Planar transport system for a plant for processing pharmaceutical containers and plant for processing pharmaceutical containers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a planar transport system (128) for a plant (100) for processing pharmaceutical containers (102), with the plant comprising a frame (106) that can be placed on a placement surface (104), and with the planar transport system comprising drive units (134) which are designed to electromagnetically interact with transport movers (130) for receiving the containers (102), and a carrying device (142) which comprises or forms a housing (148) in which the drive units (134) are accommodated, wherein the transport movers (130) are arranged outside the housing (148) for contactless movement relative to the housing (148) in a transport plane, wherein the carrying device (142) comprises at least one support region (150) for supporting at, and in particular on the frame (106), and at least one cantilever region (152) which is adjacent to the at least one support region (150) and on which the housing (148) is positioned, forming an intermediate space (158) at a distance from the frame (106). The invention also relates to a plant (100) for processing containers (102).

Description

[0001] Planar transport system for a plant for processing pharmaceutical containers and plant for processing pharmaceutical containers

[0002] The present invention relates to a planar transport system for a plant for processing pharmaceutical containers and to such a plant.

[0003] Planar transport systems are known in which typically plate-shaped movable elements, hereinafter referred to as "transport movers," are moved by means of an electromagnetic drive device. For this purpose, the transport movers usually include at least one permanent magnet. The drive device can comprise drive units (also referred to as "tiles") that can be independently energized. This allows the transport movers to be moved contactlessly, suspended, in at least one spatial direction. For example, movement can occur in a transport plane spanned by two directions oriented at an angle to each other. It is also known to change the height of the transport mover relative to the drive units and / or to rotate the transport mover.However, the aforementioned features are not essential for understanding and implementing the present invention, as long as it is a planar transport system with a transport mover that moves without contact relative to the drive units.

[0004] Planar transport systems of the type described above are also known as levitation systems. One commercially available system is, for example, the XPianar system from Beckhoff, although other suppliers also offer such systems.

[0005] Planar transport systems are used in plants for processing pharmaceutical containers, which can be, for example, vials, syringes, cartridges, or ampoules. For example, DE 102022 106 818 B3 describes the transport of vials using a planar transport system.

[0006] Further planar transport systems are described in terms of their design and function in DE 102021 129 155 A1 and WO 2013 / 059934 A1. The object of the present invention is to provide a planar transport system as described above with improved properties for use in a plant for processing pharmaceutical containers.

[0007] This problem is solved by a planar transport system according to the invention for a plant for processing pharmaceutical containers, wherein the plant comprises a frame that can be set up on a base, the planar transport system comprising drive units configured to interact electromagnetically with transport movers for picking up the containers, and a support device comprising or forming a housing in which the drive units are received, wherein the transport movers are arranged outside the housing for contactless movement relative to the housing in a transport plane, wherein the support device comprises at least one support area for supporting on and, in particular, on the frame and at least one cantilevered area adjacent to the at least one support area and on which the housing is positioned with a gap at a distance from the frame.

[0008] The system for processing the containers includes a frame that can be placed on a surface and separates, for example, a receiving area of ​​the system from a processing area by means of a partition element. The processing area contains the planar transport system and, for example, at least one processing station for the containers. The partition element can be, for example, a tabletop, or it can be a side wall of the processing area (for example, for movement in a vertical transport plane).

[0009] According to the present invention, a support structure with at least one support area and at least one cantilevered area is provided. The support area allows the support structure to rest on, and in particular rest on, the frame. The cantilevered area is designed such that a gap is formed between a housing encompassed or formed by the support structure and the frame, particularly the separating element. The housing is accordingly arranged at a distance from the frame on the at least one cantilevered area. Drive units for the transport movers are arranged in the housing, and the transport movers, carrying containers, can move outside the housing without contact and suspended relative to the housing. The design of the planar transport system according to the invention is advantageous.For example, at least one processing station can be designed and positioned so that it is located within or engages with the space between the components. This allows for a compact design. The space allows the planar transport system to be exposed to gas, particularly air, if the system provides an airflow for cleaning purposes, for example, via laminar flow (LF). This advantageously improves the cleaning properties of the planar transport system. If the system includes a cleaning device that dispenses a cleaning fluid, the housing can be cleaned. Fluid can then flow or drip from the housing in the area of ​​the space between the components. It can also be advantageous to provide the planar transport system pre-assembled and mount it on or to the frame.Moving the assembled planar transport system is also considerably simplified, especially if it is, in a sense, jacked up over at least one support area relative to the frame.

[0010] Depending on the dimensions of the planar transport system and the weight of the at least one cantilevered area, it may be necessary for static reasons to provide support for one or more support elements relative to the frame.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support structure can, for example, comprise two support areas arranged at a distance from each other, wherein the at least one cantilevered area extends between the support areas. The cantilevered area forms, for example, a bridge between the support areas.

[0012] In a different embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the support device comprises at least one cantilevered area which projects laterally from the at least one support area and is otherwise not supported on the frame via any further support area, so that the cantilevered area is only held on one side above the support area.

[0013] The contour of a planar transport system, viewed from above, can vary. For example, the planar transport system may extend horizontally in a plane. Alternatively, it may have a straight extension, with the drive units arranged linearly side by side in a row. Straight sections that protrude from one another or intersect are also conceivable. These straight sections can be connected to form a ring or an "O" shape.

[0014] For example, in plan view, the planar transport system essentially has the shape of an elongated "O" and comprises two straight sections spaced apart by a gap. These sections are connected on opposite sides by connecting sections. This allows for a compact design of the planar transport system. A processing station or station section, for example, can be positioned in the space-saving manner within this gap. Transport movers can travel along the straight sections and the connecting sections, for example, in a closed path.

[0015] It is advantageous if the housing, at least at one support area facing the frame, includes at least one through-opening for routing at least one cable from a receiving area of ​​the frame into the housing. For example, one or more electrical cables for supplying the drive units with electrical energy, and / or one or more cooling cables for cooling the drive units to dissipate heat generated during the process, and / or at least one data cable can be routed through the through-opening. The at least one cable can be part of the planar transport system. Supplying the planar transport system from the receiving area simplifies the design, as the necessary units for electrical power supply and / or coolant supply do not need to be integrated into the housing. This allows the housing to have a compact design and a relatively low mass.The necessary supply units may be located within the receiving area. At least one line may pass through more than one support area.

[0016] The frame is, forms, or comprises, for example, a substructure of the system. The substructure includes, for example, a receiving area in which, for instance, a power supply unit and / or a coolant supply unit are located. Drive units and / or pump units for system components in the processing area can, for example, be located in the receiving area.

[0017] It is advantageous if the housing is liquid-tight, for example, splash-proof. In particular, the housing is suitable for WIP (washing-in-place) applications and can therefore be washed with a cleaning fluid during cleaning processes. The liquid-tight design also proves advantageous in the event of an unforeseen leakage of liquids, such as a product being filled. For example, joints and seams between housing parts are sealed with sealing elements. A seal preferably exists between the support areas and the separating element if lines from the substructure lead into the housing.

[0018] It is conceivable that the housing is designed to be gas-tight, for example against a decontamination atmosphere in the processing room of the plant (for example an H2O2 atmosphere) and / or against a gas flow, as explained above.

[0019] A through-opening from the base into the housing can preferably be made gas-tight, for example by forming a cast opening through which pipes are routed. Alternatively or additionally, a gas-tight static seal is arranged in the separating element, through which pipes are routed.

[0020] The supporting structure can, for example, include or form structural elements and the housing walls. The housing walls can be formed by housing components.

[0021] It is conceivable that the structural elements are connected to form a supporting structure. This supporting structure is then covered, for example, by housing walls to create a closed enclosure.

[0022] The structural elements are connected, for example, to the housing walls of the enclosure. The housing walls can be attached to the structural elements, for example, by means of cladding.

[0023] The housing walls can be connected to each other, thereby forming a stable housing.

[0024] The structural elements can preferably be connected to the drive units. In this way, the drive units can be fixed to the structural elements and reliably supported by the support structure. It is conceivable that the planar transport system comprises or forms two or more interconnected segments, each of which includes or forms part of the support structure and is interconnected, particularly for a modular design of the planar transport system. This allows for a structurally simple design of the planar transport system and facilitates cost-effective manufacturing. The segments, which can be pre-assembled units, comprise structural elements. Housing walls can also be provided as components of the segments.Preferably, further components, as explained below, can be included in or attached to a respective segment (for example, at least one drive unit, heat sinks, magnetic shielding elements and channels for routing cables).

[0025] Two or more segments can be identical or functionally equivalent. Advantageously, the segments have identical interfaces, allowing for a modular design so that they can be joined together to form the planar transport system.

[0026] For example, at least one cantilevered area is made up of two or more interconnected segments.

[0027] For example, the at least one support area comprises a segment that is connected to one or more segment(s) of the at least one cantilevered area.

[0028] As an alternative to the aforementioned segments, a segmentless structure can be provided, for example, in at least one cantilevered area. This extends, for instance, as a single component between two support areas, without being divided into segments.

[0029] The housing can include at least one housing base section at at least one unsupported area, which forms a housing bottom wall. The housing base section is designed, for example, in a trough-shaped or trough-shaped form.

[0030] The housing can, for example, comprise two opposing housing side panels at at least one cantilevered area, each forming a housing side wall. Housing side panels can, for example, be designed as profile elements and, in a preferred embodiment, are connected to at least one housing lower part, for example, by screws. The housing can, for example, comprise at least one housing upper part at at least one cantilevered area, forming an upper housing wall. The upper housing wall can form a termination of the housing, above which the transport mover is arranged.

[0031] The housing can be free of a housing base at at least one support area to form at least one through-opening in the housing. This through-opening aligns, for example, with a through-opening in the frame to allow at least one cable to be inserted into the housing.

[0032] The housing can include, for example, housing side panels at at least one support area, each forming a housing side wall and arranged opposite each other or at an angle to each other and bordering each other.

[0033] The housing can, for example, include at least one housing top part at at least one support area, which forms an upper housing wall.

[0034] Housing components such as the lower housing sections, side panels, and upper housing section are preferably designed to meet pharmaceutical standards. For example, the housing components are made of a metal material, in particular stainless steel.

[0035] The upper housing wall at the cantilevered area and / or the support area is connected to one or more drive units, preferably by bonding. It is conceivable that the bond is removable for maintenance purposes. Advantageously, the upper housing wall is positioned so close to the drive units that the magnetic flux is only minimally affected. For this purpose, the upper housing wall preferably has a thin material thickness, on the order of a few tenths of a millimeter.

[0036] The upper housing wall can be joined to the housing side walls, for example, without gaps, or joined with an intermediate sealing element to seal the housing.

[0037] It can be advantageous if at least one sealing element is arranged between housing parts, in particular housing lower parts and / or housing side parts, that abut each other in one direction of the at least one cantilevered area, and / or between housing parts of the at least one cantilevered area and an adjacent support area. In this way, the housing can preferably be sealed liquid-tight.

[0038] It may be provided that opposing housing side parts are connected to each other by at least one structural element of the support device and / or that at least one structural element accommodates a sealing element that seals between adjacent housing parts.

[0039] For example, at least one sealing element is arranged between adjacent segments.

[0040] The structural elements of the supporting structure have already been discussed.

[0041] For example, it can be advantageous if at least one structural element of the support structure is connected to housing parts of two adjacent segments. This allows for a stable support structure while maintaining a simple design. The structural element connects, for instance, housing parts of a first segment to each other and is simultaneously connected to housing parts of a second segment. In this way, the structural element acts as a connecting element at an interface between segments.

[0042] For example, the at least one structural element can be connected to two opposing housing side parts and / or two adjacent housing bottom parts.

[0043] The planar transport system preferably includes a cooling device for cooling the drive units. Heat is generated during operation of the drive units. To prevent heat buildup in the housing and excessive heat radiation into the processing area of ​​the system, the cooling device is advantageously provided. All drive units or only some of them can be cooled.

[0044] For example, liquid cooling and / or air cooling may be provided.

[0045] The cooling device preferably includes heat sinks within the housing, wherein a drive unit to be cooled makes contact with the heat sink over at least one section of the system and, in particular, rests on it. This flat contact area ensures particularly effective heat transfer, allowing the drive unit to be cooled efficiently. The heat sink is, for example, designed as a cooling block comprising a planar contact surface for a corresponding planar contact section of the drive unit.

[0046] Preferably, a heat transfer medium, such as thermal paste, can be arranged between the heat sink and the drive unit.

[0047] The segments can include at least one heat sink.

[0048] The heat sink preferably incorporates a cooling channel for the passage of a cooling medium. The cooling medium can flow through the heat sink and thereby effectively dissipate heat.

[0049] The cooling device preferably comprises cooling lines through which cooling channels of two or more heat sinks are connected. The cooling lines are, for example, hoses. The heat sinks can be connected to each other in series or in parallel via cooling lines.

[0050] The segments can include one or more cooling lines.

[0051] It can be particularly advantageous if the heat sink is a structural element of the support structure that is connected to two or more housing sections. This allows for functional integration. Separate components for the heat sink and the structural element are not required. For example, a heat sink can be connected to housing sections of two adjacent segments, and thus at the interface between these segments.

[0052] It can be advantageous if the planar transport system includes at least one magnetic shielding element at least on one section of at least one cantilevered area and / or at least one support area. This shielding element is arranged in the housing between a drive unit and one or more housing parts, particularly the lower housing part(s). As mentioned, the transport movers typically have permanent magnets. The magnetic shielding element can be used to shield the magnetic fields of the transport movers. This serves, for example, to prevent the magnetic fields from interfering with a processing station for the containers, such as a weighing station. The magnetic shielding element is made, for example, of a soft magnetic material with high magnetic permeability. The use of p-metal (mu-metal) is conceivable, for example.

[0053] The segments can each comprise one or more magnetic shielding elements.

[0054] The at least one magnetic shielding element can, for example, be connected to housing parts and / or to structural elements, thereby reinforcing the structure and stability of the support structure.

[0055] The at least one magnetic shielding element can, for example, be made of a flat material which may be bent for stiffening.

[0056] For example, two magnetic shielding elements can be provided, arranged one above the other and at a distance from each other, with a receiving space formed between the magnetic shielding elements. Further components of the planar transport system can be accommodated in this receiving space.

[0057] The planar transport system can include channels for at least one line, particularly in at least one cantilevered area. The line, for example an electrical line and / or a cooling line, can pass through these channels.

[0058] The segments can include channels.

[0059] Each channel is, for example, fixed to a magnetic shielding element.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, channels can, for example, run between the magnetic shielding elements in the aforementioned recording space.

[0061] As mentioned at the outset, the present invention also relates to a system. A system according to the invention for processing pharmaceutical containers comprises a frame for placement on a surface, which includes or forms a separating element that separates a receiving area of ​​the frame from a processing chamber, wherein at least one planar transport system of the type described above is arranged in the processing chamber, which is supported on the frame via the at least one support area and preferably on the frame, wherein the space between the housing and the separating element is arranged or formed.

[0062] The advantages already mentioned in connection with the explanation of the planar transport system according to the invention can also be achieved with this system. Advantageous embodiments of the system according to the invention result from advantageous embodiments of the planar transport system according to the invention. Reference is made to the above explanations.

[0063] The system comprises a frame with a partition, for example a tabletop or the like, and at least one planar transport system. The planar transport system is supported on the partition via at least one support area. The space between the partition and the housing is formed at least at one cantilevered area.

[0064] Advantageously, the separating element includes at least one through-opening that aligns with at least one through-opening on at least one support area, with at least one line leading from the receiving area through the through-openings into the housing. For example, an electrical power supply unit and / or a coolant supply unit for providing a cooling medium is arranged in the receiving area. Corresponding lines can be led through the through-opening into the housing.

[0065] The planar transport system does not necessarily have to be located entirely within the processing area. Components of the planar transport system can be located outside the processing area, for example, the power supply unit and the coolant supply unit.

[0066] The planar transport system can be supported by at least one support area, for example, at an edge of the at least one through-opening, and rest directly against it. Alternatively, the support area can rest against the edge, for example, via an intermediate sealing element.

[0067] Preferably, a liquid-tight connection, and optionally a gas-tight connection, exists between the planar transport system and the separating element. The system can include at least one processing station for handling pharmaceutical containers, which is arranged section by section within or engages in the interstitial space. In this way, the available space can be used effectively to achieve a compact design.

[0068] The system preferably includes an extraction device comprising at least one suction nozzle arranged below the at least one unsupported area and / or in the space between, and a suction unit in flow communication with this nozzle, which is preferably located in the receiving area. The gas from the laminar flow, including any entrained particles, can be extracted from the processing chamber via the extraction device. Preferably, the gas is extracted into the receiving area, where the particles can, for example, be filtered out of the gas.

[0069] The system may, for example, include a covering device that extends over the frame and limits the processing area. The covering device is, in particular, an isolator or machine guard.

[0070] The covering device can, for example, include a flow device for providing a gas flow in the processing chamber. The gas flow is preferably defined and serves to blow off any adhering particles during processing of the containers. For this purpose, laminar flow (LF) is used, for example.

[0071] The system preferably includes a cleaning unit with a cleaning fluid that can be applied in the processing area. The cleaning fluid is, for example, water, to which a cleaning chemical may be added to increase cleaning performance. The cleaning unit may, for example, have a nozzle system for spraying the cleaning fluid. Advantageously, the cleaning unit allows for in-place (WIP) cleaning.

[0072] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the drawing, serves to explain the invention in more detail. The drawing shows:

[0073] Figure 1: a schematic representation of the system according to the invention with the planar transport system according to the invention, each in a preferred embodiment; Figure 2: a further schematic representation of the system according to the invention from Figure 1;

[0074] Figure 2A: an enlarged view of detail "A" in Figure 2;

[0075] Figure 3: a perspective view of the planar transport system;

[0076] Figure 4: a perspective view of a segment of the planar transport system;

[0077] Figure 5: the segment from Figure 4 in an exploded view;

[0078] Figure 6: a perspective partial view of the segment from Figure 4;

[0079] Figure 7: an enlarged view of detail "B" in Figure 4;

[0080] Figure 8: a sectional view of the segment, with the section plane running along line 8-8 in Figure 6; and

[0081] Figure 9: an enlarged view of detail "C" in Figure 3, with some components of the planar transport system shown transparently.

[0082] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an advantageous embodiment of the system for processing pharmaceutical containers 102, designated overall by reference numeral 100. The containers 102 are shown by way of example in Figure 3 and are designed as vials.

[0083] The system 100 is located in a facility for processing the containers 102, which includes a work area 104. The system 100 comprises a frame 106, which may, for example, be designed like a table and rests on the work area 104 via support elements 108. The frame 106 includes a partition 110, which may, for example, be designed as a tabletop 112. The partition 110 separates a receiving area 114 of the frame 106 from a processing area 116 located above the partition 110. The receiving area 114 may, for example, be enclosed by suitable cladding. In the present case, the receiving area 114 is located below and the processing area 116 is located above the partition 110 in its intended use.

[0084] The system 100 includes a covering device 118 that delimits the processing room 116. The covering device 118 can, for example, be or include an isolator device 120 to provide a defined atmosphere in the processing room 116, for example for decontamination purposes.

[0085] The cover device 118 can include a flow device 122. The flow device provides a defined gas and, in particular, air flow in the processing chamber 116 during the processing of the containers 102. This is specifically a laminar flow (LF) flow. This blows off any particles adhering to the containers 102 and the components of the system 100.

[0086] The system 100 can include a cleaning unit 124. A cleaning fluid, for example water, optionally with an added cleaning chemical, can be dispensed into the processing chamber 116 via a nozzle unit 126 through the cleaning unit 124. This allows the components of the system 100 to be cleaned preferably on-site after a production cycle (WIP, washing-in-place).

[0087] For transporting the containers 102, the system 100 comprises the planar transport system 128 according to the invention, which is shown here in a preferred embodiment and is hereinafter referred to as transport system 128. The transport system 128 is arranged largely within the processing area 116.

[0088] In the transport system 128, plate-shaped elements, referred to herein as transport movers 130, can be moved in a levitating manner using an electromagnetic drive device 132, which includes drive units 134. For this purpose, the transport movers 130 herein include permanent magnets.

[0089] The containers 102 can be held on the respective transport mover 130 by means of a holding device 136. Only one transport mover 130 is shown in Figure 3. However, it is understood that the system 100 can preferably comprise two or more transport movers 130. The transport system 128 can have different layouts, relative to a top view. In the present case, the transport system 128 is essentially designed like an elongated "O". Here, two straight sections 138 are arranged at a distance from each other and connected to each other via connecting sections 140. The transport movers 130 can move along a closed path curve over the sections 138 and 140.

[0090] In another embodiment, for example, a planar contour of the transport system 128 can be provided, extending in two directions oriented at an angle to each other. Alternatively or additionally, for example, branching or mutually angled sections of the transport system 128 can be provided.

[0091] The transport system 128 comprises a support structure 142. The support structure 142 includes structural elements 144, which form a support structure 146. Furthermore, the support structure 142 includes a housing 148, which comprises housing walls that will be discussed in more detail below. The structural elements 144 hold the housing walls together and / or are connected to them to give the transport system 128 a robust structure and a structurally simple and lightweight design. The housing walls can also be connected to each other.

[0092] As can be seen particularly from Figures 1 and 2, the support structure 142 comprises at least one support area 150. In this case, two support areas 150 are provided. Furthermore, the support structure 142 comprises at least one cantilevered area 152. The cantilevered area 152 has sections 138 and 140 and is connected at each end to one of the support areas 150, which are arranged at a distance from each other. The cantilevered area 152 forms a bridge between the support areas 150.

[0093] The support structure 142 is supported by the support areas 150 on, and in particular rests upon, the separating element 110. The separating element 110 has a through-opening 154 at each support area 150, which is framed by an edge 156. Structural elements 144, shown in Figure 9, can, for example, abut the edge 156. Furthermore, parts of the housing 148 can abut the edge 156. The support area 150 is connected to the separating element 110. Advantageously, a sealing element is provided to enable a gas-tight and liquid-tight connection between the support structure 142 and the separating element 110. At the cantilevered area 152, the housing 148 is spaced away from the separating element 110. This creates a gap 158 between the frame 106 and the housing 148 (Figure 1).

[0094] Providing the space 158 can offer advantages. For example, it allows the laminar gas flow in the processing chamber 116 to flow around the transport system 128, allowing particles to be drawn downwards onto the separating element 110. During cleaning processes, liquid can drain or drip off the transport system 128 and thus does not remain on the transport system 128.

[0095] The space 158 can also be used, for example, to position at least one processing station for the containers 102 in a space-saving manner. For example, Figures 1 and 2 show a processing station 160 that is partially arranged in or engages within the space 158. A section of the processing station 160 can engage under the housing 148 at the cantilevered area 152.

[0096] Furthermore, the distance between the segments 138 allows a processing station 160 to be positioned in the space between them in a space-saving manner, which is shown schematically with a dashed line in Figures 1 and 2.

[0097] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that a processing station 160 comprises two station sections, one of which is arranged in the free space 161 and the other on the outside of the section 138 facing away from the free space 161. This allows, for example, containers 102, which are arranged on two opposite sides of the transport mover 130 (Figure 3), to be processed simultaneously.

[0098] The design of the support structure 142 also allows the transport system 128 to be provided as a pre-assembled unit and installed in a user-friendly manner. The transport system 128 can be pre-assembled and is placed on the frame 106 via the support areas 150. This also makes it possible to easily detach the transport system 128 from the frame 106 for relocation and / or maintenance purposes.

[0099] The system 100 preferably comprises an extraction device 163 for extracting gas (especially air) from the laminar flow, including entrained particles, from the processing chamber 116. The extraction device 163 is shown schematically in Figure 1.

[0100] The extraction device 163 comprises a suction unit 165, which is arranged in the receiving area 114. At least one suction nozzle 167 with a suction opening is arranged in the space 158 below the cantilevered area 152. The suction nozzle 167 is subjected to negative pressure via the suction unit 165. Several suction nozzles can be provided. For example, the suction nozzle 167 is integrated into the tabletop 112.

[0101] The transport system 128 may preferably have a modular structure. In this case, the transport system 128 is, for example, constructed from a plurality of interconnected segments 162, the structure of which will be explained in detail below. It is understood that the use of segments 162 is only optional and that they are not necessarily provided in the plant 100 and the transport system 128 according to the invention.

[0102] Advantageously, each segment 162 can comprise or form part of the support structure 142, with the segments 162 being connected to one another. For example, the cantilevered area 152 at sections 138 and / or 140 is each formed from segments 162, or segments 162 are arranged at the connecting sections 140, connecting the segments 162 at sections 138 to one another.

[0103] In a similar manner, for example, a respective support area 150 can be formed by a segment 162 which is connected to another segment 162 at the cantilevered area 152.

[0104] Preferably, at least some of the segments 162 are identical or at least functionally equivalent. Functionally equivalent configurations occur, for example, when segments 162 have different sizes and / or shapes, whereby the number of each component of the segments 162 differs due to the different size and / or shape.

[0105] Preferably, segments 162, or at least some of the segments 162, have a uniform, defined interface 164 for connection with another segment 162. As can be seen, for example, in the segment 162 shown in Figures 4 to 8, the housing 148 has housing lower parts 166. The housing lower parts are, for example, made of bent flat material and, in the present example, are designed in a trough shape. The housing lower parts 166 form a housing bottom wall 168.

[0106] The housing further comprises 148 opposing housing side panels 170. The housing side panels 170 are designed, for example, as profile elements and are thus reinforced. The housing side panels 170 form housing side walls 172. For example, the upwardly bent housing lower parts 166 can also form housing side walls 172 or a section of housing side walls 172.

[0107] The lower housing parts 166 are connected to the side housing parts 170, for example, by screwing them together.

[0108] Advantageously, a sealing element is arranged between the lower housing parts 166 and the side housing parts 170.

[0109] The housing 148 further comprises housing top parts 174, which form an upper housing wall 176.

[0110] The structural elements 144 on the segments 162 and, for example, over the entire cantilevered area 152 run transversely to the extent of the sections 138. These structural elements connect opposing housing side parts 170 to one another. Such structural elements 144 are identified in the drawing by reference numeral 178.

[0111] The structural elements 178 are designed here as block 180, which comprises a planar base area 182.

[0112] The drive units 134 are supported on the planar contact surface 182 via planar support sections 184 (Figures 6 and 7). Two adjacent drive units 134 are located against each block 180. The drive units 134 are preferably connected to the block 180, for example by bolting. The contact surface 182 and the support sections 184 result in a preferably planar contact between the drive units 134 and the block 180, facilitating effective heat transfer from the drive units 134 to the block 180.

[0113] Advantageously, a thermal conductivity medium, for example a thermal paste, can be arranged between the drive units 134 and the block 180.

[0114] The drive units 134 are covered from above by the plate-shaped upper housing wall 176. For example, the housing wall 176 is bonded to one or more drive units 134. The bond is preferably removable for maintenance purposes.

[0115] The housing wall 176 is further attached to an edge 186 of the housing side parts 170. A sealing element can be arranged between the housing side parts 170 and the housing wall 176.

[0116] The transport mover 130 is arranged outside the housing 148 and floats at a distance from the housing wall 176. The distance can be, for example, a few millimeters.

[0117] The structural elements 144 comprise further structural elements 188. Each structural element 188 is arranged in the same position as a structural element 178 with respect to the extent of the cantilevered area 152. For example, the structural element 178 forms a recess 190 into which the structural element 188 preferably engages in a form-fitting manner (Figure 7). The structural elements 178 and 188 can be connected to each other.

[0118] The structural element 188 runs perpendicular to the extension of sections 138.

[0119] The structural element 188 is adapted in shape to the shape of the housing base parts 166 and is positioned between them. The housing base part 166 is supported externally by the structural element 188 in the area of ​​the housing bottom wall 168 and, if present, sections of side walls 172.

[0120] Overall, the structural element 188 essentially has the form of a U-shaped bracket. The structural element 188 is connected, for example, to the housing side panels 170, preferably by screws.

[0121] In segments 162, the lower housing sections 166 are essentially half as long as the side housing sections 170. Adjacent lower housing sections 166 abut the structural element 188, with a sealing element 192 sealing between the lower housing sections 166. The sealing element 192 is held on the structural element 188 and, for example, received in a groove 194.

[0122] Thus, the joints between the lower housing parts 166 are sealed. Furthermore, since preferably the upper housing wall 176 is sealed relative to the housing side parts 170, and the lower housing parts 166 are sealed relative to the housing side parts 170, the housing 148 is preferably designed to be liquid-tight and, in a preferred embodiment, gas-tight. Seals are also present between the adjacent segments 162 and / or between the cantilevered area 152 and the support areas 150.

[0123] The segments 162 are designed for a simplified modular construction such that adjacent segments 162, which border each other, preferably have a structural element 178 and a structural element 188 in common, as can be seen, for example, from Figures 4, 6 and 7.

[0124] The structural elements 178, 188 are arranged at the interface 164 of segment 162 to the adjacent segment 162.

[0125] For example, the structural element 178 is connected to housing side parts 170 (in particular, two housing side parts 170 each) of the adjacent segments 162. Similarly, housing lower parts 166 of the adjacent segments 162 are attached to a common structural element 188 and sealed relative to each other via the sealing element 192.

[0126] Depending on the design of the transport system 128, it may also be provided that adjacent segments 162 do not share any structural elements 144.

[0127] As an alternative to the above configurations, it is possible, for example, to provide for a segmentless structure or a partially segmented structure on the cantilevered area 152. It is conceivable, for instance, that the housing side parts 170 extend over the entire length between the support areas 150 or over more than the length of a segment 162 (which, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, is two drive units 132 long).

[0128] The transport system 128 includes a cooling device 196. In this case, liquid cooling is provided in particular. In addition, air cooling is also provided by the fact that the housing 148 has cavities inside.

[0129] For liquid cooling, the cooling device 196 comprises cooling elements 198. It is particularly advantageous that the cooling elements 198 are formed by the structural elements 178 and thus there is a functional integration of the supporting structure 146 and the cooling device 196.

[0130] As can be seen, for example, in Figure 8, cooling channels 200 are formed in each of the cooling sinks 198. During manufacturing, the cooling channels 200 are formed, for example, by drilling holes 202 into the block 180, which are closed during use by means of sealing elements 204. Other methods of manufacturing the cooling channels 200 besides drilling are conceivable.

[0131] Cooling lines 206 of the cooling unit 196 are connected to the cooling elements 198. The cooling elements 198 can be connected in series or in parallel via the cooling lines 206. Water is preferably used as the cooling medium. The cooling lines 206 are hoses.

[0132] To supply the cooling medium, the transport system 128 comprises a coolant supply unit 208, which is preferably arranged in the receiving area 114. At least one cooling line 206 is guided through the through-opening 154 and a through-opening 210 aligned with it into the housing 148 at at least one support area 150. The through-opening 210 is arranged on the housing 146 facing the separating element 110.

[0133] The support areas 150 are free of a housing lower part in order to form the through-opening 210. The housing side parts 170 are each present to form housing side walls 172, which are opposite each other and adjoin each other at an angle (Figure 9). Walls of the housing 148 at the support areas 150 are connected by means of structural elements 144, which, for example, form a frame 212 for holding the housing parts.

[0134] By arranging the coolant supply unit 208 in the receiving area 114, the weight of the transport system 128 on the support structure 142 and the required space can be saved. In the event of a leak in the coolant supply unit 208, the risk of liquid entering the processing chamber 116 is avoided.

[0135] The coolant supply unit 208 includes, for example, a pump unit 214 for circulating the cooling medium. Counter-cooling elements for cooling the cooling medium may be provided.

[0136] To shield the magnetic fields emanating from the transport movers 130, the transport system 128 comprises at least one magnetic shielding element. In this case, two magnetic shielding elements 218, 219 are provided. The magnetic shielding elements 218, 219 are arranged in the housing 148 between the drive units 134 and the housing lower parts 166 (Figure 5).

[0137] Shielding from magnetic fields is useful, for example, if the processing station 160 is a weighing station that is sensitive to magnetic fields. However, it may be intended that the transport system 128 does not include magnetic shielding elements 218, 219 along its entire length on the cantilevered area 152 and / or the support area 150. Therefore, magnetic shielding elements 218, 219 are present on at least one section of the transport system 128.

[0138] The magnetic shielding elements 218, 219 are made of a flat material and provided with bends for stiffening. A soft magnetic material with a high permeability is used, for example p-metal.

[0139] The two magnetic shielding elements 218 and 219 provide particularly effective shielding. The magnetic shielding elements 218 and 219 are arranged one above the other within the housing. Both magnetic shielding elements 218 and 219 are positioned between the drive unit 134 and the lower housing part 166.

[0140] The upper magnetic shielding element 218 is located below the drive unit 134 and approximately between the structural elements 144 in the longitudinal direction. The magnetic shielding element 218 preferably serves to stiffen the support structure 142, for example by being connected to the housing side panels 170.

[0141] The lower magnetic shielding element 219 is arranged below the upper magnetic shielding element 218. The shape of the magnetic shielding element 219 is adapted to the shape of the lower housing part 166 and is, for example, inserted into the lower housing part 166. The magnetic shielding element 219 is positioned longitudinally between the structural elements 188.

[0142] A receiving space 220 is formed between the magnetic shielding elements 218, 219 (Figure 6).

[0143] The transport system 128 can have channels 222 for routing cables. These channels 222 are, in particular, cable ducts through which electrical cables 224 are routed. The cables 224 serve to supply the drive units 134 with electrical energy. Figures 1 and 2 show a representative example of a cable 224. Additionally, data cables, for example, which are connected to the drive units 134, can be routed in the channels 222.

[0144] The channels 222 are arranged in a space-saving manner in the recording space 220 and are preferably fixed to the upper magnetic shielding element 218.

[0145] In the receiving area 114, an electrical supply unit 226 is arranged to supply the drive units 134 with electrical energy. The electrical supply unit 226 is connected to the cables 224. The cables 224 are routed through the through-openings 154 and 210 into the housing 148. Data cables can also be routed through the through-openings 154 and 210 and connected to a control unit in the receiving area 114. The channels 222 are interrupted in sections to allow the cables 224 to exit and be connected to the drive units 134.

[0146] Reference symbol list

[0147] System Container Installation surface Frame Support element Dividing element Tabletop Receiving area Processing area Covering device Isolator device Flow device Cleaning device Nozzle device Planar transport system Transport mover Drive device Drive unit Holding device Section

[0148] Connecting section, support structure, structural element, support structure, housing, support area, cantilevered area, passage opening, edge

[0149] Interspace Processing station Free space

[0150] Segment Extraction system Interface Suction unit Housing base Suction nozzle Housing base Housing side panel Housing side wall Housing top Upper housing wall Structural element Block Mounting surface Mounting section Edge Structural element Recess Sealing element Groove Cooling system Heat sink Cooling channel Bore Sealing element Cooling line

[0151] Coolant supply unit through-opening frame pump unit, 219 magnetic shielding element

[0152] Recording room, channel, electrical line, power supply unit

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Planar transport system (128) for a plant (100) for processing pharmaceutical containers (102), comprising a frame (106) to be erected on a base (104), the planar transport system (128) comprising drive units (134) configured to interact electromagnetically with transport movers (130) for picking up the containers (102), and a support device (142) comprising or forming a housing (148) in which the drive units (134) are received, wherein the transport movers (130) are arranged outside the housing (148) for contactless movement relative to the housing (148) in a transport plane, wherein the support device (142) comprises at least one support area (150) for support on and, in particular, on the frame (106) and at least one cantilevered area (152),which borders on at least one support area (150) and on which the housing (148) is positioned at a distance from the frame (106) by forming a gap (158).

2. Planar transport system (128) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: the support device (142) comprises two support areas (150) arranged at a distance from each other, wherein the at least one cantilevered area (152) extends between the support areas (150); the support device (142) comprises at least one cantilevered area (152) which projects laterally from the at least one support area (150) and is otherwise not supported on the frame (106) via any further support area (150).

3. Planar transport system (128) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the planar transport system (128) in plan view essentially has the shape of an elongated "O" and comprises two straight sections (138) spaced apart from each other by a free space (161), which are connected to each other on opposite sides by connecting sections (140).

4. Planar transport system (128) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (148) has at least one through-opening (210) on at least one support area (150) facing the frame (106) for passing at least one line (206, 224) from a receiving area (114) of the frame (106) into the housing (148).

5. Planar transport system (128) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (148) is designed to be liquid-tight.

6. Planar transport system (128) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support device (142) comprises or forms structural elements (144, 178, 188) and housing walls of the housing (148), wherein at least one of the following applies: the structural elements (144, 178, 188) are connected to each other to form a support structure (146); the structural elements (144, 178, 188) are connected to housing walls of the housing (148); the structural elements (144, 178, 188) are connected to the drive units (134).

7. Planar transport system (128) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the planar transport system (128) comprises or forms two or more interconnected segments (162), each of which comprises or forms a part of the support structure (142) and is interconnected, in particular for a modular construction of the planar transport system (128), wherein preferably two or more segments (162) are functionally identical or identical.

8. Planar transport system (128) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (148) comprises at least one of the following on at least one cantilevered area (152): at least one housing lower part (166) which forms a housing bottom wall (168); two opposite housing side parts (170), each forming a housing side wall (172); at least one housing upper part (174), forming an upper housing wall (176).

9. Planar transport system (128) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (148) is free of a housing lower part (166) at at least one support area (150) to form at least one through-opening (154, 210) in the housing (148), and / or that the housing (148) comprises at least one of the following at at least one support area (150): Housing side parts (170) each forming a housing side wall (172) and arranged opposite each other or at an angle to each other and adjoining each other; at least one housing upper part (174) forming an upper housing wall (176).

10. Planar transport system (128) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the upper housing wall (176) is preferably connected to one or more drive unit(s) (134) by bonding and / or that the upper housing wall (176) is joined to the housing side walls (172) without gaps or with an intermediate sealing element (192).

11. Planar transport system (128) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sealing element (192) is arranged between housing parts which adjoin each other in a direction of travel of the at least one cantilevered area (152), and / or between housing parts of the at least one cantilevered area (152) and an adjacent support area (150).

12. Planar transport system (128) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that opposing housing side parts (170) are connected to each other by at least one structural element (144, 178, 188) of the support device (142). and / or that at least one structural element (144, 178, 188) accommodates a sealing element (192) that seals between adjacent housing parts.

13. Planar transport system (128) according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that at least one structural element (144, 178, 188) of the support device (142) is connected to housing parts of two adjacent segments (162), in particular to two opposing housing side parts (170) and / or two adjacent housing lower parts (166).

14. Planar transport system (128) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the planar transport system (128) comprises a cooling device (196) for cooling the drive units (134), wherein liquid cooling and / or air cooling is provided.

15. Planar transport system (128) according to claim 14, characterized in that the cooling device (196) comprises cooling elements (198) in the housing (148), wherein a drive unit (134) to be cooled bears flatly against the cooling element (198) at least over a system section (184) and in particular rests on it, wherein preferably a heat transfer medium is arranged between the cooling element (198) and the drive unit (134).

16. Planar transport system (128) according to claim 15, characterized in that a cooling channel (200) is formed in the cooling body (198) for conveying a cooling medium.

17. Planar transport system (128) according to claim 16, characterized in that the cooling device (196) comprises cooling lines (206) via which the cooling channels (200) of two or more cooling bodies (198) are connected to each other.

18. Planar transport system (128) according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the heat sink (198) is a structural element (144, 178, 188) of the support device (142) which is connected to two or more housing parts of the housing (148).

19. Planar transport system (128) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the planar transport system (128) comprises at least one magnetic shielding element (218) at least on a section (138) on the at least one cantilevered area (152) and / or on the at least one support area (150), which is arranged in the housing (148) between a drive unit (134) and one or more housing part(s), in particular housing lower part(s) (166).

20. Planar transport system (128) according to claim 19, characterized in that two magnetic shielding elements (218) are provided which are arranged one above the other and at a distance from each other, wherein a receiving space (220) is formed between the magnetic shielding elements (218).

21. Planar transport system (128) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the planar transport system (128) comprises, in particular on at least one cantilevered area (152), channels (222) for at least one line (224).

22. Planar transport system (128) according to claim 21, depending on claim 19 or 20, characterized in that a respective channel (222) is fixed to a magnetic shielding element (218) and / or that the channels (222) run in the receiving space (220) between the magnetic shielding elements (218).

23. Plant (100) for processing pharmaceutical containers (102), comprising a frame (106) for placement on a base (104), which includes or forms a separating element (110) that separates a receiving area (114) of the frame (106) from a processing chamber (116), wherein at least one planar transport system (128) according to one of the preceding claims is arranged in the processing chamber (116), which is supported on the frame (106) and preferably on the frame (106) via the at least one support area (150), wherein the The space (158) is arranged or formed between the housing (148) and the separating element (110).

24. System (128) according to claim 23, characterized in that at least one through-opening (154) is formed in the separating element (110) which is aligned with at least one through-opening (210) on at least one support area (150), wherein at least one line (206, 224) is led from the receiving area (114) through the through-openings (154, 210) into the housing (148).

25. System (128) according to claim 24, characterized in that the planar transport system (128) is supported via the at least one support area (150) on an edge (156) of the at least one through-opening (154) and rests directly or via an intermediate sealing element (192) thereon.

26. Plant (128) according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the plant (100) comprises at least one processing station (160) for processing pharmaceutical containers (102), which is arranged section by section in the space (158) or engages in the space (158).

27. System (128) according to one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that the system (100) comprises a suction device (163) comprising at least one suction nozzle (167) arranged below the at least one free-standing area (152) and / or in the space (158) and a suction unit (165) in flow communication with this, which is preferably arranged in the receiving area (114).

28. Plant (128) according to one of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that the plant (100) comprises a covering device (118) covering the frame (106) and limiting the processing space (116), wherein the covering device (118) is in particular an isolator device (120) or a machine guard.

29. Plant (128) according to claim 28, characterized in that the covering device (118) comprises a flow device (122) for providing a gas flow in the processing chamber (116).

30. Plant (128) according to one of claims 23 to 29, characterized in that the plant (100) comprises a cleaning device (124) for cleaning with a cleaning fluid that can be applied in the processing chamber (116).

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