Guide assembly for a transport device for pharmatechnical production material, and transport device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) for guiding pharmatechnical production material (102), in particular pharmaceutical containers, for a transport device (104) for pharmatechnical production material (102), comprising: - a first guide element (108) and at least one second guide element (110) which, in the assembled state, are at a distance (A) from one another forming a guide path (112) therebetween, within which the pharmatechnical production material (102) can be transported in a guided manner, and - at least one connecting element (114, 314, 514, 614) which is fastened to the first guide element (108) and to the at least one second guide element (110) such that it can be released without tools and / or manually in order to form the guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) in the assembled and fastened state. The present invention further relates to a transport device (104) for transporting pharmatechnical production material (102), for example in a system for processing the pharmatechnical production material (102).

Description

[0001] GUIDELINES FOR A TRANSPORT FACILITY FOR

[0002] PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTION MATERIAL AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT

[0003] The present invention relates to a guide assembly for guiding pharmaceutical production material, in particular pharmaceutical containers, for a transport device for pharmaceutical production material.

[0004] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a transport device for transporting pharmaceutical production material, for example in a plant for processing the pharmaceutical production material, comprising a guide assembly as explained above and at least one transport element, preferably movable relative to the guide assembly.

[0005] Guide assemblies are already known in the prior art. For example, guide assemblies of this type are described in DE 10 2022 109 557 B3.

[0006] Pharmaceutical production materials can generally be divided into primary and secondary packaging. Primary packaging refers specifically to packaging that directly touches the pharmaceutical product. Primary packaging includes pharmaceutical containers such as cartridges, syringes, vials, etc. These containers are particularly common for liquid pharmaceutical products. For tablet-based pharmaceutical products, primary packaging can also include blister packs.

[0007] Secondary packaging can be understood to mean all components of a prepackaged product that do not come into direct contact with the pharmaceutical product. Examples of such secondary packaging include tabs, trays, nests, magazines, pouches, bags, folding cartons, etc.

[0008] A processing station, also called a processing station, may be present in a facility for processing production materials. This station could be, for example, a sterilization station, a filling station, a capping station, a weighing station, a transport station, or a packaging station. The transport system may be located at the station or between stations and include at least one guide assembly. Certain quality assurance guidelines apply to the production and processing of pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Particular attention is paid to compliance with the regulations of Annex I of the EU GMP Guide. In this context, interruptions of the airflow, preferably laminar, under cleanroom conditions over open pharmaceutical production materials by components of the guide assembly or a processing station or processing line must be avoided.This challenge can arise particularly at filling or sealing stations for filling or sealing pharmaceutical production materials.

[0009] However, it is not always technically possible to avoid components being located within the airflow above open pharmaceutical production materials. In this case, there is a risk that germs, bacteria, or other microorganisms, which negatively affect the sterility or hygiene of the processed drug, could be transferred from the components above the open pharmaceutical production materials to the drug via the airflow, potentially leading to contamination. The airflow typically flows vertically, i.e., in the direction of gravity, around the open pharmaceutical production materials. Therefore, such components located above the open pharmaceutical production materials should be subjected to a disinfection process, such as autoclaving, at regular intervals.Such measures could ensure compliance with the so-called first-air principle.

[0010] Autoclaving such components located in the airflow and sterilely inserting them into the guide assembly for a transport device for a station for processing the pharmaceutical production material would significantly mitigate this problem and comply with the regulations of Annex I of the EU GMP Guide.

[0011] However, it follows from the above that the assembly and disassembly of components located in the airflow and those requiring regular sterilization should be as simple as possible.

[0012] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a guide assembly that enables the processing of pharmaceutical production material under improved sterility conditions. This object is achieved according to the invention in a guide assembly of the generic type by the fact that the guide assembly for guiding pharmaceutical production material, in particular pharmaceutical containers, for a transport device for pharmaceutical production material comprises the following:

[0013] - a first guide element and at least one second guide element, which in the assembled state have a distance from each other to form a guide track between them, within which the pharmaceutical production material can be guided and transported, and

[0014] - at least one connecting element that is attached to the first guide element and to the at least one second guide element for forming the guide assembly in the assembled and fastened state; wherein the first guide element comprises at least one first guide-side fastening area and the at least one second guide element comprises at least one second guide-side fastening area; wherein the at least one connecting element comprises a first connection-side fastening area and at least one second connection-side fastening area for tool-free and / or manually detachable fastening of the at least one connecting element to the at least one first guide-side fastening area and to the at least one second guide-side fastening area.

[0015] The at least one connecting element allows the first and at least one second guide element to be precisely positioned and aligned relative to each other, enabling a defined and precise shaping of the guide track. The first and at least one second guide element can preferably be connected to each other by means of several connecting elements; for example, 2 to 10 or more.

[0016] In the context of this invention, a tool-free releasable fastening can be understood to mean, in particular, the release of the at least one connecting element using manual force available to a human user, e.g., maintenance personnel. The fastening areas are thus designed in such a way that they can be released without disassembly tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, pullers, or other tools. In particular, mechanical fastening elements such as screws, rivets, bolts, pins, etc., are omitted in the fastening areas.

[0017] In the context of this invention, a manually releasable fastening can be understood to mean, in addition to or as an alternative to a tool-free releasable fastening, at least the use of a manually operated gripping device, e.g., in the form of pliers. However, this gripping device cannot be understood as requiring, as a first step, the loosening of the fastening areas, followed only by, as a second release step, the detachment of the at least one connecting element from the guide elements. Rather, the use of the gripping device can be understood as enabling the manual gripping of the connecting element, resulting in immediate release without a prior release step.

[0018] The tool-free and / or manually detachable fastening allows at least one connecting element, which may be located above the pharmaceutical production material for at least a certain period of time, to be quickly and easily detached, sterilized and reassembled.

[0019] Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one first guide-side mounting area and / or the at least one second guide-side mounting area comprise a mounting magnet element. Preferably, it can be provided that the at least one first guide-side mounting area and the at least one second guide-side mounting area comprise a mounting magnet element. This can be advantageous in that the one or more detachable connecting elements or the connecting-side mounting areas do not comprise mounting magnet elements, thereby simplifying their handling during sterilization.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the first fastening area on the connection side and / or the at least one second fastening area on the connection side include a fastening magnetic element.

[0021] The respective fastening magnetic element can enable a particularly simple structural solution or disassembly and subsequent assembly of at least one connecting element.

[0022] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the first and at least one second connection-side mounting area overlap the at least one first and at least one second guide-side mounting area in the assembled and fastened state. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one first and at least one second guide-side mounting area overlap the first and at least one second connection-side mounting area in the assembled and fastened state.

[0023] The overlapping design allows for precise fastening and alignment of the respective fastening areas relative to each other. Thus, preferably in combination with the respective fastening magnetic element, structurally simple fastening areas can be provided that nevertheless enable precise positioning and alignment of the fastening areas or the guide elements defined by them relative to each other.

[0024] It can be advantageous if the first and / or at least one second fastening area on the connection side partially comprises or is entirely made of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material for magnetic coupling with the fastening magnetic element. Since many technically relevant construction materials, such as steels, are iron-based, their ferromagnetic properties make their use in the fastening areas on the connection side particularly beneficial. A further advantage lies in the simpler structural connection of the first and / or at least one second fastening area on the connection side to the fastener, which can also be made of an iron-based material, such as steel. This connection can therefore be formed in one piece, preferably by means of a weld.This means that this single-piece assembly can be detached as a whole from the guide-side mounting areas and easily sterilized, e.g. thermally.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, the connection-side fastening areas can at least partially be formed by means of so-called ferrites, which have ferrimagnetic properties for improved magnetic coupling with the fastening magnet elements of the guide-side fastening areas.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, it can be advantageous if the first and / or at least one second connection-side mounting area includes a coupling element made of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material for magnetic coupling with the mounting magnet element. In this case, the mounting magnet element can advantageously be part of the guide-side mounting areas. This design allows for a more flexible selection of the material used to provide the connection-side mounting areas, since the magnetic coupling is already provided by the coupling element. Consequently, the connection-side mounting areas can be made of a more cost-effective material, such as a plastic.

[0027] As explained above, the connection-side fastening areas can additionally or alternatively be made of an iron-based material, such as steel. In this case, the coupling element can advantageously also be made of an iron-based material, such as steel, and thus be connected to the connection-side fastening areas, preferably by means of a weld. Designing the coupling element as a ferromagnetic element can, in addition to the advantageous connectability, offer the further advantage of the possibility of thermal sterilization. If the coupling element were designed as a magnetic element, it could lose some of its magnetic properties due to thermal exposure.

[0028] It is also advantageous if the first and / or at least one second fastening area on the connection side and the at least one first and / or at least one second fastening area on the guide side include an anti-rotation device to prevent rotation of the at least one connecting element and the at least one first and at least one second guide element relative to each other. In this respect, a particularly simple design of the guide assembly can result. Finally, the fastening areas of the connecting element(s) and the guide elements can be designed such that, for example, during assembly, those translational and rotational degrees of freedom between the connecting element(s) and the guide elements are prevented that do not correspond to a translational and a rotational degree of freedom for assembly and disassembly or disassembly.

[0029] To ensure unambiguous alignment, at least one translational and one rotational degree of freedom for assembly and disassembly can be provided before the connecting element(s) and the guide elements are in the assembled and secured, i.e., immobile, state. Consequently, the translational degree of freedom for assembly and disassembly can preferably be prevented by the interaction of the fastening magnet element, which attracts the respective fastening areas through magnetic coupling, and an axial stop surface pairing. Therefore, in the assembled and secured state, the anti-rotation device prevents the connecting element(s) and the guide elements from rotating relative to each other in the corresponding fastening areas according to the rotational degree of freedom for assembly and disassembly.

[0030] The anti-rotation device can preferably be formed by respective anti-rotation elements of the guide-side and connection-side fastening areas.

[0031] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the anti-rotation device is designed as a positive-locking anti-rotation device. In combination with magnetic fastening of the respective mounting areas to each other, a positive-locking anti-rotation device can be particularly beneficial, as the resulting magnetic forces may be too weak for a friction-locking anti-rotation device. Consequently, additional machine elements such as screws and threaded holes would have to be provided to create such a friction-locking anti-rotation device, which would further increase the design complexity.

[0032] The positive locking anti-rotation device may preferably comprise an anti-rotation pin and a corresponding anti-rotation recess into which the anti-rotation pin engages in the mounted and secured state.

[0033] It can also prove advantageous if only the first connection-side mounting area and the at least one first guide-side mounting area include the anti-rotation device, or if only the second connection-side mounting area and the at least one second guide-side mounting area include the anti-rotation device. This design can further reduce the structural complexity while still providing a secure and reliable fastening of the guide assembly.

[0034] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the at least one first and at least one second guide-side mounting area are each formed by means of a first and a second guide-side mounting base body, wherein the first and second guide-side mounting base bodies each have a body-side mounting interface for detachable attachment to the first and the at least one second guide element. This detachable attachment of the first and second guide-side mounting base bodies can be particularly advantageous in that only two different versions of guide-side mounting base bodies can be used. The first version can be designed without an anti-rotation element, and the second version can be designed with an anti-rotation element.Therefore, a common parts strategy can be implemented, which can advantageously reduce the component complexity and the costs of the guide assembly.

[0035] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the first and second guide-side mounting bases each have a mounting base with a respective base support surface from which a mounting projection, preferably rotationally symmetrical, protrudes. The first and second guide-side mounting bases can each be formed in one piece. Due to the structural and functional division into a mounting base and a mounting projection, the respective guide-side mounting base can advantageously provide different functions. The mounting base enables secure and stable attachment to the respective guide element. The mounting projection advantageously allows for precise engagement or gripping via the connection-side mounting area, thus enabling precise alignment between the connecting element(s) and the guide elements.

[0036] Accordingly, it is advantageous if the at least one first and at least one second guide-side mounting area are each formed, at least partially, with the mounting projection. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the respective body-side mounting interface is formed by means of the mounting base. Additionally or alternatively, the respective anti-rotation device can be formed, at least partially, by means of the mounting base. As explained above, the respective mounting base can advantageously include an anti-rotation element for this purpose.

[0037] It can also be advantageous if the first and at least one second connection-side fastening area are each formed by means of a first and a second connection-side fastening base body. The first and the second connection-side fastening base bodies can each have a further body-side fastening interface for attachment to the at least one connecting element. This respective further fastening interface of the first and second connection-side fastening base bodies can be particularly advantageous in that only two different versions of connection-side fastening base bodies need to be used. The first version can be designed without an anti-rotation element, and the second version can be designed with an anti-rotation element.Accordingly, as with the guide-side mounting base body, a common parts strategy can be implemented, which can advantageously reduce the component complexity and the costs of the guide assembly.

[0038] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the first and second connection-side mounting base bodies are each shaped as a bell-shaped, preferably rotationally symmetrical, mounting base body to engage with the respective mounting projection. This engagement can enable precise fastening and alignment of the respective fastening areas relative to each other. Thus, preferably in combination with the respective fastening magnetic element, structurally simple fastening areas can be provided that nevertheless allow for precise positioning and alignment of the fastening areas or the guide elements defined therein relative to each other. The bell-shaped mounting base body can therefore be understood as the counterpart to the mounting projection, the latter being at least partially received in the bell-shaped mounting base body in the assembled and fastened state.Furthermore, the bell-shaped mounting base can provide a cover for the guide-side and connection-side mounting area, which can have a positive effect on component sterility.

[0039] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first and second connection-side fastening base bodies can have one or more locking projections extending radially to a respective longitudinal axis of the body, wherein the anti-rotation device is at least partially formed by means of the one or more locking projections. The anti-rotation elements described above can be implemented structurally by means of the locking projections. The respective locking projections can be integrally formed along a respective longitudinal axis of the body at the end, in particular opposite the respective further fastening interface, on the respective bell-shaped fastening base body.

[0040] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if, in the pre-assembled state, the at least one connecting element, together with the first guide element, forms a pre-assembled connecting element-guide element unit. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that, in the pre-assembled state, the at least one connecting element, together with the at least one second guide element, forms the pre-assembled connecting element-guide element unit. A pre-assembled connecting element-guide element unit can be understood, in particular, as a unit that is pre-assembled before it is attached to the transport device, e.g., detachably, which can correspond to an assembled state. This pre-assembled connecting element-guide element unit can be particularly advantageous in the case of a positive-locking connection between the at least one connecting element and the first and / or second guide element.This is because such a positive-locking connection may, for example, require relative movements between the at least one connecting element and the first and / or second guide element during assembly, which are no longer possible in the assembled state, for example due to kinematic and / or space-related restrictions.

[0041] Accordingly, it can further be provided that the first connection-side fastening area comprises a first positive-locking, connection-side fastening component area. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one second connection-side fastening area comprises a second positive-locking, connection-side fastening component area. The first and second positive-locking, connection-side fastening component areas can each be part of the first and second connection-side fastening areas, respectively, and form a positive-locking sub-area thereof.

[0042] Furthermore, it may be provided that the first guide-side mounting area comprises a first positive-locking, guide-side mounting component for tool-free detachment and / or manual detachment of the first positive-locking, connection-side mounting component. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one second guide-side mounting area comprises a second positive-locking, guide-side mounting component for tool-free detachment and / or manual detachment of the second positive-locking, connection-side mounting component. Since, in particular, the second guide element may be designed as a floating guide element, which, for example,Since the transport device can be attached by means of at least one connecting element, a positive-locking fastening can provide a more precise and secure arrangement, particularly of the second guide element. The first and second positive-locking, guide-side fastening section can each also be part of the first and second guide-side fastening area, respectively, and thus form a positive-locking sub-section.

[0043] In the pre-assembled state, the first positive-locking, connection-side fastening section and the first positive-locking, guide-side fastening section can be rotated relative to each other, e.g., about their respective longitudinal axes. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that, in the pre-assembled state, the second positive-locking, connection-side fastening section and the second positive-locking, guide-side fastening section can be rotated relative to each other, e.g., about their respective longitudinal axes. This relative rotation can, in particular, simplify the assembly of the respective positive-locking fastening sections.

[0044] Furthermore, it may be specifically provided that, in the assembled state, the first positive-locking, connection-side fastening section positively engages the first positive-locking, guide-side fastening section. Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided that, in the assembled state, the second positive-locking, connection-side fastening section positively engages the second positive-locking, guide-side fastening section.

[0045] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that, in the assembled state, the first positive-locking, guide-side fastening component area positively engages the first positive-locking, connection-side fastening component area. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that, in the assembled state, the second positive-locking, guide-side fastening component area positively engages the second positive-locking, connection-side fastening component area.

[0046] The first positive-locking, connection-side fastening component area can include or be formed from a connection-side bayonet fitting. Additionally or alternatively, the second positive-locking, connection-side fastening component area can include or be formed from a connection-side bayonet fitting.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the first positive-locking, guide-side fastening component area includes or is formed from a guide-side bayonet lock. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the second positive-locking, guide-side fastening component area includes or is formed from a guide-side bayonet lock.

[0048] Additionally, it can be advantageous if the first connection-side fastening area and the at least one first guide-side fastening area each have one or more mating surfaces for mutual positive contact and alignment in the assembled and fastened state.

[0049] The at least one second connection-side fastening area and the at least one second guide-side fastening area can each have one or more additional mating surfaces for mutual positive contact and alignment in the assembled and fastened state.

[0050] The mating surfaces, relative to the respective longitudinal axes of the mounting base bodies, can be designed as radial mating surfaces, for example in the shape of an annulus, to form one or more mating surface pairs between the connecting-side and guide-side mounting base bodies in the assembled and fastened state. The respective mating surface pairs can preferably form a clearance fit, which enables secure assembly and disassembly or loosening. To ensure the most precise alignment possible, the centers of the preferably annulus-shaped mating surfaces on the connecting-side and guide-side mounting base bodies can be aligned coaxially with each other.

[0051] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the first connection-side mounting body and the first guide-side mounting body each have an axial stop surface for mutual axial contact and alignment along their respective longitudinal body axes in the assembled and fastened state. Similarly, it can be advantageous if the second connection-side mounting body and the second guide-side mounting body also each have an axial stop surface for mutual axial contact and alignment along their respective longitudinal body axes in the assembled and fastened state.

[0052] The axial stop surface of the connecting or bell-shaped mounting body can, as explained above, be formed at the end of the bell-shaped mounting body itself and by means of the respective locking projections. If the bell-shaped mounting body does not have such locking projections, for example, if it does not have anti-rotation elements, the axial stop surface can be formed by means of an axial body end face that axially delimits the bell-shaped mounting body. The respective axial stop surface of the bell-shaped mounting body can be shaped congruently with a respective base support surface, except for the area of ​​the surface from which the mounting projection protrudes.Accordingly, the base support surface has at least two functions: Firstly, to support the bell-shaped mounting base body on the mounting base, and secondly, to provide a respective axial guide-side stop surface to axially limit a contraction of both mounting areas or mounting base bodies as a result of the magnetic coupling along the respective longitudinal axes of the body.

[0053] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one connecting element can be designed as a U-shaped or substantially U-shaped connecting element with an intermediate section and two legs integrally formed thereon, each leg having a leg end, wherein the further body-side fastening interfaces are attached to the respective leg end, preferably by means of a welded connection. The intermediate element can either be continuously arc-shaped and thus transition into the two legs integrally formed thereon by means of its arc ends, which are preferably aligned parallel to it. Alternatively, the intermediate element can be provided with a straight section and is accordingly connected to the two legs by two arc-shaped sections. In this case, the straight section and the two legs are, for example, aligned at right angles to each other.In both alternatives, the connecting element can be designed as a single piece. The U-shaped design can be particularly advantageous in that, due to its U-shape, the connecting element provides a clear passage area for the pharmaceutical production material while still ensuring a secure connection and positioning of the respective guide elements relative to each other.

[0054] The connecting element can be designed as a flat body and / or be made from a flat material.

[0055] Additionally, it can be advantageous if the first guide element has a first inner guide surface and the at least one second guide element has a second inner guide surface, which, in the assembled and fastened state, face each other and are aligned parallel, and which laterally define the guide path. Depending on the required geometric trajectory that the guide path is to follow, the guide surfaces can be arranged in the first and at least one second guide element. The lateral boundary can be understood, in particular, as the boundary being formed along a perpendicular axis to the geometric trajectory. In the assembled state, the geometric trajectory runs centrally to the two guide surfaces.

[0056] In the assembled and secured state, a longitudinal axis of the intermediate section can be aligned parallel to, and a longitudinal axis of each leg of the two legs can be aligned perpendicular to, a surface normal of the first and / or second inner guide surface. This alignment can advantageously provide the largest possible clear passage area, which can be delimited by the at least one U-shaped connecting element. Furthermore, the longitudinal axes of the two legs can be equidistant from the geometric path in the assembled state.

[0057] Additionally, it can be provided that the at least one U-shaped connecting element has a, preferably first, clear height which is limited from the first or second guide element by means of the intermediate section along a leg longitudinal axis, and has a, preferably first, clear width which is limited by the two legs along the surface normal, to form at least one clear passage opening through which the pharmaceutical production material can be guided along the guide track.

[0058] In this regard, it may also be provided that the intermediate section alternatively has at least one corresponding second clear height that differs from the first clear height, and / or a second clear width that differs from the first clear width, in order to change the clear height and / or the clear width of the clear passage opening to adapt to the pharmaceutical production material with different height and width dimensions.

[0059] Since the guide elements are preferably connected to the at least one connecting element, the distance between the two inner guide surfaces depends on whether the connecting element has the first or the second clear width. Thus, by varying the clear widths, the distance between the two inner guide surfaces can be varied to advantageously guide pharmaceutical production materials with different width dimensions, for example, pharmaceutical containers with different diameters. By varying the clear heights, however, the distance between the two inner guide surfaces preferably remains the same, but pharmaceutical containers of different heights, for example, can be guided through the at least one U-shaped connecting element.

[0060] Accordingly, in particular a first and at least one second format part can be designed with the first and at least one second guide element in conjunction with a variation of the clear widths and / or the clear heights.

[0061] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the at least one connecting element includes at least one handle for handling the guide assembly and / or for releasing the respective fastening areas from one another without tools and / or manually. The handle allows the guide assembly to be advantageously moved by hand, for example, for assembly purposes. Alternatively or additionally, the handle can be advantageously designed such that, when disassembling or releasing the at least one connecting element, it is unnecessary for the user to reach into the clear opening with their hand. This would have the disadvantage of increasing the risk of contamination of the at least one connecting element.In the case of a contaminated connecting element, a laminar airflow could transfer the contamination from the connecting element to the pharmaceutical production material, particularly open materials, as it passes through, thus also contaminating the pharmaceutical agent or drug within the pharmaceutical production material and rendering it unusable. To reduce turbulent flow around the connecting element, it can be designed with optimized flow characteristics, e.g., by using rounded edges.

[0062] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the at least one handle element is arranged on one leg of the at least one U-shaped connecting element. This arrangement can advantageously avoid the need for direct manual gripping of the at least one connecting element by the legs or the intermediate section for disassembly. The handle element can preferably be arranged on the outside of one leg. In addition, the handle element can be shaped such that its gripping surfaces are also located on this outside of one leg. This ensures a sufficiently large distance from the opening. Consequently, contamination of the at least one connecting element, and in particular of the intermediate section located above the pharmaceutical production material during passage, can be reduced or avoided.Furthermore, it is conceivable that the guide assembly includes a fastening device for attachment to the transport device, wherein the fastening device is part of the first guide element, and wherein the at least one second guide element can be detachably attached to the first guide element by means of the at least one connecting element. This design can be particularly advantageous in cases where the transport device, due to its transport principle, only permits attachment from one side. An example of this could be a so-called rotary table, which would only allow the guide assembly to be attached from the outside. In this case, the at least one second guide element would be suspended above the rotary table. Alternatively, the transport device could be designed as a linear transport device, e.g., in the form of a straight belt conveyor.

[0063] Furthermore, it can be advantageously provided that the at least one handle element and the fastening device, in the assembled and fastened state, are arranged, particularly along the surface normal, on the same side outside the first inner guide surface. This arrangement can again be used for transport devices that, due to their transport principle, only permit fastening on one side. In this case, the at least one connecting element can be gripped from the same side of the handle element on which the fastening device is also positioned. This advantageously eliminates the need to reach across the path of travel, further reducing the risk of contamination.

[0064] Furthermore, it can prove advantageous if the guide assembly includes a third guide element which, in the assembled state, has a further distance to the first guide element or to at least one second guide element in order to form a further guide track in between, within which further pharmaceutical production material can be guided and transported.

[0065] Advantageous embodiments of the third guide element or the further guide track result from advantageous embodiments of the first or at least one second guide element or the guide track. Reference can be made to the preceding explanations in this regard.

[0066] Furthermore, the guide assembly can comprise at least one second connecting element that is attached to the first guide element and to the third guide element. Alternatively, the at least one second connecting element can be attached to the at least one second guide element and to the third guide element to form the guide assembly in the assembled and secured state.

[0067] Advantageous embodiments of the at least one second connecting element result from advantageous embodiments of the at least one first connecting element. Reference can be made to the preceding explanations in this regard.

[0068] Corresponding to the at least one first and at least one second guide element, the third guide element can include at least one third guide-side mounting area.

[0069] The at least one second connecting element can include at least two further connection-side fastening areas for tool-free and / or manually detachable fastening to the first guide element and to the third guide element or to the at least one second guide element and to the third guide element.

[0070] Advantageous embodiments of the third guide-side mounting area and the at least two further connection-side mounting areas result from advantageous embodiments of the at least one first or at least one second guide-side mounting area and the first and at least one second connection-side mounting area. Reference can be made to the preceding descriptions in this regard.

[0071] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the at least one first and / or at least one second connecting element includes a third connection-side mounting area for tool-free and / or manually detachable fastening of the at least one first and / or at least one second connecting element to the at least one first guide-side mounting area, to the at least one second guide-side mounting area, and to the at least one third guide-side mounting area. This design of the guide assembly allows for a structurally simpler construction.

[0072] The present invention further relates to a transport device for transporting pharmaceutical production material to at least one station for processing the pharmaceutical production material, comprising: - a guide assembly as described above; and

[0073] - at least one transport element, preferably movable relative to the guide assembly, for receiving and transporting the pharmaceutical production material, guided by means of the guide assembly.

[0074] The advantages already mentioned in connection with the explanation of the guide assembly according to the invention can also be achieved with the transport device according to the invention. Reference can be made to the preceding explanations in this regard.

[0075] Advantageous embodiments of the transport device according to the invention result from advantageous embodiments of the guide assembly according to the invention. In this regard, reference can also be made to the preceding explanations to avoid repetition.

[0076] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the drawings, serves to explain the invention in more detail. A guide assembly according to the invention, in a preferred embodiment, is described. Furthermore, a transport device according to the invention, in a preferred embodiment, is described.

[0077] They show:

[0078] Fig. 1: a perspective view of an embodiment of several transport devices according to the invention;

[0079] Fig. 2: a perspective view of a first embodiment of a guide assembly according to the invention;

[0080] Fig. 3: a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connecting element according to the invention;

[0081] Fig. 4: a sectional view of the connecting element according to Fig. 3 according to a first

[0082] Cutting plane;

[0083] Fig. 5: a sectional view of the connecting element according to Fig. 3 according to a second

[0084] Cutting plane;

[0085] Fig. 6: a perspective partial view of a second embodiment of a guide assembly according to the invention;

[0086] Fig. 7: a perspective view of a second embodiment of a connecting element according to the invention; Fig. 8: a sectional view of the connecting element according to Fig. 7 according to a first

[0087] Cutting plane;

[0088] Fig. 9: a sectional view of the connecting element according to Fig. 7 according to a second

[0089] Cutting plane;

[0090] Fig. 10: a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of a guide assembly according to the invention;

[0091] Fig. 11 : a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a guide assembly according to the invention;

[0092] Fig. 12: a perspective view of a third embodiment of a connecting element according to the invention;

[0093] Fig. 13: another perspective view of the connecting element according to the invention as shown in Fig. 12; and

[0094] Fig. 14: a partial sectional view of the connecting element according to the invention as shown in Figs. 12 and 13.

[0095] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of several transport devices 104 according to the invention.

[0096] The transport equipment 104 is used to transport pharmaceutical production material 102 to at least one station 106 or between stations 106 in a plant for processing the pharmaceutical production material 102.

[0097] Figure 1 shows three transport devices 104 according to the invention and two conventional transport devices 104 according to the prior art as examples.

[0098] Each of the three transport devices 104 comprises a guide assembly 100 according to the invention, which is described in more detail in the descriptions to Figs. 2 to 11.

[0099] The guide assemblies 100 are continuously connected to each other at a respective transition from a transport unit 100 to a downstream transport unit 100. Thus, the guide assemblies 100 assigned to the respective transport units 100 form a continuous and uninterrupted guide unit 101. The latter extends from a coupling point of the first transport unit 104 to a transfer point 103, where the pharmaceutical production material is transferred to or uncoupled from the conventional transport units 104. The guide assemblies 100 are radially attached to the outside of the respective transport units 104 by means of corresponding fastening devices 176, which are described in more detail in Fig. 2.

[0100] Each transport device 104 according to the invention comprises a transport element 184 movable relative to the guide assembly 100 for receiving and transporting the pharmaceutical production material 102, guided by means of the respective guide assembly 100. The respective transport elements 184 according to Fig. 1 are designed as so-called rotary tables, which rotate relative to the respective guide assembly 100 and thus transport the pharmaceutical production material within the guide assembly 100.

[0101] The first transport device 104 with the largest diameter shown in Fig. 1 also has an internal buffer storage area for the pharmaceutical production material 102 before it is coupled into the guide assembly 100 at the coupling point described above.

[0102] The pharmaceutical production material 102 comprises, as shown in Fig. 2, e.g. pharmaceutical containers 102, which are preferably designed as vials.

[0103] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a guide assembly 100 according to the invention.

[0104] For clarity, transport equipment 104 is only partially shown.

[0105] The guide assembly 100 serves to guide pharmaceutical production material 102 in the form of pharmaceutical containers 102 for a transport device 104 for at least one station 106 for processing the pharmaceutical production material 102. The station 106 is shown schematically in Fig. 2 without reference to the size of the transport device 104 or the guide assembly 100.

[0106] The guide assembly 100 is to be used, for example, at or between stations 106 where the sterility of the containers and the pharmaceutical products they contain requires special attention. This is particularly important in areas where the pharmaceutical containers 102 are still open and therefore especially susceptible to contamination. According to Fig. 2, the guide assembly 100 comprises a first guide element 108 and a second guide element 110. Fig. 2 only partially illustrates the guide assembly 100 with two guide elements 108 and 110 to demonstrate the underlying operating principle. It is understood that the guide assembly can comprise more than two guide elements 108 and 110.

[0107] Both guide elements 108, 110 are shaped as plate-shaped circular arc segments to guide the containers 102 along the rotary table 184 along a circular guide track 112. This design is intended to be exemplary, however, as the guide elements 108, 110 can also be provided as straight, plate-shaped segments for a linear transport device.

[0108] The two guide elements 108, 110 have a distance A between them in the assembled state to form the guide track 112 between them, within which the pharmaceutical production material 102 can be guided and transported.

[0109] The first guide element 108 has a first inner guide surface 168 and the second guide element 110 has a second inner guide surface 170 accordingly.

[0110] The inner guide surfaces 168, 170, when mounted and fastened, face each other and are aligned parallel, defining the lateral boundaries of the guide track 112. This lateral boundary can be understood, in particular, as extending along a perpendicular transverse direction to the track curve defined by the inner guide surfaces 168, 170.

[0111] The guide assembly 100 further comprises two connecting elements 114, which are each attached to the first guide element 108 and to the second guide element 110 to form the guide assembly 100 in the assembled and fastened state.

[0112] The first guide element 108 comprises a first guide-side mounting area 116 and the second guide element 110 comprises a second guide-side mounting area 118.

[0113] Accordingly, each connecting element 114 comprises a first connection-side fastening area 120 and a second connection-side fastening area 122. The second guide element 110 is detachably attached to the first guide element 108 by the two connecting elements 114.

[0114] The respective guide-side and connection-side fastening areas 116, 118, 120, 122 preferably serve for the tool-free and / or manually detachable fastening of one connecting element 114 to the respective first guide-side fastening area 116 and to the respective second guide-side fastening area 118. For such fastening of the respective fastening areas 116, 118, 120, 122 to each other, preferably at least one respective guide-side fastening area 116, 118 has a fastening magnetic element, which is explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 4.

[0115] The guide assembly 100 includes a fastening device 176 for fastening to the transport device 104.

[0116] According to Fig. 2, the fastening device 176 is part of the first guide element 108. Alternatively, the fastening device 176 can be part of the second guide element 110.

[0117] The fastening device 176 is designed by means of two fastening lugs 188 which are integrally formed on the first guide element 108 on an outer surface opposite the first inner guide surface 168. The first guide element 108 is fastened to a fastening structure 190 of the transport device 104 by means of the fastening lugs 188.

[0118] Furthermore, the first and second guide elements 108, 110 each have a flat mounting surface 192, 194 which, in the assembled and fastened state, are oriented perpendicular to the inner guide surfaces 168, 170. The respective guide-side mounting areas 116, 118 are preferably fixed to these flat mounting surfaces 192, 194, as explained in more detail in Fig. 3.

[0119] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connecting element 114 according to the invention, as well as the guide assembly 100 according to Fig. 2 in partial view. It can be seen from Fig. 3 that the first and the second guide-side mounting areas 116, 118 are each formed by means of a first and a second guide-side mounting base body 130, 132.

[0120] The same applies to the first and second connection-side fastening area 120, 122. Consequently, the first and second connection-side fastening area 120, 122 are each formed by means of a first and a second connection-side fastening base body 142, 144.

[0121] The first connection-side fastening area 120 and the first guide-side fastening area 116 comprise an anti-rotation device 128 to prevent rotation of the connecting element 114 and of the first and second guide elements 108, 110 relative to each other.

[0122] Additionally or alternatively, the second connection-side fastening area 122 and the second guide-side fastening area 118 can include an anti-rotation device 128 to prevent rotation of the connecting element 114 and of the first and second guide elements 108, 110 relative to each other.

[0123] The anti-rotation device 128 can therefore be advantageously formed together in the assembled and fastened state by means of the respective connection-side and guide-side fastening areas 116, 118; 120, 122.

[0124] The first and second guide-side mounting base bodies 130, 132 are structurally identical, apart from the anti-rotation device 128 already mentioned.

[0125] The first and second guide-side mounting bodies 130, 132 each have a mounting base 136 with a respective base support surface 138, from which a preferably rotationally symmetrical mounting projection 140 extends. The mounting projection 140 extends axially along a longitudinal axis KL of the first and second guide-side mounting bodies 130, 132.

[0126] Each mounting base 136 has a circular cylindrical base body 196, on which two end-rounded radial projections 198 extend radially towards a longitudinal axis KL of the first and second guide-side mounting base bodies 130, 132. Furthermore, each of the first and second guide-side mounting base bodies 130, 132 has a body-side mounting interface 134 for detachable attachment to the first and second guide elements 108, 110. As can be seen in Fig. 3, the respective body-side mounting interface 134 is formed by means of the mounting base 136.

[0127] For this purpose, the respective mounting base 136 is bounded along the longitudinal axis KL of the body by a contact surface 200 opposite the base support surface 138 for the purpose of securing and releasable attachment of the guide-side mounting base body 130, 132 to a respective flat mounting surface 192, 194 of the guide elements 108, 110.

[0128] From the respective mounting surface 200, two interface projections 202 extend along the longitudinal axis KL of the body to form the respective body-side fastening interface 132. Thus, the respective body-side fastening interface 134 is preferably formed by means of the fastening base 136.

[0129] In the assembled and fastened state, the interface projections 202 engage in a correspondingly shaped fastening groove 204, which is provided in the respective flat fastening surfaces 192, 194 of the guide elements 108, 110.

[0130] As can be further seen in Fig. 3, the respective anti-rotation device 128 is formed at the respective guide-side mounting areas 116, 118 by means of the mounting base 136. More precisely, the respective anti-rotation device 128 is designed as a positive-locking anti-rotation device 128. For this purpose, the mounting base 136 includes an anti-rotation pin 206, which is inserted into a corresponding locking bore in the base support surface 138 on one or both radial projections 198.

[0131] As can be further seen in Fig. 3, the first and the second guide-side mounting area 116,118 are each formed in sections with the mounting projection 140.

[0132] The first and second guide-side mounting areas 116, 118 each have two mating surfaces 152, 154, the interaction of which with the first and second connection-side mounting areas 120, 122 is explained in more detail in Fig. 4. The mating surfaces 152, 154 are arranged as outer annular surfaces at the ends of the mounting projection 140 along the longitudinal axis KL of the body. Fig. 3 further shows that the first and second connection-side mounting areas 120, 122 are each formed by means of a first and a second connection-side mounting base body 142, 144.

[0133] The first and second connection-side fastening base bodies 142, 144 are each shaped as a bell-shaped and rotationally symmetrical fastening base body 148 to engage the respective fastening projection 140. The inner fastening opening 208 of the first and second connection-side fastening base bodies 142, 144 necessary for engagement is shown in Fig. 4.

[0134] The first and second connection-side fastening base bodies 142, 144 each have two locking projections 150 extending radially to a respective longitudinal axis KL of the body. The two locking projections 150, which have rounded ends, protrude radially from the first and second connection-side fastening base bodies 142, 144 towards a longitudinal axis KL of the body. Preferably, the locking projections 150 are arranged at an open end of the first and second connection-side fastening base bodies 142, 144.

[0135] The anti-rotation device 128 can be partially formed by means of one or both locking projections 150. For this purpose, a locking recess 210 (see Fig. 4) is provided in one or both locking projections 150, into which the respective anti-rotation pin 206 can engage.

[0136] The first and second connection-side mounting base bodies 142, 144 each have a further body-side mounting interface 146 for fastening to the at least one connecting element 114. The further body-side mounting interface 146 can preferably be designed as a mounting groove.

[0137] With regard to the connecting element 114, it can be seen from Fig. 3 that the connecting element 114 shown as an example is designed as a U-shaped connecting element 114 with an intermediate section 158 and two legs 160, 162 molded onto it, each with a leg end 164, 166.

[0138] The further body-side fastening interfaces 146 are attached to the respective leg ends 164, 166 by means of a welded connection. The connecting element 114 also includes a handle element 174 for tool-free and / or manual release of the respective fastening areas 116, 118; 120, 122 from one another.

[0139] The handle element 174 is arranged on a leg 160, 162 of the at least one U-shaped connecting element 114. According to Fig. 3, the handle element 174 is designed as a T-shaped extension which is integrally formed on an outer surface of a leg 160, 162.

[0140] Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the connecting element 114 from Fig. 3 according to a first section plane.

[0141] As can be seen in Fig. 4, the first and second connection-side fastening areas 120, 122 overlap the first and second guide-side fastening areas 116, 118 in the assembled and fastened state.

[0142] As already explained in the context of the first and second guide-side mounting area 116, 118, the first and second connection-side mounting area 120, 122 each have two mating surfaces 152, 154 for mutual positive contact and alignment with the first and second guide-side mounting area 116, 118 in the assembled and fastened state.

[0143] The mating surfaces 152, 154 are arranged as inner annular surfaces in the inner mounting opening 208 at each end along the respective longitudinal axis KL of the body. The mounting opening 208 is provided as a central blind hole in the respective connecting-side mounting base body 142, 144 to form the bell-shaped shape.

[0144] A guide-side mounting area 116, 118 has a mounting magnetic element, which is explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 4.

[0145] The first connection-side mounting base body 142 and the first guide-side mounting base body 130 each have an axial stop surface 156 for mutual axial contact and alignment along their respective longitudinal body axis KL in the assembled and fastened state. Accordingly, the second connection-side mounting base body 144 and the second guide-side mounting base body 132 also each have an axial stop surface 156 for mutual axial contact and alignment along their respective longitudinal body axis KL in the assembled and fastened state.

[0146] Furthermore, the first guide-side mounting area 116 and the second guide-side mounting area 118 include a mounting magnet element 124. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the first connection-side mounting area 120 and the second connection-side mounting area 122 include a mounting magnet element 124 (not shown in Fig. 4).

[0147] The first and second connection-side fastening area 120, 122 comprise a coupling element 126 made of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material for magnetic coupling with the fastening magnet element 124.

[0148] To accommodate the fastening magnet element 124, the first and second guide-side mounting bodies 130, 132 each have an internal blind hole receiving opening 212 extending from the mounting base 136 to the mounting projection 140. Within each blind hole receiving opening 212, a stacked assembly is accommodated, comprising the fastening magnet element 124, an elastic spring element 214 (e.g., in the form of an O-ring), at least one shim 216, a spacer element 218, and an axial retaining ring 220. The fastening magnet element 124 is positioned at its deepest axial position within the blind hole receiving opening 212, i.e., at the bottom of the hole.

[0149] To accommodate the coupling element 126, the first and second connection-side mounting base bodies 142, 144 each have a further internal blind hole receiving opening 222, which is provided in a respective end of the first and second connection-side mounting base bodies 142, 144, which is arranged axially opposite the axial stop surface 156. The coupling element 126 is received within the respective further internal blind hole receiving opening 222 and is secured by a locking element 224.

[0150] The locking element 224 can preferably be welded to the respective first and second connection-side mounting base bodies 142, 144. The respective leg ends 164, 166 of the connecting element can also be welded to the respective locking element 224. Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of the connecting element 114 according to Fig. 3 in a second section plane rotated by 90° to the first section plane. Fig. 5 shows the orientation of the connecting element 114 and the mounting areas 116, 118, 120, 122 relative to a reference, e.g., the inner guide surfaces 168, 170.

[0151] In the assembled and fastened state, a section longitudinal axis AL of the intermediate section 158 is parallel and a respective leg longitudinal axis SL of the two legs 160, 162 is aligned perpendicular to a surface normal FN of the first and second inner guide surfaces 168, 170.

[0152] Furthermore, the U-shaped connecting element 114 has a first clear height Hi, which is limited by means of the intermediate section 158 along a leg longitudinal axis SL starting from the first or second guide element 108, 110.

[0153] Furthermore, the U-shaped connecting element 114 has a first clear width Bi, which is limited by the two legs 160, 162 along the surface normal FN, to form at least one clear passage opening 172 through which the pharmaceutical production material 102 can be passed along the guide track 112.

[0154] Fig. 5 further shows that the handle element 174 and the fastening device 176 are arranged along the surface normal FN on the same side outside the first inner guide surface 168 when mounted and fastened.

[0155] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a guide assembly 300 according to the invention.

[0156] The second embodiment of the guide assembly 300 according to the invention has essentially the same structural and functional features as the first embodiment of the guide assembly 100 according to the invention as shown in Fig. 2, with the following differences being explained below:

[0157] The U-shaped connecting element 314 has a different clear height and width than the U-shaped connecting element 114 according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 5, respectively, as will be explained below. The intermediate section 358 has a second clear height H2, which differs from the first clear height Hi, and a second clear width B2, which differs from the first clear width Bi, to modify the clear height H2 and the clear width B2 of the clear passage opening 372 to accommodate the pharmaceutical production material 102 with different height and width dimensions.

[0158] In the embodiment of Fig. 6, compared to Fig. 2, pharmaceutical production materials in the form of vials 102 with different dimensions can be transported and guided. Consequently, by varying the clear width and the clear height of the connecting element 374 by means of the first and second guide elements, a respective first and second format part can be provided, which can be adapted, for example, to different heights and diameters of the pharmaceutical containers 102.

[0159] Furthermore, the handle element 374 is U-shaped and is therefore integrally formed onto the connecting element 314 at two connection points.

[0160] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the connecting element 314 according to the invention, which has already been explained in Fig. 6.

[0161] Fig. 7 shows that the same fastening areas 116, 118, 120, 122 are provided and only the U-shaped connecting element 314 for changing the clear passage opening 372 is designed in a different size.

[0162] Furthermore, in Fig. 7 the anti-rotation pin 206 is arranged on the other radial projection 198 compared to Fig. 3.

[0163] Figs. 8 and 9 show sectional views corresponding to Figs. 4 and 5 of the second embodiment of the connecting element 314 according to the invention as shown in Fig. 6 or 7 along a first and second sectional plane.

[0164] Fig. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of a guide assembly 400 according to the invention.

[0165] The third embodiment of the guide assembly 400 according to the invention has essentially the same structural and functional features as the first or second embodiment of the guide assembly 100, 300 according to Fig. 2 or Fig. 6, with the following differences being explained below:

[0166] The guide assembly 400 comprises a third guide element 178, which in the assembled state has a further distance A to the first guide element 108 or to the second guide element 110 to form a further guide track 180, within which further pharmaceutical production material 102 can be guided and transported.

[0167] Furthermore, the guide assembly 400 comprises several connecting elements 114 which are attached to the second guide element 110 and to the third guide element 178 to form the guide assembly 400 in the assembled and fastened state.

[0168] According to Fig. 10, the third guide element 178 comprises several, e.g. two, third guide-side fastening areas 182, by means of which the several second connecting elements 314 can be attached to the second guide-side fastening area 116 and to the third guide-side fastening area 182 in a tool-free and / or manually detachable manner.

[0169] Fig. 11 shows a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a guide assembly 500 according to the invention.

[0170] The fourth embodiment of the guide assembly 500 according to the invention has essentially the same structural and functional features as the third embodiment of the guide assembly 400 according to Fig. 10, with the following differences being explained below.

[0171] Figure 11 shows two connecting elements 514 as examples. Both connecting elements 514 each comprise a third connection-side fastening area 186 for tool-free and / or manually detachable fastening of both connecting elements 514 to the first guide-side fastening area 116, to the second guide-side fastening area 118 and to the third guide-side fastening area 182.

[0172] Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a connecting element 614 according to the invention. The third embodiment of the connecting element 614 according to the invention has essentially the same structural and / or functional features as the first embodiment of the connecting element 114 according to the invention as shown in Fig. 3, with the following differences being highlighted:

[0173] The second connection-side fastening area 122 comprises a second positive-locking, connection-side fastening component area 123. For this purpose, the second connection-side fastening base body 144 includes, for example, two circumferential projections 226 extending radially outwards from the longitudinal axis KL of the body. The circumferential projections 226 are integrally formed axially along the longitudinal axis KL at the ends of the second connection-side fastening base body 144. A circumferential groove 228 is provided radially on the inner side of each circumferential projection 226.

[0174] Furthermore, the second guide-side mounting area 118 comprises a second positive-locking, guide-side mounting section 119 for tool-free detachment and for manually detaching the second positive-locking, connection-side mounting section 123 to it. For this purpose, the second guide-side mounting base body 132 includes, for example, two projections 230 extending radially outwards from the longitudinal axis KL of the body, which are to be engaged. The projections 230 to be engaged are integrally formed along the longitudinal axis KL on the mounting base side of the second guide-side mounting base body 132.

[0175] The second positive-locking, connection-side fastening area 123 is further formed by means of a connection-side bayonet lock 232. Similarly, the second positive-locking, guide-side fastening area 119 is formed by means of a guide-side bayonet lock 234.

[0176] In the assembled state, the second positive-locking, connection-side fastening area 123 positively engages the second positive-locking, guide-side fastening area 119. Thus, in the assembled state, the two projections 230 to be engaged are positively engaged by the two engagement projections 226, as shown in Fig. 13.

[0177] Additionally or alternatively, the first connection-side fastening area 120 can comprise a corresponding first positive-locking, connection-side fastening component area (not shown in Fig. 12). Similarly, the first guide-side fastening area 116 can also comprise a corresponding first positive-locking, guide-side fastening component area (not shown in Fig. 12) for tool-free detachment and for manually detaching the first positive-locking, connection-side fastening component area to it.

[0178] Figure 12 shows the respective mounting areas 116, 118, 120, 122 in their unassembled state. The pre-assembly procedure is as follows:

[0179] First, it should be noted that in the pre-assembled state, the second positive-locking, connection-side fastening section 123 and the second positive-locking, guide-side fastening section 119 are rotatable relative to each other about their respective longitudinal body axis KL. Accordingly, the second positive-locking, connection-side fastening section 123 and the second positive-locking, guide-side fastening section 119 are rotated relative to each other such that the gripping projections 226 and the projections 230 to be gripped do not overlap along a circumferential direction about the longitudinal body axis KL. This rotation can already take place in a state where the second guide-side fastening base body 132 is at least partially pushed axially along the longitudinal body axis KL.

[0180] In the non-overlapping state, the second guide-side and the second connection-side mounting base bodies 132, 144 are axially pushed into one another along the longitudinal axis KL until the insertion movement is axially limited by the base support surface 138. If, in this position, a further rotation occurs between the second guide-side and the second connection-side mounting base bodies 132, 144, the gripping projections 226 now engage the projections 230 to be engaged. This rotation can continue until the gripping projections 226 and the projections 230 to be engaged partially or completely overlap along the circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis KL. For example, this rotation can occur at an angle of approximately 60° to approximately 80° about the respective longitudinal axes KL, starting from the non-overlapping state.

[0181] This results in a pre-assembled state of the second positive-locking, connection-side fastening section 123 and the second positive-locking, guide-side fastening section 119. The connecting element 614 and the second guide element 110 (not shown in Fig. 12, see Fig. 3) are thus in a pre-assembled state. Furthermore, in the pre-assembled state, the connecting element 614 together with at least the second guide element 110 forms a pre-assembled connecting element-guide element unit 236, see Fig. 13.

[0182] Subsequently, the first guide-side and the first connection-side mounting base bodies 130, 142 are axially slid into one another along their respective longitudinal axes KL until the insertion movement is axially limited by the base support surface 138. Additionally, the first guide-side and the first connection-side mounting base bodies 130, 142 are mutually secured against rotation by means of the anti-rotation device 128. The pre-assembled state is thus transformed into the assembled state, whereby the pre-assembly and assembly can be carried out manually or without tools.

[0183] Fig. 13 shows another perspective view of the connecting element 614 according to Fig. 12.

[0184] The connecting element 614, as well as the first connecting-side or first guide-side fastening area 116, 120 and the second connecting-side or second guide-side fastening area 118, 122, are shown in the assembled state, which also applies to the first and second guide element 108, 110 (not shown).

[0185] Furthermore, as can be seen in Fig. 13, the projections 230 to be gripped are positively engaged by the gripping projections 226 in the assembled state, which also applies at least partially to the pre-assembled state. This particularly improves the fastening of the second, floating guide element 110.

[0186] Fig. 14 shows a partial sectional view of the connecting element 614 according to Figs. 12 and 13.

[0187] In particular, the second guide-side and connection-side fastening part areas 119, 123 are shown in more detail.

[0188] Furthermore, it can be seen that the second guide-side mounting base 132 is axially inserted into the second connection-side mounting base 144. Furthermore, the projections 230 to be gripped are encompassed by the gripping projections 226, i.e., the former are received in the gripping grooves 228. Reference numeral list

[0189] Guide assembly, uninterruptible guide device, pharmaceutical production material

[0190] handover point

[0191] Transport facility

[0192] Station first guide element second guide element

[0193] Guide track

[0194] Connecting element, first guide-side mounting area, second guide-side mounting area, second positive-locking, guide-side mounting area, first connection-side mounting area, second connection-side mounting area, second positive-locking, connection-side mounting area

[0195] Mounting magnet element

[0196] coupling element

[0197] Anti-rotation device, first guide-side mounting base, second guide-side mounting base, body-side mounting interface

[0198] Mounting base

[0199] Base support surface

[0200] Mounting projection, first connection-side mounting base, second connection-side mounting base, further body-side mounting interface, bell-shaped mounting base

[0201] Safety projections

[0202] Mating surfaces, additional mating surfaces, axial stop surface

[0203] Intermediate section

[0204] thigh thigh

[0205] thigh end

[0206] Leg end first inner guide surface second inner guide surface clear passage opening

[0207] Handle element

[0208] Fastening device, third guide element, further guide track, third guide-side fastening area

[0209] Transport element third connection-side fastening area

[0210] Mounting nose

[0211] Mounting structure, flat mounting surface, flat mounting surface, circular cylindrical base body, radial projections

[0212] Site area

[0213] Interface advantages

[0214] Mounting groove

[0215] Anti-rotation pin, inner mounting hole

[0216] Safety recess, inner blind hole receiving opening, elastic spring element

[0217] shims

[0218] Spacer element axial retaining ring further inner blind hole receiving opening

[0219] Locking element

[0220] Gripping projections

[0221] Grip grooves to grip projections, connecting-side bayonet lock, guide-side bayonet lock, 236 connecting element-guide element unit

[0222] 300 guide assembly

[0223] 314 Connecting element

[0224] 358 Intermediate section

[0225] 360 legs

[0226] 362 thighs

[0227] 372 Passage opening

[0228] 374 Handle element

[0229] 400 Guide assembly

[0230] 500 guide assembly

[0231] 514 Connecting element

[0232] 614 Connecting element

[0233] 658 Intermediate section

[0234] 674 Handle element

[0235] A distance

[0236] KL body longitudinal axis

[0237] AL section longitudinal axis

[0238] SL leg longitudinal axis

[0239] FN surface normal

[0240] Hi, first ceiling height

[0241] H2 Second clear height

[0242] BI first clear width

[0243] B2 Second clear width

[0244] A further distance

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) for guiding pharmaceutical production material (102), in particular pharmaceutical containers, for a transport device (104) for pharmaceutical production material (102), comprising: - a first guide element (108) and at least one second guide element (110), which in the assembled state have a distance (A) from each other to form a guide track (112) between them, within which the pharmaceutical production material (102) can be guided and transported, and - at least one connecting element (114, 314, 514, 614) which is attached to the first guide element (108) and to the at least one second guide element (110) to form the guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) in the assembled and fastened state; wherein the first guide element (108) comprises at least one first guide-side fastening area (116) and the at least one second guide element (110) comprises at least one second guide-side fastening area (118); wherein the at least one connecting element (114, 314, 514, 614) comprises a first connection-side fastening area (120) and at least one second connection-side fastening area (122) for tool-free and / or manually detachable fastening of the at least one connecting element (114, 314, 514, 614) to the at least one first guide-side fastening area (116) and to the at least one second guide-side fastening area (118).

2. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one first guide-side mounting area (116) and / or the at least one second guide-side mounting area (118) comprise / comprise a mounting magnet element (124); and / or wherein the first connection-side mounting area (120) and / or the at least one second connection-side mounting area (122) comprise / comprise a mounting magnet element (124).

3. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the first and at least one second connection-side fastening area (120, 122) overlap the at least one first and at least one second guide-side fastening area (116, 118) in the assembled and fastened state; or wherein the at least one first and at least one second guide-side fastening area (116, 118) overlap the first and at least one second connection-side fastening area (120, 122) in the assembled and fastened state.

4. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the at least one second connection-side mounting area (120, 122) partially comprise or are completely formed of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material for magnetic coupling with the mounting magnet element (124); and / or wherein the first and / or the at least one second connection-side mounting area (120, 122) comprise a coupling element (126) made of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material for magnetic coupling with the mounting magnet element (124).

5. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the at least one second connection-side fastening area (120, 122) and the at least one first and / or the at least one second guide-side fastening area (116, 118) comprise / comprise an anti-rotation device (128) to prevent rotation of the at least one connecting element (114, 314, 514, 614) and of the at least one first and the at least one second guide element (110) relative to each other; wherein the anti-rotation device (128) is preferably designed as a positive-locking anti-rotation device.

6. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first and the at least one second guide-side mounting area (116, 118) are each secured by means of a first and a second guide-side mounting base bodies (130, 132) are formed, wherein the first and second guide-side mounting base bodies (130, 132) each have a body-side mounting interface (134) for detachable mounting to the first and the at least one second guide element (108, 110).

7. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 6, characterized in that the first and second guide-side mounting base bodies (130, 132) each have a mounting base (136) with a respective base support surface (138) from which a mounting projection (140), preferably rotationally symmetrical, protrudes.

8. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one first and the at least one second guide-side mounting area (116, 118) are each formed at least partially with the mounting projection (140), wherein preferably the respective body-side mounting interface (134) and / or the respective anti-rotation device (128) are formed at least partially by means of the mounting base (136).

9. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the at least one second connection-side fastening area (120, 122) are each formed by means of a first and a second connection-side fastening base body (142, 144), wherein the first and the second connection-side fastening base body (142, 144) each have a further body-side fastening interface (146) for fastening to the at least one connecting element (114, 314, 514, 614).

10. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first and second connection-side fastening base body (142, 144) are each formed as a bell-shaped, preferably rotationally symmetrical, fastening base body (148) for engaging the respective fastening projection (140).

11. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 9 or claim 10, characterized in that the first and second connection-side fastening base body (142, 144) have one or more locking projections (150) which extend radially to a respective longitudinal axis (KL) of the body, wherein the anti-rotation device (128) is formed at least partially by means of the one or more locking projections (150).

12. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the pre-assembled state the at least one connecting element (114, 314, 614) together with the first guide element (108) and / or with the at least one second guide element (110) forms a pre-assembled connecting element-guide element unit (236).

13. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the at least one second connection-side fastening area (120, 122) comprises a first and / or second positive-locking, connection-side fastening part area (123); and wherein the first and / or the at least one second guide-side fastening area (116, 118) comprises a first and / or second positive-locking, guide-side fastening part area (119) for tool-free detachable fastening and / or for manually detachable fastening of the first and / or second positive-locking, connection-side fastening part area (123) thereto.

14. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400) according to claim 12 or claim 13, characterized in that, in the pre-assembled state, the first and / or second positive-locking, connection-side fastening part area (123) and the first and / or second positive-locking, guide-side fastening part area (119) are rotatable relative to each other, preferably about the respective longitudinal axis (KL); and wherein, in the assembled state, the first and / or second positive-locking, connection-side fastening part area (123) positively engages the first and / or second positive-locking, guide-side fastening part area (119); and / or wherein, in particular, In the assembled state, the first and / or second positive-locking, guide-side fastening part area (119) positively engages the first and / or second positive-locking, connection-side fastening part area (123).

15. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the first and / or second positive-locking, connection-side fastening part area (123) comprises / includes or is formed therefrom a connection-side bayonet lock (232); and / or wherein the first and / or second positive-locking, guide-side fastening part area (119) comprises / includes or is formed therefrom a guide-side bayonet lock (234).

16. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connection-side mounting area (120) and the at least one first guide-side mounting area (116) each have one or more mating surfaces (152) for mutual positive contact and alignment in the assembled and fastened state; and wherein the at least one second connection-side mounting area (122) and the at least one second guide-side mounting area (118) each have one or more further mating surfaces (154) for mutual positive contact and alignment in the assembled and fastened state.

17. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connection-side mounting base body (142) and the first guide-side mounting base body (130) each have an axial stop surface (156) for mutual axial contact and alignment along their respective longitudinal body axis (KL) in the assembled and fastened state; and wherein the second connection-side mounting base body (144) and the second guide-side mounting base body (132) each have an axial stop surface (156) for mutual axial contact and alignment along their respective longitudinal body axis (KL) in the assembled and fastened state.

18. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to one of claims 9 to 17, characterized in that the at least one connecting element (114, 314, 514, 614) is designed as a U-shaped connecting element (114, 314, 514, 614) with an intermediate section (158, 358, 658) and two legs (160, 360; 162, 362) integrally formed thereon with a respective leg end (164, 166), wherein the further body-side fastening interfaces (146) are attached to the respective leg end (164, 166), preferably by means of a welded connection.

19. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first guide element (108) has a first inner guide surface (168) and the at least one second guide element (110) has a second inner guide surface (170), which in the assembled and fastened state are facing each other and are aligned parallel and which laterally limit the guide track (112), wherein preferably in the assembled and fastened state a section longitudinal axis (AL) of the intermediate section (158, 358, 658) is aligned parallel and a respective leg longitudinal axis (SL) of the two legs (160, 360; 162, 362) is aligned perpendicular to a surface normal (FN) of the first and / or second inner guide surface (168, 170).

20. Guide assembly (100) according to claim 19, characterized in that the at least one U-shaped connecting element (114) has a, preferably first, clear height (Hi) which is limited from the first or second guide element (108, 110) by means of the intermediate section (158) along a leg longitudinal axis (SL), and has a, preferably first, clear width (Bi) which is limited by the two legs (160, 162) along the surface normal (FN) to form at least one clear passage opening (172) through which the pharmaceutical production material (102) can be guided along the guide track (112).

21. Guide assembly (300) according to claim 20, characterized in that the intermediate section (358) alternatively has at least one corresponding second clear height (H2) which differs from the first clear height (Hi), and / or has a second clear width (B2) which differs from the first clear width (Bi), for changing the clear height (Hi, H2) and / or the clear width (Bi, B2) of the clear passage opening (372) to adapt to the pharmaceutical production material (102) with different height and width dimensions.

22. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one connecting element (114, 314, 514, 614) comprises at least one grip element (174, 374, 674) for handling the guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) and / or for releasing the respective fastening areas (116, 118; 120, 122) from each other without tools and / or manually.

23. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 22, characterized in that the at least one handle element (174, 374) is arranged on a leg (160, 360; 162, 362) of the at least one U-shaped connecting element (114, 314, 514).

24. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) comprises a fastening device (176) for fastening to the transport device (104), wherein the fastening device (176) is part of the first guide element (108), and wherein the at least one second guide element (110) can be detachably fastened to the first guide element (108) by means of the at least one connecting element (114, 314, 514, 614).

25. Guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 24, characterized in that the at least one handle element (174, 374) and the fastening device (176) are arranged in the assembled and fastened state, in particular along the surface normal (FN), on the same side outside the first inner guide surface (168).

26. Guide assembly (400) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the guide assembly (100) comprises a third guide element (178) which, in the assembled state, maintains a further distance (A) to the first guide element (108) or to the at least one second guide element (110). features a further guide track (180) in between, within which further pharmaceutical production material (102) can be guided and transported, and - at least one second connecting element (114, 314, 614) which is attached to the first guide element (108) and to the third guide element (178) or which is attached to the at least one second guide element (110) and to the third guide element (178) to form the guide assembly (100) in the assembled and fastened state; wherein the third guide element (178) comprises at least one third guide-side fastening area (182) by means of which the at least one second connecting element (114, 314, 614) is detachably and / or manually attached to the at least one first guide-side fastening area (116) and to the at least one third guide-side fastening area (182) or to the at least one second guide-side fastening area (116) and to the at least one third guide-side fastening area (182).

27. Guide assembly (500) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 26, characterized in that the at least one first and / or the at least one second connecting element (514) comprises a third connection-side fastening area (186) for tool-free and / or manually detachable fastening of the at least one first and / or at least one second connecting element (514) to the at least one first guide-side fastening area (116), to the at least one second guide-side fastening area (118) and to the at least one third guide-side fastening area (182).

28. Transport equipment (104) for transporting pharmaceutical production material (102), comprising: - a guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims; and - at least one transport element (184), preferably movable relative to the guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500), for receiving and transporting the pharmaceutical production material (102), guided by means of the guide assembly (100, 300, 400, 500).

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