DE102020134866A1 - Device for filling pharmaceutical containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for filling pharmaceutical containers of different types, the containers in particular comprising syringes, vials and/or carpules. The device comprises a filling device with a transport device, in particular a linear one, which preferably comprises circulating holding elements for the containers, which can be moved along a transport direction from a coupling-in side to a de-coupling side of the transport device, and with at least one processing station for the containers, the one arranged on the transport device Filling station for filling the containers with a pharmaceutical substance comprises a coupling element for transferring the containers to the transport device and a decoupling element for taking the containers from the transport device, a first supply unit for providing containers of the first type to be filled and a second supply unit for supplying to filling containers of the second type, one arranged or anorde on the supply side with respect to the transport device at at least one interface position and preferably exactly one interface position Removable interface element via which the transport device can be fed either directly or indirectly with the containers of the first type to the first feed unit or the containers of the second type of the second feed unit.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for filling pharmaceutical containers of different types, the containers in particular comprising syringes, vials and/or carpules. Vials can also be referred to as "vials" or "vials". Containers can also be referred to as "vessels". The pharmaceutical substance is in particular a medically active substance (agent). For filling, the device includes a filling device, which can also be referred to as a “filling machine” and which includes a filling station.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device of the type mentioned at the outset with a structurally simple design.

• - eine Befülleinrichtung mit einer insbesondere linearen Transporteinrichtung, die vorzugsweise umlaufende Halteelemente für die Behälter umfasst, die entlang einer Transportrichtung von einer Einkoppelseite zu einer Auskoppelseite der Transporteinrichtung bewegbar sind, sowie mit mindestens einer Verarbeitungsstation für die Behälter, die eine an der Transporteinrichtung angeordnete Befüllstation zum Befüllen der Behälter mit einer pharmazeutischen Substanz umfasst,
• - ein Einkoppelelement zum Übergeben der Behälter an die Transporteinrichtung und ein Auskoppelelement zum Übernehmen der Behälter aus der Transporteinrichtung,
• - eine erste Zufuhreinheit zum Bereitstellen von zu befüllenden Behältern erster Gattung und eine zweite Zufuhreinheit zum Zuführen von zu befüllenden Behältern zweiter Gattung,
• - ein zufuhrseitig bezüglich der Transporteinrichtung an mindestens einer Schnittstellenposition und vorzugsweise genau einer Schnittstellenposition angeordnetes oder anordenbares Schnittstellenelement, über das der Transporteinrichtung indirekt oder direkt wahlweise die Behälter erster Gattung der ersten Zufuhreinheit oder die Behälter zweiter Gattung der zweiten Zufuhreinheit zuführbar sind.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a device for filling pharmaceutical containers of different types, the containers comprising in particular syringes, vials and/or cartridges, the device comprising:

• - a filling device with an in particular linear transport device, which preferably comprises revolving holding elements for the containers, which can be moved along a transport direction from a coupling-in side to a decoupling side of the transport device, and with at least one processing station for the containers, which has a filling station arranged on the transport device for filling the containers with a pharmaceutical substance,
• - a coupling element for transferring the containers to the transport device and a decoupling element for taking over the containers from the transport device,
• - a first supply unit for providing containers to be filled of the first type and a second supply unit for supplying containers of the second type to be filled,
• - an interface element that is or can be arranged on the feed side with respect to the transport device at at least one interface position and preferably precisely one interface position, via which the transport device can be fed either indirectly or directly with the containers of the first type to the first supply unit or the containers of the second type to the second supply unit.

In the device according to the invention, the containers can be transferred to the transport device via a coupling element, preferably individually, and in particular can be coupled into the circulating holding elements. The transport device is preferably designed to be linear. After being filled at the filling station, the containers can be decoupled from the transport device via the decoupling element. Containers of the first type and containers of the second type can be supplied via the supply units, as a result of which the device has a high level of versatility. Both containers of the first type and containers of the second type can be filled with the filling device. In the present case, the “genus” of the containers is determined in particular by the form in which they are provided by the respective supply unit. This will be discussed further below. The interface element is arranged at at least one and preferably exactly one interface position. Depending on the use of the device and in particular the filling device, the containers of the first type or the containers of the second type can be fed directly or indirectly to the transport device via the interface element. This preferably offers the possibility of equipping the device with a structurally simple design and/or a compact design. It is particularly favorable here if the filling device is constructed and/or positioned independently of the feed units. This advantageously allows devices according to the invention to be designed with the filling device in an essentially standardized design, for example in a modular design, which differ from one another on the supply side in terms of the supply units. This also offers the possibility of easy scaling of the devices. Favorably, production costs can be lowered due to the possibility of using standardized components, and training costs and maintenance costs can be reduced.

In the present case, position and orientation information such as “on”, “above”, “below”, “horizontal” or the like refers to the intended use of the device. In this case, in particular, at least one frame of the device is positioned on an installation area, for example a hall or a laboratory. The installation surface can be regarded as horizontally aligned.

The device preferably comprises a control device for controlling and/or regulating the operation of the device and also the filling device. It goes without saying that the device can have drive devices for the respectively active components. These are not explained below. Such drive devices are known to those skilled in the art.

Preferentially exactly one, preferably linear, transport device is the filling device provided for transporting the container from the coupling element to the decoupling element.

It goes without saying that it may be necessary to convert the device in order to selectively feed containers to the first feed unit or to the second feed unit. By using the interface element, however, the conversion effort and thus the downtime of the device can be kept to a minimum. Preferably no conversion is required.

Provision can be made for different interface elements to be positioned at the same interface position, depending on the supply of the containers from the first supply unit or the second supply unit.

It can be provided that the first supply unit or the second supply unit comprises the interface element or that the filling device comprises the interface element.

The interface element and preferably the other transport elements of the device for containers - for example transport wheels, cell chains, the transport device, etc. - are advantageously designed in such a way that they can cover different formats. In this context, “format” is understood to mean, in particular, containers of different types that differ from one another in terms of their container type (vials, syringes or cartridges) and/or in terms of their container properties (such as, in particular, size).

The device preferably comprises several format sets with respective format parts that differ from one another in a container-specific, container-component-specific and/or processing-specific nature, with the interface element and/or the coupling element and/or the decoupling element in particular being a format part. The same applies to the further interface element mentioned below. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that other transport elements for containers can be format parts. The holding elements of the transport device can preferably be format parts. In a corresponding manner, holding element carriers of the transport device, each of which includes a plurality of holding elements, can be format parts.

Provision can be made for the interface element to be formed separately from the coupling element, in which case the containers can be transferred from the interface element indirectly via at least one further transport element or directly to the coupling element.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the coupling element is or forms the interface element.

When format parts are used, for example, it is understood that the interface element can be exchangeable depending on the format to be used. However, there is preferably exactly one defined interface position.

The device preferably comprises a frame of the filling device which is positioned or can be positioned on an installation surface. The components of the filling device can be arranged and held on the frame. The frame, which can also be referred to as a substructure or "table", can be positioned on a surface, for example the floor of a laboratory or a hall.

The coupling element can be arranged on the frame.

In the present case, “arranged on the frame” can in particular be understood to mean “held on the frame”, and vice versa.

Provision can be made for the interface element to be arranged on the frame.

In a preferred embodiment, it proves to be advantageous if the filling device has an infeed element that is arranged on the frame. The containers can be transferred from the infeed element to the infeed element. The containers can be transferred from the interface element to the transfer element.

It can be favorable if only the coupling element or the coupling element and a further transport element for the containers are arranged on the frame of the filling device on the supply side, for example the above-mentioned transfer element, with exactly one further transport element preferably being arranged on the frame of the filling device.

The first feed unit and the second feed unit may comprise separate racks. Alternatively, the first and second feed units may comprise a common frame.

The device preferably comprises, on the feed side, a second frame adjoining the frame, on which the interface element and components of one of the feed units--the first feed unit or the second feed unit--are arranged, with the containers being directly or indirectly connected via the interface element via a boundary between tween the frames can be transferred to a transport element of the filling device. For example, the interface element transfers the containers directly to a transport element of the filling device, for example the infeed element or the coupling element. Alternatively, at least one intermediate transport element can be arranged on the second frame, which in turn transfers the containers across the border to the filling device.

The frames can be aligned with one another, with the longitudinal directions of the frames in particular coinciding.

For example, the cradle and the second cradle may be positioned misaligned and oriented at an angle relative to each other. The angle may preferably be 90° or substantially 90°. This is in particular the angle between the longitudinal directions of the frames.

The device can preferably comprise, on the feed side, a third frame adjoining the second frame, on which components of the other feed unit - the second feed unit or the first feed unit - are arranged, with the containers from this other feed unit directly or across a boundary between the frames are indirectly transferable to the interface element. In this way, containers of the other supply unit can be supplied to the filling device via the interface element.

The third frame, in a preferred embodiment, may be misaligned with the second frame and at an angle relative thereto. The angle may preferably be 90° or substantially 90°. This can be the angle between the longitudinal directions of the frames.

It can be provided that the third frame runs along a boundary between the frame of the filling device and the second frame.

It can be provided that the third frame is aligned with the frame of the filling device, with the second frame being arranged between the third frame and the frame of the filling device.

The containers of the first type can preferably be vials or carpules.

The first supply unit is expediently designed as bulk goods for providing the containers of the first type and includes a transport element or storage element from which the containers positioned on it can be picked up. Bulk goods can be understood here as "bulk" of containers. The containers are arranged, for example, on a turntable forming the transport element or storage elements. The containers can be picked up from the turntable and individually transferred directly or indirectly to the interface element.

• - eine Wascheinrichtung für die Behälter;
• - eine Sterilisationseinrichtung für die Behälter;
• - eine Trocknungseinrichtung für die Behälter.

The first supply unit preferably comprises at least one of the following:

• - a washing device for the containers;
• - a sterilization device for the containers;
• - a drying facility for the containers.

Preferably, the above means are arranged on the supply unit in this order. The transport or storage element of the feed unit preferably follows on the outlet side of the drying device.

The containers of the second type are, for example, vials, syringes or carpules.

The second supply unit preferably comprises a device for supplying containers accommodated in a common carrier and a handling device for removing the containers from the common carrier. For example, the containers are accommodated in what is commonly referred to as a “nest” carrier. The carrier can be arranged in a receiving unit, for example referred to as a “tub”. The receiving unit can be opened to remove the carrier. The containers can be removed from the carrier via the handling device and, for example, transferred to a transport element of the second feed unit for separating and, starting from this, fed directly or indirectly to the interface element.

It is advantageous if holding elements of the transport device have container receptacles at a predetermined or predeterminable distance from one another and if the distance between the containers in the first feed unit and/or in the second feed unit or downstream of the interface element in the feed direction can be adjusted to the distance between the container receptacles . The distance between the container receptacles can be referred to as the so-called “machine gap” of the filling device. It is favorable if the individual containers can be coupled into the transport device at a distance from one another (“pass”) which corresponds to the machine pass. The distance is preferably already adjusted in the first and/or second feed unit or alternatively downstream of the interface element.

In the first supply unit, the containers of the first type are, for example, already picked up individually at the correct distance (“stitch”) from the transport or storage element.

Provision can be made in the second supply unit for the spacing of the containers in the common carrier (“nest stitch”) to be adjusted, if necessary, before the transfer to the interface element. This can preferably be achieved by means of the handling device. How this is done is, for example, in the non-prior-published patent application DE 10 2020 134 783.9 described by the same applicant. The entire disclosure of this patent application is fully incorporated into the present patent application.

Alternatively, a stitch delay wheel can be used, for example.

The at least one processing station is preferably designed in such a way that containers can be processed on it without changing the distance, which have the above-mentioned distance between the container receptacles (“machine stitch”). A plurality of processing stations preferably have this property. In this way, a particularly versatile filling device can be formed.

The at least one processing station preferably includes a first weighing station for weighing the containers prior to filling. This allows the tare weight of the unfilled containers to be determined. The first weighing station is preferably upstream of the filling station in the transport direction.

The at least one processing station favorably comprises a second weighing station for weighing the containers after filling, which is preferably downstream of the filling station in the transport direction. The gross weight of the filled containers can be determined by means of the second weighing station.

The filling level of the containers can be determined from the difference between the gross weight and the tare weight. If the containers are underfilled, refilling is preferably provided. This can preferably be done at or on the second weighing station.

The containers can preferably be filled while moving along the transport direction.

The at least one processing station preferably includes a closing station for closing the containers with closing elements. The closing elements can comprise, for example, mushroom plugs or piston plugs, depending on the type of containers. The closing station is preferably downstream of the second weighing station, if present, in the direction of transport.

The at least one processing station favorably comprises a control station for checking the presence of a closing element on the respective container, the control station preferably being arranged downstream of the closing station in the transport direction.

An advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized by a 100% check during processing of the containers. In particular, it can be provided that the filling quantity with the pharmaceutical substance is checked for each container by means of the gross weight and the tare weight, refilled if necessary and the presence of a closing element on the container is checked.

The device advantageously comprises at least one isolator device covering at least one frame with a cover element, preferably for providing a protective atmosphere between the cover element and the frame and, for example, for charging the container with the protective atmosphere. For example, the respective frame is preferably covered along an entire outer contour with an insulator device for providing the protective atmosphere. The protective atmosphere comprises, for example, a protective gas such as H ₂ O ₂ .

The filling device favorably comprises a separate or independent isolator device. In this way, the containers can be filled in a protective atmosphere with protective gas. As a result, the filling device is particularly suitable for filling the containers with toxic or highly sensitive pharmaceutical substances.

Instead of an isolator device, for example, a hood-shaped machine guard with glass or plastic panes can be provided to cover the at least one frame.

It is favorable if the device comprises a first removal unit for taking over filled containers and a second removal unit for taking over filled containers, as well as one with respect to the transport device at at least one further interface position, and preferably exactly one further interface position, arranged or arrangeable further interface element, via which the containers can be fed either directly or indirectly to the first removal unit or the second removal unit. The advantages that are explained at the outset due to the presence of the interface element can thereby also be achieved on the decoupling side of the device. As a result, the device has a high degree of versatility. The containers can be fed to the first extraction unit or to the second extraction unit via the additional interface element.

It is advantageous if both the containers of the first type and the containers of the second type can be transferred to the first removal unit, depending on which ones were supplied.

It is advantageous if both the containers of the first type and the containers of the second type can be transferred to the second removal unit, depending on which ones were supplied.

It goes without saying that it may be necessary to convert the device in order to selectively transfer containers to the first removal unit or to the second removal unit. By using the interface element, however, the conversion effort and thus the downtime of the device can be kept to a minimum. Preferably no conversion is required.

Provision can be made for different interface elements to be positioned at the same interface position, depending on the transfer of the containers to the first removal unit or to the second removal unit.

It can be provided that the first removal unit or the second removal unit includes the interface element or that the filling device includes the interface element.

As already mentioned, the further interface element can be a format part of a respective format set. The further interface element is advantageously designed in such a way that, like the first interface element, it can cover different formats.

Provision can be made for the further interface element to be formed separately from the decoupling element, with the containers being transferable to the further interface element directly from the decoupling element or indirectly via at least one further transport element.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the decoupling element is or forms the further interface element.

When format parts are used, for example, it is understood that the further interface element can be exchangeable depending on the format to be used. However, there is preferably exactly one further defined interface position.

The decoupling element can be arranged, for example, on the frame of the filling device.

Provision can be made for the further interface element to be arranged on the frame of the filling device.

In a preferred embodiment, it proves to be favorable if the filling device has an ejection element that is arranged on the frame of the filling device. The decoupling element can transfer the container to the discharge element. The containers can, for example, be transferred directly or indirectly from the discharge element to the further interface element.

It can be favorable if only the decoupling element or the decoupling element and a further transport element for the containers are arranged on the frame of the filling device on the removal side, for example the ejection element mentioned above, with exactly one further transport element preferably being arranged on the frame of the filling device.

A second frame and a third frame have been mentioned above. Reference is made below to a fourth frame and a fifth frame. It goes without saying that the designation "second, third, fourth, fifth" is only used for a better understanding of the explanations, in order to be able to better distinguish the frames from one another. For example, the second and the third frame can be omitted. In this case, four or five frames do not necessarily have to be present.

The first extraction unit and the second extraction unit can comprise separate frames. Alternatively, the first extraction unit and the second extraction unit can comprise a common frame.

The device preferably comprises, on the removal side, a fourth frame which adjoins the frame of the filling device and on which the further interface element and components of one of the Removal units - the first removal unit or the second removal unit - are arranged, the containers being transferable from a transport element of the filling device directly or indirectly across a boundary between the frames to the further interface element. For example, a transport element of the filling device, for example the decoupling element or the ejection element, transfers the containers directly to the further interface element. Alternatively, at least one intermediate transport element can be arranged on the second frame, which in turn receives the containers across the border from the filling device.

The frames can be aligned with one another, with the longitudinal directions of the frames in particular coinciding.

The frame of the filling device and the fourth frame can, for example, be positioned out of alignment with one another and oriented at an angle relative to one another. The angle may preferably be 90° or substantially 90°. This is in particular the angle between the longitudinal directions of the frames.

On the removal side, the device can preferably comprise a fifth frame adjoining the fourth frame, on which components of the respective other removal unit - the second removal unit or the first removal unit - are arranged, with the containers of this further removal unit moving from the further interface element across a boundary between the frames can be transferred directly or indirectly.

The fifth frame, in a preferred embodiment, may be misaligned with and at an angle relative to the fourth frame. The angle may preferably be 90° or substantially 90°. This can be the angle between the longitudinal directions of the frames.

It can be provided that the fifth frame runs along a boundary between the frame of the filling device and the fourth frame.

It can be provided that the fifth frame is aligned with the frame of the filling device, with the fourth frame being arranged between the fifth frame and the frame of the filling device.

The first removal unit can preferably include a further transport device on which at least one further processing station for further processing of the containers is arranged.

The at least one further processing station includes, for example, a control station for checking that a closing element is correctly seated on the respective container. In the event of a negative determination, the container can be ejected, for example.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one further processing station preferably includes a closing station for attaching a closing element to the already closed containers. Here, the closing station is used in particular in connection with vials that have already been sealed, in order to place crimp caps on the containers.

A crimping station for crimping crimp caps is preferably provided as a further processing station.

The device preferably comprises a first removal unit for receiving filled containers and a second removal unit for receiving the containers, with the first removal unit comprising a further transport device on which at least one further processing station for processing containers is arranged, with containers passing through the further transport device to the second extraction unit can be transported. In such an embodiment, the further interface element mentioned above is not used, for example. From the filling device, the containers can, for example, be fed via at least one transport element to the further transport device and, if necessary, processed there. Reference is made to the above explanations for at least one further processing station. Alternatively, the containers can be transported through the further transport device, for example without further processing. Downstream of the further transport device, the containers processed on this device can be fed, for example, to a receiving unit, in particular for magazining. The containers that have only been transported through can, for example, be fed to a common carrier.

The second removal unit preferably comprises a handling device, via which the containers can be transferred to a common carrier, and a device for removing the carrier. For example, the containers can be reinserted into the carrier from which they were removed by the second feed unit. Preferably, a conveyor is provided, via which the carrier from the second Supply unit can be transported to the second removal unit.

The distance between the containers can preferably be adjusted in the first removal unit and/or in the second removal unit or in the further interface element in the removal direction upstream of the distance between the container receptacles and the distance from one another in a common carrier. In particular, this gives the possibility of setting the spacing of the containers in the filling device (“machine stitch”) to a different spacing, for example that of the containers in the carrier. In particular, this can be the "nest" into which the carriers are reinserted with the "nest stitch". In the case of the second removal unit, for example, the handling device can be designed to adjust the machine stitch to the nest stitch. Alternatively, a stitch delay wheel can be used, for example.

Further details on the preferred embodiment of the filling device, in particular its transport device, are described in the non-prior-published patent application entitled “Apparatus for processing pharmaceutical containers and filling device” by the same applicant with the same filing date. The entire disclosure of this patent application is fully incorporated into the present patent application.

• 1: eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Befüllen pharmazeutischer Behälter, umfassend eine Befülleinrichtung;
• 2: schematisch eine Mehrzahl von in einem gemeinsamen Träger aufgenommenen pharmazeutischen Behältern (oben) und eine Mehrzahl von an einer Transporteinrichtung der Vorrichtung gehaltenen pharmazeutischen Behältern (unten);
• 3: eine vergrößerte Darstellung der Befülleinrichtung gemäß Detail A nicht-schematisch und vereinfacht;
• 4: eine vergrößerte Teildarstellung gemäß Detail C in 3;
• 5: eine vergrößerte Darstellung einer Entnahmeeinheit der Vorrichtung aus 1 gemäß Detail B in einer nicht-schematischen, vereinfachten Darstellung;
• 6: eine weitere Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einer Teildarstellung;
• 7: eine weitere Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einer Teildarstellung; und
• 8: eine weitere Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einer Teildarstellung.

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the drawing, serves to explain the invention in more detail. Show it:

• 1 : a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for filling pharmaceutical containers, comprising a filling device;
• 2 : schematically a plurality of pharmaceutical containers accommodated in a common carrier (above) and a plurality of pharmaceutical containers held on a transport device of the device (below);
• 3 1: an enlarged representation of the filling device according to detail A, non-schematic and simplified;
• 4 : an enlarged partial view according to detail C in 3 ;
• 5 : an enlarged view of a removal unit of the device 1 according to detail B in a non-schematic, simplified representation;
• 6 : a further embodiment of the device according to the invention in a partial representation;
• 7 : a further embodiment of the device according to the invention in a partial representation; and
• 8th : a further embodiment of the device according to the invention in a partial representation.

Preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention for filling pharmaceutical containers are described below with reference to the drawing. Identical reference symbols are used for features and components that are the same or have the same effect.

First, with reference to the 1 until 5 discussed a first preferred embodiment of the device. The explanations relating to this embodiment apply in a corresponding manner to the subsequently explained embodiments. The advantages that can be achieved using the embodiment discussed first can also be achieved with the embodiments discussed subsequently. For this reason, the embodiments explained below with respect to the respective essential differences from the embodiment of FIG 1 until 5 described. Otherwise, the explanations given in relation to these apply.

In the present example, pharmaceutical containers include in particular vials (also referred to as small bottles or phials), syringes and/or cartridges. The containers are processed with the device, in particular filled with the filling device.

1 shows a schematic representation, a so-called “layout” representation, of an advantageous embodiment of a device according to the invention for processing containers 12, which is denoted overall by the reference numeral 10. The containers 12 are shown in the drawing in FIGS 2 and 4 shown only schematically.

The device 10 comprises a filling device, which is identified by the reference numeral 14 and shown in 3 shown in detail. The filling device 14 can also be referred to as a filling machine.

The device 10 also includes a first supply unit 16 and a second supply unit 18 upstream of the filling device 14 in a supply direction of the container 12. In a decoupling direction or removal direction of the container 12, the filling Downstream of the device 14, the device 10 comprises a first removal unit 20 and a second removal unit 22.

The device 10 comprises a control device 23 for controlling and/or regulating the operation of the device 10 and also of the filling device 14. It is understood that the device 10 has drive devices for the respectively active components. These are not shown in the drawing and will not be explained. Such drive devices are known to those skilled in the art.

The supply units 16, 18 are provided for providing and supplying containers 12 of different types. To remove the containers 12, the removal units 20 and 22 are provided as desired for further processing.

In the present case, the “genus” of the containers 12 is determined in particular by the form in which they are provided by the supply units 16 , 18 .

The first supply unit 16 is designed to provide containers 12 as bulk goods. In this case, the containers 12 are, for example, vials or carpules.

The supply unit 16 includes a transport element 24, which can also be regarded as a storage element. In the present example, the transport element 24 is a turntable 26 on which the containers 12 are arranged, for example, in an upright position.

The containers 12 can be picked up individually from the turntable 26 and fed directly or indirectly to an interface element 28 of the device 10 . The interface element 28 is a transport element; In the present case, the transfer from the turntable 26 to the interface element 28 takes place via a further transport element 30.

Unless explained in more detail below, the transport elements of the device 10 are transport wheels.

The interface element 28 is arranged at one, and in particular exactly one, interface position 32 . In this case, the interface element 28 is positioned on a frame 34 of the feed unit 16 .

Accordingly, the containers 12 are transferred indirectly from the turntable 26 to the interface element 28 .

The frame 34, which can also be called a substructure or “table”, is positioned on a floor space 36 of a room such as a laboratory or a hall. A clean room atmosphere or environment may be provided.

The supply unit 16 further comprises an in 1 element identified by the reference numeral 38 . In the present case, the element 38 is a placeholder for further components of the supply unit 16. For example, the supply unit 16 comprises, preferably in this order, a washing device, a sterilization device and/or a drying device for the containers 12.

The second supply unit 18 is designed to remove containers 12 (so-called RTU/ready-to-use objects) from a common carrier 40 . A device 42 is provided to feed the carriers 40 (arrow 44). By means of the device 42, the carriers 40 can be removed, for example, from a receiving unit (also referred to as a “tub”), which is not shown in the drawing.

The containers 12 can be removed from the carrier 40, also referred to as a "nest", by means of a handling device 46 of the feed unit 18. The containers 12 can then be fed to the interface element 28 via at least one further transport element 48 , 50 . In the present case, the transport element 48 is a cell chain 52 with which the containers 12 are separated.

The feed unit 18 also includes a stand 54 separate from and adjacent to the stand 34 and positioned on the deck 36 .

Depending on whether the containers 12 are to be supplied as bulk goods to the first supply unit 16 or via the carrier 40 to the second supply unit 18 of the filling device 14, the containers 12 to be filled are introduced either from the supply unit 16 or from the supply unit 18 via the interface element 28 . In both cases, the containers 12 are transferred individually to the filling device 14 .

In the present example, the filling device 14 has a frame 56 for positioning on the installation surface 36, which frame is adjacent to the frame 34. A transport device 58 is provided for transporting the containers 12 . The transport device 58 has a linear design, with the containers 12 being able to be moved along a transport direction 60 .

To accommodate the containers 12, the transport device 58 comprises holding elements 62. A each holding element 62 has a container receptacle 64 .

For example, it is provided that the transport device 58 has a plurality of holding element carriers 66 with a respective plurality of holding elements 62 . In the present example, each holding element carrier 66 has six holding elements 62, the invention not being restricted to this number.

In the present example, the filling device 14 is clocked, with a number of containers 12 being able to be processed at processing stations 68 in each case that corresponds to the number of holding elements 62 (“points”).

Provision can be made for the filling device 14 to be designed for non-clocked processing of the containers 12 .

The revolving holding elements 62 move on a transport segment 70 of the transport device 58 in the transport direction 60. The container-less holding elements 62 are moved counter to the transport direction 60 on a return segment 72.

The filling device 14 is designed so that a distance 74 between adjacent containers 12 in the filling device 14 is the same, regardless of the type of container 12, type and size of the container 12 to be processed (within the scope of the device). This distance (“machine stitch”) is defined in the transport device 58 by the distance between the container receptacles 64 from one another. The processing stations 68 also have this constant machine stitch.

Containers 12, which are fed in by the first feed unit 16, are picked up by the turntable 26 in such a way that the distance is already set to the machine stitch.

When containers 12 are fed in from the second feed unit 18 , there is preferably the possibility of already setting the distance between the containers 12 to the distance 74 by means of the handling device 46 . If a distance 76 of the containers 12 in the carrier 40 (“nest stitch”) deviates from the distance 74, the distance can be adjusted by means of the handling device 46 described in a separate patent application by the applicant. Otherwise, for example, a stitch delay wheel can be used.

It is favorable if the distance between the containers 12 is already adjusted to the machine stitch at the interface element 28 .

The use of a constant machine stitch offers the advantage of a structurally simple and compact design of the device 10, in particular of the filling device 14.

Nevertheless, the device 10, in which the transport elements for the containers 12 preferably cover a format range, can have a plurality of format sets 78. 1 represents two format sets 78 as an example.

A respective format set 78 has container-specific, container-component-specific or processing-specific format parts that can be exchanged on the device 10 if necessary in order to be able to process the desired container 12 . With regard to holding elements and holding element carriers of the transport device 58, however, the format parts of the format sets 78 do not differ insofar as the container receptacles 64 in the different format sets 78 are each designed to ensure the constant machine stitch.

It goes without saying that the transport elements of the device 10 can also be format parts.

The containers 12 are transferred to the filling device 14 from the interface element 28 across a boundary 80 between the frames 34 and 56 . The containers 12 are transferred indirectly from the interface element 28 to the transport device 58 via two transport elements: first to a transfer element 82 and then to a coupling element 84. The containers 12 are transferred to the filling device 14 via the transfer element 82. The containers 12 are coupled into the transport device 58 via the coupling element 84 .

The transfer element 82 and the coupling element 84 are arranged on and in particular on the frame 56 . This proves to be advantageous for a scalable, modular structure of the device 10.

In the present case, the frame 34 is aligned with the frame 56, with their respective longitudinal directions coinciding.

The frame 54 is oriented at an angle relative to the frame 34, preferably 90°. The frame 54 is aligned with the boundary 80 between the frames 34 and 54.

Such an arrangement of the filling device 14 and the feed units 16 and 18 allows the device 10 to be constructed in a space-saving manner and at the same time with the largest possible edge line. so that the respective components are easily accessible for maintenance purposes.

Like in particular 3 As becomes clear, a plurality of processing stations 68 are arranged on the transport device 58 . In relation to transport direction 60, processing stations 68 include a first weighing station 86, a filling station 88, a second weighing station 90, a closing station 92 and a control station 94.

A tare weight of the unfilled containers 12 can be determined by means of the first weighing station 86 .

At the filling station 88, the containers are filled with the pharmaceutical substance, in particular a medically active substance (agent). The filling station 88 includes filling elements, not shown in the drawing, for engaging in the containers 12, which are held on a handling device 96. Pumping and/or dosing units 98 are provided for supplying the substance.

The closing station 92 is used to close the container 12 with closing elements, not shown in the drawing, such as mushroom stoppers or piston stoppers.

The control station 94 serves to check whether a closing element is arranged on a respective container 12 . Otherwise the container 12 can be ejected from the device 10 .

At least one isolator device 102 is provided in the device 10, which comprises a cover element 104 for covering at least one frame. The frame is covered on the top side, for example, by means of the cover element 104, which also includes side walls. It goes without saying that maintenance openings can be present.

It is favorable that the filling device 14 has an independent frame 56 and, in combination with this, an independent isolator device 102 . This makes it possible to process the containers 12, in particular the filling, in a protective atmosphere with a protective gas. The protective gas is, for example, H ₂ O ₂ . For this reason, the filling device 14 is particularly suitable for filling the container 12 with toxic or highly sensitive pharmaceutical substances.

On the decoupling side, the filling device 14 includes a decoupling element 106 for receiving the containers 12 from the transport device 58 .

The decoupling element 106 and the discharge element 108 are arranged on and in particular on the frame 56 .

Another interface element 110 is provided on the device 10 on the removal side. The interface element 110 is arranged at an interface position and in particular at precisely one interface position 112 . In the present case, the interface element 110 is arranged on and in particular on a frame 114 of the first extraction unit 20 which adjoins the frame 56 .

In the present example, the frame 114 is arranged in alignment with the frame 56, with their longitudinal directions coinciding.

In the present case, the ejection element 108 transfers the containers 12 to the interface element 110 via a boundary 116 between the frames 56 and 114.

The containers 12 processed by the filling device 14 can optionally be transferred to the removal unit 20 or the removal unit 22 via the interface element 110 for further processing. Depending on the desired type of further processing, containers 12 of the first or second type can be transferred to the removal unit 20 or to the removal unit 22 .

How from the 1 and 5 As becomes clear, the first removal unit 20 includes a further transport device 118 of the device 10. The transport device 118 is preferably designed to correspond to the transport device 58 and preferably has the same machine stitch.

Starting from the interface element 110, the containers 12 can be fed to the transport device 118. In the present case, this takes place indirectly via a plurality of transport elements 120, the number of which is exemplary and non-limiting.

Further processing stations 68 are arranged on the transport device 118 . In relation to the transport direction 60, a control station 122, then a closing station 124 and then a flanging station 126 are arranged on the transport device 118 first.

Correct seating of the closing elements on the containers 12 can be checked by means of the control station 122 . In the event of a negative finding the corresponding container 12 can be discharged, for example.

The closing station 124 is used in order to finally close containers 12 that have already been closed with closing elements, specifically vials, with flanged caps. For this purpose, flanged caps are placed on the already existing closing elements via the closing station 124 .

The crimp caps can be crimped at the crimping station 126.

The containers 12 further processed at the removal unit 20 can be decoupled, for example via transport elements 128 shown as an example, and fed to a receiving unit 130, for example. This can be referred to as "magazining".

The removal unit 22 has an independent frame 132 . Frame 132 abuts frame 114 and is oriented at an angle thereto, preferably 90°. The frame 132 is aligned with the boundary 116 between the frames 56 and 114. In this way, a compact design with the largest possible edge line can also be achieved on the decoupling side of the device 10 in order to ensure good accessibility of the components of the removal units 20, 22.

It is advantageous that the filling device 14 is accessible from both sides, on the one hand between the feed unit 18 and the removal unit 22 and on the other hand. The filling device 14 is characterized by a high level of maintenance friendliness.

Starting from the interface element 110, the containers 12 can, as mentioned, optionally be supplied to the removal unit 22 indirectly. For this purpose, a transport element 134 is provided, for example, for transferring the containers 12 across the boundary between the frames 114 and 132.

From a functional point of view, the removal unit 22 is designed at least partially to correspond to the second supply unit 18 and comprises, for example, transport elements 136, 138 on the input side, the latter being able to be a cell chain 140.

The containers 12 can be conveyed into the carrier 40 by means of a further handling device 142 . The carrier 40, if previously emptied, is preferably fed from the feed unit via a conveyor 144 (arrow 146).

When the containers 12 are placed in the carrier 40, the distance 74 is adjusted again to the nest stitch with the distance 76 by means of the handling device 142.

A device 148 for removing the filled carrier 40 is provided (arrow 150).

the 6 until 8th show in one of the 1 corresponding layout representation partial views of the device according to the invention in preferred embodiments. Here are in 6 only the filling device 14 and the feed units 16 and 18 are shown. In 7 and 8th only the filling device 14 and the removal units 20, 22 are shown.

It is understood that, for example, in the 7 and 8th variants shown on the output side of the device in the devices according to 1 and/or 6 can be implemented. In a corresponding manner, the variant according to 6 on the input side of the device in the devices according to 1 , 7 and/or 8 implemented.

In the device 152 according to 6 it is provided that the frame 54 is aligned with the frame 56, the longitudinal directions of which coincide. Rack 34 is positioned between and abuts racks 54 and 56, respectively. The frame 34 is aligned at an angle of preferably 90° to the respective frame 54, 56.

The interface element 28 is arranged on the frame 34 . From the interface element 28 , the containers 12 are selectively fed to the feed unit 16 or the feed unit 18 to the infeed element 82 indirectly via transport elements 154 . The supply of containers 12 of the supply unit 18 to the interface element 28 takes place via transport elements 156.

It goes without saying that two transport elements 154, 156 are shown only by way of example. Their number is non-limiting.

In the device 158 according to 7 the frame 132 is aligned with the frame 56 with coincidence of the respective longitudinal directions. The frame 114 is arranged between the frames 56, 132, aligned at an angle of preferably 90° to them and borders on the frames 56 and 132.

The interface element 110 is arranged on the frame 114 . The ejected containers 12 are fed in from the ejection element 108 via a transport element 160. The containers 12 are transferred to the removal unit 20 via transport elements 162, the transfer of containers 12 to the removal unit 22 via transport elements 164.

In this case, too, it goes without saying that the number of transport elements 160, 162, 164 is not limiting.

In the device 166 according to 8th the frames 132 and 114 are aligned with each other. They are each aligned at an angle to the frame 56, the angle preferably being 90°.

In contrast to the previous devices 10, 152 and 158, no interface element is provided in the device 160 via which the containers 12 are selectively fed to the first removal unit 20 or the second removal unit 22.

Instead, the containers 12 discharged via the discharge element 108 are coupled into the transport device 118 via transport elements 168 . This also applies to the containers 12 to be transported into the carrier 40. Accordingly, these containers 12 are transported through the transport device 58 to the second removal unit 22, so that they pass through part of the removal unit 20.

For example, from the ejection element 108 to the coupling into the transport device 118 in 8th non-limiting three transport elements 168 shown. One of these is placed on a separate stand 170 and could be placed on stand 56 or stand 114 instead.

On the uncoupling side of the transport device 118, the containers 12 are transferred to the handling device 142 via a plurality of transport elements 172. In this case, the last transport element 172 is again the cell chain 140.

In this case, one of the transport elements 172 forms an interface element 174. The interface element 174 at an interface position 176, in this case on the frame 132, is used to decouple the containers 12 as bulk goods, which are transferred to the receiving unit 130, in this case via a further transport element 178.

It goes without saying that in the present case the number of transport elements 172 and 178 is not limiting for the invention.

The construction and operation of the closure stations 92 and/or 124 is preferably as disclosed in the non-prepublished patent application DE 10 2020 134 792.8 described by the same applicant. The entire disclosure of this patent application is fully incorporated into the present patent application.

Reference List

10

contraption

12

container

14

filling device

16, 18

feeding unit

20, 22

extraction unit

23

control device

24

transport element

26

turntable

28

interface element

30

transport element

32

interface position

34

frame

36

footprint

38

element

40

carrier

42

furnishings

44

Arrow

46

handling device

48, 50

transport element

52

cell chain

54, 56

frame

58

transport device

60

transport direction

62

holding element

64

container pickup

66

holding element carrier

68

processing station

70

transport segment

72

return segment

74, 76

Distance

78

format set

80

Border

82

transfer element

84

coupling element

86, 90

Weighing station

88

filling station

92

locking station

94

control station

96

handling device

98

Pump and/or dosing unit

102

isolator facility

104

cover element

106

decoupling element

108

discharge element

110

interface element

112

interface position

114

frame

116

Border

118

transport device

120

transport element

122

control station

124

locking station

126

flanging station

128

transport element

130

recording unit

132

frame

134, 136, 138

transport element

140

cell chain

142

handling device

144

conveyor

146

Arrow

148

furnishings

150

Arrow

152, 158, 166

contraption

154, 156, 160, 162, 164, 168

transport element

170

frame

172

transport element

174

interface element

176

interface position

178

transport element

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102020134783 [0038]
• DE 102020134792 [0165]

Claims (24)

Device for filling pharmaceutical containers (12) of different types, the containers (12) in particular comprising syringes, vials and/or cartridges, the device (10; 152; 158; 166) comprising: - a filling device (14) with a transport device (58), in particular a linear one, which preferably comprises revolving holding elements (62) for the containers (12), which can be moved along a transport direction (60) from a coupling-in side to a decoupling side of the transport device (58). , and with at least one processing station (68) for the containers (12), which comprises a filling station (88) arranged on the transport device (58) for filling the containers (12) with a pharmaceutical substance, - a coupling element (84) for transferring the containers (12) to the transport device (58) and a decoupling element (106) for taking over the containers (12) from the transport device (58), - a first supply unit (16) for providing containers (12) to be filled of the first type and a second supply unit (18) for supplying containers (12) to be filled of the second type, - an interface element (28) which is or can be arranged on the supply side with respect to the transport device (58) at at least one interface position (32) and preferably exactly one interface position (32), via which the transport device (58) can optionally receive the containers (12) of the first type indirectly or directly the first supply unit (16) or the containers (12) of the second kind can be supplied to the second supply unit (18). device after claim 1 , characterized in that one of the following applies: - the interface element (28) is formed separately from the coupling element (84), the containers (12) being attached to the coupling element indirectly via at least one further transport element (48) or directly from the interface element (28). (84) transferable; - The coupling element (84) is the interface element (28) or forms this. device after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the device (10; 152; 158; 166) is arranged on a set-up surface (36) positioned or positionable frame (56) of the filling device (14). device after claim 3 , characterized in that on the supply side only the coupling element (84) or the coupling element (84) and one further transport element for the containers (12), in particular precisely one further transport element (48), are arranged on the frame (56) of the filling device (14). is. device after claim 3 or 4 , characterized in that the device (10; 152; 158; 166) comprises, on the feed side, a second frame (34) adjoining the frame (56), on which the interface element (28) and components of one of the feed units (16, 18) - the first supply unit (16) or the second supply unit (18) - are arranged, the containers (12) being connected via the interface element (28) directly or indirectly across a border (80) between the frames (34, 56) to a transport element the filling device (14) can be transferred. device after claim 5 , characterized in that the device (10; 152; 158; 166) on the feed side comprises a third frame (54) adjoining the second frame (34) on which components of the respective other feed unit (16, 18) - the second feed unit ( 18) or the first supply unit (16) - are arranged, the containers (12) being directly or indirectly connected to the interface element (28) from this other supply unit (18) across a boundary (80) between the frames (34, 54). are transferrable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first supply unit (16) for providing the containers (12) of the first type is designed as bulk goods and comprises a transport element (24) or storage element from which the containers (12) positioned thereon can be picked up are. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first supply unit (16) comprises at least one of the following: - a washing device for the containers (12); - a sterilization device for the containers (12); - A drying device for the containers (12). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second feed unit (18) comprises a device (42) for feeding containers (12) accommodated in a common carrier (40) and a handling device (46) for removing the containers (12 ) from the common carrier (40). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that holding elements (62) of the transport device (58) have container receptacles (64) at a predetermined or predeterminable distance (74) from one another and that the distance between the containers (12) from one another in the first supply unit ( 16) and/or in the second feed unit (18) or the interface element (28) downstream in the feed direction can be adjusted to the distance (74) of the container receptacles (64). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one processing station (68) on the transport device (58) comprises at least one of the following: - a first weighing station (86) for weighing the containers (12) before filling; - a second weighing station (90) for weighing the containers (12) after filling; - a closing station (92) for closing the containers (12) with closing elements; - A control station (94) for checking the presence of a closing element on the respective container (12). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10; 152; 158; 166) comprises at least one insulator device (102) covering at least one frame (34, 54, 56, 114, 132) with a cover element (104). , preferably for providing a protective atmosphere between the cover element (104) and the frame (34, 54, 56, 114, 132) and for example for subjecting the container (12) to the protective atmosphere. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling device (14) comprises a separate isolator device (102). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10; 152; 158; 166) comprises a first removal unit (20) for taking over filled containers (12) and a second removal unit (22) for taking over filled containers (12). , as well as a further interface element (110) which is or can be arranged with respect to the transport device (58) at at least one further interface position (112), and preferably precisely one further interface position (112), via which the containers (12) can be indirectly or directly optionally connected to the first Removal unit (20) or the second removal unit (22) can be fed. device after Claim 14 , characterized in that one of the following applies: - the further interface element (110) is formed separately from the decoupling element (106), the containers (12) being attached to the further interface element (110) directly from the decoupling element (106) or indirectly via at least one further transport element can be transferred; - The decoupling element (106) is the further interface element (110) or forms this. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decoupling element (106) is arranged on the frame (56) of the filling device (14). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the removal side only the decoupling element (106) or the decoupling element (106) and a further transport element for the containers (12), in particular exactly one further transport element, are arranged on the frame of the filling device (14). is. Device according to one of Claims 14 until 17 , characterized in that the device (10; 152; 158; 166) on the removal side comprises a fourth frame (114) adjoining the frame (56) of the filling device (14), on which the further interface element (110) and components of one of the removal units (20, 22) - the first removal unit (20) or the second removal unit (22) - are arranged, wherein the containers (12) from a transport element of the filling device (14) directly or indirectly across a boundary (116) between the frames ( 56, 114) can be transferred to the further interface element (110). device after Claim 18 , characterized in that the device (10; 152; 158; 166) on the removal side comprises a fifth frame (132) adjoining the fourth frame (114) on which components of the respective other removal unit (20, 22) - the second removal unit ( 22) or the first removal unit (20) - are arranged, wherein the containers (12) of this further removal unit (22) can be transferred directly or indirectly from the further interface element (110) across a boundary between the frames (114, 132). Device according to one of Claims 14 until 19 , characterized in that the first removal unit (20) comprises a further transport device (118) on which at least one further processing station (68) for processing the containers (12) is arranged. device after claim 20 , characterized in that the at least one further processing station (68) comprises a control station (112) for checking that a closing element is correctly seated on the respective container (12), a closing station (124) for attaching a closing element to the already closed containers (12) and /or comprises a crimping station (126) for crimping crimp caps. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10; 152; 158; 166) a first removal processing unit (20) for taking over filled containers (12) and a second removal unit (22) for taking over filled containers (12), and that the first removal unit (20) comprises a further transport device (118) on which at least one further processing station ( 68) for processing containers (12), wherein containers (12) can be transported through the further transport device (118) to the second removal unit (22). Device according to one of Claims 14 until 22 , characterized in that the second removal unit (22) comprises a handling device (142) via which the containers (12) can be transferred to a common carrier (40), and a device (148) for removing the carrier (40). Device according to one of Claims 14 until 23 , characterized in that the distance between the containers (12) in the first removal unit (20) and/or in the second removal unit (22) or the further interface element (110) in the removal direction is upstream of the distance (76) between the container receptacles (64 ) on the distance from each other in a common carrier (40) is adjustable.

Images