Receiving apparatus for a carrier for pharmaceutical containers and system for processing pharmaceutical containers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a receiving apparatus for a carrier (104) in which a plurality of pharmaceutical containers (102) can be arranged for being transported together, in particular for a nest (106), wherein the receiving apparatus (136; 146) is configured to be moved along a first spatial direction (156) on a guiding device (120) of a system (100) for processing the containers (102), wherein the receiving apparatus (136; 146) comprises a carrying device (158) and a receiving body (184), on which the carrier (104) can be releasably arranged in a defined position, wherein a first active element (162) is secured on the carrying device (158), it being possible for the receiving apparatus (136; 146) to be moved in the first spatial direction (156) as a result of the first active element being activated, wherein the receiving body (184) is held displaceably on the carrying device (158) for relative movement along a second spatial direction (186), which is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the first spatial direction (156), and wherein the receiving apparatus (136; 146) comprises an actuating device (226) which is intended for the receiving body (184) and comprises a second active element (222), which is held on the carrying device (158) such that it can be displaced along the first spatial direction (156), and also comprises a force-deflecting element (234), which is coupled to the second active element and is connected directly or indirectly to the receiving body (184), for displacement of the receiving body (184) relative to the carrying device (158) in dependence on the second active element (222) being activated. The invention also relates to a system for processing pharmaceutical containers.

Description

[0001] RECEIPT DEVICE FOR A CARRIER FOR PHARMACEUTICAL

[0002] CONTAINER AND PLANT FOR PROCESSING PHARMACEUTICAL CONTAINERS

[0003] The present invention relates to a receiving device for a carrier in which a plurality of pharmaceutical containers can be arranged for common transport, in particular for a nest, wherein the receiving device is designed to be moved along a first spatial direction on a guide device of a plant for processing the containers, wherein the receiving device comprises a support device and a receiving body on which the carrier can be detachably arranged in a defined position.

[0004] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system for processing pharmaceutical containers, comprising a guide device, a drive device, at least one receiving device of the type described above and at least one processing station for the containers, which is arranged on the guide device and which includes a filling station for filling the containers and / or a closing station for closing filled containers.

[0005] In such a system, pharmaceutical containers, held in a carrier for transport along the guide, can be processed at one or more processing stations. These containers can be, for example, syringes, vials, cartridges, or ampoules. The carrier is, for example, a so-called nest, which is why the containers held in the carrier can also be referred to as nested containers in this case. The present invention is not limited to this or to the configuration of the containers. However, the invention proves to be particularly advantageous for nested syringes or nested vials.

[0006] In the system, the containers can preferably be processed while remaining in the carrier. For the purpose of in-process control (IPC), it is preferably provided that a predetermined number of containers can be removed from the carrier. Examples of possible embodiments of such a system are described in the unpublished patent applications DE 102024 121 648.4 and DE 102024 121 673.5 of the same applicant dated July 30, 2024. The contents of both patent applications are fully incorporated into the present disclosure. For example, the containers in the carrier can be filled with a pharmaceutical product at a filling station and then sealed with closure elements at a closing station.It is conceivable that at least some of the containers (lifted from the carrier or placed in the carrier) are weighed at a weighing station in their empty state and weighed again after filling for the purpose of process control.

[0007] It is known that carriers exist in which the containers are arranged in rows. This is the case, for example, in nest configurations. Containers in adjacent rows are staggered (with gaps) and thus offset from one another. To achieve the simplest possible design for a filling station and / or a closing station, it is known that the carrier performs alternating back-and-forth movements in the direction of the rows, so that the filling elements of the filling station and the closing elements of the closing station themselves do not have to move laterally. This process can be described, for example, as nest offsetting if the carrier is a nest.

[0008] Devices for offsetting beams are known in the prior art. However, these sometimes have a complicated design and require a lot of space.

[0009] As mentioned at the outset, the invention relates to a receiving device. It is assumed below that the receiving device is used as intended on the system and can be moved along its guide device in the first spatial direction. For this purpose, a drive device of the system is used.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a receiving device of the type mentioned above, the use of which in a generic system enables reliable processing of containers. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system comprising such a receiving device.

[0011] This problem is solved in a generic receiving device according to the invention by the fact that a first acting element is fixed on the support device, by the application of which the receiving device is movable in the first spatial direction, that the receiving body is held displaceably on the support device for a relative movement along a second spatial direction, which is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicular to the first spatial direction, and that the receiving device comprises an actuating device for the receiving body, which comprises a second acting element held displaceably on the support device along the first spatial direction and a force deflection element coupled to this, which is directly or indirectly connected to the receiving body, for displacing the receiving body relative to the support device depending on an application of the second acting element.

[0012] The present invention incorporates the consideration that a compact design of the receiving device can be achieved if the first and second working elements are movable in the first spatial direction via a drive unit of the system. The first spatial direction is defined, for example, by the guide device of the system and corresponds in particular to a main direction of movement when processing the containers. The receiving device itself can be moved in the first spatial direction via the first working element. Here, the first working element is fixed to the support structure, on which the receiving body for the carrier with containers is in turn held, so that the carrier is also moved in the first spatial direction in this way. By means of the second working element, the receiving body can be moved relative to the support structure in the second spatial direction transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to the first spatial direction.In this way, the containers held in the carrier can be moved back and forth in the second spatial direction by changing the relative distance between the two working elements. This makes it possible, for example, to offset containers laterally so that the filling elements of a filling station and / or the closing elements of a closing station themselves do not have to perform any lateral offset. The force redirection element allows the movement of the second working element in the first spatial direction to be converted into a displacement of the holding body in the second spatial direction, making the design simple. This also enables a compact design for the holding device.

[0013] It can prove advantageous, as will be discussed later, if the drive mechanism of the system is electromagnetically designed. In this way, the moving elements can be moved relative to each other in a versatile and flexible manner in the first spatial direction, and furthermore, at least the first moving element can be moved in the first spatial direction for the purpose of transporting the receiving device.

[0014] Based on the above, it can be advantageous if the first and / or the second active element is a magnetic element comprising at least one permanent magnet and movable by means of an electromagnetically designed drive device. For example, the receiving device is moved along the first spatial direction solely by applying force to the first active element, while the second active element remains unaffected. Alternatively, it can be provided that both active elements are actuated simultaneously. For the relative movement of the active elements to each other, either the first and / or the second active element can be actuated.

[0015] In a structurally simple embodiment of the invention, the force-redirecting element is or comprises, for example, a lever that is pivotally connected to the receiving body and to the second acting element or a retaining part of the actuating device for the second acting element. Preferably, a pivotable connection between the lever and the receiving body and the second acting element or the retaining part can be provided. A connection exists, in particular, at opposite end sections of the lever.

[0016] The second working element or a retaining element of the actuating device for the second working element is preferably slidably mounted on the support device in the first spatial direction, wherein the support device in particular forms at least one guide element that engages with the second working element or the retaining element. The support device forms, for example, a stop or a rail for the working element or the retaining element. In a preferred embodiment, the retaining element comprises, for example, at least one guide member, which may preferably be a roller that rolls on the guide element.

[0017] It is advantageous if the receiving body is slidably mounted on the support structure along the second spatial direction. The support structure can, for example, comprise or form a frame that includes at least one guide element engaging with the receiving body. For instance, two or more guide elements arranged at a distance from one another are present, each engaging with the receiving body. In a top view of the support structure, the frame has, for example, a substantially rectangular contour. The frame can, for instance, have two guide sections on opposite sides, which can be operatively connected to guide elements of the system's guide structure. The guide sections are connected to each other, for example, via bearing sections on which the receiving body is slidably mounted.The at least one guide element of the support device can, for example, be a profile element designed as a hollow or solid profile. The profile element can, for example, extend through a frame of the receiving body, which is slidable along the profile element.

[0018] In a different embodiment, the receiving body can, for example, include or form a frame which includes guide elements (in particular guide rollers) for rolling on the frame of the support device.

[0019] It is advantageous if the support structure, for example at the aforementioned guide sections, has guide elements designed to engage with guide elements of the guide device. The guide elements are preferably guide rollers. For example, a combination of guide rollers for horizontal guidance with a vertical axis and vertical guidance with a horizontal axis may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, guide rollers may be provided that are oriented obliquely with respect to a vertical and a horizontal axis, for example with an angle of rotation of 45° in each case.

[0020] Position and orientation specifications such as "vertical," "horizontal," "above," "below," or the like refer here to the intended use of the recording device and the system. In this context, the system is positioned, in particular, on a surface within a room that can be considered horizontally oriented. For example, the first and / or second spatial axes are horizontally oriented.

[0021] To receive the carrier, the receiving body preferably includes a recess into which the carrier can preferably be inserted in a form-fitting manner and against whose bottom the carrier preferably rests flat. In particular, the carrier is preferably inserted into the receiving body from above.

[0022] Advantageously, the receiving body comprises at least one receiving part in which a plurality of through-openings are formed, through which containers held in the carrier extend. In this way, the carrier can be reliably held on the receiving body. The at least one receiving part is, for example, essentially plate-shaped. It is understood that the size and positions of the through-openings are adapted to the carrier and the containers. In the receiving device according to the invention, it is advantageous if different carriers and / or carriers with different containers can be adapted to the receiving body, so that the receiving body covers a predefinable format range of the carriers and / or the containers.

[0023] It can be advantageous if the holding device comprises a number of holding bodies that can be selectively connected to the support structure and that differ from one another in at least one container-specific and / or carrier-specific characteristic. Format changes can be carried out user-friendly by simply replacing the holding body. This gives the holding device a high degree of versatility.

[0024] The receiving body can comprise or form a frame on which the at least one receiving part is arranged on the side facing away from the support device, the frame being held on the frame of the support device as described above.

[0025] Preferably, the receiving body comprises a first receiving part and a second receiving part, which are directly or indirectly connected to each other and whose through-openings are aligned, with the containers passing through the aligned through-openings. Preferably, a receiving space is formed between the first receiving part and the second receiving part, in which at least one fixing part for fixing the containers to the receiving body is arranged. The containers are received in a defined position on the receiving body by means of the two receiving parts. The at least one fixing part enables, for example, the containers to be fixed as described below.

[0026] Accordingly, the receiving body can be designed to include at least one fixing part in which a plurality of through-openings are formed and which can be moved relative to the at least one receiving part from a fixing position to a release position and vice versa. Advantageously, as mentioned, two receiving parts are provided, between which the at least one fixing part is arranged. In the release position, the through-openings of the at least one fixing part are aligned with the through-openings of the at least one receiving part, and containers that extend through the through-openings are released. In this way, the carrier can be inserted into and removed from the receiving body in the release position of the fixing part. In the fixing position, the through-openings of the at least one fixing part and the through-openings of the at least one receiving part are positioned offset relative to each other.Containers within the receiving part are secured by the fixing part, ensuring the carrier is reliably held against the receiving body. For example, the fixing part engages with the cross-section of the through-holes in the receiving part. The containers can be clamped to both the receiving part and the fixing part.

[0027] The at least one fixing part is preferably designed in the shape of a plate.

[0028] The at least one fixing part is preferably movable and, in particular, displaceable relative to the at least one receiving part in the second spatial direction. It turns out that a structurally simple design can be achieved in this way, since any movement of components of the receiving device in a third spatial direction, which differs from the first and second spatial directions, can be avoided.

[0029] Deformable pressure elements are preferably arranged at the edges of the through-openings of the at least one fixing part, bearing against the containers in the fixing position. The pressure elements, for example made of a silicone material, preferably prevent damage to the containers when they are fixed in the receiving body.

[0030] It can be advantageous if the receiving body comprises two fixing parts connected directly or indirectly, whose through-openings are aligned and between which the clamping elements are held. This allows for a structurally simple design of the receiving body.

[0031] It is advantageous if at least one fixing part can be moved from the fixing position to the release position against the restoring force of at least one restoring element. Under the influence of the restoring element, the at least one fixing part can be moved from the release position to the fixing position. This ensures that the containers are reliably held on the receiving body.

[0032] It may be provided, in particular, that at least one return element forms a preload element which applies a preload force to the at least one fixing part in the fixing position. To move the fixing part into the release position, the preload force must first be overcome. This allows for particularly reliable fixing of the containers to the receiving body. The at least one return element is, for example, a mechanical spring element or comprises one, in particular a helical spring, which may be designed as a compression spring. The at least one return element is supported, for example, by the at least one fixing part and the at least one receiving part, or by a support part of the receiving body that receives the at least one fixing part. Advantageously, the at least one return element is arranged in the receiving space between the receiving parts, if these are present.

[0033] The same applies if a support part is provided to receive at least one fixing part.

[0034] The at least one fixing element is preferably arranged in a form-fitting manner between opposing sections of a support element in the first spatial direction and / or in the second spatial direction. The support element can, for example, comprise or form a frame that encloses the at least one fixing element. Within the frame, the fixing element can be movably and, in particular, slidably arranged between the fixing position and the release position.

[0035] The support part is, for example, directly or indirectly connected to the at least one receiving part.

[0036] For smooth movement, rollers may preferably be arranged on at least one fixing part, which roll on at least one receiving part and / or on the support part.

[0037] The receiving body can include an actuating element connected to the at least one fixing part, allowing the user to manually move the at least one fixing part from the fixing position to the release position. This allows the user to manually release the containers from the fixing position within the receiving body so that the carrier can be removed.

[0038] The actuating element can, for example, extend through the at least one receiving part and be located on a side of the receiving body from which the support can be inserted into the receiving body. In this way, the actuating element can be easily reached and operated by the user. For example, the actuating element can have the form of a handle. Fastening elements, such as screws, can be provided to fix the at least one receiving part and the support part to the receiving body. The fastening elements can be at least partially covered or concealable by a locking element during operation to prevent disassembly when the at least one return element is tensioned.

[0039] The locking element can, for example, be the aforementioned actuating element, wherein when the at least one locking part assumes the locking position, the at least one return element is completely or largely relaxed.

[0040] To move the at least one fixing part, it is advantageous if the at least one fixing part can be moved from the fixing position to the release position relative to the at least one receiving part as a result of an action being applied to the second working element. A separate drive for the fixing part can thus be eliminated, resulting in a structurally simple design for the receiving device. It is possible for the fixing part to be indirectly operatively connected to the working element and not directly subjected to a displacement force by it.

[0041] To implement the above embodiment, it can be provided, for example, that the receiving body includes a release device coupled to the at least one fixing part and which includes a movable stop element. This stop element is movable towards a corresponding stop element of the support device as a result of movement of the receiving body in the second spatial direction. Upon contact of the stop elements with each other, the at least one fixing part can be subjected to a retaining force that opposes the restoring force of the at least one restoring element. If the receiving body is moved, the at least one fixing part can, in particular, initially move together with the at least one receiving part, preferably assuming the fixing position. The stop elements are initially arranged at a distance from each other and are brought closer together by the movement of the receiving body in the second spatial direction.A first stop element is arranged on the support structure, and the corresponding stop element is arranged on the release device, which is coupled to the at least one fixing part. Upon contact of the stop elements, a retaining force can be exerted on the fixing part from the support structure via the release device. The retaining force opposes the restoring force and, in particular, the preload force of the at least one restoring element. Advantageously, it is provided that, with further force being applied to the receiving body, the at least one receiving part continues to move in the second spatial direction relative to the support structure via the force deflection element, whereas the at least one fixing part is held against the support structure by the retaining force and is moved relative to the at least one receiving part against the restoring force to transfer the at least one fixing part from the fixing position to the release position.Due to the interconnected stop elements, the fixing part can remain stationary relative to the support device, whereas other components of the receiving body, in particular the at least one receiving part, can be moved in the second spatial direction as a result of the further application of force via the second acting element and the force deflection element. Consequently, the fixing part shifts relative to the receiving part from the fixing position to the release position against the restoring force.

[0042] The release mechanism advantageously comprises an eccentric body rotatably connected to the at least one fixing part about a first axis of rotation and rotatably mounted on a bearing part of the receiving body about a second axis of rotation aligned parallel to the first axis of rotation, wherein the stop element of the release mechanism is arranged at a distance from the second axis of rotation. Upon contact with the stop element of the supporting device, the eccentric body rotates about the second axis of rotation. This initiates a movement of the fixing part, which can preferably be guided by means of the support part.

[0043] The release device advantageously includes a reset element, for example a mechanical spring element, to allow the eccentric body to rotate back to a starting position when contact between the stop elements is lost.

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

[0045] An inventive system for processing pharmaceutical containers comprises a guide device, a drive device, at least one receiving device of the type described above and at least one processing station for the containers, which is arranged on the guide device and which includes a filling station for filling the containers and / or a closing station for closing filled containers.

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

[0047] During operation of the system, the receiving device – preferably several receiving devices in succession – can be moved along the guide device by means of the drive unit and transported to at least one processing station. In the case of a filling station or a closing station, the containers can be moved laterally, as already explained.

[0048] The drive unit is preferably an electromagnetic drive unit and comprises drive units for providing alternating electromagnetic fields and magnetic elements assigned to the first and second active elements. These magnetic elements are movable independently of one another along a transport direction of the guide device. Such a drive unit can be controlled in a variety of ways to move the receiving devices and displace the receiving bodies. For example, the XTS system from Beckhoff is used, although other types of drive units are also conceivable. The magnetic elements, which comprise at least one permanent magnet, can be moved as desired via the drive units. These magnetic elements, in turn, couple with the first and second active elements to execute the desired movement.

[0049] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the drawing, serves to explain the invention in more detail. The drawing shows:

[0050] Figure 1: a perspective view of the system according to the invention for

[0051] Processing pharmaceutical containers in a preferred embodiment, comprising the receiving device according to the invention in a preferred embodiment;

[0052] Figure 2: a perspective view of the recording device of the system made of

[0053] Figure 1;

[0054] Figure 3: a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the receiving device according to the invention on a guide device of the system; Figure 4: the receiving device from Figure 3, partially as an exploded view;

[0055] Figure 5: a top view of the recording device in Figure 3;

[0056] Figure 6: a representation corresponding to Figure 5, omitting one

[0057] Receiving part of the receiving device;

[0058] Figure 7: a representation corresponding to Figure 5 after moving a

[0059] Receiving body of the receiving device;

[0060] Figure 8: a representation corresponding to Figure 7 after further displacement of the

[0061] Receiving body by transferring a fixing part from a fixing position to a release position;

[0062] Figure 9: an enlarged partial view of the recording device according to detail A in

[0063] Figure 3;

[0064] Figure 10: a sectional view of the recording device, with the section plane running along line 10-10 in Figure 6; and

[0065] Figure 11: another sectional view of the recording device, with the section plane running along line 11-11 in Figure 6.

[0066] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an advantageous embodiment of the inventive system for processing pharmaceutical containers, designated by reference numeral 100. Figure 2 shows some containers 102, which in this case are syringes, by way of example. However, the invention is not limited to this. During processing, the containers 102 are held together in a carrier 104. The carrier 104 is a so-called nest 106, so that the containers 102 can be described as nested containers 102. However, the invention is also not limited to this embodiment of the carrier 104.

[0067] The system 100 comprises a frame 108, which, for example, rests on support elements 110 on a surface 112 of a room, such as a production hall or a laboratory. The frame 108 has a tabletop 114 on which a transport system 116 is mounted, with individual components of the transport system 116 also being located in a substructure 118 below the tabletop 114. The transport system 116 includes, in particular, a guide device 120 and a drive device 122.

[0068] Several processing stations 124 for processing the containers 102 are arranged on the guide unit 120. The processing stations 124 comprise a weighing station 126, a filling station 128, and a closing station 130. The filling station 128 comprises filling elements, in this case in the form of filling needles 129. The closing station 130 comprises closing elements 131, which in this case include plungers and setting tubes for closure elements.

[0069] The design and operation of the plant 100 with respect to the transport system 116, the drive unit 122, and the processing stations 124 are described in the unpublished patent applications with the file numbers DE 102024 121 648.4 and DE 102024 121 673.5 dated July 30, 2024. The contents of both patent applications are fully incorporated into the present disclosure.

[0070] The guide device 120 comprises two guide elements 132, which are designed as profile rails. The path of the guide device 120 defines a transport direction 134 for the supports 104 in the intended use of the system 100.

[0071] In the use of the system 100, the carriers 104 are each inserted into a receiving device, which in this case is a preferred embodiment of the receiving device according to the invention, which is designated by reference numeral 136.

[0072] The system 100 can be controlled and / or regulated by a control unit 138.

[0073] In particular, the control unit 138 is coupled to the drive unit 122 in order to move the receiving devices 136 on the guide unit 120 and to transport them from one processing station 124 to the next.

[0074] In this case, it is possible to remove a portion of the containers 102 from the carrier 104 using a holding device 140 for process control purposes and then weigh them at the weighing station 126, both empty and full. For this purpose, the containers 102 are held in a gripping device 142. Filling and sealing preferably take place at the gripping device 142. The sealed containers 102 can then be reinserted into the carrier 104 using another holding device 144.

[0075] The remaining containers 102 stay in the carrier 104 during processing. The containers 102 are filled and sealed in the carrier 104. After processing, the carrier 104 can be removed from the receiving device 136.

[0076] Further information regarding the processing of the containers 102 can be found in the aforementioned patent applications.

[0077] The drive unit 122 in system 100 is electromagnetically designed. In conjunction with the advantageous embodiment of the receiving device 146 according to the invention shown in Figures 3 to 10, Figure 5 schematically shows that the drive unit 122 comprises drive units 148. The drive units 148 are, in this case, fixed to a support structure (not shown in the drawing), which is arranged in a housing 150 of the drive unit 122 and supported on the tabletop 114.

[0078] The drive units 148 can be controlled by the control unit 138 to generate suitable alternating magnetic fields. These alternating fields act on magnetic elements 152 and 154 of the drive unit 122. Each magnetic element 152 and 154 comprises at least one permanent magnet. Depending on the application of force to the drive units 148, the magnetic elements 152 and 154 can be moved within the housing 150. Movement is possible, in particular, in the transport direction 134 and in the opposite direction.

[0079] The transport direction 134 is in this case a first spatial direction 156.

[0080] The following section describes both receiving devices 136 and 146 together. Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalent features and components. Only the essential differences between the receiving devices 136 and 146 are discussed. Where explanations are omitted with regard to one of the embodiments, reference is made to the explanations for the other embodiment. The same advantages and effects can be achieved with both receiving devices 136 and 146. The receiving devices 136 and 146 each comprise a support device 158. The support device 158 serves to move the receiving devices 136 and 146 along the guide elements 132 of the guide device 120. The support device 158 forms a frame 160, which, viewed from above, is essentially rectangular.

[0081] In the receiving device 136, the frame 160 is essentially plate-shaped. A first working element 162 is fixed to the frame 160. The working element 162 faces the drive unit 122 and is designed in this case as a magnetic element 164 comprising at least one permanent magnet.

[0082] When the magnetic element 152 is moved by means of the drive units 148, the magnetic element 164 associated with this magnetic element 152 is also moved. In this way, the receiving device 136 is subjected to a force that allows it to move in the first spatial direction 156 (and optionally in the opposite direction).

[0083] The support structure 158 comprises guide elements 166, which are arranged on the underside of the frame 160. The guide elements 166 are designed as guide rollers 168. The guide rollers 168 are oriented such that they engage with a corresponding groove 170 of the guide elements 132. The axes of rotation of the guide rollers 168 are inclined, each at an angle of approximately 45° to the horizontal and the vertical (Figure 2).

[0084] The frame 160 also forms further guide elements 172. In the receiving device 136, the guide elements 172 are grooves 174 formed on the top and bottom sides of the plate of the frame 160.

[0085] The support device 158 comprises a further guide element 176. The guide element 176 is designed as a rail 178, which is arranged on the side of the support device 158 facing the housing 150. In this case, the rail 178 runs along the first spatial direction 156.

[0086] In the receiving device 146, the frame 160 has a different shape. In this case, the frame 160 comprises opposing guide sections 180, each adjacent to one of the guide elements 132. Guide members 166 in the form of guide rollers 168 are also arranged on the guide sections 180. In this case, the guide rollers 168 for vertical guidance comprise guide rollers 168 with a horizontally oriented axis of rotation, which rest on the top of the guide elements 132. For horizontal guidance, guide rollers 168 with a vertical axis of rotation are provided, which rest laterally against the guide elements 132 (Figure 4).

[0087] The guide sections 180 are connected to each other by guide elements 172 of the frame 160. In this embodiment, the guide elements 172 are profile elements 182. For example, hollow profiles in the form of tubes are conceivable, which extend between the guide sections 180 and are connected to each of them (Figures 3 and 4).

[0088] For further explanation, the following refers to the receiving device 146 and Figures 3 to 11. Any differences in the receiving device 136 are explained.

[0089] For clarity, the carrier 104 and the containers 102 arranged therein are omitted from Figures 3 to 11. Reference is made to Figure 2 regarding the carrier 104. The carrier 104 shown therein can be detachably positioned on the receiving device 146 in a corresponding manner so that the containers 102 held in the carrier 104 can be processed. After processing, the carrier 104 can also be removed from the receiving device 146.

[0090] As can be seen from the drawing, the receiving device 146 for receiving the carrier 104 comprises a receiving body 184. The receiving body 184 is held on the support structure 158 and is arranged above it. As explained below, the receiving body 184 can be moved back and forth relative to the support structure 158 in a second spatial direction 186. The second spatial direction 186 is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to the first spatial direction 156. Both spatial directions 156 and 186 are oriented horizontally in this case.

[0091] In the exemplary embodiment, the receiving body 184 comprises a frame 188, via which the connection to the support device 158 is made.

[0092] The frame 188 is designed in multiple parts in the receiving device 146. Facing the guide sections 180, the frame 188 comprises opposing retaining sections 190. The retaining sections 190 are arranged above the guide sections 180. The frame 188 also comprises connecting sections 192, which are opposite each other and connect the retaining sections 190.

[0093] Each connecting section 192 is designed in a sleeve-like form and thus defines a guide member 194. The profile element 182 extends through the connecting section 192. The frame 188, and thus the receiving body 184, can be displaced relative to the support device 158 along the second spatial direction 186 on the profile elements 182. The frame 188 is slidably mounted. The profile element 182 forms a bearing section.

[0094] The connecting section 192 that faces the housing 150 includes the guide element 176.

[0095] The receiving device 136 also includes a frame 188. The frame 188 is essentially plate-shaped and arranged above the frame 160 of the support device 158. Guide elements 194 are provided, in this case in the form of guide rollers 196. The guide rollers 196 engage in the grooves 174, thus guiding the displacement of the receiving body 184 relative to the support device 158. In this case, two guide rollers 196 engage in one of the grooves 174, and a further guide roller 196 engages in the other groove. This latter guide roller 196 is held on the frame 188 by a retaining element 198.

[0096] In a manner known per se, the support 104 comprises a substantially plate-shaped base body 200 with sleeve-shaped receiving elements 202 arranged on it.

[0097] Through openings 204 extend through the base body 200 and the receiving elements 202. The through openings 204 are arranged longitudinally in rows 206. Adjacent rows 206 have through openings 204 that are staggered (spaced apart).

[0098] The receiving body 184 comprises at least one receiving part 208. In this case, two receiving parts 208 and 210 are provided. The receiving parts 208 and 210 are arranged one above the other, with receiving part 210 facing the frame 188 and connected to it. Receiving part 208 is arranged above receiving part 210 and facing away from the frame 188. The receiving parts 208 and 210 are connected to each other directly or indirectly. A receiving space 212 is formed between the receiving parts 208 and 210 (Figures 10 and 11).

[0099] The receiving parts 208, 210 are essentially designed in a plate-like shape.

[0100] In receiving part 208 and receiving part 210, respective through-openings 214 are formed. The size and position of the through-openings 214 are adapted to the support 104 to be received and the containers 102 arranged therein. The through-openings 214 of both receiving parts 208 and 210 are aligned with each other.

[0101] The support 104 can be inserted into a recess 216 of the receiving part 208. The recess 216 is preferably dimensioned such that the base body 200 is positively engaged in it in at least one spatial direction 156, 186. A base 218 of the recess 216 serves to provide a flat surface for the base body 200.

[0102] When the carrier 104 is received in the receiving body 184, the containers 102 extend through the through-openings 214 of both receiving parts 208, 210. Depending on their length, the containers 102 can, for example, extend into the space enclosed by the frame 188.

[0103] It is understood that the passage openings 214, like the passage openings 204, are positioned in rows 220, with passage openings 214 of adjacent rows 220 being arranged with gaps between them.

[0104] The filling needles 129 of the filling station 128 and the closing elements 131 of the closing station 130 are arranged in a stationary position with respect to the second spatial direction 186. In this way, the structural design of the filling station 128 and the closing station 130 can be kept simple.

[0105] However, the difficulty lies in the fact that, due to the offset of the containers 102 in adjacent rows 206, the containers 102 can only be filled and closed if they are first moved in the second spatial direction 186. For this purpose, the receiving body 184 is slidably mounted on the support device 158 in the second spatial direction 186. This results in a displacement of the receiving support 104 along with the containers 102. To effect this displacement, the receiving device 146 includes a second working element 222. In this case, the second working element 222 is configured as a magnetic element 224, which includes at least one permanent magnet. The magnetic element 224 is associated with the magnetic element 154 of the drive unit 122. The magnetic element 224 is arranged on the side of the support device 158 facing the housing 150.

[0106] The receiving device 146 comprises an actuating device 226, which includes the magnetic element 224, and a holding part 228, on which the magnetic element 224 is held. The holding part 228 comprises a guide member 230, in this case configured as a guide roller 232.

[0107] The guide roller 232 engages with the rail 178 of the support device 158. In this way, the magnetic element 224 is slidably mounted on the support device 158 along the first spatial direction 156, with the movement being guided. Depending on how the drive units 148 are actuated, the magnetic element 154 is moved and the magnetic element 224 coupled to it is moved.

[0108] The actuating device 226 further comprises a force-redirecting element 234, which in this case is designed as a lever 236. The lever 236 is articulated and, in particular, pivotally connected to the retaining part 228. Reference numeral 238 designates the corresponding pivot axis. Furthermore, the lever 236 is articulated and, in particular, pivotally connected to the receiving body 184. Reference numeral 240 designates the corresponding pivot axis. For example, the lever 236 is connected to the retaining section 190. The respective articulated connection exists at opposite end sections 242 of the lever 236.

[0109] The holding element 228 couples the working element 222 to the force deflection element 234.

[0110] When the magnetic element 224 is actuated via the drive unit 122, it can be displaced along the first spatial direction 156. The force is introduced onto the receiving body 184 via the force deflection element 234. Since the receiving body 184 is slidably mounted on the support unit 158 ​​in the second spatial direction 186, the movement of the magnetic element 224 causes the receiving carrier 104, and thus the container 102, to be displaced along the second spatial direction 186. Figures 5 and 7 illustrate this by way of example. In the illustration according to Figure 7, the magnetic element 224 is displaced in the direction of the magnetic element 164. As a result, the receiving body 184 has been displaced in the second spatial direction 186.With suitable control of the drive device 122, it is thus possible to alternately bring containers 102 into positional alignment with the filling needles 129 and the closing elements 131, which are accommodated in the successive rows 206.

[0111] The containers 102 are preferably processed in rows. For this reason, the receiving body 184 is moved back and forth before the processing of each row 206.

[0112] For the transport of the carriers 104 in the first spatial direction 156, it may be sufficient to actuate only the magnetic element 152 and, via this, the magnetic element 164. Alternatively, it may be provided that the magnetic elements 154 and 224 are also actuated for this purpose.

[0113] For reliable mounting, the containers 102 can be fixed to the mounting body 184. For this purpose, the mounting body 184 includes at least one fixing part 244. In this case, two fixing parts 244, 246 are provided.

[0114] Each fixing part 244, 246 is essentially plate-shaped and includes through-openings 248. The through-openings 248 of both fixing parts 244, 246 are aligned with each other. The fixing parts 244, 246 are connected to each other.

[0115] The fixing parts 244, 246 are displaceable relative to the receiving parts 208, 210 along the second spatial direction 186. Depending on their relative position, the through-openings 214 and 248 can align with each other. This is shown in Figure 8. In this case, the containers 102 in the through-openings 214, 248 are released to allow the carrier 104 to be removed from or placed into the receiving device 146. This defines a release position for the fixing parts 244, 246.

[0116] In a different displacement position of the fixing parts 244, 246, the through-openings 214, 248 are offset from each other (Figures 5 to 7). The edges of the through-openings 248 engage in the free cross-section of the through-openings 214. In this case, the containers 102 are clamped to the receiving body 184. The containers 102 may abut the edges of the through-openings 214. If the through-openings 214, 248 are offset relative to each other to fix the containers 102, this defines a fixing position of the fixing parts 244, 246.

[0117] The fixing parts 244, 246 hold between them pressure elements 250 made of a deformable material, in particular a silicone material (schematically shown in Figure 4). The pressure elements 250 bear against the containers 102 and serve to prevent damage to them.

[0118] To ensure reliable function of the fixing parts 244, 246, these are arranged in the receiving space 212. Furthermore, the receiving body 184 includes a support part 252 for the above purpose.

[0119] As can be seen in particular from Figures 4 and 6, the support part 252 is essentially plate-shaped and forms a closed frame 254 in this case.

[0120] The frame 254 is arranged between the receiving parts 208, 210. The frame 254 is dimensioned such that the fixing parts 244, 246 are positively engaged along the first spatial direction 156 and have sufficient play along the second spatial direction 186 to allow the fixing parts 244, 246 to move. The frame 254 is open at the top and bottom. Rollers 256 on one or both fixing parts 244, 246 can thus roll on at least one receiving part 208, 210. This ensures low-friction movement of the fixing parts 244, 246.

[0121] As can be seen particularly from Figures 4 and 6, the displacement of the fixing parts 244, 246 occurs against the restoring force of at least one restoring element 258. In this case, two restoring elements 258 are provided, which are designed as helical springs 260. The helical springs 260 are compression springs that are tensioned between shoulders 262 of the support part 252 and at least one fixing part (in this case, fixing part 244).

[0122] The coil springs 260 exert a restoring force on the fixing elements 244, 246. In the absence of an actuating force, this restoring force serves to move the fixing elements 244 from the release position to the locking position. The restoring force acts along the second spatial direction 186 and acts on the fixing elements 244, 246 in the direction away from the drive unit 122 (arrow 264 in Figure 6). The restoring elements 258 are also preload elements in this case. The fixing elements 244, 246 are preloaded in the direction of the locking position.

[0123] By applying a force in the opposite direction (arrow 266, in this case towards the drive device 122) to the fixing parts 244, 246, the fixing parts 244, 246 are moved from the fixing position to the release position against the restoring force of the coil springs 260.

[0124] The movement of the fixing parts 244, 246 occurs as a result of a movement of the magnetic element 154, which acts on the magnetic element 224. Based on this movement, the fixing parts 244, 246 can be acted upon by means of a release device 268, as explained below. Reference is made in particular to Figures 4, 6, and 9 to 11.

[0125] In the present embodiment, the release device 268 comprises an eccentric body 270, a stop element 272 and a corresponding stop element 274. It is understood that this embodiment is exemplary.

[0126] The eccentric body 270 is rotatably connected to a bearing projection 276 of the fixing part 244. Reference numeral 278 indicates the axis of rotation. The bearing projection 276 is located on the side of the fixing part 244 facing away from the actuating device 226 and above a bearing element 280 of the frame 188, in this case formed by the retaining section 190.

[0127] The eccentric body 270 is rotatably mounted in the bearing part 280. The reference numeral 282 indicates the corresponding axis of rotation. Figures 10 and 11 show a bearing element 284, for example a rolling bearing element, and a return element 286 for reversing any rotation.

[0128] The axes of rotation 278, 282 are spaced apart from each other and aligned parallel to each other.

[0129] On the side facing the guide section 180, the stop element 272, which in this case is designed as a cam 288, is arranged on the eccentric body 270. The contour of the cam 288 is shown with dashed lines in Figure 10. The cam 288 itself is shown in Figure 9. The cam 288 is arranged at a distance from the axis of rotation 282.

[0130] The corresponding stop element 274 is arranged on the guide section 180 on its side facing away from the actuating device 226 and is designed in this case as a plate 290.

[0131] When the stop elements 272, 274 are in contact with each other, the eccentric body 270 and, via this, the fixing parts 244, 246 can be subjected to a retaining force. The retaining force opposes the restoring force of the coil springs 260, in this case, in particular, a preload force. In contrast, the retaining force is absent when the stop elements 272, 274 are arranged at a distance from each other.

[0132] As can be seen particularly from Figures 5 to 8, the fixing parts 244, 246 assume the fixing position in the absence of such contact, since they are subjected to a force acting in the direction of arrow 264 via the helical springs 260 and engage in the cross-sections of the through-openings 214. The containers 102 are thereby fixed.

[0133] When the magnetic element 224 is moved in the first spatial direction 156, the receiving body 184 is initially moved as a whole in the second spatial direction 186. The fixing parts 244, 246 assume the fixing position. The stop elements 272, 274 are spaced apart from each other (Figure 9). The offset of the containers 102 in the rows 206 can be compensated for by this movement (Figure 7).

[0134] It is now assumed that the receiving body 184 is further subjected to a displacement force in the second spatial direction 186 via the force deflection element 234 as a result of the movement of the magnetic element 224. During this further displacement of the receiving body 184, the stop elements 272 and 274 come into contact with each other. This allows the retaining force to be exerted on the cam 288. This retaining force is transmitted to the eccentric body 270, which rotates about the axis of rotation 282. Furthermore, the retaining force is transmitted via the rotatable connection on the axis of rotation 278 to the fixing part 244.

[0135] This results in the fixing parts 244, 246 being held back relative to the support device 158, whereas the receiving parts 208, 210 are displaced further in the second spatial direction 186. The fixing parts 244, 246 are displaced relative to the receiving parts 208, 210 against the restoring force of the coil springs 260.

[0136] The displacement continues until the fixing parts 244, 246 assume the release position and the through-openings 214, 248 are aligned with each other (Figure 8). This allows the carrier 104 to be removed or inserted into the receiving device 136.

[0137] When the magnetic element 224 moves away from the magnetic element 164 in the opposite direction 156, the fixing parts 244, 246 move back into their fixed position under the restoring force of the helical springs 260 when the contact between the stop elements 272, 274 is lost. The eccentric body 270 is then rotated back to its initial position by the restoring element 286 (in this case, a torsion spring).

[0138] It is therefore particularly advantageous that the offset of the receiving parts 208, 210 and the fixing via the fixing parts 244, 246 can be triggered by means of the actuating device 226. The use of the electromagnetic drive device 122 proves to be particularly versatile.

[0139] The receiving body 184 comprises an actuating element 292. The actuating element 292 is connected to the fixing part 244 and extends through the receiving part 208. It is arranged on the side from which the carrier 104 is inserted into the receiving body 184. In this case, the actuating element 292 has the form of a handle.

[0140] The actuating element 292 allows the user to manually release the fixing of the containers 102. For this purpose, the actuating element 292 must be actuated with a force in the direction of arrow 266 to move the fixing parts 244, 246 against the force of the coil springs 260.

[0141] Preferably, the actuating element 292 forms a locking element and covers connecting elements, in this case screws, which otherwise fix the receiving part 208 and the support part 252 to the receiving body 184 when the coil springs 260 are under high tension (Figure 8). The screws, on the other hand, can be accessed for disassembly when the fixing parts 244, 246 are in the fixing position and the coil springs 260 are fully or largely relaxed (Figures 5 and 7). The receiving devices 136, 146 can include format parts 294 (Figures 2 and 3). In particular, the receiving bodies 184 are format parts 294. Each format part 294 can be selectively connected to the support device 158 to perform a format change. The format parts 294 differ from one another in at least one carrier-specific and / or container-specific property.

[0142] Reference symbol list

[0143] Plant Container Carrier Nest Frame Stand Element Mounting Surface Tabletop Transport System Substructure Guide Device Drive Device Processing Station Weighing Station Filling Station Filling Needle Closing Station Closing Element Guide Element Transport Direction Receiving Device Control Device Holding Device Gripping Device Holding Device

[0144] Mounting device, drive unit, housing, magnetic element, magnetic element, first spatial direction, transport device, frame, first working element, magnetic element, guide member, guide roller, groove

[0145] Guide element groove

[0146] Guide element rail, guide section, profile element, receiving body, second spatial direction, frame, retaining section, connecting section, guide link, guide roller, retaining link, base body, receiving link, through opening, row

[0147] Receiving part Receiving part Receiving space Through opening Recess Floor Row Second working element Magnetic element Actuating device Holding part Guide member Guide roller Force deflection element Lever

[0148] Swivel axis Swivel axis End section Fixing part Fixing part Through opening Pressure element Support part Frame Roller Return element Coil spring Heel Arrow Arrow

[0149] Release device, eccentric body, stop element, stop element, bearing projection, pivot axis, bearing part, pivot axis, bearing element, return element, cam, plate, actuating element, format part

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Receiving device for a carrier (104) in which a plurality of pharmaceutical containers (102) can be arranged for common transport, in particular for a nest (106), wherein the receiving device (136; 146) is configured to be moved along a first spatial direction (156) on a guide device (120) of a plant (100) for processing the containers (102), wherein the receiving device (136; 146) comprises a support device (158) and a receiving body (184) on which the carrier (104) can be detachably arranged in a defined position, characterized in that a first acting element (162) is fixed on the support device (158), by the actuation of which the receiving device (136;146) is movable in the first spatial direction (156), that the receiving body (184) is slidably held on the support device (158) for a relative movement along a second spatial direction (186) which is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the first spatial direction (156), and that the receiving device (136; 146) comprises an actuating device (226) for the receiving body (184), which comprises a second acting element (222) slidably held on the support device (158) along the first spatial direction (156) and a force deflection element (234) coupled to this, which is directly or indirectly connected to the receiving body (184), for displacing the receiving body (184) relative to the support device (158) depending on an actuation of the second acting element (222).; 2. Receiving device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first active element (162) and / or the second active element (222) is a magnetic element (164, 224) comprising at least one permanent magnet and movable by means of an electromagnetically designed drive device (122).

3. Receiving device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the force deflection element (234) is a lever (236) or comprises a lever (236) which is pivotally connected to the receiving body (184) and to the second acting element (222) or is connected to a holding part (228) of the actuating device (226) for the second working element (222), in particular at opposite end sections (242).

4. Receiving device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second working element (222) or a retaining part (228) of the actuating device (226) for the second working element (222) is slidably mounted on the support device (158) in the first spatial direction (156), wherein the support device (158) forms at least one guide element (176) which engages with the second working element (222) or the retaining part (228).

5. Receiving device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving body (184) is slidably mounted on the support device (158) along the second spatial direction (186), wherein the support device (158) in particular comprises or forms a frame (160) which forms at least one guide element (172) which engages with the receiving body (184).

6. Receiving device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support device (158) has guide members (166) which are designed to be in a guide engagement with guide elements (132) of the guide device (120), wherein the guide members (166) are preferably guide rollers (168).

7. Receiving device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving body (184) comprises a recess (216) into which the support (104) can preferably be inserted in a form-fitting manner and on the bottom (218) of which the support (104) preferably rests flat.

8. Receiving device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving body (184) comprises at least one receiving part (208, 210) in which a plurality of through-openings (214) are formed through which containers (102) received in the carrier (104) pass through.

9. Receiving device according to claim 8, characterized in that the receiving body (184) comprises a first receiving part (208) and a second receiving part (210) which are directly or indirectly connected to each other and whose through-openings (214) are aligned with each other, wherein the containers (102) extend through the aligned through-openings (214), and that preferably a receiving space (212) is formed between the first receiving part (208) and the second receiving part (210) in which at least one fixing part (244, 246) for fixing the containers (102) to the receiving body (184) is arranged.

10. Receiving device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the receiving body (184) comprises at least one fixing part (244, 246) in which a plurality of through-openings (248) are formed and which can be moved relative to the at least one receiving part (208, 210) from a fixing position to a release position and vice versa, wherein in the release position the through-openings (248) of the at least one fixing part (244, 246) are aligned with the through-openings (214) of the at least one receiving part (208, 210) and containers (102) which extend through the through-openings (214, 248) are released, and wherein in the fixing position the through-openings (248) of the at least one fixing part (244, 246) and the through-openings (214) of the at least one receiving part (208, 210) are positioned offset relative to each other.

11. Receiving device according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one fixing part (244, 246) is movable and in particular displaceable relative to the at least one receiving part (208, 210) in the second spatial direction (186).

12. Receiving device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that deformable pressure elements (250) are arranged at the edges of the through-openings (248) of the at least one fixing part (244, 246), which bear against the containers (102) in the fixing position.

13. Receiving device according to claim 12, characterized in that the receiving body (184) comprises two fixing parts (244, 246) connected directly or indirectly to each other, the through-openings (248) of which are aligned with each other and between which the pressure elements (250) are held.

14. Receiving device according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the at least one fixing part (244, 246) can be moved from the fixing position to the release position against the restoring force of at least one restoring element (258), wherein the at least one restoring element (258) preferably forms a preloading element which applies a preloading force to the at least one fixing part (244, 246) in the fixing position.

15. Receiving device according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the at least one fixing part (244, 246) is arranged in a form-fitting manner between opposing sections of a support part (252) in the first spatial direction (156) and / or in the second spatial direction (186), in particular that the support part (252) comprises or forms a frame (254) which surrounds the at least one fixing part (244, 246).

16. Receiving device according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the receiving body (184) comprises an actuating element (292) which is connected to the at least one fixing part (244, 246) and with which the at least one fixing part (244, 246) can be manually moved by a user from the fixing position to the release position.

17. Receiving device according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the at least one fixing part (244, 246) can be moved from the fixing position to the release position as a result of an actuation of the second working element (222) relative to the at least one receiving part (208, 210).

18. Recording device according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the receiving body (184) comprises a release device (268) which is coupled to the at least one fixing part (244, 246) and which comprises a movable stop element (272) which, as a result of a movement of the receiving body (184) in the second spatial direction (186) is movable towards a corresponding stop element (272, 274) of the support device (158), wherein, upon contact of the stop elements (274) with each other, the at least one fixing part (244, 246) can be subjected to a retaining force which is directed opposite to the restoring force of the at least one restoring element (258).

19. Receiving device according to claim 18, characterized in that the at least one receiving part (208, 210) moves further in the second spatial direction (186) relative to the support device (158) via the force deflection element (234) when the receiving body (184) is further actuated, whereas the at least one fixing part (244, 246) is held back on the support device (158) as a result of the retaining force and is moved against the restoring force relative to the at least one receiving part (208, 210) to transfer the at least one fixing part (244, 246) from the fixing position to the release position.

20. Receiving device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the release device (268) comprises an eccentric body (270) rotatably connected to the at least one fixing part (244, 246) about a first axis of rotation (278) and rotatably mounted on a bearing part (280) of the receiving body (184) about a second axis of rotation (282) aligned parallel to the first axis of rotation (278), wherein the stop element (272) of the release device (268) is arranged at a distance from the second axis of rotation (282).

21. Plant for processing pharmaceutical containers (102), comprising a guide device (120), a drive device (122), at least one receiving device (136; 146) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one processing station (124) for the containers (102), which is arranged on the guide device (120) and which comprises a filling station (128) for filling the containers (102) and / or a closing station (130) for closing filled containers (102).

2. System according to claim 21, characterized in that the drive device (122) is an electromagnetic drive device (122) and comprises drive units (148) for providing alternating electromagnetic fields and magnetic elements (152, 154) which are assigned to the first active element (162) and the second active element (222) and by means of which the active elements (162, 222) can be moved independently of one another along a transport direction (134) of the guide device (120), wherein the active elements (162, 222) are magnetic elements (164, 224).

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