Loading system for a machine station, machine installation having the loading system, and method for loading containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a loading system for a machine station, in particular for a filling installation and / or a freeze-dryer (3) with a shelf (30), the loading system (1) comprising a pushing device (4), a control device (12) and a transport system (2), the transport system (2) having a transport surface (21), a plurality of transport members (22, 23, 24) and a plurality of actuators, wherein the control device (12) is configured to control at least some of the plurality of actuators of the transport system (2) such that the transport members (22, 23, 24) can be moved independently of one another simultaneously relative to the transport surface (21). At least a portion of the transport members are configured as a container transport member (22) and a respective container transport member (22) is configured to transport at least one container. The control device (12) is configured to control at least some of the plurality of actuators of the transport system (2) in order to move the container transport members (22) to a transfer point (26), wherein, by means of the pushing device (4), a container (5) can be displaced downwards, in particular in the direction of the shelf (30), from a container transport member (22) arranged at the transfer point (26) and / or, by means of the pushing device (4), a container (5) can be displaced, in particular from the shelf (30), onto a container transport member (22) arranged at the transfer point (26). The invention further relates to a machine installation, in particular a filling installation, comprising a loading system and to a method for loading containers. (Fig. 1) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Description

[0001] Loading system for a machine station, machine system with loading system and method for loading containers

[0002] SCOPE OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0003] The invention relates to a loading system for a machine station, in particular for a filling plant and / or for a freeze dryer, a machine system, in particular a filling plant, comprising a loading system and a method for loading, in particular for loading containers in a filling plant and / or at a freeze dryer.

[0004] For various products, especially pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and / or cosmetic products, it is known to fill them into containers and then subject them to a freeze dryer to remove moisture, i.e., water, from the products in order to improve their shelf life. Such containers can be ampoules or other containers, for example, glass vials.

[0005] Containers are typically fed into the freeze dryer using belt feeding systems. Loading systems with a spindle and a pusher are known for loading the drying chamber. The spindle is used to adjust the pusher relative to a transfer point, in order to push containers positioned at the transfer point into the freeze dryer.

[0006] TASK AND SOLUTION

[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved loading system, in particular for a filling plant and / or a freeze dryer, an improved filling plant comprising a loading system and an improved method for loading, for example for loading containers in a filling plant and / or at a freeze dryer.

[0008] In various configurations, the loading system is designed at least partially as a feeding system for supplying containers, for example, for supplying to a machine station of the filling plant and / or to a freeze dryer, and / or as a loading system for loading with containers, for example, for loading a machine station of the filling plant and / or for loading a freeze dryer, and / or as an unloading system for unloading containers, for example, for unloading a machine station of the filling plant and / or for unloading a freeze dryer, and / or as a discharge system for removing containers, for example, for removing from a machine station of the filling plant and / or for removing from a freeze dryer.

[0009] This problem is solved in particular by the loading system, the filling system and the method with the features of claims 1, 16 and 17. Advantageous embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect, a loading system is created for a machine station. Specifically, the machine station has a platform. The machine station is, in particular, a filling plant and / or a freeze dryer with a platform. The loading system comprises a push device, for example, a push device comprising a push bar, a control device, and a transport system. The transport system has a transport surface, several transport bodies, and several actuators. The control device is configured to actuate at least some of the transport system's actuators so that the transport bodies can be moved independently and simultaneously relative to the transport surface. At least some of the transport bodies are designed as container transport bodies.Each container transport body is configured to transport at least one container, wherein the control device is configured to control at least some of the multiple actuators of the transport system to move the container transport bodies into a transfer point, wherein a container can be moved down from a container transport body arranged at the transfer point by means of the push device and / or a container can be moved onto a container transport body arranged at the transfer point by means of the push device.

[0011] In particular, a container can be moved by means of the push device from a container transport body arranged at the transfer point down towards the positioning plate. In particular, a container can be moved by means of the push device from the positioning plate onto a container transport body arranged at the transfer point.

[0012] In particular, the push device enables efficient unloading and / or loading of a container transport body located at the transfer point by moving the container. For example, efficient loading of a machine station, especially a freeze dryer, is enabled by transporting containers to the station using the container transport bodies and moving the transported containers using the push device, specifically moving them onto the platform of the machine station. Similarly, efficient unloading of a machine station, especially a freeze dryer, is enabled by moving the containers from the machine station, especially from its platform, onto a container transport body using the push device and then transporting the containers away using the container transport body.

[0013] In some embodiments, containers are moved towards or into the machine station on one side and away from or out of the machine station on the other. In particular, a freeze dryer is loaded from one side and unloaded from another. In some embodiments, unloading occurs on a second side opposite the first. In other embodiments, the containers are pushed through the unloading mechanism by the pusher. In other embodiments, a freeze dryer is unloaded by a further pusher, for example, a pusher provided on the freeze dryer itself.

[0014] The terms "a", "a", etc. are used in connection with the application only as indefinite articles and not as counters. In particular, some embodiments provide that the container transport bodies are each configured to hold exactly one container for transport relative to the transport surface. In other embodiments, the container transport bodies are each configured to hold a group comprising several containers for transport relative to the transport surface. Similarly, some embodiments provide for multiple transport surfaces, with the transport surfaces having different orientations.

[0015] In particular, the loading system includes a device that creates an airflow, especially a sterile and / or laminar airflow.

[0016] In particular, a shifting area is at least a sub-area of ​​the transfer point, and in the shifting area the containers are moved by means of the push device.

[0017] In certain configurations, the push device is designed such that no element of the push device is located in an area situated at least above the sliding area of ​​the transfer point. A particular advantage of this is that contaminants from the push device, such as any abrasion and / or air flowing towards and past an element of the push device (also referred to as "second air" in connection with Annex 1 of the EU GMP Guide to the Manufacture of Sterile Medicinal Products, EU Annex 1), can be at least reduced and, ideally, avoided altogether.

[0018] In particular, an "above" area in the context of this application refers to an area located above the direction of gravity. Specifically, an "above" area in the context of this application refers to an area located upstream of the (optionally) intended airflow.

[0019] In advantageous embodiments, at least one transport body is designed as a push device transport body.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the push mechanism is at least partially adjustable by means of the push mechanism transport body. In particular, the push mechanism is at least partially adjustable for moving the containers and / or the push mechanism is at least partially adjustable after the containers have been moved into a home position. In particular, the push mechanism is at least partially adjustable by means of the push mechanism transport body for moving the containers towards the mounting plate and / or onto the mounting plate and / or from the mounting plate onto the container transport body. In particular, the control device is configured to actuate at least some actuators of the transport system, so that the push mechanism transport body adjusts the push mechanism at least partially.

[0021] In some embodiments, several push-drive transport bodies are provided, wherein the push-drive unit is at least partially adjustable by means of two or more push-drive transport bodies. Alternatively or additionally, in other embodiments, several push-drive units are provided, each of which is adjustable by means of exactly one or more push-drive transport bodies.

[0022] By moving the thrust device using a thrust device transport body, positioning devices, such as those comprising a spindle, for the thrust device can be dispensed with. Particularly in a cleanroom environment, this eliminates the need for bellows to seal the spindle.

[0023] In some configurations, the pusher assembly includes a pusher bar. In some configurations, the pusher bar is adjustable by means of the pusher assembly's transport body for moving the containers. In other configurations, the pusher bar is adjustable at the machine station and can be moved by the pusher assembly's transport body and / or a handling device for loading the container(s). A handling device is defined as a conveyor system and / or a kinematic system, in particular a single-axis or multi-axis system, for moving the pusher bar between at least two positions. In some configurations, the conveyor system is designed as a belt conveyor, screw conveyor, rake, or the like, and is configured to move the pusher bar continuously or incrementally during loading. A single-axis system, for example, is designed as a slide gate.Depending on its design, a multi-axis system is specifically configured as a serial mechanism, a parallel kinematics system, or a hybrid mechanism.

[0024] In particular, the push bar extends longitudinally transversely to a push direction, especially at least in the displacement area of ​​the transfer point. The containers are moved in the push direction by means of the push device. In particular, the push bar extends longitudinally transversely to the direction of gravity, especially at least in the displacement area of ​​the transfer point. In particular, this ensures that no element of the push device is arranged above the containers to be moved in the displacement area of ​​the transfer point.

[0025] In particular, the push bar moves in the push direction when the push mechanism is adjusted.

[0026] In certain embodiments, a force can be applied to the push device, in particular to the push bar, by means of the push device transport body in order to adjust the push device, in particular to move the containers.

[0027] The loading system comprises, in various embodiments, a push device, particularly with a push bar, and the push device is adjustable by means of two push device transport bodies. These two push device transport bodies are arranged on opposite sides of the transfer point's displacement area, transverse to the push direction. Specifically, a push device transport body is arranged at each opposite end of the push device. The push device transport bodies can be positioned in such a way that the push device or other elements of the push device need not be positioned above the containers. This makes it possible, in particular, to ensure a direct supply of filtered air from above to the containers in a cleanroom. In some embodiments, the push device is at least partially integrated into the machine station.The pushing device comprises, in various embodiments, at least one movably mounted element, in particular a pushing rail, which is adjustable and can be moved by means of the pushing device transport body and / or the handling device. In some embodiments, at least one movably mounted element, in particular a pushing rail, of the pushing device is adjustable in the normal direction of the transport surface, in particular to ensure collision-free movement of the container transport bodies to the transfer point.

[0028] In some embodiments of the loading system, the push device is at least partially mounted on one or more push device transport bodies, in particular permanently or detachably mounted. Specifically, at least the push bar is mounted on one or more push device transport bodies. In some embodiments, the push device is completely mounted on exactly one or more push device transport bodies.

[0029] In certain configurations, the machine station is free of elements / parts of the thrust device.

[0030] In various configurations, the push device comprises at least one element movably mounted on the machine station and, in particular, at least one element mounted on one or more push device transport bodies. Depending on the application, the elements can be used alternatively or cumulatively for loading the containers.

[0031] The transport system, comprising a transport surface and transport bodies movable relative to it, is in various configurations a planar transport system with several controllable actuators arranged on the transport surface and / or the transport bodies. In some configurations, at least some of the actuators are arranged on the transport surface. In particular, depending on the configuration, at least some of the actuators are arranged on a surface of the transport surface, within the transport surface, and / or below the transport surface. The transport surface is configured as a stator in one configuration. In particular, the transport bodies are movable in at least one area, for example, a plane, parallel to the transport surface with three degrees of freedom to change at least one position and / or orientation.In advantageous embodiments, the transport system is designed such that the transport bodies can move relative to the transport surface with six degrees of freedom. This ensures a high degree of flexibility. In embodiments of the transport system, the movement of the transport bodies relative to the transport surface occurs without contact and / or while suspended. A corresponding transport system is known, for example, from DE102018209401 A1, to which full reference is hereby made. However, the invention of the present application is not limited to the use of a transport system known from DE102018209401 A1. In embodiments, the movement of the transport bodies on and / or above the transport surface is controlled, in particular, by speed and / or position.

[0032] In particular, the transport bodies are movable in the directions of the surfaces that define the transport surface and / or movable above the transport surface.

[0033] In particular, the actuators drive the movement of the transport bodies.

[0034] In some configurations, the transport elements can be moved above the transport surface without contact. This contactless movement is particularly suitable for use in cleanroom environments, as it prevents abrasion of the transport surface and / or the transport elements during movement.

[0035] In its various configurations, the transport surface is a closed transport surface which can be easily cleaned.

[0036] In some configurations, the transport area is arranged in a horizontal plane. However, configurations are also conceivable in which an alternatively or additionally arranged vertical transport area is provided.

[0037] In some configurations, the loading system has no format components and can therefore be used in different applications with little or no modification. In other configurations, the container transport bodies have a design adapted to a specific container type, whereby the container transport bodies can be adapted to different applications by changing the design to the container type.

[0038] In particular, a loading system with such a transport system is characterized by a high degree of modularity and flexibility. In some configurations, the transport system serves to transfer containers to a transfer point for loading exactly one or more freeze dryers. In some configurations, the transport system is integrated, either alternatively or additionally, into the transport system of a filling plant. Depending on the configuration, the container transport bodies are designed so that they can be positioned directly adjacent to a platform of the machine station, for example, adjacent to a platform located in the freeze dryer, at the transfer point. Specifically, containers can be pushed directly from the container transport body onto the platform using the push mechanism.

[0039] In other embodiments, an intermediate plate is provided, wherein the containers can be pushed from the container transport body to the intermediate plate and preferably further from the intermediate plate to the positioning plate by means of the push device.

[0040] In some configurations, the intermediate plate also serves as a buffer device. For example, the intermediate plate allows for the preparation of transferring containers into a drying chamber of the freeze dryer while a freeze-drying process of a previous batch is being carried out in the drying chamber, and / or while height adjustment plates located in the drying chamber are being moved.

[0041] In configurations designed for safe transport, the container transport bodies incorporate restraints for the containers. These restraints are specifically designed to prevent, or only minimally impede, the sliding movement of the containers from the transport bodies onto, for example, the base plate and / or intermediate plate. In some configurations, the restraints can be selectively activated to retain or release containers on the transport bodies. Other configurations omit restraints, allowing the transport bodies to move in such a way that the containers remain securely in place during transport. For contactless, suspended transport, some configurations specifically provide for tilting the transport bodies relative to the transport surface during transport.In some embodiments, the transport system is designed to be controlled during or before the containers are moved towards the platform, in particular during or before the containers are transferred, for example, to the intermediate plate and / or the platform, in such a way that the containers are tilted relative to the transport surface and / or adjusted in height for leveling purposes.

[0042] In some configurations of the loading system, the container transport bodies are each configured to transport multiple containers arranged in a row or matrix. In other configurations, the pusher device and / or the transport body (at least one pusher device) is configured to move containers arranged in a row and / or matrix at the transfer point.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the push device and / or the at least one push device transport body is configured to push exactly one container or several containers from one of the container transport bodies onto the platform and / or the intermediate plate with exactly one stroke or with several strokes. The control device is configured in certain embodiments to orient the container transport bodies for transport of the containers to the transfer point such that a longitudinal direction of the row or matrix of the containers being picked up aligns with a transport direction of the container transport body, and to position the containers at the transfer point using the container transport bodies so that the push device can move the containers transversely to the longitudinal direction of the row or matrix.The pushing device is configured in various embodiments to push the containers arranged on at least one container transport body at the transfer point simultaneously with exactly one stroke or successively with several strokes towards the positioning plate, in particular onto the positioning plate or onto an intermediate plate. As explained above, in the context of the application, the terms "one," "a," etc., are not to be understood as counter words. Thus, it is conceivable that in some embodiments the container transport bodies are each configured to accommodate several containers arranged in two or more rows. This arrangement is also referred to as a matrix, whereby, in the case of two or more rows, the containers are arranged, in particular, with a hexagonal offset for a dense arrangement.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, in certain embodiments, the container transport bodies and the transfer point are configured so that two or more container transport bodies can be arranged simultaneously at the transfer point. In particular, in certain embodiments, the pusher device and / or the pusher device transport body are configured to push containers arranged on the two or more container transport bodies at the transfer point toward the mounting plate, especially the mounting plate or the intermediate plate, with exactly one stroke or with several strokes. Depending on the embodiment, the container transport bodies are each configured to accommodate one container or several containers arranged in a row or in a matrix. The design of the container transport bodies to accommodate exactly one container, in particular, allows for a high degree of flexibility. However, the invention is not limited to this.In various embodiments, the transport system comprises both container transport bodies designed to hold exactly one container and container transport bodies designed to hold several containers arranged in one or more rows. In some embodiments, the containers are arranged at the transfer point by means of several container transport bodies as a package comprising several rows arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel, the arrangement preferably being such that the package has several seamlessly adjacent rows with the closest possible hexagonal spacing.

[0045] In some embodiments, a guide is provided for a container, particularly for a group comprising several containers arranged in a row and / or a matrix. In some embodiments, the guide is permanently attached to the container transport body. In others, the guide is temporarily arranged on the container transport body. Specifically, in some embodiments, the guide can be moved onto the container transport body simultaneously with, before, and / or after the containers. In other embodiments, the guide is designed as a separate device from the container transport body. In other embodiments, the guide is at least partially stationary at the transfer point and / or the machine station.

[0046] In various configurations, the guide is designed to lead the container / group on at least one side.

[0047] In certain configurations, the guide is designed to hold the container / group against the container transport body with force assistance.

[0048] In its various configurations, the guide is designed to stabilize the container / group against tipping, particularly during transport and / or loading.

[0049] In these configurations, the containers are designed to be stable, at least without external forces. Examples include vials and / or bottles. The guide serves as an additional safeguard against tipping and / or unwanted movement during transport on the container transport body and / or during loading and unloading.

[0050] In certain configurations, the containers have little or no stability without external forces. Examples include syringes or cartridges. The guide is designed to stabilize even containers that lack sufficient stability during transport and / or loading.

[0051] In various configurations, the guide is designed as a frame. Specifically, the frame is either closed or open on at least one side. In some configurations, the frame open on at least one side is designed to allow containers to be moved within the frame via the open side, particularly by sliding. In other configurations, the frame open on one side is designed to guide a group of containers along three sides of its circumference. In particular, the frame is rectangular in some configurations to accommodate a group of containers arranged in a matrix. In some configurations, the frame is divisible to allow the frame to be placed around a container / group and / or to allow the frame to be removed from a container / group.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the container / group, together with the frame, can be moved, in particular slidably, onto the container transport body, and / or, together with the frame, can be moved from the container transport body, for example, onto the mounting plate and / or the intermediate plate, in particular slidably. In certain embodiments, the frame is made of a material with low coefficients of friction and / or good sliding properties to allow for low-friction movement of the frame. In other embodiments, the frame has high coefficients of friction to prevent movement of the frame during transport with the container transport body. In certain embodiments, the frame is raised to allow for movement. Raising the frame can also eliminate or at least reduce frictional forces.

[0053] In some configurations, the frames remain attached to the container / group after the container / group has been placed in the freeze dryer. In other configurations, the container / group is removed from the freeze dryer along with the frame after processing in the freeze dryer. In other configurations, the container / group is moved with the frame by applying shear and / or tensile forces to the frame.

[0054] In certain embodiments, at least two frames are provided, wherein the frames have complementary coupling elements so that the at least two frames can be coupled together for movement, in particular displacement. A composite assembly comprising at least two coupled frames can be moved together by applying shear and / or tensile forces to at least one frame of the composite assembly, in particular adjustable relative to a substrate.

[0055] The coupling elements are designed to suit the specific application. In particular, the coupling elements are designed to create a force-fit and / or form-fit, detachable connection. Depending on the configuration, the coupling elements may include magnets, locking hooks, and / or other coupling elements for tool-free coupling, especially coupling by relative movement between two frames.

[0056] In some embodiments, a support device is provided, wherein the support device is designed to support an element of the loading system and / or a container, in particular several containers, during the loading of the container, in particular the containers.

[0057] In certain configurations, the support device is designed to support the pusher and / or the pusher transport body during loading of the container, in particular the containers. In these configurations, the support device stabilizes the pusher and / or the pusher transport body against tipping due to forces applied to the pusher and / or the pusher transport body during loading.

[0058] In certain configurations, the support device is designed to brace the guide during loading of the container, particularly multiple containers. In these configurations, the support device works in conjunction with the guide during loading. Together, the support device and the guide stabilize the containers against tipping due to forces applied to them during loading.

[0059] In some configurations, the support device is at least partially stationary at the machine station.

[0060] In various embodiments, the support device comprises a handling device for moving an element interacting with the support device, in particular the push device, the push device transport body, and / or the guide, during loading of the container / group, in particular a stationary handling device. In various embodiments, the support device comprises a positive guidance device for positively guiding an element interacting with the support device, in particular the push device, the push device transport body, and / or the guide, during loading of the container / group, in particular a stationary positive guidance device.In some embodiments, the guide is adjustable in the direction of thrust when loading the container / group by the thrust device, wherein the forced guidance device prevents or at least limits movement in at least one other direction, in particular transverse to the thrust direction.

[0061] In some embodiments, the support device, in particular its handling device and / or its positive guidance device, comprises a lever drive. In other embodiments, the support device, in particular its handling device and / or its positive guidance device, comprises a toothed component that interacts with a corresponding toothed counterpart on the interacting element. In other embodiments, the toothed component is a rotatably mounted gear that interacts, for example, with a rack provided on the guide, the push device, and / or the push device transport body. In other embodiments, the counterpart is designed as a gear that interacts with the toothed component, in particular a rack or a gear. In other embodiments, the toothed component is undriven.In some configurations, the toothed component is driven to provide a motion drive for the element interacting with the support device.

[0062] The guide can be coupled to the handling device and / or the forced guidance device for movement during loading of the container / group. In some configurations, the container / group, along with the guide, can be placed on the container transport body and transported to the transfer point. At the transfer point, the guide can be coupled to the handling device and / or forced guidance device for loading. In other configurations, the guide can be decoupled from the handling device or the forced guidance device, so that after loading, the guide remains attached to the container / group, particularly for stabilization.

[0063] In some embodiments, the support device, which is at least partially stationary, interacts with the push-device transport body and / or a push device arranged on the push-device transport body during loading of the container / group. In other embodiments, at least one transport body is designed as a support-device transport body, with the support device being at least partially arranged on the support-device transport body. In other embodiments, the support device, which is at least partially arranged on the support-device transport body, interacts with a push device arranged stationary at the machine station during loading of the container / group. In other embodiments, the support device is movable with a container transport body to secure the container / group to the container transport body, in particular against movement relative to the container transport body and / or against tipping.

[0064] In some configurations, the loading system is free of stationary elements of the push device and the support device arranged at the machine station. In other configurations, the support device, which is at least partially arranged on the support device transport body, interacts with a push device arranged on a push device transport body during loading of the container / group.

[0065] The intermediate plate is, in some configurations, permanently mounted on the machine station, for example, on a freeze dryer. Specifically, the intermediate plate is adjustable between a loading position, in which containers can be moved from the intermediate plate to a storage plate or from the storage plate to the intermediate plate, and a rest position. For example, in the loading position, the intermediate plate protrudes into an opening of the freeze dryer. In the rest position, the intermediate plate does not protrude through the opening of the freeze dryer, and the opening can be closed.

[0066] In certain embodiments, at least one transport element is designed as an intermediate-plate transport element. In these embodiments, the intermediate plate is arranged on the intermediate-plate transport element. In these embodiments, the control device is configured to control the transport system, in particular actuators on the transport surface and / or on the intermediate-plate transport element, in order to position the intermediate plate at the transfer point, in particular adjacent to the positioning plate of the machine station, by means of the intermediate-plate transport element. In these embodiments, it is provided that the transport system, in particular actuators of the transport system, can be controlled to tilt the containers relative to the transport surface and / or adjust them vertically for height compensation by means of the intermediate plate.

[0067] In some configurations, the transfer point is not located in the immediate vicinity of the machine station, with the intermediate plate and the containers arranged on it being transported to the machine station. In these configurations, the intermediate plate is positioned between a support plate and a container transport body located in the transfer point during loading. Depending on the application, the intermediate plate is positioned either before or after the container transport bodies are positioned in the transfer point.

[0068] In certain configurations, a transport body is provided to align containers on this transport body and / or a container arrangement point on this transport body relative to the transport surface, particularly transversely to the transport surface. This allows, in particular, height compensation between surfaces over which the containers are moved. For example, this can at least reduce the risk of the containers tipping over when being pushed over the edge of two adjacent surfaces. Specifically, a container transport body and / or an intermediate plate transport body is provided for alignment. In particular, alignment relative to, and especially transversely to, the transport surface includes setting a distance transversely to the transport surface and / or setting an inclination relative to the transport surface.

[0069] In some configurations, a transport body designed for alignment has a device for alignment.

[0070] In certain embodiments, a transport body designed for alignment can be aligned in its vertical position relative to the transport surface. In particular, the transport body can be aligned at least with respect to its distance from the transport surface and / or its inclination relative to the transport surface.

[0071] In particular, the control device is configured to actuate at least some of the multiple actuators of the transport system for aligning an alignable transport body. Specifically, the actuators are configured and controllable to align the vertical position of the transport body.

[0072] Depending on the application, the loading system includes additional stations located along a transport path to the transport surface and / or on or at the transport surface itself. In particular, the loading system includes a washing station for washing, especially for cleaning and / or sterilizing. The control unit is configured to operate the transport system so that transport elements, especially container transport elements, push-unit transport elements, and / or intermediate plate transport elements, can be fed to the washing station. For example, the container transport elements can be fed to the washing station following the transfer of containers to the intermediate plate and / or the positioning plate, and / or before the transfer of containers along the transport path or on the transport surface.

[0073] According to a second aspect, a machine system, for example a filling system, is created to carry out process steps on objects, especially containers. In particular, these process steps are carried out, at least partially, under cleanroom conditions. The process steps include, in particular, at least the filling of the containers, especially under cleanroom conditions. The machine system comprises a loading system with a transport system that has a transport area and several transport bodies that can move independently of one another simultaneously relative to the transport area.

[0074] In particular, the filling plant is a filling plant for filling pharmaceutical products, with the loading system being located in a cleanroom area of ​​the filling plant.

[0075] In particular, the filling system includes a freeze dryer in certain configurations, with the loading system serving to load the freeze dryer. In some configurations, the filled containers are at least partially sealed within the freeze dryer.

[0076] As a process step on an object, in particular on a container, any form of handling, processing and / or treatment of an object and / or its contents is defined here, including but not limited to filling, closing, labeling of objects designed as containers, as well as treatments without material change to the object and / or its contents, such as weighing and / or other recording of the object and / or its contents, in particular optical inspection.

[0077] A required cleanroom condition is defined by the application, in particular by the product being handled and / or the intended use of the handled object. Specifically, cleanroom conditions require at least a certain degree of sterility. Regulations defining cleanroom conditions include, for example, DIN EN ISO 14644-1 and / or the VDI 2083 guideline and / or the "Rules Governing Medicinal Products in the European Union, EU Guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practice for Medicinal Products for Human and Veterinary Use" (EU GMP Guide), Annex 1 (currently: Volume 4, dated August 22, 2022) and the regulations referenced therein. For example, isolators and restricted access barrier systems (RABS) are defined in Annex 1 of the EU GMP Guide.The cleanroom conditions required, at least in part, for handling objects in the system disclosed herein are in particular classes A, B, C, and D according to the EC GMP Guide, Annex 1, especially classes A, B, and C. In particular, the cleanroom condition required for filling and sealing the containers is class A.

[0078] The system comprises, in particular in its various configurations, a cleanroom structure and a flow system for supplying air to the cleanroom structure. The flow system supplies air to an interior space within the cleanroom structure, specifically via a ceiling of the cleanroom structure, and in particular, filters, for example, Class A clean air, are supplied. The flow system also enables air exhaust. In certain configurations, the flow system is a "Unidirectional Airflow (UDAF) unit (previously referred to as a Laminar Airflow Unit or LAF)" (also known as "low-turbulence displacement flow" or TAV in German) according to the EU GMP Guide, Annex 1. In particular, the interior space of the cleanroom structure is aseptically isolated from the environment when closed.

[0079] The loading system is, in some configurations, at least partially, and in particular completely, located within the cleanroom structure.

[0080] The system, in its various configurations, includes a transport system, where the transport system of the loading system, encompassing the transport area, is at least a part of the transport system. For example, in some configurations, the transport of containers is accomplished, at least for the most part, by means of the described transport system. In particular, in some configurations, the described transport system is the plant's transport system. In other configurations, the plant's transport system includes, in addition to the transport system with the transport area, at least one further transport system, and the transport systems are coupled by means of a transfer device.

[0081] The system, particularly the filling system, may include more than one freeze dryer in certain configurations. This allows time-consuming processes to be carried out sequentially in different freeze dryers. Furthermore, in certain configurations, the filling system includes, in addition to the freeze dryer(s), at least one station selected from the following groups: filling station, stopper insertion station, inspection station, and closing station. This list of stations is not exhaustive, and the filling system may include additional stations. Additionally, some configurations may only include a subset of the stations listed.

[0082] In particular, some designs involve placing plugs on the containers before they are placed in the drying chamber and closing the containers in the drying chamber, so that no subsequent closing station is provided.

[0083] According to a third aspect, a method for loading containers, in particular for loading containers onto or towards a loading platform, is provided. Specifically, a method for loading containers in a filling plant and / or at a freeze dryer is provided. The method is particularly suitable for loading a freeze dryer with a loading platform.The method provides for loading by means of a loading system comprising a push device and a transport system with a transport surface, several container transport bodies and a push device transport body, wherein the container transport bodies are each moved with a container arranged on the container transport body into a transfer point, wherein the push device transport body is moved to adjust the push device so that a container with the push device is pushed down from a container transport body arranged at the transfer point, in particular onto and / or in the direction of the positioning plate and / or onto an intermediate plate arranged between the container transport body and the positioning plate.

[0084] The process allows for flexible loading, for example, loading a drying chamber of a freeze dryer at high speed.

[0085] In some embodiments, a container or containers arranged on exactly one container transport body or on several container transport bodies at the transfer point are pushed directly onto the platform by the pushing device. In other embodiments, the container(s) are first moved onto an intermediate plate and from there onto the platform. In other embodiments, the pushing device also moves the container(s) from the intermediate plate onto the platform.

[0086] In embodiments of the method, several containers are picked up by means of a container transport body arranged in a row or a matrix and moved to the transfer point, wherein the row or matrix of containers arranged at the transfer point is pushed off the container transport body, in particular onto the support plate and / or the intermediate plate, with exactly one stroke or with several strokes by means of the push device and / or the push device transport body.Alternatively or additionally, in embodiments of the method, it is provided that two or more container transport bodies are arranged simultaneously at the transfer point, wherein the containers arranged on the two or more container transport bodies at the transfer point are pushed off the container transport bodies, in particular onto the support plate and / or the intermediate plate, with exactly one stroke or with several strokes by means of the push device and the push device transport body.

[0087] In some embodiments, the intermediate plate is arranged on an intermediate plate transport body, whereby the intermediate plate is positioned by the intermediate plate transport body at the transfer point, for example adjacent to the positioning plate.

[0088] In certain embodiments, actuators on the transport surface are controlled to move the container transport body, the push-device transport body, the intermediate plate transport body, and / or the support-device transport body. In these embodiments, the actuators apply forces to the container transport body, the push-device transport body, the intermediate plate transport body, and / or the support-device transport body in order to move them along the transport surface, particularly without contact with the transport surface.

[0089] In particular, two directions within the meaning of this disclosure are perpendicular to each other if the angle between these directions is at least 20 degrees, in particular at least 45 degrees, and / or if these two directions are at least mostly, in particular at least approximately, perpendicular to each other.

[0090] In particular, a feature is at least largely realized in an entity within the meaning of this disclosure if the feature is realized in at least 65%, and in particular in at least 80% of the entity, and / or if the feature is realized at least approximately in the entity.

[0091] In particular, a feature is realized at least approximately in an entity within the meaning of this disclosure if the feature is realized in at least 90% of the entity and / or if the feature is realized with technically irrelevant deviations and / or technically necessary deviations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0092] Further advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the schematic figures. These show:

[0093] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a loading system for a freeze dryer in a first phase;

[0094] Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of the loading system according to Fig. 1 in a second phase;

[0095] Fig. 3 shows a top view of a system comprising a loading system similar to Fig. 1 and several freeze dryers;

[0096] Fig. 4 shows a top view of a loading system similar to Fig. 1 during the loading of an intermediate plate;

[0097] Fig. 5 shows a top view of a loading system similar to Fig. 4 during the loading of an intermediate plate;

[0098] Fig. 6 shows a top view of a loading system similar to Fig. 4 during the loading of an intermediate plate; and

[0099] Fig. 7 shows a top view of the loading system according to Fig. 6 during unloading.

[0100] Intermediate plate.

[0101] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION EXAMPLES

[0102] Figs. 1 and 2 schematically show an embodiment of a loading system 1, in particular for a freeze dryer 3 with several support plates 30, which is not shown in detail in Figs. 1 and 2, wherein three support plates 30 are shown schematically.

[0103] The loading system 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a transport system 2 with a planar transport surface 21 and several transport bodies 22, 23, 24, as well as a control unit 12. The control unit 12 is configured to control the transport system so that the transport bodies 22, 23, 24 can be moved independently of one another simultaneously relative to the transport surface 21. Depending on the configuration of the loading system 1 and / or the type of transport body 22, 23, 24, the movement of the individual transport bodies 22, 23, 24 occurs either along predetermined, known routes or individually and situationally.

[0104] The control device 12 is specifically designed to control actuators (not shown in the figures) on the transport surface 21 and / or on the transport bodies 22, 23, 24 for movement of the transport bodies 22, 23, 24 relative to the transport surface 21. In certain embodiments, the transport bodies 22, 23, 24 comprise permanent magnets (not shown in the figures), and actuators arranged on the transport surface 21 can be controlled to exert a force on the transport bodies 22, 23, 24 for individual movement of the transport bodies 22, 23, 24 on or, in particular, suspended above the transport surface 21.

[0105] The illustrated loading system 1 further comprises a push device 4, wherein the push device 4 is configured to push several containers 5 arranged in one or more rows at a transfer point 26 onto an intermediate plate 27 and from the intermediate plate 27 onto the positioning plate 30. The illustrated push device 4 comprises an adjustable insertion rail 41.

[0106] Figures 1 and 2 schematically depict three types of transport bodies 22, 23, 24. In various configurations, these three types of transport bodies 22, 23, 24 have identical base bodies 220, 230, 240 for movement on or above the transport surface 21. Each base body 220, 230, 240 has a superstructure adapted to a specific function of the transport body 22, 23, 240. Other configurations use different base bodies 220, 230, 240.

[0107] The illustrated transport bodies comprise a container transport body 22, a push device transport body 23 and an intermediate plate transport body 24.

[0108] The container transport body 22 is configured to receive one or more containers 5, wherein the containers 5 can be placed, for example, in a matrix, particularly hexagonally staggered, or in a row on a surface of the container transport body 22. The push-device transport body 23 comprises the push strip 41 of the push device 4, wherein the push strip 41 is fixedly mounted to the push-device transport body 23 in certain embodiments. The push strip 41 is movable on the transport surface 21 by means of the push-device transport body 23. The push strip 41 is configured to interact with the containers 5 during its movement in order to displace the containers 5 relative to the container transport body 22 and / or another surface on which the containers 5 rest.

[0109] The intermediate plate transport body 24 comprises the intermediate plate 27 as its structure. The intermediate plate transport body 24 and the intermediate plate 27 are designed such that the intermediate plate 27 can be placed at an opening 31 of the freeze dryer 3, extending from a support plate 30 of the freeze dryer 3, with the intermediate plate 27 projecting into the freeze dryer 3.

[0110] The control device 12 is configured to control actuators on the transport surface 21 and / or on the container transport bodies 22, so that the container transport bodies 22 can be moved into a transfer point 26 shown in Fig. 1, wherein in the illustrated embodiment a surface of the container transport bodies 22 connects to the intermediate plate 27.

[0111] The control device 12 is further configured to control actuators on the transport surface 21 and / or on the push-device transport body 23, so that, by means of the push-device transport body 23 and the push bar 41 mounted on it, the containers 5 provided on the container transport body 22 at the transfer point 26 - as shown in Fig. 1 - can be moved onto the intermediate plate 27 and then - as shown in Fig. 2 - from the intermediate plate 27 onto the positioning plate 30 of the freeze dryer 3.

[0112] In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate plate 27 bridges a gap between an outer surface of the freeze dryer 3 and a loading plate 30 located in a drying chamber of the freeze dryer 3. Simultaneously, the intermediate plate 27 also serves as a buffer, allowing containers 5 to be slid onto it while the loading plates 30 are adjusted in height, as schematically indicated by an arrow 30 in Fig. 1. This height adjustment allows the loading plates 30 to be brought into the loading position. Once an empty loading plate 30 is aligned with the intermediate plate 27, the containers 5 located on the intermediate plate 27 can then be moved from the intermediate plate 27 to the loading plate 30 in one or more movements.In the illustrated embodiment, the containers are moved from the intermediate plate 27 to the positioning plate 30 by means of the sliding device 4, as shown in Fig. 2. In other embodiments, a further sliding device is provided for moving the containers from the intermediate plate 27 to the positioning plate 30, and / or the sliding device 4 includes a further sliding element in addition to the sliding bar 41.

[0113] In other embodiments, an intermediate plate 27 is omitted, wherein the container transport bodies 22 are designed to bridge the area between the outside of the freeze dryer 3 and a support plate 30 arranged in the loading position.

[0114] After the containers 5 have been pushed from the container transport body 22 onto the intermediate plate 27, the empty container transport body 22 can be removed and another container transport body 22 can be moved to the transfer point 26.

[0115] In the state schematically depicted in Fig. 2, the container transport body 22 has already moved from the transfer point 26. The control unit 12 is configured to actuate actuators on the transport surface 21 and / or on the container transport bodies 22, so that the container transport bodies 22 can be moved from the transfer point 26 to an inlet (not shown in Figs. 1 and 2) to receive further containers 5. In other configurations, the container transport bodies 22 are transported to a parking or waiting area and / or to a washing station.

[0116] After the freeze dryer 3 is fully loaded, the intermediate plate 27 can be moved by means of the intermediate plate transport body 24 so that the intermediate plate 27 no longer protrudes into the opening 31 and the freeze dryer 3 can be closed. In some embodiments, the intermediate plate 27 can also be transported to a washing station.

[0117] It is understood that the illustrated loading system 1 can also be used for unloading the freeze dryer 3 in certain embodiments. In these embodiments, containers 5 are moved onto the intermediate plate 27 by means of a sliding device (not shown) arranged in the freeze dryer 3, and from there onto the container transport bodies 22 for removal by means of the sliding device transport body 23 and the sliding device 4 and / or by means of the sliding device of the freeze dryer 3. In some embodiments, the intermediate plate 27 is moved to a location away from the freeze dryer 3 for unloading, so that another empty intermediate plate 27 can be positioned in front of the freeze dryer 3, onto which further containers 5 can be pushed by means of the sliding device of the freeze dryer 3. The loading system 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 further comprises a support device 8 in certain embodiments. As shown schematically in Figures 1 and 2, the support device 8 is also included in these embodiments.As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the support device 8 is configured to secure a push-type transport body 23 against tipping during the loading of the containers 5. The illustrated support device 8 includes, for example, a stationary element mounted on the freeze dryer 3, which interacts with the push-type transport body 23 to stabilize it during loading. The support device 8 can be designed to suit the specific application.

[0118] In one embodiment (not shown), the (optional) support device 8 is at least partially formed on a support device transport body.

[0119] Fig. 3 shows a top view of a system comprising a loading system 1 similar to Fig. 1 and several freeze dryers 3. Uniform reference numerals are used for identical or similar components. A further description is omitted.

[0120] The system shown in Fig. 3 additionally includes an inlet 20, a washing station 6 and a parking and / or waiting area 28.

[0121] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the sliding device comprises several sliding rails 41, each sliding rail 41 of the sliding device 4 being arranged on two sliding device transport bodies 23. The two sliding device transport bodies 23 are spaced apart from each other so that the sliding rail 41 can be moved over the intermediate plate 27, the sliding device transport bodies 23 being arranged on both sides of the intermediate plate 27 and being adjustable along side edges of the intermediate plate 27. However, this design is merely exemplary.

[0122] In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the container transport bodies 22 are each designed to accommodate three containers 5 in a row. However, this design is also merely exemplary.

[0123] The control unit 12 is configured to actuate actuators on the transport surface 21 and / or on the container transport bodies 22, so that several container transport bodies 22 can be moved into a transfer point 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the container transport bodies 22 can be positioned at the transfer point 26 such that containers 5 of several container transport bodies 22 are arranged in a matrix with a hexagonal offset. Figure 3 shows three freeze dryers 3; however, the system can have more or fewer freeze dryers 3 depending on the requirements and is scalable as needed.

[0124] The system can be operated in such a way that the two or more freeze dryers 3 do not operate in parallel, but with a time delay, so that, for example, one freeze dryer 3 is being loaded while the other freeze dryer 3 is being unloaded.

[0125] The three freeze dryers 3 shown in Fig. 3 are in different phases of a loading process, with the freeze dryer 3 shown above in Fig. 3 schematically depicted in a phase in which containers 5 are moved from an intermediate plate 27 to a support plate 30 of the freeze dryer 3.

[0126] The freeze dryers 3 shown below and in the middle of Fig. 3 are schematically depicted in a phase in which containers 5 are moved by container transport bodies 22 onto an intermediate plate 27. In the schematically illustrated embodiment, the push-drive transport bodies 23 are operated differently for loading the intermediate plates 27. In some embodiments, each freeze dryer 3 is assigned a push bar 41 of the push-drive unit. In other embodiments, one push bar 41 of the push-drive unit 4 is assigned to two or more freeze dryers 3. In other embodiments, two or more push bars 41 of the push-drive unit 4 are assigned to one freeze dryer 3.

[0127] In the freeze dryer 3 shown in the middle of Fig. 3, the push device transport bodies 23 are each operated in such a way that the containers 5 of the container transport bodies 22 arranged in the transfer point 26 are moved to different positions on the intermediate plate 27 with a varying maximum stroke.

[0128] In the freeze dryer 3 shown below in Fig. 3, the push-drive transport bodies 23 are operated such that the containers 5 of the container transport bodies 22 arranged in the transfer point 26 are moved with a constant stroke to an initial area of ​​the intermediate plate 27, whereby containers 5 already located there are displaced and moved along the intermediate plate 27. An operating mode can be selected appropriately depending on the application or is fixed for the system.

[0129] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the inlet 20 of the transport system is

[0130] 2. A supply 50 is provided, wherein containers 5 are transferred from the supply 50 onto container transport bodies 22. In some embodiments, the containers 5 are already filled, and a stopper is placed on the filled containers 5, without the containers 5 being tightly sealed by the stopper. In some embodiments, the supply 50 is an outlet of a filling device for filling the containers 5.

[0131] After the containers 5 are transferred to the container transport bodies 22 at the inlet 20, the containers 5 are moved to the transfer points 26 by means of the container transport bodies 22.

[0132] The containers 5 are pushed by the container transport bodies 22 arranged at the transfer points 26 as described by means of the push device transport bodies 23 onto the intermediate plate 27 and from the intermediate plate 27 onto a support plate 30 of a freeze dryer 3.

[0133] For the movement of the loaded container transport bodies 22 to the transfer point 26, a push bar 4 used for the later loading of the containers 5 at the associated freeze dryer 3 can be moved by means of the push device transport body 23 into a position in which the push bar 41 and / or the push device transport body 23 do not impede a movement of the container transport bodies 22 to the transfer point 26.

[0134] For rapid loading, the illustrated embodiment provides parking and / or waiting areas 28 where loaded or unloaded container transport bodies 22 can be temporarily stored.

[0135] After the containers 5 have been moved onto the intermediate plate 27, the empty container transport bodies 22 can be moved back to the inlet 20 to receive further containers 5. Depending on the configuration, the movement takes place along a predetermined route or situationally for each container transport body 22, whereby collisions with loaded and empty container transport bodies 22 are avoided in every case.

[0136] The loading system 1 shown further comprises the washing station 6, wherein the container transport bodies 22 can subsequently be fed to the transfer point 26 on the transport surface 21 of the washing station 6. In some embodiments, only container transport bodies 22 that have passed through the washing station 6 after the transfer point 26 are moved to the inlet 20. In other embodiments, a washing station 6 can be omitted, or only container transport bodies 22 that have been identified by means of an inspection station (not shown in Fig. 1) are fed to the washing station 6.

[0137] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the freeze dryers 3 are arranged along a straight row. However, this arrangement is merely exemplary. In the illustrated embodiment, the row of freeze dryers 3 is arranged offset by 90° from an inlet 20, with an area immediately adjacent to the inlet 20 serving as a shunting area 29. Alternatively or additionally to the three freeze dryers 3 shown, further freeze dryers 3 can be provided in the plane of the drawing above or below the freeze dryers 3 shown in other embodiments.

[0138] In various embodiments, the system further includes an outlet (not shown), wherein containers 5 filled and sealed after a freeze-drying process can be transported to the outlet by means of the container transport bodies 22 or in another way.

[0139] In some configurations, the loading system 1 also serves to load the containers 5 from the intermediate plate 27 after a freeze-drying process. For this purpose, in some configurations, empty container transport bodies 22 are provided at the transfer point 26, and the containers 5 are loaded onto the empty container transport bodies 22 arranged at the transfer point 26 by means of the push bar 41 and the push device transport body 23. The containers 5 can then be transported to the outlet by means of the container transport bodies 22.

[0140] Fig. 4 schematically shows a top view of a detail of a loading system 1 comprising a container transport body 22 arranged adjacent to an intermediate plate 27 and a push device 4. The push device 4 shown in Fig. 4 comprises a push bar 41, wherein the push bar 41 is adjustable by means of two push device transport bodies 23.

[0141] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, a group of containers 5 is provided on the container transport body 22, wherein the group of containers 5 is moved onto the intermediate plate 27 by means of the push bar 41 in the state shown schematically in Fig. 4. The container transport body 22 is partially concealed by the push bar 41 or the containers 5 and is shown by a dashed line.

[0142] The containers 5 are arranged in a matrix comprising several rows. The number of rows and the number of containers 5 per row shown are merely examples. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, a frame 7 is provided to serve as a guide. The frame 7 completely surrounds the group of containers 5 and guides the group on all four sides. In other embodiments, a frame that is open on at least one side is provided.

[0143] As shown schematically in Fig. 4, the group of containers 5 is loaded onto the platform 27 with the frame 7.

[0144] In the loading system shown in Fig. 4, the push-drive transport bodies 23 can each be operated such that a group of containers 5 in the frame 7 is moved by a container transport body 22 to an initial area of ​​the intermediate plate 27, displacing any containers 5 already located there and moving them along the intermediate plate 27. In some embodiments, the frame 7 remains attached to the group of containers 5 after they have been loaded from the container transport body 22 onto the intermediate plate 27. The frame 7 also serves to stabilize the containers 5 on the intermediate plate 27 and / or during their transfer from the intermediate plate into the freeze dryer 3. In other embodiments, the loading system, in particular the push-drive unit 4, is designed to be removed from the frame 7 after the containers 5 have been loaded onto the intermediate plate 27.

[0145] Fig. 5 schematically shows a top view of a detail of a loading system 1 similar to Fig. 4 comprising a container transport body 22 arranged adjacent to an intermediate plate 27 and a push device 4 similar to the push device 4 according to Fig. 4. The loading system 1 according to Fig. 5 further comprises a guide designed as a frame 7 and a support device 8.

[0146] The frame 7 shown in Fig. 5 is a frame open on one side, whereby the containers 5 can be inserted into the frame 7 through the open side. This design is merely an example. Other embodiments feature a closed frame.

[0147] The support device 8 shown in Fig. 5 is designed to interact with the guide, which is designed as a frame 7, for its support. The support device 8 shown comprises, for example, two handling devices 80. The handling devices 80 are arranged stationary at a machine station. The handling devices 80 each interact with the frame 7 to support and move the frame 7 during the loading of the group of containers 5 onto the intermediate plate 27. The handling devices 80 shown are, for example, designed as lever drives. In embodiments, the loading system 1 includes, for example, a driven shaft with a gear, which interacts with a rack on the frame 80 to move the frame 80.

[0148] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, a group of containers 5 is provided on the container transport body 22, wherein the group of containers 5 is moved onto the intermediate plate 27 by means of the push bar 41 in the state shown schematically in Fig. 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the push bar 41 also interacts with the frame 7, so that the frame 7 is moved in the push direction by the push bar 41. In embodiments, it is provided that the frame 7 is moved in the push direction by the push bar 41, wherein a support device comprising a positive guidance device is provided which prevents movement of the frame 7 and thus movement of the containers 5 transverse to the push direction.

[0149] In some embodiments, the group of containers 5 is moved with the frame 7 onto the container transport body 5 and transported to the transfer position. At the transfer position, the frame 7 is coupled to the handling devices 80 and / or to a positive guidance device of the support device 8 for loading the containers 5. After the containers have been loaded, in some embodiments the frame 7 is decoupled from the handling device or the positive guidance device of the support device 8, so that after the containers 5 have been loaded, the frame 7 remains with the containers 5 on the mounting plate 27.

[0150] Figs. 6 and 7 show schematic top views of a detail of a loading system 1 during the loading of an intermediate plate 27 and during the unloading of the intermediate plate 27, respectively.

[0151] The loading system 1 shown in Figures 6 and 7 comprises a container transport body 22 (partially shown with dashed lines in Figure 7) arranged adjacent to the intermediate plate 27 and a push device 4. The push device 4 shown in Figures 6 and 7 comprises a push bar 41, the push bar 41 being adjustable for loading and unloading by means of two push device transport bodies 23, as indicated by arrows in Figures 6 and 7. In some embodiments, a support device 8, shown schematically in Figure 1, is provided, which supports the push device transport body 23 and / or the push bar 41 during loading and / or unloading, in particular stabilizing it against tipping.

[0152] In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, a group of containers 5 is provided on the container transport body 22. In this embodiment, the group of containers 5 is arranged in a frame 7 that is open on one side. The containers 5 are moved as a group, along with the frame 7, from the container transport body 22 onto the intermediate plate 27. Each frame 7 has one open side, with the open side of the frame 7 located at a rear end in the insertion direction in the illustrated embodiment. When another frame 7 is loaded, the open side is closed by a front frame section of an adjacent frame 7. Compared to a design with fully closed frames 7 according to Figure 4, this avoids the need for two frame sections between two groups arranged on the intermediate plate 27 or subsequent groups in a freeze dryer.This allows for a denser packing compared to a design with surrounding frames.

[0153] In embodiments, the frames 7 are supported by a support device 8, which is shown schematically in Fig. 5 and includes a handling device 80, during the loading of the containers 5, wherein the handling device 80 cooperates with the frame 7 for its movement during the loading of the containers 5.

[0154] In some embodiments, the frames 7 are supported by a support device 8 comprising a positive guidance device (not shown) during the loading of the containers 5. The positive guidance device is designed to interact with the frame 7 during the loading of the containers 5 in order to prevent movement of the frame 7 and thus of the containers 5 in a direction transverse to the thrust direction of the thrust device 4.

[0155] The frames 7 shown in Figures 6 and 7 have complementary coupling elements 70, 71 at two opposite ends, by which the frames 7 can be connected to one another. The coupling elements 70, 71 are shown only schematically in the figures. In some embodiments, the coupling elements 70, 71 are designed such that coupling of the frames 7 is effected by a one-dimensional movement. In some embodiments, decoupling is not possible by an opposite one-dimensional movement.

[0156] The coupling elements 70, 71 are arranged, particularly in the illustrated embodiment, on the open side of the frame 7 and on a side opposite it. When two frames 7 are coupled, the open side of one frame 7 is closed by an adjacent frame 7. In the illustrated embodiment, all frames 7 are identical in design. In other embodiments, one frame, which is loaded onto the intermediate plate 27 first, and / or one frame, which is loaded onto the intermediate plate 27 last, is designed differently. In some embodiments, the differently designed frame(s) have coupling elements 70, 71 only at one end and / or are closed frames.

[0157] As schematically shown in Fig. 7, the coupled frames 7 can be moved as a composite on the intermediate plate 27, in particular by applying a tensile force to one frame, preferably to a first frame 7, which is arranged at a free end of the intermediate plate 27 facing away from the freeze dryer 3 (see Figs. 1 to 3).

[0158] In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding rail 41 has coupling elements 47 which are complementary to coupling elements of the frame 7, in particular to the coupling elements 70 arranged on the open side of the frame 7. The sliding rail 41 can be coupled to the first frame 7 at the free end of the intermediate plate 27 in order to move the assembly of the frame 7 with the container 5.

[0159] By moving the assembly, the first frame 7 can be loaded onto a provided container transport body 22. After loading, the frame 7 can be detached from the assembly, and the container transport body 22, along with the frame 7 and the containers 5 arranged within it, can be transported away. Subsequently, the push bar 41 can be coupled to a subsequent frame 7, which, after the first frame 7 has been uncoupled, is positioned at the free end of the intermediate plate 27, in order to move the remaining assembly of frames 7 with the containers 5 once again.

[0160] In some embodiments, the frames 7 are loaded from the intermediate plate 27 onto provided container transport bodies 22 with an additional unit of the push device not shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

[0161] In some embodiments, the intermediate plate 27 is fixedly mounted on a freeze dryer, and is adjustable between a loading position, in which the intermediate plate 27 projects into an opening (31, see Figs. 1 and 2) of a freeze dryer (see Figs. 1 to 3), and a rest position, in which the intermediate plate 27 does not project through the opening (31, see Figs. 1 and 2) of the freeze dryer 3 and the opening 31 can be closed. In other embodiments, the intermediate plate 27 is part of the loading system and, in particular, can be moved on the transport surface 21 by means of an intermediate plate transport body 240, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3.

[0162] In certain configurations, appropriate loading with a guide, for example with

[0163] Frame 7 is provided at a machine station without an intermediate plate. For example, the containers 5 are loaded directly from a container transport body 22 onto a support plate 30 and / or from a support plate 30 onto container transport bodies 22. For example, the containers 5 are loaded from one container transport body 22 onto another container transport body 22.

[0164] The loading systems 1 shown in the figures, comprising a transport area 21 and several transport bodies 22, 23, 24, each allow flexible loading and unloading of one or more freeze dryers 3. The systems are also characterized by a high degree of modularity and are scalable to almost any size.

[0165] The transport systems are also suitable for use in a cleanroom environment, whereby, in particular, certain configurations feature contactless and therefore frictionless movement of the transport bodies 22, 23, 24 along the transport surface 21. Easy and safe cleaning of the system is also advantageous.

[0166] Loading system 1 is described in detail using a freeze dryer as an example. In other embodiments, loading system 1 is provided as an alternative or supplement at other machine stations.

[0167] Further embodiments include combinations of features that are described above in connection with different embodiments.

[0168] The drawings are merely schematic and not a scale representation of the individual elements of the loading systems depicted in the figures 1. Furthermore, numerous variations and modifications are conceivable.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Loading system for a machine station, in particular with a platform (30), in particular for a filling plant and / or a freeze dryer (3) with a platform (30), the loading system (1) comprising a push device (4), a control device (12) and a transport system (2), the transport system (2) having a transport surface (21) and several transport bodies (22, 23, 24) and several actuators, wherein the control device (12) is configured to control at least some of the several actuators of the transport system (2) such that the transport bodies (22, 23, 24) are movable independently of one another simultaneously relative to the transport surface (21), wherein at least some of the transport bodies are designed as container transport bodies (22) and each container transport body (22) is configured to transport at least one container, wherein the control device (12) is configuredto control at least some of the several actuators of the transport system (2) in order to move the container transport bodies (22) into a transfer point (26), wherein a container (5) can be moved down from a container transport body (22) arranged at the transfer point (26) by means of the push device (4), in particular in the direction of the positioning plate (30), and / or a container (5) can be moved by means of the push device (4), in particular from the positioning plate (30), onto a container transport body (22) arranged at the transfer point (26).

2. Loading system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one transport body is designed as a push-device transport body (23), wherein the push-device (4) is at least partially adjustable by means of the push-device transport body (23), and / or the push-device is at least partially mounted on the push-device transport body (23).

3. Loading system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the container transport bodies (22) are each configured to transport several containers (5) arranged in a row and / or a matrix.

4. Loading system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the push device (4) and / or the push device transport body (23) is configured to move containers (5) arranged in a row and / or a matrix at the transfer point (26).

5. Loading system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the push device (4) and / or the push device transport body (23) is configured to move a container (5) from a container transport body (22) arranged at the transfer point (26) with exactly one stroke or with several strokes from the container transport body (22), in particular to move it in the direction of the positioning plate (30).

6. Loading system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the push device (4) and / or the push device transport body (23) is configured to push a container (5) from a container transport body (22) arranged at the transfer point (26) onto a support plate (30) of the machine station, in particular the freeze dryer (3), and / or onto an intermediate plate (27), in particular arranged between the container transport body (22) and the support plate (30).

7. Loading system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container transport bodies (22) and the transfer point (26) are arranged so that two or more container transport bodies (22) can be arranged simultaneously at the transfer point (26).

8. Loading system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a guide is provided for a container (5), in particular for a group comprising several containers (5) arranged in a row and / or a matrix, wherein in particular at least one of the following features is provided: that the guide is designed to guide the container / group on at least one side, and / or that the guide is configured to hold the container / group against the container transport body (22) with force support, and / or that the guide is configured to stabilize the container / group against tipping, in particular during transport on the container transport body (22) and / or during loading.

9. Loading system according to claim 8, characterized in that the guide is designed as a frame (7), in particular as a closed frame or as a frame open on at least one side, wherein in particular at least one of the following features is provided: that the container / group with the frame (7) can be moved, in particular slid, onto the container transport body, and / or with the frame (7) can be moved from the container transport body to the support plate and / or the intermediate plate, in particular slid, and / or that at least two frames are provided, wherein the frames have complementary coupling elements, so that the at least two frames can be coupled to each other for moving, in particular sliding.

10. Loading system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a support device (8) is provided, wherein the support device (8) is configured to support an element of the loading system (1) and / or a container (5), in particular several containers (5), during loading of the container (5), in particular the containers (5), wherein in particular at least one of the following features is provided: that the support device (8) is configured to support the push device (4) and / or the push device transport body (23) during loading of the container (5), in particular the containers (5), and / or that the support device (8) is configured to support the guide during loading of the container (5), in particular the containers (5).

11. Loading system according to claim 10, characterized in that the support device (8) is at least partially stationary at the machine station, and / or that the support device (8) comprises a handling device (80) and / or a forced guidance device, and / or that at least one transport body is designed as a support device transport body, wherein the support device (8) is at least partially arranged on the support device transport body.

12. Loading system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one transport body is designed as an intermediate plate transport body (24), - wherein in particular the intermediate plate (27) is arranged on the intermediate plate transport body (24) and / or - wherein in particular the control unit (12) is configured to control at least some of the several actuators of the transport system (2) in order to intermediate plate (27) by means of the intermediate plate transport body (24) at the to position the transfer point, in particular adjacent to the mounting plate (30).

13. Loading system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a transport body (24) is provided to align containers on the transport body and / or an arrangement point for containers on the transport body relative to the transport surface (21), in particular transversely to the transport surface (21), - wherein in particular a container transport body (22) and / or an intermediate plate transport body (24) is provided for alignment and / or - wherein in particular a transport body (24) designed for alignment is alignable in its vertical position relative to the transport surface (21) and / or - wherein in particular the control device (12) is set up to control at least some of the several actuators of the transport system (2) for the alignment of an alignable transport body (22, 23, 24).

14. Loading system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following: that at least some of the multiple actuators of the transport system (2) are arranged on a respective transport body (24); and / or that at least some of the multiple actuators of the transport system (2) are arranged on the transport surface (21).

15. Loading system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a washing station (6) is provided for washing, in particular for cleaning and / or sterilizing, wherein in particular the control device is set up to control at least some of the several actuators of the transport system (2) so that transport bodies (22, 23, 24) can be fed to the washing station (6).

16. Machinery, in particular filling system, for carrying out process steps on containers at least partially under cleanroom conditions, wherein the process steps in particular include at least one filling of the containers under cleanroom conditions, comprising a loading system (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

17. Method for loading containers, in particular onto and / or towards a platform (30), especially for loading containers in a filling plant and / or in a freeze dryer, comprising a loading system (1) comprising a push device (4) and a transport system (2) with a transport surface (21), several container transport bodies (22) and a push device transport body (23), wherein the container transport bodies (22) are each moved with a container (5) arranged on the container transport body (22) into a transfer point (26), and the push device transport body (23) is moved to adjust the push device (4) so ​​that a container (5) with the push device (4) is pushed down from a container transport body (22) arranged at the transfer point (26),in particular on or in the direction of the support plate (30) and / or on an intermediate plate (27) arranged between the container transport body (22) and the support plate (30).

18. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that several containers are arranged in a row or matrix on the container transport body (22), wherein, in particular, the containers (5) arranged in the row or matrix are pushed down from the container transport body (22) with exactly one stroke or with several strokes by the push device (4) and / or the push device transport body (23), in particular onto the support plate (30) and / or the intermediate plate (27).

19. Method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that two or more container transport bodies (22) are arranged simultaneously at the transfer point (26), wherein, in particular, containers (5) are pushed down from the two or more container transport bodies (22) arranged at the transfer point (26) by the push device (4) and / or the push device transport body (23) with exactly one stroke or with several strokes, in particular onto the support plate (30) and / or the intermediate plate (27).

20. Method according to one of claims 15, 16 or 17, characterized in that the intermediate plate (27) is arranged on an intermediate plate transport body (24), wherein the intermediate plate (27) is positioned at the transfer point by the intermediate plate transport body (24).

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