Planar transport system for a plant for processing pharmaceutical containers, and plant comprising such a transport system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a planar transport system for a plant (100) for processing pharmaceutical containers (202), comprising drive units (104) which are designed to electromagnetically interact with transport movers (110) for a suspended movement of the transport movers (110) relative to the drive units (104) along a specifiable movement path in at least one transport plane, wherein the transport system (102) comprises or forms a service region (140) for transport movers (110), and the service region (140) comprises at least one service station (146) for transport movers (110), wherein the transport system (102) comprises or forms, at the service region (140), a service chamber (152) which is closed by means of a covering apparatus (150) and has a receiving space (154), and wherein the covering apparatus (150) can be transferred from a closed state, in which the receiving space (154) for the transport mover (110) to move in and out is closed, into an open state, in which the transport mover (110) can move into the receiving space (154) and can move out of the receiving space (154), and vice versa. The invention also relates to a plant for processing containers.

Description

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

[0002] The present invention relates to a planar transport system for a plant for processing pharmaceutical containers, comprising 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 in at least one transport plane, wherein the transport system includes or forms a service area for transport movers and the service area includes at least one service station for transport movers.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system for processing pharmaceutical containers with such a transport system and at least one processing station for the containers, which is arranged on the transport system.

[0004] In such a system, the transport movers can be moved in a levitating manner by means of the transport system's drive units. For this purpose, the drive units generate alternating electromagnetic fields that interact with the transport movers' permanent magnets. With appropriate control of the drive units, a transport mover can be moved along a predefined path. The transport mover can, for example, have holding devices for containers, which could be syringes, vials, ampoules, or cartridges. The containers can then be moved by the transport mover to the processing station, which could be, for example, a weighing station, a filling station, or a closing station.

[0005] However, the invention is not limited to the fact that holding devices for containers are arranged on the transport mover or that the transport mover includes such holding devices.

[0006] 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. It is known from EP 4 310 030 A1 that a service area in the form of a cleaning area is provided for transport movers. Service stations can be designed as cleaning stations to perform external cleaning of transport movers by spraying a liquid, using UV light, or by cleaning with cleaning elements.

[0007] German patent DE 102015209610 A1 describes a protective device for a planar transport system. The protective device, for example a film, is movably arranged above the drive units and covers them. This prevents contamination of the drive units.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a generic transport system that has improved hygienic properties.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention in a transport system of the type mentioned at the outset by the fact that the transport system comprises or forms a service chamber with a receiving space in the service area, which is closed by means of a covering device, and that the covering device can be converted from a closed state, in which the receiving space is closed for the transport mover to enter and exit, to an open state and vice versa, in which the transport mover can enter and exit the receiving space.

[0010] The transport system according to the invention includes a cover device that can assume two different states. In particular, the transport mover cannot enter or exit the receiving space when the cover device is closed. For this purpose, the cover device must be moved to the open state. It can be provided, in particular, that servicing of the transport mover at the at least one service station is only carried out when the cover device is closed. This reduces and ideally prevents contamination of the transport system outside the receiving space, for example, by particles and / or cleaning fluid. In contrast, the service area described in the aforementioned publication EP 4 310 030 A1 is designed such that the transport mover is positioned below an open portal.This proves particularly disadvantageous, as particles and cleaning fluid released during cleaning can be distributed throughout the transport system, potentially leading to widespread contamination. This is because the particles and cleaning fluid can be carried along the transport system by the transport mover. It is conceivable that servicing could be performed on only one or on more than one transport mover simultaneously.

[0011] The service chamber can be completely closed by means of the cover device. Alternatively, it can be provided that the cover device only partially closes the service chamber.

[0012] The covering device can, for example, include side walls that enclose the recording space laterally, particularly along a closed perimeter line.

[0013] Preferably, the covering device can include a ceiling wall that closes off the recording space from above.

[0014] It can be advantageous if the cover includes a bottom panel that seals the receiving area from below, particularly in relation to a housing in the service area that accommodates the drive units. The bottom panel can, for example, be positioned on or repositionable on the housing.

[0015] Alternatively, the covering device can be designed as a hood and be free of a bottom wall.

[0016] In the last-mentioned advantageous embodiment, it can be provided, for example, that the cover device can be raised by means of a drive unit to transition from the closed to the open state and lowered to transition from the open to the closed state. "Raising" and "lowering" are to be understood here particularly in relation to the drive units. "Raising" can be understood in particular as moving away from the drive units, and the opposite applies to "lowering."

[0017] For example, the covering device is stationary on the transport system.

[0018] The cover may be designed to include or form at least one transfer opening for the transport mover and at least one closing element that releases the at least one transfer opening in the open state and closes it in the closed state. The transfer opening is an entry opening for the transport mover into the receiving space and / or an exit opening for the transport mover from the receiving space. In this case, an open state of the closing element corresponds to an open state of the cover, since the transport mover can move into and / or out of the receiving space. In this case, a closed state of the closing element corresponds to a closed state of the cover in which the receiving space is closed. When servicing the transport mover, the closing element preferably assumes the closed state.

[0019] The locking element is preferably designed in such a way that media exchange between the recording space and its surroundings is largely or completely prevented when the device is closed.

[0020] The closing element can be, for example, a gate or a door.

[0021] It may be provided that at least one closing element can be actuated by means of the transport mover and / or that a controllable actuating element is provided for the closing element. For example, the movement of the transport mover is controlled and / or regulated by means of a control device, whereby the control device can actuate the actuating element.

[0022] The service area can be accessed by the transport mover for various reasons. For example, the transport mover might be regularly moved to the service area. Alternatively or additionally, transport to the service area could be on-demand. Such a need arises, for instance, in the event of existing or imminent contamination by a product, in the case of glass breakage (of containers), or depending on a signal from a sensor device that, for example, monitors the hygienic condition of the system.

[0023] The at least one service station can, for example, be or include at least one of the following: a spray station for applying a cleaning fluid to the transport mover. The cleaning fluid can be, for example, water. Alternatively or additionally, a cleaning chemical can be provided, which is sprayed independently of or in addition to water. In this case, a disinfectant such as H₂O₂ can also be considered a cleaning fluid. A drying station, via which the transport mover can be exposed to a gas stream, in particular an air stream, for drying. This allows the transport mover to be dried, for example, after liquid cleaning. A blow-off station for blowing off particles using a gas stream, in particular an air stream. A suction station for extracting particles using a suction unit.The blow-off station can be used, for example, in combination with the suction station; a sterilization station, particularly using UV radiation; and a mechanical cleaning station that includes at least one cleaning tool for contact cleaning of the transport mover. The cleaning tool can be, for example, a brush or a wiping element.

[0024] The at least one service station can be designed to be movable by means of a drive element, for example, movable and / or rotatable.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that a medium dispensed from at least one service station, for example a cleaning fluid, can be dispensed in a controlled or uncontrolled manner in different directions. A movable nozzle element is provided for this purpose, for example.

[0026] Drive units are preferably arranged in the service area, wherein the transport mover performs a predefinable movement while undergoing servicing. This can, for example, facilitate cleaning the transport mover from different sides. It is also conceivable that a cleaning fluid is shaken or spun off by a movement of the transport mover, thereby accelerating the drying process. The predefinable movement can, in particular, be or include a rotary movement, especially around a vertical axis of the transport mover, and / or a reciprocating movement, which is, for example, oscillating. The movement can be periodic or aperiodic. The movement can be smooth and uniform or jerky. Different types and / or patterns of movement can be alternated and / or superimposed.It can be advantageous to have at least one transport mover equipped with a cleaning tool for cleaning the transport system, and to have at least one service station that includes or serves as a reprocessing station for the cleaning tool. The cleaning tool, for example, a wiper, can be used to clean the transport system. Such a transport mover is intended solely for cleaning purposes and is not used for transporting containers in the system's intended operation, although this is conceivable. The accompanying cleaning tool can be reprocessed at the service station, after which the transport mover can preferably perform another cleaning cycle.

[0027] Optionally, a transport system of the type mentioned above may include at least one transport mover to which a cleaning tool for cleaning the transport system is attached, and the at least one service station may be or include a reprocessing station for the cleaning tool. Such a transport system may constitute an independent invention that also solves the problem mentioned above. The features of the transport system and the plant mentioned and explained above and below may also be implemented in this invention.

[0028] As mentioned, the cleaning tool can be a wiping tool. For example, the drive units or the housing of the transport system in which the drive units are housed can be wiped and cleaned by the movement of the transport mover.

[0029] The cleaning tool can, for example, be cleaned at the processing station for further use with the transport mover.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning tool at the reprocessing station can be exchangeable for another cleaning tool. The exchange of the cleaning tool can be carried out manually or automatically. The service station can, for example, be or include a docking station for this purpose. A handling device, such as a robotic handling device, can be provided at or separately from the service station to exchange the cleaning tool. A cleaning component, which can be used by the transport mover and dispensed towards the transport system by the cleaning tool, can be refilled at the reprocessing station. The cleaning tool can, for example, be a sprayer on the transport mover for spraying cleaning fluid. A supply of cleaning fluid carried on board can be refilled at the reprocessing station.

[0031] The service area is, for example, located laterally next to a section of the transport system, along which transport movers can travel to or from at least one processing station of the plant. Accordingly, the service area may be located, for example, outside the section of the system that is normally traversed by transport movers during normal operation of the plant, when no service is being performed on a transport mover. For instance, the service area runs parallel to the section of the system in certain segments.

[0032] A gap can be formed between drive units of the transport system in the moving section and between drive units in the service area, with the transport mover being able to traverse this gap. Such a configuration is conceivable, for example, if the components of the service area are spatially separated from the other components of the transport system. This is conceivable, for instance, with a modular service area design, which can be positioned on the transport system as desired and / or used for retrofitting the transport system.

[0033] The covering device can preferably enclose at least part of the gap, with the receiving chamber communicating with the gap. This offers, for example, the possibility of draining a cleaning fluid from the receiving chamber through the gap, whereby the cleaning fluid can be sprayed from the service station during the service process.

[0034] The closing element of the cover device has already been discussed. For example, at least one closing element can be arranged in the gap and form a common plane with the gap. The closing element can, in effect, form a bulkhead that can optionally be moved into the gap to be moved into the open position. Alternatively, the closing element can, for example, adjoin the gap on the top side and be moved laterally or vertically into the open position. It can be provided that the drive units of the transport system in the moving section and the drive units in the service area are joined together without gaps, with the drive units in the moving section and the drive units in the service area preferably being housed in a common casing.In such an embodiment, the service area is, for example, an integrated service area, in contrast to the embodiment mentioned above, in which there is a gap between the drive units. The housing serves, for example, to accommodate drive units on a holding device, one part of which can be used to form the movement section and another part to form the service area.

[0035] The service area can be accessed in various ways. For example, the transport mover can be driven into and out of the receiving area according to one of the following methods, whereby the movement of the transport mover is preferably controllable and / or regulated by means of a control device: starting from a main direction of movement on the movement section, combined with a lateral deflection, into the receiving area, and starting from the receiving area, combined with an opposing lateral deflection, back onto the movement section and continuing in the main direction of movement. The lateral deflection, for example, creates a lateral offset from a drive unit on the movement section to a drive unit on the service area, whereby the drive units can be arranged parallel to each other.Starting from a main direction of movement along the movement segment, the movement proceeds by means of a turn, combined with a lateral deflection, into the recording space, and from the recording space, with another turn, combined with a lateral deflection, back onto the movement segment and then continuing in the main direction of movement. Alternatively, starting from a main direction of movement along the movement segment, combined with a lateral deflection, into the recording space, and from the recording space, initially against the main direction of movement, combined with an opposite lateral deflection, back onto the movement segment and then continuing in the main direction of movement.Starting from a main direction of movement along the movement segment, combined with a lateral deflection, and moving against the main direction of movement into the recording space, then in the main direction of movement, combined with an opposite lateral deflection, back onto the movement segment and continuing in the main direction of movement. Starting from a main direction of movement along the movement segment in a transverse direction into the recording space and back in a transverse direction onto the movement segment and continuing along the main direction of movement.

[0036] The aforementioned problem is solved by a system according to the invention for processing pharmaceutical containers, which comprises a planar transport system of the types described above and at least one processing station for the containers, arranged on the transport system. In particular, a weighing station, a filling station, and a closing station can be provided as processing stations.

[0037] The advantages already mentioned in connection with the explanation of the transport systems 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 systems according to the invention. Reference is made to the preceding explanations to avoid repetition.

[0038] The following description of preferred embodiments of the inventions, in conjunction with the drawings, serves to further explain the inventions. The drawings show:

[0039] Figure 1: the system according to the invention with a transport system according to the invention, each in a schematic top view and in a preferred embodiment;

[0040] Figure 2: a partial view of the plant and transport system according to detail A in Figure 1, showing a service area and travel profiles of transport movers;

[0041] Figures 3 and 4: Representations corresponding to Figure 2, showing different driving profiles;

[0042] Figure 5: the transport system in a schematic side view (viewing direction arrow "5" in Figure 2), with a cover device on the service area in an open state; Figure 6: a representation corresponding to Figure 5, with the cover device in a closed state;

[0043] Figure 7: a representation similar to Figure 6, wherein the cover device has locking elements that assume a closed state (left in Figure 7) or an open state (right in Figure 7);

[0044] Figures 8 to 10: a representation corresponding to Figures 2 to 4 in a different service area and with a different transport mover;

[0045] Figures 11 to 13: a representation corresponding to Figures 2 to 4 in a different service area and a different type of transport mover;

[0046] Figure 14: a schematic side view of a transport system and the service area in a different embodiment; and

[0047] Figure 15: a schematic side view of the transport system and service area in another embodiment.

[0048] Figure 1 schematically shows an advantageous embodiment of the inventive system for processing pharmaceutical containers, designated by reference numeral 100. The containers can be, for example, syringes, vials, cartridges, or ampoules. The system 100 is, for example, installed on a surface in a room such as a production hall or a laboratory. A frame (not shown in the drawing) may be provided for this purpose. It is conceivable that the frame is covered by a protective device (also not shown), such as a machine guard or an isolator.

[0049] The system 100 comprises a planar transport system 102 according to the invention, which is shown in a preferred embodiment in the drawing. The transport system 102 includes drive units 104 with which electromagnetic alternating fields can be generated. The drive units 104 can be so-called tiles, which are provided in a predefined size and positioned side by side, preferably joined together without gaps or substantially without gaps.

[0050] The drive units 104 are preferably housed in a common casing 106 of the transport system 102. A frame-like support structure, for example, can be provided for mounting and defining the relative arrangement. An exemplary arrangement is described in the unpublished patent application DE 10 2024 118 533.3 of the same applicant, dated July 1, 2024.

[0051] A control unit 108 serves to control and / or regulate the system 100. In particular, the drive units 104 can be actuated via the control unit 108 to generate the desired alternating fields.

[0052] The drive units 104 enable transport movers 110 to interact. Depending on the control of the drive units 104, the transport movers 110 can be moved along a predefined path in at least one transport plane relative to the drive units 104.

[0053] Each transport mover 110 can include magnetic elements 112 to interact with the drive units 104.

[0054] The layout of the transport system 102 in Figure 1 is exemplary and non-limiting for the present invention. In the present example, the transport system 102 comprises a movement section 114 along which the transport movers 110 can be moved in a main direction of movement 116.

[0055] The movement section 114 is opposite a processing section 118. Sections 114 and 118 are aligned parallel to each other.

[0056] At least one processing station 120 for processing the containers is arranged at processing section 118. In this case, a weighing station 122, a filling station 124, and a closing station 126 are provided as processing stations 120. The containers can be weighed empty and preferably filled at weighing station 122, filled at filling station 124, and closed at closing station 126. A transport direction 128 is oriented opposite to the main direction of movement 116 at processing section 118. Sections 114 and 118 are connected to each other at their respective end faces via connecting sections 130. Arrows 132 indicate the directions of travel of the transport movers 110. The transport movers 110 can be moved along a closed path on the transport system 102.

[0057] The containers to be processed can be picked up by the transport movers 110 at a first transfer device 134. After processing, the containers can be removed by the transport movers 110 at a second transfer device 136. The transfer devices 134 and 136 are arranged such that the transport movers 110 are unloaded at least during the movement section 114.

[0058] As can be seen, for example, in Figures 2 to 7, each transport mover 110 comprises at least one holding device 138 on which a container can be detachably held. Several such holding devices 138 may be provided, as described, for example, in the unpublished patent application DE 102024 118 524.4 of the same applicant dated July 1, 2024.

[0059] For service purposes, the transport system 102 includes a service area 140. In this case, the service area 140 serves in particular for cleaning the transport movers 110 and is accordingly a cleaning area.

[0060] In the present example, the service area 140 is arranged laterally next to the movement section 114 and runs parallel to it. Drive units 104 are also arranged at the service area 140 and can be controlled by the control unit 108. Accordingly, the transport movers 110 can also be moved at the service area 140.

[0061] In the present example, a gap 142 is formed between the drive units 104 at the motion section 114 and at the service area 140, which is preferably relatively narrow (Figures 1 to 4). At the service area 140, the transport system 102 includes, for example, a separate housing 144 for the drive units 104, which is separate from the housing 106, with the gap 142 being formed between the housings 106 and 144.

[0062] Service area 140 comprises at least one service station 146. It follows that several service stations 146 may be provided, which in this example may be cleaning stations 148. The transport movers 110 can be cleaned by means of the cleaning stations 148, which can be controlled by the control unit 108.

[0063] Cleaning can be carried out regularly, for example after the completion of a processing cycle or after a predetermined period. Alternatively or additionally, cleaning can be performed as needed, for example in the event of soiling, contamination, glass breakage, or similar issues.

[0064] The at least one service station 146 can be configured in different ways. Reference is made to the above explanations. For example, the at least one cleaning station 148, of which only one is shown as an example in the drawing, can comprise the following: a spray station, a drying station, a blow-off station, a suction station, a sterilization station and / or a mechanical cleaning station.

[0065] At service area 140, the transport system 102 further comprises a covering device 150. Reference is made to Figures 5 and 6 in this regard. The covering device 150 encloses a service chamber 152 with a receiving space 154, wherein the cleaning station 148 is arranged in the receiving space when the service chamber 152 is closed.

[0066] The cover device 150 can be moved from a closed state, in which the receiving space 154 is closed for the entry and exit of the transport mover 110 (Figure 6), to an open state and vice versa. In the open state, the transport mover 110 can enter and exit the receiving space 154 (Figure 5).

[0067] Figures 5 and 6 show an embodiment in which the cover device 150 can be raised to the open position (arrow 158) or lowered to the closed position (arrow 160) by means of a drive device 156 which forms a lifting drive.

[0068] During servicing, particularly during the cleaning of the transport mover 110, the service chamber 152 is closed. This ensures that no particles or cleaning fluid from the receiving chamber 154 escape and contaminate the other sections of the transport system 102. A drain opening can be provided on the service chamber 152 for cleaning fluids. In the exemplary embodiment, the cover 150 comprises circumferential side walls 162, which are connected to each other at the top by a ceiling wall 164. In this way, the receiving chamber 154 is enclosed laterally and closed at the top.

[0069] In the present case, the cover device 150 does not include a bottom wall, but rather rests on the housing 144 when closed.

[0070] The at least one service station 146 can be arranged or fixed on a side wall 162, on the ceiling wall 164 and / or on a floor wall.

[0071] The at least one service station 146 can optionally be designed to be movable. The direction of a dispensed medium can be varied.

[0072] For cleaning, the transport mover 110 is moved into the open service chamber 152. The service chamber is then closed. The transport mover 110 is cleaned using at least one cleaning station 148. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the transport mover 110 can perform a predefined movement during cleaning. This could be, for example, a rotary movement (arrow 166) and / or a back-and-forth movement (arrow 168). It is advantageous if all areas of the transport mover 110 can be cleaned. Cleaning fluid can, for example, be shaken or spun off by the movement to accelerate the drying of the transport mover 110. Reference is made to the above descriptions.

[0073] The variants of figures 2 to 4 differ in the way in which the transport mover 110 is driven into and out of the receiving space 154.

[0074] Figure 2 initially shows a movement in the main direction of movement 116 followed by a lateral deflection (curving or parallel offset) into the receiving space 154. After cleaning, the transport mover 110 returns to the movement section 114 with a lateral deflection and from there continues in the main direction of movement 116 (arrows 170a, b).

[0075] An alternative movement pattern is shown by arrows 172a, b. In this pattern, the transport mover 110 first moves in the main direction of movement 116 and then, by means of a turn combined with a lateral deflection, into the receiving space 154. After cleaning, the transport mover 110 moves from the receiving space 154 with another turn combined with a lateral deflection back to the movement section 114 and then continues in the main direction of movement 116.

[0076] Figure 3 shows two further possible movement patterns for the transport mover 110. For example, arrows 174a and b symbolize one movement pattern. In this pattern, the transport mover 110 moves from movement section 114 in the main direction of movement 116, as in movement pattern 170a, and then with a lateral deflection into the receiving area 154. After cleaning, the transport mover 110 moves against the main direction of movement 116, combined with a lateral deflection, back to movement section 114 and from there continues in the main direction of movement 116.

[0077] In a movement pattern symbolized by arrows 176a and b in Figure 3, the transport mover 110 initially travels in the main direction of movement 116 along movement section 114 and, combined with a lateral deflection, moves against the main direction of movement 116 into the receiving area 154. After cleaning, the transport mover 110 travels in the main direction of movement 116, combined with a lateral deflection, back onto movement section 114 and continues there in the main direction of movement 116.

[0078] Another exemplary movement pattern of the transport mover 110 is shown in Figure 4, symbolized by arrows 178a and 178b. The transport mover 110 travels along movement section 114 in the main direction of movement 116 and, upon reaching the service area 140, moves transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to the main direction of movement 116 into the receiving area 154. After cleaning, the transport mover 110 travels in the opposite direction back to movement section 114 and from there continues in the main direction of movement 116.

[0079] Figure 4 also shows that such a movement pattern allows the service area 140 to be designed more compactly than in the variants according to Figures 2 and 3, because relatively little space is required for the movement pattern.

[0080] Figures 8 to 10 and 11 to 13 describe alternative configurations of service area 140, which will be discussed below. However, the movement patterns are identical to those explained using Figures 2 to 4, so they will not be discussed further.

[0081] First, however, a different design of the cover device 150 will be explained with reference to Figure 7.

[0082] The covering device 150 according to Figure 7 comprises at least one transfer opening 180. In this example, two transfer openings 180 are provided. Each transfer opening 180 can be an entry opening and / or an exit opening for the transport mover 110 into or out of the receiving space 154. It is understood that with only one transfer opening 180, the transport mover 110 enters and exits through the transfer opening 180.

[0083] The cover device 150 can be raised or lowered, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. However, this is not necessary. Instead, the cover device 150 can be stationary at the service area 140 and, for example, rest on the housing 144. A base wall 182 can be present, as symbolized in Figure 7.

[0084] A closing element 184 is arranged at the transfer opening 180. The closing element 184 is, for example, a door or a gate. The closing element 184 can release the transfer opening 180 in an open state (right in Figure 7) and close the transfer opening 180 in a closed state (left in Figure 7).

[0085] In this case, an open state of the locking element 184 corresponds to an open state of the cover device, since the transport mover 110 can move into or out of the receiving space 154. A closed state of the locking element 184 corresponds to a closed state of the cover device 154, in which the receiving space 154 is closed.

[0086] It may be provided that the transport mover 110 automatically actuates the locking element 184. Alternatively or additionally, for example, an actuating element 186 may be provided, which can be controlled by means of the control unit 108.

[0087] In the embodiment according to Figures 8 to 10, transport movers 110 are provided for cleaning purposes. A cleaning tool 188 is attached to each transport mover 110. The cleaning tool 188 is, for example, a cleaning cloth 190 for dry and / or wet cleaning of the components of the transport system 102. For example, when the transport mover 110 is moved, the housing 106 is wiped with the cleaning cloth 190. The cleaning cloth 190 can be detachably held on the transport mover 110.

[0088] Service station 146 is a reprocessing station 192. The cleaning tool 188 can be cleaned at the reprocessing station 192. After the cleaning process, the cleaning tool 188 is free of dirt particles, which can be seen in Figures 8 to 10 by the different dot patterns on the cleaning tool 188 before and after cleaning.

[0089] It can of course be provided that at least one cleaning station 148 is present as described above.

[0090] In the embodiment according to Figures 11 to 13, a processing station 192 is also provided as a service station 146. It is understood that in this case at least one cleaning station 148 can also be present.

[0091] In the variant shown in Figures 11 to 13, the cleaning tool 188 is detachably held on the transport mover 110. At the processing station 192, a dirty cleaning tool 188 can be exchanged for a clean one. The clean cleaning tool 188 is attached to the transport mover 110, whereupon the latter can extend out of the receiving chamber 154 again with the cover device 150 in the open position.

[0092] In the case described here, the cleaning tool 188 is exchanged automatically, for example by means of a robotic device 194 at the processing station 192. Alternatively or additionally, a manual exchange of the cleaning tool 188 by an operator is conceivable.

[0093] As already mentioned, it can be provided that a consumable component, in particular a cleaning fluid, can be refilled for a cleaning tool 196 on the transport mover 110 via the preparation station 192. The cleaning fluid serves, for example, to clean components of the transport system 102 by spraying.

[0094] Figure 14 shows a schematic side view of a service station 146 with a cover 150. The cover 150 covers the housing 144 and partially the space 142. Consequently, at least one drain opening 198 is formed in the bottom wall 182. This allows cleaning fluid to flow through the drain opening 198 into the space 142 and be drained away there.

[0095] In Figure 14, solid lines emanating from service stations 146 symbolize, for example, sprayed cleaning fluid. Dashed lines emanating from the service stations symbolize, for example, drying air.

[0096] In the variant shown in Figure 15, the closing element 148 of the cover device 150 is arranged in the space 142 and forms a common plane with the space 142. In a sense, the closing element 184 can form a bulkhead. A support element 200 can be provided in the space 142 to support the closing element 184 in the closed position. Alternatively, it is conceivable, for example, that the closing element 184 can be inserted into the space 142 to move it to the open position.

[0097] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, containers 202 can be mounted on the transport mover 110 while the latter is being cleaned at the service area 140. The containers 202 can also be cleaned in this way.

[0098] Reference symbol list

[0099] Attachment

[0100] Transport system drive unit housing

[0101] Control unit, transport mover, magnetic element, movement section, main movement direction, processing section, processing station, weighing station, filling station, closing station, transport direction, connecting section, arrow

[0102] Transfer device Transfer device Holding device Service area Intermediate space Housing Service station Cleaning station Cover device Service chamber Receiving space Drive device Arrow Arrow

[0103] Side wall Ceiling wall Arrow Rotational movement Arrow Back and forth movement a, b Arrows Movement pattern a, b Arrows Movement pattern a, b Arrows Movement pattern a, b Arrows Movement pattern a, b Arrows Movement pattern Transfer opening Floor wall Closing element Actuating element Cleaning tool Cleaning cloth Reprocessing station Device

[0104] Cleaning tool, drain opening, support element

[0105] container

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Planar transport system for a plant (100) for processing pharmaceutical containers (202), comprising drive units (104) designed with Transport movers (110) for a floating movement of the transport movers (110) relative to the drive units (104) along a predefinable motion path in at least one transport plane are to interact electromagnetically, wherein the transport system (102) includes or forms a service area (140) for transport movers (110) and the service area (140) includes at least one service station (146) for transport movers (110), characterized in that the transport system (102) includes or forms a service chamber (152) with a receiving space (154) at the service area (140) by means of a cover device (150), and that the cover device (150) can be converted from a closed state in which the receiving space (154) is closed for entry and exit by the transport mover (110) to an open state and vice versa in which the transport mover (110) enters the receiving space (154) can enter and exit the recording room (154).

2. Transport system according to claim 1, characterized in that the covering device (150) comprises at least one of the following: side walls (162) that enclose the receiving space (154) laterally, in particular along a closed circumferential line; a ceiling wall (164) that closes the receiving space (154) at the top.

3. Transport system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the covering device (150) comprises a bottom wall (182) which closes the receiving space (154) at the bottom, in particular relative to a housing (144) at the service area (140) which accommodates the drive units (156), or that the covering device (150) is designed as a hood and is free of a bottom wall (182).

4. Transport system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cover device (150) can be raised by means of a drive device (156) to transfer from the closed state to the open state and lowered to transfer from the open state to the closed state.

5. Transport system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering device (150) comprises or forms at least one transfer opening (180) for the transport mover (110) and at least one closing element (184) which releases the at least one transfer opening (180) in the open state and closes it in the closed state, wherein the transfer opening (180) is an entry opening for the transport mover (110) into the receiving space (154) and / or an exit opening for the transport mover (110) from the receiving space (154).

6. Transport system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one service station (146) is or comprises at least one of the following: a spray station for applying a cleaning fluid to the transport mover (110); a drying station via which the transport mover (110) can be exposed to a gas stream for drying; a blow-off station for blowing off particles by means of a gas stream; a suction station for suctioning particles by means of a suction unit; a sterilization station, in particular by means of UV radiation; a mechanical cleaning station comprising at least one cleaning tool for contact cleaning of the transport mover (110).

7. Transport system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that drive units (104) are arranged at the service area (140) and the transport mover (110), while undergoing servicing, performs a predefinable movement which is in particular a rotary movement (166) and / or a reciprocating movement (168) or comprises.

8. Transport system according to one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that at least one transport mover (110) is provided, on which a cleaning tool (188, 196) is held for cleaning the transport system (102), and that the at least one service station (146) is or comprises a reprocessing station (192) for the cleaning tool (188, 196).

9. Transport system according to claim 8, characterized in that the cleaning tool (188, 196) can be cleaned at the processing station (192) for further use with the transport mover (110) and / or that the cleaning tool (188, 196) can be exchanged for another cleaning tool (188, 196) at the processing station (192).

10. Transport system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a cleaning component consumable by the transport mover (110) can be replenished via the preparation station (192) and can be applied by the cleaning tool (188, 196) to the transport system (102).

11. Transport system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the service area (140) is arranged laterally next to a movement section (114) of the transport system (102), along which transport movers (110) can travel to or from the at least one processing station (120) of the plant (100).

12. Transport system according to claim 11, characterized in that an intermediate space (142) is formed between drive units (104) of the transport system (102) at the movement section (114) and between drive units (104) at the service area (140), wherein the intermediate space (142) can be traversed by the transport mover (110).

13. Transport system according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the covering device (150) covers the space (142) at least sectionally and the receiving space (154) communicates with the space (142), especially with regard to the discharge of a cleaning fluid that can be sprayed from the at least one service station (146).

14. Transport system according to claim 12 or 13, if dependent on claim 5, characterized in that at least one closing element (184) of the covering device (150) is arranged at the gap (142) and forms a common plane with the gap (142).

15. Transport system according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that Drive units (104) of the transport system (102) at the motion section (114) and drive units (104) at the service area (140) are joined together without gaps, wherein the drive units (104) at the motion section (114) and the drive units (104) at the service area (140) are preferably housed in a common housing (106, 144).

16. Transport system according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the transport mover (110) can be moved into and out of the receiving space (154) according to one of the following: starting from a main direction of movement (116) on the movement section (114), connected with a lateral deflection, into the receiving space (154) and starting from the receiving space (154), connected with an opposite lateral deflection, back onto the movement section (114) and further in the main direction of movement (116); starting from a main direction of movement (116) on the movement section (114) by means of a turn, connected with a lateral deflection, into the receiving space (154) and starting from the receiving space (154) with a further turn, connected with a lateral deflection, back onto the movement section (114) and further in the main direction of movement (116);starting from a main direction of movement (116) at the movement section (114), combined with a lateral deflection, into the recording space (154), starting from the recording space (154) initially against the; Main direction of movement (116), combined with an opposite lateral deflection, back onto the movement section (114) and then continuing in the main direction of movement (116); starting from a main direction of movement (116) at the movement section (114), combined with a lateral deflection, and opposite to the main direction of movement (116) into the recording space (154), then in the main direction of movement (116), combined with an opposite lateral deflection, back onto the movement section (114) and continuing in the main direction of movement (116); starting from a main direction of movement (116) at the movement section (114) in a transverse direction into the recording space (154) and again in the transverse direction back onto the movement section (114) and continuing along the main direction of movement (116).

17. Plant for processing pharmaceutical containers, comprising a planar transport system (102) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one processing station (120) for the containers (202) which is arranged on the transport system (102).

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