LOADING SYSTEM FOR A FREEZE DRYER, FREEZE-DRYING SYSTEM, AND CORRESPONDING METHOD

Abstract

A loading system for a freeze dryer, wherein the loading system is configured to load and/or unload the freeze dryer with containers filled with a medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic substance. The loading system comprises a handling station and at least one carrier plate, wherein each carrier plate comprises a plurality of receptacles configured to each receive one of the containers, and the handling station comprises at least one handling device configured to handle the carrier plate in the handling station. A freeze-drying system having such a loading system, and a method for handling containers filled with, for example, a medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic substance in such a loading system for a freeze dryer are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A loading system for a freeze dryer, wherein the loading system is configured to load and/or unload the freeze dryer with containers filled with a medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic substance, wherein the loading system comprises: a handling station and at least one carrier plate, wherein each carrier plate comprises a plurality of receptacles configured to each receive one of the containers, wherein the handling station comprises at least one handling device configured to handle the carrier plate in the handling station.

2. The loading system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first handling device of the at least one handling device is configured to insert the containers into the receptacles of the carrier plate and/or to remove them again after freeze-drying.

3. The loading system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first handling device of the at least one handling device comprises a handling robot having a gripping device for gripping containers.

4. The loading system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the loading system comprises a transport device configured to feed the containers to the handling station and/or to remove the freeze-dried containers from the handling station.

5. The loading system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the transport device comprises a handling robot configured to handle the containers individually or several containers together.

6. The loading system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handling station comprises a container holder in which fed containers and/or containers to be transported away are arrangeable.

7. The loading system as claimed in claim 6, wherein a first handling device of the at least one handling device is configured to remove the containers from the container holder, transfer them to the carrier plate and insert them into empty receptacles of the carrier plate.

8. The loading system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the container holder comprises a plurality of receptacles for receiving a respective container.

9. The loading system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the receptacles of the container holder are arranged in a row, wherein a first handling device of the at least one handling device is configured to handle a row of containers.

10. The loading system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second handling device of the at least one handling device is configured to insert the carrier plate into the freeze dryer for loading the freeze dryer and/or to remove the carrier plate from the freeze dryer again for unloading the freeze dryer.

11. The loading system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second handling device is configured to push the carrier plate from the handling station into the freeze dryer for loading the freeze dryer and/or to pull the carrier plate out of the freeze dryer again for unloading the freeze dryer.

12. The loading system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the second handling device comprises a linear unit by means of which the carrier plate is pushable.

13. The loading system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the carrier plate comprises at least one coupling portion, wherein the linear unit is couplable with the coupling portion to pull the carrier plate.

14. The loading system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the freeze dryer comprises at least one placement surface for the containers, wherein the carrier plate is pushable onto the placement surface and/or pullable out from the placement surface by means of the second handling device.

15. The loading system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the freeze dryer comprises a plurality of placement surfaces.

16. The loading system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the placement surfaces are vertically movable within the freeze dryer.

17. The loading system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the placement surfaces of the freeze dryer are vertically movable such that, for inserting and/or removing the carrier plate, one of the placement surfaces is arrangeable substantially in a plane with a transfer surface of a transfer plate.

18. The loading system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handling station comprises a transfer plate on which the carrier plate is arrangeable in the handling station for loading and/or unloading.

19. The loading system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the second handling device is configured to push the carrier plate from a transfer plate onto the placement surface and/or pull the carrier plate from the placement surface onto the transfer plate.

20. The loading system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handling station comprises a carrier plate holder configured to hold a plurality of carrier plates.

21. The loading system as claimed in claim 20, wherein a third handling device of the at least one handling device is configured to transfer a carrier plate between the carrier plate holder and a transfer plate.

22. The loading system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the third handling device is configured to remove the carrier plate from the carrier plate holder, transfer it to the transfer plate and arrange it on the transfer plate and/or receive it from the transfer plate, transfer it to the carrier plate holder and arrange it in the carrier plate holder.

23. The loading system as claimed in claim 21, wherein each carrier plate comprises at least one coupling portion and the third handling device comprises a receiving device, wherein the receiving device is couplable with the coupling portion of one of the carrier plates so that the third handling device can transfer the carrier plate in the coupled state.

24. The loading system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first handling device and a third handling device are configured by a handling robot, wherein the handling robot comprises an end effector comprising a gripping device of the first handling device and a receiving device of the third handling device.

25. A freeze-drying system having a freeze dryer and the loading system according to claim 1.

26. A method for handling containers filled with a medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic substance in a loading system for a freeze dryer, wherein the method comprises the following steps for loading the freeze dryer: providing a carrier plate in a handling station, wherein the carrier plate comprises a plurality of receptacles configured to each receive one of the containers; feeding containers to the handling station; inserting the containers into the receptacles of the carrier plate by means of a first handling device; and inserting the carrier plate into the freeze dryer by means of a second handling device.

27. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the step of feeding containers further comprises the following steps: transporting the containers to a container holder of the handling station by means of a transport device; and arranging the fed containers in the container holder.

28. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the container holder comprises a plurality of receptacles, wherein the containers are inserted into the receptacles for arranging the containers in the container holder.

29. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the step of inserting the containers into the receptacles of the carrier plate by means of the first handling device further comprises the following steps: removing one or several containers from the container holder; transferring the removed containers to the carrier plate; and inserting the transferred containers into empty receptacles of the carrier plate.

30. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the carrier plate is arranged on a transfer plate in the handling station for loading and/or unloading.

31. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein in the step of inserting the carrier plate into the freeze dryer, the carrier plate is pushed from the handling station into the freeze dryer by means of the second handling device.

32. The method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the carrier plate is pushed from a transfer plate of the handling station onto a placement surface of the freeze dryer.

33. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the step of providing the carrier plate further comprises the following steps: arranging a plurality of carrier plates in a carrier plate holder of the handling station; and transferring the carrier plate from the carrier plate holder to a transfer plate by means of a third handling device.

34. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein each carrier plate comprises at least one coupling portion and the third handling device comprises a receiving device coupleable with the coupling portion, wherein the step of providing the carrier plate further comprises the following steps: coupling the third handling device with one of the carrier plates arranged in the carrier plate holder prior to the step of transferring; and decoupling the third handling device from the carrier plate after the step of transferring.

35. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the method further comprises the following steps for unloading the freeze dryer: removing the carrier plate from the freeze dryer by means of the second handling device; removing the containers from the receptacles of the carrier plate in the handling station by means of the first handling means; and removing the containers from the handling station by means of a transport device.

36. The method as claimed in claim 35, wherein in the step of removing the carrier plate from the freeze dryer, the carrier plate is pulled out of the freeze dryer by means of the second handling device, wherein the carrier plate is pulled from a placement surface onto a transfer plate of the handling station.

37. The method as claimed in claim 35, wherein the step of removing the containers from the receptacles of the carrier plate by means of the first handling device further comprises the following steps: removing one or several containers from the receptacles of the carrier plate; transferring the removed containers to a container holder; and inserting the transferred containers into the container holder.

38. The method as claimed in claim 37, wherein the removing of the containers from the container holder comprises: removing the containers from the container holder; and transporting the containers away by means of the transport device or a further transport device.

39. The method as claimed in claim 35, wherein the method further comprises, after the step of removing the containers from the receptacles of the carrier plate, the following step: storing the carrier plate in the carrier plate holder.

40. The method as claimed in claim 39, wherein the step of storing the carrier plate in the carrier plate holder further comprises the following steps: transferring the carrier plate from a transfer plate to the carrier plate holder by means of a third handling device; and arranging the transferred carrier plate in the carrier plate holder.

41. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein each carrier plate comprises at least one coupling portion and the third handling device comprises a receiving device couplable with the coupling portion, wherein the step of storing the carrier plate further comprises the following steps: coupling the third handling device with a carrier plate arranged on the transfer plate prior to the step of transferring; and decoupling the third handling device from the transferred carrier plate after the step of transferring.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0215] Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. Showing:

[0216] FIG. 1 a schematic view of a first embodiment of a loading system for a freeze dryer;

[0217] FIG. 2 an isometric view of a second embodiment of a loading system for a freeze dryer;

[0218] FIGS. 3-36 are detailed views of the loading system of FIG. 2 in various operating conditions;

[0219] FIG. 37 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a method for handling containers in a loading system for a freeze dryer;

[0220] FIG. 38 is a schematic view of the loading of the freeze dryer step in the method of FIG. 37;

[0221] FIG. 39 is a detailed view of the providing step in FIG. 38;

[0222] FIG. 40 is a detailed view of the feeding step in FIG. 38;

[0223] FIG. 41 is a detailed view of the inserting step in FIG. 38;

[0224] FIG. 42 is a schematic view of the unloading of the freeze dryer step in the method of FIG. 37;

[0225] FIG. 43 is a detailed view of the unloading step in FIG. 42;

[0226] FIG. 44 is a detailed view of the removing step in FIG. 42;

[0227] FIG. 45 is a detailed view of the storing step in FIG. 42;

[0228] FIG. 46 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of a loading system for a freeze dryer; and

[0229] FIGS. 47- 63 are detailed views of the loading system of FIG. 46 in various operating conditions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0230] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a loading system 10 for a freeze dryer 16. The loading system 10 is part of a freeze-drying system 12 that comprises the loading system 10 and the freeze dryer 16. The freeze-drying system 12 can be part of a packaging machine in which pharmaceutical or cosmetic substances are packaged in containers 114.

[0231] For this purpose, the packaging machine comprises a filling module 18, a freeze-drying module 14, and a crimping module 20. The filling module 18 can comprise a filling station, in which the containers are filled with the substance, and a stopper placing station, in which a stopper is placed on the containers. The crimping module 20 can comprise a crimping station in which each container is closed with a crimping cap. The entire packaging process of the substances is performed in an aseptic environment, for example in a clean room or ultraclean room.

[0232] Freeze-drying module 14 is coupled with the freeze dryer 16 via a port 51. The loading system 10 is arranged in the freeze-drying module 14. By means of the loading system, containers can be inserted into the freeze dryer through the port 51 and removed from the freeze dryer after the freeze-drying.

[0233] The freeze-drying system 12 can comprise the freeze-drying module 14. The freeze-drying module 14 is arranged between the filling module 18 and the crimping module 20. By means of a first transfer station 22, containers can be transferred between the filling module 18 and the freeze-drying module 14. By means of a second transfer station 24, containers can be transferred between the freeze-drying module 14 and the crimping module 20.

[0234] For feeding the containers from the filling module 18 and for removing the containers into the crimping module 20, the freeze-drying module 14 comprises at least one transport device 26, 28. For example, the freeze-drying module 14 comprises a first transport device 26 for feeding the containers and a second transport device 28 for removing the containers. Alternatively, only the first transport device 26 can be provided, wherein the first transport device 26 then performs the feeding and removing of the containers. During the feeding and removing, the containers can, for example, be transferred between the modules 14, 18, 20 via the transfer stations 22, 24.

[0235] At least one of the transport devices 26, 28 can be configured, for example, as a handling robot that comprises a gripping tool for handling containers. Alternatively, the transport devices 26, 28 can also be configured in other ways to feed or remove the containers. For example, at least one of the transport devices 26 can also be configured as a transport belt or other type of conveyor technology to feed or remove the containers.

[0236] The loading system 10 comprises a handling station 30. The handling station 30 is arranged between the transport devices 26, 28 and the freeze dryer. The handling station 30 is in particular arranged next to the port 51.

[0237] The handling station 30 comprises a first handling device 32, a second handling device 34, a third handling device 36, a container holder 38, a carrier plate holder 40, and a transfer plate 42.

[0238] The container holder 38 comprises receptacles for containers, in which containers can be received respectively individually. For feeding the containers, the first transport device inserts the containers to be fed into the container holder 38. For removing the containers, the first transport device 26 or the second transport device 28 removes containers to be removed from the container holder 38.

[0239] The carrier plate holder 40 comprises receptacles or holders for carrier plates. The carrier plates serve as carriers for a plurality of containers. For this purpose, each carrier plate comprises a plurality of receptacles, each of which is configured to receive a container.

[0240] The transfer plate 42 comprises a transfer surface 44. The transfer surface 44 is a top side of the transfer plate 42. The transfer surface 44 is preferably oriented horizontally. On the transfer surface 44, the carrier plates are arranged for loading and unloading the freeze dryer. For loading the freeze dryer 16, the carrier plates are arranged one after another on the transfer plate 42, equipped with containers and then inserted into the freeze dryer 16. For unloading the freeze dryer 16, the carrier plates are taken out of the freeze dryer 16 one after another, arranged on the transfer plate 42 and the containers are removed.

[0241] The freeze dryer 16 comprises a plurality of placement plates 52. Each placement plate 52 comprises a placement surface 54 on which one or more carrier plates can be arranged, in particular placed. Each placement surface 54 is the top side of a corresponding placement plate 52. The placement plates 52 can be vertically movable. For this purpose, the freeze dryer 16 can comprise a drive device which can move the placement plates 52 vertically.

[0242] Preferably, the transfer plate 42 is arranged at the port 51. Between the transfer plate 42 and the placement plate 52, a gap can be arranged. To keep the gap as small as possible, the transfer plate 42 and the placement plate 52 can be arranged as close as possible to the port. The gap is preferably smaller than half the width of the carrier plate. In this way, it is achieved that when inserting and removing the carrier plate, the carrier plate always rests on the placement surface and on the transfer surface when the center of gravity of the carrier plate is arranged above the gap.

[0243] The first handling device 32 is configured to transfer the containers between the container holder 38 and the transfer plate 42. For example, the handling device 32 can remove the fed containers from the container holder 38, transfer them to the transfer plate 42, and insert them into receptacles of a carrier plate arranged on the transfer plate 42. Furthermore, the handling device 32 can remove the containers to be removed from the receptacles of a carrier plate arranged on the transfer plate 42, transfer them to the container holder 38, and insert them therein.

[0244] The first handling device 32 can comprise a gripping device 46 for handling the containers. The gripping device 46 is configured to grip the containers. For example, the handling device 32 can be configured as a handling robot that comprises a multi-jointed arm and an end effector, wherein the end effector is arranged at an end of the arm. The gripping device can be arranged at the end effector.

[0245] The second handling device 34 is configured to insert the carrier plates into the freeze dryer 16 and to remove them from the freeze dryer 16 again after the freeze-drying. In other words, the handling device 34 is configured to transfer the carrier plates between the transfer plate 42 and the freeze dryer 16. The handling device 34 can, for example, insert one or several carrier plates from the transfer plate 42 onto one of the placement surfaces 54 to insert the carrier plates into the freeze dryer. The handling device 34 can furthermore pull one or several carrier plates from a placement surface 54 onto the transfer plate 42 to remove or retrieve the carrier plates from the freeze dryer. Prior to the insertion or removal, the corresponding placement surface is transferred to the level of the transfer surface 44 so that the carrier plates can be moved or pulled planarly. Preferably, when inserting the carrier plate, the placement surface 54 is arranged lower than the transfer surface 44, and when removing the carrier plate, the placement surface 54 is arranged higher than the transfer surface 44. In particular, thereby an offset between the transfer surface 44 and the placement surface 54 in the vertical direction is only a few millimeters. For example, the offset can be less than 5 mm, in particular less than 1 mm. In particular, the offset can be 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm or 5 mm.

[0246] The second handling device 34 can comprise a linear unit 48 for handling the carrier plates. The linear unit 48 is configured to move the carrier plates horizontally, in particular to push and pull them. Preferably, the second handling device 34 can push and pull several carrier plates simultaneously.

[0247] The third handling device 36 is configured to transfer the carrier plates between the carrier plate holder 40 and the transfer plate 42. For example, the handling device 36 can remove a respective carrier plate from a receptacle of the carrier plate holder 40, transfer it to the transfer plate 42, and place it on the transfer surface 44. Furthermore, the third handling device 36 can lift a respective carrier plate from the transfer plate 42, transfer it to the carrier plate holder 40, and place it in a receptacle of the carrier plate holder 40. Furthermore, the third handling device 36 can displace the carrier plate on the transfer plate 42 to position the carrier plate on the transfer surface 44.

[0248] The third handling device 36 can comprise a receiving device 50 for handling a carrier plate. The receiving device 50 can comprise at least one receiving member that can couple with the carrier plate to be handled in order to move the carrier plate.

[0249] The loading system 10 can comprise a control device (not shown) that is configured to control the handling devices 32, 34, 36. The control device can also be configured to control the transport devices 26, 28 and the drive device of the freeze dryer 16.

[0250] FIGS. 2 to 36 show a second embodiment of the loading system 10. The loading system 10 is shown in FIGS. 2 to 36 in various operating positions. The loading system 10 of the second embodiment corresponds substantially to the loading system 10 of the first embodiment of FIG. 1. The same elements are identified by the same reference signs and are not explained in further detail.

[0251] In the loading system 10, carrier plates 58 are used to load or unload the freeze dryer 16 with containers 114. The containers 114 have a cylindrical shape. In other words, the containers 114 are configured to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis. The containers 114 comprise, in an axial direction with respect to the axis, a bottom on one side and an opening on the other side. On the opening of the containers 114, a stopper can be arranged. During the handling in the loading system 10, the containers 114 are handled such that the opening is arranged upwardly with respect to a vertical direction and the bottom is arranged downwardly.

[0252] Each carrier plate 58 is configured to be cuboid-shaped. Each carrier plate 58 has a rectangular base surface. Each carrier plate 58 comprises a first side surface 62 and a second side surface 64. The first side surface 62 is arranged opposite the second side surface 64. The first and the second side surfaces 62, 64 are arranged parallel to each other. The side surfaces 62, 64 extend in the length and width direction of the carrier plate 58. The shape of each side surface 62, 64 thus corresponds to the shape of the base surface of the carrier plate 58. The side surfaces 62, 64 thus each have a rectangular shape. A distance between the first side surface 62 to the second side surface 64 thus corresponds to the thickness of the carrier plate 58. The thickness of the carrier plate 58 is substantially smaller than the length and width of the carrier plate 58. Each carrier plate 58 comprises a plurality of receptacles 60 on the first side surface 62. Each receptacle 60 is configured to receive a respective container. The receptacles are configured as recesses on the first side surface 62 of the carrier plate 58. Each recess comprises the same depth. Each recess extends from the first side surface 62 toward the second side surface 62. The recesses, however, do not extend to the second side surface 64. In other words, a depth of the recesses is less than a distance of the first side surface 62 to the second side surface 64. The receptacles 60 are regularly distributed on the first side surface 62. In particular, the receptacles 60 are arranged in rows and comprise the same distance to adjacent receptacles 60.

[0253] The first side surface 62 is divided in the length direction into two equally sized areas. The areas are preferably square. In each area, the rows of receptacles 60 are arranged one after the other in the width direction of the carrier plate 58. Each row extends in the length direction.

[0254] In the operating state, that is, when a carrier plate 58 is received on the transfer plate 42 or on one of the placement plates 52, the first side surface 62 corresponds to the top side of the carrier plate 58. Correspondingly, the second side surface 64 corresponds to the bottom side of the carrier plate 58 in the operating state. In the operating state, the containers 114 can be inserted into the receptacles 60. The inserted containers 114 then stand in the recesses of the receptacles 60 and are held by the edge of each receptacle 60 in the respective receptacle 60.

[0255] Each carrier plate 58 furthermore comprises a first edge side 70 and a second edge side 72. The first edge side 70 is arranged opposite to the second edge side 72. The first and second edge sides 70, 72 each extend from the first side surface 62 to the second side surface 64. In particular, the first and second side surfaces 62, 64 are arranged perpendicular to the first and second edge sides. The first and second edge sides 70, 72 extend in the length and height direction of the carrier plate 58. Each carrier plate 58 comprises a first coupling portion 66 and a second coupling portion 68. The first coupling portion 66 is arranged on the first edge side 70 of the carrier plate 58. The second coupling portion 68 is arranged on the second edge side 72 of the carrier plate 58. The first and second coupling portions 66, 68 are each arranged centrally with respect to the longitudinal direction on the corresponding edge side 70, 72.

[0256] The first coupling portion 66 of a carrier plate 58 can couple with a coupling portion of another object. The coupling portion of the other object can be, for example, the second coupling portion 68 of an adjacent carrier plate 58. In the coupled state, the carrier plate 58 and the object coupled thereto are movable together in at least one spatial direction. For example, coupled carrier plates 58 can be handled together.

[0257] The first coupling portion 66 comprises a holding member 74 and a recess 76. The holding member 74 is configured as a web that extends from one side of the recess 76 to an opposite side of the recess 76. The web is preferably arranged parallel to the first and second side surfaces 62, 64 and parallel to the first and second edge sides 70, 72. The web is preferably arranged at an outer end of the recess 76. A corresponding member of another object can couple with the holding member 74 to couple the carrier plate 58 with the other object. For example, the member can engage with the recess 76 to couple with the holding member 74.

[0258] The second coupling portion 68 comprises a locking member 78. The locking member 78 can be a hook member that is rotatably mounted at the coupling portion 66 for rotation about a rotational axis. The rotational axis is preferably arranged parallel to the first and second side surfaces 62, 64 as well as parallel to the first and second edge sides 70, 72. Thus, the rotational axis is also arranged parallel to the web of the holding member 74 of the same carrier plate 58. The locking member 78 can be displaced between a coupling state and an uncoupling state. The displacement is achieved by rotation about a rotational axis.

[0259] In the coupling state, the second coupling portion 68 can couple with a first coupling portion 66 of a further carrier plate 58. In the uncoupling state, the second coupling portion 68 does not couple with a first coupling portion 66 of a further carrier plate 58. For coupling two carrier plates 58, the carrier plates 58 are arranged such that the second coupling portion 66 of the first carrier plate 58 is adjacent to the first coupling portion 68 of the second carrier plate 58, wherein the locking member 78 of the first carrier plate 58 is arranged in the uncoupling state. Then, this locking member 78 is moved to the coupling state to couple the carrier plates 58 with each other. Thereby, the locking member 78 of the first carrier plate 58 engages the recess 76 of the second carrier plate 58 and thereby couples with the holding member 74 of the second recess. The hook-shaped locking member 78 preferably extends on both sides of the rotational axis, wherein the locking member 78 comprises a hook portion on one side and an actuating portion on the other side. The hook portion comprises, for example, a hook-shaped receptacle. By means of the hook portion, the locking member 78 can couple. In particular, the hook-shaped receptacle can receive the holding member 74 of the first coupling portion 66 for coupling. By means of the actuating portion, the locking member 78 can be actuated. By actuating the actuating portion, the locking member 78 is rotated about a rotational axis to displace the locking member 78 between the coupling state and the uncoupling state. For example, the actuating portion can be pressed for actuation.

[0260] In the operating state, the locking member 78 as an initial state, preferably due to gravity, can be arranged in the coupling state. In the operating state, preferably the hook-shaped receptacle of the hook portion of the locking member 78 is oriented downward. For coupling with a further carrier plate 58, the locking member 78 must then first be moved to the uncoupling state, preferably against the force of gravity, so that the respective coupling portions 66, 68 can be arranged adjacent to each other for coupling. Thereby, the hook-shaped receptacle of the hook portion of the locking member 78 is moved upwardly. For moving to the uncoupling state, the actuating portion of the locking member 78 can be actuated.

[0261] The locking member 78 can also comprise a flank at the radially outer end of the hook portion. By actuation of the flank, the locking member 78 can be moved from the coupling state to the uncoupling state. For example, for arranging the coupling portions 66, 68 side by side, the carrier plates 58 can be moved toward each other so that the holding member 74 is moved toward the locking member 78. The holding member 74 can actuate the flank of the locking member 78 during this relative movement of the carrier plates 58 to move the locking member 78 to the uncoupling state. In other words, the locking member 78 swerves due to a pushing movement of the holding member 74 in a rotational direction about a rotational axis in the direction of the uncoupling state. As soon as the carrier plates 58 are adjacent to each other, i.e., when the holding member 74 has passed the flank, the locking member 78 can be moved back to the coupling state to couple the carrier plates 58 to each other. Preferably, the locking member 78 automatically returns to the coupling state due to gravity when the holding member 74 has passed the flank.

[0262] For releasing the coupling of two carrier plates 58, the corresponding locking member 78 is again moved into the uncoupling state. For this purpose, the actuating portion of the locking member 78 can be actuated again, for example.

[0263] The container holder 38 comprises a plurality of receptacles 102. Each receptacle 102 is configured to receive a respective container 114. The receptacles 102 are arranged in a row. The receptacles 102 are arranged at regular distances.

[0264] The carrier plate holder 40 comprises a plurality of holders or receptacles 56 in which the carrier plates 58 can be held. In each receptacle 56, a carrier plate 58 can be held. The receptacles 56 are configured such that the receptacles 56 are open upwardly in the vertical direction and closed downwardly. Closed means that the carrier plates 58, when they are arranged in a receptacle 56, rest on at least one support member at the lower end of the receptacle 56. In particular, the receptacles 56 are configured such that the carrier plates 58 are received in the receptacles 56 such that the side surfaces 62, 64 are arranged parallel to the vertical direction. As a result, the carrier plates 58 can be arranged in the receptacles such that the first edge side 70 is arranged on the top and the second edge side 72 is arranged on the bottom. In this way, the first coupling portion 66 is accessible from above.

[0265] In the loading system 10 of the second embodiment, the first handling device 32 and the third handling device 36 are configured by means of a handling robot 84. The handling robot 84 comprises a support structure 86 and an end effector 88 mounted thereto. The support structure 86 is configured as a multi-jointed arm. By means of the multi-jointed arm, the end effector 88 is movable in three spatial directions, i.e. horizontally and vertically.

[0266] The end effector 88 comprises the gripping device 46 of the first handling device 32 and the receiving device 50 of the third handling device 36. The gripping device 46 is arranged at a first side 90 of the end effector 88. The receiving device 50 is arranged on a second side 92 of the end effector 88. The first side 90 and the second side 92 are arranged on opposite sides of the end effector 88.

[0267] The gripping device 46 is configured to transfer respective one or several containers 114 between the container holder 38 and the transfer plate 42, in particular a carrier plate 58 arranged on the transfer plate 42. For this purpose, the gripping device comprises a plurality of gripping members. Each gripping member is configured to grip a respective container. The gripping members of the gripping device 46 are arranged in a row. The gripping members are arranged at regular distances. By means of the gripping members, the gripping device can remove a row of containers 114 from the receptacles 102 of the container holder 38 and insert them into empty receptacles 60 of the carrier plate 58. Thereby, the distance between adjacent gripping members is equal to the distance between adjacent receptacles 102 and equal to a distance between adjacent receptacles 60.

[0268] The receiving device 50 is configured to handle a respective carrier plate 58. For handling, the receiving device 50 comprises a receiving member 80. The receiving member 80 comprises a coupling portion 82, by means of which the receiving device 50 is couplable with the first coupling portion 66 of a carrier plate 58. In the coupled state, third handling device 36 can handle the carrier plate 58 by means of the receiving device 50. Preferably, the third handling device 36 can move the carrier plate 58 horizontally and vertically, in particular lift, lower and displace it on a surface.

[0269] The receiving member 80 is configured hook-shaped in the area of the coupling portion 82. In other words, the receiving member 80 comprises a hook-shaped receptacle in the area of the coupling portion 82. In the operating state, the hook-shaped receptacle is open upwardly. For coupling with the first coupling portion 66 of a carrier plate 58, the hook-shaped receptacle can receive the holding member 74 of the first coupling portion 66 of the carrier plate 58. By means of this coupling, the carrier plate 58 can be moved vertically, in particular lifted and lowered, as well as moved or transferred horizontally. When the carrier plate 58 is fully lifted, the side surfaces 62, 64 of the carrier plate 58 are vertically oriented and the first and second edge sides 70, 72 are correspondingly horizontally oriented, wherein the first edge side 70 is arranged at the top and the second edge side 72 is arranged at the bottom.

[0270] On the side of the receiving member 80 opposite to the hook-shaped receptacle, the receiving member 80 can additionally comprise a protrusion which can engage the recess 76 of a carrier plate 58 in order to couple the receiving device 50 with the carrier plate 58. By means of this coupling, the carrier plate 58 can be moved, in particular pulled or pushed, when the carrier plate 58 in the operating state rests on a surface, in particular on the transfer surface 44 or on one of the placement surfaces 54.

[0271] The second handling device 34 is configured as a handling robot 104. The handling robot 104 comprises the linear unit 48 and a stroke unit 106. In other words, the handling robot 104 is configured as a stroke and linear unit. The linear unit 48 is configured to move the carrier plates 58 horizontally, in particular to push and pull them. In particular, the linear unit 48 can push the carrier plates 58 in an insertion direction from the transfer plate 42 onto one of the placement plates 52 and, correspondingly, pull them back from the placement plate 52 onto the transfer plate 42 against the insertion direction. For this purpose, the linear unit 48 comprises a pushing member 108. The linear unit 48 is configured to move the pushing member 108 back and forth in a, preferably horizontal, direction. The pushing member 108 is thereby extended in the direction of the freeze dryer, or retracted in the opposite direction. In other words, the pushing member 108 can push or pull the carrier plates 58 by means of this movement. The stroke unit 106 is configured to move the linear unit 48 vertically. In this way, the height at which the linear unit 48 performs the pushing or pulling movement can be adjusted.

[0272] For moving the carrier plate 58, the pushing member 108 can be placed against the first or second edge side 70, 72 and then push the carrier plate 58 in the corresponding direction. In this way, the pushing member can pull or push the carrier plate 58. The carrier plate 58 is pushed when the carrier plate 58 is moved away from the linear unit 48. This occurs, for example, during the inserting of the carrier plate 58 into the freeze dryer. Thereby, the pushing member 108 can push against the first edge side 70 and thus push the carrier plate 58 into the freeze dryer. Correspondingly, the carrier plate 58 is pulled when the carrier plate 58 is moved toward the linear unit 48. This occurs, for example, during the removing of the carrier plate 58 from the freeze dryer. Thereby, the pushing member 108 can push against the second edge side and thus pull the carrier plate 58 out of the freeze dryer.

[0273] Additionally, the pushing member 108 can comprise a coupling portion 110 by means of which the pushing member 108 is couplable with the first coupling portion 66 on the first edge side 70 of a carrier plate 58. In the coupled state, the pushing member 108 can then also pull the carrier plate 58. In this way, the pushing member does not need to be moved to the second edge side 72 for pulling. The pushing member 108 can comprise, for example, a protrusion extending vertically downward as the coupling portion 110. The protrusion can be engaged with the recess 76 so that the protrusion engages the holding member 74 during pulling. The protrusion is engaged with or disengaged from the recess 76 by means of a vertical movement. The vertical movement is performed by means of the stroke unit 106.

[0274] The protrusion of the pushing member 108 can also be used to actuate the actuating portion of the locking member 78 of the second coupling portion 68. For this purpose, the pushing member can be vertically moved by means of the stroke unit 106 such that the protrusion presses on the actuating portion, to thus relocate the locking member 78 to the uncoupling state. With two coupled carrier plates 58, the coupling can thus be released by actuation of the corresponding actuating portion. Since the actuating portion is arranged at the second edge side 72, the pushing member 108, in the actuated state, can also simultaneously pull the carrier plate 58 away from the other carrier plate 58, thereby distancing it therefrom. In this way, for example, coupled carrier plates 58 can be decoupled from each other.

[0275] The loading system 10 of the second embodiment comprises only one transport device 26, by means of which the containers are fed and removed. The transport device 26 comprises a handling robot 94. The handling robot 94 comprises a support structure 96 and an end effector 98 mounted thereon. The support structure 96 is configured as a multi-jointed arm. By means of the multi-jointed arm, the end effector 98 is movable in three spatial directions, i.e., horizontally and vertically. The end effector 98 comprises a gripping tool 100, by means of which one or several containers 114 can be handled, respectively. For example, the gripping tool comprises one or more grippers by means of which a respective container can be gripped. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping tool 100 comprises two grippers, by means of each of which two containers can be handled simultaneously. In other words, the gripping tool 100 is configured to handle the containers in pairs.

[0276] The transfer plate 42 is arranged between the handling devices 32, 34, 36 and the freeze dryer. When a placement surface 54 is arranged at the level of the transfer surface 44, a distance between the placement plate 52 and the transfer plate 42 is less than half a width of a carrier plate 58. The transfer plate comprises a recess 112. The recess 112 extends in the vertical direction from the bottom side to the top side of the transfer plate 42. In this way, the linear unit 48 or the receiving device 50 can be moved vertically through the recess 112. Furthermore, the recess 112 extends from the side facing away from the freeze dryer into the transfer plate 42. The recess 112 extends in particular from the side facing away from the freeze dryer to the center of the transfer plate 42.

[0277] In the illustration of FIGS. 2 to 36, the filling module 18, the crimping module 20, the transfer stations 22 and 24, the port 51 as well as the wall of the freeze dryer 16 and partially the wall of the freeze dryer module 14 are omitted in order to better illustrate the individual processes within the loading system 10. Furthermore, only one placement plate 52 of the plurality of placement plates 52 within the freeze dryer 16 is always illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 36 in order to better illustrate the movement of the carrier plates.

[0278] In FIG. 2, an operating state is illustrated that is assumed prior to a start of a freeze-drying cycle, in particular prior to a start of filling or packaging of the containers. In this state, all carrier plates 58 are arranged in the receptacles 56 of the carrier plate holder 40. In other words, the carrier plates 58 are stored in this way in the carrier plate holder 40 until their use. In this operating state, in particular, H2O2 decontamination of the freeze-drying module can be performed. In other words, the operating state of FIG. 2 is assumed during a decontamination cycle. Thereby, each carrier plate 58 is arranged in a corresponding receptacle 56 such that the first edge side 70 is arranged at the top with respect to a vertical direction and the second edge side 72 is arranged at the bottom. Furthermore, the linear unit 48 of the second handling device 34 is arranged below the transfer plate.

[0279] Departing from the operating state of FIG. 2, the empty carrier plates are next placed into the freeze dryer 16. The placing and intermediate storing of the carrier plates 58 into the freeze dryer is thereby a special embodiment. In principle, the carrier plates 58 can also be held in the carrier plate holder 40 until they are removed from the carrier plate holder 40 and equipped with containers 114. For loading the empty carrier plates 58, the handling robot 84 transfers the carrier plates 58 one after the other to the transfer plate 42. From the transfer plate 42, the carrier plates 58 are then inserted into the freeze dryer by means of the stroke and linear unit 104.

[0280] For this purpose, a placement plate 52 is arranged so that its placement surface 54 is arranged at the level of the transfer surface 44. Then, the receiving device 50 of the handling robot 84 is moved to a carrier plate 58 arranged in the carrier plate holder 40, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Since the first edge side 70 of each carrier plate 58 is arranged at the top, the first coupling portion 66 is accessible to the receiving device 50. Then, the receiving member 80 of the receiving device 50 is coupled with the holding member 74 of the carrier plate 58, as illustrated in FIG. 4. For this purpose, the receiving member 80 engages the recess 76 and the holding member 74 is received in the hook-shaped receptacle of the receiving member 80. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the receiving device 50 can be moved vertically upwardly. The carrier plate 58 coupled with the receiving device 50 is thereby also moved upwardly, in particular lifted, and lifted out of the receptacle 56. In this way, the carrier plate 58 is removed from the receptacle 56 of the carrier plate holder 40.

[0281] The carrier plate 58 is then transferred to the transfer plate 42, oriented, and placed on the transfer surface 44, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 9. For this purpose, the receiving device 50 is moved by means of the handling robot 84 correspondingly. During the transfer, the carrier plate 58 hangs at the receiving device 50. In particular, the carrier plate 58 is hung in the hook-shaped receptacle of the receiving member 80 by means of the holding member 74. Thereby, the side surfaces 62, 64 are oriented vertically. During placing of the carrier plate 58 on the transfer plate 42, the carrier plate is tilted, in particular by 90°, so that the carrier plate 58 rests with the second side surface 64 on the transfer surface 44. Thereby, the side surfaces 62, 64 are preferably oriented horizontally. The carrier plate 58 is tilted during placing such that the second edge side 72 faces the freeze dryer and the first edge side 70 faces away from the freeze dryer. With respect to the insertion direction into the freeze dryer 16, the first edge side 70 is thus arranged upstream and the second edge side 72 is arranged downstream. Thereby, the first edge side 70 of the linear unit 48 faces the second handling device 34 and the second edge side 72 faces away from the linear unit 48. The carrier plate is further placed such that the first coupling portion 66 is arranged above the recess 112. The receiving device 50 is moved downwardly through the recess 112 to decouple the receiving member 80 from the first coupling portion 66.

[0282] Then, the receiving device 50 is moved such that the receiving member 80 bears against the first edge side 70, in particular against the holding member 74 from the outside. By means of the receiving device 50, the carrier plate 58 is then pushed so far in the direction of the freeze dryer, in particular in the direction of the placement plate 52 arranged at the same level, until the first coupling portion 66 is at least no longer arranged above the recess 112 but above the transfer surface 44. The carrier plate 58 then projects over the edge of the transfer plate 42 in the direction of the placement plate 52. In other words, the carrier plate 58 is arranged partially above the gap between the transfer plate 42 and the placement plate 52. This is illustrated in FIG. 10. The carrier plate 58 can also be partially or fully inserted into the freeze dryer in this way by means of the receiving device 50, in particular by being displaced onto the placement plate 52.

[0283] The receiving device 50 is then moved to the side and makes room for the second handling device 34. By means of the stroke unit 106, the linear unit 48 is moved through the recess 112 vertically upwardly until the linear unit 48 is arranged at the level of the carrier plate 58. This is illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0284] Then, the carrier plate 58 is pushed by means of the pushing member 108 of the linear unit 48 completely into the freeze dryer onto the placement surface 54, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0285] Subsequently, the pushing member 108 is moved back again. Then, the linear unit 48 is again moved through the recess 112 vertically downward by means of the stroke unit 106 to arrange the linear unit 48 below the transfer plate 42 again.

[0286] In the same way, two further carrier plates 58 are removed from the carrier plate holder 40 and pushed one behind the other onto the placement surface 54 of the placement plate 52. This is illustrated in FIG. 13. Each placement surface 54 is configured such that three carrier plates 58 can be arranged on it one behind the other. The three carrier plates 58 are thereby coupled with each other via their first and second coupling portions 66, 68. In other words, the middle carrier plate 58 is thereby coupled with the rear carrier plate 58 via its second coupling portion 68 and coupled with the front carrier plate 58 via its first coupling portion 66. The rear carrier plate 58 has been inserted first. The center carrier plate 58 has been inserted second. The front carrier plate 58 has been inserted third. During insertion of a carrier plate 58 onto the placement surface 54, the carrier plate is inserted with the second edge side 72 ahead. An inserted carrier plate 58 is oriented on the placement surface 54 such that the first edge side 70 is arranged on the side of the carrier plate 58 facing the transfer plate 42. If a first carrier plate 58 is arranged on the placement surface 54, during insertion of a second carrier plate 58, the second edge side 72 of the second carrier plate 58 is pushed onto the first edge side of the first carrier plate 58, wherein the first and second coupling portions couple together. The coupling occurs by pressing the locking member 78 of the second carrier plate 58 against the holding member 74 of the first carrier plate 58, whereby the locking member 78 couples with holding member 74 by means of the flank actuation. During the insertion of the carrier plates, each carrier plate 58 is inserted only up to a front area of the placement surface 54, respectively, since during the equally far insertion of a further carrier plate 58, the firstly inserted carrier plate 58 after the coupling is further inserted together with the further carrier plate. The coupling of two carrier plates 58 is illustrated in FIG. 14. The coupling is not strictly necessary for the joint insertion, since during the insertion, the following carrier plate 58 pushes the firstly inserted carrier plate further to the rear, as soon as the following carrier plate comes into abutment with the first carrier plate during the insertion. However, the coupling for the joint removing of the carrier plates from the freeze dryer 16 is of advantage, which will still be explained in the following.

[0287] In the same way, then, also the further placement surfaces 54 of the freeze dryer are each loaded with three carrier plates from the carrier plate holder, until only one placement surface 54 remains to be loaded. This is illustrated in FIG. 15. For loading the placement surfaces 54, the placement surfaces 54 are moved one after the other to the level of the transfer surface 44 and loaded with three carrier plates each.

[0288] When only one placement surface 54 remains to be loaded, the receiving device 50 removes a carrier plate 58 from the carrier plate holder 40 and places it on the transfer plate 42. This is illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0289] By means of the transport device 26, containers 114 are then fed to the handling station 14 and arranged in the receptacles 102 of the container holder 38. This is illustrated in FIG. 17.

[0290] When all receptacles 102 of the container holder 38 are equipped with containers 114, the gripping device 46 is moved to the container holder 38 by means of the handling robot 84 and removes a row of containers 114. The gripping device 46 is then moved to the transfer plate 42, in particular to the carrier plate 58 arranged on the transfer plate 42, wherein the row of containers 114 is transferred thereto. The gripping device 46 then inserts the row of containers 114 into corresponding empty receptacles 60 of the carrier plate 58, which are arranged in a row. This is illustrated in FIG. 18.

[0291] In this way, further containers 114 are fed to the container holder 38 one after the other and are inserted into the receptacles 60 of the carrier plate 58 by means of the gripping device 46 until in each receptacle 60 of the carrier plate 58 a container is inserted. This is illustrated in FIG. 19.

[0292] Then, the receiving device 50 is moved again such that the receiving member 80 bears against the first edge side 70, in particular against the holding member 74 from the outside. By means of the receiving device 50, the carrier plate 58 is then pushed so far in the direction of the freeze dryer, in particular in the direction of the placement plate 52 arranged at the same level, until the first coupling portion 66 is at least no longer arranged above the recess 112 but above the transfer surface 44. The carrier plate 58 then projects over the edge of the transfer plate 42 in the direction of the placement plate 52. In other words, the carrier plate 58 is partially arranged above the gap between the transfer plate 42 and the placement plate 52. This is illustrated in FIG. 20. The carrier plate 58 can also be partially or fully inserted into the freeze dryer in this way by means of the receiving device 50, in particular it can be displaced onto the placement plate 52.

[0293] The receiving device 50 is then moved to the side and makes room for the second handling device 34. By means of the stroke unit 106, the linear unit 48 is moved through the recess 112 vertically upwardly until the linear unit 48 is arranged at the level of the carrier plate 58. This is illustrated in FIG. 21.

[0294] Then, the carrier plate 58 is pushed completely into the freeze dryer onto the placement surface 54 by means of the pushing member 108 of the linear unit 48. This is illustrated in FIG. 22. Subsequently, the pushing member 108 is moved back again.

[0295] In the same way, two further carrier plates 58 are removed from the carrier plate holder 40, equipped with containers 114 and pushed one behind the other onto the placement surface 54 of the placement plate 52. This is illustrated in FIG. 23. During the insertion, the three carrier plates 58 are again coupled with each other correspondingly.

[0296] Thereafter, the placement surfaces 54 are moved vertically such that a placement surface 54 loaded with empty carrier plates 58 is arranged at the level of the transfer surface 44. This is illustrated in FIG. 24.

[0297] Then, the front carrier plate 58 is pulled from the placement plate 52 onto the transfer plate 42. Since the three carrier plates 58 arranged on the placement plate 52 are coupled with each other, the center carrier plate and the rear carrier plate are thereby also pulled to the front. For this purpose, the linear unit 48 and the stroke unit 106 are moved such that the protrusion of the pushing member 108 engages the recess 76 of the first coupling portion of the front carrier plate 58 so that it can be pulled. The front carrier plate 58 is pulled off the placement plate 52 so far until the center carrier plate 58 is arranged at the front edge of the placement plate 52. This is illustrated in FIG. 25.

[0298] Then, the pushing member 108 is moved to the second coupling portion 68 of the front carrier plate 58, actuates the actuating portion of the locking member 78, wherein the front carrier plate 58 is decoupled from the center carrier plate 58. This is illustrated in FIG. 26.

[0299] Then, the pushing member 108 pulls the front carrier plate 58, while the locking member 78 is actuated, so far onto the transfer plate 42 until the first coupling portion 66 is arranged over the recess 112. This is illustrated in FIG. 27. Thereafter, the pushing member 108 is again removed from the recess 76 and moved back. Then, the linear unit 48 is moved by means of the stroke unit 106 vertically downward through the recess 112 to arrange the linear unit 48 below the transfer plate 42 again.

[0300] Then, the receiving device 50 is moved to the first coupling portion of the front carrier plate 58 and coupled therewith. For this purpose, the receiving member 80 is moved from below through or in the recess 112 upwardly, such that the holding member 74 is received in the hook-shaped receptacle of the receiving member 80. This is illustrated in FIG. 28.

[0301] Then, the carrier plate 58 is lifted by means of the receiving device 50. This is illustrated in FIGS. 29 (A) to (C) . During lifting, the carrier plate is pivoted such that the side surfaces are transferred from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation.

[0302] The carrier plate is then transferred to a receptacle 56 of the carrier plate holder 40 by means of the receiving device 50 and inserted therein. This is illustrated in FIGS. 30 (A) and (B). After the insertion, the receiving member is again decoupled from the first coupling portion.

[0303] In the same way, the center carrier plate 58 is pulled out from the placement surface 54 onto the transfer plate 42, and from there is further transferred into the carrier plate holder 40. Then, the rear carrier plate is pulled out from the placement surface onto the transfer plate by means of the linear unit so far until the first coupling portion is arranged above the transfer surface 44 or above the recess. Then, the linear unit is again arranged below the transfer plate 42 and the receiving device 50 can pull the carrier plate 58 further to the front. This is illustrated in FIG. 31.

[0304] Then, the three carrier plates 58 are again equipped with containers 114 corresponding to the description of FIGS. 16 to 23 and pushed onto the placement surface 54 of the freeze dryer.

[0305] In this way, all placement surfaces 54 of the freeze dryer are loaded one after the other with equipped carrier plates 58. In FIG. 32, the state is illustrated in which all placement surfaces 54 are loaded with equipped carrier plates 58. In other words, the freeze dryer is thereby completely loaded.

[0306] After the freeze-drying, the carrier plates 58 are removed from the freeze dryer again and the containers 114 are removed from the receptacles 60 of the carrier plates 58 and removed.

[0307] For this purpose, the carrier plates 58 are pulled from each placement surface 54 by means of the linear unit 48 one after the other onto the transfer plate 42. There, the containers 114 are then removed from the receptacles 60 by means of the gripping device 46, transferred to the container holder 38, and inserted into the receptacles 102 of the container holder 38. Thereby, the containers are again handled in rows. This is illustrated in FIGS. 33 and 34.

[0308] After the removing of the containers 114, each empty carrier plate 58 is inserted into an empty receptacle of the carrier plate holder 40. This is illustrated in FIGS. 35 (A) through (D). Thereby, the carrier plate is handled corresponding to the description of FIGS. 29 and 30.

[0309] In this way, all carrier plates 58 are removed one after the other from the freeze dryer 16, the containers 114 are removed from the receptacles 60, and the carrier plates 58 are subsequently stored again in the carrier plate holder 40. This state is illustrated in FIG. 36. When the freeze dryer 16 is completely emptied and all carrier plates 58 are again arranged in the carrier plate holder 40, an automatic washing cycle can be performed by cleaning the carrier plates 58, in particular by means of a sprinkler system. The washing cycle can be performed in the complete interior of the isolator. After a filling cycle or batch, the interior is decontaminated with H.sub.2O.sub.2, if required, and cleaned manually or automatically (wash cycle).

[0310] FIG. 37 shows an embodiment of a method 120 for handling containers filled with a medical, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic substance, in the loading system 10 for a freeze dryer. In particular, the containers 114 can be handled in the loading system 10 according to FIG. 1, or the loading system 10 according to FIGS. 2 to 36, or the loading system 10 according to FIGS. 46 to 63, corresponding to the method 120.

[0311] The handling of the containers 114 in the loading system 10 can comprise, on the one hand, the loading 122 of the freeze dryer 16. Thereby, the containers 114 are inserted into the freeze dryer 16 by means of the carrier plates 58.

[0312] The handling of the containers 114 in the loading system 10 can alternatively or additionally comprise the unloading 150 of the freeze dryer 16. Thereby, the containers 114 arranged in the carrier plates 58 are removed from the freeze dryer 16.

[0313] FIG. 38 shows the loading 122 of the freeze dryer 16 of FIG. 37.

[0314] In a first step 124 of the loading 122, an empty carrier plate 58 is provided in a handling station 30, wherein the carrier plate 58 comprises a plurality of receptacles 60 each configured to receive one of the containers 114.

[0315] In a further step 126 of the loading 122, containers 114 are fed to the handling station 30.

[0316] In a further step 128 of the loading 122, the containers 114 are received in the receptacles 60 of the carrier plate 58 by means of the first handling device 32.

[0317] In a further step 130 of the loading 122, the carrier plate 58 is inserted into the freeze dryer 16 by means of the second handling device 34. Preferably, the carrier plate 58 is thereby inserted from the handling device 30 into the freeze dryer 16 by means of the second handling device 34, in particular wherein the carrier plate 58 is pushed from a transfer plate 42 of the handling device 30 onto a placement surface 54 of the freeze dryer 16.

[0318] In FIG. 39, steps are shown that can be performed for providing 124 the carrier plate 58.

[0319] In a first step 132 of the providing 124 of the carrier plate 58, a plurality of carrier plates 58 are arranged in a carrier plate holder 40 of the handling station 30.

[0320] In a further optional step 134 of the providing 124 of the carrier plate 58, the third handling device 36 is coupled with one of the carrier plate 58 arranged in the carrier plate holder 40 that shall be provided.

[0321] In a further step 136 of the providing 124 of the carrier plate 58, the carrier plate 58 is transferred from the carrier plate holder 40 to the transfer plate 42 by means of the third handling device 36.

[0322] In a further optional step 138 of the providing 124 of the carrier plate 58, the third handling device 36 is decoupled from the transferred carrier plate 58.

[0323] As an alternative to the steps illustrated in FIG. 39, for providing 124 the carrier plate 58, the carrier plate 58 can also be previously arranged in the freeze dryer 16, in particular on one of the placement surfaces 54 of the freeze dryer 16, and removed from the freeze dryer 16 by means of the second handling device 34, in particular wherein the carrier plate 58 is pulled from the placement surface 54 onto the transfer plate 42.

[0324] In FIG. 40, steps are shown that can be performed for feeding 126 the containers 114.

[0325] In a first step 140 of the feeding 126 of the containers 114, the containers 114 are transported to the container holder 38 of the handling station 30 by means of the transport device 26.

[0326] In a further step 142 of the feeding 126 of the containers 114, the fed containers 114 are arranged in the container holder 38. For arranging 142 the containers 114, the containers 114 are inserted into the receptacles 102 of the container holder 38. Thereby, the fed containers 114 can be collected in the container holder 38.

[0327] In FIG. 41, steps are shown that can be performed for inserting 128 the containers 114.

[0328] In a first step 144 of the inserting 128 of the containers 114, one or several containers 114, in particular a row of containers 114, are each removed from the container holder 38 by means of the first handling device 32.

[0329] In a further step 146 of the inserting 128 of the containers 114, the removed containers 114 are transferred by means of the first handling device 32 to the carrier plate 58 which is arranged on the transfer plate 42.

[0330] In a further step 148 of the inserting 128 of the containers 114, the transferred containers 114 are inserted into empty receptacles 60 of the carrier plate 58 by means of the first handling device 32.

[0331] FIG. 42 shows the unloading 150 of the freeze dryer 16 of FIG. 37.

[0332] In a first step 152 of the unloading 150, a carrier plate 58 equipped with containers 114 is provided in the freeze dryer 16. The providing can be performed in the method 120 of FIG. 37 by the loading 122 of the freeze dryer 16.

[0333] In a further step 154 of the unloading 150, the carrier plate 58 is removed from the freeze dryer 16 by means of the second handling device 34.

[0334] In a further step 156 of the unloading 150, the containers 114 are removed in the handling station 30 from the receptacles 60 of the carrier plate 58 by means of the first handling device 32.

[0335] In a further step 158 of the unloading 150, the containers 114 are removed from the handling station by means of the transport device 26 or the transport device 28. Preferably, the carrier plate 58 is pulled out of the freeze dryer 16 by means of the second handling device 34, in particular wherein the carrier plate 58 is pulled from the placement surface 54 onto the transfer plate 42 of the handling station 30.

[0336] In a further optional step 160 of the unloading 150, the carrier plates are stored in the carrier plate holder 40.

[0337] Alternatively, the carrier plates 58 can also be stored in the freeze dryer 16. For this purpose, the emptied carrier plate 58 can be inserted into the freeze dryer 16 by means of the second handling device 34, in particular wherein the emptied carrier plate 58 is pushed from the transfer plate 42 onto the placement surface 54 of the freeze dryer 16 by means of the second handling device 34.

[0338] In FIG. 43, steps are shown that can be performed for removing 156 the containers 114.

[0339] In a first step 162 of the removing 156 of the containers 114, one or several containers 114, in particular a row of containers 114, are each removed from the receptacles 60 of the carrier plate 58 by means of the first handling device 32.

[0340] In a further step 164 of the removing 156 of the containers 114, the removed containers 114 are transferred to the container holder 38 by means of the first handling device 32.

[0341] In a further step 166 of the removing 156 of the containers 114, the transferred containers 114 are inserted into the container holder 38 by means of the first handling device 32. Thereby, the containers 114 are inserted into the receptacles 102 of the container holder 38. In the container holder 38, the containers 114 to be transported away can be collected.

[0342] In FIG. 44, steps are shown that can be performed for removing 158 the containers 114.

[0343] In a first step 168 of the removing 158 of the containers 114, the containers are removed from the container holder 38, in particular from the receptacles 102 of the container holder 38, by means of the transport device 26 or the transport device 28.

[0344] In a further step 170 of the removing 158 of the containers 114, the containers 114 are transported away by means of the transport device 26 or the transport device 28.

[0345] In FIG. 45, steps are shown that can be performed for storing 160 the containers 114.

[0346] In a first optional step 172 of the storing 160 of the containers 114, the third handling device 36 is coupled with the carrier plate 58 arranged on the transfer plate 42.

[0347] In a further step 174 of the storing 160 of the containers 114, the carrier plate 58 is transferred by means of the third handling device 36 from the transfer plate 42 to the carrier plate holder 40.

[0348] In a further step 176 of the storing 160 of the containers 114, the third handling device 36 is decoupled from the transferred carrier plate 58.

[0349] In a further optional step 178 of the storing 160 of the containers 114, the transferred carrier plate 58 is arranged in the carrier plate holder 40, in particular in an empty receptacle 56 of the carrier plate holder 40.

[0350] FIGS. 46 to 63 show a third embodiment of the loading system 10. The loading system 10 is illustrated in various operating positions in FIGS. 46 to 63. The loading system 10 of the third embodiment corresponds substantially to the loading systems 10 of the first and second embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 36. The same elements are identified by the same reference signs and are not explained in further detail.

[0351] The loading system 10 of the third embodiment differs in particular from the loading system 10 of the second embodiment in that the carrier plates, the carrier plate holder 40, the linear unit 48 of the second handling device 34, the receiving device 50 of the third handling device 36, and the transfer plate 42 are configured differently.

[0352] The carrier plates of the third embodiment are identified by the reference sign 200. The carrier plates 200 of the third embodiment correspond substantially to the carrier plates 58 of the second embodiment. The carrier plates 200 differ from the carrier plates 58 of the second embodiment in the shape of the base surface and in the arrangement and configuration of the coupling portions.

[0353] The carrier plates 200 substantially have a square base surface. In other words, the side surfaces 62, 64 each have a square shape. The rows of receptacles 60 are arranged in the width direction on the first side surface 62 one after the other. Each row extends in the length direction of the carrier plate 200.

[0354] The receptacles 56 of the carrier plate holder 40 of the third embodiment of the loading system 10 compared to the receptacles 56 of the second embodiment of the loading system 10 are adapted to the changed square shape of the carrier plates. In particular, instead of one wide receptacle 56, two narrow receptacles 56 are arranged next to each other, respectively.

[0355] The carrier plates 200 comprise substantially the same width as the carrier plates 58. Due to the square shape, however, the carrier plates 200 are only half as long as the carrier plates 58. As a result, in the carrier plate holder 40 two carrier plates 200 each can be arranged next to each other. Furthermore, also on the transfer surface 44 and on the placement surface 54, two carrier plates 200 can be arranged next to each other perpendicular to the insertion direction due to the halved space requirement.

[0356] Furthermore, the carrier plates 200 of the third embodiment of the loading system 10 as compared to the carrier plates 58 of the second embodiment of the loading system 10 are arranged oppositely in the receptacles 56, on the transfer surface 44 and on the placement surface 54, respectively. This means that the carrier plates 200 are oriented such that the first and second edge sides 70, 72 are reversed in contrast to the arrangement in FIGS. 2 through 36. The carrier plates 200 are arranged in the receptacles 56 such that the second edge side 72 is oriented upwardly and the first edge side 70 is oriented downwardly. On the transfer surface 44, the carrier plates 200 are arranged such that the second edge side 72 is arranged on the side facing away from the freeze dryer 16 and the first edge side 70 is arranged on the side facing the freeze dryer 16. On the placement surface 54, the carrier plates 200 are arranged such that the second edge side 72 is arranged on the side facing the transfer plate 42 and the first edge side 70 is arranged on the side facing away from the transfer plate 42. With respect to the insertion direction into the freeze dryer 16, the first edge side 70 is thus arranged downstream and the second edge side 72 is arranged upstream.

[0357] The carrier plates 200 of the loading system 10 of the third embodiment are couplable with each other by means of the first and second coupling portions 66, 68. In particular, the coupling portions 66, 68 in the loading system 10 of the third embodiment are configured substantially the same as the coupling portions 66, 68 in the loading system 10 of the second embodiment. The coupling portions 66, 68 in the loading system 10 of the third embodiment differ from the coupling portions 66, 68 in the loading system 10 of the second embodiment in that the locking member 78 is biased into the uncoupling state by means of spring force of a spring member, for example a spiral spring, or by means of gravity. The biasing by means of gravity is achieved, for example, in that the center of gravity of the locking member 78 lies with respect to the rotational axis on the side opposite to the hook portion.

[0358] Furthermore, the locking member 78 is configured so as to be arranged in the coupling state when the second coupling portion 68 is arranged on a surface, in particular the placement surface 54. In particular, the locking member 78 is configured such that it is displaced from the uncoupling state to the coupling state when the second coupling portion 68 is pushed onto a surface, in particular the placement surface 54. Correspondingly, the locking member 78 is also configured such that it is displaced from the coupling state to the uncoupling state when the second coupling portion 68 is pulled off a surface, in particular the placement surface 54. For this purpose, the locking member 78 can comprise, for example, on the side which is arranged opposite to the hook portion with respect to the rotational axis, a flank which is arranged on the bottom side of the locking member 78. During the pushing of the carrier plate 200 onto a surface, this flank comes into contact with the edge of the surface once the second coupling portion 68 has reached the edge. When the carrier plate is pushed further, the locking member 78 is displaced from the uncoupling state to the coupling state by the force exerted via the flank in a direction of rotation opposite to the biasing force. Correspondingly, the locking member 78 is again displaced from the coupling state to the uncoupling state by the biasing force as soon as the locking member 78 is no longer in contact with the surface when the carrier plate 200 is pulled off the surface.

[0359] The carrier plates 200 comprise two third coupling portions 202, 204 in addition to the first and second coupling portions 66, 68. The third coupling portions 202, 204 are arranged on the second edge side 72. The third coupling portions 202, 204 are arranged in the length direction on both sides of the second coupling portion 68. The third coupling portions 202, 204 comprise the same distance with respect to the longitudinal direction to the second coupling portion 68, in particular to a center of the second edge side 72. In other words, the third coupling portions 202, 204 are arranged symmetrically to the second coupling portion 68, in particular to a center of the second edge side 72. The third coupling portions 202, 204 are configured the same as the first coupling portion 66. For this purpose, each third coupling portion 202, 204 comprises a holding member 214 and a recess 216. The holding member 214 is configured as a web, in particular as a bar, which extends in the length direction of the carrier plate 200 from one side of the recess 216 to an opposite side of the recess 216. The web is preferably arranged parallel to the first and the second side surfaces 62, 64 and parallel to the first and the second edge sides 70, 72. The web is preferably arranged at an outer end of the recess 216.

[0360] The third coupling portions 202, 204 and the receiving device 50 are configured such that they are couplable with each other. For this purpose, the receiving device 50 comprises two receiving members 206, 208. The receiving members 206, 208 have the same distance from each other as the two third coupling portions 202, 204. The receiving members 206, 208 can each couple with a corresponding third coupling portion 202, 204 to move the carrier plate 200.

[0361] Each receiving member 206, 208 comprises an upper coupling portion 210 and a lower coupling portion 212. The upper coupling portion 210 is arranged on a top side of the corresponding receiving member 206, 208 in the operating state. The lower coupling portion 212 is arranged on a bottom side of the corresponding receiving member 206, 208 in the operating state. The upper and lower coupling portions 210, 212 are each configured hook-shaped. In other words, each receiving member 206, 208 comprises a hook-shaped receptacle in the area of each coupling portion 210, 212. In the operating state, the hook-shaped receptacle of each upper coupling portion 210 is upwardly open and the hook-shaped receptacle of each lower coupling portion 212 is downwardly open.

[0362] For coupling with the third coupling portions 202, 204 of a carrier plate 200, the hook-shaped receptacles of the upper coupling portions 210 can each receive a holding member 214 of the third coupling portions 202, 204 of the carrier plate 58. By means of this coupling, the carrier plate 200 can be moved vertically, in particular lifted and lowered, as well as moved or transferred horizontally. When the carrier plate 200 is fully lifted, the side surfaces 62, 64 of the carrier plate 200 are vertically oriented and the first and second edge sides 70, 72 are correspondingly horizontally oriented, wherein the second edge side 72 is oriented at the top and the first edge side 70 is oriented at the bottom.

[0363] For coupling with the third coupling portions 202, 204 of a carrier plate 200, furthermore, the hook-shaped receptacles of the lower coupling portions 212 can also each receive a holding member 214 of the third coupling portions 202, 204 of the carrier plate 58. By means of this coupling, the carrier plate 200 can be moved horizontally, in particular pulled and pushed, when the carrier plate 200 rests on a surface, in particular on the transfer surface 44 or on one of the placement surfaces 54, in the operating state.

[0364] The linear unit 48 can move, in particular push and pull, at least two carrier plates 200 horizontally at the same time. As previously described, two carrier plates 200 can be arranged next to each other on the transfer plate 42 and on the placement plate 52 perpendicular to the insertion direction. The linear unit 48 can push two carrier plates 200 arranged next to each other in the insertion direction from the transfer plate 42 onto one of the placement plates 52, and correspondingly pull them back from the placement plate 52 onto the transfer plate 42 against the insertion direction. For this purpose, the linear unit 48 comprises a pushing member 218. The linear unit 48 is configured to move the pushing member 218 back and forth in a, preferably horizontal, direction. The pushing member 218 comprises a rod that extends in the insertion direction, and pushing part that extends perpendicular to the insertion direction. One end of the rod is arranged centrally at the pushing part. As a result, the pushing member is configured T-shaped. The pushing member 218 is coupled with a base body of the linear unit 48, wherein the pushing member 218 is movable relative to the base body. Thereby, the pushing member 218 can be extended in the direction of the freeze dryer 16, that is, in the insertion direction, or retracted in the opposite direction. Thereby, the pushing member 218 is displaceable between a retracted state and an extended state. In other words, the pushing member 218 can push and pull the carrier plates 200 by means of this movement.

[0365] The pushing member 218 comprises four coupling portions 220. Each coupling portion 220 is arranged on the bottom side of the pushing member 218. Each coupling portion 220 is configured, for example, as a protrusion that extends downward from the bottom side of the pushing member 218. The coupling portions 220 are couplable with third coupling portions of the carrier plates 200. For coupling with a third coupling portion, the protrusion of a coupling portion 220 engages the recess 216 of the respective third coupling portion 202, 204. In other words, for coupling, the protrusion is brought into engagement with the recess 216, and for decoupling, the protrusion is brought out of engagement again. The coupling portions 220 comprise the same distance from each other as the third coupling portions 202, 204 of two carrier plates 200 arranged next to each other perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0366] For moving two carrier plates 200 arranged next to each other, the pushing member 218 can be moved to the second edge side 72 of the two carrier plates 200. Then, the pushing member 218 is coupled with the two carrier plates 200 to be able to move the carrier plates 200 horizontally. For this purpose, the pushing member 218 is moved such that the coupling portions 220 couple with the third coupling portions 202, 204 of the two carrier plates 200. In this way, the two carrier plates 200 can be pulled and pushed.

[0367] Furthermore, the pushing of two carrier plates 200 arranged next to each other can also be performed by means of the linear unit 48 without a coupling of the pushing member 218 with the carrier plates 200. For this purpose, the pushing member 218 can be moved to the second edge sides 72 of the two carrier plates 200 and brought into abutment with the second edge sides 72. Thereby, for example, the protrusions of the pushing member 218 can bear against the holding members 214 of the third coupling portions from the outside. When the pushing member is then moved in the insertion direction, the two carrier plates 200 are pushed in the insertion direction.

[0368] Furthermore, the transfer plate 42 of the loading system 10 of the third embodiment corresponds substantially to the transfer plate 42 of the loading system 10 of the second embodiment. These transfer plates 42 differ in the configuration of the recess 112. The recess 112 of the charging system of the third embodiment also extends from the bottom side to the top side of the transfer plate. However, the recess has a T-shaped cross-section. The recess 112 is configured such that the linear unit 48 can be moved vertically through the recess 112 when the pushing member 218 is in the retracted position. In other words, the recess 112 is adapted to the shape that the linear unit 48 has in the retracted position of the pushing member 218.

[0369] The sequence of the individual operating states of the charging system 10 of the third embodiment corresponds substantially to the sequence of the operating states of the charging system 10 of the second embodiment.

[0370] In FIG. 46, the initial and final states are thereby illustrated, in which all carrier plates 200 are arranged in the carrier plate holder 40. Prior to the start of a freeze-drying cycle, H2O2 decontamination of the freeze-drying module 14 is again performed in the initial state. After the freeze-drying cycle, a washing cycle can again be performed in the final state.

[0371] At the beginning of the freeze-drying cycle, carrier plates are again transferred from the carrier plate holder 40 into the freeze dryer. For this purpose, the carrier plates 200 are first transferred to the transfer plate 42 and then pushed from there onto a placement plate 52 of the freeze dryer 16.

[0372] For transferring, by means of the third handling device 50, two carrier plates 200 are always removed one after the other from the carrier plate holder 40, transferred to the transfer plate 42, placed on it perpendicular to the insertion direction side by side, and positioned correspondingly on the transfer plate 42 for further handling. This is illustrated in FIGS. 47 (A) to (D), FIGS. 48 (A) to (C) and FIGS. 49 (A) and (B). For transferring, the upper coupling portions 210 are thereby coupled with the third coupling portions 202, 204 of the carrier plate 200 to be transferred prior to the removing and decoupled after the placing. Then, the transferred carrier plate 200 is positioned such that the linear unit 48 can be moved through the recess by means of the stroke unit 106. For this purpose, the carrier plate 200 is pushed so far in the insertion direction until the third coupling portions 202, 204 are at least no longer arranged above the recess 112. For pushing the carrier plate 200, the lower coupling portions 212 are thereby coupled with the third coupling portions 202, 204 of the carrier plate 200 to be positioned and decoupled again after pushing. In this way, two carrier plates 200 are always arranged next to each other on the transfer plate 42 and at least partially pushed into the freeze dryer 16. The configuration of the lower coupling portions 212 is illustrated in FIG. 49 (C).

[0373] Then, the two carrier plates 200 arranged on the transfer plate 42 are pushed together in the insertion direction onto one of the placement plates 52. For this purpose, the linear unit 48, which is previously arranged below the transfer plate 42, is moved through the recess 112 of the transfer plate 42 in order to arrange the linear unit above the transfer plate 42, in particular at the level of the two carrier plates 200. The linear unit 48 is thereby arranged such that the pushing member 21 lies against both carrier plates 200. In particular, two coupling portions 220 of the pushing member 218, in particular the protrusions of the coupling portions 220, thereby each lie against a respective one of the two carrier plates 200 on the respective second edge side 72. In particular, these protrusions lie against the outer side of a corresponding holding member 214 of the third coupling portions 202, 204. Due to displacement of the pushing member 218 in the insertion direction, the two carrier plates 200 are then pushed together into the freeze dryer 16 onto the corresponding placement surface 54. This is illustrated in FIGS. 50 (A) and (B). In FIG. 50 (C) , the configuration of the pushing member 218 is illustrated.

[0374] In this way, four further carrier plates 200 are removed from the carrier plate holder 40 and pushed onto the same placement surface 54 of the freeze dryer 16, so that six carrier plates 200 are arranged on the placement surface 54 of the freeze dryer 16. The carrier plates 200 are arranged such that three carrier plates 200 are each arranged one after the other in the insertion direction, and two carrier plates 200 are each arranged next to each other perpendicular to the insertion direction. The carrier plates 200 that are arranged one after the other in the insertion direction are coupled with each other. The coupling of the carrier plates 200 by means of the corresponding first and second coupling portions 66, 68 is performed automatically during the inserting. This is illustrated in FIGS. 51 (A) to (C) . The coupling is performed by means of the hooking mechanism that is actuated by flank actuation.

[0375] Corresponding to the procedure described in FIGS. 47 to 51, all placement surfaces 54 of the freeze dryer 16 except one are loaded with six carrier plates 200 each. In other words, as many carrier plates 200 are inserted into the freeze dryer until only six carrier plates 200 are still arranged in the carrier plate holder 40. This state is illustrated in FIG. 52.

[0376] These six carrier plates 200 are then transferred one after the other corresponding to FIGS. 47 and 48 from the carrier plate holder 40 to the transfer plate 42, arranged on the transfer plate 42, and equipped with containers 114. This is illustrated in FIGS. 53 (A) to (C) and 54 (A) to (C) . As soon as two carrier plates 200 are each equipped with containers 114, these carrier plates 200 are pushed together from the transfer plate 42 onto the placement plate 52 by means of the second handling device 34. The inserting of the equipped carrier plates 200 is performed corresponding to the inserting of empty carrier plates 200, as illustrated in FIGS. 49 to 51. In this way, six carrier plates 200 are removed from the carrier plate holder 40, equipped with containers 114 on the transfer plate 42 and pushed into the freeze dryer 16. This state is illustrated in FIG. 55 (A).

[0377] Then, the placement plates 52 of the freeze dryer are displaced vertically so that a placement plate 52 having empty carrier plates 200 is arranged in one plane with the transfer plate 42. This is illustrated in FIG. 55 (B).

[0378] Then, the six empty carrier plates 200 that are arranged on this placement plate 52 are removed from the freeze dryer 16, and five of the six removed carrier plates 200 are then arranged in the carrier plate holder 40, wherein the sixth carrier plate 200 remains on the transfer plate 42 after the removing.

[0379] For this purpose, the carrier plates 200 are pulled in pairs one after the other against the insertion direction from the placement surface 54 onto the transfer plate 42 by means of the second handling device 34. This is illustrated in FIGS. 56 (A) and (B). As previously described, each of the front carrier plates 200 is coupled with one of the middle carrier plates 200 via the corresponding coupling portions 66, 68, and each of the middle carrier plates 200 is coupled with one of the rear carrier plates 200 via the corresponding coupling portions 66, 68. For pulling out, the coupling portions 220 of the pushing member 218 of the linear unit 48 of the second handling device 34 are coupled with the corresponding third coupling portions 202, 204 of the two carrier plates 200 to be pulled out. The carrier plates 200 are then pulled out by means of the second handling device 34 so far that the second coupling portions 68 of the following carrier plates 200 are no longer arranged on the placement surface 54, so that the carrier plates 200 to be pulled out are automatically decoupled from the following carrier plates 200. Thereafter, the linear unit 48 is moved vertically downward by means of the stroke unit 106 so that the linear unit 48 is arranged below the transfer plate 42. This is illustrated in FIGS. 57 (A) and (B).

[0380] Then, the two pulled-out carrier plates 200 are pulled further onto the transfer plate 42 by means of the third handling device 36, one after the other against the insertion direction, and transferred to the carrier plate holder 40. For this purpose, the lower coupling portions 212 of the receiving device 50 are first coupled with the third coupling portions 202, 204 of the carrier plate 200 to further pull the carrier plate. The carrier plates 200 are thereby pulled onto the transfer plate so far until the third coupling portions 202, 204 project over the edge on the side of the transfer plate 42 facing away from the freeze dryer 16. This is illustrated in FIG. 58 (A) and (B). Then, by means of the third handling device 36, the carrier plate 200 is transferred from the transfer plate 42 to the carrier plate holder 40 and arranged therein. For transferring, the upper coupling portions 210 are coupled with the third coupling portions 202, 204 of the carrier plate 200. This is illustrated in FIGS. 59 (A) to (C) and 60 (A) to (C) .

[0381] Corresponding to FIGS. 56 to 60, five of the six carrier plates 200 are arranged in the carrier plate holder 40. The sixth carrier plate 200 remains on the transfer plate 42, as illustrated in FIG. 61. Thereby, the carrier plate 200 is again arranged such that the third coupling portions 202, 204 project over the edge of the transfer plate 42 on the side facing away from the freeze dryer 16.

[0382] Corresponding to FIGS. 53 to 61, all placement plates 52 carrying empty carrier plates 200 are displaced one after the other to the level of the transfer plate 42, wherein the empty carrier plates 200 are then removed from this placement plate 52, equipped with containers 114 and pushed back onto the placement plate 52. In this way, all carrier plates 200 are equipped with containers 114 and inserted into the freeze dryer 16.

[0383] After the freeze-drying, the containers 114 can then be correspondingly removed from the freeze dryer 16 and discharged again. For this purpose, the carrier plates 200 are again pulled one after the other from the placement surfaces 54 onto the transfer plate 42 by means of the second handling device 34. Then, there the containers 114 are removed by means of the first handling device 32 and transferred to the container holder 38. This is illustrated in FIGS. 62 (A) and (B).

[0384] Then, the containers 114 are removed from the container holder 38 by means of the transport device 26 and transported away. This is illustrated in FIGS. 63 (A) to (C) . For this purpose, the gripping tool 100 grips two containers 114 each and transports them away. The gripping tool can receive the two containers 114 one after the other. Subsequently, the transport device 26 can transfer the containers 114 to the crimping module 20.

[0385] Each emptied carrier plate 200 is then transferred to the carrier plate holder 40 by means of the third handling device 36 and arranged in one of the receptacles 56. In this way, all carrier plates 200 are emptied and subsequently transferred back to the carrier plate holder 40.

[0386] After all of the carrier plates 200 are emptied and arranged in the carrier plate holder 40, a wash cycle can again be performed by cleaning the carrier plates 200, for example, by means of a sprinkler system.

[0387] It is to be understood that the foregoing is a description of one or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. The invention is not limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed herein, but rather is defined solely by the claims below. Furthermore, the statements contained in the foregoing description relate to particular embodiments and are not to be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or on the definition of terms used in the claims, except where a term or phrase is expressly defined above. Various other embodiments and various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiment(s) will become apparent to those skilled in the art. All such other embodiments, changes, and modifications are intended to come within the scope of the appended claims.

[0388] As used in this specification and claims, the terms “for example,” “e.g.,” “for instance,” “such as,” and “like,” and the verbs “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and their other verb forms, when used in conjunction with a listing of one or more components or other items, are each to be construed as open-ended, meaning that the listing is not to be considered as excluding other, additional components or items. Other terms are to be construed using their broadest reasonable meaning unless they are used in a context that requires a different interpretation.