Handling device for pharmaceutical containers, and system for processing pharmaceutical containers having at least one handling device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a handling device (100) for handling at least one pharmaceutical container (102) and / or for handling at least one pharmaceutical object (103), comprising: • - a preferably stationary handling mechanism (104), and • - a handling unit (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806, 906) having at least one handling chamber (108) and at least one opening region (110) for jointly receiving the at least one container (102). The handling chamber (108) and / or the opening region (110) can be connected to a device (114) for generating a fluid flow. The present invention further relates to a system (166) for processing a plurality of pharmaceutical containers (102), comprising at least one processing station (168) for pharmaceutical containers (102) and at least one handling device (100) as explained above.

Description

[0001] Handling device for pharmaceutical containers and plant for processing pharmaceutical containers with at least one handling device

[0002] The present invention relates to a handling device for handling at least one pharmaceutical container and / or for handling at least one, preferably container-specific, pharmaceutical object. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system for processing several pharmaceutical containers, comprising at least one processing station for the containers and at least one handling device as described above.

[0003] In such facilities for processing multiple pharmaceutical containers, several, for example 10 to 100, or more pharmaceutical containers can be stored in appropriately suitable magazines or carriers. Such magazines can be referred to, for example, as nests, tubs, or trays.

[0004] To achieve maximum processing efficiency, storing or nesting pharmaceutical containers in the magazines as densely as possible, i.e., in a spatially confined space, is recommended. Due to the limited space, pharmaceutical containers often cannot be reliably removed individually from the magazine, for example, if the container has a defective characteristic. Defective characteristics can include a damaged container body, insufficient filling, an inadequate seal, etc. Removal during the filling and sealing processes in the magazine is also not possible using automation. The problem of limited space is further exacerbated when particularly small pharmaceutical containers, such as cartridges, need to be removed from the magazine. Currently, the removal of cartridges is not reliably possible with the state of the art.Additionally or alternatively, the pharmaceutical containers may also include syringes or vials, etc.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a handling device of the type mentioned above in which the handling of pharmaceutical containers can be carried out more reliably, simply and / or variably.

[0006] This problem is solved by a handling device according to the invention for handling at least one pharmaceutical container and / or for handling at least one, preferably container-specific, pharmaceutical object, comprising:

[0007] - a handling mechanism, and

[0008] - a handling unit comprising at least one handling chamber and at least one opening area for the joint reception of the at least one container; wherein

[0009] the handling unit is mechanically coupled to the handling mechanism and is movable translationally and / or rotationally by means of it; and wherein

[0010] which at least one handling chamber and / or at least one opening area can be connected to a fluid conveying device via a flow connection to generate a fluid flow in the at least one handling chamber and / or in the at least one opening area for:

[0011] - Receiving the at least one container through the at least one opening area into the handling chamber and holding it suspended by means of a flow-effective force resulting from the fluid flow around the at least one container; and / or

[0012] - Receiving the at least one pharmaceutical object through the at least one opening area into the handling chamber and transporting the at least one pharmaceutical object out of the handling chamber by means of a flow-effective force resulting from the fluid flow around the at least one pharmaceutical object.

[0013] Due to the suspended holding of the at least one pharmaceutical container in the at least one handling chamber, bulky mechanical gripping elements, such as gripping jaws, can be dispensed with, which enables a particularly compact handling unit.

[0014] Within the scope of this invention, the handling of the at least one container can be understood, in particular, as enabling the removal, transport, and dispensing of the at least one container. First, the handling unit can be used to remove the container from a magazine containing several such nested containers. Subsequently, the handling unit can transport the at least one container from the removal point to a dispensing point. The dispensing point can, for example, comprise another magazine or be designed as such, or be a container for disposal purposes. Dispensing can preferably be carried out again using the handling unit. The handling of the at least one pharmaceutical item can, for example, be understood as ensuring that it is not dispensed again through the at least one opening area.Rather, it can be provided that the at least one pharmaceutical object can leave the handling chamber via a disposal opening and, for example, be conveyed to a disposal device by means of the flow connection, in which the fluid flow can also be formed. This functionality can be compared, in particular, to that of a vacuum cleaner. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a disposal flow connection can be provided, which can be fluidically connected to the disposal opening, the disposal device, and the flow connection, and by means of which the at least one pharmaceutical object can be conveyed to the disposal device.

[0015] The term "pharmaceutical object" can also refer to container-specific pharmaceutical objects, such as stoppers or caps, which are used to close pharmaceutical containers. In this context, pharmaceutical objects can also be understood as defective or damaged parts of pharmaceutical containers. Other pharmaceutical objects, such as primary or secondary packaging materials, whose maximum cross-sectional dimensions do not exceed, for example, the cross-sectional dimensions of the opening area, can also be included as described above.

[0016] The handling described above, such as removal, transport and dispensing, can preferably be carried out for defective containers which have at least one defective container characteristic.

[0017] The at least one handling chamber and the at least one opening area can be understood as follows: the at least one handling chamber can form an inner chamber within the handling unit, which can be designed and configured for receiving and / or dispensing the at least one container. The at least one opening area, on the other hand, can be understood as opening, for example, into the at least one handling chamber within the handling unit and extending from there to an outer surface of the handling unit. This configuration allows the receiving and dispensing of the at least one container into and out of the at least one handling chamber, respectively, through the at least one opening area.Fluid flow can arise because the pressure in the at least one handling chamber differs from that in the surrounding area of ​​the handling chamber, i.e., outside the at least one opening area, which makes fluid flow possible in the first place due to the pressure gradient.

[0018] The flow-effective force resulting from the fluid flow can therefore be interpreted as the force acting on a surface of the at least one container due to the pressure gradient inside and outside the at least one handling chamber and due to the flow around the at least one container. This flow-effective force can be further intensified by frictional effects between the at least one container and the fluid flow around it.

[0019] The fluid flow can preferably be an air flow. Consequently, the fluid can preferably be air. The air can advantageously be purified air.

[0020] The floating state or the floating position by means of a flow-effective force can then be achieved if the flow-effective force is equal to the weight of the at least one container.

[0021] The pressure inside the at least one handling chamber and / or in the at least one opening area can preferably be lower than outside the at least one handling chamber and / or the at least one opening area.

[0022] Alternatively, the pressure inside the at least one handling chamber and / or in the at least one opening area can preferably be greater than outside the at least one handling chamber and / or the at least one opening area.

[0023] The handling mechanism can preferably be stationary. This mechanism can comprise a static area that is immobile and a coupled movable area that can be moved translationally and / or rotationally, at least with respect to the static area.

[0024] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if at least one switching valve is arranged in the flow connection, which is configured to selectively assume a closed state for blocking and a free state for allowing the fluid flow to pass through the flow connection. The flow connection can preferably be designed as an elastic line or hose, or comprise one or more such lines, which can particularly advantageously extend at least partially within the handling mechanism. The switching valve can preferably be attached to the handling unit and connected to the at least one handling chamber via a fluid supply channel. The switching valve can advantageously be connected to a control and / or regulation unit for controlling the switching valve.

[0025] Accordingly, it can be advantageous if, in the open state of the at least one switching valve, the at least one container can be picked up from outside the handling unit, at least partially, by means of the flow-effective force, and held suspended within the at least one handling chamber. Complete absorption can be disadvantageous in that it may increase the risk of the at least one container becoming jammed within the at least one handling chamber. Therefore, it can be advantageous if a section of the at least one container, held suspended and at least partially picked up, protrudes from the handling unit. The container can thus preferably engage the handling chamber section by section through the opening area.

[0026] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the at least one container, while suspended and at least partially received in the at least one handling chamber, has a receiving depth that can be controlled and / or regulated by a flow velocity and / or volumetric flow rate of the fluid flow. As explained above, the pressure gradient between the interior of the at least one handling chamber and its external environment can, in particular, influence the actual receiving depth. Since this pressure gradient depends on the flow velocity and / or the volumetric flow rate of the fluid, these flow parameters can be easily influenced by means of power control or regulation of the fluid conveying device. For the control or regulation of the fluid conveying device, a control system can be used.

[0027] The control of the fluid conveying device can advantageously also be connected to the control and / or regulation unit.

[0028] Furthermore, it can prove advantageous if the at least one container, while suspended and at least partially contained, can be discharged from the at least one handling chamber due to its own weight and the resulting force of gravity, as the force no longer affects the flow when the at least one switching valve is closed. The fluid flow can be switched on and off very simply, precisely, and essentially digitally using the at least one switching valve, which consequently also applies to the force affecting the flow. Controlling the fluid flow from the at least one container is therefore very simple, as its discharge is due to its own weight.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one opening area may have a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one handling chamber. According to Bernoulli's laws of fluid mechanics, the fluid flow velocity in the at least one opening area is greater than in the at least one handling chamber due to the smaller cross-sectional area. This increased flow velocity can advantageously contribute to stabilizing the suspended container.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the handling unit has a transition zone between the at least one opening area and the at least one handling chamber, the cross-sectional area of ​​which corresponds to the opening cross-sectional area and the chamber cross-sectional area at each end, and which widens continuously or in stages in the direction of the chamber cross-sectional area between them. The shape or geometry of the widening can influence the flow conditions within the at least one opening area or in the at least one handling chamber. A continuous widening can, in particular, prevent or reduce the formation of stability-reducing turbulence, whereas a staged widening can be advantageous, especially with regard to a compact design and a lower weight of the handling unit.

[0031] The handling unit can further comprise a handling housing, which includes a base body for forming the at least one handling chamber and a cover element that is detachably attached to the base body and that includes or forms the at least one opening area. The at least one handling chamber can also be formed by the transition area, at least on one side. Advantageously, the transition area can also be included by or formed through the cover element. The detachable attachment is particularly advantageous in that the handling chamber is easily accessible and any jammed containers or parts thereof can be easily removed. Preferably, the cover element is also manually or automatically operated.

[0032] Interchangeable. Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the handling device comprises a plurality of lid elements that can be selectively detachably attached to the base body and differ from one another in at least one container-specific property, preferably by virtue of the at least one opening area. This differentiation enables quick and easy adaptation to various types of pharmaceutical containers. The simplest design method for implementing the container-specific property is by means of the at least one opening area.

[0033] Preferably, each of the at least one opening areas can have a container-specific geometric opening shape and / or at least one container-specific opening dimension to adapt to a geometric container shape and / or a container dimension of the at least one container. In particular, the container shape can have a round, preferably circular, cross-sectional shape, so that the container-specific geometric opening shape can also be round or preferably circular.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, at least one container-specific opening dimension can be adapted to the container dimension, which can be considered the dimension that characterizes the maximum cross-section of the at least one container. In the case of a circular cross-section, this container dimension can correspond to the maximum diameter, so that the opening area can also have a circular shape with a container-specific opening dimension that can be determined from the container dimension and a radial allowance, such that the at least one container, when suspended, is spaced from the at least one opening area according to the radial allowance.

[0035] Advantageously, the at least one opening area can have a cylindrical shape and be bounded by an inner surface of the lid element. The cylindrical shape can, in particular, be a circular cylindrical shape. Especially with regard to manufacturing aspects and due to the fact that most pharmaceutical containers have a round cross-section, a circular cylindrical shape can be advantageous. Furthermore, by providing the at least one opening area in the lid element, a detachable format part can be provided that can have a container-specific geometric opening shape and / or at least one container-specific opening dimension to adapt to the geometric shape and / or dimension of the at least one container.As explained above, a plurality of lid elements can be provided, each with different opening areas and a container-specific geometric opening shape and / or at least a container-specific opening dimension. These multiple lid elements thus form a format set, which can be stored, for example, in a format set magazine.

[0036] Preferably, the inner surface of the opening may have one or more flow-guiding structures for directing and / or influencing the fluid flow through the at least one opening area. This guidance or influencing enables targeted flow control within the at least one opening area.

[0037] Consequently, the fluid flow within it can be calmed. Alternatively, the fluid flow can be subjected to a swirling motion, such that this swirling motion sets the at least one container into rotation due to flow friction, which can lead to stabilization as a result of the resulting container rotation.

[0038] Furthermore, it is conceivable that one or more flow-guiding structures are formed as projections on the inner surface of the opening or are incorporated as recesses in the inner surface of the opening. For this purpose, the inner surface of the opening can have one or more spirally shaped recesses in the form of grooves that can generate a swirling motion. Alternatively or additionally, the flow-guiding structures can be incorporated as straight recesses extending parallel to a central axis of the at least one opening area.

[0039] It can also prove advantageous if the handling unit has a stop element to limit the receiving depth of the at least one container in the at least one handling chamber against the direction of fluid flow. This type of limitation provides additional stabilization of the at least one suspended container, since contact with the stop element generates a frictional force that acts transversely to the container's central axis, thus inhibiting transverse movement. Furthermore, the positioning of the stop element allows for an optimized receiving depth that takes into account the container's geometry and dimensions.

[0040] Preferably, the stop element can be attached to the base body. Additionally or alternatively, the stop element can be attached to the cover element.

[0041] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the stop element has one or more flat stop areas which, in the assembled state, form an angle between greater than 0° and less than 180° with the central axis of the handling unit. The central axis of the handling unit can be understood, in particular, as an axis extending parallel to a flow axis of an imaginary streamline located in at least a section of the laminar flow field of the fluid flow within the handling unit. In the case of a cylindrical or cuboid shape of the at least one handling unit, the central axis corresponds to a central axis of the handling unit. The angular orientation of the one or more stop areas generates at least one transverse force component, by means of which additional stabilization of the at least one container can be achieved.This shear force component is perpendicular to the vector of the flow-effective force.

[0042] In an advantageous implementation of the handling device, it is further beneficial if the at least one container that can be stopped can be centered by means of the stop element using one or more flat stop areas, provided the stop areas are axially symmetrical. In this case, the stop element can have at least two flat stop areas that are axially symmetrical to the central axis of the at least one handling chamber. The two stop areas can form an angle between greater than 0° and less than 180° with the central axis of the handling unit (or the at least one handling chamber). Consequently, the at least two flat or planar stop areas can form an opening angle of less than 180° with each other, this angle being directed towards the at least one opening area when the stop area is mounted.In other words, the two flat contact areas can have a mirror-symmetrical orientation to the central axis of the handling unit. This allows the two contact areas to generate two transverse force components whose force vectors are coaxial, perpendicular to the central axis, and pointing in the direction of the central axis. This enables the centering of at least one container in the contacted state.

[0043] Alternatively, in the case of an axially asymmetrical alignment of one or more stop areas, the at least one stopable container can be pressed against the inner surface of the opening by means of the stop element.

[0044] In this regard, the stop element can have at least one stop area that can form an angle between greater than 0° and less than 180° with the central axis of the handling unit (or the at least one handling chamber). In other words, the at least one planar stop area can have an asymmetrical or point-symmetrical orientation with respect to the central axis of the handling unit. This allows the at least one stop area to generate a transverse force component whose force vector can point perpendicular to the central axis, thereby enabling movement of the at least one container perpendicularly, i.e., in the transverse direction, until contact is made with the inner surface of the opening.

[0045] It can also prove advantageous if the stop element is designed as a stop disc, angled stop element, angled stop star, flat stop star and / or stop funnel.

[0046] Furthermore, the handling unit may be provided with multiple opening areas for receiving several pharmaceutical containers, preferably corresponding in size and shape to the at least one opening area. Providing multiple opening areas can advantageously enable the removal of several pharmaceutical containers. This has the advantage of reducing cycle times for handling and increasing the overall efficiency of the handling system.

[0047] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the handling unit has a single handling chamber and several opening areas, wherein the handling chamber is fluidically connected to each opening area. A particularly simple structural design of the handling unit's base body can be achieved by means of a single handling chamber. The central axis of a single handling chamber can also be understood as an axis extending parallel to a flow axis of an imaginary or fictitious flow path located in at least a sectionally laminar flow field of the fluid flow within the single handling chamber.

[0048] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the lid element has multiple opening areas. This design advantageously allows for the provision of a single, easily interchangeable format part for dispensing multiple pharmaceutical containers. In this case as well, a set of multiple format parts, each with identical opening areas, can be provided. The opening areas can each have a container-specific geometric shape and / or at least one container-specific opening dimension to adapt to the geometric shape and / or dimensions of the respective container. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the opening areas each have a central axis, with the respective central axes arranged along a straight line in the lid element or along a grid pattern within the lid element.This geometric design can particularly facilitate the sequential removal of multiple containers from a nest of several containers. The same applies to the removal of multiple containers that can be arranged in the nest according to a grid. The grid can be rectangular or oblique, with rows of grid points staggered relative to each other.

[0049] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the handling unit has several handling chambers, which are preferably fluid-tightly separated from one another, so that each handling chamber is fluidically connected to a corresponding opening area. This solution allows for both individual and serial removal, or removal from a right-angled grid arrangement of containers in the nest, enabling very efficient removal.

[0050] Preferably, the multiple handling chambers can be connected to the fluid conveying device via the flow connection, and several switching valves are arranged in the flow connection. Each of these valves has a closed state for blocking and a free state for allowing the fluid flow to pass into the respective handling chamber, enabling independent fluid control of each of the multiple handling chambers. With this configuration, each handling chamber can be controlled individually, several in groups, or all handling chambers can be controlled simultaneously. This results in high variability and efficiency when removing single or multiple containers from a nest, which can be arranged either in a row or along a rectangular grid.

[0051] Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least one opening area is designed as an elongated opening area to accommodate multiple containers. Since the cover element containing the elongated opening area can be detachably attached to the base body, this design can be combined with both a single handling chamber configuration and one with multiple handling chambers, thus achieving the same effects and advantages. In this regard, it can be advantageous if the cover element is force-fitted, preferably detachably attached to the base body by means of one or more screw connections.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, the cover element can be detachably attached to the base body in a form-fitting manner, preferably by means of a bayonet fitting. Such a form-fitting, detachable attachment enables a defined, secure, and simple detachable connection between the cover element and the base body.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, it is also conceivable that the lid element is magnetically attached to the base body in a detachable manner, preferably by means of one or more permanent magnets.

[0054] According to a further embodiment of the handling device, it can be advantageous for the handling device to include a monitoring device configured and set up to monitor the correct pickup and / or dispensing of the at least one container and / or packaging components of the at least one container from the handling unit. The monitoring device can be connected to the control and / or regulation unit and, for example, generate a confirmation signal after the pickup and / or dispensing of the at least one container has been successful and transmit it to the control and / or regulation unit. Only after this transmission has taken place does the handling unit leave the pickup or dispensing position and can be moved to another pickup or dispensing position.

[0055] The output position is moved using the handling mechanism.

[0056] Preferably, the monitoring device may include an optical unit. The monitoring unit may, for example, be designed as a light barrier.

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, the monitoring device may include a flow sensor. It may be sufficient for the flow sensor to detect, in a binary manner, whether the fluid flow is passing through the at least one handling chamber or whether no fluid flow is present. Such sensors can be designed as sensitive flow monitors. As soon as the flow sensor detects that no fluid flow is present, it can transmit the confirmation signal described above to the control unit. The monitoring device, preferably in the form of an optical unit, can be arranged on the handling unit. This arrangement has the advantage that each nested container can be optically inspected or detected.Because of its cyclically recurring removal position, the handling unit is regularly in close proximity to the containers, which can then be monitored by the optical unit. The optical unit can be, for example, a digital camera or video camera, the images of which are analyzed by an image recognition module, which can be integrated into the control unit, to distinguish between defective and non-defective containers. Furthermore, the optical unit can advantageously be used to monitor the correct pickup of at least one container.

[0058] Therefore, the monitoring device in the form of the optical unit can be configured and set up to detect defective containers in a magazine of multiple containers.

[0059] It is also conceivable that the handling unit has a locking element and / or a clamping element for locking and / or clamping the at least one container in the at least one handling chamber and / or in the at least one opening area. These elements can be particularly advantageous if the fluid flow is unintentionally interrupted, inhibited, or weakened, so that the flow-effective force is no longer sufficient to keep the at least one container suspended in the at least one handling chamber. The associated clamping or locking action allows the at least one container to be securely held in the handling unit and thus prevents the unintentional or undefined dispensing of the at least one container from the handling unit in the event of an interrupted or insufficient fluid flow.

[0060] The handling mechanism can be designed, in particular, as a robot, preferably an articulated robot arm. The robot can accordingly be configured with a stationary robot base and several robot segments articulated to it. Additionally or alternatively, the handling mechanism can be designed as a gantry robot.

[0061] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the handling housing includes a housing area in which the at least one container is completely contained in a suspended state. This housing area can preferably be movable translationally and / or rotationally relative to the handling housing for the purpose of dispensing the at least one container from the handling housing.

[0062] The housing section can be located at either end of the handling housing, relative to its central axis. Alternatively, it can be located at an intermediate point within the handling housing, relative to its central axis. Translational and / or rotational movement can be achieved actively using appropriate translational and / or rotational actuators. Additionally or alternatively, translational and / or rotational movement can be achieved passively by moving the housing section to a trigger point via the handling mechanism. Once the housing section is moved towards and makes contact with the trigger point, its translational and / or rotational movement can occur passively.

[0063] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system for processing several pharmaceutical containers, comprising at least one processing station for pharmaceutical containers and at least one handling device as described above.

[0064] The advantages already mentioned in connection with the explanation of the handling device according to the invention can also be achieved in the system for processing multiple pharmaceutical containers. Reference can be made to the preceding statements in this regard.

[0065] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the drawings, serves to explain the invention in more detail. A handling device according to the invention, in a preferred embodiment, is described.

[0066] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of a system according to the invention for processing several pharmaceutical containers is described.

[0067] They show:

[0068] Fig. 1 : a schematic view of a plant for processing pharmaceutical containers with a handling device according to the invention;

[0069] Fig. 2: a schematic view of a station for processing pharmaceutical containers with a handling device according to the invention; Fig. 3: a schematic sectional view of a first embodiment of a handling unit according to the invention;

[0070] Fig. 4: a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of a handling unit according to the invention;

[0071] Fig. 5: a schematic sectional view of a third embodiment of a handling unit according to the invention;

[0072] Fig. 6: a schematic sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a handling unit according to the invention;

[0073] Fig. 7: a further schematic sectional view of the first embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention as shown in Fig. 3;

[0074] Fig. 8: a schematic sectional view and a top view of a lid element of the third embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention as shown in Fig. 5;

[0075] Fig. 9: a schematic sectional view and a top view of a further cover element of the third embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention as shown in Fig. 5;

[0076] Fig. 10: a schematic sectional view and a top view of a further cover element of the third embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention as shown in Fig. 5;

[0077] Fig. 11: a schematic sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a handling unit according to the invention;

[0078] Fig. 12: a schematic sectional view and a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a handling unit according to the invention comprising a stop element;

[0079] Fig. 13: a schematic sectional view and a perspective view of a further stop element of the sixth embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention as shown in Fig. 12; Fig. 14: a schematic sectional view and a perspective view of a further stop element of the sixth embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention as shown in Fig. 12;

[0080] Fig. 15: a schematic sectional view and a perspective view of a further stop element of the sixth embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention as shown in Fig. 12;

[0081] Fig. 16: a schematic sectional view, a side view and a top view of a further stop element of the sixth embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention as shown in Fig. 12;

[0082] Fig. 17: a schematic sectional view, a perspective view and a top view of a further stop element of the sixth embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention as shown in Fig. 12;

[0083] Fig. 18: a schematic sectional view of a further stop element of the sixth embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention as shown in Fig. 12;

[0084] Fig. 19: a schematic sectional view of a seventh embodiment of a handling unit according to the invention;

[0085] Fig. 20: a schematic sectional view of an eighth embodiment of a handling unit according to the invention;

[0086] Fig. 21: a schematic sectional view of a ninth embodiment of a handling unit according to the invention;

[0087] Fig. 22: a schematic top view and a perspective view of a lid element;

[0088] Fig. 23: a schematic top view and a perspective view of a cover element of the ninth embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention as shown in Fig. 21; Fig. 24: a schematic top view and a perspective view of a cover element of the eighth embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention as shown in Fig. 20;

[0089] Fig. 25: a schematic sectional view of a tenth embodiment of a handling unit according to the invention;

[0090] Fig. 26: a further schematic sectional view of the tenth embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention as shown in Fig. 25; and

[0091] Fig. 27: a further schematic sectional view of the tenth embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention as shown in Fig. 25.

[0092] Fig. 1 shows in schematic representation an advantageous embodiment of a plant according to the invention for processing pharmaceutical containers 102, which is designated overall by reference numeral 166.

[0093] The plant 166 for processing several pharmaceutical containers 102 comprises several processing stations 168, 170, 172, 174, 176 for pharmaceutical containers 102 and a handling device 100, which is part of the processing station 176 in the form of a handling station 176, as explained below.

[0094] Figure 1 shows that the system 166, by way of example, for processing the pharmaceutical containers 102, comprises a first weighing station 168 for tare weighing the containers 102, a filling station 170 for filling the containers with a pharmaceutical product, a second weighing station 172 for gross weighing the containers 102, a closing station 174 for closing the containers 102 and a handling station 176.

[0095] Following the closing station 174, the containers 102 are transferred to the handling station 176, which includes a handling device 100 according to the invention (see Fig. 2).

[0096] For transporting the containers 102 in the system 166, a transport device 178 is shown schematically in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a handling station 176 for processing pharmaceutical containers 102 with a handling device 100 according to the invention.

[0097] The handling device 100 for handling at least one pharmaceutical container 102 comprises a handling mechanism 104. This handling mechanism 104 can preferably be stationary.

[0098] As can be seen in Fig. 2, the handling mechanism 104 is designed here as a robot in the form of an articulated arm robot 164. The articulated arm robot 164 has a stationary base 188 and several robot segments 190, each of which is rotatably coupled to the other by means of a rotary joint 192.

[0099] Furthermore, the handling device 100 comprises a handling unit 106, which is mechanically coupled to the handling mechanism 104 and can be moved translationally and rotationally by means of it. According to Fig. 2, the handling unit 106 is attached to a free end region of the articulated robot arm 164.

[0100] A monitoring device 154 is also arranged on the handling unit 106. This device 154 is configured and set up to detect defective containers 102 in the magazine 160 from among several containers 102. Preferably, the monitoring device 154 can be designed in the form of the optical unit 156. The optical unit, in turn, can preferably be or include a video camera or a digital camera.

[0101] Figure 2 further shows that the handling unit 106 is connected to a fluid conveying device 114 by means of a flow connection 112. This connection serves to generate a fluid flow FS in the handling unit 106 for holding the container 102 suspended by means of a flow-effective force resulting from the fluid flow FS. For a detailed functional description of the handling unit 106, reference is made to Figure 3.

[0102] The flow connection 112 is designed as a flexible conduit and can be attached externally to the handling mechanism 104. Alternatively, the flow connection 112 can run through the handling mechanism 104. The fluid conveying device 114 can advantageously be designed as a blower or comprise a blower that can generate a vacuum in the handling unit 106 by means of the flow connection 112.

[0103] The fluid conveying device 114 is integrated into a base 180 of the handling station 176. The base 180 can also accommodate drives for the transport device 178 and / or the processing stations.

[0104] Optionally, the substructure can include a drive for an additional transport device 194 for transporting a magazine 182 for the ejection of pharmaceutical containers 102.

[0105] Adjacent to the articulated robot arm 164 is a sloping ramp 184, which receives containers 102 taken from the magazine 160 and defective containers 102 dispensed by the handling unit 106. Under the influence of their own weight, these containers 102 slide down the ramp and are fed into the magazine 182 as defective items.

[0106] To control the dispensing process from the handling unit 106, the handling device 100 can have a further monitoring device 154, which is designed, for example, in the form of a light barrier.

[0107] Furthermore, the handling device 100 can include a control and / or regulation unit 171 for controlling or regulating the degrees of freedom of the articulated arm robot 164.

[0108] The control and / or regulation unit 171 is electrically connected to the fluid conveying device 114 and the two optical units 154. The corresponding signal lines are not shown in Fig. 2.

[0109] The substructure 180 is hermetically sealed or encapsulated by a superstructure 186 to create cleanroom conditions around the handling station. The corresponding cleanroom system for creating cleanroom conditions is not shown in Fig. 2.

[0110] Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a first embodiment of a handling unit 106 according to the invention. In this drawing, a pharmaceutical container 102 is shown as a syringe by way of example. However, the invention is not limited to use with syringes.

[0111] According to Fig. 3, the handling unit 106 has a handling chamber 108 and an opening area 110 for jointly receiving the container 102. The handling chamber 108 and the opening area 110 form a common internal cavity in the handling unit 106.

[0112] The handling unit 106 further comprises a handling housing 122, which has a base body 124 for forming the at least one handling chamber 108 and which includes a cover element 126 that is detachably attached to the base body 124 and that forms the at least one opening area 110. Preferably, the cover element 126 is replaceable manually or automatically.

[0113] The handling unit 106 further comprises a transition area 120 between the opening area 110 and the handling chamber 108. According to Fig. 3, the transition area 120 is part of the cover element 126.

[0114] The opening area 110 has an opening cross-sectional area Aö that is smaller than a chamber cross-sectional area Ak of ​​the handling chamber 108.

[0115] Accordingly, the transition area 120 also has a cross-sectional area Aü, which corresponds to the opening cross-sectional area Aö and the chamber cross-sectional area Ak at their respective ends, and which continuously widens in the direction of the chamber cross-sectional area Ak between them. According to Fig. 3, this continuous widening corresponds to an expansion along a funnel-shaped configuration of the transition area 120. The widening can also be stepped, as shown, for example, in Fig. 5.

[0116] The opening area 110 as inner opening area has a circular cylindrical shape according to Fig. 3 and is limited by an inner opening surface 128 of the cover element 126 radially from a central axis M of the handling unit 106.

[0117] The handling unit 106, positioned opposite the opening area 110, also has a mounting section 196 for attachment to the handling mechanism 104. The mounting area is formed by a mounting projection 198. Furthermore, the handling unit includes a flow connection channel 200, which is provided in the handling unit 106 opposite the opening area 110 for the fluid connection of the handling chamber 108 and the opening area 110 with the flow connection 112. The flow connection 112, or the handling-side end of this flow connection, can be integrated into the mounting section 196.

[0118] The fastening section 196 is preferably attached centrally (with respect to the central axis M) to the base body 124. Accordingly, the flow connection channel 200 can also be arranged centrally in the base body 124, so that the end of the flow connection 112 opens into it there.

[0119] Alternatively, the flow connection channel 200 can also be arranged off-center on the base body 124. Accordingly, the end of the flow connection 112 would then open into the flow connection channel 200 there.

[0120] Consequently, the handling chamber 108 and the opening area 110 can be connected to the fluid conveying device 114 (see Fig. 2) by means of the flow connection 112 to generate a fluid flow FS in the handling chamber 108 and in the opening area 110.

[0121] The fluid flow serves to receive the container 102 through the opening area 110 into the handling chamber 108 and to hold it suspended by means of a flow-effective force F resulting from the fluid flow FS that flows around the container 102.

[0122] The fluid flow FS can only arise because the pressure in the handling chamber 108 is different from that in the vicinity of the handling chamber 108 and the opening area 110 (see Fig. 2).

[0123] The flow-effective force F resulting from the fluid flow FS can thus be interpreted as the force F that acts on a maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the container 102 due to the pressure gradient between handling chamber 108 and handling station 176. The pressure in the handling chamber 108 is preferably lower than in the handling station 176. The fluid flow FS is preferably an air flow. Consequently, the fluid is preferably air. The air is advantageously purified air.

[0124] The floating state or the floating hold by means of the flow-effective force F can therefore be achieved when the flow-effective force F is equal in magnitude to the weight force G of the container 102.

[0125] A switching valve 116 is arranged in the flow connection 112, which is designed to selectively assume a blocking state for blocking and a flow-through state for allowing the fluid flow FS to pass through the flow connection 112.

[0126] In the open state of the switching valve 116, the container 102 can therefore be received from outside the handling unit 106 and, by means of the flow-effective force F, can be received at least partially in the at least one handling chamber 108 and held suspended. Accordingly, the container 102 is preferably not completely, or along its entire longitudinal extent, received in the handling unit 106. However, complete reception of the container 102 is optionally possible.

[0127] The at least one container 102 therefore has a receiving depth 118 in the handling chamber 108 when suspended and at least partially received, which is controllable and adjustable by a flow velocity and a volume flow rate of the fluid flow FS. The receiving depth 118 can be understood as a dimension that forms between an end of the opening area 110 and an upper end of the container 102 with respect to the received and suspended state.

[0128] The volume flow rate or flow velocity can preferably be controlled or regulated via the power of the fluid conveying device 114 (see Fig. 2).

[0129] The discharge of container 102 in a suspended and at least partially received state occurs due to a force (F) that no longer affects the flow. This force arises as a result of the closed state of the switching valve 116. Thus, container 102 can be discharged from handling chamber 108 due to its own weight and the resulting gravitational force G.

[0130] The handling device 100 further comprises a plurality of lid elements 126, which can be optionally detachably attached to the base body 124. These lid elements differ from one another in at least one container-specific property, preferably by the opening area 110. The respective opening area 110 has a container-specific geometric opening shape and a container-specific opening dimension to adapt to a geometric container shape and a container dimension of the container 102.

[0131] As shown in Fig. 3, the opening area has a circular recess shape in cross-section, and the container also has a circular cross-sectional area. The container-specific opening dimension can correspond to a diameter of the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the container 102 plus a radial tolerance dimension in addition to the diameter of the maximum cross-sectional area, so that the container 102 can be securely received. The maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the container 102 corresponds to that of the container collar 202 at the upper end of the container 102, in its received and suspended state.

[0132] The multiple lid elements can be stored in a lid magazine (not shown) and automatically changed by the handling device 100, depending on the container 102 being picked up. Manual change is also possible. The multiple lid elements 126, each with at least one container-specific feature, form a detachable format part for adapting to different container shapes and dimensions. The multiple lid elements 126, or format parts, can therefore advantageously form a so-called format set.

[0133] As already described in the context of Fig. 2, the handling device 100 includes a monitoring device 154 which is configured and set up to monitor the correct dispensing of the container 102 and / or packaging parts such as a crimp cap or mushroom stopper of the container 102 from the handling unit 106.

[0134] The monitoring device 154 can preferably be designed in the form of the optical unit 156 and arranged on the handling unit 106. As shown in Fig. 3, the optical unit is arranged on the cover element 126 in the area of ​​the opening 110. The optical unit 156 can, for example, be a digital camera or a digital video camera.

[0135] The monitoring device 154, in the form of the optical unit 156, is further configured and equipped to detect defective containers 102 in the magazine 160 (see Fig. 2) from among several containers 102. Accordingly, the control and / or regulation unit 171 controls the handling device 104 such that it moves to the position of the defective container 102, picks it up, transports it away, and discharges it again, as described above with reference to Fig. 2.

[0136] The monitoring device 154 can also include a flow sensor 158, which can be arranged on or in the handling chamber 108 to monitor whether a fluid flow FS is formed or not.

[0137] Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of a handling unit 206 according to the invention.

[0138] The second embodiment of the handling unit 206 according to the invention has essentially corresponding structural and / or functional features as the first embodiment of the handling unit 106 according to the invention. Only the following structural and / or functional differences will be highlighted:

[0139] As can be seen in Fig. 4, the handling housing 122 is designed as a single piece, i.e., as a single component. Accordingly, the cover element 126 is integrally formed with the base body 124.

[0140] Fig. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of a third embodiment of a handling unit 306 according to the invention.

[0141] The third embodiment of the handling unit 306 according to the invention has essentially corresponding structural and / or functional features as the first embodiment of the handling unit 106 according to the invention. Only the following structural and / or functional differences will be highlighted:

[0142] The design of the transition area 120 in the cover element 226 is carried out according to Fig. 5 according to a step 204. By means of the step 204, the opening area 110 to the handling chamber 108 is extended at a right angle to the central axis M of the handling unit 306 or the handling chamber 108.

[0143] Fig. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a handling unit 406 according to the invention. The fourth embodiment of the handling unit 406 according to the invention has essentially corresponding structural and / or functional features as the first embodiment of the handling unit 106 according to the invention. Only the following structural and / or functional differences are to be shown:

[0144] The design of the transition area 120 in the lid element 326 is as shown in Fig. 6 in a funnel shape. However, the funnel shape in Fig. 6 tapers towards the handling chamber 108, unlike in Fig. 3, where the funnel shape tapers in the opposite direction to the handling chamber 108.

[0145] Fig. 7 shows a further schematic sectional view of the first embodiment of the handling unit 106 according to Fig. 3. However, for better illustration, the handling unit 106 is shown without container 102 and instead, according to a further functionality, with a pharmaceutical object 103 held in it.

[0146] The pharmaceutical object 103 can be designed as a container-specific pharmaceutical object 103 such as a stopper, a cap or a defective part of the pharmaceutical container.

[0147] As described in connection with Fig. 3, a fluid flow FS is generated in the handling chamber 108 and in the opening area 110. This fluid flow FS serves to receive the pharmaceutical object 103 through the opening area 110 into the handling chamber 108. Furthermore, the fluid flow FS serves to transport the pharmaceutical object 103, shown by way of example in Fig. 7, out of the handling chamber 108 by means of a flow-effective force F resulting from the fluid flow around the pharmaceutical object 103.

[0148] The handling of the pharmaceutical object 103 can be understood as follows: it cannot be dispensed again from the handling chamber 108 through the opening area 110. Instead, it can be provided that the pharmaceutical object 103 can leave the handling chamber 108 via a further disposal opening 105. The disposal opening can preferably be part of the flow connection channel 200 (see Fig. 3). Alternatively, however, it can be provided that the pharmaceutical object 103 can be dispensed again from the handling chamber 108 through the opening area 110.

[0149] After passing through the disposal opening 105, the pharmaceutical object 103 can be conveyed to a disposal device via the flow connection 112, in which the fluid flow FS can also be formed. The disposal device can be designed as a disposal container, e.g., in the form of a disposal bag.

[0150] If the handling of the pharmaceutical objects 103 is provided in addition to or as an alternative to the pharmaceutical containers 102, the switching valve 116 can be positioned at a different location, i.e., upstream of the disposal device, in the flow connection 112. This functionality can be compared, for example, to that of a vacuum cleaner.

[0151] Fig. 8 shows a schematic sectional view and a top view of a cover element 226 of the third embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention.

[0152] 5.

[0153] In Fig. 8, it is clearly visible from the top view that the circular inner surface of the opening 128 has several flow-guiding structures 130 for guiding and influencing the fluid flow FS through the opening area 110.

[0154] The flow-guiding structures are each provided as recesses 132 in the inner surface 128 of the opening. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the multiple flow-guiding structures 130 are each attached as projections to the inner surface 128 of the opening (not shown in Fig. 8).

[0155] As shown in Fig. 8, four recesses 132 are provided in the inner surface 128 of the opening, aligned parallel to the central axis Md of the cover element 226 and arranged circumferentially rotated by 90° around the central axis Md. Alternatively, more or fewer than four recesses 132 may be provided.

[0156] Fig. 9 shows a schematic sectional view and a top view of a further cover element 226 of the third embodiment of the handling unit 226 according to the invention as shown in Fig. 5. In Fig. 9, it can also be seen from the top view that the circular inner surface of the opening 128 has several flow guide structures 230 for guiding and influencing the fluid flow FS through the opening area 110.

[0157] The flow-guiding structures are each provided as recesses 232 in the inner surface 128 of the opening. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the multiple flow-guiding structures 230 are each attached as projections to the inner surface 128 of the opening (not shown in Fig. 9).

[0158] As shown in Fig. 9, four recesses 132 are provided in the inner surface 128 of the opening, each spiraling around the central axis Md of the cover element 226. The starting points of each recess 232 (see top view) are arranged circumferentially rotated by 90° around the central axis Md. Alternatively, more or fewer than four spiral recesses 232 can be provided.

[0159] Fig. 10 shows a schematic sectional view and a top view of a further cover element 226 of the third embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention as shown in Fig. 5.

[0160] Figure 10 shows a top view showing that the inner surface 128 of the opening encloses an equilateral triangle with rounded corners. Several flow-guiding structures 330 are incorporated into this inner surface 128 to guide and influence the fluid flow FS through the opening area 110.

[0161] The flow-guiding structures are formed according to Fig. 10 by the legs of the equilateral triangle and the rounded edges of the triangle's vertices. Additionally or alternatively, the multiple flow-guiding structures 130 can each be arranged as projections on the inner surface 128 of the opening (not shown in Fig. 10).

[0162] Fig. 11 shows a schematic sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a handling unit 506 according to the invention.

[0163] The fifth embodiment of the handling unit 506 according to the invention has essentially corresponding structural and / or functional features as the third embodiment of the handling unit 306 according to Fig. 5. Only the following structural and / or functional differences are to be shown:

[0164] The handling unit 106 has a locking and / or clamping element 162 for the preferred locking and / or clamping of the container 102 in the handling chamber 108.

[0165] The combined locking and / or clamping element 162 is designed as an elastic strip element which is attached to one side of the cover element 426 facing the handling chamber 108.

[0166] This element 162 engages in an extension of the opening area 110 or the inner surface of the opening 128 and thereby contacts the container 102 in the suspended state at its outer surface. Due to its elastic properties, the locking and / or clamping element 162 presses the container 102 against the inner surface of the opening. This clamps the container 102 radially to the central axis of the handling unit 506 (as shown in Fig.

[0167] 11 can be seen).

[0168] Furthermore, the container 102 is axially locked to the locking and / or clamping element 162 by means of its collar 202 along the central axis M by means of its free end.

[0169] The locking and / or clamping mechanism can be understood as a safety feature, ensuring that the container 102 is held in the handling unit should the fluid flow FS be interrupted. This effectively prevents the container 102 from being unintentionally dispensed from the handling unit 506.

[0170] Fig. 12 shows a schematic sectional view and a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a handling unit 606 according to the invention.

[0171] The sixth embodiment of the handling unit 606 according to the invention has essentially corresponding structural and / or functional features as the second embodiment of the handling unit 206 according to the invention. Only the following structural and / or functional differences will be highlighted:

[0172] The handling unit 106 has a stop element 134 for limiting the receiving depth 118 of the container 102 in the handling chamber 108 against the direction of flow of the fluid flow FS. The stop element 134 is attached to the base body 124. Additionally or alternatively, the stop element 134 may be attached to the cover element 126.

[0173] The stop element 134 has a flat stop area 136 which, in the assembled state, forms an angle α between greater than 0° and less than 180° with the central axis M of the handling chamber 108.

[0174] According to Fig. 12, the stop element 134 is designed as a planar stop disc 138, so that the stop element 134 has only a planar stop area 136. Furthermore, the stop element 134 is mounted perpendicular to the central axis M in the handling chamber 108. Accordingly, the stop element 134 forms an angle α of 90° with the central axis M of the handling chamber 108.

[0175] According to the perspective view in Fig. 12, it can be seen that the stop disk 138 has several fluid passages 208, which can be incorporated into the stop disk 138 by means of a right-angled grid.

[0176] Fig. 12 shows an exemplary illustration of the handling housing 122 of the second embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention. It is also possible that the stop element 134 can be combined with the handling housing 122 of the first, third, fourth, or fifth embodiment of the handling unit 106, 306, 406, 506 according to the invention.

[0177] Fig. 13 shows a schematic sectional view and a perspective view of a further stop element 234 of the sixth embodiment of the handling unit 606 according to the invention as shown in Fig. 12.

[0178] The handling unit 106 also has a stop element 234 to limit the receiving depth 118 of the container 102 in the handling chamber 108 against a flow direction of the fluid flow FS.

[0179] The stop element 234 is attached to the base body 124. Additionally or alternatively, the stop element 134 may be attached to the cover element 126. The stop element 234 has a flat or planar stop area 236 which, in the assembled state, forms an angle α between greater than 0° and less than 180° with the central axis M of the handling chamber 108. The angle α is, by way of example, 45° as shown in Fig. 13.

[0180] According to Fig. 13, the stop element 134 is designed as a 90° angled stop element 140 with a disc-shaped base. According to Fig. 13, the stop element 234 has only a planar or flat stop area 236.

[0181] Due to its axially asymmetrical orientation (relative to the central axis M of the handling unit 100), the attached container 102 is deflected towards the inner surface of the opening 128 by means of the stop area 236 and the stop element 134. In the suspended state, the container 102, attached to the stop area 236, is pressed against the inner surface of the opening 128 due to its 45° orientation, thus providing additional stabilization of the container 102 in the suspended state.

[0182] According to the perspective view in Fig. 13, it can be seen that the stop angle element 140 has several fluid passages 210, which can be provided in the disk-shaped base body (preferably before a bend to produce the 90° stop angle element 140) by means of, for example, a right-angled grid.

[0183] Fig. 13 shows an exemplary illustration of the handling housing 122 of the second embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention. It is also possible that the stop element 234 can be combined with the handling housing 122 of the first, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth embodiments of the handling unit 106, 306, 406, 506, 606 according to the invention.

[0184] Fig. 14 shows a schematic sectional view and a perspective view of a further stop element 334 of the sixth embodiment of the handling unit 606 according to the invention as shown in Fig. 12.

[0185] The handling unit 606 has a further stop element 334 for limiting the receiving depth 118 of the container 102 in the handling chamber 108 against the direction of flow of the fluid flow FS. The stop element 334 is attached to the base body 124. Additionally or alternatively, the stop element 334 can be attached to the cover element 126.

[0186] The stop element 334 has a flat or planar stop area 336 which, in the assembled state, forms an angle α between greater than 0° and less than 180° with the central axis M of the handling chamber 108. The angle α is, by way of example, 45° according to Fig. 14.

[0187] According to Fig. 14, the stop element 334 is designed as a 90° angled stop element 140 with a disc-shaped base. According to Fig. 14, the stop element 334 has only a planar or flat stop area 336.

[0188] In the suspended state, the container 102, which is attached to the stop area 336, is pressed against the inner surface of the opening 128 due to its 45° orientation, which provides additional stabilization of the container 102 in the suspended state.

[0189] Fig. 14 shows an exemplary illustration of the handling housing 122 of the second embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention. It is also possible that the stop element 234 can be combined with the handling housing 122 of the first, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth embodiments of the handling unit 106, 306, 406, 506, 606 according to the invention.

[0190] Fig. 15 shows a schematic sectional view and a perspective view of a further stop element 434 of the sixth embodiment of the handling unit 606 according to the invention as shown in Fig. 12.

[0191] The handling unit 606 has a further stop element 434 to limit the receiving depth 118 of the container 102 in the handling chamber 108 against a flow direction of the fluid flow FS.

[0192] The stop element 434 is attached to the base body 124 (not shown in Fig. 15). Additionally or alternatively, the stop element 434 can be attached to the cover element 126. The stop element 434 has several flat or planar stop areas 436 which, in the assembled state, form an angle α with the central axis M of the handling chamber 108 between greater than 0° and less than 180°. The angle α is, by way of example, 90° according to Fig. 15.

[0193] According to Fig. 15, the stop element 434 is designed as a planar stop star 142. The stop star 142 has several, e.g., five, star legs 438, which extend radially from a star center point and all extend in one plane. Each star leg 438 therefore forms a planar stop area 436 according to Fig. 15 (each star leg 438 is planar).

[0194] In the suspended state, the container 102, which is attached to the stop areas 436, is essentially centered in the inner surface of the opening 128 due to its 90° orientation together with the fluid flow FS.

[0195] Fig. 15 shows, by way of example, the handling housing 122 of the second embodiment of the handling unit 206 according to the invention as shown in Fig. 4. It is also possible that the stop element 434 can be combined with the handling housing 122 of the first, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth embodiment of the handling unit 106, 306, 406, 506, or 606 according to the invention.

[0196] Fig. 16 shows a schematic sectional view, a side view and a top view of a further stop element 534 of the sixth embodiment of the handling unit 606 according to the invention as shown in Fig. 12.

[0197] The handling unit 606 has a further stop element 534 to limit the receiving depth 118 of the container 102 in the handling chamber 108 against a flow direction of the fluid flow FS.

[0198] The stop element 534 is attached to the base body 124 (not shown in Fig. 16). Additionally or alternatively, the stop element 534 can be attached to the cover element 126.

[0199] The stop element 534 has several planar stop areas 536 which, in the assembled state, form an angle α with the central axis M of the handling chamber 108 between greater than 0° and less than 180°. The angle α is approximately 60° according to Fig. 16. According to Fig. 16, the stop element 534 is designed as a planar stop star 142. The stop star 142 has several, e.g., five, star legs 538, which extend radially from a star center point and all lie in one plane. Due to the angular orientation, only two star legs 538, for example, form a planar stop area 536, as can be seen in the side view, according to Fig. 16. In the top view, it can also be seen that one star leg 538 is longer than the other star legs 538, which can serve to attach the stop star 534.

[0200] In the suspended state, the container 102, which is attached to the stop area 536, is pressed against the inner surface of the opening 128 due to its 60° orientation, which provides additional stabilization of the container 102 in the suspended state.

[0201] Fig. 16 shows an exemplary illustration of the handling housing 122 of the second embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention. It is also possible that the stop element 534 can be combined with the handling housing 122 of the first, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth embodiments of the handling unit 106, 306, 406, 506, 606 according to the invention.

[0202] Fig. 17 shows a schematic sectional view, a perspective view and a top view of a further stop element 634 of the sixth embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention as shown in Fig. 12.

[0203] The handling unit 606 has a further stop element 634 to limit the receiving depth 118 of the container 102 in the handling chamber 108 against a flow direction of the fluid flow FS.

[0204] The stop element 634 is attached to the base body 124 (not shown in Fig. 17). Additionally or alternatively, the stop element 634 may be attached to the cover element 126.

[0205] The stop element 34 has several flat or planar stop areas 536 which, in the assembled state, form an angle α with the central axis M of the handling chamber 108 between greater than 0° and less than 180°. According to Fig. 17, the angle α is approximately 60° by way of example. According to Fig. 17, the stop element 634 is designed as an angled stop star 144. The stop star 144 has several, e.g., five, star legs 638, which extend radially from a star center and are bounded by a conical envelope, thus forming the angular shape, which can be seen in the perspective view and the top view in Fig. 17.

[0206] Due to the angular and mirror-symmetrical orientation, according to Fig. 17, for example, all star legs 638 each form a flat stop area 636.

[0207] In the suspended state, the container 102, which is attached to the stop areas 636, is centered due to their mirror-symmetric 60° alignment, which enables additional stabilization of the container 102 in the suspended state.

[0208] Fig. 17 shows an exemplary illustration of the handling housing 122 of the second embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention. It is also possible that the stop element 634 can be combined with the handling housing 122 of the first, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth embodiments of the handling unit 106, 306, 406, 506, 606 according to the invention.

[0209] Fig. 18 shows a schematic sectional view of a further stop element 734 of the sixth embodiment of the handling unit 606 according to the invention as shown in Fig. 12.

[0210] The handling unit 606 has a further stop element 734 to limit the receiving depth 118 of the container 102 in the handling chamber 108 against a flow direction of the fluid flow FS.

[0211] The stop element 634 is attached to the base body 124 (not shown in Fig. 18). Additionally or alternatively, the stop element 734 may be attached to the cover element 126.

[0212] The stop element 734 has a planar stop area 736 which, in the assembled state, forms an angle α with the central axis M of the handling chamber 108 between greater than 0° and less than 180°. The angle α is approximately 45° as shown in Fig. 18. According to Fig. 18, the stop element 734 is designed as a stop funnel 146. The stop funnel 146 has a closed funnel base 738, which is bounded by a conical envelope and thus forms the angled shape, as can be seen in the sectional view in Fig. 18.

[0213] Due to the angular and mirror-symmetrical orientation, the angular funnel base body 738 forms the flat stop area 736 for the container 102, as shown in Fig. 18.

[0214] In the suspended state, the container 102, which is attached to the stop areas 736, is centered due to its mirror-symmetric 45° orientation (to the central axis M), which enables additional stabilization of the container 102 in the suspended state.

[0215] Fig. 18 shows an exemplary illustration of the handling housing 122 of the second embodiment of the handling unit according to the invention. It is also possible that the stop element 734 can be combined with the handling housing 122 of the first, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth embodiments of the handling unit 106, 306, 406, 506, 606 according to the invention.

[0216] Fig. 19 shows a schematic sectional view of a seventh embodiment of a handling unit 706 according to the invention.

[0217] The seventh embodiment of the handling unit 706 according to the invention has essentially corresponding structural and / or functional features as the first embodiment of the handling unit 106 according to the invention. Only the following structural and / or functional differences will be highlighted:

[0218] The handling unit 706 has several opening areas 110 for receiving several pharmaceutical containers 102. These opening areas 110 are designed in size and shape corresponding to the opening area 110 of the first embodiment of the handling unit 106 according to the invention and are preferably identical.

[0219] According to Fig. 19, the handling unit 106 has a single handling chamber 108 and several opening areas 110, wherein the handling chamber 108 is fluidically connected to each opening area 110. According to Fig. 19, the cover element 726 has the several opening areas 110. The cover element 726 and the base body 724 are adapted accordingly to the several opening areas 110.

[0220] The opening areas 110 each have a central axis Mö arranged along a straight line in the cover element 726. Alternatively, the central axes Mö can be arranged along a rectangular grid in the cover element 726 (not shown).

[0221] For the detachable fastening of the cover element 726 to the base body 724, two screw connections 148 are provided at common fastening areas 728, 730 between the cover element 726 and the base body. The screw element 732, 733 can each include a handwheel on its outer side for manually loosening or tightening the screw element 743, 733. Other connection options are conceivable.

[0222] Fig. 20 shows a schematic sectional view of an eighth embodiment of a handling unit 806 according to the invention.

[0223] The eighth embodiment of the handling unit 806 according to the invention has essentially corresponding structural and / or functional features as the third embodiment of the handling unit 306 according to Fig. 5. Only the following structural and / or functional differences will be highlighted:

[0224] The handling unit 806 has several opening areas 110 for receiving several pharmaceutical containers 102. These opening areas 110 are designed in size and shape corresponding to the opening area 110 of the third embodiment of the handling unit 306 according to the invention and are preferably identical.

[0225] According to Fig. 20, the handling unit 806 has a single handling chamber 108 and several opening areas 110, wherein the handling chamber 108 is fluidically connected to each opening area 110. According to Fig. 20, the cover element 826 has the several opening areas 110. The cover element 826 and the base body 824 are adapted accordingly to the several opening areas 110.

[0226] The cover element 826 can, moreover, be detachably attached to the base body 824 in a form-fitting manner. One type of form-fitting attachment can be a bayonet fitting 150, which, however, is not shown in Fig. 20.

[0227] Fig. 21 shows a schematic sectional view of a ninth embodiment of a handling unit 906 according to the invention.

[0228] The ninth embodiment of the handling unit 906 according to the invention has essentially corresponding structural and / or functional features as the third embodiment of the handling unit 306 according to Fig. 5. Only the following structural and / or functional differences will be highlighted:

[0229] The handling unit 906 has several opening areas 110 for receiving several pharmaceutical containers 102. These opening areas 110 are designed in size and shape corresponding to the opening area 110 of the third embodiment of the handling unit 306 according to the invention.

[0230] The handling unit 906 has several handling chambers 108 which are fluid-tightly separated from each other by means of partition walls 928, so that each handling chamber 108 is fluid-connected to a corresponding opening area 110.

[0231] The multiple handling chambers 108 are connected to the fluid conveying device 114 by means of the flow connection 112 (not shown in Fig. 21). Several switching valves 116 are arranged in the flow connection 112, each having a closed state for blocking and a flow-through state for allowing the fluid flow FS to pass into the respective handling chamber 108 for independent, fluid-acting control of each of the multiple handling chambers 108.

[0232] According to Fig. 21, the cover element 926 has the multiple opening areas 110. The cover element 926 and the base body 924 are adapted accordingly to the multiple opening areas 110. Fig. 22 shows a schematic top view and a perspective view of a cover element 1026.

[0233] The lid element 1026 has an opening area 110, which is designed as an elongated opening area 110 for receiving several containers 102.

[0234] Preferably, the cover element 1026 may have structural dimensions that correspond to those of the cover elements 726, 826, 926 from Figures 19 to 21. Consequently, the cover element 1026 can alternatively replace these cover elements 726, 826, 926.

[0235] Fig. 23 shows a schematic top view and a perspective view of a cover element 926 of the ninth embodiment of the handling unit 926 according to the invention as shown in Fig. 21.

[0236] From the top view, it is clearly evident that the central axes Mö of the opening areas 110 are arranged along a straight and central line L in the cover element 926. The opening areas 110 are also fluid-tightly separated from one another within the cover element 926.

[0237] Fig. 24 shows a schematic top view and a perspective view of a further cover element 826 of the eighth embodiment of the handling unit 806 according to the invention as shown in Fig. 20.

[0238] From the top view, it is clearly evident that the central axes Mö of the opening areas 110 are arranged along a straight and central line L in the cover element 826. The opening areas 110 are also interconnected within the cover element 826 in a flow-connected manner.

[0239] Fig. 25 shows a schematic sectional view of a tenth embodiment of a handling unit 1006 according to the invention.

[0240] The tenth embodiment of the handling unit 1006 according to the invention has essentially corresponding structural and / or functional features as the first embodiment of the handling unit 106 according to the invention shown in Fig. 3. However, the tenth embodiment is represented in a higher degree of schematic representation than the first embodiment of the handling unit 106 according to the invention.

[0241] Only the following structural and / or functional differences will be highlighted:

[0242] The handling housing 122 comprises a housing area 123 in which the container 102 is completely contained in a suspended state.

[0243] The housing area 123 is movable translationally and / or rotationally relative to the handling housing 122 for the discharge of the container 102 from the handling housing 122, as is explained in more detail in the context of Fig. 26 and Fig. 27.

[0244] The housing area 123 has a central axis MG which, in the initial state, i.e., in the translationally and / or rotationally unmoved state, is aligned coaxially to the central axis M of the handling housing 122.

[0245] For active translational and / or rotational movement, corresponding housing actuation elements and housing bearing elements 125 can be arranged on the handling housing 122 and on the housing area 123. In the case of passive translational and / or rotational movement, the housing actuation elements and housing bearing elements 125 can be omitted.

[0246] Fig. 26 shows a further schematic sectional view of the tenth embodiment of the handling unit 1006 according to the invention as shown in Fig. 25.

[0247] The housing section 123 is shown in Fig. 26 in a state rotating relative to the handling housing 122. Here, the housing section 123 is in a state rotated about a rotation point R relative to the handling housing 122 by an angle β.

[0248] In this state, the housing area 123 is no longer in fluid communication with the handling housing 122, so that no flow-effective force F acts on the pharmaceutical container 102 and thus the container 102 can be dispensed from the handling housing 122 under its own weight. Fig. 27 shows a further schematic sectional view of the tenth embodiment of the handling unit 1006 according to the invention as shown in Fig. 25.

[0249] The housing area 123 is shown in Fig. 27 in a state moved translationally with respect to the handling housing 122. Here, the housing area 123 is in a state moved translationally by a distance A in the transverse direction with respect to the central axis M of the handling housing 122.

[0250] In this state, the housing area 123 is no longer in fluid contact with the handling housing 122, so that no flow-effective force acts on the pharmaceutical container 102 and thus the container 102 can be dispensed from the handling housing 122 under its own weight. Reference numeral list

[0251] Handling device

[0252] pharmaceutical container

[0253] pharmaceutical object

[0254] Handling mechanism

[0255] Disposal opening

[0256] Handling unit

[0257] Handling chamber

[0258] Opening area

[0259] Flow connection

[0260] Fluid conveying system

[0261] Switching valve

[0262] Depth of field

[0263] Transition area

[0264] Handling housing

[0265] Housing area

[0266] basic body

[0267] Housing actuating elements and housing bearing elements Cover element

[0268] Inner surface of opening

[0269] Flow guide structure

[0270] Flow guide recess

[0271] Stop element

[0272] Stop area

[0273] Stop plate

[0274] Stop angle element

[0275] flat stop star

[0276] angled stop star

[0277] Stop funnel

[0278] screw connection

[0279] bayonet fitting

[0280] Permanent magnet

[0281] Monitoring device

[0282] optical unit

[0283] Flow sensor

[0284] Magazine locking element and / or a clamping element articulated arm robot

[0285] Attachment

[0286] first weighing station

[0287] Filling station

[0288] Control and / or regulation unit second weighing station

[0289] Locking station

[0290] Handling station

[0291] Transport device

[0292] substructure

[0293] Magazine for the bad ejection ramp

[0294] Superstructure

[0295] stationary stand

[0296] robot limbs

[0297] Swivel joint

[0298] additional transport device, fastening section, fastening projection, flow connection channel, container collar

[0299] Level

[0300] Fluid passage

[0301] Fluid passage

[0302] Handling unit

[0303] Cover element

[0304] Flow guide structure

[0305] Flow guide recess stop element

[0306] Stop area

[0307] Handling unit

[0308] Cover element

[0309] Flow guide structure

[0310] Stop element / stop area

[0311] Handling unit, lid element, stop element, stop area, star leg

[0312] Handling unit, stop element, stop area, star leg

[0313] Handling unit, stop element, stop area, star leg

[0314] Handling unit base body

[0315] Cover element

[0316] common mounting area common mounting area screw element screw element stop element stop area

[0317] T funnel base

[0318] Handling unit base body

[0319] Cover element

[0320] Handling unit base body

[0321] Cover element

[0322] Partition wall 1006 Handling unit

[0323] 1026 Cover element

[0324] FS Fluid Flow

[0325] F flow-effective force

[0326] G Gravity

[0327] Aö opening cross-sectional area

[0328] Ak chamber cross-sectional area

[0329] Aü transition cross-sectional area a angle

[0330] ß angle

[0331] M Central axis

[0332] MG Center axis Housing area Md Center axis of the cover element Mö Center axis of the opening area L Line

[0333] R Rotation point

[0334] A distance

Claims

1. PATENT CLAIM 1. Handling device (100) for handling at least one pharmaceutical container (102) and / or for handling at least one, preferably container-specific, pharmaceutical object, comprising: - a handling mechanism (104), preferably stationary, and - a handling unit (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806, 906) comprising at least one handling chamber (108) and at least one opening area (110) for jointly receiving the at least one container (102); wherein the handling unit (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806, 906) is mechanically coupled to the handling mechanism (104) and is movable translationally and / or rotationally by means of it; and wherein which at least one handling chamber (108) and / or at least one opening area (110) can be connected to a fluid conveying device (114) via a flow connection (112) for generating a fluid flow (FS) in the at least one handling chamber (108) and / or in the at least one opening area (110) for: - Receiving the at least one container (102) through the at least one opening area (110) into the handling chamber (108) and holding it suspended by means of a flow-effective force (F) resulting from the fluid flow (FS) that flows around the at least one container (102) and / or - Receiving the at least one pharmaceutical object (103) through the at least one opening area (110) into the handling chamber (108) and transporting the at least one pharmaceutical object (103) out of the handling chamber (108) by means of a flow-effective force (F) resulting from the fluid flow (FS) that flows around the at least one pharmaceutical object (103).

2. Handling device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one switching valve (116) is arranged in the flow connection (112), which is configured to selectively assume a blocking state for blocking and a flow-through state for allowing the fluid flow (FS) to pass through the flow connection (112), wherein it can preferably be provided that in the flow-through state of the at least one switching valve (116) the at least one container (102) from outside the handling unit (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806, 906) can be received and suspended in the at least one handling chamber (108) by means of the flow-effective force (F).

3. Handling device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one container (102) in the suspended and at least partially received state in the at least one handling chamber (108) has a receiving depth (118) which is controllable and / or adjustable by a flow velocity and / or a volume flow of the fluid flow (FS).

4. Handling device (100) according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the at least one container (102) in the suspended and at least partially received state can be discharged from the at least one handling chamber (108) due to its own weight and the resulting gravity force (G) because of the force (F) that is no longer effective in the flow, resulting from the closed state of the at least one switching valve (116); and / or wherein the at least one opening area (110) has an opening cross-sectional area (Aö) that is smaller than a chamber cross-sectional area (Ak) of the at least one handling chamber (108);and / or wherein the handling unit (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806, 906) has a transition area (120) between the at least one opening area (110) and the at least one handling chamber (108), the cross-sectional area (Aü) of which corresponds at each end to the opening cross-sectional area (Aö) and the chamber cross-sectional area (Ak) and which widens continuously or in stages in the direction of the chamber cross-sectional area (Ak) in between.

5. Handling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handling unit (106, 306, 406, 506, 706, 806, 906) comprises a handling housing (122) which includes a base body (124, 724, 824, 924) for forming the at least one handling chamber (108) and which includes a cover element (126, 226, 326, 426, 726, 826, 926, 1026) which is detachably attached to the base body (124, 724, 824, 924) and which includes or forms the at least one opening area (110), wherein preferably the cover element (126, 226, 326, 426, 726, 826, 926, 1026) can be replaced manually or automatically.6.Handling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handling device (100) comprises a plurality of lid elements (126, 226, 326, 426, 726, 826, 926, 1026) which can be selectively detachably attached to the base body (124, 724, 824, 924) and which differ from one another in at least one container-specific property, preferably by the at least one opening area (110), wherein preferably the respective at least one opening area (110) has a container-specific geometric opening shape and / or at least one container-specific opening dimension for adaptation to a geometric container shape and / or to a container dimension of the at least one container (102).

7. Handling device (100) according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that the at least one opening area (110) has a cylindrical, in particular circular cylindrical, shape and is bounded by an inner opening surface (128) of the cover element (126, 226, 326, 426, 726, 826, 926); wherein it may preferably be provided that the inner opening surface (128) has one or more flow guide structures (130, 230, 330) for guiding and / or influencing the fluid flow (FS) through the at least one opening area (110); and wherein it may further preferably be provided that one or more flow-guiding structures (130, 230, 330) are each attached as projections on the inner surface (128) of the opening or are each provided as recesses (132, 232) in the inner surface (128) of the opening.

8. Handling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the handling unit (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806, 906) has a stop element (134, 234, 334, 434, 534, 634, 734) for limiting the receiving depth (118) of the at least one container (102) in the at least one handling chamber (108) against a flow direction of the fluid flow (FS); It is preferably provided that the stop element (134, 234, 334, 434, 534, 634, 734) is attached to the base body (124, 724, 824, 924) and / or to the cover element (126, 226, 326, 426, 726, 826, 926, 1026).

9. Handling device (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that the stop element (134, 234, 334, 434, 534, 634, 734) has one or more flat stop areas (136, 236, 336, 436, 536, 636, 736) which, in the assembled state, enclose an angle (a) between greater than 0° and less than 180° with the central axis (M) of the handling unit (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806, 906).

10. Handling device (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that by means of one or more flat stop areas (136, 236, 336, 436, 536, 636, 736): - the at least one stopable container (102) can be centered by means of the stop element (634, 734) in the case of an axially symmetrical alignment of the several stop areas (636, 736); or - the at least one stopable container (102) is pressed against the inner surface of the opening (128) by means of the stop element (234, 334, 534) in the case of an axially asymmetrical alignment of one or more stop areas (236, 336, 536).

11. Handling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the stop element (134, 234, 334, 434, 534, 634, 734) is designed as a stop disc (138), stop angle element (140), flat stop star (142), angled stop star (144), and / or stop funnel (146).

12. Handling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handling unit (706, 806, 906) has several opening areas (110) for receiving several pharmaceutical containers (102), which are preferably designed in size and shape corresponding to the at least one opening area (110); wherein it may preferably be provided that the handling unit (706, 806, 906) has a single handling chamber (108) and several opening areas (110), wherein the handling chamber (108) is fluidically connected to each opening area (110).

13. Handling device (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the lid element (726, 826, 926) has the multiple opening areas (110); and / or wherein the opening areas (110) each have a central axis (Mö), wherein the respective central axes (Mö) are arranged along a straight line (L) in the lid element (726, 826, 926) or along a grid in the lid element (726, 826, 926). 14.Handling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handling unit (906) has several handling chambers (108) which are preferably separated from each other in a fluid-tight manner, so that each handling chamber (108) is fluid-connected to a corresponding opening area (110); wherein it may preferably be provided that the several handling chambers (108) are connected to the fluid conveying device (114) by means of the flow connection (112) and several switching valves (116) are arranged in the flow connection (112), each having a blocking state for blocking and a flow-through state for allowing the fluid flow (FS) to pass through into the respective handling chamber (108) for independent fluid-effective control of each of the several handling chambers (108).

15. Handling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the at least one opening area (110) is designed as an elongated opening area (110) for receiving several containers (102).

16. Handling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims 5 to 15, characterized in that the cover element (126, 226, 326, 426, 726, 826, 926, 1026) is detachably attached to the base body (124, 724, 824, 924) by means of a force-fit connection, preferably by means of one or more screw connections (148), and / or by means of a form-fit connection, preferably by means of a bayonet fitting (150), and / or by means of a magnetic connection, preferably by means of one or more permanent magnets (152).

17. Handling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handling device (100) comprises a monitoring device (154) which is configured and set up to monitor the correct intake and / or discharge of the at least one container (102) and / or packaging parts of the at least one container (102) from the handling unit (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806, 906); wherein it may preferably be provided that the monitoring device (154) comprises an optical unit (156) and / or a flow sensor (158); wherein it may further preferably be provided that the monitoring device (154), preferably in the form of the optical unit (156), is arranged on the handling unit (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806, 906);wherein it may also preferably be provided that the monitoring device (154) in the form of the optical unit (156) is configured and set up to detect defective containers (102) in a magazine (160) of several containers (102).

18. Handling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handling unit (506) has a locking element and / or a clamping element (162) for locking and / or clamping the at least one container (102) in the at least one handling chamber (108) and / or in the at least one opening area (110).

19. Handling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handling mechanism (104) is designed as a robot, preferably an articulated arm robot (164).

20. Handling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handling housing (122) comprises a housing area (123) in which the at least one container (102) is completely received in the suspended state, wherein the housing area (123) is movable translationally and / or rotationally with respect to the handling housing (122) for the purpose of dispensing the at least one container (102) from the handling housing (122).

21. Plant (166) for processing multiple pharmaceutical containers (102), comprising at least one processing station (168) for pharmaceutical containers (102) and at least one handling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images