide, is provided in the access opening 124 of the second process unit 104.

[0882] Along the pull-out guide 510, the second door element 112, or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other, can be moved together by the handling device 508 in a pull-out manner to exit the access openings 118, 124 and then back into the access openings, specifically into the interior 128 of the second process unit 104, and thus away from the access openings 118, 124.

[0883] Furthermore, the second door element 112, or the door elements 110, 112 that are engaged with each other, can be moved together and again into the access openings 118, 124 in this manner.

[0884] For example, the second door element 112 may be coupled to and / or coupled to a drawer guide moving device, such as a slide and / or carriage.

[0885] Referring to Figures 53 and 54, a portion of the transfer device 100 based on a further embodiment is shown, in which the opener device 116 is formed in a different manner compared to the earlier drawings.

[0886] The opener device 116 shown in Figures 53 and 54 is formed in much the same way as the opener device 116 shown in Figures 49 and 50, so only the differences will be explained below.

[0887] As can be seen from Figures 53 and 54, the kinematics 506 includes at least one kinematic member 514, in this case a second kinematic member 514, a drive disk 516, and a further drive disk 518.

[0888] An additional drive disk 518 is fixed to a second motor 504 to transmit torque and / or rotational motion.

[0889] The kinematics member 514 is positioned eccentrically and movably on both the drive disk 516 and the further drive disk 518.

[0890] In effect, compared to Figures 49 and 50, the additional drive disk 518 is replaced by the first kinematics member 512 in this embodiment.

[0891] The rotation of the additional drive disk 518 allows the kinematic member 514 to move laterally, specifically perpendicularly, to the rotation axis of the additional drive disk 518 in a plane. Such movement of the kinematic member 514 can bring rotation to the drive disk 516.

[0892] The kinematics member 514 thereby enables the operational coupling between the two drive disks 516 and 518.

[0893] As a result, the drive disks 516 and 518 are coupled to each other via the kinematic member 514, so that the rotational motion of the additional drive disk 518 (caused by the second motor 504) can cause the drive disk 516 to rotate. This ultimately allows the second door element 112, or the door elements 110 and 112 that are engaged with each other, to move out of the access opening 124 or back into the access opening. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0894] 100 Transfer device 102 First object, process unit, first process unit 104 Second object, further process unit, second process unit 106 First part of the transfer device 108 Second part of the transfer device 110 First door element 112 Second door element 114 Locking device 116 Opener device 118 Access opening of the first process unit 120 Wall section of the first process unit 122 Inside the first process unit 124 Access opening of the second process unit 126 Wall section of the second process unit 128 Inside the second process unit 130. The frustoconical section of the first door element. 132. Truncated cone section of the second door element 134 Sealing device 136 First seal portion element 138 Second seal portion element 140 Third seal portion element 142 Fourth seal element 144 Coupling element 146 Control Unit 148 Lever element 150 Rotation axis 152 First end region of lever element 154 Second end region of lever element 156 First Sensor Unit 158 Second Sensor Unit 160 Third Sensor Unit 162 Retention category 164 Retaining contour 166 First retaining element 168 Second retaining element 170 Drive unit 172 Fourth Sensor Unit 174 Spring Element 176 1st axis 178 2nd axis 180 motor 182 Spindle drive device 184 Operating Arm 200 Systems 202 Third Process Unit 204 Fourth Process Unit 206 Separate Interior Spaces 208 Motor device 210 Energy Storage Unit 300 eccentric device 302 axis 304 Motion device for eccentricity 306 Eccentric element 308 Compatible Elements 310 Wedge device 312 Sliding element 314 Wedge mechanism motion device 316 Wedge-shaped element 318 Wedge-shaped corresponding element 320 Taper divisions 322 First lever member 324 Second lever member 326 Joint device 328 Gripper Actuator 330 Further locking devices 332 Bayonet Element 334 Compatible Bayonet Element 336 Tightening and / or tightening lever 338 Spring element of knee lever device 340 axes 342 Eccentric element 400 Magnetic element of locking device 402 Intake 404 Magnetic element of further locking device 406 Retaining structure portion of further locking device 408 Housing hole for retaining structure portion 410 compatible element 412 Electromagnets of Coupling Elements 414 storage pockets 416 Cover Element 418 Drive Unit 420 Exercise equipment 422 Motor device 424 Mobile device 426 Cylindrical section 428 Rectangular parallelepiped division 430 Fixed classification 432 Bearing device 434 Further sealing device 436 Carriage Unit 438 Carriage Classification 440 Combined classification 442 Roller Element 444 Rotation Motor 446 Spindle drive motor 448 spindles 450 Bulkhead 452 Spindle and bearing device 454 Cover Element 456 Moving Element 458 Linear Guide 460 Magnet for carrying 462 Element compatible with traction 464 Braking device 466 Magazine Unit 468 Positioning element 470 Complementary positioning elements 472 Plug element 474 Socket Element 476 Fifth Sensor Unit 478 Locking element 480 Third lever member 482 Parallelogram Guide 484 Motor 486 Lever Kinematics 488 Guide device 490 First guide element 492 Second Guide Element 494 Retention Kinematics 496 Retaining member 498 Laminar flow 500 eccentric device 502 First Motor 504 Second Motor 506 Guide Kinematics 508 Handling device 510 Drawer Guide 512 First kinematics component 514 Second kinematics component 516 Drive Disk 518 Further drive discs A Open rotation direction B Closure rotation direction

Claims

1. A transfer device (100) for enabling a specific aseptic transfer between a first object (102), specifically a first process unit (102), and a second object (104), specifically a second process unit (104), wherein the transfer device (100) is at least partially installable within the first object (102) and at least partially installable within the second object (104), and the following, namely: A first door element (110) is positioned in the first object (102) in an assembled state, and is formed within a wall section (120) of the first object (102) for opening and closing an access opening (118) to the interior (122) of the first object (102), A second door element (112) is positioned in the second object (104) in an assembled state and is used to open and close an access opening (124) to the interior (128) of the second object (104), which is formed within the wall section (126) 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 first door element (110), wherein the locking device (114) is incorporated into and / or disposed on the first object (102), An opener device (116) for opening and closing at least one of the door elements (110, 112), wherein the opener device (116) is installed in and / or located on the second object (104), It has, The first door element (110) and the second door element (112) are engageable with each other, and when the first door element (110) is released by the locking device (114) while engaged, the first door element (110) and the second door element (112) can be moved together away from the access opening (118, 124) by the opener device (116) to allow for a specific, aseptic transfer between the first object (102) and the second object (104). Transfer device (100).

2. The first door element (110) specifically includes a frustoconical or truncated pyramidal section (130), the section tapers toward the interior of the first object (102) when the first door element (110) is closed, and the circumferential surface of the section (130) of the first door element (110) is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the access opening (118) of the first object (102) when the first door element (110) is closed, and / or The second door element (112) specifically includes a frustoconical or truncated pyramidal section (132), the section tapering outward relative to the second object (104) when the second door element (112) is closed, and the circumferential surface of the section (132) of the second door element (112) is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the access opening (124) of the second object (104) when the second door element (112) is closed. The transfer device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that...

3. The transfer device (100) has a sealing device (134), the sealing device is formed from a plurality of sealing partial elements (136, 138, 140, 142), or includes the plurality of sealing partial elements, and the following is true: - The sealing device (134) makes it possible, or is sealed, to seal outward when the first door element (110) is closed, the first door element (110) and the inner circumferential surface of the access opening (118) of the first object (102), and / or - The sealing device (134) enables, or seals outward, the second door element (112) and the inner circumferential surface of the access opening (124) of the second object (104) when the second door element (112) is closed, and / or - The sealing device (134) ensures that, in the engaged state of the first door element (110) and the second door element (112), and in the closed state of the corresponding door elements (110, 112), the respective surfaces of both door elements (110, 112) facing outward relative to the corresponding objects (102, 104) are able to seal outward or are sealed, and / or - With the sealing device (134) causing the respective wall sections (120, 126) of the objects (102, 104) to be pressed against each other so as to engage the first door element (110) and the second door element (112), the respective opening areas of the access openings (118, 124) of both objects (102, 104) to be able to be sealed outward, or are sealed, and / or - The sealing device (134), specifically each sealing element (136, 138, 140, 142), has a closed, and specifically circular, contour. At least one of the following applies A transfer device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is a transfer device (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second door element (112) includes a coupling element (144), the coupling element being located within and / or on the second door element (112) and forming at least a portion of the second door element (112), the coupling element (144) enabling the first door element (110) to engage with and be held by the second door element (112), and optionally including the following: - The coupling element (144) forms a portion of the second door element (112) that is oriented outward with respect to the second object (104), the portion having a coplanar transition to the remaining portion of the second door element (112), the remaining portion being oriented outward with respect to the second object (104), and / or - The coupling element (144) is formed as an electromagnet or includes at least one electromagnet, and the first door element (110) is formed as a partially or completely magnetically compatible element or includes the magnetically compatible element. At least one of these is specified. A transfer device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

5. The first door element (110) and / or the second door element (112) each have outward-facing sides with a hygienic configuration, specifically a hygienic design, and in the above configuration, specifically the first door element (110) and / or the second door element (112) do not have an undercut on the outside, specifically on the side. A transfer device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

6. The opener device (116) includes a swivelable lever element (148), the lever element being swivelably fixed in the second object (104) to a first end region (152) of the lever element (148) in an assembled state, and the second door element (112) being fixed to the second end region (154) of the lever element (148), the lever element (148) can move the second door element (112) or any other engaged door elements (110, 112) together into the interior (128) of the second object (104), and thus away from the access openings (118, 124). A transfer device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that

7. At least a portion of the opener device (116) is rotatable and / or pivotable about a rotation axis (150) that can be positioned or is positioned inside the interior (128) of the second object (104), and can cause opening and closing of at least one of the door elements (110, 112) by corresponding rotation and / or pivoting motion, wherein the rotation axis (150), in its assembled state, is positioned at a predetermined distance from the access opening (124) of the second object (104), and the distance is greater than or equal to the maximum opening dimension of the access opening (124) of the second object (104), specifically greater than or equal to the opening diameter of the access opening (124) of the second object (104). A transfer device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that

8. The transport device (100) includes one or more sensor units (156, 158) for detecting the open state of the first door element (110) and / or the open state of the second door element (112), specifically, each sensor unit (156, 158) is signal-technically connected to the control unit (146) of the transport device (100) and / or an assignable or assigned control unit (146) of the transport device (100) in order to determine whether or not a transfer between the first object (102) and the second object (104) is permitted. A transfer device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is the transfer device (100) described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The transfer device (100) includes at least one sensor unit (160), which can be used to detect whether the first door element (110) and the second door element (112) are engaged with each other, and optionally the following: - The sensor unit (160) can be used to detect the mass moved when the opener device (116) is opened and / or closed, and / or - The sensor unit (160) can be used to detect changes in the magnetic field within and / or of the second object (104), and such changes may be caused by the opener device (116) when opening and / or closing, and / or - The sensor unit (160) can be used to detect the electrical contact between the first door element (110) and the second door element (112) when they are engaged and closed. At least one of these is specified. A transfer device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that

10. The first door element (110) includes a retaining contour (164), the retaining contour is positioned inward relative to the first object (102) in the closed state, and the locking device (114) is - At least one retaining element (166, 168) is positioned within the first object (102) in an assembled state, and the retaining element can be selectively engaged with the retaining contour (164) to lock the door element (110), - The drive device (170) allows the retaining elements (166, 168) to move so that they can selectively engage with the retaining contour (164), and more specifically, they can move between a locked position and a released position, and more specifically, the drive device (170) is incorporated into and / or disposed on the first object (102), and optionally the drive device (170) includes an elastic element, more specifically a spring element (174), and the elastic element can preload the retaining elements (166, 168) in the direction of engagement with the retaining contour (164), specifically toward the locked position, or is preloaded, and Includes, Specifically, the transfer device (100), specifically the locking device (114), includes at least one sensor unit (172) for detecting the locked state of the first door element (110), and the sensor unit is capable of detecting the position of the retaining elements (166, 168) relative to the drive device (114) and / or the retaining contour (164). A transfer device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that

11. The drive unit (170) is coupled to the retaining elements (166, 168) via shafts (176, 176), and via the shafts (176, 176), the retaining elements (166, 168) can engage with the retaining contour (164) and can disengage from the retaining contour (164) again, and specifically can move to the locked position and the released position, specifically the following: - The drive unit (170) includes a motor (180) and a transmission device, and via the transmission device, torque and / or force that can be provided by the motor (180) can be delivered, specifically to the shafts (176, 178), in order to engage the retaining elements (166, 168) with the retaining contour (164), and specifically to move the retaining elements (166, 168) to the locked position and the released position, and / or - The drive device (170) includes a motor (180) and a spindle drive device (182) driven by the motor (180), and an operating arm (184) is formed on the shafts (176, 178), the operating arm is movably coupled to the spindle drive device (182), the rotational motion of the spindle drive device (182) can be transmitted to the shafts (176, 178) in the form of a pivoting motion via the coupling of the shafts (176, 178) to the operating arm (184), and the pivoting motion is transmitted to the holding element (166, 168) via the shafts (176, 178). It is possible, and optionally, that the locking device (114) includes further retaining elements (166, 168), the retaining elements being movably coupled to the spindle drive device (182) via further shafts (176, 178) by operating arms (184) formed on the further shafts (176, 178), the two retaining elements (166, 168) being able to engage with and disengage from the retaining contour (164) by opposing, specifically synchronous, rotational motion, specifically being able to move to the locked position and the released position. At least one of the following applies The transfer device (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that...

12. The drive unit (170) is arranged in the first object (102) and outside the interior (122) of the first object (102) in an assembled state, or the drive unit (170) is arranged inside the first object (102) in an assembled state, and is formed to be at least partially autoclavable, and the autoclavable portion of the drive unit (170) and the non-autoclavable portion of the drive unit (170) are coupled to each other via at least one coupling component, and the non-autoclavable portion of the drive unit (170) can be disassembled and incorporated into the interior (122) of the first object (102), or The transfer device (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the drive unit (170) is positioned inside the first object (102) in an assembled state and is formed to be autoclavable, and more specifically, the drive unit (170) includes a sealed housing, the housing being partially or completely, specifically, thermally isolated from the surrounding area.

13. The opener device (116) has a drive unit (418) which can move the second door element (112) or the engaged door elements (110, 112) together into the interior (128) of the second object (104) in a swiveling and / or linear manner, preferably linearly and then swiveling, so that the door elements can be moved out of and / or away from the access openings (118, 124). A transfer device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that

14. The drive unit (418) has a motion device (420) and a motor device (422), the motion device (420) is rotatable by the motor device (422), and is at least partially capable of linear motion, in particular, - The moving device (420) preferably has a rotation axis (150) formed as an axis and a moving device (424), wherein the moving device (424) is positioned outside the rotation axis (150), and is capable of moving and / or moving in a straight line along the rotation axis (150), and / or - The motor device (422) includes a rotary motor (444) for generating rotational motion of the moving device (420), and a linear motor formed specifically as a spindle drive motor (446) for generating linear motion of the moving device (420), specifically of at least a part of the moving device (424). It is stipulated The transfer device (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that...

15. The transfer device (100) includes a control unit (146), and / or the transfer device (100) is assignable to or has been assigned a control unit (146), specifically the control unit (146) of the first object (102) and / or the control unit (104), and the signal-technical connections of the control unit (146) and / or the control unit are selectively separable and / or current-free switchable for autoclave processing of the transfer device (100). A transfer device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that

16. A system (200) comprising at least two objects (102, 104), specifically process units (102, 104), wherein the two objects (102, 104) include at least one transfer device (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, and optionally each object helps to produce a product, specifically a biological pharmaceutical product.

17. A system (200) comprising three, four, or five or more objects (102, 104, 202, 204), specifically process units (102, 104, 202, 204), wherein each object (102, 104, 202, 204) is provided with one or more first parts and / or one or more second parts (106, 108) of a transfer device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the transfer device (100) can be formed from at least one first part and at least one second part (106, 108), and the at least one first part (106) and at least one second part (108) of the transfer device (100) are provided in different objects (102, 104, 202, 204).

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