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

Abstract

The present invention relates to a planar transport system for a plant (100) for processing pharmaceutical containers (102), wherein the transport system (130) comprises drive units which are designed to electromagnetically cooperate with transport movers for a floating movement of the transport movers relative to the drive units along a predefinable movement path, and a control device for controlling the movement of the transport movers, wherein the transport system (130) comprises at least one receiving device (140), which comprises a transport mover and a holding device for multiple containers (102), wherein at least one container (102) is held on a first side of the holding device and at least one container (102) is held on a second side of the holding device, in particular opposite the first side, wherein the at least one receiving device (140) can be moved towards at least one transport device (182, 184) for a transfer of the at least one container (102) on the first side, wherein a movement manoeuvre can then be carried out to move the at least one receiving device (140) towards at least one transport device (182, 184) for a transfer of the at least one container (102) on the second side. The invention also relates to a plant.

Description

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

[0002] The present invention relates to a planar transport system for a plant for processing pharmaceutical containers, wherein the transport system comprises drive units configured to interact electromagnetically with transport movers for a floating movement of the transport movers relative to the drive units along a predefinable movement path, and a control device for controlling the movement of the transport movers.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system for processing pharmaceutical containers with such a transport system.

[0004] Such transport systems, also known as levitation systems, are known in which an electromagnetic drive unit comprises a plurality of drive units. The drive units are electrically energized to generate alternating magnetic fields that can drive the transport movers. For this purpose, the transport movers typically include a permanent magnet. One known movement is in a plane defined by two directions oriented at an angle to each other. Other known examples include rotary movements of the transport movers and lifting or tilting movements.

[0005] Pharmaceutical containers such as vials, syringes, cartridges, or ampoules can be processed in systems with one or more processing stations. It is known that a planar transport system can be used in these systems. For example, DE 102015209613 A1 describes a system in which containers fed on a conveyor belt are picked up by receiving devices that include a transport mover. The containers are then transferred to a transport system.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a planar transport system and a system with such a transport system in which, preferably in a compact design, containers can be advantageously coupled into and / or uncoupled from the transport system.This problem is solved in a transport system of the type mentioned at the outset according to the invention in that the transport system comprises at least one receiving device which includes a transport mover and a holding device for several containers, wherein at least one container is held on a first side of the holding device and at least one container is held on a second side of the holding device, which is in particular opposite the first side, wherein the at least one receiving device is movable to at least one transport device for a transfer of the at least one container on the first side, wherein a movement maneuver can then be carried out to move the at least one receiving device to the at least one transport device for a transfer of the at least one container on the second side.

[0007] In this context, "transfer" can encompass the taking over of containers from the at least one transport device by the receiving device. Alternatively or additionally, "transfer" can encompass the handover of containers from the receiving device to the transport device. For example, it may be provided that containers can be taken over from a transport device, transported with at least one receiving device in the transport system – for example, for processing at at least one processing station – and then handed over again to the aforementioned or another transport device.

[0008] The transport system according to the invention comprises at least one receiving device whose holding element can accommodate at least one container on the first side and preferably several containers on each side. The two sides are positioned opposite each other, particularly with respect to the holding element, and can face opposite sides of the receiving device. The (at least one) receiving device is moved in a floating position by means of the drive units to at least one transport device for the transfer of the at least one container on the first side. As described above, this can involve either receiving or transferring the container. The design of the planar transport system enables a movement maneuver in which the receiving device is subsequently moved to the at least one transport device in such a way that the at least one container on the second side can also be transferred.Since the size of the transport mover in the transport system is typically determined by the dimensions of the drive units, and a minimum size for the transport mover is required, the installation space needed for this can be used in the receiving device to accommodate containers on both sides in a space-saving manner. This advantageously enables a high processing rate, as the containers are usually significantly smaller than the transport movers. This, in turn, favors a compact design for the transport system. At the same time, the transport system proves to be versatile. Depending on the application, it may be sufficient, for example, to load only the first or only the second side of the holding device, or to transfer only containers on the first or only the second side.

[0009] The at least one transport device is, for example, arranged laterally next to the transport system and can be passed by the receiving device during movement. More than one transport device may be provided. This will be discussed further below.

[0010] The transport system preferably comprises a plurality of receiving devices that pass successively through the at least one transport device.

[0011] The receiving devices are preferably designed identically.

[0012] The drive units can preferably be controlled by the control device in such a way that the receiving devices can be moved independently of each other along a respective movement path.

[0013] In particular, the receiving devices can be moved one after the other along the transport system.

[0014] It is advantageous if the holding device on the first side can accommodate multiple containers and / or if the holding device on the second side can accommodate multiple containers. This increases the capacity of at least one receiving device to hold containers. The performance of the transport system for moving the containers and the system for processing them is thereby improved.

[0015] The containers can be arranged, for example, in a row on the first side and / or in a row on the second side.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the movement maneuver comprises performing a rotational movement with the at least one receiving device about an axis of rotation oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to a plane of the transport system, wherein the at least one container on the first side of the holding device and the at least one container on the second side of the holding device can be transferred on the same transport device. In such an implementation of the invention, the various possibilities of the transport system for moving the transport movers are utilized. First, the at least one container on the first side is transferred. On the same transport device, after the rotational movement of the receiving device, the at least one container on the second side is transferred. In this embodiment, a further transport device can be eliminated.

[0017] The rotary movement of the receiving device can, for example, be performed on a drive unit without any further translational movement relative to this drive unit.

[0018] The rotary movement can be performed on the transport device.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the movement maneuver can involve moving at least one receiving device along a closed trajectory. After the transfer at the first side, the receiving device can be moved on the transport system so that, after the completion of the closed trajectory, it is again positioned on the same transport device. The trajectory can be circular, for example, elliptical or circular. Alternatively, the trajectory can be rectangular, for example. Moving along the trajectory offers the advantage that the time required for this movement can be used to transfer containers at another receiving device.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the respective receiving device can, for example, be moved along a movement path with at least a simple "looping" (relative to a top view of the transport system) during the movement maneuver.

[0021] With multiple receiving devices, it can be advantageous if the movement maneuver includes moving the receiving device behind a subsequent receiving device after the rotational movement and / or after or during movement along the trajectory. This subsequent receiving device was positioned downstream of the receiving device before the movement maneuver began. While the leading receiving device performs the rotational movement and / or moves along the trajectory, the subsequent receiving device can be arranged on the transport device for transferring at least one container. The time required for the rotational movement and / or movement along the trajectory of the first receiving device can be used to transfer containers to the subsequent receiving device or at least to prepare for this process.The containers can then be transferred via the transport device on the second side of the first-mentioned receiving device.

[0022] The receiving device is preferably able to be reintroduced into the flow of successive receiving devices after the execution of the rotary movement and / or after or during the movement along the path curve, behind a subsequent receiving device, in particular behind the immediately following subsequent receiving device.

[0023] Since a subsequent receiving device can also perform the movement maneuver after the transfer of containers on the first side (for example, the second, third receiving device, etc.) and, in particular, can be re-entered into the flow, the sequence of the receiving devices after passing the transport device twice can be identical to the original sequence before the start of the transfer of containers.

[0024] It is understood that, in the case of several consecutive recording devices, each recording device can be reintroduced into the stream behind a subsequent recording device.

[0025] The movement maneuver can, for example, involve the picking device leaving the closed path and, in particular, moving away from the transport device. For example, after picking up containers on both sides, the picking device can move to at least one processing station after leaving the path.

[0026] The transport system may be designed to comprise a first section, which is traversed by the at least one receiving device in a first direction of movement, and a second section, which is traversed in a second direction of movement that differs from the first. The first and second sections may preferably be designed to extend in a straight line. This can be understood, for example, to mean that the respective section is wide enough transversely to the direction of movement to allow only one receiving device to traverse the section. The drive units are arranged in a linear sequence, one behind the other, with respect to the direction of movement, but not laterally adjacent to each other transversely to the direction of movement.

[0027] Providing two sections allows, in a sense, the layout of the transport system to be folded, resulting in a shorter but wider configuration.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first section and the second section run parallel to each other, for example, with the second direction of movement being opposite to the first direction of movement. For example, the receiving device is fed via the first section and receives at least one container on at least one transport device on the respective side. Subsequently, the receiving device can be moved, for example, along the second section, on which, for example, processing stations for the containers are arranged.

[0029] In the preceding example, it is conceivable that subsequently processed containers are delivered to at least one transport device and the receiving device is moved again along the first section to receive new containers.

[0030] Preferably, a gap is formed between the first section and the second section. For example, a processing station or a section of a processing station is arranged in this gap.

[0031] The first section and the second section are connected to each other, for example, by at least one connecting section. At least one transport device can be located at the connecting section or adjacent to the connecting section at the first section and / or at the second section.

[0032] Preferably, two opposing connecting sections are provided. In such an embodiment, the transport system can, for example, have the shape of an elongated "O" in a top view. It is understood that the first and second sections are preferably designed to extend in a straight line.

[0033] Along the "O", the at least one receiving device can be moved in a closed trajectory, picking up containers that are processed and subsequently discharged. The at least one connecting section is, for example, designed with a larger surface area than the first section and / or the second section. This can be understood, for example, to mean that more than one receiving device can be moved simultaneously along the connecting section, in contrast to the previously described example of a straight first section and / or second section. For example, the movement maneuver is performed at the connecting section.

[0034] At the first section or connecting section, a first transport device is arranged at a first transfer area, preferably positioned on a side facing away from the second section. The first transport device preferably transfers the at least one container on the first side of the holding device. The transfer area is formed, for example, at the first section or connecting section.

[0035] Similarly, it can be provided that a second transport device is arranged on the second section or the connecting section at a second transfer area, in particular on a side facing away from the first section, wherein a transfer of the at least one container on the second side of the holding device is carried out at the second transport device. The transfer area is formed, for example, on the second section or the connecting section.

[0036] In the above embodiments, two transport devices can be provided. The container is transferred at the first transport device on one side and at the second transport device on the other. The movement maneuver is performed, for example, at the connecting section to move the at least one receiving device from the first transport device to the second transport device.

[0037] The orientation of at least one receiving device on the first transport device and on the second transport device is identical, for example. The orientation in a spatial coordinate system can be identical, for instance, if the transport devices on the first and second sections are positioned facing away from the other section (second and first sections, respectively).

[0038] In particular, it can be provided that the orientation of the at least one receiving device remains unchanged when moving it from the first transport device to the second transport device. Rotation of the receiving device around its own axis is unnecessary. This simplifies the requirements for motion control of the corresponding transport mover and enables time-saving transport of containers. For example, the at least one receiving device moves in the first direction of movement, is loaded or unloaded on the first side, and then moves without rotating around its own axis, maintaining its orientation in space, to the second transport device where it is loaded or unloaded. The receiving device can then continue moving in the second direction of movement along the second section.

[0039] The trajectory of at least one receiving device during a movement maneuver, when two transport devices are provided, can in particular have the shape of a U. The legs of the U are, for example, arranged at the first section and the second section, or point in the direction of the first section or the second section. Depending on the orientation of the transport system and the viewing direction, the U can appear, for example, horizontal or vertical to the observer.

[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, the first section and the second section can be aligned at an angle between 0° and 180° relative to each other, wherein the first direction of movement and the second direction of movement enclose the angle between them.

[0041] A first transport device can be arranged on the first section, in particular on a side facing away from the second section, wherein a transfer of the at least one container on the first side of the holding device is carried out on the first transport device.

[0042] Similarly, a second transport device can be arranged on the second section, in particular on a side facing away from the first section, wherein a transfer of the at least one container on the second side of the holding device is carried out on the second transport device.

[0043] To execute a simple and time-saving movement maneuver, it can be advantageous if the at least one receiving device has different orientations during the movement in the first and second sections, wherein the at least one receiving device is rotated by an angle equal to 180° minus the angle between the directions of movement, the rotation of the at least one receiving device occurring in the opposite direction to a rotation by which the first direction of movement is converted into the second direction of movement. In this way, only a relatively small rotation of the receiving device is required to achieve a suitable orientation in space at both the first and second transport devices.

[0044] As mentioned at the beginning, the present invention also relates to a plant.

[0045] An inventive system for processing pharmaceutical containers comprises a transport system of the type described above and at least one transport device between which and the at least one receiving device containers can be transferred during operation of the system.

[0046] The advantages already mentioned in connection with the explanation of the transport system according to the invention can also be achieved with the system according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the system according to the invention result from advantageous embodiments of the transport system according to the invention. Reference is made to the preceding explanations.

[0047] The movement of the at least one receiving device can be continuous or intermittent. Similarly, the transfer of containers on the at least one transport device can be intermittent or continuous.

[0048] The at least one transport device can, for example, be or include a transport wheel.

[0049] The at least one transport device can, for example, be or comprise a cell chain.

[0050] The at least one transport device can, for example, be or include a computer transport.

[0051] The at least one transport device can, for example, be or include a robotic device.

[0052] The at least one transport device can, for example, be or comprise a screw conveyor. If, as explained above, two transport devices are provided, it is advantageous if the at least one container on the first side of the holding device is transferable to the first transport device, and if the at least one container on the second side of the holding device is transferable to the second transport device. This has already been explained.

[0053] The system can advantageously include at least one processing station for the containers, preferably comprising a weighing station, a filling station, a closing station, a cleaning station, and / or an inspection station. The product to be filled at the filling station can be in powder or liquid form.

[0054] The at least one processing station can, for example, comprise a first station section and a second station section, arranged on opposite sides of the transport system, wherein the at least one container can be processed on the first side or on the second side of the holding device at the first station section, and the at least one container can be processed on the second side or on the first side of the holding device at the second station section. This enables a high throughput of containers during processing at the system. One or more containers on the respective first and second sides can, for example, be processed simultaneously at the first station section or at the second station section.

[0055] The designs of the transport system and the at least one receiving device, as well as their respective functions, are described, for example, in the unpublished patent applications DE 10 2024 118 533.3 and DE 10 2024 118 524.4 dated July 1, 2024, by the same patent applicant. The contents of these patent applications are fully incorporated into the present disclosure.

[0056] 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:

[0057] Figure 1: a schematic representation of the inventive system for processing containers, comprising the inventive transport system, each in a preferred embodiment;

[0058] Figure 2: a perspective view of the transport system in Figure 1; Figure 3: a perspective view of a receiving device for containers of the transport system in a first configuration;

[0059] Figure 4: the recording device from Figure 3 in a second configuration;

[0060] Figures 5 to 10: schematic partial representations of the transport system and transport equipment of the plant during the loading of the receiving devices with containers at successive times;

[0061] Figures 11 to 16: Illustrations corresponding to Figures 5 to 10 during the unloading of the receiving devices;

[0062] Figures 17 to 24: Illustrations of the transport system and a transport device during the loading of receiving devices at successive times;

[0063] Figures 25 to 32: Illustrations corresponding to Figures 17 to 24 during the unloading of the receiving devices;

[0064] Figure 33: a partial representation of a transport system according to the invention and of transport equipment of the plant in a further embodiment; and

[0065] Figure 34: a partial representation of a transport system according to the invention and of transport equipment of the plant in a further embodiment.

[0066] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of 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.

[0067] The system 100 is located in a facility for processing the containers 102, which includes a setup area 104. The system 100 comprises a frame 106, which can, for example, be designed like a table and, in this case, rests on the setup area 104 via support elements 108. The frame 106 includes a partition element 110, which is designed, for example, as a tabletop 112. The partition element 110 separates a receiving area 114 in a substructure 116 from a processing area 118 located above the partition element 110. The receiving area 114 can, for example, be enclosed externally by means of suitable cladding.

[0068] The system 100 includes a covering device 120 that delimits the processing room 116. 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.

[0069] The covering device 120 can include a flow device 124. The flow device 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.

[0070] 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).

[0071] For transporting the containers 102, the system 100 comprises a planar transport system 130 according to the invention, which is shown here in a preferred embodiment. The transport system 130 is arranged largely within the processing area 118.

[0072] The transport system 130 has a housing 132 mounted on the separating element 110. Electromagnetic drive units 134 of a drive device 135 are arranged in the housing 132. Figure 1 schematically shows the contours of the drive units 134 by means of a dashed line 136.

[0073] An electrical power supply unit 138 is arranged 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. The transport system 130 includes a receiving device 140, which is also shown in a preferred embodiment in the drawing. The receiving device 140 includes a transport mover 142, which is configured to interact with the drive units 134. For this purpose, the transport mover 142 includes at least one permanent magnet.

[0074] 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 is possible. Furthermore, 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 conceivable.

[0075] Depending on how the drive units 134 are actuated, the receiving device 140 performs the desired movement.

[0076] A control unit 144 of the transport system 130 controls its operation. This allows the transport mover 142 to be moved along a predefinable path of motion in a suspended position relative to the drive units 134.

[0077] As will become particularly clear from the figures explained below, the transport system 130 preferably comprises a plurality of receiving devices 140 for the containers 102. The receiving devices 140 are advantageously designed identically.

[0078] 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. The housing wall 146 defines a plane 148 of the transport system 130. The housing wall 146 is, for example, a few tenths of a millimeter thick. The receiving devices 140 float at a distance of, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm above the housing wall 146.

[0079] 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 a first section 150 and a second section 152. The sections 150 and 152 are each longitudinally elongated and straight, and run parallel to each other. A space 154 is formed between the sections 150 and 152. "Straightened" can be understood, for example, to mean that the sections 150 and 152 are wide enough that only one receiving device 140 can be moved along the longitudinal direction of the sections 150 and 152. Two receiving devices 140 cannot be positioned side by side in a transverse direction. Figure 2 illustrates this schematically using the example of a receiving device 140.

[0080] It goes without saying that the above design is merely an example.

[0081] At opposite ends, sections 150 and 152 are connected to each other via connecting sections 156 and 157. Each connecting section 156 or 157 has a larger surface area than sections 150 and 152. At least two receiving devices 140 can be positioned side by side on the connecting sections 156 and moved past each other. The receiving devices 140 can move from the first section 150 to the second section 152 and vice versa via the connecting sections 156 and 157.

[0082] The transport system 130 is enclosed by sections 150, 152, 156 and 157 in such a way that the receiving devices 140 can execute a closed trajectory curve.

[0083] The system 100 comprises at least one processing station 158 at which the containers 102 can be processed. The processing station 158 includes, for example, a weighing station, a filling station, a closing station, a cleaning station, and / or an inspection station. Figure 1 schematically shows the processing station 158, which is arranged on the housing 132.

[0084] In this context, it is particularly possible that the processing station 158 comprises two station sections 160 and 162. These station sections 160 and 162 are shown by way of example in Figure 5. The station sections 160 and 162 are arranged on opposite sides of the transport system 130. The at least one processing station 158 is arranged on the second section 152, so this also applies to the station sections 160 and 162.

[0085] Station section 160 is positioned in the space 154 between sections 150 and 152. Station section 162 is located on the side of section 152 facing away from section 150. As explained below, dividing processing station 158 into two station sections 160 and 162 can be advantageous due to the configuration of the receiving devices 140. However, it is understood that the system 100 can also include a processing station 158 that is not divided into station sections 160 and 162.

[0086] A compact design of the system 100 can preferably be achieved by designing the housing 132 to be partially self-supporting and to have a distance from the tabletop 112 (Figure 1). For example, a free space 164 is formed below the housing 132. The at least one processing station 158 can be arranged partially within or engage in the free space 164. Figure 5 shows this by way of example for the case of station sections 160, 162.

[0087] The housing 132 rests on the tabletop 112 via support areas 166. Any electrical lines for the power supply and / or the control of the drive units 134 can be routed from the base 116 through the support areas 166 into the housing 132.

[0088] Figures 3 and 4 show the recording device 140 in two different configurations.

[0089] The receiving device 140 comprises a substantially plate-shaped base body 168 in which the transport mover 142 is received (for example, in a housing of the base body 168). A holding device 170 for holding the containers 102 is attached to the base body 168. The holding device 170 can include gripping units 172 with, for example, pincer-shaped gripping elements that grip the containers 102 between them and can be selectively opened and closed.

[0090] The holding device 170 has a first side 174 and a second side 176, which is opposite the first side 174 with respect to the holding device 170. On the respective sides 174 and 176, the gripping units 172 are arranged such that the containers 102 picked up by them point towards the adjacent edge of the base body 168. The containers 102 face opposite sides of the receiving device 140.

[0091] This design ensures that the containers 102 are picked up from opposite directions (178 and 179, respectively) on the first side 174 and the second side 176. Conversely, when transferring the containers 102, they are discharged in directions 180 and 181 pointing away from each other (Figure 3).

[0092] The receiving device 140 has at least one container 102 on each side 174, 176. Preferably, several containers 102 are provided, which are preferably arranged side by side in a straight line on each side 174, 176. In Figure 3, four containers 102 are shown on each side 174, 176.

[0093] The receiving device 140 can, for example, be modified and converted into a different configuration, as shown in Figure 4, using format parts comprising various gripping units 172. In this configuration, only two containers 102 are arranged side by side in a row on each side 174, 176. This is because the containers 102 in the configuration according to Figure 4 have a larger volume than the containers 102 in the configuration of Figure 3.

[0094] In the following explanation of Figures 5 to 32, the configuration of the receiving device 140 from Figure 4 is shown in each case to provide a clearer representation.

[0095] For the transfer of containers 102, the system 100 in the present embodiment comprises a first transport device 182 and a second transport device 184.

[0096] In the embodiment described in Figures 5 to 10, containers 102 are fed in via the transport device 182, 184 and taken over by the receiving devices 140 for transport to the processing station 158.

[0097] The transport device 182 is located at the connecting section 156 adjacent to the first section 150. At this position, the transport system 130 defines a transfer area 186. In this example, the transport device 182 includes a transport wheel 188 for transferring the containers 102, to which the containers 102 are fed via another transport wheel 190.

[0098] The transport device 182 is arranged on the side of the connecting section 156 facing away from the second section 152. Correspondingly, the second transport device 184 is arranged on the connecting section 156 adjacent to the second section 152. At this point, the transport system 130 defines a further transfer area 192. The transport device 184 also includes transport wheels 194 and 196.

[0099] The transport device 184 is located on the side facing away from the first section 150 at the connecting section 156.

[0100] In a different configuration, the transport device 182, 184 can, for example, be or comprise a cell chain, a computer transport, a robotic device or a transport screw.

[0101] In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 10, the empty receiving devices 140 are initially fed via the first section 150 along a first direction of movement 198. After receiving the containers 102, the receiving devices 140 are moved along the second section 152 in a second direction of movement 200. The directions of movement 198 and 200 are oriented in opposite directions to each other.

[0102] In the drawing, the receiving devices 140 are marked with capital letters A, B, C etc. in the order of their movement, in order to better distinguish them from one another.

[0103] An arrow 201 is shown to the side of the receiving device 140, which is marked with the letter A. This arrow indicates the orientation of the receiving device 140 from the second side 176 to the first side 174. The subsequent receiving devices 140, marked with the letters B, C, etc., have the same orientation at the corresponding later times.

[0104] The receiving devices 140 are controlled to move towards the transport device 182. First, containers 102 are picked up at the first side 174 (Figures 5 and 6). The containers then move according to a predetermined movement maneuver to the transport device 184 in order to pick up container 102 at the second side 176 (Figures 7 and 8).

[0105] The orientation of the receiving devices 140 on the transport devices 182 and 184 is identical. In particular, the orientation does not change during the movement maneuver. Accordingly, the receiving devices 140 do not rotate about their own axis during the movement maneuver; they merely change their direction of travel in space. After receiving the containers 102 on the second side 176, the receiving devices 140 move in the direction of movement 200 on the second section 152 (Figures 9 and 10).

[0106] During the movement maneuver, the recording device 140 traverses a path 202 which essentially has the shape of a U - lying in the present orientation (Figure 5).

[0107] It is advantageous that the connecting section 156 has a larger surface area than sections 150 and 152. The movement maneuver is carried out particularly on connecting section 156.

[0108] At the second section 152, the containers 102 on the first side 174 can be processed by processing station 158 at the first station section 160. Similarly, the containers 102 on the second side 176 can be processed by processing station 158 at the second station section 162. This enables a high processing rate at plant 100.

[0109] Figures 11 to 16 represent a situation corresponding to Figures 5 to 10, which differs from that described so far in that the transfer of the containers 102 is a handover of containers 102 to the transport facilities 182 and 184, whereas so far the takeover of containers 102 has been explained.

[0110] The movement of the receiving devices 140 corresponds to the movement behavior described so far. First, the containers 102 are transferred to the transport device 182 on the first side 174. Subsequently, the receiving devices 140 move along the path 202 of the movement maneuver to the transport device 184, to which the containers 102 are transferred on the second side 176.

[0111] The transfer of containers 102 to transport devices can take place, for example, after processing, with the transport devices being arranged at the connecting section 157. The processed containers 102 are discharged from the transport system 130, and the empty receiving devices 140 are moved again to the connecting section 156 to receive further containers 102. It should be noted that the nomenclature of Figures 11 to 14 follows the descriptions in the introductory section. Receiving devices 140 loaded with containers 102 are fed via a first section 150 and, after the empty containers 102 have been discharged, move to the second section 152.

[0112] Therefore, the nomenclature is the opposite of the previously used nomenclature for the figure descriptions; the assignments of first / second section, first / second side, first / second transport device, and first / second direction of movement are reversed compared to the explanation provided with reference to Figures 5 to 10. However, this does not restrict the invention in any way.

[0113] The unloading of the receiving devices 140 could, for example, be carried out at the connecting section 157.

[0114] Figures 17 to 24 depict a different embodiment of the transport system 130, in which the system 100 comprises only one transport device 182 for transferring the containers 102 to the receiving devices 140. The transport device 184 is omitted. The figures show successive points in time during the transfer of the containers 102.

[0115] First, the receiving devices 140 are moved to the transport device 182 to pick up container 102 on the first side 174 (Figure 17). Then, a movement maneuver shown in Figures 18 to 22 is performed so that container 102 can subsequently be picked up on the second side 176. This movement maneuver is carried out particularly at the connecting section 156.

[0116] The movement maneuver includes moving the receiving device 140 along a closed path 204 back to the transport device 182. Furthermore, the movement maneuver includes a rotational movement of the receiving device 140 while traversing the path 206.

[0117] Arrows 206 in Figure 19 symbolize a rotational movement of the receiving device 140 about an axis of rotation 208. The axis of rotation 208 is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to the plane 148 of the transport system 130. In the present example, the rotational movement is performed clockwise in a top view. A rotational movement in the opposite direction, counterclockwise in a top view, is also conceivable. The angle of rotation is 180°, so that the receiving device 140 is turned. The rotation takes place without translational movement relative to the drive unit 134, on which the receiving device 140 is located. In this example, the rotation is performed after the receiving device 140 has left the transport system 182, approximately halfway along the path 204. This frees the transport system 182 for a transfer with the subsequent receiving device 140, designated by letter B.

[0118] As the device continues to move along the track curve 204, the receiving device 140 with the second side 176 reaches the transport device 182, so that the second side 176 can also be fitted with containers 102.

[0119] The movement maneuver is further executed such that the receiving device 140, after picking up containers 102 on the first side 174, is positioned behind a subsequent receiving device 140. This subsequent device was positioned downstream of the first receiving device 140 prior to the movement maneuver. As can be seen from Figures 18 to 20, the receiving device 140 is specifically integrated into the sequence of receiving devices 140, in this case behind the immediately following subsequent receiving device 140, designated B.

[0120] It is understood that the receiving device 140 (A) could alternatively be reintroduced into the stream of receiving devices 140 after a later receiving device 140 (for example C).

[0121] The movement maneuver further includes the receiving device 140 leaving the closed path 204 after taking over the containers 102 on the second side 176. The receiving device 140 moves away from the transport device 182 with containers on both sides 174, 176, subsequently traveling along the second direction of movement 200 on the second section 152 to the processing station 158 (Figures 21 and 22).

[0122] In this example, containers 102 on the second side 176 are processed by processing station 158 at the first station section 160, and containers 102 on the first side 174 are processed at the second station section 162 because the receiving device 140 has been rotated by 180°. As Figures 20 to 24 show, the subsequent receiving devices 140 also perform the movement maneuver along the trajectory 204, including the rotational movement.

[0123] Figures 25 to 32 show a corresponding situation during the unloading of the receiving devices 140, whose containers 102 are transferred to the transport device 182.

[0124] First, the containers 102 are transferred at the first side 174. Then, the movement maneuver is executed, in which the track curve 204 is followed and the rotation takes place, after which the containers 102 at the second side 176 can also be transferred. The unloaded receiving device 140 then leaves the track curve 204 in the direction of the second section 152.

[0125] As already mentioned in connection with the explanation of Figures 11 to 16, the nomenclature for the unloading process in Figures 25 to 32 is also based on the introductory description. Therefore, the designations are reversed compared to Figures 17 to 24. This does not limit the invention.

[0126] The unloading of the receiving devices 140 could, for example, be carried out at the connecting section 157.

[0127] In the embodiments of Figures 5 to 10, 11 to 16, 17 to 24 and 25 to 32, the movement of the receiving devices 140 during loading and / or unloading from section 150 to section 152, in this case via the connecting section 156, takes place in space (in top view) counterclockwise, optionally with rotation about the axis of rotation 208, as explained above.

[0128] In the case of different uses of the transport system 130, a reverse direction of movement during loading and / or unloading is also conceivable, in particular from section 150 to section 152, via the connecting section 157, in space (in top view) in a clockwise direction, possibly with rotation around the axis of rotation 208.

[0129] Figures 33 and 34 schematically show partial views of embodiments of the transport system 130 according to the invention. Each embodiment includes a first section 150 and a second section 152, both of which are designed to extend in a straight line. Reference numeral 210 indicates an angle between the directions of movement 198 and 200 along sections 150 and 152, respectively.

[0130] Two transport devices 182, 184 are used in each case. The transport devices 182, 184 can be used for loading and / or unloading the receiving devices 140.

[0131] Advantageously, the movement maneuver in the case of Figures 33 and 34 involves changing the orientation of the receiving devices 140 by a rotational movement about the axis of rotation 208. The angle 212 of the rotation is 180° minus the magnitude of the angle 210, whereby the rotation is required in the opposite direction to that required to convert the first direction of movement 198 into the second direction of movement 200. An arrow 214 indicates the corresponding direction of rotation (clockwise in a top view). A rotation in the opposite direction (counterclockwise in a top view) is also conceivable.

[0132] In the case of Figure 33, the angle 210 is approximately 45°. To enable the second side 176 to be positioned on the transport device 184 after the first side 174 has been loaded, the receiving device 140 is rotated by 135°.

[0133] The angle 210 in the example according to Figure 34 is 90°. In this case, the angle 212 for the rotational movement of the receiving device 140 is also 90°.

[0134] Reference symbol list

[0135] System Container Installation surface Frame Support element Divider Tabletop Mounting area Substructure

[0136] Processing chamber, covering device, isolator device, flow device, cleaning device, nozzle device, transport system, housing

[0137] drive unit

[0138] Drive unit (dashed line), power supply unit, receiving device, transport mover, control unit, upper housing wall, level, first section, second section, gap, connecting section, connecting section, processing station, first station section, second station section

[0139] Free space support area

[0140] basic body

[0141] Holding device

[0142] Gripping unit first side second side , 179, 180, 181 direction first transport device second transport device

[0143] Transfer area

[0144] Transport bike

[0145] Transport bike

[0146] Transfer area

[0147] Transport bike

[0148] Transport bike first direction of movement second direction of movement

[0149] Arrow

[0150] trajectory curve

[0151] trajectory curve

[0152] Arrow

[0153] axis of rotation

[0154] angle

[0155] angle

[0156] Arrow

Claims

1. PATENT CLAIMS 1. Planar transport system for a plant (100) for processing pharmaceutical containers (102), wherein the transport system (130) comprises drive units (134) configured to electromagnetically interact with transport movers (142) for a floating movement of the transport movers (142) relative to the drive units (134) along a predefinable movement path, and a control device (144) for controlling the movement of the transport movers (142), characterized in that the transport system (130) comprises at least one receiving device (140) comprising a transport mover (142) and a holding device (170) for several containers (102), wherein at least one container (102) is held on a first side (174) of the holding device (170) and at least one container (102) is held on a second side (176) of the holding device (170), which is in particular opposite the first side (174),wherein the at least one receiving device (140) is movable to at least one transport device (182, 184) for a transfer of the at least one container (102) on the first side (174), wherein a movement maneuver is subsequently possible for moving the at least one receiving device (140) to the at least one transport device (182, 184) for a transfer of the at least one container (102) on the second side (176).

2. Transport system according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport system (130) comprises a plurality of receiving devices (140) which successively pass the at least one transport device (182, 184), wherein the receiving devices (140) are preferably identically designed.

3. Transport system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of containers (102) can be held on the holding device (170) on the first side (174) and / or that a plurality of containers (102) can be held on the holding device (170) on the second side (176), wherein the containers (102) are in particular arranged in a row on the first side (174) and / or on the second side (176).

4. Transport system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement maneuver comprises performing a rotational movement with the at least one receiving device (140) about a rotational axis (208) oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to a plane (148) of the transport system (130), wherein the at least one container (102) on the first side (174) of the holding device (170) and the at least one container (102) on the second side (176) of the holding device (170) are transferable on the same transport device (182, 184).

5. Transport system according to claim 4, characterized in that the rotary movement of the receiving device (140) on a drive unit (134) can be carried out without translational movement relative to this drive unit (134).

6. Transport system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the movement maneuver comprises a movement of the at least one receiving device (140) along a closed path curve (202, 204).

7. Transport system according to claim 6 in conjunction with claim 2, characterized in that the movement maneuver comprises moving the receiving device (140) behind a subsequent receiving device (140) after execution of the rotational movement and / or after or during the movement along the path curve (204), which subsequent receiving device (140) was downstream of the receiving device (140) in the movement before the start of the movement maneuver.

8. Transport system according to claim 7, characterized in that the receiving device (140) can be inserted into the stream after execution of the rotary movement and / or after or during the movement along the path curve (204) behind a subsequent receiving device (140), in particular behind the immediately following subsequent receiving device (140).

9. Transport system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The movement maneuver includes the receiving device (140) leaving the closed path curve (204) and, in particular, moving away from the transport device (182).

10. Transport system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport system (130) comprises a first section (150) which is traversed in a first direction of movement (198) by the at least one receiving device (140), and a second section (152) which is traversed in a second direction of movement (200) which differs from the first direction of movement (198), wherein the first section (150) and the second section (152) are preferably designed to be straight.

11. Transport system according to claim 10, characterized in that the first section (150) and the second section (152) run parallel to each other and that the second direction of movement (200) is opposite to the first direction of movement (198).

12. Transport system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that an intermediate space (154) is formed between the first section (150) and the second section (152).

13. Transport system according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the first section (150) and the second section (152) are connected to each other via at least one connecting section (156), in particular two opposing connecting sections (156), wherein the transport system (130) in a top view in particular has the shape of an elongated "O".

14. Transport system according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that a first transport device (182) is arranged on the first section (150) or on the connecting section (156) at a first transfer area (186), in particular on a side facing away from the second section (152), wherein at the first transport device (182) a transfer of the at least one container (102) is carried out on the first side (174) of the holding device (170), and that a second transport device (184) is arranged on the second section (152) or on the connecting section (156) on a second transfer area (192), in particular on a side facing away from the first section (150), wherein a transfer of the at least one container (102) is carried out on the second side of the holding device (170) on the second transport device (184).

15. Transport system according to claim 14, characterized in that the orientation of the at least one receiving device (140) on the first transport device (182) and on the second transport device (184) is identical, wherein preferably the orientation remains unchanged when moving the at least one receiving device (140) from the first transport device (182) to the second transport device (184).

16. Transport system according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that a path curve (202) of the at least one receiving device (140) has the shape of a U during the movement maneuver.

17. Transport system according to claim 10, characterized in that the first section (150) and the second section (152) are aligned at an angle (210) between 0° and 180° relative to each other and the first direction of movement (198) and the second direction of movement (200) enclose the angle (210) between them.

18. Transport system according to claim 17, characterized in that a first transport device (182) is arranged on the first section (150), in particular on a side facing away from the second section (152), wherein a transfer of the at least one container (102) on the first side (174) of the holding device (170) is carried out on the first transport device (182), and that a second transport device (184) is arranged on the second section (152), in particular on a side facing away from the first section (150), wherein a transfer of the at least a container (102) is mounted on the second side (176) of the holding device (170).

19. Transport system according to claim 18, characterized in that the at least one receiving device (140) has different orientations during movement on the first section (150) and on the second section (152), wherein the at least one receiving device (140) is rotated during the movement maneuver by an angle (212) which is 180° minus the angle (210) between the directions of movement (198, 200), wherein the rotation of the at least one receiving device (140) is in a direction opposite to a rotation by which the first direction of movement (198) is converted into the second direction of movement (200).

20. Plant for processing pharmaceutical containers, comprising a transport system (130) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one transport device (182, 184) between which and the at least one receiving device (140) during operation of the plant (100) containers (102) can be transferred.

21. System according to claim 20, characterized in that the at least one transport device (182, 184) is or comprises: a transport wheel (188, 190, 194, 196); a cell chain; a rake transport; a robotic device; a transport screw.

22. System according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that two transport devices (182, 184) are provided and that the at least one container (102) on the first side (174) of the holding device (170) is transferable to the first transport device (182) and that the at least one container (102) on the second side (176) of the holding device (170) is transferable to the second transport device (184).

23. Plant according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the plant (100) comprises at least one processing station (158) for the containers (102), which preferably includes a weighing station, a filling station, a closing station, a cleaning station and / or a control station.

24. Plant according to claim 23, characterized in that the at least one processing station (158) comprises a first station section (160) and a second station section (162), which are arranged on opposite sides next to the transport system (130), wherein the at least one container (102) can be processed on the first side (174) or on the second side (176) of the holding device (170) on the first station section (160) and the at least one container (102) can be processed on the second side (176) or on the first side (174) of the holding device (170) on the second station section (162).

Images