Installation for processing pharmaceutical containers

Abstract

The present invention relates to an installation (100; 274) for processing pharmaceutical containers (102), comprising a planar transport system (130) which comprises or forms a housing (132), and drive units (134) which are arranged in the housing (132) and are designed to electromagnetically interact with receiving devices (140) for receiving the containers (102), for suspended transport of the receiving devices (140) relative to the drive units (134) in at least one transport plane above the housing (132), and a weighing station (164) which comprises at least one weighing unit (166) which has a weighing scale (168) with a weighing scale receptacle (170), a support body (178) connected to the weighing scale receptacle (170) and a bearing body (184), held on the support body (178), for a container (102), wherein the bearing body (184) is arranged above the housing (132) in relation to the direction of gravity and the weighing scale (168) is arranged below the bearing body (184), and wherein the support body (178) extends laterally past the housing (132) in particular in the direction of gravity.

Description

[0001] PLANT FOR PROCESSING PHARMACEUTICAL CONTAINERS

[0002] The present invention relates to a system for processing pharmaceutical containers, comprising a planar transport system with drive units configured to interact electromagnetically with receiving devices for receiving the containers, for a floating transport of the receiving devices relative to the drive units in at least one transport plane, wherein the system further comprises a weighing station.

[0003] Such systems with planar transport mechanisms are known, in which plate-shaped elements, for example referred to as "transport movers," are movable by means of an electromagnetic drive unit. The drive unit 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 at least one 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 or tilt the transport mover.

[0004] A receiving device for pharmaceutical containers, which may be vials, syringes, cartridges, and / or ampoules, may comprise a base body and gripping devices for the containers. The transport mover may be located within or formed by the base body. Typically, the transport mover includes at least one permanent magnet for interaction with the drive units.

[0005] 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 similar systems.

[0006] German patent DE 10 2014214 693 A1 describes a device for weighing a container, in which a planar transport system is used. The object of the present invention is to provide a system for processing pharmaceutical containers of the type mentioned above, in which containers can be weighed with a preferably compact weighing station design.

[0007] This problem is solved by a system according to the invention for processing pharmaceutical containers, comprising a planar transport system which includes or forms a housing, as well as drive units arranged in the housing which are configured to interact electromagnetically with receiving devices for receiving the containers, for a floating transport of the receiving devices relative to the drive units in at least one transport plane above the housing, and a weighing station which comprises at least one weighing unit which has a scale with a scale receptacle, a support body connected to the scale receptacle and a support body for a container held on the support body, wherein the support body is arranged above the housing with respect to the direction of gravity and the scale is arranged below the support body, and wherein the support body extends laterally past the housing, in particular in the direction of gravity.

[0008] The system according to the invention includes a weighing station comprising at least one weighing unit, preferably – as will be discussed below – several weighing units may be provided, with each container at the receiving device being assigned a weighing unit. The transport system comprises a housing in which the drive units are housed. The receiving device can move suspended above the housing. The invention incorporates the consideration that a relatively small installation space may suffice for transporting the containers by means of the receiving devices, even with a planar transport system, for example, if the transport system is designed to extend in a straight line at the weighing station.This allows the scale of the at least one weighing unit to be positioned spatially close to the housing, so that no transfer to a further transport or gripping system is required for weighing the containers. According to the invention, the weighing station comprises at least one weighing unit. A support body for the container can absorb the force of the container during the weighing process. The support body is arranged above the housing and connected to the support body. The support body extends laterally past the housing, particularly in a direction of gravity. The support body is, in turn, directly or indirectly connected to a scale receptacle, with the scale being positioned below the support body. In this way, the force of the container can be directed laterally past the housing to the scale, which can preferably be positioned close to or, preferably, below the housing to save space.

[0009] The planar transport system of the device according to the invention can, for example, have a design as described in the unpublished patent application DE 10 2024 118 533.3 filed by the same applicant on July 1, 2024. The receiving device can, for example, have a design as described in the unpublished patent application DE 10 2024 118 524.4 filed by the same applicant on July 1, 2024. The contents of both patent applications are fully incorporated into the present disclosure.

[0010] The system preferably comprises a frame on which, and in particular, the housing of the transport system is supported, with a space formed below the housing. The scale is preferably arranged below the housing, with the support body engaging into this space from the side of the housing. This allows for a particularly compact design. The transport system is preferably cantilevered in the area of ​​the weighing station, for example, by being supported at least at a distance from the weighing station via at least one support area on, and in particular, the frame. A space is formed below the housing in the cantilevered area. The support body engages into this space from the side and is connected to the scale. For this purpose, the support body can, for example, have a substantially L-shaped form.

[0011] The support body and the support body, in combination, essentially have the shape of a clamp ("[" or "]"). The support body extends out of the free space and laterally past the housing, while the support body extends from the side of the housing to above the housing, allowing a container to be weighed to be positioned on the support body.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame can include or form a separating element. This separating element can, for example, include or form a tabletop. The separating element can separate a processing area located above it from a receiving area located below it. The transport system and any processing stations for the containers are arranged in the processing area, which may preferably be covered by a protective device (machine guard, isolator, etc.). The receiving area preferably serves to accommodate at least one drive unit of the system, with any drive elements passing through the separating element. The frame, together with the receiving area, particularly forms a substructure for the system.

[0013] The scale can preferably be arranged below the separating element in the receiving area. Alternatively, the frame includes, for example, a scale receiving chamber in which the scale is arranged. In the case of multiple weighing stations, several scales can be arranged in the scale receiving chamber.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the weighing chamber is arranged, for example, within a receiving opening formed in the separating element. Alternatively, it may be provided, for example, that a wall of the weighing chamber projects from the separating element into the processing area and is directly or indirectly connected to an edge of the receiving opening. In this case, a bottom wall of the weighing chamber may, for example, be aligned with the separating element.

[0015] The weighing chamber can, for example, be designed as a box or comprise a box that is arranged within the receiving opening and projects into the free space relative to the separating element. The weighing chamber is preferably closed by a cover element and thus sealed off from the processing area.

[0016] It can be advantageous if the weighing chamber includes a removable bottom panel, allowing the scale to be removed from the chamber from the receiving area when the bottom panel is detached. This facilitates maintenance work in a user-friendly manner. For example, the bottom panel can be detached from the side of the receiving area, after which the scale can be removed from that side. It may be necessary to first secure the scale to the weighing chamber, for example, by...

[0017] The screw connection must be loosened. Conveniently, a connecting cable attached to the scale can be removed from the scale's receiving chamber along with the scale itself.

[0018] It is understood that the scale is preferably not arranged entirely within the receiving area or the scale receiving chamber, so that the support body can be directly or indirectly connected to the scale receiving chamber. In particular, the scale receiving chamber can be arranged in the processing area, with the scale receiving chamber or a support element for the scale receiving chamber extending through the separating element or a wall of the scale receiving chamber. The force is introduced, for example, via the support body, the support body, and from the scale receiving chamber and the support element into the scale.

[0019] The scale can also be called a load cell.

[0020] As previously mentioned, the support body and the bearing body can be combined and guided around the housing if the scale is located below the housing. For robust construction and to mitigate the resulting lateral load on the scale platform, it can be advantageous for the at least one weighing unit to include a counterweight held by the bearing body or the scale platform. This allows the combined center of gravity of the container, support body, bearing body, and counterweight to be positioned within a zone preferably specified by the scale manufacturer, thus ensuring the most accurate measurement possible.

[0021] The counterweight body is preferably arranged in the free space below the housing. For example, the support body rests on the counterweight body, which in turn rests on the scale mount.

[0022] The counterweight body is preferably designed to be movable and lockable relative to the support body. This allows the relative position of the counterweight body and the support body to be adjusted so that the overall center of gravity lies as precisely as possible above the scale mount.

[0023] The system can include at least one receiving device for containers. Preferably, several containers can be held on the receiving device.

[0024] In the latter case, it is particularly advantageous if the weighing station comprises several weighing units, with each container potentially assigned its own weighing unit. It is conceivable that, depending on the container load on the holding devices, not every weighing unit will be used, but only a portion. Therefore, it is advantageous if the number of weighing units is at least as high as the number of containers that can be held on the holding device. Ideally, the weighing units are identical or at least functionally equivalent.

[0025] The housing may be designed to extend along a specific direction. This direction could, for example, define a processing or transport direction for the containers. The housing could, for instance, extend in a straight line. In this case, it is conceivable that two receiving devices cannot be moved side-by-side above the housing, but rather that the receiving devices are moved one after the other along the length of the housing past the weighing station.

[0026] For example, the containers are positioned one behind the other in a row along the direction of extension on the receiving devices, as described in the patent application with the file number DE 102024 118 524.4.

[0027] It can be particularly advantageous if the support bodies of two or more weighing units are arranged one behind the other along the direction of extension, so that containers held on the receiving device as described above can each be placed on a support body. It is understood that the distance between the containers on the receiving device preferably corresponds to the distance between the support bodies.

[0028] For example, the support bodies preferably comprise or form support elements for the containers that are arranged equidistantly from each other.

[0029] At least two support bodies can, for example, assume different angles relative to the direction of extension. The support bodies can extend towards each other from the side of the housing, starting from the support bodies. This makes it possible, for example, to weigh containers on relatively compact and / or equipped holding devices, even if the required installation space for the scales and / or the support bodies is larger. From the area above the housing to the side where the support bodies are arranged, the support bodies can, for example, extend in a fan-like or radial pattern. In a preferred embodiment, two weighing units can be provided, whose support bodies are arranged laterally next to the housing on opposite sides, and whose support bodies project beyond the housing from these opposite sides.The housing can be arranged between the support bodies, one of which is located to the left of the housing in terms of its extension direction, and the other to the right in terms of its extension direction. In such an embodiment, for example, containers held on two opposite sides of the receiving device can be weighed, as described in patent application No. 102024 118 524.4. At the same time, a particularly compact design of the weighing station can be achieved. The weighing station comprises, for example, two sections, one of which is located on one side and the other on the opposite side of the housing.

[0030] It is understood that in the last-mentioned advantageous embodiment, weighing units are advantageously arranged such that their support bodies are positioned one behind the other in the direction of extension. For example, it is conceivable that two rows of support bodies are arranged in the direction of extension, with the support bodies positioned half on one side and half on the opposite side of the housing.

[0031] The support bodies, whose support elements are arranged on opposite sides of the housing, preferably comprise support elements for the containers or form such support elements that are arranged in the same position relative to the direction of extension. This allows, for example, containers to be weighed on receiving devices, where the receiving devices can have two opposite orientations. Regardless of which side of the receiving device is leading in the direction of extension, a weighing process is possible because the support elements associated with the containers are arranged in the same position.

[0032] Advantageously, the scales of the two or more weighing units are arranged one behind the other with respect to the direction of the housing's extension. The scales are preferably positioned below the housing.

[0033] To achieve the most compact design possible, it is advantageous for the housings of adjacent scales to be close together. For example, the distance is less than 5 cm, preferably less than 3 cm, and even more preferably less than 1 cm. The housings of adjacent scales are particularly well aligned parallel to each other. In this way, the scales can be arranged relatively densely in the weighing area or in the weighing chamber.

[0034] It may be intended that the housings of adjacent scales lie against each other, particularly over a flat surface.

[0035] The scale mounts of adjacent scales are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the scales, with the support bodies of the weighing units, connected to the scale mounts, running along opposite sides of the transport system housing. The support bodies connected to adjacent scales alternate along one side and the other side of the housing. The scale mount is preferably positioned on or near the side along which the support body connected to the scale runs. This allows the support body to be relatively small, which is advantageous for balancing the scale. A counterweight is also advantageously used.

[0036] For example, conventional commercial scales have a generally cuboid-shaped housing. One direction of greatest extension is advantageously oriented at an angle to the direction of extension.

[0037] The scales may, for example, each have a housing which, particularly in the direction of its greatest extent, forms an angle of less than 90° relative to the direction of extension of the transport system's housing. For example, the angle may be approximately 60° to 80°. In this context, this could be understood to mean, for example, that the scale is oriented at an angle relative to its direction of extension.

[0038] The weighing platform of conventional commercial scales is usually not located in the center of the scale housing, but rather off-center on or near its side. The position of the weighing platform can be varied along the direction of the scale's inclination by adjusting the angle of the scale's tilt relative to its axis.

[0039] It is advantageous, for example, to provide at least one pair of scales arranged one behind the other with respect to their direction of extension, the angle being adjusted such that the scale mounts are in the same position with respect to their direction of extension. This can be achieved, for example, by tilting the adjacent scales of the pair relative to their direction of extension and arranging the scale mounts on opposite sides. The support bodies and their support elements are also preferably arranged in the same position with respect to their direction of extension. This allows for a particularly compact design of the weighing station. For example, the first and second scales as a pair, the second and third scales as a pair, etc., each have an arrangement as described above.

[0040] The transport system advantageously includes at least one magnetic shielding element in the housing and / or above the scale. The magnetic shielding element serves to shield the magnetic field of the transport mover's permanent magnets from the scale. For example, the magnetic shielding element is made of a soft magnetic material such as p-metal. The magnetic shielding element can be integrated into the housing or, for example, located in the scale receiving chamber or receiving area. The magnetic shielding element is, for example, made of a flat material. Two or more magnetic shielding elements can be provided for improved shielding, arranged one above the other.

[0041] The receiving device preferably comprises at least one gripping device for a container, which can be moved from a holding position, in which the container is held by the gripping device, to a release position and vice versa. In the release position, the container is free to be placed on the support body and / or can be removed from a container receptacle of the gripping device. The receiving device includes or forms an actuating element that is operatively connected to the gripping device. By acting on the actuating element, the gripping device is moved into the release position. This, for example, frees the container, allowing it to rest on the support body, in particular the support element. The gripping device can be moved back from the release position to the holding position, for example, by the action of a return element, such as a mechanical spring.

[0042] The actuating element includes or is, for example, a roller or a sliding shoe.

[0043] The gripping device can, for example, comprise two pincer- or finger-like gripping elements between which the container is held. The gripping elements can be pivoted relative to each other, for example, to move the container from the holding position to the release position and vice versa.

[0044] The system according to the invention preferably comprises a controllable actuating device for acting on at least one actuating element of the receiving device, preferably on a plurality of actuating elements, wherein the actuating device comprises an actuating body that is operatively connected to the at least one actuating element. The gripping device can be moved into the release position via the actuating device. Advantageously, several gripping devices are actuated via the actuating body, for example, gripping devices arranged one behind the other along the direction of extension. For this purpose, the actuating body can be designed in the form of a strip.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuating element is a cam or comprises a cam into which the at least one actuating element engages when the receiving device is positioned in the target position at the weighing station for a weighing operation. For example, an edge of the cam is moved laterally relative to the at least one actuating element, thereby opening the gripping device.

[0046] The cam is, for example, aligned in one direction of extension of the housing, with the at least one actuating element moving through the cam as the receiving device passes the weighing station. "Passing" in this context can mean that the receiving device stops at the weighing station as intended to release and weigh the containers, and then leaves the weighing station again. Alternatively or additionally, "passing" in this context can include the receiving device merely moving past the weighing station.

[0047] The backdrop can preferably form a guide element for the actuating element(s).

[0048] The actuating element is preferably arranged above the housing. For example, the actuating element is arranged between the support body and the housing.

[0049] The actuating body is held, for example, by at least one retaining element that extends from the side of the housing across the housing, wherein the actuating device comprises at least one drive element connected to the at least one retaining element, which extends laterally past the housing. Similar to the support body and the bearing body, the components of the actuating device can be positioned in a space-saving manner. The at least one drive element preferably extends laterally alongside the housing in a direction of gravity. Starting from the drive element, the at least one retaining element for the actuating body can extend laterally across the housing.

[0050] In particular, in the case of an actuating body in the form of a cam, two holding elements and two drive elements are preferably provided with which the holding elements can be moved.

[0051] The at least one drive element can extend through the separating element and be driven by a drive unit of the actuating device within the receiving area. For example, a column-shaped support element is supported on the separating element, through which the at least one drive element passes.

[0052] The actuating device forms, for example, a crank mechanism, wherein the at least one drive element is rotatable about its longitudinal axis and is eccentrically coupled to the at least one holding element. When the drive element rotates, the holding element performs a back-and-forth movement and can exert a force on the actuating element of the receiving device, directed towards one side of the housing.

[0053] Particularly when the receiving devices comprise two rows of gripping devices with respective containers, and support bodies are arranged on both sides of the housing, and support bodies project beyond the housing on both sides, the actuating device preferably comprises two actuating elements, which are positioned, in particular, above the housing. Each actuating element can be operatively connected to at least one actuating element of the receiving device, and the actuating elements can be driven by means of a common drive unit. The actuating elements can, for example, be designed symmetrically to each other with respect to a longitudinal center plane of the weighing station. The actuating elements are, for example, designed to extend longitudinally with respect to the direction of extension of the housing.The respective retaining elements for the actuating bodies advantageously extend from the respective actuating body to opposite sides of the housing, with the respective drive elements running laterally past opposite sides of the housing.

[0054] The receiving device can advantageously be moved in different transport planes in the planar transport system. In particular, the transport mover can be lowered and raised. This proves advantageous for the weighing process.

[0055] For example, the receiving device can be lowered relative to the housing to position the container on the support body during, before, or after the gripping device is moved into the release position. Similarly, it is advantageous if the receiving device can be raised relative to the housing during, after, or before the gripping device is moved into the holding position.

[0056] The weighing station can advantageously include a covering device that covers at least the support body and the support body of the at least one weighing unit and the housing of the transport system.

[0057] The cover advantageously serves not only to protect the components of the weighing station, but also, preferably due to its shape, to redirect the flow of a gas (especially air) in the processing chamber in a suitable manner. For example, the transport system and the weighing station are supplied with a laminar flow (LF) of gas to blow off any particles. The gas can carry the particles and flow around the housing, with the cover serving to guide the flow. An extraction device for the gas is, for example, arranged below the housing.

[0058] The cover device preferably comprises two sections arranged at a distance from each other, forming a gap between them. The receiving device extends through or engages in this gap as it passes the weighing station. Consequently, the sections of the cover device also serve to protect the receiving device. The two sections can, for example, extend from above the housing to opposite sides of the housing, so that the flow is directed past both sides of the housing. The cover device can be supported, for example, directly or indirectly by support elements arranged laterally next to the housing, with the support elements resting on the separating element of the frame. The drive elements for the actuating body, for example, pass through these support elements.

[0059] The actuating body and / or at least one retaining element for the actuating body are advantageously arranged below the cover device and are thus protected by the cover device.

[0060] The receiving device can comprise a base body that forms the transport mover or in which the transport mover is arranged, interacts with the drive units and is arranged between the sections of the cover device and a top of the housing, wherein the receiving device extends through the space and at least one gripping device for a container and the container are arranged above the cover device.

[0061] On at least one end face, relative to its direction of extension, the cover device can include or form a stop element for the receiving device. The stop element serves as collision protection in the event that the receiving device is not at the correct height relative to the housing. For this purpose, the stop element can, for example, be positioned in front of the support body and / or in front of the retaining element.

[0062] The support body can include or form a support element, wherein the support element extends through a section of the cover device and / or forms a multi-point support for the container. For example, the support element can essentially have the shape of a Y and form a three-point support. In another embodiment, the support element can, for example, have two segments that are spaced apart from each other and can be curved in an arc, thereby allowing containers of different sizes to be placed on it. The segments can, for example, have the shapes of two clamps that are opposite each other.

[0063] For ionization purposes, at least one ionization rod can preferably be arranged at the weighing station. Any vibrations in the system are preferably detected by a sensor device. Based on a signal from the sensor device, a correction of the weighing station's measurement results can advantageously be carried out, and / or the sensor signal can be used to calibrate the weighing station.

[0064] The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, in conjunction with the drawing, serves to explain the invention in more detail. The drawing shows:

[0065] Figure 1: a schematic representation of the inventive system for processing containers in a preferred embodiment, comprising a planar transport system, a weighing station and at least one receiving device for the containers;

[0066] Figure 2: the transport system and a receiving device of the system from Figure 1 in perspective view;

[0067] Figure 3: a simplified perspective view of the transport system, the weighing station and the receiving device on which several containers are held;

[0068] Figure 4: a representation similar to Figure 3, omitting some parts of the system;

[0069] Figure 5: an enlarged view corresponding to Figure 4, with the additionally hidden recording device;

[0070] Figure 6: a representation in the direction of the arrow "6" in Figure 4;

[0071] Figure 7: a sectional view along line 7-7 in Figure 6;

[0072] Figure 8: an enlarged view of detail A in Figure 6;

[0073] Figure 9: a top view of the recording device and part of the weighing station to illustrate the function of the recording device;

[0074] Figure 10: an enlarged view of detail B in Figure 4; Figure 11: a perspective view of a weighing unit of the weighing station;

[0075] Figure 12: a partial view corresponding to Figure 6 in a further preferred embodiment in an exploded view; and

[0076] Figure 13: a representation similar to Figure 10 in the further preferred embodiment.

[0077] Figure 1 schematically shows an advantageous embodiment of the system for processing pharmaceutical containers 102, designated by reference numeral 100. The containers 102 are designed as vials. The containers 102 are processed on the system 100 and filled with a pharmaceutical product, which can be in powder or liquid form.

[0078] The system 100 is located in a facility for processing the containers 102, which includes a platform 104. The system 100 comprises a frame 106, which may, for example, be designed like a table and, in this case, rests on the platform 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 in a substructure 116 from a processing area 118 located above the partition 110. The receiving area 114 may, for example, be enclosed externally by means of suitable cladding.

[0079] Position and orientation specifications such as "above", "below", "horizontal", "vertical" or the like refer here to the intended use of the system 100. In this context, the system 100 rests on the mounting surface 104. It can be assumed without limitation that it is horizontally oriented.

[0080] The system 100 includes a covering device 120 that delimits the processing room 118. The covering device 120 can, for example, be or include an isolator device 122 to provide a defined atmosphere in the processing room 118, for example for decontamination purposes.

[0081] The covering device 120 can include a flow device 124. The flow device 124 provides a defined gas and, in particular, air flow in the processing chamber 118 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.

[0082] The system 100 can include a cleaning unit 126. A cleaning fluid, for example water, optionally with an added cleaning chemical, can be dispensed into the processing chamber 118 via a nozzle unit 128 through the cleaning unit 126. This allows the components of the system 100 to be cleaned preferably on-site after a production cycle (WIP, Washing-in-Place).

[0083] For transporting the containers 102, the system 100 comprises a planar transport system 130, which is shown here in a preferred embodiment. The transport system 130 is arranged largely within the processing area 118. The transport system 130 has a housing 132 supported on the separating element 110. Electromagnetic drive units 134 of a drive device 135 are arranged in the housing 132. Figures 1 and 6 schematically show the contours of the drive units 134 by means of a dashed line 136.

[0084] An electrical power supply unit 138 is located in the receiving area 114. The drive units 134 can be supplied with electrical energy via the power supply unit 138. This makes it possible to generate alternating magnetic fields.

[0085] The transport system 130 comprises at least one receiving device 140, which is also shown in a preferred embodiment in the drawing. Advantageously, several identically configured receiving devices 140 are provided. The receiving device 140 comprises a transport mover 142 (Figure 8), which is configured to interact with the drive units 134. For this purpose, the transport mover 142 comprises at least one permanent magnet.

[0086] The magnetic fields allow the transport mover 142 to be moved in a levitating position relative to the housing 132. In particular, movement parallel to the plane of the housing 132 in at least one transport plane is possible. It is conceivable that the transport mover 142 can be raised or lowered and / or its orientation changed by rotating relative to the housing 132. A tilting movement is also possible. Depending on how the drive units 134 are actuated, the receiving device 140 executes the desired movement.

[0087] A control unit 144 of the system 100 controls its operation. The control unit 144 allows the transport mover 142 to be moved along a predefined path of motion relative to the drive units 134.

[0088] The housing 132 is closed at the top by an upper housing wall 146. In this case, the housing wall 146 is positioned just above the drive units 134 and aligned in a plane parallel to the plane of the drive units 134. For example, the housing wall 146 is a few tenths of a millimeter thick. The mounting devices 140 float at a distance of, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm above the housing wall 146.

[0089] As can be seen particularly from Figure 2, the transport system 130, due to the shape of the housing 132, has a top view that is essentially an elongated "O". The housing 132 comprises two longitudinally elongated and straight sections 148, which run parallel to each other. A space 150 is formed between the sections 148. This configuration is only an example.

[0090] "Extended in a straight line" can, for example, be understood to mean that the sections 148 are so wide that only one receiving device 140 can be moved longitudinally along the sections 148, and that no two receiving devices 140 are positioned side by side in a transverse direction. Figures 2 to 4 and 6 illustrate this schematically using the example of a receiving device 140.

[0091] Arrow 152 defines a direction of extension of the respective section 148. In the present example, the direction of extension 152 corresponds to a transport direction as well as a processing direction for the containers 102 at a section 148.

[0092] At opposite ends, the sections 148 are connected to each other via connecting sections 154. The transport system 130 is enclosed by the sections 148 and 154 in such a way that the receiving devices 140 can follow a closed path. A compact design of the system 100 can preferably be achieved by designing the housing 132 to be cantilevered in sections and to have a gap to the tabletop 112 (Figures 1, 3 and 6). In particular, a space 156 is formed below the housing 132.

[0093] The housing 132 rests on the tabletop 112 via support areas 158. The support areas are arranged at opposite end sides of the transport system 130. The cantilevered area 160, which includes in particular the sections 148, is arranged between the support areas 158.

[0094] Any electrical lines for the power supply and / or the control of the drive units can be routed from the substructure 116 through the support areas 158 into the housing 132.

[0095] The transport system 130 includes at least one processing station 162 for the containers 102. A weighing station 164 is provided to weigh the containers 102 when empty.

[0096] Advantageously, the at least one processing station 162 includes, in particular, a filling station, a weighing station for gross weighing, a closing station, a control station, and / or a cleaning station. These additional stations are not shown in the drawing for the sake of clarity. The design of the weighing station 164 is described below. A weighing station for weighing the filled containers 102 can be designed identically to the weighing station 164. It is also conceivable that the filled containers 102 are weighed at the weighing station 164.

[0097] The product to be filled into container 102 is, for example, liquid or powder.

[0098] As can be seen from the drawing, the weighing station 164 comprises at least one weighing unit 166, which is shown separately in Figure 11. In the present embodiment, several weighing units 166 are provided. The number of weighing units 166 corresponds at least to the number of containers 102 that can be transported with the receiving device 140. Advantageously, the number of weighing units 166 can be identical to the number of containers 102. In particular, one weighing unit 166 is provided for each position of the receiving device 140. The weighing unit 166 comprises a scale 168 with a scale receptacle 170 (Figure 11).

[0099] The scale 168 can also be called a load cell and the scale mount 170 a weighing plate.

[0100] A support member 172, which is fixed to the scale receptacle 170, leads into the interior of a housing 174 of the scale 168. The reference numeral 173 designates a fixing member for the scale receptacle 170, in this case in the form of a union nut (Figure 11).

[0101] The housing 174 is essentially cuboid and flat, and is fixed upright to the frame 106. The arrow 176 indicates the direction of greatest extension of the housing 174 (Figures 7 and 11).

[0102] The weighing unit 166 further comprises a support body 178, which in this case is indirectly connected to the scale receptacle 170. In this case, the support body 178 essentially has the shape of an L, with a first section 180 extending laterally from the housing 174, and a second section 182 extending vertically from the first section 180, in particular in the direction of gravity.

[0103] The support body 178 is designed in a column-like or rod-like shape.

[0104] At the free end of the second section 182, the support body 178 is connected to a bearing body 184 of the weighing unit 166. The bearing body 184 extends in a plane essentially parallel to the first section 180 and, in particular, horizontally.

[0105] The support body 184 is essentially formed in the shape of a strip, but it has a support element 186 at its free end. The support element 186 essentially has the shape of a Y for a three-point support for a container 102.

[0106] In combination, the support body 178 and the bearing body 184 essentially have the shape of a "[" or "]".

[0107] As will be explained below, a container 102 to be weighed rests on the support element 186. Consequently, and due to the shape of the support body 184 and the support body 178, the weighing receptacle 170 is subjected to an off-center tilting moment. For a more robust design and to compensate for the tilting moment, the weighing unit 166 includes a counterweight body 188. The counterweight body 188 is connected to the weighing receptacle 170, and the support body 178 is connected to the counterweight body 188.

[0108] It is advantageous that the counterweight body 188 is connected to the scale mount 170 and the support body 178 in a lockable, movable manner (for example, by means of screws). This makes it possible to adjust the overall center of gravity, for example, depending on the containers 102 to be weighed.

[0109] The overall center of mass is preferably selected such that it lies within a zone 190 around the scale mounting 170. Here, for example, the zone 190 is specified by the manufacturer of the scale 168. If the overall center of mass lies within the zone 190, a reliable measurement can be performed (Figure 7).

[0110] The arrangement of the weighing units 166 is discussed below with particular reference to Figures 3 to 7. It is advantageous for the weighing units 166 to be identical or at least functionally equivalent. The weighing units 166 are considered functionally equivalent, for example, if they are identical in terms of their construction and function, although individual components may have different dimensions for the purpose of an advantageous arrangement.

[0111] Since the receiving device 140 moves in a transport plane above the housing 132, the support body 184 is arranged above the housing wall 146. The respective support body 178 extends laterally past the housing 132 downwards. Starting from the side of the housing 132, the support body 184 extends towards the opposite side of the housing 132. The support body 184 does not project to a longitudinal median plane 192 of the housing 132, as the containers 102 are mounted off-center on the receiving device 140. For example, the support body 184 projects approximately one-quarter or one-third beyond the width of the housing 132.

[0112] For a compact design of the weighing station 164, it is advantageous that the support body 178 engages in the free space 156 with the first section 180. The counterweight body 188 is also arranged in the free space 156, on the side of the scale receptacle 170 facing away from section 180.

[0113] Furthermore, it is advantageous for a compact design that the scale 168 can be arranged below the support body 184 due to the support body 178. In particular, the scale 168 is arranged below the housing 132. This provides space to the side of the housing 132, both in the processing area 118 and in the receiving area 114, for the accommodation of further components of the system 100.

[0114] As can be seen, for example, in Figures 3, 4, and 6, the scale 168 is arranged in a scale receiving chamber 194. The scale receiving chamber 194 is located within a receiving opening 196 of the separating element 110 and is closed off relative to the processing area 118 by a wall 198, which includes a cover element 200 on its upper side. The wall 198 abuts an edge 276 of the receiving opening 196. Below the separating element 110, the scale receiving chamber 194 includes a wall 202 in the form of a frame 204, which also abuts the edge of the receiving opening 196. A bottom wall 206 closes the frame 204 from below. Overall, the scale receiving chamber 194 essentially has the shape of a box in which the scales 168 of the weighing units 166 are housed.

[0115] However, in this case the support member 172 extends through the cover element 200, with the scale receptacle 170 being arranged in the processing chamber 118 above the cover element 200 (Figures 4 to 6).

[0116] With respect to the direction of extension 152, the scales 168 are arranged one behind the other. The housings 174 can be spaced a short distance apart, for example less than 1 cm, in particular less than 5 mm. In this case, the housings 174 are aligned parallel to each other (Figure 7).

[0117] The weighing receptacles 170 of adjacent weighing units 168 are arranged on opposite sides of the weighing units 168. The support bodies 178 connected to these weighing receptacles extend along opposite sides of the housing 132. In the present embodiment, the support body 178 of the first, third, fifth, and seventh weighing units 166 extends along the left side of the housing 132, and the support body 178 of the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth weighing units extends along the right side of the housing 132. As further shown in Figure 7, the housing 174 of each weighing unit is inclined at an angle 208 relative to the direction of extension 152. The angle 208 is formed between the direction of extension 152 and the direction of greatest extension 176. In this embodiment, the angle 208 is approximately 75°. Relative to a transverse direction 210, which is oriented perpendicular to the extension direction 152, a corresponding angle 209 is accordingly approximately 15°.

[0118] The above configuration results in a pair of scales in which the scale receptacles 170 are arranged in the same position relative to the direction of extension 152. This is shown in Figure 7 by position lines 212. In the present case, the first and second, the third and fourth, the fifth and sixth, and the seventh and eighth scales 168 form such a pair of scales.

[0119] Consequently, the support bodies 178 of each pair of scales are also arranged in the same position with respect to the direction of extension 152. The same applies to the support bodies 184 and, in particular, their support elements 186. These are located in the same position for each pair of scales with respect to the direction of extension 152.

[0120] This offers the advantage that the containers 102 are arranged in the correct target position relative to the support elements 186, regardless of the orientation of the receiving devices 140. The receiving devices 140 can be used in opposite orientations.

[0121] With respect to the direction of extension 152, in the present embodiment several, and in particular four, support bodies 184 are arranged in a row one behind the other, projecting from one side of the housing 132 beyond the housing 132. Each support body 184 is associated with a support body 184 at the identical position, which projects from the opposite side beyond the housing 132.

[0122] Such a configuration is advantageous if the receiving device 140 is designed such that, with respect to the direction of extension 152, a row of containers 102 is received at a time. In the present case, two such rows 214 and 216 are provided, as can be seen in particular from Figures 3, 4, and 8. The rows 214 and 216 face the left and right sides, respectively, of the housing 132. The containers 102 on the left side can rest on the support bodies 184, which project from the left side over the housing 132. Similarly, the containers 102 can rest on the support bodies 184, which project from the right side over the housing 132.

[0123] To achieve a compact design, it is advantageously provided that at least two support bodies 184, with respect to the direction of extension 152, have different angles and extend towards each other from the side of the housing 132 (Figures 4 and 5). Starting from the center of the housing 132, the support bodies 184 extend outwards to the side in a substantially fan-like shape.

[0124] Such a design offers the advantage that, despite the installation space required for the weighing units 166, however small this space may be kept, the receiving devices 140 can be built compactly, with adjacent containers 102 having a relatively small distance between them (Figure 4).

[0125] The functioning of the weighing station 164 together with the receiving devices 140 is described below, with reference to the latter to the patent application with the file number DE 10 2024 118 524.4 dated July 1, 2024.

[0126] The receiving device 140 comprises a base body 218, which is essentially plate-shaped and receives the transport mover 142. A support device 220 is attached to the base body. Gripping devices 222 are held on the support device 220. Each container is assigned a gripping device 222, which includes gripping elements 224.

[0127] As can be seen particularly from Figure 9, the gripping elements 224 are pivotable relative to the support device 220 about respective pivot axes 226. In a holding position, which is shown at the bottom right of Figure 9, the container 102 is held in a container receptacle 228 between the gripping elements 224.

[0128] By pivoting, the gripping elements 224 can be moved into a release position in which the container 102 is freed and / or can be removed from the container holder 228 (Figure 9 bottom left).

[0129] Each gripping device 222 is operatively connected to an actuating element 232, which in this case comprises a lever with a roller attached to it. By applying force to the actuating element 232, the gripping elements 224 are pivoted. When the force is removed from the actuating element 232, they are returned to their holding position by the action of a return element 234. The return element 234 is designed as a helical spring.

[0130] The system 100 comprises an actuating device 236 for actuating the actuating elements 232, wherein each gripping device 222 is assigned an actuating element 232.

[0131] The actuating device comprises an actuating body 238, which is operatively connected to the actuating elements 232. Figure 9 schematically shows, at the bottom left, the gripping elements 224 in the release position under the action of the actuating body 238. In contrast, Figure 9 shows, at the bottom right, that the gripping elements 224 are in the holding position. In this case, this gripping device 222 is not actuated by the actuating body 238. It is understood that this serves only to illustrate the operating principle. By using the actuating device 236, all gripping devices 222 on a row 214, 216 are advantageously moved into the release position.

[0132] The actuating body 238 is designed in the form of a strip and includes a cam 240. The cam 240 has a groove extending in the direction 152, into which the rollers of the actuating elements 232 engage (Figures 8 and 9). The cam 240 thus also acts as a guide element for the rollers.

[0133] The actuating element 238 is connected via at least one retaining element, in this case two retaining elements 242, to at least one corresponding drive element 244 (in this case two drive elements 244). The retaining elements 242 extend from the side of the housing 132 over the housing 132 (Figures 4, 5 and 8) in a similar manner to the support bodies 184. The retaining elements 242 are arranged below the support bodies 184. The same applies to the actuating element 238.

[0134] The drive elements 244 extend laterally past the housing 132 downwards into the receiving area 114. The drive elements 244 are shafts that are rotatably mounted in column-shaped support elements 246 about their respective longitudinal axes. The support elements 246 are supported on the separating element 110 from above.

[0135] A drive unit 248 is arranged in the receiving area 114. The actuating device 236 forms a crank mechanism, whereby the drive elements 244 are rotated via the drive unit 248 and a transmission 250, which in this case is designed as a belt drive.

[0136] The retaining elements 242 are eccentrically coupled to the drive elements 244. As can be seen, for example, in Figure 9, the rotation of the drive elements 244 pulls the cam 240 towards the nearest side of the housing 132. This actuates the actuating element 232, opening the gripping device 222. Rotating the drive elements 244 in the opposite direction moves the actuating body 238 back towards the longitudinal center plane 192, and the gripping devices 222 close again.

[0137] In the present example, it is advantageous that two actuating bodies 238, two holding elements each, and two drive elements 244 each can be actuated together with only one drive unit 248. The gearbox 250 couples the drive elements 244 on opposite sides of the housing 132. The drive elements 244 are rotated together, so that the gripping devices 222 on the left row 214 and the right row 216 of the receiving device 140 can be opened with only one drive unit 248. This occurs simultaneously and synchronously.

[0138] The actuating elements 238 are each designed to extend longitudinally in the direction of extension 152 and are symmetrical to each other with respect to the longitudinal median plane 192.

[0139] For a weighing operation, the receiving device 140 is moved to the correct target position at the weighing station 164 until the containers 102 are positioned above the support elements 186. The transport mover 142 is lowered, thereby moving closer to the housing 132. Before, during, or after the gripping device 222 is moved into the release position, the containers 102 are positioned on the support elements 186 of the support bodies 184.

[0140] The containers can then be weighed.

[0141] Any vibrations on the system 100 can be detected by means of a sensor device 252. A sensor signal can be fed to the control unit 144, which can be coupled to the weighing station 164. Depending on the sensor signal, the measurement results can be corrected if necessary. Furthermore, the sensor device 252 can be used to calibrate the weighing station 164. After the weighing process, the containers 102 are picked up again by closing the gripping devices 222, because the force of the actuating element 238 is no longer present. After, during, or before the gripping device 222 is moved into the holding position, which lifts the containers 102, the transport mover 142 is raised. Subsequently, the receiving device 140 can be moved away from the weighing station 164.

[0142] To avoid any distortion of the measurement results due to the magnetic force of the transport mover 142, the system 100 includes at least one magnetic shielding element 254. In this case, two such elements are provided, which are advantageously arranged one above the other in the housing 132 (Figure 6).

[0143] The at least one magnetic shielding element 254 is made of a soft magnetic material (for example, p-metal) and is a flat material. The magnetic shielding element 254 can, for example, serve to stiffen the housing 132, as described in the patent application with the file number DE 10 2024 118 533.3 dated July 1, 2024.

[0144] The weighing station in this case includes a cover 256 to protect the various components and the receiving device 140. In this example, the cover 256 comprises two lower parts 258 and two upper parts 260. The lower parts 258 are arranged on opposite sides of the housing 132 and are fixed to the support elements 246. The support bodies 178 and the drive elements 244 each extend through the lower parts 258.

[0145] The upper parts 260 each form a section 262, 264 of the cover device 256. Each upper part 260 is detachably held on a lower part 258 and projects from the side of the housing 132 to beyond the housing 132.

[0146] In sections 262, 264, a space 266 is formed around the longitudinal median plane 192.

[0147] As can be seen particularly from Figure 8, the base body 218 is arranged below the two sections 262 and 264. Sections 262 and 264 also cover the support bodies 184, the actuating elements 232, the actuating bodies 238, and the retaining elements 242. The support device 220 extends through the space 266. The gripping devices 222 and the containers 102 are arranged above sections 262 and 264.

[0148] The support elements 186 extend through openings 268 at a respective section 262, 264. The openings are slot-shaped.

[0149] At its end face, each section 262, 264 provides a stop element 270. The stop elements 270 serve as collision protection for the support bodies 184, the actuating bodies 238, and the retaining elements 242 in the event that the receiving device 140 has an incorrect flight height relative to the housing 132. In this case, the base body 218 can collide with the stop elements 270.

[0150] The system 100 can optionally include at least one ionization bar at the weighing station 164 to improve the measurement result. Figure 8 schematically shows two such ionization bars 272. The ionization bars 272 preferably extend along the direction of extension 152 and can, for example, be held on the upper parts 260 of the cover device 256 by retaining elements not shown in the drawing. For example, the ionization bars 272 extend over the length of the weighing station 164.

[0151] Figure 12 shows, in a manner corresponding to Figure 6, a further preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, designated by reference numeral 274. Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalent features and components as before. Only the essential differences are discussed.

[0152] In system 274, the weighing chamber 194 is positioned higher relative to the separating element 110. The wall 198 projects upwards from the separating element 110 into the processing chamber 118 and is directly or indirectly connected to the edge 276 of the receiving opening 196. In this case, the connection is made with the aid of a frame 278.

[0153] In the closed state of the weighing chamber 194, the bottom wall 206 is flush with the separating element 110 and is connected to the frame 278, for example, by screws. The sensor device 252 is held on the bottom wall. Figure 12, however, shows a situation in which the weighing chamber 194 is open. The bottom wall 206 has been removed from the side of the receiving area 114. For this purpose, it is advantageous that the gearbox 250 and the drive unit 248 are sufficiently far apart from the separating element 110 below.

[0154] With the scale receiving chamber 194 open, the scales 168 can be easily removed individually from the receiving area 114 downwards for maintenance purposes. First, the connection between the scale 168 and the frame 278, in this case by screws, must be loosened. It is advantageous that an electrical connecting cable 280 can also be removed along with the scale.

[0155] The assembly of the scales 168 can be carried out in reverse.

[0156] Figure 13 shows a detailed view of the system 274 in a manner corresponding to Figure 10 (without gripping devices 222). Here, the support element 186 is designed differently. Instead of the "Y" shape, the support element has two segments 282 arranged at a distance from each other. The segments 282 are curved in an arc, with the curves facing away from each other. Overall, the segments 282 thus have the shape of two clamps.

[0157] This shape proves advantageous for supporting containers 102 of varying sizes. Furthermore, multi-point support for the containers 102 is possible. A support element 284 of a respective gripping element 224 (Figure 10) can also be moved between the segments 282 during the movement of the receiving device 140 without requiring a change in its height.

[0158] It is understood that the shape of the support element 186 could also be used in the system 100. Reference numeral list

[0159] Attachment

[0160] container

[0161] Installation area

[0162] frame

[0163] Stand element

[0164] Separating element

[0165] tabletop

[0166] Recording area

[0167] substructure

[0168] Processing room

[0169] Covering device

[0170] Isolator device

[0171] Flow device

[0172] Cleaning facility

[0173] Nozzle assembly

[0174] Transport system

[0175] Housing

[0176] drive unit

[0177] Drive unit dashed line

[0178] Energy supply unit

[0179] Recording device

[0180] Transport mover

[0181] Control unit

[0182] housing wall

[0183] Section

[0184] space

[0185] Direction of extension

[0186] Connection section

[0187] Free space

[0188] Support area, cantilevered area

[0189] Processing station

[0190] Weighing station weighing unit

[0191] Scale

[0192] Scale recording

[0193] Supporting element

[0194] Fixing element

[0195] Housing

[0196] Towards greatest extent

[0197] Support body

[0198] Section

[0199] Section

[0200] support body

[0201] support element

[0202] Counterweight body

[0203] Zone

[0204] Longitudinal median plane

[0205] Scale receiving chamber

[0206] opening

[0207] wall

[0208] Cover element

[0209] wall

[0210] Frame

[0211] floor wall

[0212] angle

[0213] angle

[0214] transverse direction

[0215] Position line

[0216] Row

[0217] Row

[0218] basic body

[0219] Support device

[0220] Gripping device

[0221] Gripping element

[0222] Swivel axis

[0223] Container receptacle

[0224] Actuating element

[0225] Reset element Actuating device Actuating body Cam

[0226] retaining element

[0227] Drive element, support element, drive unit, gearbox, sensor device, magnetic shielding element

[0228] Cover device Lower part Upper part Section Section Intermediate space Opening Stop element Ionizing rod Attachment Edge Frame Connection line Segment Support member

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A system (100; 274) for processing pharmaceutical containers (102), comprising a planar transport system (130) which includes or forms a housing (132) and drive units (134) arranged in the housing (132) which are configured to interact electromagnetically with receiving devices (140) for receiving the containers (102), for a suspended transport of the receiving devices (140) relative to the drive units (134) in at least one transport plane above the housing (132), and a weighing station (164) which comprises at least one weighing unit (166) having a scale (168) with a scale receptacle (170), a support body (178) connected to the scale receptacle (170) and a support body (184) for a container (102) held on the support body (178), wherein the support body (184) is positioned above the container (102) with respect to the direction of gravity. housing (132) and the scale (168) is arranged below the support body (184),and wherein the support body (178) extends laterally past the housing (132), particularly in the direction of gravity.

2. System (100; 274) according to claim 1, characterized in that the system (100; 274) comprises a frame (106) on which, and in particular on which, the housing (132) of the transport system (130) is supported, and that a free space (156) is formed below the housing (132), wherein preferably the scale (168) is arranged below the housing (132) and the support body (178) engages in the free space (156) from the side of the housing (132).

3. System (100; 274) according to claim 2, characterized in that the frame (106) comprises or forms a separating element (110) that separates a processing area (118) arranged above the separating element (110) from a receiving area (114) arranged below the separating element (110), wherein the separating element (110) in particular comprises or forms a table top (112).

4. Plant (100; 274) according to claim 3, characterized in that the scale (168) is arranged below the separating element (110) in the receiving area (114) or that the frame (106) comprises a scale receiving chamber (194) in which the scale (168) is arranged, wherein the scale receiving chamber (194) is preferably arranged within a receiving opening (196) formed in the separating element (110) or a wall (198) of the scale receiving chamber (194) projects from the separating element (110) into the processing area (118) and is connected to an edge (276) of the receiving opening (196).

5. System (100; 274) according to claim 4, characterized in that the weighing chamber (194) comprises a removable bottom wall (206), wherein the weighing scale (168) can be removed from the weighing chamber (194) from the receiving area (114) when the bottom wall (206) is removed.

6. System (100; 274) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one weighing unit (166) comprises a counterweight body (188) which is held on the support body (178) or on the scale receptacle (170).

7. System (100; 274) according to claim 6, characterized in that the counterweight body (188) is designed to be movable relative to the support body (178) in a way that allows it to be locked in position.

8. System (100; 274) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weighing station (164) comprises several weighing units (166), preferably that the weighing units (166) are identical or functionally equivalent and / or that a weighing unit (166) is assigned to each container (102) of the receiving device (140).

9. System (100; 274) according to claim 8, characterized in that the housing (132) extends along a direction of extension (152) and that the support bodies (184) of two or more weighing units (166) are arranged one behind the other along the direction of extension (152), wherein the support bodies (184) preferably comprise or form support elements (186) arranged equidistantly to each other for the containers (102).

10. System (100; 274) according to claim 9, characterized in that at least two support bodies (184) assume a different angle relative to the direction of extension (152), wherein the support bodies (184) extend towards each other from the side of the housing (132) starting from the support bodies (178).

11. System (100; 274) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that two weighing units (166) are provided, the support bodies (178) of which are arranged laterally next to the housing (132) on opposite sides and the bearing bodies (184) of which project from the opposite sides over the housing (132).

12. Plant (100; 274) according to claim 11 , characterized in that the support bodies (184) comprise or form support elements (186) for the containers (102) which are arranged at the same position with respect to the extension direction (152).

13. Plant (100; 274) according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the scales (168) of the two or more weighing units (166) are arranged one behind the other with respect to the extension direction (152) of the housing (132) of the transport system (130).

14. Plant (100; 274) according to claim 13, characterized in that The housings (174) of adjacent scales (168) have a distance from each other of less than 5 cm, preferably less than 3 cm, more preferably less than 1 cm, wherein the housings (174) of adjacent scales (168) are in particular aligned parallel to each other.

15. System (100; 274) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the scale receptacles (170) of adjacent scales (168) are arranged on opposite sides of the scales (168) and the support bodies (178) of the weighing units (166) connected to the scale receptacles (170) extend past the housing (132) of the transport system (130) on opposite sides.

16. System (100; 274) according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the scales (168) each have a housing (174) which assumes an angle (208, 209) relative to an extension direction (152) of the housing (132) of the transport system (130) which is less than 90°, and preferably approximately 60° to 80°.

17. System (100; 274) according to claim 16, characterized in that at least one pair of scales (168) is provided which are arranged one behind the other with respect to the direction of extension (152), wherein the angle (208, 209) is set such that the scale receptacles (170) are arranged at the same position with respect to the direction of extension (152).

18. System (100; 274) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport system (130) in the housing (132) and / or above the scale (168) comprises at least one magnetic shielding element (254).

19. Plant (100; 274) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving device (140) comprises at least one gripping device (222) which can be moved from a holding position in which the container (102) is held on the gripping device (222) to a release position and vice versa, wherein the container (102) is freed in the release position for placement on the support body (184) and / or can be removed from a container receptacle (228) of the gripping device (222), and that the receiving device (140) comprises or forms an actuating element (232) which is in operative connection with the gripping device (222).

20. System (100; 274) according to claim 19, characterized in that the system (100; 274) comprises a controllable actuating device (236) for acting on at least one actuating element (232) of the receiving device (140), preferably on a plurality of actuating elements (232), wherein the actuating device (236) comprises an actuating body (238) which is in operative connection with the at least one actuating element (232).

21. System (100; 274) according to claim 20, characterized in that the actuating body (238) is or comprises a cam (240) into which the at least one actuating element (232) engages when the receiving device (140) is positioned in the target position at the weighing station (164) for a weighing operation.

22. System (100; 274) according to claim 21, characterized in that the cam (240) is aligned in an extension direction (152) of the housing (132) and that the at least one actuating element (232) is moved through the cam (240) when the receiving device (140) passes the weighing station (164).

23. System (100; 274) according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the actuating body (238) is arranged above the housing (132) and / or that the actuating body (238) is held on at least one retaining element (242) which extends from the side of the housing (132) over the housing (132), wherein the actuating device (236) comprises at least one drive element (244) connected to the at least one retaining element (242) which extends laterally past the housing (132), wherein preferably two retaining elements (242) and two drive elements (244) are provided.

24. System (100; 274) according to claim 23, when dependent on claim 3, characterized in that the at least one drive element (244) extends through the separating element (110) and can be driven in the receiving area (114) by a drive unit (248) of the actuating device (236).

25. System (100; 274) according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the actuating device (236) forms a crank drive, wherein the at least one drive element (244) is rotatable about its longitudinal axis and is eccentrically coupled to the at least one holding element (242).

26. System (100; 274) according to one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that the actuating device (236) comprises two actuating bodies (238) which are positioned in particular above the housing (132), wherein each actuating body (238) is in operative connection with at least one actuating element (232) of the receiving device (140) and the actuating bodies (238) can be driven by means of a common drive unit (248).

27. System (100; 274) according to claim 26, characterized in that the respective retaining elements (242) extend from the respective actuating body (238) to opposite sides of the housing (132) and the respective drive elements (244) extend laterally past opposite sides of the housing (132).

28. System (100; 274) according to one of claims 19 to 27, characterized in that the receiving device (140) can be lowered relative to the housing (132) in order to position the container (102) on the support body (184) during, before or after the gripping device (222) is moved into the release position, and / or that the receiving device (140) can be raised relative to the housing (132) during, after or before moving the gripping device (222) into the holding position.

29. Plant (100; 274) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weighing station (164) comprises a covering device (256) which at least partially covers the support body (184) and the support body (178) of the at least one weighing unit (166) and the housing (132) of the transport system (130), wherein the covering device (256) has two sections forming an intermediate space (266) comprises sections (262, 264) arranged at a distance from each other, through which the receiving device (140) passes when passing the weighing station (164) or into which the receiving device (140) engages.

30. System (100; 274) according to claim 29, when dependent on claim 3, characterized in that the cover device (256) is directly or indirectly supported by support elements (246) arranged laterally next to the housing (132), wherein the support elements (246) rest on the separating element (110) of the frame (106).

31. System (100; 274) according to claim 29 or 30, if dependent on claim 20 or 23, characterized in that the actuating body (238) and / or at least one retaining element (242) for the actuating body (238) is arranged below the cover device (256).

32. System (100; 274) according to one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that the receiving device (140) comprises a base body (218) which forms the transport mover (142) or in which the transport mover (142) is arranged, interacts with the drive units (134) and is arranged between the sections (262, 264) of the cover device (256) and a top of the housing (132), that the receiving device (140) extends through the space (266) and at least one gripping device (222) for a container (102) and the container (102) are arranged above the cover device (256).

33. Plant (100; 274) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support body (184) comprises or forms a support element (186), wherein the support element (186) extends through a section (262, 264) of the cover device (256) and / or forms a multi-point support for the container (102).

Images