EP2488808B1 - Device for loading and unloading a freeze drying system - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to loading and / or unloading devices for a freeze-drying plant according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.

The process of freeze-drying is used for thermally sensitive goods such. As pharmaceutical and biochemical products, food, etc. used, the material to be dried is first frozen, crystallized ice is sublimated under vacuum from the estate and again deposited on capacitors as ice. For this purpose, the pressure, temperature and other parameters of the drying process are controlled and monitored in accordance with a product-specific sublimation pressure curve in order to achieve reproducible drying results. The energy required for the sublimation is usually supplied by heating.

Freeze-drying plants are designed in many cases for discontinuous operation and consist predominantly of a drying chamber and a connected thereto via a closable opening condenser chamber, wherein the material to be dried is received in a plurality of drying vessels, vials, ampoules or trays to carry out drying on a footprint within a drying chamber. In the drying chamber a plurality of such shelves are arranged vertically displaceable one above the other in a frame at a distance. After a large number of each containing a certain amount of drying material drying vessels introduced into the drying chamber during a drying process, depending on the size of the freeze-drying plant and removed again after completion of the drying process must be used for both loading and unloading the drying vessels, the use of automated devices usual, which must already be determined when ordering the equipment today, whether the loading and / or unloading by hand or by means of appropriate automated working Devices should take place. Retrofitting a manually to be loaded and / or unloading freeze dryer on an integrated automated process is not possible today or only at great expense.

In view of the temperature sensitivity of the material to be dried, but in particular due to the need aseptisch perfect conditions for all plant components that come into contact with the drying material, in the concept of a loading and unloading special attention must be paid to how their nature and Operation from the viewpoint of aseptic production represents.

From the document DE 103 07 571 A1 a loading and unloading device for a freeze-drying plant is known, wherein the outside of the loading and unloading a drying chamber for loading certain horizontally movable slide and a certain for unloading, also horizontally movable into the chamber carriage are provided. The slide cooperates with a cyclically operated conveyor belt, on which the drying vessels to be introduced into the chamber stand up and is characterized, inter alia, by a strip extending transversely to the feed direction of the loading and intended to rest against the drying vessels, which at both lateral ends has one Rack drive is driven. The slide is formed by a separated from the slide on the discharge opening to the opposite rear end in the chamber retractable, this case the control plate including the upstanding on this drying vessels frame, on both sides of the carriage in each case a windable, for the transmission of Tensile and compressive forces suitable joint system is provided, which is in communication with a drive outside the chamber. Said, the drying vessels crossing frame is supported by rollers on the unloading, lateral webs having footprint. By means of a frame which can be automatically lowered from the frame when reaching an abutment position at the abovementioned rear end, a dragging action is produced on the drying vessels which protrude on the footprint so that the unloading process is initiated by activating the two articulated systems.

Almost all components of this known loading and unloading device including the said drives are located outside the drying chamber, so that a not inconsiderable space requirement before the drying chamber results. There are separate, mechanically designed completely differently designed systems for loading and unloading, which are structurally relatively complicated and concomitantly designed pollution-prone, so that accordingly their cleaning designed consuming. In particular, the production of a sufficient aseptic for use in and before a freeze-drying plant condition is in any case more difficult. This is also reflected in the joint systems mentioned, which, like the carriage, are guided in a plane above the footprint to be unloaded, so that at this point an unavoidable abrasion occurs which falls on the footprint. This is also expressed in the mechanical system which effects the automatic lowering of the structure intended to exert a driving effect on the drying vessels resting on the footprint. A disadvantage in aseptic terms is also to be appreciated that the shelves used are provided with lateral webs, taking into account that the carriage is supported by lying in the edge region of the footprint rollers, which also produce an unavoidable abrasion.

A comparable loading and unloading device for a freeze-drying plant is from the document WO 2005/121671 known. In this case, a slide is provided for loading the located in a loading position in front of a particular loading and unloading slit in the housing wall of the drying chamber located a slide which is inserted through the slot into the drying chamber or from this extendable. For unloading is a along lateral, parallel to the edges of the guide plate extending guides movable conveyor bar, which is additionally pivotable about its longitudinal axis, between a particular for driving over the standing on the shelf drying vessel Einfahrposition and a particular position for pushing out the drying vessels extended position. The drive of the conveyor bar both when entering the drying chamber, when extending out of the drying chamber and when pivoting about its longitudinal axis between said positions via a standing with the ends of the conveyor bar in conjunction with traction means arranged outside of the drying chamber, each with the Ends of the conveyor belt in connected drives. The above-mentioned problems, which are related to the representation and maintenance of aseptic conditions, occur equally here. Also results for the slide a not inconsiderable amount of space in front of said slot.

Another loading and unloading device for a freeze-drying plant is from the document DE 60 2004 003 692 T2 known, which is characterized by extending into a chamber on both sides of a shelf guides on each of which a carriage is arranged, both carriages are connected via a rod, the interposition of pivoting levers about an axis perpendicular to the guides axis between a lower a stop function during the insertion of the shelf standing up vessels filling position and an upper, overrunning the vessels enabling and discharging function fulfilling position is pivotally mounted. The rod connecting the carriages is in supported their lower position on rolling on the shelf wheels. In front of an entrance opening outside the chamber is a bar-shaped slide mechanism, which is set up for insertion of the vessels into the chamber. To drive the carriage including the pivoting mechanism of said rod serve belt drives. Difficulties associated with the presentation of aseptic conditions, also arise in this device due to the support of said rod and the structural design and arrangement of the movable within the chamber modules. In addition to an unavoidable abrasion results in the risk of contamination from the environment and the complicating a cleaning structurally complicated conditions also this loading and unloading.

It is the object of the invention to design a device of the type described above such that, in addition to a mechanically simple structure, which can be retrofitted to chambers prepared according to the invention without much effort, particular attention has been paid to aspects of aseptics, so that maintenance and cleaning work easy to carry out. This object is achieved in such a device by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

The essential components of the device, namely a carriage and two guide-independent guides on which the carriage is mounted, are located inside the drying chamber, wherein the guides on both sides of a direction of movement in which a loading or unloading takes place, form fixed leading edges and wherein the carriage forms a transverse to this direction of movement extending movable leading edge. The carriage is always moved on the basis of a loading or unloading on a corresponding side of the drying vessels in order to exert an advancing effect. It is of particular advantage that the guides both exercise a guiding function on the drying vessels to be moved and also serve to support the carriage. These preferably encapsulated and smooth-walled components are easy to clean and should be particularly accessible to steam sterilization, but also other sterilization procedures. The carriage is in any case connected to a drive.

The carriage associated with the drive is designed as a linear motor, with its at least one primary part, a carriage is in communication. Such a drive is best adapted to the operating conditions of a freeze dryer described above, since it works even under extreme conditions friction, maintenance and trouble-free and results in almost no abrasion. Preferably, two primary parts are arranged at the lateral ends of the carriage, wherein the respective secondary parts, namely a sequence of permanent magnets of alternating polarity are structurally integrated into the guides.

Also, the two components primary part and secondary part as outside completely smooth-walled components can be produced, the electromagnetic functional elements are arranged hermetically sealed, so that a particularly simple cleaning, especially sterilization is possible.

The control technology connection of the primary part / the primary parts of the carriage associated linear drive with an external, located outside the drying chamber control can be done in the simplest case by a group of lines, which is in communication with the carriage, whose movements and via a vacuum-tight wall penetration into the Outside space is guided. In order to save lines, however, can also be provided with regard to contamination multiple use of a line in the sense that this is used simultaneously for energy transmission and data transmission.

Both the carriage and the guides extend in a plane slightly above the plane in which the footprint in the loading or Unloading position is located. The carriage and the guides in each case form leading edges, which extend perpendicular to the footprint and form large-scale smooth systems for the drying vessels.

The above object is further solved by the features of claim 2. This device differs from the device according to claim 1, characterized in that the / the slide associated drive is designed as a linear motor whose primary part is structurally integrated into the guide of the carriage and its, formed by a series of permanent magnets secondary with the carriage in combination stands. Such a drive is as well adapted to the operating conditions of a freeze-drying plant as the drive according to claim 1, because this alternative drive also operates under extreme conditions friction, maintenance and trouble-free and results in almost no abrasion.

Preferably, two secondary parts are provided, one of which is arranged at the lateral ends of the carriage, wherein the respective primary parts are housed in two guides.

In particular, it can be provided that the carriage forms with the secondary parts or a passive unit, which has no electrical or mechanical connection to the entire system and can be removed for cleaning purposes from the guides.

The control technology connection of the primary part / the primary parts of the slide associated linear drive with an external, located outside the drying chamber control can be done in the simplest case by a line group, which is in communication with the guide and is guided via a vacuum-tight wall bushing in the outer space.

Apart from the mentioned differences, with respect to this alternative device according to claim 2 to the statements in Connection with the device according to claim 1, wherein the alternative device may in particular also have the features according to claims 3 to 19.

The features of claims 3 to 6 are directed to a further embodiment of the guides. These are not part of the footprint located in the unloading or loading position and it is their position relative to each other, thus adjustable transversely to said direction of movement. They are also in their longitudinal direction, which is parallel to the said direction of movement, either entirely displaceable or the guides are each formed segmented, wherein at least individual segments are designed to be displaceable. The sense of displacement exists u. a is to be able to represent a movement of the carriage beyond a loading or unloading, so that the carriage during unloading a displacement of the drying vessels out of the drying chamber and on an unloading table provided here or during loading in a position behind the drying vessels movable is, so that the exercise of a feed function in the direction of the drying chamber can be displayed. The purpose of the segment formation is further to represent gaps in the region of the guides outside a loading or unloading process, so that during a drying process there are no collisions with parts of the rack receiving the shelves in the drying chamber.

The guides can be arranged according to the features of claim 7 for the Auflagerung of two carriages. In this case, unloading and loading can be carried out with the proviso that over the one carriage, which is seen behind the drying vessels in the respective feed direction, a feed function is exercised, whereas on the other carriage a counter-holding function is exercised. In this way, the riot stability of the drying vessels is improved at short cycle times.

According to the features of claims 8 and 9, the loading and unloading device comprises a outside of the drying chamber arranged vertically and optionally horizontally movable bridge part that forms the link to downstream conveyors. This bridge part is intended to cooperate with the footprint located in the unloading position and it is the guides or segments thereof with the proviso in the longitudinal direction displaceable, that on the carriage an advancing effect can be displayed up to the bridge part.

The bridge part can also be used for loading in accordance with the features of claim 10.

The features of claims 11 and 12 are directed to the design of a specific bridge for loading part, which essentially corresponds to the intended for unloading bridge part, that is vertically and optionally arranged horizontally movable and in a loading position in a common plane with the load Footprint, extending to this immediately adjacent. It is essential that in this case, too, the guides or segments thereof can be moved with the proviso that the carriage can be moved in advance into such a position behind the drying vessels resting on the bridge part that a feed function can be exerted on them in the direction of the footprint is. The guides or segments thereof may be continued by arranged outside the drying chamber segments to provide a corresponding mobility of the carriage.

The measures of claim 13 are used in the same way as the measures of claim 6 of improving the displaceability of the drying vessels in particular on large, a plurality of drying vessels receiving shelves. In particular, the circumstance can be taken into account in this way that the drying vessels not ordered in a row, but are set up leaving gaps, which otherwise brings the risk of wedging and overturning when moving.

The measures of claims 14 and 15 are directed to an improvement in the accuracy of the positioning of a footprint, for example in the loading or unloading position. As a rule, exact positioning can only be achieved to a limited extent using the named, hydraulically operated plate frame.

Another advantage resulting from the use of said system of supports, in particular the representation of an independent of the plate frame height position of a footprint, is that, for example, in the unloading the vertical distance between the shelves can be adapted to the height of the drying vessels , The drying vessels are known to be closed under vacuum by means of rubber stoppers, which can adhere to these after the insertion of the stopper on each located above them shelves, a fact that obstructs an orderly spreading out of the drying chamber at least. In contrast, according to the invention, a small distance between the rubber stopper and the footprint located above it is adjustable and thus an undisturbed spreading of the rubber stopper from the drying chamber.

Further advantageous embodiments of the devices according to the invention are listed in claims 16 to 19. In the embodiment according to claim 19, the second carriage can assume a rest position or cause a counter holding function on drying vessels.

In general, a fixed distance sensor can be provided, which is applied for detecting the position of the movable part, namely the carriage.

It can be seen from the above statements that the assembled from a few aseptically easy to handle components loading and / or unloading especially suitable for the gradual retrofitting of existing freeze-drying plants. This is facilitated by the fact that their components do not come into contact with the shelves.

• Fig. 1 eine Trocknungskammer einer Gefriertrocknungsanlage mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Entladevorrichtung in einem Vertikalschnitt;
• Fig. 2 die Trocknungskammer gemäß Fig. 1 in einem Horizontalschnitt entsprechend einer Schnittebene II - II;
• Fig. 3 die Trocknungskammer gemäß Fig. 1 in perspektivischer Darstellung zu Beginn eines Entladungsvorgangs;
• Fig. 4, 5 jeweils aufeinander folgende Phasen der Entladevorrichtung zu Beginn eines Entladungsvorgangs in perspektivischer Darstellung;
• Fig. 6 eine Darstellung einer Variante einer erfindungsgemäßen Entladevorrichtung;
• Fig. 7, 8 jeweils aufeinanderfolgende Phasen der Entladevorrichtung gemäß Fig. 6 während eines Entladungsvorgangs in der Draufsicht;
• Fig. 9 bis 12 eine Trocknungskammer einer Gefriertrocknungsanlage mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Entladevorrichtung mit einem alternativen Linearantrieb, wobei die Figuren in entsprechender Reihenfolge den Fig. 2 bis 5 entsprechen;
• Fig. 13 bis 15 eine Darstellung einer Variante einer erfindungsgemäßen Entladevorrichtung mit einem alternativen Linearantrieb, wobei die Figuren in entsprechender Reihenfolgen den Fig. 6 bis 8 entsprechen.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• Fig. 1 a drying chamber of a freeze-drying plant with a discharge device according to the invention in a vertical section;
• Fig. 2 the drying chamber according to Fig. 1 in a horizontal section corresponding to a sectional plane II - II;
• Fig. 3 the drying chamber according to Fig. 1 in perspective view at the beginning of a discharge process;
• Fig. 4 . 5 successive phases of the unloading device at the beginning of a discharge process in a perspective view;
• Fig. 6 a representation of a variant of an unloading device according to the invention;
• Fig. 7 . 8th each successive phases of the unloading device according to Fig. 6 during a discharge operation in the plan view;
• Fig. 9 to 12 a drying chamber of a freeze-drying plant with an unloading device according to the invention with an alternative linear drive, wherein the figures in the corresponding order the Fig. 2 to 5 correspond;
• Fig. 13 to 15 a representation of a variant of an unloading device according to the invention with an alternative linear drive, the figures in the corresponding sequences the Fig. 6 to 8 correspond.

Fig. 1 shows in a sectional view of the drying chamber 1 of a freeze-drying plant, in the front side 2 is a graphically not shown, closable opening for loading or unloading of drying vessels 5 is. The drying chamber 1 is in a conventional manner with a condenser chamber in connection, which should not be discussed in detail at this point.

Within the drying chamber 1 is an array of shelves 3, which are held vertically movable in a frame 4 in a conventional manner. These shelves 3 are used to set up each drying substance containing a drying vessel 5, which are the drying chamber 1 can be seen after completion of the drying process. 6 is a height position, here the footprint 3 ', which corresponds to the unloading of this footprint. It is essential that the vertical adjustability of all shelves 3 of the frame 4 is set up such that each footprint 3 is movable into the height position 6 corresponding to the unloading position.

To explain the structure and operation of the unloading device according to the invention will initially supplementary to the FIG. 2 Reference is made in the functional elements with those of Fig. 1 match, are correspondingly designated.

On both sides of the according to the embodiment shown in approximately rectangular footprint 3 'extend rectilinear strip-like guides 7, which are composed of a plurality of spaced-apart segments. These segments are arranged displaceable in the longitudinal direction with the proviso that they are in a frontal Plant can be brought to each other, this forming a continuous leadership. On the other hand, these segments can be moved into such frontally spaced-apart positions that structural elements of the frame 4, which extend in close proximity to the lateral boundary of the footprint 3 ', are not hindered by these guides 7. These guides 7 are at a height level parallel to that of the footprint 3 'and slightly above it. They form lateral leading edges for the drying vessels 5 to be displaced in the direction of the front side 2 during a discharge.

The guides 7 may also be displaceable parallel to the plane of the footprint 3 'and transversely to its longitudinal direction, so that adaptability to different dimensions of the drying vessels 5 is given. These should always rest against the lateral guides 7 during a discharge cycle, so that the lateral spacing of the guides 7 is always set in accordance with an even multiple, for example, the diameter of a drying vessel 5 and dropping, jamming or wedging is reliably prevented. The displacement of the guides 7 in the longitudinal and transverse directions and parallel to the shelves via actuators 16, 17, which are arranged outside the drying chamber and sealed within the drying chamber in the direction of movement on stainless steel bellows.

8 with a carriage is called, which extends like a bar perpendicular to the guide 7 and the in Fig. 2 in its rearmost, the parking position is shown. The carriage 8 extends over the entire width of the footprint 3 'and forms during a discharge a towards the front 2 towards movable, to bear against the on the footprint 3' upstanding drying vessels 5 certain leading edge. Accordingly, it is in operative connection with a drive to be described below. The carriage is designed so that different distances of the guides 7 can be compensated.

This drive is designed as a linear drive and consists of two linear motors, each consisting of a designated 9, immediately laterally supporting the carriage 8, elongated primary part, which each containing an arrangement of permanent magnets of longitudinally changing polarity, a secondary part forming respective Guide 7 is slidably supported. In the parking position, the primary parts 9 may be partially received in pipe socket 10 of the wall of the drying chamber 1, which may otherwise be designed as sight glasses. According to the distribution of the permanent magnets in the longitudinal direction of the guides 7, the length dimensioning of the segments in accordance with the accommodation of the magnetically perpendicular to the direction of movement 8 'of the carriage 8 positioned permanent magnets is set up.

The power supply of the two linear motors can z. B. via a, recorded in a flexible, vacuum-tight Edelstahlwellschlauch 15 line are connected via the carriage 8 with the two primary parts 9 and connected via a vacuum-tight, said hose receiving wall passage of the drying chamber 1 to an external control , At the same time control signals and the position of the carriage descriptive signals can be transmitted via this line or line group.

Zeichnerisch not shown are a plurality of brackets spaced from each other below the footprint 3 'extend in the lateral edge regions and are in operative connection with the drives 16. By means of the drives 16, the brackets between a side facing them the footprint 3 'under cross-first position and a second position movable, in which a gripping is not given. The brackets can be moved together with the guides 7 here. Thus, the footprint 3 'is slightly moved downwards by means of the frame 4, wherein at the same time, for example, transversely to the conveying direction 8' opposing brackets are in such a position, in which a gripping one side of the footprint 3 'is given, the other side of the footprint 3', at which a bottom grip is not given, further lowered together with structural elements of the frame 4, so that it results in an inclined position of the footprint 3 'of, for example, 2 ° to 3 °, which may be useful for cleaning purposes.

In the following, with additional reference to the FIGS. 3 to 5 , in which the same functional elements are designated coincidentally, the operation of the device will be explained with reference to a discharge process.

With 12, a bridge part is designated, which is arranged at a small distance in front of the front side 2 of the drying chamber 1 vertically in the direction of the arrows 13 and / or horizontally in the direction of the arrows 13 'movable. The bridge part 12 cooperates with further, not shown here conveyor means for the removal of discharged drying vessels 5 and is located in Fig. 3 in his rest position. The carriage 8 is in its parking position or with respect to the front 2 in its rearmost position. On the presentation of a present in the front wall of the drying chamber 1 closable opening has been omitted for reasons of graphic simplicity.

In the illustration according to Fig. 4 the bridge member 12 has been moved into such a position in which the footprint 3 'is in its unloading position, wherein the bridge portion 12 is applied directly to the facing edge 3 "of the adjusting plate 3', which in the rule, namely the vertical movement of the shelves 3 in the direction of the arrows 13 a slight horizontal displacement in the direction of the arrows 13 'on the footprint 3' down requires.

Subsequently, the carriage 8 is moved by driving the two linear motors in the direction of the front side 2, so that finally, as in Fig. 5 shown, the drying vessels 5 on the footprint 3 'on the front edge 3 "on the bridge part 12 can be moved.

The bridge part 12 is then in his in Fig. 3 shown rest position returned.

An essential prerequisite for the above-described mode of action is that the two-sided guides 7 are dimensioned such that the carriage 8, as in Fig. 5 shown until it can be moved to a position on the bridge part 12. This can be achieved by a, in this direction displaceable design of the guide 7 or at least of segments of the guide 7. This can also be achieved by a telescopic design in this direction at least of segments of the guide 7.

Alternatively, the bridge member 12 may be equipped with guides that complement the action of the guides 7 and may be part of the tracking conveyors.

In particular Fig. 5 reveals, the primary part of each of the two linear motors consists of a hollow structure which surrounds the correspondingly shaped guide 7 on the outside and in this way imparts a guiding function. Included in this hollow structure are the electromagnetically active parts of the primary part, which directly opposite the magnetically active parts of the secondary part of the guide 7, in such a way that a feed function is shown.

The drives 16 and 17 are inter alia also intended to enable the guides 7 during the insertion and removal of drying vessels 5 in a shaking movement. This measure serves to improve the displaceability of the drying vessels, in particular on large shelves, by increasing the resistance to riot on the footprint during a shift.

The mentioned, each edge regions of the footprint 3 'associated, associated with the drives 16 mounts can all be moved into a footing 3'untergreifende position, so that the footprint 3' is held at a defined height. These movements of the brackets can thus be done with the guides 7. This is of particular advantage, since in this way allows an accurate adjustment of the vertical distance between this to be unloaded footprint and located directly above this footprint. Taking into account different sizes of the upright drying vessels is facilitated in this way.

Once a removal of the drying vessels 5 is completed by the footprint 3 'on the discharge table 12, another equipped with to be unloaded drying vessels 5 footprint 3 can be moved to the unloading, whereupon the process described above is repeated.

The essential components of such an unloading device, in particular the carriage 8, can be removed for the purpose of cleaning and / or sterilization, if necessary after separation from the electrical supply, of the drying chamber 1 in the simplest manner and reused again in this.

Also, these components are completely housed within the drying chamber 1, in such a way that - apart from a discharge - no interference in the space above and / or below the shelves 3 is given.

For the shelves 3 no lateral, with these firmly connected guide rails are needed. Because the exercise of a lateral Guidance is required only during unloading or loading. However, this is achieved by the two lateral, simultaneously the carriage 8 on the primary parts 9 receiving guides 7. This means that completely smooth, easy to handle from the viewpoint of aseptic surfaces 3 can be used.

Described above was the concept of an unloading device consisting of a parallel to the lateral boundaries of a located in the unloading footprint 3 'movable carriage 8, which is supported on lateral guides 7, the same time a leadership function on the drying vessels 5 during their sliding over a bridge part 12 exercise.

In a substantially completely comparable manner, that is to say using these components, a loading process can also be represented. Here, different concepts are possible to bring a group of upstanding on a bridge part drying vessels in the area of action of a group pushing this slide, mounted on lateral guides slide, which guides simultaneously exert a lateral guidance function on the group.

In particular, in order to stabilize the upright position of the drying vessels they can be arranged during the sliding over the adjusting plate of the drying chamber between two lying on the lateral guides carriages, wherein the first carriage in the feed direction exerts a counter-holding function. Conversely, such a counter-holding function by a second carriage during an unloading process can be displayed, so that without the risk of tipping over the drying vessels an automated loading and unloading the freeze dryer plant according to short cycle times can be displayed.

An essential feature of the above-described freeze-drying plant is that both loading and unloading processes are unwound via the front side 2 thereof, so that loading and unloading of the drying vessels take place in opposite directions of displacement. However, a "Durchleitbetrieb", in which a loading and unloading takes place in the same Verschieregungen over opposing doors in the wall of the drying chamber 1, however, is equally representable.

It can be seen that the presented concept of an automated loading and / or unloading device is designed simply and clearly in terms of its mechanical mode of action, is easy to maintain, and does not involve a collision with the other operation of a freeze-drying system.

In the in the FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrated embodiment, the drying vessels 5 are directly on the shelves 3, 3 'superimposed.

In the FIGS. 6 to 8 in turn, the same functional elements are numbered in the same way, wherein a representation of drives has been dispensed with, since these are not required at least for a displacement of the guides in their longitudinal direction. The drying vessels 5 are in groups in rectangular shells 14 on the shelves 3, 3 ', said shells 14 allow both during loading and during unloading a uniform handling each of a group of drying vessels 5. Instead of the shells 14, for example, rectangular frames can also be used.

In this variant, a displacement of the segments of the guide 7 is not required, so that they are firmly connected to the drying chamber in connection. The slide with the primary parts is able to pass over gaps between these segments.

Fig. 7 shows the beginning of a discharge process, with a longitudinal side at the leading edge of the carriage 8 is a shell 14, it may also be a frame, which / which moved by driving the carriage in the direction of movement 8 'on the front side 2 of the drying chamber becomes. A bridge portion 12 is in the direction of the arrows 13 'on the front side 2 of the drying chamber 1 down to the in the FIGS. 6 and 8th shown, characterized by a concern of the bridge portion 12 at the boundary 3 "of the footprint 3 'position, from which the shell 14 and the frame of the footprint 3' can be moved to the bridge portion 12.

During the entire movement, the shell 14 is laterally guided by the guides 7 and perpendicular to them in the direction of the bridge member 12 through the carriage 8. The guides 7 in each case form fixed and the carriage 8 a movable leading edge.

The in the FIGS. 6 to 8 shown variant of a loading and unloading corresponds otherwise in the FIGS. 1 to 5 already described embodiment, so that so far can be dispensed with a repeated description.

The drying chamber according to the Fig. 9 to 12 owns one Fig. 1 corresponding vertical sectional view, which differs from the in Fig. 1 does not differentiate. As in the unloading device according to the invention according to the Fig. 1 to 5 is in the unloading device according to the Fig. 9 to 12 in which identical functional elements, in particular in comparison to the Fig. 1 to 5 are coincidentally designated, the drive of the carriage is designed as a linear drive, but with the difference that it consists of two linear motors, each of a structurally integrated in a guide 7 primary part and a designated 18, immediately laterally supporting the carriage 8, elongated , an arrangement of permanent magnets of longitudinally alternating polarity containing secondary part, which is slidably supported on the respective guide 7. In the Parking position, the secondary parts 18 may be partially received in pipe socket 10 of the wall of the drying chamber 1, which may otherwise be designed as sight glasses. The length dimension of the segments of the guide 7 is set in accordance with the accommodation of the magnetically positioned perpendicular to the direction of movement 8 'of the carriage 8, electromagnetically active portions of the primary part.

The power supply of the two linear motors may e.g. be effected via a, in a flexible, vacuum-tight Edelstahlwellschlauch (not shown) recorded line, which is in communication with the two primary parts of the two guides 7 and connected via a vacuum-tight, said hose receiving wall passage of the drying chamber 1, an external control ( Not shown). Since the two linear motors consist of several movable segments, these are also connected to each other with a Edelstahlwellschlauch (not shown). At the same time control signals and the position of the carriage descriptive signals can be transmitted via this line or line group.

In particular Fig. 12 can recognize, consists of the secondary part 18 of each of the two linear motors of a hollow structure, which surrounds the correspondingly shaped guide 7 on the outside and mediates in this way a leadership function. Included in this hollow structure are the permanent magnets of the secondary part, which directly opposite the magnetically active parts of the primary part of the guide 7, in such a way that a feed function is shown.

Also in this embodiment, no lateral, with these in firm connection standing guide rails are needed for the shelves 3. Because the exercise of a lateral guiding effect is required only during a discharge or even a loading process. However, this is due to the two lateral, at the same time the carriage 8 on the Secondary parts 18 stored guides 7 reached. This means that completely smooth, easy to handle from the viewpoint of aseptic surfaces 3 can be used.

Otherwise, the drying chamber corresponds to the Fig. 9 to 12 the according to the Fig. 1 to 5 ,

Also in the unloading device according to the Fig. 13 to 15 are in turn the same functional elements, especially in comparison to the Fig. 6 to 8 , correspondingly designated. The unloading device according to the Fig. 13 to 15 corresponds to that according to the Fig. 6 to 8 , again with the difference that the designed as a linear drive drive of the carriage consists of two linear motors, each of a structurally integrated in a guide 7 primary part and a designated 18, immediately laterally supporting the carriage 8, elongated, an array of permanent magnets consists of longitudinally alternating polarity containing secondary part which is slidably supported on the respective guide 7. Otherwise, this unloading device corresponds to the Fig. 13 to 15 the unloading device according to the Fig. 6 to 8 ,

Also in the variant according to the Fig. 13 to 15 Moving the segments 7 of the guide is not required so that they are firmly connected to the drying chamber in connection. The carriage with the secondary parts 18 is able to run over gaps between these segments.

The inventive concept of such devices is particularly suitable to allow a modular retrofitting of existing devices towards an automated loading and unloading process by successively mounting-independent side guide edges forming guides are installed laterally with a view to adaptation different diameters of the drying vessels are displaceable, which serve as a support of a carriage, etc.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1.

drying chamber

Second

front

Third

footprint

3 '.

footprint

3 ".

boundary

4th

frame

5th

drying vessel

6th

unloading

7th

guide

8th.

carriage

8th'.

movement direction

9th

primary part

10th

pipe socket

12th

bridge part

13th

movement direction

13 '.

movement direction

14th

Cup / frame

15th

Corrugated stainless steel tubing

16th

drive

17th

drive

18th

secondary part

Claims (19)

1. Device for pushing drying vessels (5), which contain a product to be dried and stand on one of a plurality of utility surfaces (3, 3') of a drying chamber (1) of a freeze drying system, in a moving direction (8') for the purpose of unloading or loading of the utility surface (3') through at least one opening in the wall of the drying chamber (1), with a carriage (8) which builds a guiding edge movable in the moving direction (8') and which is designated for exerting a feeding effect upon the drying vessels (5), wherein the carriage (8) is supported to be movable on guides (7) which are disposed within the drying chamber (1) on both sides with a distance from the utility surface (3') to be loaded or unloaded, which are parallel with one another and parallel to the moving direction (8') and which build fixed guiding edges, characterised in that at least one linear motor is provided which builds a drive for the carriage, wherein the linear motor provides a non-positive connection with at least one of the guides (7) and wherein a primary part (9) of the linear motor which is supported on the guide (7) is connected with the carriage (8) and wherein the secondary part of the linear motor is structurally integrated into the guide (7).
2. Device for pushing drying vessels (5), which contain a product to be dried and stand on one of a plurality of utility surfaces (3, 3') of a drying chamber (1) of a freeze drying system, in a moving direction (8') for the purpose of unloading or loading of the utility surface (3') through at least one opening in the wall of the drying chamber (1), with a carriage (8) which builds a guiding edge movable in the moving direction (8') and which is designated for exerting a feeding effect upon the drying vessels (5), wherein the carriage (8) is supported to be movable on guides (7) which are disposed within the drying chamber (1) on both sides with a distance from the utility surface (3') to be loaded or unloaded, which are parallel with one another and parallel to the moving direction (8') and which build fixed guiding edges, characterised in that at least one linear motor is provided which builds a drive for the carriage, wherein the linear motor provides a non-positive connection with at least one of the guides (7) and wherein the primary part of the linear motor is structurally integrated into the guide (7) and wherein the secondary part (18) of the linear motor which is supported on the guide (7) is connected with the carriage (8).
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guides (7) consist of a plurality of segments which are disposed one behind another and which are disposed to be movable in their common longitudinal direction.
4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the carriage (8) is movable within the drying chamber (1) on the guides (7) to an inactive position outside from the utility surface (3').
5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heights position of the guides (7) within the drying chamber (1) is fixed.
6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the guides (7), whilst retaining their mutual parallel alignment, are disposed in such a manner that they are movable perpendicularly with respect to their associated edges of the utility surface (3') and parallel to the plane of the utility surface (3').
7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein two carriages (8) supported on the guides (7) are provided wherein the carriages (8) during a movement for loading or unloading are - when seen in the direction of movement - each designated for a front-sided contact at the drying vessels (5) for fulfilling a counter holding function at the drying vessels (5) and for a rear-sided contact at the drying vessels (5) for providing a feeding function.
8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a bridge part (12) is provided wherein the bridge part (12) is movable outside from the drying chamber (1) at least vertically or perpendicular to the planes of the utility surfaces (3).
9. Device according to claim 8, wherein in an unloading position the bridge part (12) and the utility surface (3') to be unloaded are positioned in a common plane contacting each other via said opening in the wall of the drying chamber (1) and wherein the guides (7) or at least segments of the guides (7) are disposed so as to be displaceable in their longitudinal direction such that a feeding function can be exerted by the carriage (8) up to the region of the bridge part (12).
10. Device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the bridge part (12) is additionally usable for loading.
11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a bridge part designated for loading is disposed so as to be displaceable outside from the drying chamber (1) at least vertically or perpendicular to the planes of the utility surfaces (3).
12. Device according to claim 11, wherein in a loading position the bridge part and the utility surface (3') to be loaded are positioned in a common plane contacting each other via the aforementioned opening of the wall of the drying chamber (1), wherein the guides (7) or at least segments of the same are located so as to be movable in their longitudinal direction such that by at least one carriage (8) a feeding function can be exerted upon the drying vessels (5) standing on the bridge part up to the utility surface (3').
13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein means are provided designated for effecting a shaking movement of the guides (7) during the introducing or removing movement of the drying vessels (5).
14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the utility surfaces (3, 3') are held in a manner known per se in a plate frame which permits a vertical displacement of the utility surfaces (3, 3') within the drying chamber (1), wherein at least one system of parallel movable supports is provided, wherein the supports are designated for engaging underneath a utility surface (3, 3') located in a defined height position and wherein the plate frame as well as the system with the supports is designed and arranged such that by means of the system with the supports a height positioning of the utility surface (3') engaged underneath is provided which is independent from the plate frame.
15. Device according to claim 14, wherein the system of the supports is associated with the loading and/or unloading position of the utility surfaces (3, 3').
16. Device according to one of claims 2 to 15, wherein the device comprises a fixed displacement sensor which is not connected with the secondary part (18), wherein the distance sensor is designed for detecting the position of the secondary part (18).
17. Device according to claim 16, wherein the distance sensor is a laser-optical sensor which is mounted outside from the drying chamber (1) and which is mounted with a tube socket (10) of the wall of the drying chamber, wherein the tube socket (10) at least partially accommodates the secondary parts (18).
18. Device according to one of claims 2 to 17, wherein the guides (7) comprise two different primary parts located one above the other or one besides the other such that by means of a second secondary part which is offset with respect to the first is movable by the carriage (8) independent from a second carriage.
19. Device according to one of claims 2 to 18, wherein the guides (7) are built by a plurality of segments located one behind the other, wherein it is possible to switch single segments in an inactive mode such that the carriage (8) is movable on the active segments whereas the second carriage rests on inactive segments.

Images