Transfer apparatus for pharmaceutical production material, system comprising such a transfer apparatus, and method for inserting pharmaceutical production material into a system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transfer apparatus (102, 200, 250) for introducing pharmaceutical production material into a system (100) for processing the production material (128), which system comprises or forms at least one receiving chamber (164, 258, 260, 262) enclosed by a wall (148), an insertion opening (158) via which the production material (128) can be inserted into the at least one receiving chamber (164, 258, 260, 262), and a removal opening (160) via which the production material (128) can be removed from the at least one receiving chamber (164, 258, 260, 262), wherein the transfer apparatus (102, 200, 250) is designed as a lock system (104), wherein, in an insertion state, the at least one receiving chamber (164, 258, 260, 262) aligns with the insertion opening (158) and the removal opening (160) is sealed, in a transfer state, the at least one receiving chamber (164, 258, 260, 262) aligns with the removal opening (160) and the insertion opening (158) is sealed, and, in a sterilisation state, the insertion opening (158) and the removal opening (160) are sealed, wherein the transfer apparatus (102, 200, 250) has an illumination device (180) with at least one UV lighting element (182) arranged on the wall (148) for emitting UV light into the at least one receiving chamber (164, 258, 260, 262), and wherein production material (128) received in the at least one receiving chamber (164, 258, 260, 262) can be irradiated by means of UV light directly or indirectly from two or more directions when the sterilisation state is assumed. The invention also relates to a system (100) for processing production material (128) and to a method for introducing production material (128).

Description

[0001] Transfer device for pharmaceutical production material, plant with such a transfer device and method for introducing pharmaceutical production material into a plant

[0002] The present invention relates to a transfer device for introducing pharmaceutical production material into a system for processing the production material, wherein the system comprises a chamber with a wall and a processing space as well as at least one processing station arranged in the processing space and the transfer device.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to such a plant and a method for introducing pharmaceutical production material into the plant.

[0004] In a system of the type described above, pharmaceutical containers can be processed and, in particular, filled with a pharmaceutical product, for example a liquid. For this purpose, at least one processing station is provided in the system, for example at least one unpacking station, a weighing station, a filling station, and / or a closing station. The containers are fed to the system from the outside via the transfer device and are processed at the at least one processing station. Several processing stations can be arranged in a single processing space. Alternatively, it is conceivable for a plurality of systems, each with a processing station, to be positioned in a row, with the containers being passed on from one system to the next. The containers are considered pharmaceutical production material.

[0005] In the present case, it can be provided that the production material is considered to include, in particular, pharmaceutical secondary packaging with containers, wherein the containers are held on or in a common carrier, for example a tub or a tray. A nest or, as mentioned, a single container is also conceivable as a production material, wherein the application of the present invention is particularly advantageous for secondary production materials such as a tub or tray with containers held therein. The tub or tray could also be (still) packaged in a bag. Other possible production materials can be considered to include, for example, components for processing and / or transport, for example format parts that are used in the processing space. Format parts could be introduced individually or in groups in a holding part.In practice, the processing of aseptic pharmaceutical products places high demands on the cleanliness class of the processing room. A GMP A cleanliness class is particularly desirable or necessary, and must be maintained throughout the entire process. This places high demands on the production material, particularly the introduction of germs that may adhere to the production material or otherwise enter the processing room via the transfer device. This applies particularly to the processing of highly active or toxic pharmaceutical products.

[0006] It is known to introduce pre-sterilized production materials such as primary or secondary packaging, whereby an H2O2 atmosphere is maintained in a sterilization chamber for decontamination. However, this can be problematic because primary packaging is sensitive to H2O2 and can be damaged. Therefore, to prevent the primary packaging from coming into contact with H2O2, openings in the secondary packaging are covered with a cover element, and the packaging is irradiated with UV light from only one side in the direction of the cover element. A further disadvantage is that the pose of packaging, for example of tubs, can change when bags are cut open. This can result in a non-sterilized surface entering the processing chamber. Furthermore, cutting open bags can lead to the release of particles that can enter the processing chamber.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a transfer device, a system with such a transfer device and a method for introducing production material into the system, with which hygienic requirements can be met in a structurally simple manner when transferring the production material into the system.

[0008] This object is achieved by a transfer device according to the invention for introducing pharmaceutical production material into a system for processing the production material, which comprises or forms at least one receiving space enclosed by a wall, an insertion opening through which the production material can be introduced into the at least one receiving space, and a removal opening through which the production material can be removed from the at least one receiving space, wherein the transfer device is designed as a lock device, wherein in an insertion state the at least one receiving space is aligned with the insertion opening and the transfer opening is closed, in a transfer state the at least one receiving space is aligned with the transfer opening and the insertion opening is closed, and in a sterilization state the insertion opening and the transfer opening are closed,wherein the transfer device comprises a lighting device with at least one UV lighting element arranged on the wall for emitting UV light into the at least one receiving space, and wherein production material received in the at least one receiving space can be irradiated directly or indirectly from two or more directions by means of UV light when the sterilization state is assumed.

[0009] The present invention incorporates the consideration that irradiation of the production material, for example, the secondary packaging material, from two or more directions can enable sterilization in a structurally simple manner in such a way that hygiene requirements can be met. Preferably, pre-sterilized production material is sterilized to such an extent that it can be transferred from an external room of purity level, such as GMP Class B, C, D, or NC, to the processing room of purity level GMP Class A. For example, a depletion of germs by at least four decades (4-log depletion), preferably up to six decades (6-log depletion), is desirable.

[0010] The production material can be introduced into the at least one receiving chamber via the insertion opening, wherein the removal opening is closed with respect to the receiving chamber into which the production material is introduced. In the subsequent sterilization state, the production material can be irradiated from two or more directions and thus sterilized. The two openings are closed with respect to the receiving chamber in which the production material is received. Depending on the requirements regarding the degree of cleanliness of the processing chamber, the lighting device can preferably be controlled and / or regulated with regard to exposure duration and exposure intensity. Preferably, the exposure can be controlled and / or regulated depending on the production material to be introduced, wherein, for example, its shape and / or size and / or contour form the basis for the exposure process.Subsequently, in the removal state, the production material can be removed from at least one receiving space, wherein the insertion opening is closed with respect to the receiving space.

[0011] Direct or indirect irradiation from two or more directions preferably makes it possible to avoid any shadows cast by conventional transfer devices and / or to irradiate and sterilize recesses and undercuts. Advantageously, exposure to H2O2 in the receiving chamber can be eliminated, allowing even production materials sensitive to H2O2 to be sterilized. Advantageously, the UV sterilization process allows sterilization to be carried out significantly faster (e.g., from seconds to minutes, depending on the technology used) than conventional H2O2 sterilization, which can take several minutes.

[0012] The receiving space can, for example, be stationary relative to the insertion opening and the removal opening. Alternatively, the receiving space can be movable relative to the insertion opening and the removal opening, for example, if it is formed by or in a movable receiving body.

[0013] The transfer device can be provided with more than one receiving space. Depending on the receiving space, the transfer device can, for example, simultaneously assume a transfer state, a sterilization state, and / or a removal state. This will be discussed further below. It should be noted that, for example, a packaging material is inserted into a receiving space at the insertion opening, and at the same time, another packaging material is removed from another receiving space at the removal opening.

[0014] "Sterilizing" by means of the transfer device can, in this case, also include "disinfecting." Accordingly, it can be provided that the production material in the receiving space can preferably be disinfected via the lighting device. The degree of purity can preferably be adjusted depending on the duration and / or type of UV irradiation.

[0015] The direction of transfer of the production material from the outside into the processing space via the transfer device can vary. For example, a transfer can occur from the side, in particular a substantially horizontal transfer, as explained below using the example of the drawing. Alternatively or additionally, a transfer can occur from top to bottom or vice versa, in particular a substantially vertical transfer.

[0016] Advantageously, the lighting device is designed such that the production material can be irradiated with UV light from all sides, with direct or indirect irradiation from two or more directions being conceivable. For example, irradiation occurs from above and below, from the left and right, as well as from the front and back. Position and orientation specifications in this case are to be understood as referring to the intended use of the transfer device.

[0017] The emitted UV light is preferably divergent and not collimated in order to irradiate and thus sterilize as large an area of ​​the production material as possible.

[0018] It is advantageous if the at least one lighting element is arranged outside the at least one receiving space on the wall or is inserted into a receiving opening in the wall, wherein the wall, in particular on a bottom wall, a side wall and / or a ceiling wall, is at least partially transparent to the light emitted by the at least one lighting element. A plastic material such as acrylic or a glass, for example quartz glass, is used as a material transparent to UV light. In this way, the UV light can penetrate through the at least partially transparent wall into the receiving space. This reduces the requirements for the lighting device with regard to sterility and / or sealing in the receiving space.For example, a suitable receiving element such as a base, a socket or the like can be arranged on or in the wall, in which the lighting element is inserted as intended in order to assume a defined desired position.

[0019] Positioning the at least one lighting element outside the wall or from the outside inside the wall advantageously allows for the removal of the lighting element. This offers the possibility of adapting the transfer device to different requirements and / or replacing a defective lighting element.

[0020] Accordingly, it may be advantageous if the at least one lighting element can be removed and replaced individually or in groups. This option is preferably available when the transfer device is closed and / or during the sterilization state, for example, when the at least one receiving space assumes the configuration and / or position for the sterilization state. This preferably allows for the replacement of the at least one lighting element during ongoing operation of the system with the transfer device.

[0021] The replacement of the at least one lighting element can be carried out, for example, by a user and / or automatically using a robotic handling device, for example. The interior walls of the at least one receiving space can be at least partially reflective to reflect UV light or made of a material that reflects UV light. Alternatively or additionally, at least some of the interior walls of the receiving space can be reflective to reflect UV light or made of a material that reflects UV light. This can preferably promote the sterilization properties of the transfer device. UV light can be reflected by the interior walls and thus indirectly reaches areas of the production material that may not be illuminable by direct irradiation.This can also be advantageous for the design of the transfer device in order to limit the number of UV light elements and still achieve very good sterilization properties.

[0022] For example, an interior wall is designed to be reflective on a side opposite a lighting element.

[0023] The reflective material could be aluminum, for example, which has a high degree of reflection in the UV range. Alternatively, stainless steel, particularly grade 316L, is conceivable. Reflective PTFE materials suitable for cleanrooms, such as POREX Virtek® PTFE, may prove advantageous.

[0024] The lighting device can comprise two or more lighting elements, which are arranged in particular opposite one another on the at least one wall.

[0025] At least one lighting element is advantageously arranged on a ceiling wall of the at least one receiving space.

[0026] At least one lighting element is advantageously arranged on at least one side wall of the at least one receiving space.

[0027] At least one lighting element is advantageously arranged on a floor wall of the at least one receiving space.

[0028] The ceiling wall, at least one side wall, and / or the floor wall are encompassed or formed by the wall. "On the wall" can also be understood in particular as "set into the wall," as explained here using the example of the wall. At least one lighting element can advantageously be arranged on a closing element (e.g., a door) of the insertion opening and / or the removal opening.

[0029] At least one lighting element can be moved from the wall into the receiving space by means of a drive element. For example, during sterilization, the lighting element is moved into the production material (e.g., a container), between production materials and / or between format parts, to achieve full-surface illumination and avoid dead spaces.

[0030] It can be provided that several lighting elements can be moved into the receiving space from the same and / or from different directions, for example depending on the load with production material.

[0031] Alternatively, at least one lighting element can be arranged stationary on the wall.

[0032] The at least one lighting element can be or comprise an LED lighting element. A module or panel comprising a plurality of LED lighting elements can be provided.

[0033] The at least one luminous element may be or comprise a fluorescent tube.

[0034] Preferably, UV-C light can be emitted by the at least one luminous element. This enables reliable sterilization of the production material.

[0035] For example, light within the wavelength range from approximately 100 nm to approximately 300 nm can be emitted by at least one luminous element, although longer wavelengths in the UV range are also conceivable.

[0036] Two or more light-emitting elements may have identical wavelength ranges of emitted light and / or two or more light-emitting elements may have different wavelength ranges of emitted light.

[0037] It can be provided that the at least one luminous element can emit UV light in continuous operation and / or pulsed operation. Conveniently, it is possible to switch between continuous operation and pulsed operation.

[0038] Preferably, the luminous intensity of the at least one luminous element can be controlled and / or regulated. Monitoring or control of the function of the at least one luminous element can be provided.

[0039] The at least one lighting element can be designed in a flat design.

[0040] The at least one lighting element is advantageously detachable from outside the system. For example, the system comprises a chamber with a wall, and the transfer device is inserted or integrated into the wall. The at least one lighting element is preferably accessible from the outside of the chamber wall. This offers the possibility, for example, of replacing the lighting element without having to open the chamber. The replacement is advantageously possible during ongoing operation of the system.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the transfer device comprises a first closing element at the insertion opening and a second closing element at the removal opening, wherein the closing elements can be transferred independently of one another from a closed position closing the respective opening into an open position releasing the respective opening and vice versa, wherein in the insertion state the first closing element assumes the open position and the second closing element assumes the closed position, wherein in the sterilization state both closing elements assume the closed position and wherein in the removal state the first closing element assumes the closed position and the second closing element assumes the open position. In this case, the transfer device can be designed as a lock device with two independently operable closing elements.The production material is introduced into the receiving chamber with the removal opening closed, and the insertion opening is then closed. Subsequently, the material is irradiated with UV light. The removal opening is then opened and the production material is removed.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the receiving space can, for example, be stationary relative to the insertion opening and relative to the removal opening. When the first locking element is open, the receiving space is aligned with the insertion opening, and when the second locking element is open, the receiving space is aligned with the removal opening.

[0043] The locking elements can be opened and / or closed manually by an operator, automatically by means of a drive element, and / or automatically by a robotic device, for example. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the first locking element and / or the second locking element can, for example, be a pivotable or displaceable side wall of the receiving space.

[0044] A UV-transparent or UV-semi-transparent seal, for example a sealing lip, can be provided on the first and / or second closing element.

[0045] The state of the first and / or second closing element can be monitored for safety and process control purposes. The transfer device can include a monitoring device for this purpose.

[0046] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the transfer device comprises a receiving body in which the at least one receiving space is formed, as well as a drive device for moving the receiving body to assume the insertion state, the sterilization state and the removal state, wherein a closing wall of the receiving body closes the removal opening in the insertion state, the insertion opening in the removal state and the insertion opening and the removal opening in the sterilization state.

[0047] In such an embodiment, the respective opening can be selectively closed or opened by the movement of the receiving body, depending on its position, via the at least one closing wall. This offers the possibility, for example, of eliminating separate closing elements as in the embodiment described above to simplify the structural design. Such closing elements can nevertheless be provided, or at least one closing element can be provided at the insertion opening or the removal opening.

[0048] The receiving body can, for example, comprise a bottom wall and a side wall protruding therefrom, wherein the side wall is the closure wall closing the insertion opening and / or the removal opening. For example, the production material is positioned on the bottom wall. As the receiving body moves, the protruding side wall selectively closes the insertion opening and / or the removal opening.

[0049] For example, it can be provided that the receiving body is designed to be rotatable about a rotational axis via the drive device, and that the closing wall is interrupted in sections in the circumferential direction of the rotational axis at at least one recess. Depending on the rotational position of the receiving body, the at least one recess is aligned with the insertion opening for the insertion state or with the removal opening for the removal state. In the sterilization state, the at least one recess is aligned neither with the insertion opening nor with the removal opening, which are closed with respect to the at least one receiving space. In this way, a rotary lock device can be formed.

[0050] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the receiving body can be displaced back and forth along a guide device via the drive device, wherein, depending on the displacement position of the receiving body, the at least one recess is aligned with the insertion opening for the insertion state or with the removal opening for the removal state. In the sterilization state, the at least one recess is not aligned with any of the openings that are closed with respect to the receiving space. In this way, a displacement lock device can be formed.

[0051] The receiving body can be moved in a timed manner or continuously by means of the drive device, for example.

[0052] A contour of the receiving body in a plan view may be round and in particular circular or have another shape, for example a square shape.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiving body can be or comprise a cellular wheel which is designed to be rotatable about an axis of rotation via the drive device and forms a plurality of receiving spaces, wherein the cells are separated from one another by partition walls and a respective cell forms a receiving space, wherein a respective cell, depending on the rotational position of the cellular wheel, is aligned with the insertion opening to assume the insertion state, with the removal opening to assume the removal state, or with none of the openings to assume the sterilization state. This allows, for example, production material to be introduced into a respective receiving space and preferably to shorten process times. For example, one receiving space assumes the insertion state, another receiving space assumes the sterilization state, and a third receiving space assumes the transfer state.It can therefore be loaded, sterilized, and removed in parallel operation. For example, the rotary feeder can comprise four receiving chambers, with an additional fourth receiving chamber being cleaned after removal of production material and before introduction of the next production material.

[0054] It may be provided that no closing element for closing the insertion opening and / or the removal opening is arranged at the insertion opening and / or the removal opening.

[0055] A cover element can be arranged at the insertion opening and / or the removal opening to block UV light from escaping from the transfer device, thereby protecting the external environment of the transfer device and / or the processing chamber from UV light. The cover element can be, for example, a panel, flap, or the like. A separate drive element can be provided to move the cover element. Alternatively, a driver can be provided on the transfer device, for example, on the receiving body.

[0056] It can be provided that at least one support element, for example in the form of a strip or knob, is arranged on the wall for supporting the production material. The support element is arranged, for example, on the floor wall.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, at least one holding element for hanging the production material in the receiving space can be arranged on the wall.

[0058] The two embodiments mentioned above allow, for example, the production material to be spaced at least partially from the bottom wall of the wall, which can facilitate the irradiation of lower sections of the production material.

[0059] The mounting element and / or the holding element can preferably be at least partially transparent to the light emitted by the at least one luminous element.

[0060] A drive element for moving the production material, particularly during the sterilization state, can be arranged in the receiving space. This movement preferably makes it possible to reliably irradiate the production material from all sides, whereby recesses and undercuts can also be detected. The transfer device can include a cleaning device for cleaning the at least one receiving space. The cleaning device can be or include, for example, a spray device for spraying a cleaning fluid in the receiving space.

[0061] The transfer device may comprise an evaporation device for evaporating a liquid in the receiving space.

[0062] The transfer device can comprise a ventilation device to provide a defined gas flow in the receiving space. The ventilation device can be arranged in the receiving space. Alternatively, the ventilation device is arranged outside the receiving space, wherein the gas can preferably flow into the receiving space via a filter element.

[0063] The ventilation device can be an overpressure device or a negative pressure device and can comprise, for example, a fan.

[0064] In order to provide the most favorable air flow (e.g. LF, laminar flow) for the removal of the production material, particularly in the processing room, the ventilation device can be arranged, for example, at the transfer device, specifically at the removal opening.

[0065] The transfer device may comprise an air conditioning device for controlling and / or regulating a temperature and / or a degree of humidity in the receiving space.

[0066] The transfer device can comprise a monitoring device for monitoring the function, in particular of a lighting element. Alternatively or additionally, the position of a closing element and / or the drive body and / or the function of another functional device of the transfer device can be monitored. In the event of a malfunction, a corresponding signal can be provided to alert a user to the malfunction and / or to initiate countermeasures to ensure the sterility of the production material.

[0067] The transfer device can be designed to be sealed against H2O2, with a closed insertion and removal opening. For example, decontamination of the receiving chamber with H2O2 via a separate decontamination device is conceivable. Decontamination can be carried out, for example, before loading the receiving chamber or in combination with the lighting system when production material is stored in the receiving chamber.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, decontamination can be carried out via the system with the removal opening open. For FkCh decontamination operation, for example, a closing element can be designed with an additional cover element to ensure cleaning of the closing element seal.

[0069] The transfer device may comprise a control device for controlling and / or regulating the operation of the transfer device.

[0070] As already mentioned, the present invention also relates to a system.

[0071] A system according to the invention for processing pharmaceutical production material comprises a chamber with a wall and a processing space, at least one processing station arranged in the processing space and a transfer device of the type described above integrated into the wall, as well as a handling device, in particular a robotic device, in the processing space for removing the production material from the at least one receiving space via the removal opening and transferring it into the processing space when the transfer device assumes the removal state.

[0072] The advantages that can be achieved with the system according to the invention have already been explained in connection with the transfer device according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the system according to the invention result from advantageous embodiments of the transfer device according to the invention. Reference can be made to the above explanations in this regard.

[0073] In the system according to the invention, the production material can be transferred into the processing chamber for use via the handling device, in particular a robotic one. The processing chamber in particular has a higher purity class (for example, GMP Class A) than the exterior of the chamber. The transfer device sterilizes the production material and the receiving chamber to this level of purity. Outside the chamber, for example, the purity level is GMP Class B, C, D, or NC. The handling device in the processing chamber can be designed to perform additional work steps. The handling of production material, for example, primary and secondary packaging materials, is conceivable. Inspection tasks using a camera or similar device, biomonitoring including the exchange of culture media, troubleshooting, and / or surface sampling can also be provided.

[0074] The system preferably comprises a handling device, in particular a robotic device, outside the chamber for introducing the production material into the at least one receiving space via the insertion opening when the transfer device assumes the insertion state. Accordingly, it is advantageous if the loading of the transfer device can be carried out automatically from the outside via the handling device, which is preferably designed as a robot.

[0075] The handling device outside the chamber can be configured to perform additional work steps. For example, unpacking secondary packaging from one or more outer packages (e.g., under LF (laminar flow) flow) and disposing of the outer packages is conceivable. Because the handling device can unpack multiple outer packages, space and costs can be saved and the design simplified. Unlike a conventional system, no different machines are required to open the respective outer packages in successive stages.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the handling device can, as additional work steps, for example, move bags with tubs or trays, change monitoring material for biomonitoring, insert and remove format parts, open and close particle monitoring objects, sample surfaces, handle defective objects, take samples and / or troubleshoot the lighting device.

[0077] It is conceivable that a handling device (for example a robot) is used for loading and unloading a plurality of chambers, which are, for example, opposite one another, via a transport device which, for example, enables movement along a linear axis, wherein the handling device can be arranged therebetween.

[0078] The handling device outside the chamber can be part of the transfer device. The handling devices are preferably controllable by the control device.

[0079] Packaging materials, for example, can tend to have hidden surfaces due to their shape (e.g., in the case of deformable bags). The safety and process stability of such packaging materials can be increased, for example, by connecting the same process in series.

[0080] The system can comprise two or more transfer devices connected in parallel and / or two or more connected in series. With transfer devices connected in series, it is conceivable that the handling device removes the production material from the last transfer device, while the transport of the production material from one transfer device to the next takes place in a different manner. A separate handling device can be provided for this purpose.

[0081] As already mentioned at the beginning, the present invention also relates to a method.

[0082] A method according to the invention for introducing pharmaceutical production material into a plant for processing the production material of the type described above comprises introducing the production material via an introduction opening into a receiving space, closing the receiving space, sterilizing the production material in the receiving space by means of UV light, opening the receiving space and removing the production material from the receiving space and transferring it into the processing space of the plant by means of a handling device.

[0083] Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention result from advantageous embodiments of the transfer device according to the invention and / or the system according to the invention. Reference is made to the above explanations, including with regard to the advantages and effects.

[0084] Loading the receiving space via the insertion opening can be done mechanically using a handling device. Alternatively, or in addition, manual loading by a user is conceivable.

[0085] Production material can be placed, for example, directly or in a suitable holding part in the receiving space. This can apply to primary and secondary packaging materials and format parts. The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the drawings, serves to explain the invention in more detail. They show:

[0086] Figure 1: a schematic representation of the plant according to the invention for processing pharmaceutical production material in a preferred embodiment, comprising the transfer device according to the invention in a preferred embodiment;

[0087] Figure 2: a perspective schematic representation of the transfer device;

[0088] Figure 3: a schematic representation of the transfer device in an insertion state when inserting production material;

[0089] Figure 4: the transfer device with production material arranged therein in a sterilization state;

[0090] Figure 5: another representation of the transfer device with the production material in the sterilization state with some components hidden;

[0091] Figure 6: a representation of the transfer device in the removal state when removing the production material;

[0092] Figure 7: a schematic representation of the transfer device according to the invention in a further preferred embodiment in an insertion state in a plan view;

[0093] Figure 8: the transfer device from Figure 7 in a sterilization state;

[0094] Figure 9: another representation of the transfer device in the sterilization state in a side view;

[0095] Figure 10: a representation of the transfer device from Figure 8 in a removal state;

[0096] Figure 11: the transfer device according to the invention in a further preferred embodiment in a removal state in a plan view;

[0097] Figure 12: the transfer device from Figure 11 in the sterilized state; Figure 13: a further representation of the transfer device in the sterilized state in a side view;

[0098] Figure 14: the transfer device from Figure 11 in a removal state;

[0099] Figure 15: the transfer device from Figure 11 in a cleaning state;

[0100] Figure 16: the transfer device from Figure 11, equipped with a plurality of production materials in different receiving spaces of the transfer device, each of which assumes a different state.

[0101] The present invention relates to a transfer device and a system comprising a transfer device, wherein the transfer device is designed to sterilize production material before it is introduced into the system. This serves to prevent the introduction of germs into the system, which germs may be present on the production material itself or within the transfer device as a result of the introduction of the production material.

[0102] First, a transfer device illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 will be discussed. Other embodiments are explained below. Reference is made to the above explanations, particularly with regard to preferred embodiments of the transfer device and the system. The system according to the invention can be used to carry out the method according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment.

[0103] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention for processing pharmaceutical production material, designated overall by reference numeral 100. System 100 comprises a preferred embodiment of the transfer device according to the invention, designated overall by reference numeral 102, configured as a lock device 104.

[0104] In the present embodiment, the system 100 comprises a chamber 106 with a wall 108 that encloses a processing space 110. The chamber 106 is positioned on a support surface 114 via a frame 112.

[0105] An opening 116 is provided in the wall 108, in this case in a side wall thereof. The transfer device 102 is inserted into the opening and thereby integrated into the wall 108. In the present example, the chamber 106 comprises a front section 118 that accommodates the transfer device 102 and is arranged outside the processing chamber 110. The front section 108 has a front wall 120, a ceiling wall 122, a bottom wall 124, and side walls not shown in the drawing, so that the transfer device 102 is completely enclosed in the front section 118. The front section 118 can preferably be opened, for example by removing one of the walls 120 to 124 and / or the side walls.

[0106] At least one processing station 126 is arranged in the processing room 110, with which pharmaceutical production material 128 can be processed.

[0107] The invention is explained here using the example of production material 128 in the form of a secondary pharmaceutical packaging 130. The packaging 130 is a tub or tray 132 in which primary packaging is accommodated, namely pharmaceutical containers that can be filled with a pharmaceutical product. The containers can be vials, syringes, cartridges, or ampoules.

[0108] The secondary packaging materials 130 can also be referred to as secondary packaging and the primary packaging materials as primary packaging.

[0109] The system 100 further comprises a handling device 134 in the processing space 110. The handling device is in this case a robotic device with a robot arm 136.

[0110] A control device 138 is provided, with which the handling device 134 can be controlled to execute actions within the processing space 110. The control device 138 can be a control device of the system 100 and / or the transfer device 102.

[0111] By means of the handling device 134, the packaging material 130 can be taken from the transfer device 102, transferred to the processing chamber 110, and fed to the processing station 126. The processing station 126 can be configured in various ways. For example, the primary packaging materials are removed from the secondary packaging material 130, thus forming an unpacking station.

[0112] The system 100 further comprises, outside the chamber 106, on an outer side 140, another handling device 142, which can preferably be robotic and can comprise a robot arm 144. The handling device 142 can be controlled by the control device 138. The packaging material 130 is introduced into the transfer device 102 via the handling device.

[0113] Packaging materials 130 can, for example, be stored on a storage device 146 and are removed from there by the handling device 102 when required.

[0114] In addition or as an alternative to loading the transfer device 102 by means of the handling device 142, the packaging materials 130 can be fed to the transfer device 102 by a user.

[0115] As is particularly clear from Figures 2 to 4 and 6, the transfer device 102 in the present example comprises a wall 148 which comprises a bottom wall 150, a top wall 152 and opposite side walls 154.

[0116] At opposite ends, the wall 148 comprises end walls 156, wherein an insertion opening 158 is formed in a first end wall 156 and a removal opening 160 is formed in the other end wall 156. Flange-like connecting elements 162 are arranged on the end walls 156 for connection to the wall 108 and the front wall 120 of the front section 118.

[0117] In its basic form, the transfer device 102 is essentially cuboid-shaped, with the end walls 156 projecting beyond the walls 150 to 154 on the outside.

[0118] The wall 148 encloses a receiving space 164, which can be accessed via the insertion opening 158 and the removal opening 160, provided these openings are open. In the present example, the receiving space 164 is stationary relative to the openings 158 and 160. A first closing element 166 for closing the insertion opening 158 is arranged on the first end wall 156. Similarly, a second closing element 168 for closing the removal opening 160 is arranged on the second end wall 156.

[0119] The respective closing element 166, 168 is configured here as a flap 170, which can be moved about a rotation axis 172 from an open position, in which the respective opening 158, 160 is exposed, into a closed position and vice versa, wherein the respective opening 158, 160 is closed in the closed position. The receiving space 164 is sealed in a media-tight manner, so that gas and liquids cannot pass from the outside into the receiving space 164, nor can they pass from the inside out of the receiving space 164.

[0120] To transfer the closing elements 166, 168, a drive element 174 is provided in each case, which can be controlled in particular by the control device 138 to move the closing element 166, 168. Alternatively or additionally, the closing elements 166, 168 can be opened and closed, for example, by the handling devices 142 and 134, respectively, or manually.

[0121] In this case, the walls 150, 152, and 154 are preferably made of a material that is transparent to UV light, particularly UV-C light. This offers the possibility of coupling UV light from the outside through the walls 150, 152, and 154 into the receiving space 164 and irradiating the packaging 130 accommodated therein.

[0122] The closing element 168, which separates the receiving chamber 164 from the processing chamber 110, can be made of a material that is optically transparent to UV light. A plastic or glass, such as acrylic or quartz glass, can be used as a material that is transparent to UV light. Alternatively, the closing element 168 can be made of a material that is not transparent to UV light and / or can have or form a seal that is fully or partially permeable to UV light.

[0123] The closing element 166, which faces the outer side 140, is preferably opaque to UV light to protect the exterior area from UV radiation. The same applies to the connecting element 162 on this end wall 156 and to the front section 118 as a whole.

[0124] Preferably, the inner side of the closure element 166 is made of a material that reflects UV light, particularly UV-C light, or is coated with such a material. Aluminum or pharmaceutical-grade stainless steel, such as grade 316L, can be used. Reflective PTFE materials suitable for cleanrooms may prove advantageous, such as POREX Virtek® PTFE.

[0125] In the receiving space 164, a strip-shaped or knob-shaped support element 176 can be provided, for example, on the bottom wall 150, on which the packaging 130 can be positioned. In the present case, several such support elements 176 are provided. This distances the packaging 130 from the bottom wall 150, which proves advantageous for irradiation with light from below.

[0126] Alternatively or additionally, at least one holding element 178 can be provided on the wall 148 in the receiving space 164 for the same purpose.

[0127] A drive element for moving the packaging material 130 during a sterilization state of the transfer device 102 can be arranged in the receiving space, wherein the drive element can be controlled by the control device 138.

[0128] The transfer device 102 comprises an illumination device 180 that can be controlled by the control device 138. The illumination device 180 comprises at least one UV luminous element 182. Preferably, as in the present case, a plurality of luminous elements 182 are provided.

[0129] In the present case, the lighting elements 182 are arranged outside the receiving space 164 on the wall 148. For connection, a receiving element 184 (for example, in the form of a socket or a base) is provided, to which the lighting element 182 can be detachably connected. This makes it possible to replace the lighting element 182, for example, with a different type of lighting element or in the event of a malfunction.

[0130] The replacement is advantageously possible from the outside without having to stop the operation of the transfer device 102 and / or the system 100. For replacement, the user can, for example, reach into the stem 118 and remove the lighting element 182.

[0131] It is understood that contacting the luminous element 182 is possible outside the chamber 106 and outside the transfer device 102. The drawing shows a schematic representation of the luminous elements 182, which in a preferred embodiment, for example, using LEDs, can also be flat. A UV LED panel or the like is conceivable, for example.

[0132] Reference numeral 185 for the dashed line represents, by way of example, a flat-design lighting element on the ceiling wall 152, which preferably extends over a substantial portion or substantially the entire ceiling wall to achieve the most comprehensive irradiation possible. Flat lighting elements can be used anywhere on the transfer device 102.

[0133] The luminous element 182 is designed to emit UV-C light, for example, approximately in a wavelength range of 100 nm to 300 nm. Continuous operation or pulsed operation is particularly possible. The luminous element 182 can be an LED luminous element with one LED, a plurality of LEDs, or a multiplicity of LEDs. The use of a UV fluorescent tube as the luminous element is conceivable. Advantageously, the luminous intensity of the luminous element 182 is controllable and / or adjustable.

[0134] In the present example, a lighting element 182 is arranged on the ceiling wall 152 to radiate light from above into the receiving space 164. Similarly, a lighting element 182 is arranged on the floor wall 150 to radiate light from below into the receiving space 164. Lighting elements 182 are arranged on both side walls 154 to radiate light from opposite sides.

[0135] Overall, this makes it possible to irradiate the production material 128, and in particular the packaging 130, in the receiving space from two or more directions. Irradiation occurs directly in this case and also indirectly by reflecting the UV light on the inside of the closing element 166.

[0136] At least one control element can be provided, for example, on the lighting device, especially on at least one light element. The control element can preferably ensure the sterility and / or safety of the transfer device and / or the production equipment.

[0137] During operation of the system 100 and the transfer device 102, the packaging material 130 is fed into the processing chamber 110 for processing. It is assumed that a high degree of purity of the type GMP Class A prevails in the processing chamber 110 and a lower degree of purity, for example GMP Class B, C, D or NC, prevails outside the chamber 106.

[0138] Typically, it is preferable to assume that the packaging 130 is cleaned and pre-sterilized. In the case of tubs and trays, the packaging materials contained therein, such as containers, can be cleaned and pre-sterilized, with the tubs or trays themselves being pre-sterilized.

[0139] Initially, the transfer device 102 assumes an insertion state in which the insertion opening 158 is exposed via the closing element 166, the receiving space 164 is aligned with the insertion opening 158, and the removal opening 160 is closed via the closing element 168. The lighting device 180 is deactivated (Figure 3).

[0140] A packaging material 130 is removed from the storage device 146 via the handling device 142 and inserted into the receiving space 164 (arrow 186).

[0141] Subsequently, the transfer device 102 enters a sterilization state in which the openings 158 and 160 are closed by the closing elements 166 and 168, respectively. The lighting device 180 is activated.

[0142] In the sterilization state, the packaging 130 in the receiving space 164 is irradiated directly or indirectly with UV light from two or more directions. Advantageously, all light elements 182 are activated. This allows the packaging 130 to be sterilized from all sides, including recesses and undercuts. Any primary packaging is also sterilized.

[0143] Irradiation with UV light can last for seconds to minutes, depending on the technology used, until the desired degree of depletion is achieved (e.g. 4-log or 6-log depletion).

[0144] Subsequently, the transfer device 102 is transferred into a removal state in which the removal opening 160 is opened via the closing element 168 and the receiving space 164 is aligned with the removal opening 160. The insertion opening 158 remains closed.

[0145] The handling device 134 can remove the packaging material 130 from the receiving space 164, insert it into the processing space 110, and feed it to the processing station 126. Subsequently, the removal opening 160 can be closed again by means of the closing element 168, and the insertion opening 158 can be opened again to feed another packaging material 130.

[0146] With the above method, if properly processed, contamination by air is preferably avoided, since air in the receiving chamber 164 is also sterilized. If air of lower purity (B, C, D, or NC) enters the receiving chamber 164 when the inlet opening 158 is open, it is sterilized by UVC radiation down to purity level A, so that no decontamination occurs in the processing chamber 110 when the removal opening 160 is open. Conversely, during reloading, air with a high purity level A can escape into the lower purity environment.

[0147] The direction of transfer of the production material 128 through the transfer device 102 can vary. For example, a transfer can occur from the side, as shown in the drawing, in particular essentially horizontally.

[0148] Alternatively or additionally, a transfer can take place from top to bottom or vice versa, in particular essentially vertically.

[0149] With the removal opening 160 open, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, for example, decontamination of the receiving space 164 can be carried out via a possible hLCh cycle of the system 100. Alternatively or additionally, a separate hLCh cycle of the transfer device 102 can optionally be provided.

[0150] If there are chambers with isolator devices on both sides of the transfer device 102, a respective decontamination cycle is conceivable with the closing elements 166, 168 open in both directions.

[0151] To increase the versatility of the transfer device 102, at least one of the following can be provided, as already explained above: a cleaning device 188 for cleaning the receiving space 164. The cleaning device is, for example, a spraying device for spraying a cleaning fluid. A drying device can be provided. a ventilation device 190 for providing a defined gas flow in the receiving space 164 and / or in the processing space 110. The at least one receiving space can be cleaned using a gas or a liquid, wherein, in particular, gas or liquid can be introduced from outside the receiving space. For example, cleaning can be carried out via an isolator device or a WIP system (WIP, "washing in place") of the system. an air conditioning device 192 for controlling and / or regulating a temperature and / or a humidity level in the receiving space 164.a monitoring device 194, with which, for example, the function of the lighting device 180 is monitored, whereby other functional devices of the transfer device can preferably also be monitored. In the event of a malfunction, a corresponding signal can be transmitted to the control device 138 to rectify the malfunction and / or forward a malfunction message to a user.

[0152] Figures 7 to 10 show an advantageous embodiment of the transfer device according to the invention, designated by the reference numeral 200.

[0153] Figures 11 to 16 show an advantageous embodiment of the transfer device according to the invention, designated by the reference numeral 250.

[0154] Transfer devices 200 and 250 will be discussed below. The advantages and effects already described in connection with the explanation of transfer device 102 can also be achieved with these transfer devices 200, 250, so reference is made to the above explanations. Only the essential differences will be explained.

[0155] The transfer device 200 includes a movable receiving body 202 in which the receiving space 164 is formed. The receiving body 202 comprises the wall 148 and is configured as a rotating body comprising a bottom wall 204 and a side wall 206 protruding therefrom. The side wall 206 forms a shell of the receiving body 202 and is provided with a recess 208. In this case, the side wall 206 forms a closing wall 210.

[0156] A dashed line 209 shows the contour of the bottom wall 204. The receiving body 202 can be rotated about a rotation axis 214 by means of a drive device 212, which can be controlled by the control device 138, which in the present case is oriented perpendicular to the bottom wall 204.

[0157] The receiving body 202 is dimensioned in this case such that it protrudes laterally with the bottom wall 204 and the side wall 206 beyond the insertion opening 158 and the removal opening 160 (Figures 7, 8 and 10).

[0158] The lighting device 180 comprises, for example, a lighting element 182 on the side wall 206 outside the receiving space 164 for radiating UV light through the recess 208. Preferably, further lighting elements 182 are provided above the receiving space 154 on a ceiling wall 216 and below the receiving space 164 on the bottom wall 204 (Figure 9).

[0159] In the inserted state, the receiving body 202 assumes a rotational position such that the side wall 206 with the recess 208 is arranged in the insertion opening 158 and the receiving space 164 is aligned with it. The packaging material 130 can be inserted into the receiving space 164 (arrow 186). Loading is performed via the handling device 142 or by a user. During this time, the removal opening 160 is closed by the side wall 206, which acts as a closing wall 210 (Figure 7).

[0160] By means of the drive device 212, the receiving body 202 is then rotated and the transfer device 200 is transferred into the sterilization state (Figure 8).

[0161] The lighting device 180 is activated to irradiate the packaging 130 with UV light from two or more sides. In particular, light can be irradiated into the receiving space through the recess 208. It proves advantageous if the inside of the side wall 206 reflects UV light. Additional irradiation occurs from above and below via the additional lighting elements 182.

[0162] The transfer device 200 is then transferred to the removal state (Figure 10) by rotating the receiving body 202. The lighting device 180 is deactivated. The side wall 206 engages with the recess 208 in the removal opening 160, and the receiving space 164 is aligned with it. The insertion opening 158 is closed by the side wall 206, which acts as a closing wall 210.

[0163] The packaging material 130 is removed from the receiving space 164 via the handling device 134 (arrow 187).

[0164] The process can then be repeated, with the receiving body 202 being rotated further in the opposite direction or in the same direction about the rotation axis 214 until the transfer device 200 again assumes the insertion state.

[0165] The receiving bodies 202 in Figures 7 to 16 have a round and, in particular, circular contour in plan view. Alternatively, a different shape, for example, a square shape, may be provided.

[0166] The transfer device 250 according to Figures 11 to 16 also comprises a rotatable receiving body 202 with a bottom wall 204 and a top wall 216.

[0167] The receiving body 202 is in this case a cell wheel 252 with a plurality of cells 254 which are separated from one another by partition walls 256.

[0168] In the present case, four cells 254 are provided, which form the receiving space 164 and, in the present case, three additional receiving spaces 258, 260, and 262. The cells 254 are of identical design, so that the receiving spaces 164, 258, and 262 are the same size. Upon movement of the receiving body 202, the respective receiving spaces 164, 258, 260, and 262 are moved relative to the openings 158 and 160.

[0169] Figures 11 to 15 show the transfer device 250 with respect to the receiving space 164 in an insertion state (Figure 11), a sterilization state (Figures 12 and 13), a removal state (Figure 14) and a subsequent cleaning state (Figure 15).

[0170] In the present case, the side wall 206 on the receiving body 202 is omitted. When the insertion opening 158 or the removal opening 160 is open, the other opening 160, 158 is closed with respect to the receiving space 164 via the partition walls 256. Similarly, when the sterilization state is entered, the openings 158, 160 are closed with respect to the receiving space 164 via the partition walls 256 (Figures 12 and 13). The insertion state, the sterilization state, and the removal state proceed in a corresponding manner for both embodiments 200 according to Figures 7 to 10, so that reference can be made to the above explanations.

[0171] In the cleaning state, the receiving space 164 can be cleaned by the cleaning device 188 after the removal of the packaging material 130 and before the supply of another packaging material 130.

[0172] An arrow 264 indicates the direction of rotation of the receiving body 202.

[0173] As shown in Figure 16, the transfer device 250 offers the possibility of each of the multiple receiving spaces 164, 258 to 262 being filled with packaging materials 130. This can significantly shorten the process time for introducing packaging materials 130 into the system 100. Figure 16 shows three packaging materials 130 in the receiving spaces 164, 258, and 260, and the receiving space 262 is subjected to cleaning by means of the cleaning device 188.

[0174] The respective state assumed by the transfer device 250 is related to the receiving space 164, 258 to 262. With respect to the receiving space 164, the transfer device 250 assumes the insertion state, with respect to the receiving space 258 the sterilization state, with respect to the receiving space 260 the removal state, and with respect to the receiving space 262 the cleaning state.

[0175] It can be provided that several, in particular identically constructed, receiving bodies are arranged one above the other and can be driven by a drive device 212, for example four receiving bodies. Figures 11 to 15 and 16 show one of these receiving bodies in the respective state, as mentioned.

[0176] System, 200, 250 transfer device

[0177] Lock system

[0178] Chamber, 148 wall

[0179] processing room

[0180] frame

[0181] Installation area

[0182] opening

[0183] stem

[0184] Front wall, 152, 216 Ceiling wall, 150, 204 Floor wall

[0185] processing station

[0186] Production material

[0187] Packaging materials

[0188] Tub, 142 Handling device, 144 Robot arm

[0189] Control device

[0190] outside

[0191] Storage device, 206 side wall

[0192] End wall

[0193] Insertion opening

[0194] Removal opening

[0195] Connecting element, 258, 260, 262 Receptacle, 168 Locking element

[0196] Flap, 214 axis of rotation

[0197] drive element

[0198] Installation element

[0199] Holding element

[0200] Lighting device Lighting element Mounting element dashed line , 187, 264 Arrow

[0201] Cleaning device Ventilation device Air conditioning device Monitoring device Receptacle Recess Closing wall Drive device Cell wheel Cell Partition wall

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) for introducing pharmaceutical production material into a system (100) for processing the production material (128), which comprises or forms at least one receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262) enclosed by a wall (148), an insertion opening (158) through which the production material (128) can be introduced into the at least one receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262), and a removal opening (160) through which the production material (128) can be removed from the at least one receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262), wherein the transfer device (102, 200, 250) is designed as a lock device (104), wherein in an insertion state the at least one receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262) is aligned with the insertion opening (158) and the removal opening (160) is closed, in a transfer state the at least one receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262) is aligned with the removal opening (160) and the insertion opening (158) is closed,and in a sterilization state, the insertion opening (158) and the removal opening (160) are closed, wherein the transfer device (102, 200, 250) comprises a lighting device (180) with at least one UV lighting element (182) arranged on the wall (148) for emitting UV light into the at least one receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262), and wherein production material (128) received in the at least one receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262) can be irradiated directly or indirectly from two or more directions by means of UV light when the sterilization state is assumed.

2. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to claim 1, characterized in that the production material (128) can be irradiated with UV light from all sides.

3. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one lighting element (182) is arranged outside the at least one receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262) on the wall (148) or is inserted into a receiving opening of the wall (148) and that the wall (148) is at least partially transparent to the light emitted by the at least one luminous element (182).

4. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Inner walls of the at least one receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262) are at least partially, or that at least a part of the inner walls of the receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262) are reflective for reflecting the UV light or consist of a material that reflects the UV light.

5. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: the lighting device (180) comprises two or more lighting elements (182), which are arranged in particular opposite one another on the at least one wall (148); at least one lighting element (182) is arranged on a ceiling wall (122, 152, 216) of the at least one receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262); at least one lighting element (182) is arranged on at least one side wall (154, 206) of the at least one receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262); At least one lighting element (182) is arranged on a bottom wall (124, 150, 204) of the at least one receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262); at least one lighting element (182) can be moved by means of a drive element from the wall (148) into the receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262).

6. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: the at least one lighting element (182) is or comprises an LED lighting element; the at least one lighting element (182) is or comprises a fluorescent tube; UV-C light can be emitted by means of the at least one lighting element (182); UV light can be emitted in continuous operation and / or in pulsed operation by means of the at least one lighting element (182); a luminous intensity of the at least one luminous element (182) is controllable and / or adjustable.

7. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one lighting element (182) is detachable and replaceable individually or in groups, in particular when the transfer device (102, 200, 250) is closed and / or when the sterilization state is assumed.

8. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one lighting element (182) is detachable from outside the system (100).

9. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer device (102, 200, 250) comprises a first closing element (166) at the insertion opening (158) and a second closing element (168) at the removal opening (160), wherein the closing elements (166, 168) can be transferred independently of one another from a closed position closing the respective opening (158, 160) into an open position releasing the respective opening (158, 160) and vice versa, wherein in the insertion state the first closing element (166) assumes the open position and the second closing element (168) assumes the closed position, wherein in the sterilization state both closing elements (166, 168) assume the closed position and wherein in the removal state the first closing element (166) assumes the closed position and the second closing element (168) assumes the open position.

10. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first closing element (166) and / or the second closing element (168) is a pivotable or displaceable side wall of the receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262).

11. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transfer device (102, 200, 250) comprises a receiving body (202) in which the at least one receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262) is formed, and a Drive device (212) for moving the receiving body (202) to assume the insertion state, the sterilization state and the removal state, wherein a closing wall (210) of the receiving body (202) closes the removal opening (160) in the insertion state, the insertion opening (158) in the removal state and the insertion opening (158) and the removal opening (160) in the sterilization state.

12. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to claim 11, characterized in that the receiving body (202) comprises a bottom wall (124, 150, 204) and a side wall (154, 206) projecting therefrom, wherein the side wall (154, 206) is the closing wall (210) closing the insertion opening (158) and / or the removal opening (160).

13. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the receiving body (202) is designed to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (214) via the drive device (212) and the closing wall (210) is interrupted in sections in the circumferential direction of the axis of rotation (214) at at least one recess (208), wherein depending on the rotational position of the receiving body (202), the at least one recess (208) is aligned with the insertion opening (158) for the insertion state or with the removal opening (160) for the removal state.

14. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving body (202) can be displaced back and forth along a guide device via the drive device (212), wherein, depending on the displacement position of the receiving body (202), the at least one recess (208) is aligned with the insertion opening (158) for the insertion state or with the removal opening (160) for the removal state.

15. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving body (202) can be moved in a clocked or continuous manner by means of the drive device (212).

16. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to claim 10 or 14, characterized in that the receiving body (202) is or comprises a cell wheel (252) which is designed to be rotatable about a rotational axis (214) via the drive device (212) and forms a plurality of receiving spaces (164, 258, 260, 262), wherein the cells (254) are separated from one another by partition walls (256) and a respective cell (254) forms a receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262), wherein a respective cell (254) is configured, depending on the rotational position of the cell wheel (252), to assume the insertion state with the insertion opening (158), to assume the removal state with the removal opening (160) or to assume the sterilization state with none of the openings (158, 160) is aligned.

17. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that no closing element (166, 168) for closing the insertion opening (158) or the removal opening (160) is arranged at the insertion opening (158) and / or at the removal opening (160).

18. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cover element for blocking UV light from exiting the transfer device (102, 200, 250) is arranged at the insertion opening (158) and / or at the removal opening (160).

19. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: at least one, for example, strip-shaped or knob-shaped setting-up element (176) for setting up the production material (128) is arranged on the wall (148); at least one holding element (178) for suspending the production material (128) in the receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262) is arranged on the wall (148); a drive element (174) for moving the production material (128), in particular during the sterilization state, is arranged in the receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262).

20. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: the transfer device (102, 200, 250) comprises a cleaning device (188) for cleaning the at least one receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262), wherein the cleaning device (188) is or comprises in particular a spraying device for spraying a cleaning liquid in the receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262); the transfer device (102, 200, 250) comprises a Evaporation device for evaporating a liquid in the receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262); the at least one receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262) can be cleaned by means of a gas or a liquid; the transfer device (102, 200, 250) comprises a ventilation device (190) for providing a defined gas flow in the receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262); the transfer device (102, 200, 250) comprises an air conditioning device (192) for controlling and / or regulating a temperature and / or a degree of humidity in the receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262); the transfer device (102, 200, 250) comprises a monitoring device (194) for monitoring the function, in particular, of a lighting element (182).

21. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer device (102, 200, 250) is designed to be H2O2-sealed, with the insertion opening (158) and the removal opening (160) closed.

22. Transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer device (102, 200, 250) comprises a control device (138) for controlling and / or regulating the operation of the transfer device (102, 200, 250).

23. Plant (100) for processing pharmaceutical production material (128), comprising a chamber (106) with a wall (148) and a processing space (110), at least one processing station (126) arranged in the processing space (110) and a transfer device (102, 200, 250) according to one of the preceding claims, which is integrated into the wall (148), and a handling device (134, 142), in particular a robotic device, in the processing space (110) for removing the production material (128) from the at least one receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262) via the removal opening (160) and transferring it into the processing space (110) when the transfer device (102, 200, 250) assumes the removal state.

24. System (100) according to claim 23, characterized in that the system (100) outside the chamber (106) comprises a handling device (134, 142), in particular a robotic device, for introducing the production material (128) into the at least one receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262) via the introduction opening (158) when the transfer device (102, 200, 250) assumes the introduction state.

25. System (100) according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the system (100) comprises two or more transfer devices (102, 200, 250) connected in parallel and / or two or more transfer devices (102, 200, 250) connected in series.

26. A method for introducing pharmaceutical production material (128) into a plant (100) for processing the production material (128) according to any one of claims 23 to 25, comprising: Introducing the production material (128) via an insertion opening (158) into a receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262); Closing the receiving chamber (164, 258, 260, 262); Sterilizing the production material in the receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262) and the production material (128) by means of UV light; Opening the receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262) and removing the production material (128) from the receiving space (164, 258, 260, 262) and transferring it into the processing space (110) of the system (100) by means of a handling device (134, 142).

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