Device and method for processing pharmaceutical containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for processing pharmaceutical containers (102) which are accommodated in a common carrier (108), in particular in a nest (110), comprising a transport device (114) which defines a transport direction (116), the carriers (108) being transportable one after the other in the transport direction (116) along a transport path on the transport device (114), and a weighing station (138) for weighing a plurality of containers (102), in particular simultaneously. A respective gripping device (130) is associated with at least some of the carriers (108); a specified number of containers (102) can be removed from each carrier (108) via a receiving device (164, 166) and transferred to a gripping device (130) gripping tool (132) on which the containers (102) can be held; the gripping tool (132) can be moved on the transport device (114) along the transport path; the weighing station (138) is at least partly movable and can be transferred from a storage position, in which the transport path is released in order to move the carriers (108) and the gripping device (130) past the weighing station (138), into a weighing position and vice versa; in the weighing position, weighing elements (146) of the weighing station (138) are provided on the transport path; and the containers (102) which are removed from the carrier (108) and are situated in the gripping tool (132) can be positioned on the weighing elements (146) of the weighing station (138) in order to weigh the containers in the unfilled and / or filled state when the weighing station (138) assumes the weighing position. The invention further relates to a method for processing pharmaceutical containers (102).

Description

[0001] DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING PHARMACEUTICAL CONTAINERS

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for processing pharmaceutical containers which are received in a common carrier, in particular in a nest, comprising a transport device which defines a transport direction, wherein the carriers can be transported successively along a transport path on the transport device along the transport direction, and a weighing station for weighing, in particular simultaneously, a plurality of containers.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for processing pharmaceutical containers.

[0004] The containers can be processed using a device of the type mentioned above, wherein they are held in a common support. The support is, for example, a nest in which the containers are arranged in rows. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0005] It is known that the containers held in the carrier are filled with a liquid product, for example, at a filling station and then sealed at a closing station of the device. The containers can be, for example, syringes, vials, cartridges, and / or ampoules.

[0006] With regard to in-process control (IPC; hereinafter referred to as "process control"), it is known that containers can be removed from the carrier and fed to the weighing station in an empty state (tare weighing). After filling, the containers can be weighed again in their filled state (gross weighing) to check the fill level.

[0007] Such a device is described, for example, in DE 10 2017 100 010 A1. This device has the disadvantage of a relatively complex design, employing two gripping devices and two weighing stations to transport the containers to the weighing stations located laterally alongside the transport path. After filling, a relatively long time elapses before the containers are sealed. This can impair the product, for example, through contamination or, in the case of oxygen-sensitive products, through exposure to the ambient atmosphere.

[0008] WO 2021 / 018428 A1 describes a device in which a carrier holder, including the carrier, is positioned on a weighing station. The containers are filled individually, which makes the processing very slow.

[0009] A device in which a plurality of containers are weighed and filled within a carrier is described in DE 10 2016207600 A1. The weighing station is located below a filling station, and the carrier is situated between the two stations. The containers are lifted, weighed, filled, weighed again, and lowered by means of the weighing station. This device proves to be rather inflexible. The positioning of the weighing station below the carrier spatially limits the selection and arrangement of weighing elements in order to reach containers arranged densely within the carrier (for example, in a nest). Furthermore, components of the filling station are positioned above open containers, which poses a risk of contamination by falling particles.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a generic device and a method in which process control is possible during the processing of the containers, which does not slow down the processing process if possible, or only to a small extent, and preferably allows for a versatile design for processing different carriers and / or containers.

[0011] This problem is solved according to the invention in a device of the type mentioned at the outset by assigning a gripping device to at least one part of the carriers, wherein a predefined number of containers can be removed from the carrier via a receiving device and transferred to a gripping tool of the gripping device, on which the containers can be held, wherein the gripping tool is movable along the transport path on the transport device, that the weighing station is designed to be at least partially movable and can be moved from a storage position, in which the transport path is clear for the carriers and the gripping device to pass the weighing station, to a weighing position and vice versa, wherein weighing elements of the weighing station are arranged on the transport path in the weighing position.and that the containers removed from the carrier and arranged in the gripping tool can be positioned at the weighing elements of the weighing station for weighing in their empty and / or filled state when the weighing station is in the weighing position. The present invention incorporates the consideration of separating the process control of those containers removed from the carrier from the processing of the containers remaining in the carrier. Processing can take place, in particular, on the transport path, whereby the weighing station can be moved from the storage position to the weighing position for weighing operations. The containers can be removed from the carrier via the receiving device. The containers are then positioned in the gripping tool and can be positioned at the weighing elements of the weighing station by the gripping tool, which can be moved along the transport path. Preferably, it is possible, as will be discussed below,The system allows for the weighing of removed containers in their empty and / or filled states. For example, the containers can be weighed empty, filled at the weighing station, and preferably weighed simultaneously or immediately thereafter in their filled state. In particular, subsequent sealing of the removed containers before they are reinserted into the carrier is also conceivable. The containers remaining in the carrier can be processed independently of this. Preferably, a filling station and a closing station are arranged on the transport device in such a way as to achieve a high processing speed, while simultaneously ensuring process control based on the removed containers.

[0012] The weighing station could be designed to be at least partially movable.

[0013] For example, the entire weighing station can be moved to switch between the storage position and the weighing position. It is understood that any connecting lines, for instance, will not be moved or will only be partially moved.

[0014] Alternatively, the weighing station may be designed to be only partially movable, specifically its weighing elements being movable to allow the station to be moved from the storage position to the weighing position, and vice versa. When the weighing elements are moved, a housing or body of the weighing station may remain in position during the transition. The weighing elements may be raised and / or lowered individually or in groups of two or more, particularly as needed. In this context, "storage position" may be referred to as the "storage state" and "weighing position" as the "weighing state."

[0015] The transport device can be designed in various ways. For example, a magnetic transport system is conceivable, in which an electromagnetic drive unit moves magnetic elements that, in turn, can interact with magnetic elements on the carriers, the gripping device, and / or the carrier receptacles. Other designs of the transport device, not limited to the above configuration, are also conceivable.

[0016] The weighing elements are, for example, weighing plates or cups on which or in which the containers can be placed. Alternatively, clamp-like holders for the containers are conceivable.

[0017] "Arranged in the gripping tool" can, in this case, be understood to mean, in particular, that the containers are held by the gripping tool. For example, it can be understood that the containers are released by means of the gripping tool, for instance during a weighing process, and can then be picked up again by the gripping tool.

[0018] The containers arranged in the gripper can be positioned at the weighing elements, for example, by moving the gripper along the transport path and / or by moving the weighing station from the storage position to the weighing position. It is conceivable, for instance, that the containers assume a target position along the transport direction, whereupon the weighing station is moved, at least partially. Conversely, it is possible that the weighing station is already in the weighing position and the containers are moved towards the weighing station in the transport direction.

[0019] It can be advantageous to assign a gripping device to each carrier, allowing containers removed from the carrier to be held by that gripping device. This makes it possible to perform process control for each carrier.

[0020] It is conceivable that even in the last-mentioned advantageous embodiment, process control is not performed for every carrier. This could, for example, depend on the control of the receiving device. It could be designed so that containers are inserted into the gripping tool from some of the carriers, whereas such removal is omitted from other carriers, even if a gripping device is assigned to the carrier. Such a design gives the device a high degree of versatility.

[0021] It may be provided that each carrier is assigned a carrier receptacle to which the carrier can be detachably attached and which is movable along the transport path on the transport device. The carrier receptacle, for example a nest receptacle in the case of a nest, can be moved by means of the transport device. Here, for example, the aforementioned magnetic transport is used, whereby at least one magnetic element is held on the nest receptacle.

[0022] The supports and / or support holders are preferably movable independently of each other on the transport device. For this purpose, a control unit of the device is used, for example, which controls and / or regulates its operation. For example, the supports and / or support holders can be movable in the direction of transport and against the direction of transport.

[0023] The transport device can be linearly extended, allowing for straight-line transport in the direction of travel. Other configurations are conceivable.

[0024] As mentioned above, the gripping tool is movable along the transport path. It is possible for the gripping tool, as well as the carrier and the carrier receptacle itself, to be driven by the transport device. Alternatively, a coupling with the carrier or the carrier receptacle is conceivable, which could be optionally released.

[0025] For example, the gripping device is designed to be immobile relative to the carrier or carrier receptacle with respect to the direction of transport. In this case, there is, for example, a mechanical or other type of coupling between the gripping device and the carrier or carrier receptacle.

[0026] Alternatively, it can be provided that the gripping device relates to the

[0027] The transport direction is designed to be movable relative to the carrier or carrier receptacle and, for example, to be independently movable. In particular, the gripping device can be movable within the transport device independently of the carrier or carrier receptacle. This allows, for example, the possibility of varying the distance between the gripping device—and thus the containers arranged on the gripping tool—and the carrier. This results in a more versatile design for the device.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiving device is designed separately from the gripping device. This allows the receiving device and the gripping device to be designed optimally with regard to their respective functions. The containers can be picked up by the receiving device and then inserted into the gripping tool.

[0029] In another embodiment of the invention, the gripping device may form the receiving device. This eliminates the need for a separate receiving device.

[0030] It can be advantageous if the receiving device is arranged stationary on the transport device with respect to the direction of transport, which allows for a structurally simple design.

[0031] The receiving device may include a lifting drive for lifting the containers from the carrier and for lowering the containers into the gripping tool.

[0032] The receiving device preferably comprises support elements and a lifting drive for the support elements, with which the containers to be removed from the carrier can be lifted from below and / or by which the containers held on the receiving device can be supported from below when inserted into the gripping tool. In this way, the containers can be reliably received and / or reliably inserted into the gripping tool.

[0033] To receive the containers, the receiving device may be designed to include two receiving sections that are movable relative to each other. For example, the receiving sections can be pivoted relative to each other, thereby creating different distances between them. When the receiving sections are close together, they can, for example, hold the containers between them. When separated, the containers can be released from or inserted into the receiving device.

[0034] Similarly, the gripping tool may be designed to comprise two gripping sections that are movable relative to each other, particularly along the transport direction, and to allow the containers to be held between the gripping sections when they are in a close position, and to allow them to be released or repositioned when the gripping sections are in a distance position. For moving the two gripping sections relative to each other, a transport device (such as a magnetic transport system) that is operatively connected to the gripping device may be used.

[0035] From a design perspective, the receiving device with its receiving sections and the gripping device with its gripping sections can be functionally identical, apart from, for example, the pivoting movement or the movement along the transport direction. Both devices can define a gripper bar, which in the case of the gripping device can be the gripping tool.

[0036] Preferably, the device can be configured to specify a predefined number of containers to be removed from the carrier. This could be a number of containers and / or their position within the carrier.

[0037] The receiving device advantageously allows containers arranged in a row within the carrier to be removed, for example, in the case of a nest. In particular, at least one entire continuous row of a carrier, and especially of a nest, can be removed. The containers arranged in the nest are, for example, staggered (spaced apart) in a row.

[0038] For example, in a 100-container nest with ten rows of ten containers each, ten containers (one row) can be removed, allowing for a 10% IPC (input pressure measurement).

[0039] It can be advantageous if the containers can be removed from the front of the carrier using the receiving device, relative to the direction of transport. For example, the frontmost row of a nest is removed.

[0040] It could be provided that it is possible to specify where on the carrier the containers can be removed using the receiving device. This could, for example, be changeable during operation of the device.

[0041] In combination with the last-mentioned advantageous embodiment, it can be beneficial if the gripping tool is arranged in front of the carrier with respect to the transport direction. For example, the first row of a nest can be inserted into the gripping tool arranged in front of the carrier.

[0042] This makes it possible, for example, to weigh, refill, reweigh, and reinsert the removed containers at the weighing station without slowing down the processing of the containers remaining in the carrier.

[0043] When removing the containers from the carrier, it may be provided that the carrier and the gripping device move in the opposite direction of transport if the receiving device is arranged stationary with respect to the direction of transport.

[0044] The containers are preferably removable from the carrier, while containers on a carrier preceding it in the transport direction can be filled with a product using a filling station and / or closed using a closing station. This ensures a rapid processing process.

[0045] For the same purpose, it may be advantageous if the carrier and the gripping tool are movable in the transport direction, while containers of a carrier preceding in the transport direction can be filled with a product by means of a filling station and / or closed by means of a closing station.

[0046] The weighing station, which is arranged on the transport path in the weighing position, is preferably stationary relative to the transport direction on the transport device. This allows for a structurally simple design.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a lifting drive for the weighing station, which can be at least partially raised to move from the storage position to the weighing position and lowered to move from the weighing position to the storage position. In this configuration, for example, weighing elements in the weighing position can engage in a gap between guide elements of the transport device.

[0048] In the storage position, the weighing station is located outside the transport path and is traversed by the gripping device and the carrier or carrier holder. Position and orientation information, as well as operations such as "above," "below," and corresponding operations like "lifting" or "lowering," refer here to the intended use of the device. The device is positioned on a surface within a room, such as a production hall or laboratory.

[0049] The number of weighing elements is preferably at least as large as the number of positions of the gripping tool, enabling all containers to be weighed, preferably simultaneously.

[0050] As already mentioned, the device preferably includes a filling station for filling the containers. The filling station includes, for example, filling elements in the form of filling needles, through which the product, for example, a liquid, can be filled into the containers.

[0051] It is advantageous if the containers arranged in the gripping tool can be filled using the filling station, either when the containers are held in the gripping tool and / or when the containers are positioned at the weighing elements and released by the gripping tool. This enables a simple processing procedure with integrated process control, in which the filled containers are weighed again at the weighing station.

[0052] The number of filling points, for example filling needles, is preferably at least as large as the number of points on the gripping tool. This allows all containers to be filled, preferably simultaneously.

[0053] The weighing of the containers arranged in the gripping tool, which may be held on the gripping tool or may be released by means of the gripping tool while they are on the weighing elements, can be carried out in the filled state or, for example, already during the filling process.

[0054] After the containers arranged in the gripper have been weighed, the weighing station can be moved from the weighing position to the storage position, thus clearing the transport path. Beforehand, for example, containers that have been released can be picked up again by the gripper.

[0055] For a high processing rate, it is advantageous if the containers not removed from the carrier can be filled while still in the carrier. The filling station can be equipped with an adjustment unit that allows the filling station, at least in sections, to be moved either in the direction of transport or against it. For example, a filling tool with filling needles can be moved either in or against the direction of transport.

[0056] For example, after filling the containers arranged in the gripper, the filling station can be moved against the direction of transport to fill containers in the carrier. Alternatively or additionally, the filling station can be moved in the direction of transport to fill containers in the carrier while the carrier itself is moving in the direction of transport.

[0057] The adjustment unit can, for example, be designed robotically.

[0058] The device preferably comprises a closing station for sealing filled containers. Closure elements, such as piston plugs or mushroom plugs, can be placed in or onto the containers. The closing station can include closure elements designed, for example, as push-fit or push-in elements.

[0059] The number of positions on the locking station, for example the number of locking elements, is preferably at least as large as the number of positions on the gripping tool. This allows all removed containers to be closed by the locking station, preferably simultaneously.

[0060] The closing station is advantageously arranged downstream of the filling station in the direction of transport and / or preferably positioned close to or immediately behind the filling station. In this way, the time between filling and closing can be kept as short as possible to avoid product degradation.

[0061] The locking station is preferably arranged in a stationary position relative to the transport direction on the transport device. For example, the locking elements only perform a lifting movement to position the locking elements.

[0062] It follows from the above that the containers arranged in the gripping tool can advantageously be closed by means of the closing station while they are held by the gripping tool. Following the closing of the containers in the gripping tool, the containers in the carrier can advantageously be closed by means of the closing station, preferably immediately after filling by means of the filling station.

[0063] The filling station can, for example, be moved towards the closing station during the filling of the containers in the carrier, for example via the aforementioned adjustment unit, while the carrier is movable towards the closing station.

[0064] The device preferably includes a further receiving device with which the containers arranged in the gripping tool can be removed from the gripping tool and reinserted into the carrier. In this way, the carrier can be refilled with containers. The containers can be replaced after or during the process of completely filling and closing the containers in the carrier.

[0065] The further recording device is preferably designed identically to the recording device already mentioned, so that reference can be made to the preceding statements in this regard.

[0066] As mentioned at the outset, the present invention also relates to a method. A method according to the invention for processing pharmaceutical containers that are received in a common carrier, in particular in a nest, wherein carriers are movable along a transport path in a transport direction on a transport device, comprises:

[0067] Removing, by means of a receiving device, a predefined number of containers from a carrier,

[0068] Transferring the containers to a gripping tool,

[0069] Moving the containers along the direction of transport,

[0070] Transferring a weighing station, at least partially, from a storage position to a weighing position on the transport route, and

[0071] Weighing the containers arranged in the gripping tool, in the empty and / or filled state.

[0072] The advantages already mentioned in connection with the explanation of the device according to the invention can also be achieved by carrying out the method. Reference is made to the preceding explanations. Advantageous embodiments of the method result from advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention. In this respect as well, reference is made to the preceding explanations.

[0073] The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, in conjunction with the drawing, serves to further explain the invention. A preferred embodiment of the method can be carried out with the described device. The drawing shows:

[0074] Figure 1: a perspective schematic representation of the inventive

[0075] Device in a preferred embodiment;

[0076] Figures 2 to 9: Top views of the device from Figure 1 in a partial representation at different, successive points in time;

[0077] Figure 10: a schematic representation of a recording device, a

[0078] Gripping device and a carrier with containers of the device; and

[0079] Figures 11 and 12: Representations corresponding to Figure 10 at later times.

[0080] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention for processing pharmaceutical containers, designated by reference numeral 100. By way of example, Figure 1 shows a container 102 in the form of a syringe. However, the invention is not limited to this.

[0081] The device 100 comprises a frame 104, which is placed on a mounting surface 106 in a room such as a production hall. It is understood that the device 100 may include a covering device, such as a machine guard or an isolator device, which is not shown in the drawing.

[0082] The device 100 can be used to fill the containers 102 with a product, particularly a liquid, while performing process control and then sealing them. During process control, the empty containers 102 are weighed (tare weighing). After or during filling, the containers 102 are weighed again (gross weighing). In the event of any deviations from a target weight, countermeasures can be taken, and in the case of underfilling, refilling can be carried out.

[0083] In device 100, the containers 102 are held in a common support 108. In the present example, the support 108 is a nest 110 in which the containers 102 are arranged in several rows 112 (Figure 2). In each row 112, the containers 102 are staggered (spaced apart).

[0084] The nest 110 comprises ten rows 112, each containing ten containers 102, and can therefore hold 100 containers. It is understood that the invention is not limited to this configuration of the carrier 108.

[0085] For transporting the carriers 108, the device 100 includes a transport device 114. In this case, the transport device 114 is designed to extend linearly and enables the transport of the carriers 108 in a transport direction 116. It is also possible to move the carriers 108 against the transport direction 116. During processing, the carriers 108 are moved along a transport path of the transport device 114.

[0086] The transport device 114 comprises at least one guide element 118. Two such guide elements 118 are provided, arranged at a distance from each other (Figures 1 and 2).

[0087] Each carrier 108 is assigned a carrier receptacle 120, which can be moved along the guide elements 118. The carrier 108 can be detachably held on the carrier receptacle 120, which in the case of the nest 110 is a nest receptacle.

[0088] The transport device 114 is designed as an electromagnetic transport device for magnetic transport. For this purpose, it comprises an electromagnetic drive unit 122, which generates alternating electromagnetic fields. This allows magnetic elements 124 to be moved along the transport direction 116. Figure 2 schematically shows three magnetic elements 124. The drive unit 122 and the magnetic elements 124 are housed in a casing 126.

[0089] Outside the housing 126, magnetic elements 128 are arranged which can interact with a corresponding magnetic element 124. For example, a magnetic element 128 is fixed to the carrier receptacle 120, which allows the carrier to move when the corresponding magnetic element 124 moves.

[0090] In the present embodiment, a gripping device 130 is assigned to each carrier 108, with which containers 102 can be held that have previously been removed from the carrier 108. The gripping device 130 comprises a gripping tool 132.

[0091] The gripping tool 132 is arranged on the transport device 114. The gripping device 130 is positioned upstream of the respective carrier 108 and its carrier receptacle 120 with respect to the transport direction 116.

[0092] It may be provided that the gripping device 130 is designed to be immovable relative to the carrier 108, for example in the case of a mechanical coupling with the carrier 108 or the carrier receptacle 120.

[0093] Alternatively, the gripping device 130 can be moved independently of the carrier 108 on the transport device 114. In this case, the movement can be controlled and / or regulated, for example, by a control unit 134, which controls and / or regulates the operation of the device 100 as a whole.

[0094] In the present example, the gripping device 130 is movable independently of the carrier 108 (which is arranged in the carrier receptacle 120). For this purpose, the gripping device 130 comprises magnetic elements 128 which can interact with corresponding magnetic elements 124 (Figure 2).

[0095] Two magnetic elements 128 are provided, each of which is connected to one of two gripping sections 136 of the gripping tool 132.

[0096] The gripping sections 136 are designed to be movable relative to each other along the transport direction 116 by moving the magnetic elements 124 relative to each other. The gripping sections 136 can assume a close-proximity position. In this close-proximity position, containers 102 can be held between the gripping sections 136. In a spaced position, the gripping sections 136 are further apart than in the close-proximity position. This allows the containers 102 to be released or, conversely, picked up.

[0097] The gripping sections 136 together form a gripper bar. For processing the containers 102, the device 100 includes a weighing station 138. In the present embodiment, the weighing station 138 is designed to be movable as a whole and, in this example, is height-adjustable. In particular, it is possible to position the weighing station 138 below the transport device 114 (Figure 1). This allows the weighing station 138 to pass unhindered by gripping devices 130 and support brackets 120. In this case, the weighing station 138 assumes a storage position.

[0098] From the storage position, the weighing station 138 can be raised by means of a lifting drive 140 and moved into a weighing position. In the weighing position, the weighing station 138 is located at the transport device 114. In the weighing position, the weighing elements 146 engage between the guide elements 118. From the weighing position, the weighing station 138 can be lowered back into the storage position.

[0099] In Figures 2 to 9, the weighing station 138 is shown only by its outline for clarity. When the weighing station 138 is in the lowered storage position, this is shown by a dashed and dotted pattern 142 (Figures 2 to 5 and 9). Conversely, when the weighing station 138 is in the raised weighing position, this is shown by a more densely dashed pattern 144 (Figures 6 to 8).

[0100] The weighing station 138 comprises weighing elements 146, in this case weighing plates or weighing cups. Alternatively, gripper-like holding elements for the containers 102 are conceivable. During weighing, the containers 102 are preferably freed by the gripping tool 132.

[0101] The number of weighing elements 146, and thus the number of positions of the weighing station 138, is at least as large as the number of positions of the gripping tool 132. This allows all containers 102 to be weighed, preferably simultaneously.

[0102] Instead of being able to raise and lower the entire weighing station 138, the invention also provides for the weighing station 138 to be only partially movable. For example, the weighing elements 146 can be raised by means of a lifting drive to move the weighing station 138 into the weighing position. Conversely, the weighing elements 146 can be lowered to move the weighing station 138 back into the storage position. When the weighing elements 146 are moved, for example, a housing or body of the weighing station 138 can remain in its position.

[0103] The weighing elements 146 can, for example, be raised and / or lowered individually or in groups of two or more, depending on requirements.

[0104] The device 100 further comprises a filling station 148. The filling station 148 is positioned downstream of the weighing station 138 in the transport direction 116 and comprises a filling tool 150. The filling tool 150 comprises filling elements, in this case in the form of filling needles 152 (Figure 1). The product, which is particularly liquid, can be filled into the containers 102 via the filling needles 152. It is understood that the device 100 may also include conveying units for the product.

[0105] The filling tool 150 can perform a lifting movement to insert the filling needles 152 into the containers 102 and lift them out. Furthermore, the filling tool 150 can be moved against the transport direction 116 and in the transport direction 116 via an adjustment unit 154. The adjustment unit 154 is, for example, robotically designed and implemented using an articulated robot arm.

[0106] For the sake of clarity, figures 2 to 9 of filling station 148 only show the filling tool 150, which is symbolized by a contour line 156.

[0107] The device 100 comprises a closing station 158 for closing filled containers 102. The closing station 158 is arranged downstream of the filling station 148 with respect to the transport direction 116. Closing elements, in this case in the form of insertion elements 160 (designed as plungers), are provided for pressing closure elements (not shown in the drawing) into the containers 102 (Figure 1). Furthermore, the closing station 158 includes set pieces 162 for receiving the closure elements.

[0108] The locking elements are supplied, for example, in a manner known per se, from a supply for actuating feed tracks, one of which receives the locking elements and transfers them into the setting pieces 162. The pressing elements 160 and the setting pieces 162 only perform a lifting movement in this case. Furthermore, the closing station 158 is stationary with respect to the transport direction 116 on the transport device 114.

[0109] For a clearer graphic representation, the position of the locking station 158 is shown in figures 2 to 9 by means of a contour line 163.

[0110] To enable the fastest possible sealing of filled containers 102, the distance between the filling station 148 and the closing station 158 is relatively small. This is advantageous to avoid any impairment of the filled product.

[0111] Furthermore, the device 100, located upstream of the weighing station 138, comprises a receiving device 164. Containers 102 can be removed from the carrier 108 via the receiving device 164 and inserted into the gripping tool 132.

[0112] Downstream of the closing station 158 in the transport direction 116, the device 100 comprises a further receiving device 166. The receiving device 166 is used to pick up filled and sealed containers 102 from the gripping tool 132 and place them back into the carrier 108.

[0113] For a clearer graphic representation, the position of the recording devices 164, 166 is shown in Figures 2 to 9 by means of hatched rectangles 168 and 170 respectively.

[0114] Since the receiving devices 164 and 166 are identically designed and operate in reverse, only receiving device 164 will be discussed for the purpose of explaining its function, with reference to Figures 10 to 12 (in which the carrier receiving device 120 is omitted for clarity). The explanations provided apply accordingly to receiving device 166, with the proviso that the containers 102 are not removed from the carrier 108, but rather inserted into it.

[0115] In a similar manner to how the gripping tool 132 comprises gripping sections 136, the receiving device 164 has receiving sections 172. The receiving sections 172 can be pivoted relative to each other on a base body 174 of the receiving device 164 and can selectively assume either a distance position or a close position. Furthermore, the receiving device 164 includes a lifting drive 176 for raising and lowering the base body 174.

[0116] The receiving device 164 also includes support elements 178, which can be raised or lowered individually or together via a lifting drive 180.

[0117] As can be clearly seen from Figures 10 to 12, the following procedure can be used to remove containers 102 from the carrier 108:

[0118] The support elements 178 are raised via the lifting drive 180, and the containers 102 are raised in the carrier 108 via the support elements 178. The receiving sections 172 assume a spaced position, which allows the container 102 to be inserted between the receiving sections 172.

[0119] The receiving sections 172 are then moved into the close-up position, so that the containers 102 are held against the receiving device 164. The containers 102 are lifted out of the carrier 108 via the lifting drive 176 (arrow 182).

[0120] The containers 102 can be set down in the reverse manner, whereby in the present case the carrier 108 and the gripping device 130 are first moved against the direction of transport 116 in order to position the gripping tool 132 on the stationary receiving device 164 (arrow 184).

[0121] First, the gripping sections 136 assume the spaced position so that the containers 102 can be inserted between the gripping sections 136.

[0122] The containers 102 are lowered by actuating the lifting drive 176 and can be placed on the still raised support elements 178. Subsequently, the receiving sections 172 are moved into the spaced position after the gripping sections 136 have been moved into the close position to grip the containers 102 (Figures 11 and 12). The support elements 178 can then be lowered via the lifting drive 180 (arrow 186).

[0123] The operation of the device 100 is explained below by way of example with reference to Figures 2 to 9. As mentioned, the carriers 108 are moved one after the other along the transport path in the transport direction 116. Figures 2 to 9 show the device 100 at different successive points in time. The carrier 108 arriving from the left in the drawing is processed by the device 100. The point in time shown in Figure 9, at which this carrier 108 arriving from the left has moved to the middle between the two other carriers, corresponds to a situation that exists shortly before the situation shown in Figure 2 for the carrier 108 subsequently arriving from the left.

[0124] First, the carrier 108, approaching from the left, is moved along the transport direction 116 until a first row 112 of containers 102 is arranged at the receiving device 164 (symbolized by the rectangle 168). The first row 112 of containers 102 is removed from the carrier 108 and lifted by means of the receiving device 164 (Figure 3).

[0125] The carrier 108 and the gripping device 130 are then moved against the direction of transport 116 until the gripping tool 132 is positioned below the receiving device 164 with the containers 102 (Figure 4).

[0126] Subsequently, the containers 102 are lowered and inserted into the gripping tool 132, so that the containers 102 are held by it (Figure 5).

[0127] The weighing station 138 is then moved into the weighing position by lifting it. The gripping device 130 and the subsequent carrier 108 are moved along the transport direction 116. The containers 102 are positioned on the weighing elements 146 and released from the gripping tool 132. This allows the containers 102 to be weighed in their empty state (Figure 6).

[0128] The filling tool 150 is then moved to the containers 102 located at the weighing station 138. The containers 102 are filled at the weighing station 138 (Figure 7).

[0129] Following this, the filled containers 102 are weighed to determine the fill level, whereby the containers 102 remain free.

[0130] The gripping tool 132 is then closed to pick up the containers 102. During the weighing process, the filling tool 150 is already moving in the opposite direction to the transport direction 116. It begins filling the rows 112 of the containers 102 remaining in the carrier 108 (Figure 8).

[0131] The weighing station 138 is lowered back into the storage position. Filling of the containers 102 in the carrier 108 continues (Figure 9).

[0132] The subsequent work steps are explained with reference to Figures 3 to 9, with the difference that the support 108 described so far is now the middle of the three supports in Figure 3. The same applies to the gripping device 130.

[0133] Accordingly, the containers 102 are moved to the closing station 158 in the gripping tool 132 and closed while they are held in the gripping tool 132.

[0134] Meanwhile, the containers 102 are further processed in the carrier 108. The filling tool 150 moves together with the carrier 108 in the transport direction 116 to the closing station 158 (Figure 3). Following this, any remaining containers 102 are filled and immediately sealed (Figures 4 to 7).

[0135] After the excavated containers 102 and all containers 102 in the carrier 108 have been processed, the gripping device 130 and the carrier 108 move until the gripping tool 132 is positioned below the receiving device 166 (symbolized by the rectangle 170). This is not shown in the drawing. The steps described with reference to Figures 10 to 12 are then carried out in reverse order. This removes the containers 102 from the gripping tool 132 and places them back into the carrier 108 to complete it.

[0136] The carrier 108 can then be subjected to further processing, as shown by way of example in Figure 3 with the carrier 108 shown on the far right.

[0137] The device 100 according to the invention is characterized by a high processing rate for the containers 102 while simultaneously offering reliable, versatile, and adaptable process control. A particular advantage is that stations 138, 148, and 158 are all arranged on the transport device 114, thus eliminating the need to lift containers 102 to a station outside the transport device 114. (List of reference numerals)

[0138] device

[0139] container

[0140] frame

[0141] Installation area

[0142] carrier

[0143] nest

[0144] Row

[0145] Transport facility

[0146] Direction of transport

[0147] Guide element

[0148] Carrier uptake

[0149] drive unit

[0150] Magnetic element

[0151] Housing

[0152] Magnetic element

[0153] Gripping device

[0154] Gripping tool

[0155] Control unit

[0156] Gripping section

[0157] Weighing station

[0158] Lifting drive

[0159] Sample weighing station storage position

[0160] Sample weighing station weighing position

[0161] Weighing element

[0162] Filling station

[0163] Filling tool

[0164] filling needle

[0165] Adjustment unit

[0166] Contour line fill tool

[0167] Locking station

[0168] Impression element

[0169] Set piece

[0170] Contour line locking station

[0171] Reception facility

[0172] Rectangular recording device, 164

[0173] Rectangular recording device 166

[0174] Recording section

[0175] basic body

[0176] Lifting drive

[0177] Support element

[0178] Lifting drive

[0179] Arrow

[0180] Arrow

[0181] Arrow

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Device (100) for processing pharmaceutical containers (102) which are received in a common carrier (108), in particular in a nest (110), comprising a transport device (114) which defines a transport direction (116), wherein the carriers (108) can be transported successively along a transport path on the transport device (114) along the transport direction (116), and a weighing station (138) for weighing, in particular simultaneously, a plurality of containers (102), characterized in that at least a portion of the carriers (108) is assigned a respective gripping device (130), wherein a predefined number of containers (102) can be removed from the carrier (108) via a receiving device (164) and transferred to a gripping tool (132) of the gripping device (130), on which the containers (102) can be held, wherein the gripping tool (132) on the transport device (114) defines the transport path along which can be movedthat the weighing station (138) is at least partially movable and can be moved from a storage position, in which the transport path for passing the weighing station (138) is cleared for the carriers (108) and the gripping device (130), to a weighing position and vice versa, wherein weighing elements (146) of the weighing station (138) are arranged on the transport path in the weighing position, and that the containers (102) removed from the carrier (108) and arranged in the gripping tool (132) can be positioned on the weighing elements (146) of the weighing station (138) for weighing in the empty and / or filled state when the weighing station (138) assumes the weighing position.

2. Device (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the containers (102) arranged in the gripping tool (132) can be positioned on the weighing elements (146) by moving the gripping tool (132) along the transport path and / or by transferring the weighing station (138) from the storage position to the weighing position.

3. Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: a gripping device (130) is assigned to each carrier (108), wherein containers (102) that have been removed from the carrier (108) can be held on the respective gripping device (130); a carrier receptacle (120) is assigned to each carrier (108), on which the carrier (108) can be detachably held and which is movable on the transport device (114) along the transport path.

4. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 3, characterized in that the supports (108) and / or the support receptacles (120) on the transport device (114) are movable independently of each other.

5. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the gripping device (130) is designed to be immovable relative to the carrier (108) or to the carrier receptacle (120) with respect to the transport direction (116), or that the gripping device (130) is designed to be movable relative to the carrier (108) or to the carrier receptacle (120) with respect to the transport direction (116) and is movable on the transport device (114) independently of the carrier (108) or of the carrier receptacle (120).

6. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving device (164) is designed separately from the gripping device (130).

7. Device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the receiving device (164) is arranged stationary on the transport device (114) with respect to the transport direction (116) and / or that the receiving device (164) comprises a lifting drive (176) for lifting the containers (102) out of the carrier (108) and for lowering the containers (102) into the gripping tool (132).

8. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving device (164) comprises support elements (178) and a lifting drive (180) for the support elements (178) with which the containers (102) to be removed from the carrier (108) can be lifted from below and / or by means of which the containers (102) held on the receiving device (164) can be supported from below when inserted into the gripping tool (132).

9. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: Containers (102) arranged in a row (112) in the carrier (108) can be removed by means of the receiving device (164), wherein in particular at least one entire continuous row (112) of a carrier (108) can be removed; the containers (102) can be removed by means of the receiving device (164) at the front of the carrier (108) with respect to the transport direction (116); the gripping tool (132) is arranged in front of the carrier (108) with respect to the transport direction (116).

10. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: the containers (102) are removable from the carrier (108), while containers (102) of a carrier (108) preceding in the transport direction (116) can be filled with a product by means of a filling station (148) and / or can be closed by means of a closing station (158); the carrier (108) and the gripping tool (132) are movable in the transport direction (116), while containers (102) of a carrier (108) preceding in the transport direction (116) can be filled with a product by means of a filling station (148) and / or can be closed by means of a closing station (158).

11. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weighing station (138) is arranged stationary on the transport device (114) with respect to the transport direction (116).

12. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (100) comprises a lifting drive (140) for the weighing station (138), which is at least partially liftable to transfer from the storage position to the weighing position and at least partially lowerable to transfer from the weighing position to the storage position, wherein the weighing elements (146) in the weighing position engage in particular in an intermediate space between guide elements of the transport device (114).

13. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (100) comprises a filling station (148) for filling the containers (102).

14. Device (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the containers (102) arranged in the gripping tool (132) can be filled by means of the filling station (148) when the containers (102) are held in the gripping tool (132) and / or when the containers (102) are positioned on the weighing elements (146) and are released by means of the gripping tool (132).

15. Device (100) according to claim 14, characterized by Weighing the containers (102) arranged in the gripping tool (132) in the filled state or during the filling process.

16. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weighing station (138) can be moved from the weighing position to the storage position after weighing the containers (102) arranged in the gripping tool (132).

17. Device (100) according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the containers (102) not removed from the carrier (108) can be filled in the carrier (108).

18. Device (100) according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the filling station (148) is assigned an adjustment unit (154) with which the filling station (148) can be moved, at least section by section, either against the direction of transport (116) or in the direction of transport (116), wherein the filling station (148) can be moved, in particular after the containers (102) arranged in the gripping tool (132) have been filled, against the direction of transport (116) in order to fill containers (102) in the carrier (108).

19. Device (100) according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the device (100) comprises a closing station (158) for closing filled containers (102).

20. Device (100) according to claim 19, characterized in that the closing station (158) of the filling station (148) is arranged downstream in the transport direction (116) and / or is arranged stationary with respect to the transport direction (116) on the transport device (114).

21. Device (100) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the containers (102) arranged in the gripping tool (132) can be closed by means of the closing station (158) while they are held by means of the gripping tool (132).

22. Device (100) according to claim 21, characterized in that, following the closing of the containers (102) in the gripping tool (132), the containers (102) in the carrier (108) can be closed by means of the closing station (158), preferably immediately after filling by means of the filling station (148).

23. Device (100) according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the filling station (148) is movable in the carrier (108) in the direction of the closing station (158) during the filling of the containers (102), while the carrier (108) is movable in the direction of the closing station (158).

24. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (100) comprises a further receiving device (166) with which the containers (102) arranged in the gripping tool (132) can be removed from the gripping tool (132) and reinserted into the carrier (108), wherein the further receiving device (166) is preferably designed identically to the receiving device (164).

25. A method for processing pharmaceutical containers (102) which are received in a common carrier (108), in particular in a nest (110), wherein carriers (108) are movable along a transport path in a transport direction (116) on a transport device (114), comprising: Removing a predefined number of containers (102) from a carrier (104) by means of a receiving device (164), transferring the containers (102) to a gripping tool (132), moving the containers (102) along the transport direction (116), transferring a weighing station (138), at least partially, from a storage position to a weighing position on the transport path, weighing the containers (102) arranged in the gripping tool in the empty and / or filled state.

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