Device, system, and method for filling nested containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (2) and a method for filling a plurality of containers (1) in a nest (10) comprising columns (101) and rows (102), in particular for filling nested ampoules or carpules, wherein a container positioned in a column (101) is filled with a filling needle (200), the container (1) to be filled in the column (101) is lifted out of the nest (10) by a lifting device (24) before the filling process and / or during the filling process, and the container (1) to be filled is secured against tilting on the lifting device (24) during the lifting process.

Description

[0001] Device, system and method for filling nested containers

[0002] FIELD OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0003] The invention relates to a device, a system and a method for filling a plurality of containers in a nest comprising columns and rows, in particular for filling nested ampoules or carpules, wherein a container is filled by means of a filling needle.

[0004] In the context of this application, a nest refers to a packaging unit in which several containers are arranged in a matrix comprising columns and rows. The terms columns and rows serve merely to distinguish them and do not define the orientation of the matrix or the nest. For a denser arrangement of containers, the columns and / or rows are arranged offset in some embodiments. In the context of this application, containers refer to objects that can be filled with a liquid, in particular a cosmetic and / or pharmaceutical liquid, such as syringes, vials, ampoules, cartridges, or the like.

[0005] For filling cosmetic and / or pharmaceutical liquids into containers, it is known to wash, sterilize and / or depyrogenate the containers beforehand and to feed them to a filling machine in a sterile packaged nest.

[0006] Depending on the application, filling with a precise filling volume is particularly relevant for pharmaceutical products. DE 103 45 338 B4 discloses a method for the controlled filling of nested containers. The containers in a row of a nest are filled simultaneously, the filled containers are then sealed, and a row of containers is removed from the nest at regular intervals and weighed while empty. The weighed containers are filled simultaneously, and the row of weighed and filled containers is weighed a second time. The row of containers weighed a second time is then returned to the nest.

[0007] WO 2023 / 174645 A1 discloses a method and device for filling nested containers. During the filling process, a sensor device detects when a defined fill level is reached, and the detected reaching of the defined fill level triggers a stop signal for the filling process. By detecting the defined fill level for the container, it can be ensured that the container has a predetermined fill level after the filling process. TASK AND SOLUTION

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a device, a system and a method for filling a plurality of containers in a nest, which further improve the exact filling of a container in the nest.

[0009] This object is achieved by the device, the method and the system having the features of claims 1, 11 and 18. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

[0010] According to a first aspect, a device is provided for filling a plurality of containers in a nest comprising columns and rows, in particular for filling nested ampoules or carpules, comprising a filling system with a filling needle with which a container arranged in a column can be filled, wherein a lifting device is provided with which the container to be filled in the column can be lifted out of the nest before the filling process and / or during the filling process, and wherein the lifting device has a fixing device with which the container to be filled can be secured against tipping when lifted on the lifting device.

[0011] According to a second aspect, a method is provided for filling a plurality of containers in a nest comprising columns and rows, in particular for filling nested ampoules or carpules, wherein a container arranged in a column is filled with a filling needle, wherein before the filling process and / or during the filling process the container of the column to be filled is lifted out of the nest by a lifting device, and wherein the container to be filled is secured against tipping during lifting on the lifting device.

[0012] According to a third aspect, a system is provided for performing process steps on containers, in particular for performing process steps at least partially under cleanroom conditions. The process steps comprise at least filling and, in particular, closing the containers.

[0013] As mentioned, the terms “rows” and “columns” serve only to distinguish them and do not specify the orientation of the nest for processing.

[0014] The terms "a," "an," etc., are used in the context of this application merely as specific terms and not as counting words. In particular, one embodiment of the method and / or device provides for several containers arranged in different rows, in particular all in a common column, to be filled simultaneously with a filling needle, wherein the containers are lifted by the lifting device for filling simultaneously or at different times.

[0015] In embodiments, a sensor device is provided, wherein the sensor device is configured to detect when a defined fill level is reached during the filling process of the container, wherein the sensor device is connected to a control device of the filling system, and wherein the control device is configured such that the detected reaching of the defined fill level triggers a stop signal for the filling process of the container.

[0016] In one embodiment, it is provided that the filling system has a plurality of filling needles with which a plurality of containers arranged in different rows, in particular all containers arranged in the column, can be filled simultaneously, wherein a plurality of sensor devices are provided, wherein the sensor devices are configured to detect when a defined fill level is reached during the filling processes of the containers, wherein the sensor devices are connected to a control device of the filling system, and wherein the control device is configured so that the detected reaching of the defined fill level triggers a stop signal for the filling process of the respective container.

[0017] By using a sensor device to detect when a uniformly defined fill level is reached in the container, it can be ensured that the container has a predefined fill level after the filling process.

[0018] The fixing device prevents the container from tipping when being lifted or at least reduces it to a tolerable level, thus ensuring that the detection of the defined fill level is not influenced by the container being tilted.

[0019] The defined fill level can be set individually for each container. In other embodiments, the defined fill level is set uniformly for containers in a column or for all containers in a nest. By having a sensor device detect when a defined fill level is reached for each container, it can be ensured that each container has a predefined fill level after the filling process, wherein in particular all containers in a nest have the same fill level. Such a method and / or such a device is / are particularly advantageous for filling cylindrical ampoules or carpules to be closed with a piston stopper, wherein the piston stopper is to be set in a precise position relative to an upper or lower end of the cylindrical ampoule or carpule for later use, avoiding air inclusions.

[0020] Depending on the design, the containers of the nest can be filled one after the other or individual or all containers in different rows and / or columns can be filled simultaneously.

[0021] The term "defined fill level" refers to a fill level that can be defined by a user and / or when setting up a device or system for filling the containers, depending on the application. Since stopping a filling process immediately upon detection of the defined fill level is not feasible in most applications, or only with considerable technical effort and / or with very long filling times, the defined fill level is selected in some embodiments of the method below the fill level specified for filling. Triggered by the stop signal, the filling process can then be terminated with a refill time and / or a refill volume that can be suitably determined by the specialist.

[0022] In one embodiment, the sensor device(s) is / are mounted at a stationary height. In other embodiments, the sensor device(s) is / are mounted so that its height can be adjusted, whereby by adjusting the height, a defined fill level for the associated container(s) can be individually set and / or two or more fill levels of the associated container(s) can be detected.

[0023] In one embodiment, exactly one sensor device is provided, wherein the sensor device is mounted so as to be adjustable in the direction of the columns, so that containers arranged in different rows can be filled one after the other, wherein in each case the reaching of the defined filling level can be monitored by means of exactly one sensor device.

[0024] In other embodiments, several sensor devices are provided so that sensor-monitored filling of several containers at the same time is possible.

[0025] In one embodiment, the sensor devices are each assigned to a row of the nest, wherein, for the filling process of each container, an evaluation of a measurement signal from the sensor device and / or a follow-up time and / or a follow-up volume after triggering the stop signal takes place depending on the position of the container relative to the sensor device, in particular depending on the gaps of the container in the nest. In one embodiment, a transport system is provided by means of which the nests can be transported to the filling system or away from the filling system in the direction of the gaps.

[0026] In one embodiment, the reaching of the defined fill level is detected by an optical sensor device comprising a transmitter arranged adjacent to the nest and a receiver arranged adjacent to the nest, or by a plurality of optical sensor devices each comprising a transmitter arranged adjacent to the nest and a receiver arranged adjacent to the nest. The optical sensor device is, for example, a sensor device which detects light absorption by the liquid, with the transmitter and receiver arranged at the level of the defined fill level. In another embodiment, a camera system with one or more cameras is provided for detecting the fill level.

[0027] Depending on the application, the lifting device is designed to lift one, several or all of the containers in a column. In some embodiments, the lifting device comprises a lifting unit arranged below the nest in the lifting direction, which lifting unit can be advanced towards the container or containers at a closed end of the container or containers in the lifting direction for lifting one container to be filled or several containers to be filled. In some embodiments, the lifting direction is at least substantially the same as a longitudinal direction of the containers. In some embodiments, the lifting direction is at least substantially vertical. In some embodiments, the lifting device, in particular the lifting unit, comprises a bolt arranged below the nest for lifting exactly one container. In some embodiments, the lifting device, in particular the lifting unit, comprises a plurality of bolts arranged below the nest for lifting several containers, in particular all of the containers in a column.In some embodiments, the lifting device, in particular the lifting unit, comprises a bar or similar elements arranged below the nest, which is / are supplied from below to lift the containers. In some embodiments, a bar is provided below the nest, which extends in the direction of the columns and can be arranged below a column for filling one or more containers in this column. In other embodiments, a plurality of bars are provided, each of which is assigned to a column. In some embodiments, the lifting device, in particular the lifting unit, comprises at least one bar arranged below the nest, which extends in the direction of the columns, and at least one bolt arranged on the bar, in particular a plurality of bolts arranged on the bar for lifting at least one container, in particular some, in particular all of the containers in a column.In some embodiments, the bolts protrude from the bar in the lifting direction. In some embodiments, a stop is provided which interacts with the lifting device, in particular the lifting unit, and limits the movement of the lifting unit in the lifting direction. In some embodiments, lifting for all containers to be filled takes place with a uniform stroke, wherein a stop is provided. In one embodiment, the stop interacts with a fed element of the lifting unit, for example the bar and / or the bolt(s). In some embodiments, for high precision, it is provided that the fed element of the lifting unit, for example the bar and / or the bolt, is / are forced against the stop, for example by means of a spring device.

[0028] The lifting device features a locking mechanism that secures the container(s) to be filled against tipping during lifting. This allows for precise positioning of the container during the filling process.

[0029] In embodiments, the fixing device is designed to secure the container to be filled against tipping at at least one of the following locations:

[0030] - in an upper end range and / or

[0031] - in a lower end range and / or

[0032] - near the sensor device and / or

[0033] - above the sensor device and / or

[0034] - below the sensor device.

[0035] The upper end region of the container to be filled is defined as a region of the container that adjoins an end open for the filling process and that extends over a maximum of 50%, in particular a maximum of 30%, in particular a maximum of 15%, of the length of the container. In particular, the fixing device is configured in embodiments to secure the container to be filled at the open end against tipping.

[0036] The lower end region of the container to be filled is defined as a region of the container that adjoins an end closed for the filling process and that extends over a maximum of 50%, in particular a maximum of 30%, in particular a maximum of 15%, of the length of the container. In particular, the fixing device is configured in embodiments to secure the container to be filled at the closed end against tipping.

[0037] In some embodiments, the securing device is configured to secure the container at exactly one location. In some embodiments, the securing device is configured to secure the container at multiple locations.

[0038] In particular, the fixing device is designed to secure the container above the sensor device and below the sensor device, wherein in particular the location below the sensor device is located at a lower end region of the container.

[0039] In embodiments, further combinations of the locations at which the fixing device secures the container are realized.

[0040] In some embodiments, the fixing device positions and centers the container on the lifting unit of the lifting device, and in particular, a device for centering above the open container can be dispensed with.

[0041] In embodiments, the lifting device, in particular the lifting unit, is fluidly connected to a vacuum source such that a vacuum can be applied to the lifting device, in particular the lifting unit, when lifting the container to be filled, wherein the container can be secured to the lifting device by the vacuum. The vacuum source, also referred to as a vacuum source, can generate a suction force acting on the container at a suction opening of the lifting device. Depending on the embodiment, the suction opening is provided on a contact surface, which is associated, in particular during use, with a base of the container to be filled, on the lifting device, in particular on the lifting unit, and / or on a side of the lifting device, in particular the lifting unit, which is associated, during use, with a lateral surface of the container.In a design with a suction opening on the contact surface of the lifting device, in particular of the lifting unit, no elements are provided which enclose a casing surface of the container during use, so that interference with a signal of the sensor device can be reliably avoided even for the detection of low filling levels.

[0042] In some embodiments, the fixing device comprises a fixing element arranged separately from the lifting unit. This separate fixing element allows the container to be filled to be supported separately from the lifting unit at a support point that can be determined appropriately for a particular application.

[0043] In some embodiments, the fixing element is arranged stationary at least during a movement of the lifting unit for lifting the container to be filled and / or during a filling process. In some embodiments, the fixing element is movable relative to the nest between at least two support positions between two filling processes in order to cooperate with at least one container of the nest for its filling. In some embodiments, the fixing element is arranged stationary and configured to cooperate with some, in particular all, containers of the nest for their filling.

[0044] In embodiments, the fixing element is configured to support the container to be filled in the lifting direction at a distance from a support surface on the lifting unit. The distance between a support point of the container on the fixing element and a support surface can be selected depending on the application in order to prevent tipping of the container and / or to reduce it to a tolerable level.

[0045] In some embodiments, the fixing element is configured to support the container to be filled at an upper end region. The upper end region of the container to be filled refers to a region of the container that adjoins an end open for the filling process and that extends over a maximum of 50%, in particular a maximum of 30%, in particular a maximum of 15%, of the length of the container.

[0046] In embodiments, the fixing element is designed to support the container to be filled at an open end.

[0047] In some embodiments, the fixing element serves as a stop that interacts with an open end of the container to be filled during lifting. In some embodiments, the container to be filled is lifted by the lifting unit in the lifting direction until an edge at the open end of the container rests against the fixing element. In some embodiments, the lifting unit is configured to force, in particular elastically force, the container to be filled into a position resting against the fixing element. In some embodiments, an additional device, in particular a spring device, is provided to force the container to be filled against the stop.

[0048] In some embodiments, the fixing element is arranged close to the sensor device in the stroke direction. In particular, “close to the sensor device” refers to an arrangement in which, even with a potentially oblique orientation of the container to be filled, an inclination of the container at a measuring height of the sensor device lies within a tolerance range. In some embodiments, in particular when the sensor device is designed as an optical sensor device, the fixing element is arranged at a distance from a measuring height in the stroke direction in order to avoid interactions between the fixing element and signals from the sensor device. In some embodiments, “close to the sensor device” refers to an arrangement in which a distance in the stroke direction is at most twice the diameter of the container to be filled, preferably at most equal to the diameter of the container to be filled.In embodiments, “near the sensor device” refers to an arrangement in which a distance in the lifting direction is at most 20 mm, in particular at most 10 mm, for example at most 5 mm. In embodiments, the sensor device is arranged in the lifting direction on a side of the fixing element facing away from the lifting unit. In embodiments, the sensor device is arranged in the lifting direction on a side of the fixing element facing towards the lifting unit. In embodiments, the sensor device is arranged in the lifting direction on a side of the fixing element facing away from the lifting unit. In particular, the sensor device and a fixing element of the fixing device are configured such that, when the container is raised, the fixing element secures the container at one point, this point being closer to the open end of the container than the point at which the sensor device detects.

[0049] In some embodiments, the fixing element is made of a sterilizable and / or autoclavable material. In the context of this application, components and / or materials are referred to as "sterilizable" if the components / materials are capable of surviving treatment without damage, whereby the components and / or materials are freed of living microorganisms and viruses during the treatment with a process reliability required depending on the application. Components and / or materials that can be treated in an autoclave, i.e., components and / or materials that are particularly capable of surviving pressure, humidity, and / or temperature in an autoclave without damage, are referred to as "autoclavable."

[0050] In one embodiment, it is provided that the lifting device, in particular the fixing device, has a receptacle for the container to be filled, wherein the receptacle has at least one, preferably two, three or more contact points and the container can be supported circumferentially at the contact points during lifting. By supporting the container at the contact point(s), the container can be secured against tipping. In some embodiments, the contact points are loaded by means of spring elements or the like. In some embodiments, the contact points are arranged and / or designed such that a signal from the sensor device is not or only insignificantly affected by the receptacle.

[0051] In some embodiments, the receptacle is arranged on the lifting unit and is adjustable in the lifting direction with the lifting unit. In some embodiments, the lifting unit comprises a clamping device for the container to be filled, with at least two clamping elements extending in the lifting direction.

[0052] The clamping elements are deformable and / or adjustable in certain configurations, in particular elastically deformable and / or adjustable. The clamping elements are designed in such a way that at least one clamping element is elastically deformed and / or adjusted by a received container and forces a received container into a defined orientation due to the acting elastic restoring forces.

[0053] In some embodiments, an adjusting device is provided for moving the at least two clamping elements between an open position and a clamping position. The adjusting device allows movement of at least one clamping element, in particular both clamping elements, into the open position and / or the clamping position. In the open position, the clamping elements in some embodiments do not interact with the container. In some embodiments, the open position allows at least substantially force-free insertion of a container into the clamping device and / or receptacle when the lifting unit is advanced and / or at least substantially force-free removal of a container from the receptacle and / or the clamping device when the lifting unit moves away from the container.

[0054] In embodiments, the adjusting device comprises an adjusting element mounted on the lifting unit so as to be adjustable in the lifting direction for moving at least one clamping element, in particular both clamping elements, into the open position and / or the clamping position.

[0055] In some embodiments, the clamping elements each have at least one contact point.

[0056] In embodiments, the clamping device has exactly two clamping elements, wherein a first clamping element has two contact points spaced apart in the stroke direction.

[0057] In embodiments, at least one contact point is designed as a curved contact surface, wherein in particular the curved contact surface is at least substantially coaxial with a lateral surface of a container received in the receptacle.

[0058] In some embodiments, the receptacle is provided on the fixing element. In some embodiments, either a receptacle centering the container to be filled is provided on the fixing element, or a clamping device is provided on the lifting unit to prevent over-definition during positioning. In some embodiments, a receptacle with a contact point is provided on the lifting unit and on the fixing element, wherein the contact points interact to center the container.

[0059] In some embodiments, the fixing element has a recess forming the receptacle.

[0060] In some embodiments, the recess has a non-rotationally symmetrical cross-section. In some embodiments, the cross-section is elliptical, with a received container in particular contacting the recess at two opposing contact points. In some embodiments, a cross-section of the recess is in the shape of a polygon, in particular a regular polygon.

[0061] In some embodiments, the recess has an insertion aid, in particular a chamfer. The insertion aid guides the container along the recess during a movement of the container relative to the recess, in particular during a lifting movement of the container caused by the lifting unit.

[0062] In some embodiments, the diameter of the recess is smaller than the diameter of the container to be filled in at least one direction transverse to the lifting direction, in particular perpendicular to the lifting direction. In some embodiments, the container is not guided through the recess during lifting, but rests against an underside of the fixing element facing the lifting unit. In some embodiments, the filling needle is guided through the recess for the filling process.

[0063] In some embodiments, the fixing element is designed as a perforated plate comprising at least one recess, in particular a plurality of recesses, each forming a receptacle for some containers, in particular all containers in a column or all containers in the nest. In some embodiments, the perforated plate is arranged stationary on the device at least during a lifting and / or a filling process, wherein the container or containers to be filled are lifted in the direction of the perforated plate by the lifting unit. In some embodiments, the perforated plate has a plurality of recesses, each forming a receptacle for all containers in a column, wherein the perforated plate is positioned on the column for filling the containers in a column. In some embodiments, the perforated plate has a plurality of recesses, each forming a receptacle for all containers in the nest. In some embodiments, the perforated plate is arranged stationary on the device.In some embodiments, nests containing containers to be filled are inserted into the perforated plate for processing, in particular for filling, or a perforated plate is arranged on a nest. In some embodiments, the perforated plate also serves as a centering plate during transport of the nests. The lifting device is configured in one embodiment to lift the containers of different columns and / or different rows with a different stroke in order to change the defined fill level, to compensate for tolerances, and / or to compensate for a distance-dependent measurement signal from the sensor devices.

[0064] According to one aspect, a system is provided for performing process steps on containers, in particular for performing process steps at least partially under clean room conditions. The process steps comprise at least filling and, in particular, closing the containers.

[0065] The system comprises a device for filling a plurality of containers in a nest, wherein the device comprises at least one feature and / or at least one combination of features of the features described above and / or below.

[0066] In particular, the system comprises a transport device for transporting the nested containers, in particular for transporting the nested containers in a transport direction. For example, during transport, the columns are aligned transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the transport direction. For example, during transport, the rows are aligned transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the transport direction.

[0067] In some embodiments, the system comprises a device for prefilling the containers. The system is configured such that the containers are prefilled in the device for prefilling the containers and then transported, in particular by the transport device, to the device for filling the containers. For example, the containers are prefilled row by row in the device for prefilling the containers. For example, the containers are prefilled column by column in the device for prefilling the containers.

[0068] In some embodiments, the system comprises a device for at least partially closing the containers, in particular the containers filled at the filling device. In particular, the system is configured to fill the containers at the device for filling the containers and then to transport them, in particular with the transport device, to the device for closing the containers. For example, the containers are closed row by row in the device for closing the containers. For example, the containers are closed column by column in the device for closing the containers. For example, the device for at least partially closing the containers is configured to insert a plug into the container.A process step, for example prefilling and / or closing, is carried out column by column or row by row if the process step is carried out on all containers in a column and subsequently on all containers in a subsequent column or on all containers in a row and subsequently on all containers in a subsequent row.

[0069] In particular, the system comprises a cleanroom structure with a housing, wherein the cleanroom conditions are created in the interior of the housing of the cleanroom structure. In particular, the cleanroom structure has a barrier. The barrier device protects a cleanroom condition in a room by separating it from the environment. In certain embodiments, the cleanroom structure comprises an isolator (particularly a closed or open one).

[0070] An isolator is a decontaminating unit that allows its interior to be isolated from the external environment. In some designs, the cleanroom conditions are created within the interior of a closed or open Restricted Access Barrier System (RABS). Cleanroom structures, particularly isolators and RABS, are used primarily in the manufacture, processing, and / or treatment of pharmaceutical products, biopharmaceutical products, biological products, highly effective products, and / or other highly sensitive products.

[0071] The required cleanroom conditions are defined by the application, in particular by the product being handled and / or the intended use of the object being handled. In particular, the cleanroom conditions require at least a certain degree of sterility. Regulations that define cleanroom conditions include, for example, DIN EN ISO 14644-1 and / or the VDI 2083 guideline and / or "The Rules Governing Medicinal Products in the European Union, EU Guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practice for Medicinal Products for Human and Veterinary Use" (EC GMP Guide), Annex 1 (currently: Volume 4 dated August 22, 2022) and the regulations referred to therein. The at least partially required cleanroom conditions for at least some process steps in the system disclosed here are, in particular, classes A, B, C, and D according to the EC GMP Guide, Annex 1, in particular classes A, B, and C.In particular, filling and / or closing of the containers takes place under the clean room conditions of this Class A.

[0072] In particular, at least one of the following devices is arranged in the interior of the housing of the clean room structure: - the device for filling several containers; and / or

[0073] - the transport device for transporting the nested containers; and / or

[0074] - the device for pre-filling the containers; and / or

[0075] - the device for at least partially closing the containers.

[0076] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] Further advantages and aspects of the invention emerge from the claims and from the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the figures. The figures schematically show:

[0078] Fig. 1 is a sectional side view of a cylindrical ampoule or carpule closed with a piston stopper,

[0079] Fig. 2 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a device for filling several containers, in particular several carpules, in a nest,

[0080] Fig. 3 is a sectional side view of the device according to Fig. 2,

[0081] Fig. 4 is a sectional side view of a device similar to Fig. 2,

[0082] Fig. 5 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a device for filling several containers, in particular several carpules, in a nest,

[0083] Fig. 6 is a sectional side view of the device according to Fig. 5,

[0084] Fig. 7 is a sectional side view of a device similar to Fig. 2,

[0085] Fig. 8 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a device for filling several containers, in particular several carpules, in a nest,

[0086] Fig. 9 is a side view of an opaque barrier designed as a slit diaphragm,

[0087] Fig. 10 is a plan view of an embodiment of a fixing element for a

[0088] Device for filling several containers, in particular several carpules, in a nest, with several recesses each forming a receptacle, Fig. 11 is a sectional side view of a detail of the fixing element according to Fig. 10 with a section of a container resting against the fixing element,

[0089] Fig. 12 is a sectional side view of a detail of the fixing element according to Fig. 10 with a section of a container guided through the recess,

[0090] Fig. 13 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a fixing element having a recess with a portion of a container guided through the recess and a sensor device,

[0091] Fig. 14 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a fixing element having a recess with a portion of a container guided through the recess and a sensor device,

[0092] Fig. 15 is a sectional side view of a detail of the fixing element according to Fig. 10 in a further embodiment with a portion of a container resting against the fixing element,

[0093] Fig. 16 shows a schematic plan view of a container and a recess supporting the container circumferentially at three contact points,

[0094] Fig. 17 shows schematically a plan view of a container and a receptacle supporting the container circumferentially at several contact points, and

[0095] Fig. 18 shows a perspective view of a lifting unit with several receptacles for one container each.

[0096] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0097] Fig. 1 shows a schematic, sectional side view of a container 1 designed as a cylindrical ampoule or carpule. The container 1 is sealed at a first end 11, which has a head and serves for the subsequent dispensing of a liquid filled into the container 1, by means of a crimp cap (not shown). At the opposite second end 12, the container is sealed by means of a plunger stopper 14.

[0098] Such cartridges are typically used in special syringes, also known as initiators. The position of the plunger plug 14 within the cartridge is critical for secure insertion of the cartridge into the syringe and its reliable functionality. Depending on the application, this position can be specified by a distance x between a rear end of the plunger plug 14 and the first end 11 of the cartridge or by a distance y between the rear end of the plunger plug 14 and the second end 12 of the cartridge.

[0099] In embodiments, a filling process is monitored by means of a sensor device to fill the container 1 with a defined, predetermined filling level.

[0100] Fig. 2 shows a top view of an embodiment of a device 2 that allows filling of the containers 1 in a nest 10 with a predetermined fill level. Fig. 3 shows the device 2 according to Fig. 2 in a section along a row 102.

[0101] As can be seen in Fig. 2, the nest 10 shown has a 10x12 matrix, with the containers arranged in ten columns 101 and twelve rows 102. The terms "rows" and "columns" are used merely for differentiation and do not specify an orientation of the nest 10 for processing. In other embodiments, the nest 10 has more or fewer rows or columns.

[0102] The device 2 comprises a filling system 20 with a plurality of filling needles 200, twelve in the illustrated embodiment, with which a plurality of containers 1, all of which are arranged in a column 101 in the illustrated embodiment, can be filled simultaneously. Furthermore, the device 2 comprises a control device 23 with which the liquid dispensing at the filling needles 200 can be individually controlled or regulated. The filling system 20 for filling using the filling needles 200 can be suitably selected by a person skilled in the art depending on the application. For example—but not exclusively—the filling system 20 comprises a peristaltic pump, a rotary piston pump, and / or is designed as a time-pressure system.

[0103] The device 2 shown in Fig. 2 and 3 further comprises a plurality of sensor devices 21, twelve in the illustrated embodiment, by means of which the reaching of a defined filling level can be detected during the filling processes of the containers 1 by means of the filling system 20.

[0104] The sensor devices 21 are connected to the control device 23 for the filling system 20, as schematically indicated by arrows in Fig. 2. A connection between the sensor devices 21 and the control device 23 is wired or wireless, depending on the application. The control device 23 is configured such that the detected reaching of the defined fill level triggers a stop signal for the filling process of the respective container 1. After the stop signal is triggered, depending on the design, the filling process is terminated immediately or after a defined refill time and / or with a defined refill volume. This makes it possible to fill the containers 1 in the nest 10 with a predetermined fill level.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the measuring directions of the sensor devices 21 lie in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the containers 1. The illustrated sensor devices 21 are optical sensor devices comprising transmitters 210 and receivers 212 arranged adjacent to the nest 10. The transmitters 210 and receivers 212 are arranged at a suitable height in order to detect when the defined fill level is reached.

[0106] In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, an opaque barrier designed as a slit diaphragm 5 is provided between the transmitter 210 and the nest 10, and between the receiver 212 and the nest 10. Fig. 9 shows the slit diaphragm 5 in a side view. The slit diaphragm 5 has a plurality of slits 50, the number of slits 50 being equal to the number of sensor devices 21.

[0107] The slit diaphragm 5 limits the radiation emitted by the transmitter 210 and received by the receiver downwards, upwards, and laterally. The slit diaphragm 5 can be used to compensate for tolerances in the positioning of the sensor devices 21, ensuring a uniform measurement plane for all containers 1.

[0108] In some embodiments, the containers are filled column by column. In the example shown, the fourth column 101 from the left in the plane of the drawing is filled, with the filling needles 20 being arranged above this column 101 for this purpose. As schematically indicated by an arrow in Fig. 2, the filling needles 20 are mounted so as to be movable in the direction of the rows 102 and can thus be positioned above the containers 1 of a column to be filled.

[0109] The device 2 further comprises a lifting device 24 shown in Fig. 3 comprising a lifting unit 240, wherein before the filling processes the containers 1 to be filled in the column 101 can be lifted out of the nest 10 by the lifting device 24, in particular by the lifting unit 240. In one embodiment, the lifting unit 240 comprises a bar extending in the longitudinal direction of the columns 101, which is fed from below. In one embodiment, a bar is provided for each column 101. In other embodiments, a bar is provided, wherein the bar with the filling needles 20 can be adjusted in the direction of the rows 102 and thus placed under the containers of the column 101 to be filled. The bar is aligned parallel to the slit diaphragm 5, i.e. parallel to the slits 50 (cf. Fig. 9) of the slit diaphragm 5.

[0110] Alternatively or in addition to a bar, the lifting unit 240 in other embodiments comprises a plurality of bolts, each positioned beneath a container 1 for lifting this container 1. In some embodiments, the bolts are arranged stationary in a horizontal plane and assigned precisely to a container. In other embodiments, the bolts are adjustable in the horizontal plane.

[0111] The lifting device 24 shown in Fig. 3 has a receptacle 241 arranged on the lifting unit 240 for each container 1 to be filled in column 101. The receptacle 241 has a plurality of support points 242 distributed over the circumference of the received container 1, wherein the container 1 can be supported circumferentially at the support points 242 during lifting on the lifting unit 240. In the illustrated embodiment, three support points 242 are provided, although only two support points 242 are visible. Secure centering of the containers is possible through three support points 242. In other embodiments, more or fewer than three support points 242 are provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the three support points 242 each extend only over a region of the head of the container 1, which is arranged at the bottom during filling.

[0112] In other embodiments, the receptacle 241 comprises fingers extending in the lifting direction and having contact points 242. The fingers are designed such that they extend—as indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 3—to a region of the container 1 with a larger diameter, into which a piston stopper 14 is inserted, as shown in Fig. 1. The fingers and / or the contact points 242 are selected such that, when the container 1 is lifted, a collision with elements of the nest 10, which serve to center the container 1 in the nest 10, is avoided.

[0113] The support points 242 secure the container 1 or containers 1 of the column 101 to be filled against tipping during lifting. This allows the containers 1 to be positioned precisely relative to the sensor device 21.

[0114] As can be seen in Fig. 2, the sensor devices 21 are each assigned to a row 102 of the nest 10. To fill all containers 1 of the nest 10, the containers 1 of a column 101 can be lifted from the nest 10 by means of the lifting device 24 and filled by means of the filling needles 200. The filling process of the containers 1 of each row 102 can be monitored by means of a respective sensor device 21 and can thus be carried out at a predetermined fill level.

[0115] To change the defined fill level, one embodiment provides for a variable stroke of the lifting device 24. Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment, to compensate for tolerances, for example, during assembly of the sensor devices 21, the containers 1 of a column 101 for different rows 102 are lifted with a different stroke. For this purpose, in some embodiments, the receptacles 241 of the lifting device 24 assigned to the different rows 102 are adjustable relative to one another.

[0116] In the illustrated embodiment, the transmitter 210 and the receiver 212 of the sensor devices 21 are arranged outside the nest 10 in a fixed position relative to the nest 10 in the direction of the rows 102 in order to avoid contamination of the nest 10 and / or the containers 1 arranged therein by the sensor devices 21.

[0117] Due to the arrangement of the transmitter 210 and the receiver 212 outside the nest 10, the containers 1 of different columns 101 are arranged at different distances from the respective transmitters 210 and receivers 212. To prevent measurement deviations due to the different distances to the transmitters 210 and receivers 212 from influencing the fill level of the containers 1, the control device 23 is configured to evaluate a measurement signal from the sensor device 21 for the filling process of each container 1 and / or to determine a follow-up time and / or a follow-up volume after triggering the stop signal depending on the column 102 of the container 1 in the nest 10.For example, in an optical sensor device, a sensor signal can be distance-dependent in such a way that reaching the defined fill level is detected earlier for containers 1 arranged centrally between the transmitter 210 and the receiver 212 than for containers 1 which are positioned closer to the transmitter 210 or the receiver 212. In this case, for example, one embodiment provides that a longer follow-up time and / or a larger follow-up volume is specified for containers 1 arranged in columns 101 arranged centrally in the nest 10 than for containers in columns 101 arranged at the edge of the nest 10. Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment, a position of the container 1 in the nest 10 is taken into account when evaluating the measurement signal of the sensor device 21.In yet another embodiment, in order to compensate for a distance-dependent measurement signal, the containers 1 of different columns 101 are lifted with a different lift by means of the lifting device 24. A filling process, i.e. a dispensing of liquid at the filling needles, can be suitably defined by a person skilled in the art depending on the application. For example, in one embodiment it is provided that a filling process takes place in two or more stages, with a volume flow decreasing with each stage. Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment a continuous reduction of the volume flow according to a suitably definable linear or non-linear function is provided over the entire filling process or in one stage or in several stages. In one embodiment the filling processes can be specified differently for different containers 1.In other embodiments, essentially identical filling processes are specified, with the filling processes differing only in one phase after the stop signal is triggered.

[0118] As schematically illustrated by an arrow in Fig. 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the filling needles 200 are movably mounted individually or as a group, so that during the filling process, the filling needles 200 can be moved relative to the containers 1 in the direction out of the containers 1. To enable consistent fluid separation, the control device 23 is configured in embodiments to stop movement of the filling needles 200 in a defined position at or before the end of the filling process. For rapid process execution, one embodiment provides for the filling needles 200 to be inserted into the containers 1 as soon as the containers 1 are lifted from the nest 10.

[0119] As schematically illustrated in Fig. 2, the nests 10 can be moved before, during, and / or after the filling process in a transport direction perpendicular to the measuring direction of the sensor devices 21. For moving the nest 10 during the filling process by means of the filling needles 200, in one embodiment the filling system 20, the sensor devices 21, and the lifting device 24 are movably mounted and can be moved with the nest in the transport direction. In other embodiments, the nest 10 remains in a defined position for the filling process.

[0120] Fig. 4 shows a sectional side view of a second embodiment of a device 2. The device 2 according to Fig. 4 is similar to the device 2 according to Figs. 2 and 3 and identical reference numerals are used for identical or similar components.

[0121] As schematically shown in Fig. 4, the lifting device 24 in the embodiment according to Fig. 4 comprises a fixing element 243 which is arranged separately from the lifting unit 240 and serves as a stop, wherein the container 1 is lifted for filling by the lifting unit 240, in particular by a bar and / or a bolt, and is forced against the fixing element 243 serving as a stop, for example by a schematically shown spring 244. The stop allows a very precise lifting of the container 1 to a defined filling height defined relative to the second end 12 (cf. Fig. 1) of the container 1. In embodiments, the fixing element 243 is arranged stationary in the column 101 at least during a movement of the lifting unit 240 for lifting the container to be filled and / or during a filling process of the container 1.In embodiments with the lifting unit 240, the fixing element 243 is adjustably mounted relative to the nest 10 in order to position the fixing element 243 at a further column 101 for filling the containers 1 of this column 101.

[0122] By means of the fixing element 243 shown in Fig. 4, the container(s) 1 to be filled is supported in the lifting direction at a distance from a support surface on the lifting unit 240.

[0123] The fixing element 243 shown in Fig. 4 supports the container(s) 1 to be filled at one open end.

[0124] The fixing element 243 is arranged above the sensor device 21 in Fig. 4.

[0125] In one embodiment, as shown schematically in Figs. 3 and 4, the entire filling process is carried out by means of the filling needles 200 shown in Figs. 2 and 3, wherein the filling needles 200 are inserted into empty containers.

[0126] In another embodiment, a prefilling device 3 shown in Fig. 5 is provided, by means of which prefilling takes place before the filling process by means of the filling system 20.

[0127] In one embodiment, filling of the containers 1 by means of the pre-filling device is carried out in a volume-based manner, with a defined volume being supplied to each container 1.

[0128] Subsequently, the pre-filled containers are precisely filled to a predetermined fill level by means of the filling needles 200, as schematically shown in Fig. 6, whereby the filling needles 200 are inserted into the pre-filled containers 1.

[0129] Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a device 2 similar to Fig. 2 for filling and closing containers 1, comprising the pre-filling device 3, the filling system 20, and a closing device 4. Fig. 6 shows a detail of the device 2 according to Fig. 5 in a section along a row 102. The device 2 according to Figs. 5 and 6 is similar to the device 2 according to Figs. 2 and 3, and identical or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals. For a detailed description of components already described, reference is made above. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the pre-filling device 3 fills the containers 1 in the nest 10 row by row, and the closing device 4 closes the filled containers 1 in the nest 10 row by row.

[0130] By means of the filling system 20 with the filling needles 200, the containers 1 are processed column by column, wherein the sensor devices 21 for monitoring the filling process by means of the filling needles 200 are arranged adjacent to the nest 10 in such a way that one row can be monitored at a time. The entire filling and closing process can be carried out along a linear transport direction without relocating the nest 10. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 - in contrast to Fig. 2 - the containers 1 of a column 101 are not aligned along a straight line, but are offset with gaps to ensure a dense arrangement of the containers in the nest 10. The filling needles 200 are correspondingly also arranged alternately offset along two parallel lines.

[0131] The filling and closing process by means of the device 2 according to Fig. 5 can be carried out in one embodiment as follows.

[0132] The containers 1 are fed to the device 2 in a nested form. The nests 10 are arranged in a manner generally known for transport in troughs (not shown), also referred to as tubs.

[0133] To process the containers 1, the nests 10 are removed from the troughs in certain configurations and inserted into a centering plate (not shown) for transport through the device 2. In the case of a container without a flange, such as a carpule shown in Fig. 1, the centering plate can only position the nest 10 and not, as with containers with a flange, for example syringes, center the container itself.

[0134] The centering plate transports the nest 10 to the prefilling device 3. In the illustrated embodiment, this operates with 10 stations. After all containers 1 of a nest have been prefilled with a prefill volume, the nest 10 is transported, in one embodiment, to a position change station (not shown), by means of which the nest 10 is transferred from a first transport system to a second transport system.

[0135] The second transport system transports the nest 10 with the prefilled containers 1 beneath the filling needles 200. Using the filling needles 200, the containers 1 are filled to a predetermined fill level as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the filling processes monitored by the sensor devices 21 are carried out in 12 places, with a holder accommodating the filling needles 200 being arranged at a 90° angle to the prefilling device 3.

[0136] After all containers 1 have been completely filled to the specified filling level, the nest 10 is again transported to a position change station (not shown), at which the nest 10 is inserted into a third transport system.

[0137] The third transport system transports the nests 10 to the closing device 4, by means of which the containers 1 are closed with the piston stopper 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the stopper is inserted in 10 places.

[0138] After closing, the Nest 10 can be placed back into the corresponding tray.

[0139] Fig. 7 shows a sectional side view of a further embodiment of a device 2. The device 2 according to Fig. 7 is similar to the device 2 according to Fig. 3 and identical reference numerals are used for identical or similar components.

[0140] As schematically shown in Fig. 7, in the embodiment according to Fig. 7, the lifting device 24 is fluidically connected to a negative pressure source 246, also referred to as a vacuum source. The negative pressure source 246 is, for example, a vacuum pump. The lifting device 24 shown comprises a lifting unit 240 with a bar, which is placed against the containers 1 from below for lifting. Suction openings 247 are provided on a contact surface of the bar of the lifting unit 240, which are fluidically connected to the negative pressure source 246 in such a way that a suction force can be applied to the containers 1 at the suction openings 247, so that the containers 1 can be secured to the lifting unit 240 of the lifting device 24 by means of negative pressure. By fixing and centering by means of negative pressure, the containers 1 can be lifted from the nest 10, whereby interference with a sensor signal is prevented.In some embodiments, it is possible to reliably detect even smaller filling quantities by means of the sensor devices 21.

[0141] Fig. 8 shows a plan view of another embodiment of a device 2 similar to the device 2 shown in Fig. 2. Identical reference numerals are used for identical or similar components; for a detailed description of known components, reference is made to the above. Unlike the device 2 shown in Fig. 2, the filling system 20 shown in Fig. 8 comprises only a single filling needle 200 and a single sensor device 21. The filling needle 20 is adjustable along the rows 102 in order to fill the containers 1 of a row 102 one after the other.

[0142] In addition, the nest 10 is movable along the columns 101 in order to move the containers 1 of different rows 102 one after the other to the filling needle 200, wherein the sensor device 21 is arranged at the level of the filling needle 200 in order to monitor a filling process in the individual rows 102.

[0143] In some embodiments, a bolt is provided as the lifting unit of the lifting device (not visible in Fig. 6), which bolt is adjustable synchronously with the filling needle 200 along the rows 102 in order to lift the containers 1 of a row 102 one after the other in the direction of the filling needle 20.

[0144] In a further embodiment not shown, the lifting device 24, the sensor device 21 and the filling needle 200 are movable in a synchronized manner along columns 101 in order to lift containers 1 in a stationary nest 10 one after the other and to fill them in a sensor-monitored manner.

[0145] In yet another embodiment not shown, the lifting device 24, the sensor device 21 and the filling needle 200 are arranged in a stationary manner, wherein a distance between the transmitter 210 and the receiver 212 of the sensor device 21 is selected to be sufficiently large in order to displace the nest 10 for sensor-monitored filling along the columns 101 and along the rows 102.

[0146] Fig. 10 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a fixing element 243 for a device (not shown in Fig. 10) for filling a plurality of containers, in particular a plurality of carpules, in a nest (not shown in Fig. 10). The fixing element 243 shown in Fig. 10 is similar to the fixing element 243 according to Fig. 4 and is arranged separately from a lifting unit 240 (see, for example, Fig. 4) not shown in Fig. 10. The fixing element 243 shown in Fig. 10 has a plurality of recesses 245, each forming a receptacle. The number and distribution of the recesses 245 in Fig. 10 is merely exemplary. In embodiments, a number and / or arrangement of the recesses 245 corresponds to a number and / or arrangement of the containers in the nest.

[0147] The representation of the recesses 245 in Fig. 10 is merely exemplary. In some embodiments, the recesses 245 have a non-rotationally symmetrical cross-section, for example, an elliptical cross-section. In some embodiments, the fixing element 243 according to Fig. 10 is arranged stationary at least during a movement of the lifting unit 240 (cf. Fig. 4) for lifting the container 1 to be filled and / or during a filling process.

[0148] The fixing element 243 shown in Fig. 10, comprising a plurality of recesses 245, is plate-shaped in some embodiments. A plate-shaped fixing element 243 with a plurality of recesses 245 is also referred to as a perforated plate.

[0149] Fig. 11 schematically shows a sectional side view of a detail of an embodiment of the fixing element 243 according to Fig. 10 in a section along a line XI-XI according to Fig. 10 through a recess 245 together with a section of a container 1. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, a diameter of the recess 245 is smaller than a diameter of the container 1 to be filled in at least one direction transverse to the lifting direction shown by an arrow in Fig. 11, in particular perpendicular to the lifting direction. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, the container 1 rests with an open end against the fixing element 243. In embodiments, the container 1 is lifted in the lifting direction towards the fixing element 243, as schematically shown by an arrow in Fig. 11, so that the open end of the container 1 rests against a wall of the recess 245.

[0150] The recess 245 shown in Fig. 11 has an insertion aid, in particular a chamfer 248, so that the recess 245 tapers and the container 1 is centered upon insertion into the recess 245. The wall of the recess 245 is inclined at the chamfer 248 relative to the stroke direction. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, the chamfer 248 extends over the entire height of the fixing element 243. A minimum diameter of the recess 245 is sufficiently large so that a filling needle 200 (cf. Fig. 4) can be guided into the container 1 via the recess 245.

[0151] Fig. 12 shows a schematic sectional side view of a detail of an embodiment of the fixing element 243 according to Fig. 10 in a section along a line XI-XI according to Fig. 10 through a recess 245 together with a section of a container 1. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12, a minimum diameter of the recess 245 in a direction transverse to the stroke direction shown by an arrow in Fig. 12, in particular perpendicular to the stroke direction, is at least substantially equal to a diameter of the container 1 to be filled. In particular, a minimum diameter of the recess 245 is selected in embodiments such that the container 1 can be inserted into the recess 245 with play. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12, the container 1 is inserted into the recess 245 and secured against tilting by the fixing element 243.In particular, the play of the container 1 in the recess is sufficiently small to reduce tilting to a tolerable level. In particular, the container 1 rests with a peripheral surface at contact points on the recess 245 of the fixing element 243 to reduce tilting to a tolerable level.

[0152] In embodiments, the container 1 is lifted in the lifting direction toward the fixing element 243, as schematically illustrated by an arrow in Fig. 12, so that the open end of the container 1 is guided through the recess 245 of the fixing element 243. The recess 245 illustrated in Fig. 12 has an insertion aid, in particular a chamfer 248 extending over the entire height of the fixing element 243, so that a diameter of the recess 245 tapers and the container 1 is centered upon insertion into the recess 245.

[0153] Fig. 13 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a fixing element 243 having a recess 245 with a portion of a container 10 guided through the recess 245 and a sensor device 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing element 243 is arranged near the sensor device 21. In particular, the fixing element 243 is arranged in a stroke direction represented by an arrow below a measuring height 214 schematically represented by a dashed line. In embodiments, the fixing element 243 is arranged at a distance from the measuring height 214 in order to prevent the fixing element 243 from interfering with a signal from the sensor device 21.

[0154] Fig. 14 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a fixing element 243 having a recess 245 with a section of a container 10 guided through the recess 245 and a sensor device 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing element 243 is arranged in a lifting direction illustrated by an arrow in Fig. 14 above a measuring height 214 schematically illustrated by a dashed line. In some embodiments, the fixing element 243 is arranged at a distance from the measuring height 214 in order to prevent a signal from the sensor device 21 from being impaired by the fixing element 243. In particular, the fixing element 243 is arranged close to the sensor device 21. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 14, the container 1 is supported by the fixing element 243, in particular in an upper end region. In some embodiments, the container 1 is supported by the fixing element 243 at an upper end.An arrangement of the fixing element 243 above the sensor device 21 is particularly advantageous for small fill levels. Fig. 15 schematically shows a sectional side view of a detail of an embodiment of the fixing element 243 according to Fig. 10, in a section along a line XI-XI according to Fig. 10 through a recess 245 together with a section of a container 1. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 14, a minimum diameter of the recess 245 is smaller than a diameter of the container 1 to be filled in at least one direction transverse to the lifting direction shown by an arrow in Fig. 15, in particular perpendicular to the lifting device.

[0155] The recess 245 shown in Fig. 15 has an insertion aid, in particular a chamfer 248, on a first side facing the lifting unit 240 (not shown in Fig. 15) in the lifting direction, so that the recess 245 tapers and the container 1 is centered when inserted into the recess 245. Adjacent to the chamfer 248 in the lifting direction, the recess 245 has a region with a constant diameter. In the illustrated embodiment, the constant diameter is larger than a diameter of the container 1. On a second side opposite the first side, the fixing element 243 on the recess 245 has at least one projection 249 projecting into the recess 245. In some embodiments, the projection 249 is uninterrupted in the circumferential direction of the recess 245.In embodiments, the projection 249 is interrupted in the circumferential direction of the recess 245, so that at least two contact points separated in the circumferential direction of the recess are formed.

[0156] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 15, the container 1 is inserted into the recess 245 and rests with an upper end at contact points of the projection 249 on the recess 245 of the fixing element 243. In embodiments, the container 1 is lifted in the lifting direction toward the fixing element 243, as schematically shown by an arrow in Fig. 11, until the open end of the container 1 rests at the contact points of the projection 249.

[0157] The design of the recess 245 can be suitably selected by a person skilled in the art depending on the application in order to secure the container to be filled against tipping during lifting, in particular to prevent tipping or at least reduce it to a tolerable level. In embodiments, the recess 245 is selected such that the container 1 can be inserted through the recess 245, with wall sections of the recess 245 forming support points. In embodiments, a cross-section of the recess is in the shape of a polygon, in particular a regular polygon. The polygon has at least three wall sections, with the wall sections forming support points against which the container 1 can be supported.

[0158] Fig. 16 shows schematically a plan view of a container 1 and a recess supporting the container 1 circumferentially at three contact points 2450, wherein in Fig. 15 only wall sections of the recess having the contact points 2450 are shown.

[0159] Fig. 17 schematically shows a top view of a container 1 and a recess 245 with an at least substantially square cross-section, which supports the container 1 circumferentially at several contact points 2450. In some embodiments, the container 1 is received in the recess 245 with clearance. In some embodiments, the clearance is selected such that the container 1 is supported at the contact points 2450 in order to reduce tilting to a tolerable level.

[0160] In embodiments, a lifting unit 240 for lifting a container 1 to be filled, in particular for lifting some, in particular all, containers 1 of a column 101, which cooperates with a fixing element 243 according to one of Figs. 11 to 17, does not have a receptacle 241 centering the containers 1.

[0161] In embodiments, a lifting unit 240 for lifting a container 1 to be filled, in particular for lifting some, in particular all, containers 1 of a column 101, which cooperates with a fixing element 243 according to one of Figs. 11 to 17, has a receptacle 241 centering the containers 1.

[0162] Fig. 18 shows schematically in a perspective view a lifting unit 240 with several receptacles 241 for each container 1 not shown in Fig. 18. The lifting unit 240 can be delivered in a lifting direction schematically shown by an arrow to a nest for lifting some, in particular all, containers 1 of a column (101, see Fig. 2).

[0163] The lifting unit 240 comprises a bar 2400 extending in the direction of a column (101, see Fig. 2) and a plurality of bolts 2402, each fixedly arranged on the bar 2400 and projecting from the bar 2400 in the lifting direction. Free ends of the bolts 2402 each serve as a support surface for exactly one container. In the illustrated embodiment, a receptacle 241 is provided at the free ends of the bolts 2402 in the region of each support surface. The illustrated receptacles 241 each have two contact points 242, each extending over a circumferential region of the receptacles 241. The illustrated lifting unit 240 further comprises a clamping device 25 for each of the containers 1 to be received in the receptacles 241.

[0164] The clamping devices 25 each comprise a first clamping element 251 and a second clamping element 252. The clamping elements 251, 252 extend in the lifting direction and protrude from the receptacle 241. The clamping devices 25 are each configured to secure a container received on the receptacle 241 against tipping in the lifting direction at a distance from the support surface.

[0165] The clamping elements 251, 252 are elastically deformable in certain embodiments. In particular, the clamping elements 251 are elastically deformed from a rest position by a container received therein, counter to their restoring forces, whereby the container is held clamped between the clamping elements 251, 252 and forced into an upright position.

[0166] The illustrated clamping device 25 comprises an adjusting device 253 for moving the clamping elements 251, 252 between an illustrated open position and a clamping position not shown.

[0167] The adjusting device 253 comprises an adjusting element 254 which is mounted on the lifting unit 240 so as to be movable in the lifting direction. The adjusting element 254 is adjustable in an automated manner relative to the bar 2400, in particular by a drive device (not shown). In the exemplary embodiment shown, the adjusting element 254 has two arms 2540 extending in the lifting direction. Each arm 2540 cooperates with a clamping element 251, 252 in order to adjust the clamping element 251, 252 from the illustrated open position into the clamping position (not shown) when the adjusting element 254 is moved from the illustrated rest position into an actuated position, in particular when the adjusting element 254 is moved upwards in the lifting direction from the illustrated rest position.In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping elements 251, 252 are pivoted by the adjusting elements 253 about a pivot axis arranged in particular below the contact surface, so that a distance between the clamping elements 251, 252 at the free ends is reduced.

[0168] In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting elements 254 of the clamping devices

[0169] 25 for some, in particular all, containers that can be picked up by the lifting unit 240 for lifting are realized as a common structural unit and are movable together for actuating the clamping devices 25, in particular adjustable relative to the bar 2400 in the lifting direction.

[0170] The clamping elements 251, 252 are particularly designed such that, upon a return movement of the actuating element 254 into the illustrated rest position, the clamping elements 251, 252 are forced into the open position due to internal restoring forces. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the clamping elements 251, 252 have support struts 258 inclined with respect to the stroke direction, which force the clamping elements 251, 252 into the open position.

[0171] The clamping elements 251, 252 each have at least one contact point 255, 256.

[0172] In the illustrated embodiment, a first clamping element 251 has two contact points 255, 256 spaced apart in the stroke direction. A first contact point 255 is arranged at a distal end of the first clamping element 251. A second contact point 256 is arranged closer to the receptacle 241, spaced apart in the stroke direction. The second clamping element 252 has exactly one contact point 255 arranged at a distal end.

[0173] At least one of the contact points 255, 256, in particular all of the contact points 255, 256, is / are designed as a curved contact surface. The curved contact surface is / are at least substantially coaxial with a lateral surface of a container (not shown in Fig. 18) held by the clamping device 25.

[0174] The illustrated embodiments are merely schematic, and numerous modifications are conceivable. In particular, it is conceivable to combine components illustrated and described as part of one embodiment with those of other embodiments in order to obtain further configurations.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device for filling a plurality of containers (1) in a nest (10) comprising columns (101) and rows (102), in particular for filling nested ampoules or carpules, comprising a filling system with a filling needle (200) with which a container (1) arranged in a column (101) can be filled, wherein a lifting device (24) is provided, wherein the container to be filled in the column (101) can be lifted out of the nest (10) with the lifting device (24) before the filling process and / or during the filling process, characterized in that the lifting device (24) has a fixing device, wherein the container (1) to be filled can be secured against tipping with the fixing device when it is lifted on the lifting device (24).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a sensor device (21) is provided, wherein the sensor device (21) is configured to detect when a defined fill level is reached during the filling process of the container (1), wherein the sensor device (21) is connected to a control device (23) of the filling system, and wherein the control device (23) is configured so that the detected reaching of the defined fill level triggers a stop signal for the filling process of the container (1), wherein in particular the sensor device (21) is designed as an optical sensor device comprising a transmitter (210) arranged adjacent to the nest (10) and a receiver (212) arranged adjacent to the nest (10).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lifting device (24) comprises a lifting unit (240) arranged in the lifting direction below the nest (10), which can be advanced in the lifting direction towards the container (1)(s) (1) at a closed end of the container (1)(s) (1) for lifting the container (1) to be filled, wherein in particular the lifting device (24), in particular the lifting unit (240), comprises exactly one bolt arranged below the nest for lifting exactly one container (1), and / or the lifting device (24), in particular the lifting unit (240), comprises several bolts arranged below the nest for lifting some, in particular all, containers (1) of a column, and / or the lifting device (24), in particular the lifting unit (240), comprises a bar arranged below the nest and extending in the direction of the columns (101) for lifting some, in particular all, containers (1) of a column (101),and / or a lifting device (24), in particular the lifting unit (240), cooperating stop is provided which limits the movement of the lifting device (24), in particular the lifting unit (240), in the lifting direction.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing device is designed to secure the container (1) to be filled against tipping at at least one of the following points: - in an upper end range and / or - in a lower end range and / or - near the sensor device (21) and / or - above the sensor device (21) and / or - below the sensor device (21).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting device, in particular the lifting unit (240), is fluidically connected to a vacuum source (246) so that a vacuum can be applied to the lifting device, in particular the lifting unit (240), when lifting the container to be filled, wherein the container (1) can be secured to the lifting device, in particular the lifting unit (240), by the vacuum.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing device has a fixing element (243), in particular a fixing element (243) arranged separately from the lifting unit, wherein in particular the fixing element (243) is arranged stationary at least during a movement of the lifting unit (240) for lifting the container (1) to be filled and / or during a filling process, and / or the fixing element (243) is designed to support the container (1) to be filled in the lifting direction at a distance from a contact surface on the lifting unit (240), and / or the fixing element (243) is designed to support the container (1) to be filled at an upper end region, and / or the fixing element (243) is designed to support the container (1) to be filled at an open end, and / or the fixing element (243) is designed to be connected to an open end of the container (1) to be filled during Lifting cooperating stop serves,and / or the fixing element is arranged close to the sensor device in the stroke direction, and / or the fixing element is made of a sterilizable and / or autoclavable material., 7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting device (24), in particular the fixing device, has a receptacle (241) for the container (1) to be filled, wherein the receptacle (241) has at least one, preferably two, three or more contact points (242), and wherein the container (1) can be supported circumferentially at the at least one contact point (242) during lifting.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (241) is arranged on the lifting unit (240) and is adjustable in the lifting direction with the lifting unit (240), and / or the lifting unit (240) comprises a clamping device (25) for the container (1) to be filled, having at least two clamping elements (251, 252) extending in the lifting direction, wherein in particular the clamping elements (251) are deformable and / or adjustable, in particular elastically deformable and / or adjustable, and / or an adjusting device (253) is provided for moving the at least two clamping elements (251, 252) between an open position and a clamping position, wherein in particular the adjusting device (253) comprises an adjusting element (254) mounted on the lifting unit (240) so as to be movable in the lifting direction, and / or the clamping elements (251, 252) each have at least one contact point (255), and / or the Clamping device (25) exactly two clamping elements (251,252), wherein a first clamping element (251) has two contact points (255) spaced apart in the stroke direction, and / or at least one contact point (255) is designed as a curved contact surface, wherein in particular the curved contact surface is at least substantially coaxial with a lateral surface of the container (1) received by the clamping device., 9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the fixing element (243) has a recess (245) forming the receptacle, wherein in particular the recess (245) has a non-rotationally symmetrical cross-section, and / or the recess (245) has an insertion aid, in particular a chamfer, and / or a diameter of the recess (245) in at least one direction transverse to the stroke direction is smaller than a diameter of the container (1) to be filled, and / or the fixing element (243) is designed as a perforated plate comprising at least one recess (245), in particular a plurality of recesses (245) each forming a receptacle for some containers (1), in particular all containers of a column (101) or all containers of the nest (10).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting device (24) is designed to lift the containers (1) of different columns (101) and / or different rows (102) with a different stroke in order to change the defined filling level, to compensate for tolerances and / or to compensate for a distance-dependent measuring signal of the sensor device (21).

11. Method for filling a plurality of containers (1) in a nest (10) comprising columns (101) and rows (102), in particular for filling nested ampoules or carpules, wherein a container arranged in a column (101) is filled with a filling needle (200), wherein before the filling process and / or during the filling process the container (1) to be filled in the column (101) is lifted out of the nest (10) with a lifting device (24), characterized in that the container (1) to be filled is secured against tipping on the lifting device (24) when being lifted.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that during the filling process of the container (1) reaching a defined fill level is detected by a sensor device (21), wherein the detected reaching of the defined fill level triggers a stop signal for the filling process of the container (1), wherein in particular reaching of the defined fill level is detected by an optical sensor device comprising a transmitter (210) arranged adjacent to the nest (10) and a receiver (212) arranged adjacent to the nest (10).

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that for lifting the container (1) to be filled, a lifting unit (240) of the lifting device (24) arranged in the lifting direction below the nest (10) is delivered to the container (1) at a closed end of the container (1).

14. Method according to one of claims 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that a negative pressure is applied to the lifting device (24), in particular the lifting unit (240), when lifting the container to be filled, wherein the container (1) is Negative pressure is secured on the lifting device (24), in particular the lifting unit (240).

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the container to be filled (1) is secured against tipping during lifting by the lifting device (24) by a fixing element arranged separately from the lifting unit, wherein in particular the fixing element is arranged stationary at least during a movement of the lifting unit to lift the container, and / or the container to be filled is supported by the fixing element at a distance from an engagement point of the lifting unit, and / or the container to be filled is supported by the fixing element at an upper end region, and / or the container to be filled is supported by the fixing element at an open end, and / or the fixing element serves as a stop for an open end of the container during lifting.

16. Method according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the container (1) to be filled is received during lifting in a receptacle of the lifting device (24), in particular the fixing device, wherein the receptacle has at least one, preferably two, three or more contact points and the container (1) is supported circumferentially at the contact points.

17. Method according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that in order to change the defined filling level, to compensate for tolerances and / or to compensate for a distance-dependent measuring signal of the sensor devices (21), the containers (1) of different columns (101) and / or different rows (102) are lifted with a different stroke.

18. Plant for carrying out process steps on containers, in particular for carrying out process steps at least partially under clean room conditions, wherein the plant comprises a device according to one of claims 1 to 10 and / or wherein the plant is designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 11 to 17.

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