Transport frames provided for being coupled, process for transporting and/or processing objects and use of transport frames provided for being coupled

0001The present invention relates to linkable transfer holder and the use thereof in method for transporting or for processing matters.

0002Things like containers, piece goods or products, eg solids or Liquids production or further processing in many stages in larger, securely held to be conveyed quantities along an automated Freight also was unsafe containers, piece goods or products to to accomplish. This is done by means of a transfer holder, a kind of frame around the Containers, general cargo or product is placed or equipped as shell is that the present example, in liquid or paste form products receives.

0003In particular, a lot of transfer of transported goods in a be repeatable and defined geometry possible. This is necessary to simplify automated transport of goods. Particularly suitable Transfer the holder for the automated loading and unloading facilities covered sterile conditions to operate, such as freeze drying equipment, Storage facilities, drying facilities in the for Treatment different containers, piece goods or products on and must be applied.

0004Several Transfer holder shall for example by a slot-like small Loading aperture repeatedly conveyed into a treatment plant and be fed out again after cessation of treatment, without far with Grippers or similar devices in the sterile treatment plant reach inside. In general, these treatment systems are equipped with one or more shaped shelf superposed shelves equipped.

0005This transfer holder thus find particular application in the pharma-technical Sterile production and generally in all industrial production areas in those containers, piece goods or products automatically on flat surfaces are continuously applied and removed for treatment or storage have to.

0006For application is from the German utility model 89 00750 is discloses a freeze-drying apparatus in which transport frame during the treatment in the treatment plant remain. There is a variety of Transport frame necessary, which mounted, sterilized and technically expensive equipment must be with the containers loading and unloading. These frames are not coupled and self-centering. With this frame no automation of loading possible.

0007From EP-A-99.834 a loading and unloading system with roll boxes is known. at this system will be a kind of roller boxes used where the elements or the product can be filled directly. This is not a continuous loading possible and there are a variety remain poor during treatment cleanable and sterilizable transport aids (rolling boxes) in the facility.

0008The object of the present invention is to design a Transfer holder, with the uptake and transport a large number of Containers, piece goods or products is possible and due to its Geometry and design, this is to be promoted automatically.

0009A further object of the present invention is to secure and easy insertion and discharge of containers, general cargo or Products in or from treatment plants.

0010The present invention relates to each other can be coupled transfer holder (11) for the Transport of goods (10) comprising a frame (12) with at least three, preferably at least four side profiles, the one with the things (10) feed end surface enclose, wherein at least two side profiles each a coupling point (5, 8), the coupling of at least two Transfer holders (11) permit.

0011The transfer holder is designed as a framework, so that things such as the piece goods, be positioned in direct contact with heat transfer to a surface can.

0012To long cantilevered slider or clamshell devices for loading or unloading one charged with things like packaged goods, in Transfer holders avoid treatment plant, the transfer holder are coupled.

0013The transfer holder in particular in sterile production areas and in the used food industry and are therefore easy to clean and can be sterilized to shape. This is due to the simple frame structure readily given.

0014Preferably, a unique automatic orientation detection of needs Setting be possible to equip this by a frame formatter to leave, and clearly in each process step of conveying the position of the Transfer holder to detect.

0015The side profile of the coupled transfer holder forming a frame (12). there it can be a be any n-gon with n greater than three, for example, Triangle, a hexagon, or preferably be a rectangle.

0016The n-gon is usually up and down open and forms the boundary arranged in the interior of the stuff. But the n-gon is also a continuous floor (13), so that this to be transported with or to processed products, as can be filled with liquids.

0017At least two side profiles of the frame (12) each have a coupling point (5, 8). This coupling of at least two is inventive Transfer holders (11) possible. The coupling points may at each other opposite sides of the frame to be mounted; but it can also each side of the frame profile (12) have at least one coupling point. The Transfer holder (11) are therefore in any ways combined.

0018For rectangular frame (12) can in each case the lateral sections of the front longitudinal side (4) and the front back (7) coupling points have. It is also possible each having only the side profile of the transverse sides coupling points. Or can all side profiles of the frame (12) having coupling points.

0019Preferably, each having opposed side profiles Coupling points.

0020Pro side profile can be one or more, eg two, attachment points provided.

0021The coupling points are used for combining the transfer frame, preferably also for centering the frame against each other, so that an array of Transfer frames produced whose sides when pushing or pulling himself center and so the sides are in alignment.

0022The invention preferably relates linkable transfer holder with side profiles in the form of a rectangle, wherein the front holder transfer profile (4) at least one Coupling point (5) is arranged with a lateral baffle (6) and at the rear Transfer holder profile (7) at least one oppositely oriented coupling point (8) is arranged a chamfer (9) at the lateral and vertical centering Coupling two transfer holders allows, with the coupling points (5, 8) in coupled state when pushing the transfer holder put together perfectly.

0023In a particularly preferred embodiment the invention relates couplable Transfer holder in which at least one shuttle holder profile, preferably the two lateral transfer holder profiles (1), an outbreak (3) in the profile is arranged, which by sensors, in particular of inductive or optical Sensors can be detected or switches.

0024In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the invention relates to couplable transfer holder in which at least one of the transfer holder profiles, in particular one of the lateral transfer holder profiles (1), a cut-nose (2) is arranged, which has a mechanical orientation during insertion of the Transfer holder allows in a pick and place machine.

0025A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention relates to coupling-bare Transfer holder, which at least two of the corners of the frame (12) includes a pin (14) and at least two of the corners of the frame (12) have an eyelet (15), the coupling of at least two transfer holders (11) permit.

0026Are preferably located in this embodiment, the pins (14) and the Eyelets (15) on the outside of the frame (12). But there are also Embodiments are conceivable in which pins (14) and eyelets (15) inside the arranged frame.

0027The choice of materials for the holder according to the invention can be coupled Transfer there are no restrictions as long as it the intention Usage is not adversely affected. Examples of materials are Plastics, for example fiber-reinforced plastics, or metals that optionally surface-treated, for example, enamelled. Preferably made the transfer frame according to the invention made of sheet metal, for example from Stainless steel sheet.

0028With the transfer frame according to the invention can stuff in treatment devices on and be discharged or it can stuff trans-ported will. These operations can be automated in a simple manner.

0029The invention also relates to a method for the treatment of objects, comprising the measures <sl><li>i) feeding a defined above coupled transfer holder with things that are to be treated,</li><li>ii) coupling of an above-defined empty dockable Transfer to the holder after step i) charged transfer holder,</li><li>iii) charging the empty and coupled to step ii) Transfer holder with things that are to be treated,</li><li>iv) optionally repeating steps ii) and iii),</li><li>v) the transport in accordance with steps i) to iv) produced composite from mutually coupled Transfer holders to a pre-approved treatment site,</li><li>vi) performing a predetermined treatment of the Transfer holders located at the predetermined matters treatment site,</li><li>vii) transportation of the bond with the treated in accordance with step vi) Matters to a discharge location,</li><li>viii) discharge of the treated matters of a transfer holder,</li><li>ix) decoupling of the emptied transfer holder after unloading the remaining charged Transfer holders, and</li><li>x) repeating steps viii) and ix) until all transfer holder are unloaded and disconnected.</li></sl>

0030Another embodiment of the invention relates to a method for transporting Things, includes the following measures<sl><li>xi) feed a defined above coupled transfer holder with things that are to be transported,</li><li>xii) coupling a defined above empty dockable Transfer to the holder after step i) charged transfer holder,</li><li>xiii) charge of empty and coupled to step xii) Transfer holder with things that are to be transported,</li><li>xiv) optionally repeating steps xii) and xiii),</li><li>xv) transport of the composite prepared according to steps xi) to xiv) from mutually coupled Transfer holders to a pre-agreed unloading point </li><li>xvi) discharge the stuff of a transfer holder,</li><li>xvii) decoupling of the emptied transfer holder after unloading the remaining charged Transfer holders, and</li><li>xviii) repeating steps xvi) and xvii) until all are unloaded and disconnected transfer holder.</li></sl>

0031The dockable transfer holder according to the invention can for transporting Property, in particular in the automated loading and unloading of equipment, be used. The invention relates to the use for these purposes.

0032Transport frame according to the invention are particularly preferred in plants used, which are operated under sterile conditions. Examples are Freeze drying equipment, storage devices or drying facilities in the to treat different containers, piece goods or products on and must be applied.

0033The invention is further illustrated by the figures described below. A limitation of the invention is intended thereby.

0034In the figures the following reference signs are used:<tables><table><tgroup cols="2"><tbody><row><entry align="left">(1) Lateral Transfer holder profile</entry><entry align="left">(2) outbreak with nose</entry></row><row><entry align="left">(3) outbreak</entry><entry align="left">(4) Front transfer holder profile</entry></row><row><entry align="left">(5) Front coupling point</entry><entry align="left">(6) Side baffle</entry></row><row><entry align="left">(7) Rear Transfer holder profile</entry><entry align="left">(8) Rear coupling point</entry></row><row><entry align="left">(9) chamfer rear coupling point</entry><entry align="left">(10) container / cargo</entry></row><row><entry align="left">(11) Transfer Holder</entry><entry align="left">(12) Frame</entry></row><row><entry align="left">(12a) of front side frames</entry><entry align="left">(12b) side of the longitudinal frame 1</entry></row><row><entry align="left">(12c) rear side frames</entry><entry align="left">(12d) side longitudinal frames 2</entry></row><row><entry align="left">(13) Floor</entry><entry align="left">(14) Pen</entry></row><row><entry align="left">(15) eyelet</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0035Show it: <sl><li>Fig.1: Transfer holders in total view</li><li>Fig.2: Transfer holder coupling point at front transfer holder profile</li><li>Figure 3: Transfer holder coupling point on rear transfer holder profile with off-break in lateral transfer holder profile</li><li>Figure 4: Transfer holder side profile with cutout and nose</li><li>Figure 5: Transfer holder in side view, transfer holder II raised</li><li>Figure 6: Transfer holder in side view, Einkoppelstellung</li><li>Figure 7: Transfer holder in side view, Einkoppelstellung</li><li>Figure 8: Transfer holder in side view, Einkoppelstellung</li><li>Fig. 9: Transfer holder with pins and eyelets as coupling points</li></sl>

0036Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a transfer holder according to the invention, as the frame-like structure is made of sheet metal profiles, which on the front Transfer holder profile (4) one or more coupling points (5), each having a be arranged lateral guide plate (6) and at the rear transfer holder profile (7) the same number of oppositely oriented coupling points (8) with a chamfer (9) be provided on this. This can be two or more of these Transfer holder by vertical movement upward, a subsequent Horizontal movement and then pair vertical movement downwards.

0037The coupling points (5, 8) are designed so that these lateral and vertical Centralization of the transfer holder while pairing and subsequent pushing over a base equipped with containers (10) allow.

0038Transfer the holder of the placement machines the holder Populated over one with containers (10) finished and put formatted surface.

0039By coupling points (5.8) can be according to this example, two or more this transfer holder by vertical movement upward, a subsequent Horizontal movement and then pair vertical movement downwards. At the vertical coupling occurs a lateral centering by the baffle plate (6) and the chamfer (8).

0040The vertical centering is the pushing and pulling of the coupled Transfer holders ensured by the fact that both coupling points fit into each place. The Transfer holder can thus be in a treatment plant Push and safely pull out by the coupling. Decoupling can take place upon withdrawal from a treatment plant if a Transfer holder is completely pulled out, and a vertical movement is possible.

0041Figures 5 and 6 show that one or more by arranging Outbreaks (3) the lateral transfer holder profile the position of the transfer holder can be accurately detected by sensors. This is needed for Position sensing in automated conveyor processes.

0042Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 further show, the coupling of two transfer holder I and II. In these figures, the coupling process as a result of a horizontal and a Vertical movement of the transfer holder described each other. Instead, differently configured Transfer holders about other movement sequences be coupled together, for example, or durch_Horizontalbewegung by vertical movement (see Fig. 9) to each other.

0043better clarity of are shown in FIGS 5, 6, 7 and 8 are front and Transfer rear holder profile (4, 7), cut (in dashed lines) are shown. The front and rear coupling points (5, 8) both transfer holder be a Horizontal movement brought into a coupling position, so that the respectively to connecting the front and rear coupling points (5, 8) into each other can grip (Figure 5). The front and rear coupling points (5, 8) are then carried vertical movement pushed into each other (Figures 6 and 7) and thereby connected with each other. A further horizontal movement, the Coupling points (5, 8) up to the lateral guide plate (6) of the front connection point (5) shifted (Figure 8). Thereby, an adjustment of the transfer holder (11) allows.

0044Through an outbreak with nose (2; Fig. 1 and 4) on lateral transfer holder profile (1) a unique mechanical orientation is made possible when this Transfer holder is applied to assembly machines. The task can be done manually or automatically. The transfer holder is then through an aperture introduced, which only at a certain point in the nose by pushing permits. The design of the transfer holder canted openly Sheet Prof ilen is a good cleaning and sterilization possible. The Cleaning liquid and the pure steam, any point on the transfer holder achieve reliable.

0045In FIG 9, an inventive transfer holder (11) is in the form of a rectangle shown, which is provided with pins (14) and eyelets (15) fitted. In the Coupling of several transfer holders (11) possible. The coupling points are at the corners of rectangles and are on the outer periphery of the transfer holder appropriate. In the illustrated embodiment, the front of the Side frame (12a) and the longitudinal side-frames 1 and 2 (12b, 12d) formed Corners a pin (14) and an eyelet (15) on the rear and from the side frames (12c) and the longitudinal side-frames 1 and 2 (12b, 12d) have corners formed also includes a pin (14) and an eye (15) on. There may be other Combinations are used, such as a pen (14) and eyelet (15) on each one Corner Transfer holder profile and the opposite transfer holder profile each eyelet (15) and pin (14); or the transfer holder profiles have more than two Coupling points (5 and 8) or it is in each case only a coupling point (5, 8) provided.

0046With the invention it is achieved that was unsafe containers, general cargo, Liquids, pastes or other products safely in a larger amount summarizes geometrically defined. So-called frame-formatter make the containers, piece goods or products together and the transfer holder is then placed around at these things. This defined clearly geometrically Transfer holder (frame) can be conveyed automatically. The coupling points allow safe side self-centering coupling the transfer holder. So several of these transfer holder inserted into a treatment plant and withdrawn; Here an automatic gripper must only Transfer foremost holder access. It not drive components widely used in a sterile Treatment plant in order to grab and pull out the transfer holder. At the Push the coupled transfer holder put the coupling point-profile exactly another. The Transfer holder so are centered vertically. Due to the lateral Arrangement of tabs at a certain position of the frame profile is mechanically ensures that the frame only in a particular orientation (Up / down, front / rear) can move into an assembly plant. This represents sure that no transfer holder incorrectly fitted in the other Enters treatment plants and may not be coupled or Sensors is not detected. is by lateral eruptions in the transfer holder profile reaches a position identifier of the transfer holder.

0047The Transfer holder are designed not to transfer between the front-holder and rear a coupled transfer holder must be distinguished. This means, can be loaded to a treatment plant similar framework used will. The transfer holder is easy by the profile geometry, has a low to clean surface and all surfaces are in pure steam by Sterilize reachable.