WO2024231248A1 - Cover device - Google Patents

Abstract

Cover device (100, 154, 160) for in particular aseptically covering at least one part (102, 106) of an object (104, 148, 158, 162), in particular an opening (106) to an interior (108, 150) of an object (104, 148, 158, 162), wherein the cover device (100, 154, 160) can be arranged or is arranged on a basic body (110) in the region of a cutout (112) formed in the basic body (10) for access to the at least one part (102, 106) of the object (104, 148, 158, 162) and has the following: a supply means (114) for supplying at least one part of an in particular elongate cover element (118), wherein a first portion (120) of the cover element (118) can be held and/or is held on the supply means (114); and a receiving means (116) for receiving at least one part of the cover element (118), wherein a second portion (122) of the cover element (118) can be held and/or is held on the receiving means (116), wherein the supply means (114) and the receiving means (116) are arranged with respect to each other in such a manner that a portion (124) of the cover element (118) that is located between the first and the second portion (120, 122) extends beyond the cutout (112) and thus the at least one part (102, 106) of the object (104, 148, 158, 162) can be covered, and wherein the cover element (118) is movable in certain sections and/or continuously from the supply means (114) to the receiving means (116) and, in the process, covers the cutout (112) in an intermediate region (126) between the supply means (114) and the receiving means (116) and thus the at least one part (102, 104) of the object (104, 148, 158, 162) can be covered.

Description

cover device

The present invention relates to a covering device for the particularly aseptic covering of at least a part of an object, in particular an opening to the interior of an object.

In the pharmaceutical sector in particular, the highest level of sterility is required. In this case, it may be necessary to shield objects that have to be accessed multiple times during a manufacturing process in a germ-free manner while at the same time ensuring that they are accessible. For example, it may be necessary to supply a material and/or an aid, e.g. a tool and/or sensor, to the object, for example to channel it into or to the object and/or out of it.

For example, for personalized therapeutics, a number of objects, such as process units, are often used to manufacture a biological-pharmaceutical product, for example in order to be able to carry out different treatment processes for the manufacture of the product. It can often be necessary to enable and close access to the interior of such process units, in particular in order to channel the said material and/or the said aid in and/or out.

Furthermore, these highly personalized therapeutics are associated with high costs, especially personnel costs, due to their individual and/or small-scale production, and there is often no possibility for large-scale application and/or industrial production of individual and/or small batch sizes, which is a further challenge in this segment.

The present invention is based on the object of providing a covering device for the in particular aseptic covering of at least a part of an object, which is preferably automated and preferably continuously or quasi-continuously operable.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. A covering device according to the invention for the in particular aseptic covering of at least one part of an object, in particular an opening to the interior of an object, can be arranged or is arranged on a base body in the region of a recess formed in the base body for access to the at least one part of the object.

The covering device according to the invention has the following: a provision device for providing at least a part of a particularly elongated covering element, wherein a first section of the covering element is held and/or retained on the provision device; and a receiving device for receiving at least a part of the covering element, wherein a second section of the covering element is held and/or retained on the receiving device, wherein the provision device and the receiving device are arranged relative to one another in such a way that a section of the covering element located between the first and the second section extends over the recess and thus at least one part of the object can be covered, and wherein the covering element can be moved in sections and/or continuously from the provision device to the receiving device and in the process covers the recess in an intermediate region between the provision device and the receiving device and thus at least one part of the object can be covered.

It can be provided that the supply device can be or is fastened to the base body and in particular in the region of the recess formed in the base body.

It can be provided that the receiving device can be or is fastened to the base body and in particular in the region of the recess formed in the base body.

It can be provided that the provision device comprises a provision roller element, by means of which the cover element can be stored in particular rolled up and from which the cover element can be provided by means of a rotary movement and in particular can be unrolled. For example, this rotational movement can take place about a central longitudinal axis of the supply roller element. In other words, the supply roller element can be rotatable about this central longitudinal axis.

It can be provided that the receiving device comprises a receiving roller element, by means of which the cover element can be stored, in particular rolled up, and on which the cover element can be received by means of a rotary movement and in particular can be rolled up.

For example, this rotational movement can take place about a central longitudinal axis of the take-up roller element. In other words, the take-up roller element can be rotatable about this central longitudinal axis.

For example, it can be provided that the supply roller element and the take-up roller element are aligned substantially parallel to one another. In particular, the respective central longitudinal axes of the supply roller element and the take-up roller element can be oriented substantially parallel to one another.

For example, it can be provided that the supply roller element and the take-up roller element are substantially identically dimensioned, in particular along the respective central longitudinal axis.

It can be provided that the cover element is designed as a particularly elongated film which is at least partially durable and/or held on the provision device, is at least partially extendable over the recess and/or extends over it and is at least partially durable and/or held on the receiving device.

For example, the cover element can be designed as a particularly elongated film, preferably plastic film, which can preferably be penetrated by means of a piercing element.

For example, the cover element can be designed as a particularly elongated film, preferably plastic film, in which prefabricated penetration areas, in particular predetermined breaking areas, are provided for penetration with a piercing element. A passage can be formed in the piercing element through which anything, e.g. a treatment object, for example a biological object, a tool unit, a sensor unit, a material and/or a substance, can be passed.

For example, the piercing element may be substantially tubular.

Preferably, the piercing element can be configured and/or serve to deliver anything, e.g. a treatment object, for example a biological object, a tool unit, a sensor unit, a material and/or a substance, to and/or into the at least partially coverable object.

For example, one or more tool units and/or one or more sensor units can be passed through the piercing element.

It can be provided that the cover element is essentially rectangular and a width of the cover element is smaller, in particular significantly smaller, than a length of the cover element. For example, the width in relation to the length can be less than 1 to 4, in particular than 1 to 8, preferably than 1 to 16, in particular preferably than 1 to 32. It could also be conceivable that the width in relation to the length can be greater than 1 to 256, in particular than 1 to 128 or than 1 to 64.

It can be provided that the covering device comprises a control unit and/or a control unit, in particular a control unit of the at least partially coverable object, can be or is assigned to the covering device, wherein an operation of the covering device can be controlled by means of the control unit.

It can be provided that the provision device and the receiving device for providing and receiving the at least one part of the cover element are synchronized in time. This can serve, for example, to keep the cover element under tension and/or to avoid damage to the cover element.

It may be provided that the supply device and/or the receiving device are motorized. In other words, the supply device and/or the receiving device can have a motor and/or a respective motor by means of which the supply roller element and/or the receiving roller element can be rotated, in particular for unrolling and/or rolling up the cover element.

Each motor can be connected to the said control unit directly or indirectly, in particular by means of signals, and can be controlled by means of the latter.

It can be provided that the receiving device comprises an elastic element, in particular a spring element, by means of which the receiving device is prestressed to receive at least one part of the cover element.

The elastic element can, for example, engage directly or indirectly with the take-up roller element.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the provision device comprises an elastic element, in particular a spring element, by means of which the provision device is prestressed during the provision of at least one part of the cover element.

The elastic element can, for example, engage directly or indirectly with the supply roller element.

It can be provided that the covering device comprises one or more inner sealing elements which are arranged between the base body and the covering element and in particular corresponding to the recess.

It can additionally or alternatively be provided that the one or more inner sealing elements can be or are arranged between the object and the cover element and in particular corresponding to the recess and/or the opening.

It can be provided that each inner sealing element has a closed contour that corresponds in particular to the recess. For example, the contour can be essentially circular. It can be provided that each inner sealing element is arranged to be exchangeable and/or can be or is manufactured from a sterilizable, in particular autoclavable, material.

It may be conceivable, for example, that an inner sealing element is designed as a labyrinth sealing element and/or comprises such a element. Optionally, it may also be conceivable that the covering device comprises a device for generating an overpressure, which can be generated on the inside of the covering element. This can in particular improve the sealing effect of the labyrinth sealing element towards the outside.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the covering device comprises at least one device by means of which a part, in particular an intermediate section, of the covering element can be brought into contact on the inside with an edge region of the base body which is arranged around the recess to be covered and in particular immediately adjacent thereto.

For example, said device may comprise a holding contour by means of which said part of the cover element can be pressed against this edge region of the base body.

For example, said device may comprise a negative pressure element, in particular a suction element, by means of which said part of the cover element can be sucked onto this edge region of the base body.

It can be provided that the covering device comprises one or more external sealing elements which can be arranged or are arranged on the outside of the base body, in particular in a region for contacting a counter element, and corresponding to the recess.

In other words, the base body can have a contact region for contacting a counter element, for example another object, wherein the one or more external sealing elements can be arranged or are arranged in this region and corresponding to the recess, so that the recess and a part of the counter element corresponding to the recess can be sealed or are sealed to the outside upon contact. It can be provided that each outer sealing element has a closed contour that corresponds in particular to the recess. For example, the contour can be essentially circular.

It can be provided that each outer sealing element is arranged to be exchangeable and/or can be or is manufactured from a sterilizable, in particular autoclavable, material.

It may be conceivable, for example, that an external sealing element is designed as a labyrinth sealing element and/or comprises such a element. Optionally, it may also be conceivable that the covering device comprises a device for generating an overpressure, which can be generated on the outside of the covering element and on the inside in relation to a contour of the external sealing element. This can in particular improve the sealing effect of the labyrinth sealing element towards the outside, for example when the object is in engagement with another object. It is understood that this device for generating an overpressure can be the device for generating an overpressure that is described in connection with the internal sealing element, or can be provided as a further device for generating an overpressure.

It can be provided that the provision and the receiving of the cover element by the provision device and the receiving device can each be initiated by means of a rotational movement, wherein a respective direction of rotation of the provision device and the receiving device is identical to one another.

For example, the rotational movements can refer to the supply roller element and the take-up roller element respectively.

It can be provided that the covering device comprises a deflection device which is connected upstream of the receiving device.

By means of the deflection device, the cover element can be deflected and/or deflected in such a way that the side of the cover element which is oriented outwards in the recess with respect to the base body faces the second section of the cover element which is already held or retained there when the cover element is received by the receiving device. It can be provided that the deflection device comprises at least one deflection roller element by means of which the cover element can be deflected. It should be understood that several deflection roller elements can also be included, in particular depending on the position of the receiving device.

It can be provided that the provision and the receiving of the cover element by the provision device and the receiving device as well as the deflection of the cover element by the deflection device can each be initiated by means of a rotational movement, wherein a respective direction of rotation of the provision device and the deflection device is identical to one another and a direction of rotation of the receiving device is opposite to the respective direction of rotation of the provision device and the deflection device.

For example, the rotational movements can relate to the supply roller element, the take-up roller element and the deflection roller element respectively.

It can be provided that the covering device comprises a further deflection device which is connected downstream of the provision device. It can be provided that the further deflection device comprises at least one deflection roller element by means of which the covering element can be deflected. It should be understood that several deflection roller elements can also be included, in particular depending on the position of the provision device.

It can be provided that the base body is a housing by means of which the covering device can be fastened to the object and in which the recess is provided for access to at least part of the object.

It can additionally or alternatively be provided that the base body forms a part, in particular a wall, of the object or is formed by a part, in particular a wall, of the object.

For example, it can be provided that the object comprises a container or a vessel and/or is designed as such, wherein in particular the container or the vessel can serve to hold a treatment object, wherein the treatment object can preferably be designed according to the explanations below. Optionally, for example in this case, the base body can be designed as a lid-like body, by means of which the covering device can be fastened to the container or vessel.

For example, it can be provided that the object comprises a process unit for producing a product, in particular a biological-pharmaceutical product, and/or is designed as such.

It can be provided that the contactable counter element comprises a further process unit for producing a product, in particular a biological-pharmaceutical product, and/or is designed as such.

For example, it can be provided that a process unit is designed as a treatment box, e.g. a patient box, in particular for receiving and/or transporting and/or treating an object to be treated.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that a process unit is designed as a tool box, in particular for treating an object, which can in particular comprise a tool unit, in particular for treating the treatment object and/or a sensor unit, in particular for analyzing the treatment object.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that a process unit is designed as a supply box, in particular for providing a material, e.g. a consumable material, and/or a substance which may be required for the treatment of a treatment object.

For example, it can be provided that the process unit or the further process unit is designed as a treatment box and the corresponding other process unit is designed as a tool box and/or a supply box.

For example, it can be provided additionally or alternatively that the process unit or the further process unit is designed as a tool box and the corresponding other process unit is designed as a supply box.

For example, it can be provided that something, for example a treatment object, a Tool unit, a sensor unit, a material and/or a substance, can be fed into the process unit, in particular can be fed temporarily and/or permanently.

For example, this can be done or carried out from and/or by means of the further process unit.

The access to the process unit that can be achieved via or through the cover element can be used bidirectionally and/or unidirectionally, for example for exchanging something between the process units.

A treatment object can, for example, comprise at least one of the following: a reactant, in particular a material having cells, for example a starting material having cells, and/or a biological-pharmaceutical material and/or a biological-pharmaceutical workpiece, an intermediate product, in particular an intermediate product having cells and/or a biological-pharmaceutical intermediate product, a product, for example the product to be manufactured, in particular a biological-pharmaceutical product, for example the biological-pharmaceutical product to be manufactured.

It should be understood that the above list is exemplary and not exhaustive. Alternatively or additionally, the treatment object may comprise one or more and/or a combination of the previously described list elements.

It can be provided that a process unit is movable and/or transportable and/or in particular automatically movable in relation to its environment.

For example, a process unit can comprise a transport vehicle, in particular a freely moving transport vehicle, or can be designed as such and/or can be coupled to a transport vehicle, in particular a freely moving transport vehicle.

It can be provided that the transport vehicle, in particular the one that is free-moving, is guided by an induction loop and/or magnetically, in particular by permanent magnets and/or by magnetic coils. Additionally or alternatively, sensor-based guidance, in particular camera-based guidance and/or radar-based/LIDAR-based guidance, can be provided. It can be provided that a process unit has one or more coupling devices by means of which the process unit can be connected, in particular mechanically coupled, to one or more further process units. For example, the coupling devices can be operated fully automatically. In other words, the connectable process units can be connected to one another fully automatically.

It can be provided that a process unit, in particular a treatment box and/or a tool box and/or a supply box, defines a process cell, in particular an aseptic process cell. To a certain extent, a process unit, in particular a process unit designed as a treatment box and/or tool box and/or supply box, can be a process cell, in particular an aseptic process cell.

It can be provided that each process unit, in particular treatment box and/or tool box and/or supply box, has an interior space, in particular one that can be closed.

The said interior space may correspond to and/or be the same as the respective interior of the object or object to be covered and/or may partially or completely form this interior.

It can be provided that each process unit comprises a casing wall which encloses and thereby defines the respective interior space and/or the respective interior.

The said casing wall can comprise the base body of the object or the object to be covered or can be partially formed by it.

A particularly aseptic production area can be defined or formed by the interior and/or the inside of a process unit. To a certain extent, it can be provided that the interior and/or the inside of a process unit is a particularly aseptic production area. In a sense, said opening and/or said recess can allow respective access to a respective, particularly aseptic, production area of the process unit.

The present invention further provides a system comprising: a covering device according to the above and/or following embodiments; and a supply device for supplying gas and/or a gas mixture, by means of which a gas flow and/or gas mixture flow can be generated which is directed along and in particular substantially parallel to the recess of the base body.

For example, a gas mixture can be air. For example, a gas can be a decontamination gas and/or a sterilization gas. It is understood that a combination of air and a decontamination gas and/or a sterilization gas can also be conceivable as a gas mixture.

The said supply device can comprise at least one sterile filter through which the gas flow and/or gas mixture flow can be passed, in particular before it flows along and in particular substantially parallel to the recess of the base body.

It can be provided that the feeding device is arranged on or adjacent to the base body.

For example, the feeding device can be arranged at a distance from the base body.

It can be provided that the feeding device can be controlled by means of the said control unit or comprises a control unit separate from the control unit or is assigned to such a control unit.

It can be provided that the system comprises at least one further covering device according to the above and/or following embodiments, which can be brought into engagement with the other covering device in order to form a particularly spatial transition between the respective recesses of the respective base bodies. For example, a particularly spatial transition between two process units can be made possible or enabled in this way. The present invention further provides a process unit for producing a product, in particular a biological-pharmaceutical product.

The process unit can be configured as described above and/or below.

The process unit can comprise, for example, the following: a housing formed by a or the casing wall, which defines an interior for producing a product, wherein an opening to an interior is formed in the housing; and a covering device according to the above and/or following embodiments.

It can be provided that the cover device is fixed to the housing of the process unit in such a way that the recess is aligned correspondingly to the opening of the housing of the process unit.

Further preferred features and/or advantages of the present invention are

Subject of the following description and the graphic representation of exemplary embodiments.

In the figures show:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a covering device according to the invention for the particularly aseptic covering of at least a part of an object according to an embodiment,

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a covering device according to the invention for the particularly aseptic covering of at least a part of an object according to a further embodiment,

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a covering device according to the invention for the particularly aseptic covering of at least a part of an object according to a further embodiment,

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a covering device according to the invention for the particularly aseptic covering of at least a part of an object according to a further embodiment,

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a system according to the invention with, for example, two covering devices according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a system according to the invention with, for example, two covering devices according to a further embodiment of the present invention, and

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a covering device according to the invention for the particularly aseptic covering of at least a part of an object according to a further embodiment.

Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

In Fig. 1, a covering device 100 according to the invention for the in particular aseptic covering of at least a part 102 of an object 104 according to an embodiment is shown schematically.

In the present embodiment, the at least one part 102 is an opening 106 to an interior 108 of the object 104.

As can be seen in Fig. 1, the object 104 is only partially shown to simplify the illustration.

The covering device 100 can be arranged or is arranged on a base body 110.

In particular, the cover device 100 is attached to the base body 110 in the region of a recess 112 formed in the base body 110 for access to the at least one

Part 102, here the opening 106, of the object 104 can be arranged or is arranged.

In the present embodiment, the base body 110 is designed as a housing by means of which the covering device 100 can be fastened to the object 104 and is fastened in the present case.

It should be understood that the base body 110 can also form a part, in particular a wall, of the object 104 or can be formed by a part, in particular a wall, of the object 104.

The covering device 100 has a supply device 114 and a receiving device 116. The provision device 114 can be or is fastened to the base body 110 and in particular in the region of the recess 112 formed in the base body 110.

The receiving device 116 is or can be fastened to the base body 110 and in particular in the region of the recess 112 formed in the base body 110.

The provision device 114 serves to provide at least a part of a particularly elongated cover element 118.

The provision takes place in particular in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1.

The receiving device 116 serves to receive at least a part of the cover element 118.

The recording takes place in particular from the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1.

A first portion 120 of the cover element 118 is held and/or retained on the provision device 114.

A second portion 122 of the cover element 118 is held and/or retained on the receiving device 116.

The provision device 114 and the receiving device 116 are arranged relative to one another in such a way that a section of the cover element 118 located between the first and second sections 120, 122, an intermediate section 124, as it were, extends beyond the recess 112.

Since the intermediate section 124 of the covering element 118 extends between the two sections 120, 122 and thus between the providing device 114 and the receiving device 116, at least one part 102 of the object 104 can be covered.

The cover element 118 is designed as a particularly elongated film, preferably plastic film. Consequently, the particularly elongated film is at least partially durable and/or held on the provision device 114, at least partially extendable over the recess 112 and/or extends over it and at least partially durable and/or held on the receiving device 116.

The cover element 118 is essentially rectangular.

A width of the cover element 118 is smaller, in particular significantly smaller, than a length of the cover element 118.

For example, the width relative to the length can be less than 1 to 4, in particular 1 to 8, preferably 1 to 16, in particular preferably 1 to 32.

The cover element 118, here: the particularly elongated film, can be moved in sections and/or continuously from the supply device 114 to the receiving device 116.

In an intermediate region 126 between the supply device 114 and the receiving device 116, the cover element 118 covers the recess 112 and thus also the at least one part 102 of the object 104.

As can also be seen in Fig. 1, the supply device 114 comprises a supply roller element 128 and the receiving device 116 comprises a receiving roller element 130.

By means of the supply roller element 128, the cover element 118 can be stored in particular rolled up.

Furthermore, the cover element 118 can be provided and in particular rolled off via the provision roller element 128 by means of a rotary movement.

This rotational movement occurs about a central longitudinal axis of the supply roller element 128.

In other words, the supply roller element 128 is rotatable about this central longitudinal axis. By means of the take-up roller element 130, the cover element 118 can be stored in a rolled-up manner.

Furthermore, the cover element 118 can be received and in particular rolled up via the take-up roller element 130 by means of a rotary movement.

This rotational movement occurs about a central longitudinal axis of the take-up roller element 130.

In other words, the take-up roller element 130 is rotatable about this central longitudinal axis.

Furthermore, as can be seen in Fig. 1, the respective directions of rotation of the supply device 114 and the receiving device 116 and in particular of the supply roller element 128 and the receiving roller element 130 are identical to one another when the cover element 118 is provided and received by the supply device 114 and the receiving device 116.

As can also be seen in Fig. 1, the supply roller element 128 and the take-up roller element 130 are aligned substantially parallel to each other.

In particular, the respective central longitudinal axes of the supply roller element 128 and the take-up roller element 130 are oriented substantially parallel to each other.

Furthermore, the supply roller element 128 and the take-up roller element 130 are substantially identically dimensioned, in particular along the respective central longitudinal axis.

This can, for example, ensure a more uniform unrolling and rolling up process of the cover element 118.

The cover element 118 is thus held at the first section 120 on the supply roller element 128 and stored there in a rolled up manner.

At the second section 122, the cover element 118 is held on the take-up roller element 130 and stored there in a rolled-up manner. With the intermediate section 124, the cover element 118 covers the recess 112 in the intermediate region 126 between the provision device 114 and the receiving device 116 and thus also the at least one part 102 of the object 104, here: the opening 106 of the object 104.

Since the cover element 118 can be provided and in particular rolled off via the provision roller element 128 by means of a rotary movement and the cover element 118 can be received and in particular rolled up via the take-up roller element 130 by means of a rotary movement, the cover element 118 can be moved in sections and/or continuously from the provision device 114 to the take-up device 116.

This enables a quasi-continuous covering of at least one part 102 of the object 104, here: the opening 106 to the interior 108 of the object 104, by the covering device 100.

The covering device 100 further comprises a control unit 132, a first motor 134 and a second motor 136.

Each motor 134, 136 is connected to the said control unit 132 directly or indirectly, in particular by signaling.

The covering device 100 and in particular the first and second motors 134, 136 can be controlled by means of the control unit 132.

It should be understood that, in addition or alternatively, a control unit, in particular a control unit of the at least partially coverable object 104, can be assigned or associated with the covering device 100, by means of which an operation of the covering device 100 can be controlled.

The first motor 134 is assigned to the provision device 114 and is operatively connected thereto for the automatic provision of the cover element 118.

In particular, the first motor 134 is operatively connected to the supply roller element 128.

The second motor 136 is assigned to the receiving device 116 and is operatively connected thereto for the automatic receiving of the cover element 118. In particular, the second motor 136 is operatively connected to the take-up roller element 130.

In other words, the supply device 114 and the receiving device 116 are motorized.

This can be understood in particular to mean that the supply device 114 comprises the first motor 134 and the receiving device 116 comprises the second motor 136, by means of which the supply roller element 128 and the receiving roller element 130 are each rotatable, in particular for unrolling and/or rolling up the cover element 118.

The provision device 114 and the receiving device 116 are in particular synchronized in time for providing and receiving the cover element 118.

The synchronization, in particular in terms of time, can be realized via the motors 134, 136 which can be controlled or are controlled by means of the control unit 132.

This can serve, for example, to keep the cover element 118 under tension and/or to prevent damage to the cover element 118.

It should be understood that the cover member 118 may additionally or alternatively be supported under tension by other means.

For example, it can be provided that the receiving device 114 comprises an elastic element, in particular a spring element, by means of which the receiving device 114 is prestressed to receive the cover element 118. The elastic element can, for example, be in direct or indirect engagement with the receiving roller element 130. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the provision device 114 comprises an elastic element, in particular a spring element, by means of which the provision device 114 is prestressed during the provision of the cover element 118. The elastic element can, for example, be in direct or indirect engagement with the provision roller element 128. As already described, the cover element 118 is designed as an elongated film, preferably a plastic film. The cover element 118 and in particular the film is configured to be penetrable by means of a piercing element.

A passage can be formed in the piercing element through which anything, e.g. a treatment object, for example a biological object, a tool unit, a sensor unit, a material and/or a substance, can be passed.

For example, the piercing element may be substantially tubular.

Preferably, the piercing element may be configured and/or serve to deliver anything, e.g. a treatment object, for example a biological object, a tool unit, a sensor unit, a material and/or a substance, to and/or into the at least partially coverable object 104.

For example, one or more tool units and/or one or more sensor units can be passed through the piercing element.

Since the cover element 118 can be penetrated by means of a piercing element, something can be supplied to the object 104 and in particular to the interior 108 of the object 104.

This can be understood in particular to mean that by means of the covering device 100 and in particular the covering element 118 not only a pure covering is made possible, but also a re-covering or closing of an access to the object 104 and in particular the interior 108 of the object 104, after the covering element 118 has been penetrated to supply something and that something has been supplied.

As a result, a quasi-continuous access method to the interior 108 of the object 100 through the covering device 100 can be realized.

It should be understood that the said piercing element is or has been removed again before the covering element 118 is moved by the providing device 114 and/or receiving device 116 to cover the object part 102 again. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the covering device 100 has a plurality of sealing devices 138, 140, 142 in order to enable a particularly aseptic covering.

The cover device 100 comprises one or more inner sealing elements 138, 140 and one or more outer sealing elements 142.

In the present embodiment, the cover device 100 comprises a first inner sealing element 138, a second inner sealing element 140 and an outer sealing element 142.

The first inner sealing element 138 is arranged between the base body 110 and the cover element 118.

Here, the first inner sealing element 138 is arranged correspondingly and adjacent to the recess 112 and held on the base body 110.

The second inner sealing element 140 is arranged between the object 104 and the cover element 118.

Here, the second inner sealing element 140 can be arranged correspondingly and adjacent to the opening 106 and is held or present on the object 104.

In the present embodiment, each inner sealing element 138, 140 has a closed contour that corresponds in particular to the recess 112 or the opening 106. For example, the respective contour can be essentially circular, e.g. O-ring-shaped.

Each inner sealing element 138, 140 is respectively exchangeable, in particular exchangeably held on the base body 110 or on the object 104.

Furthermore, each inner sealing element 138, 140 can be produced or is produced from a sterilizable, in particular autoclavable, material. The cover element 118 can be moved along the inner sealing elements 138, 140 while maintaining a touch contact and/or a grinding action. This makes it possible to achieve a reliable seal, in particular a reliable aseptic seal.

The outer sealing element 142 is arranged on the outside of the base body 110.

Here, the outer sealing element 142 is arranged corresponding to the recess 112 and held on the base body 110.

Furthermore, the outer sealing element 142 is arranged on the base body 110 in a region for contacting a counter element (cf. Fig. 5 and/or Fig. 6).

This can be understood in particular to mean that the base body 110 has a contact area for contacting a counter element.

This counter element can, for example, be or include another object (see Fig. 5 and/or Fig. 6).

The outer sealing element 142 can be arranged or is arranged in this area and corresponding to the recess 112, so that the recess 112 and a part of the counter element corresponding to the recess can be sealed or are sealed to the outside upon contact (cf. Fig. 5 and/or Fig. 6).

In the present embodiment, the outer sealing element 142 has a closed contour that corresponds in particular to the recess 112. For example, the respective contour can be essentially circular, e.g. O-ring-shaped.

The outer sealing element 142 is replaceable, in particular exchangeably held on the base body 110.

Furthermore, the outer sealing element 142 can be produced or is produced from a sterilizable, in particular autoclavable, material.

Thus, a covering device 100 is provided, by means of which a particularly aseptic covering of at least a part 102 of an object 100 is possible. Furthermore, the covering device 100 can be operated automatically by means of the control unit 132 and the first and second motors 134, 136.

In addition, the covering device 100 allows a continuous or quasi-continuous operation.

In Fig. 2, a covering device 100 according to the invention for in particular aseptically covering at least a part 102 of an object 104 according to a further embodiment is shown schematically.

The embodiment of the covering device 100 shown in Fig. 2 is essentially configured and/or designed like the embodiment of the covering device 100 shown in Fig. 1, so that only the differences are described below.

As can be seen in Fig. 2, the covering device 100 comprises a deflection device 144.

The deflection device 144 is connected upstream of the receiving device 116.

The deflection device 144 is arranged between an edge of the recess 112 and the receiving device 116.

As can be seen in Fig. 2, the cover element 118 can be deflected by means of the deflection device 144.

The cover element 118 can be deflected and is deflected in this case by means of the deflection device 144 in such a way that the side of the cover element 118 which is oriented outwards in the recess 112 with respect to the base body 110 faces the second section 122 of the cover element 118 which is already held or retained there when the cover element 118 is received by the receiving device 116.

This can be understood in particular to mean that a part of the cover element 118 exposed to the outside can be rolled up in an inward direction relative to the recess 112 on the receiving device 116.

This can, for example, prevent contamination on this exposed part of the cover element 118 during rolling up by further rolled-up sections of the cover element 118 can be covered and/or this part of the cover element 118 can be covered and stored rolled up on the receiving device 116.

The deflection device 144 comprises a deflection roller element 146.

The cover element 118 can be deflected by means of the deflection roller element 146.

It should be understood that several deflection roller elements can also be included, in particular depending on the position of the receiving device 116.

As with the provision and reception of the cover element 118 by the provision device 114 and the reception device 116, the deflection of the cover element 118 by the deflection device 144 can also be initiated by means of a rotational movement.

As can be seen in Fig. 2, the directions of rotation of the supply device 114 and the deflection device 144 are identical to each other and the direction of rotation of the receiving device 116 is opposite to the respective direction of rotation of the supply device 114 and the deflection device 144 (cf. the arrow indicating the direction of movement in Fig. 2).

It should be understood that the rotational movements refer to the supply roller element 128, the take-up roller element 130 and the deflection roller element 146, respectively.

Furthermore, it should be understood that the covering device 100 can comprise a further deflection device which is arranged downstream of the provision device 114. For example, it can be provided that the further deflection device comprises at least one deflection roller element by means of which the covering element 118 can be deflected, and/or that several deflection roller elements can also be included, in particular depending on the position of the provision device 114.

In Fig. 3, a covering device 100 according to the invention for the particularly aseptic covering of at least a part 102 of an object 104 according to a further embodiment is shown schematically. The embodiment of the covering device 100 shown in Fig. 3 is essentially configured and/or designed like the embodiment of the covering device 100 shown in Fig. 1, so that only the differences are described below.

In the present embodiment, the object 104 is designed as a process unit 148 for producing a product, in particular a biological-pharmaceutical product.

It can be provided that the contactable counter element comprises a further process unit for producing a product, in particular a biological-pharmaceutical product, and/or is designed as such (cf. Fig. 5 and/or Fig. 6).

The process unit 148 can, for example, be designed as a treatment box, e.g. a patient box, in particular for receiving and/or transporting and/or treating a treatment object.

The process unit 148 can, for example, be designed as a tool box, in particular for treating an object, which can in particular comprise a tool unit, in particular for treating the treatment object and/or a sensor unit, in particular for analyzing the treatment object.

The process unit 148 can, for example, be designed as a supply box, in particular for providing a material, e.g. a consumable material, and/or a substance which may be required for the treatment of a treatment object.

In the present case, anything, for example a treatment object, a tool unit, a sensor unit, a material and/or a substance, can be fed into the process unit 148, in particular temporarily and/or permanently, via the covering device 100 and in particular through the covering element 118.

For example, this can be done or carried out from and/or by means of the further process unit (see Fig. 5 and/or Fig. 6).

The access to the process unit 148 that can be achieved via or through the cover element 118 can be used bidirectionally and/or unidirectionally, for example for an exchange of anything between the processing unit 148 and another processing unit (see Fig. 5 and/or Fig. 6).

In the present embodiment, a treatment object can, for example, comprise at least one of the following: a reactant, in particular a material having cells, for example a starting material having cells, and/or a biological-pharmaceutical material and/or a biological-pharmaceutical workpiece, an intermediate product, in particular an intermediate product having cells and/or a biological-pharmaceutical intermediate product, a product, for example the product to be manufactured, in particular a biological-pharmaceutical product, for example the biological-pharmaceutical product to be manufactured.

It should be understood that the above list is exemplary and not exhaustive. Alternatively or additionally, the treatment object may comprise one or more and/or a combination of the previously described list elements.

The process unit 148 is movable and/or transportable and/or in particular automatically movable relative to its surroundings.

For example, the process unit 148 can comprise a transport vehicle, in particular a freely moving transport vehicle, or can be designed as such and/or can be coupled to a transport vehicle, in particular a freely moving transport vehicle.

The process unit 148 defines an aseptic process cell.

The process unit 148 has a particularly lockable interior space 150.

The said interior space 150 corresponds to the interior 108 of the object 104 or the object 104 to be covered.

The process unit 148 comprises a casing wall 152, which encloses and thereby defines the interior 150 or the interior 108. In a sense, the lateral surface 152 forms a housing of the process unit 148.

The base body 110 can be fastened to the lateral surface 152 and is fastened in this case.

However, it may also be conceivable that the base body 110 forms part of this lateral surface 152 and/or is enclosed by it. In other words, it may be conceivable that the covering device 100 is provided and/or integrated directly in and/or on the process unit 148.

A particularly aseptic production area can be defined or defined and/or formed through the interior 150 or the interior 108 of the process unit 148.

In a sense, it is intended that the interior 150 or the interior 108 of the process unit 148 is a particularly aseptic production area.

The said opening 106 and/or the said recess 112 enable respective access to a respective, in particular aseptic, production area of the process unit 148.

It should therefore be understood that in addition to the covering device 100, the said process unit 148, which comprises the covering device 100, is also according to the invention.

In Fig. 4, a covering device 100 according to the invention for the in particular aseptic covering of at least a part 102 of an object 104 according to a further embodiment is shown schematically.

The embodiment of the covering device 100 shown in Fig. 4 is essentially configured and/or designed like the embodiment of the covering device 100 shown in Fig. 2, so that only the differences are described below.

In the present embodiment, the object 104 is designed as a process unit 148 for producing a product, in particular a biological-pharmaceutical product.

The process unit 148 shown in Fig. 4 is substantially configured and/or designed like the process unit 148 shown in Fig. 3. Consequently, the embodiment of Fig. 4 is a combination of the embodiment of Fig. 2 and the process unit 148 described in connection with Fig. 3, whereas Fig. 3 shows a corresponding combination of the embodiment of Fig. 1 and the said process unit 148.

In Fig. 5, a system 200 according to the invention with, for example, two covering devices 100 according to an embodiment is shown schematically.

It should be understood that any structural and/or functional features and/or characteristics and/or advantages described and/or described in connection with the covering device 100 and/or the process unit 148 may also be part of and/or attributable to said system 200.

The system 200 includes a first covering device 154, which is substantially configured and/or designed like the embodiment of the covering device 100 shown in Fig. 1.

Furthermore, the system 200 comprises a supply device 156 for supplying gas and/or a gas mixture, by means of which a gas flow and/or a gas mixture flow can be generated which is directed along and in particular substantially parallel to the recess 112 of the base body 110.

The feed device 156 is arranged adjacent to the base body 110 of the first covering device 154.

The first covering device 154 is attached to a first processing unit 158, which is substantially configured and/or designed like the processing unit 148 shown in Fig. 3.

The first processing unit 158 may be part of the system 200 or associated therewith.

The system 200 further comprises a second covering device 160, which is substantially configured and/or designed like the embodiment of the covering device 100 shown in Fig. 1. The second covering device 160 can, for example, be the counter element already described in connection with Figs. 1 to 4.

The second covering device 160 has a mirrored configuration and/or design with respect to the first covering device 154.

The second covering device 160 is attached to a second processing unit 162, which is substantially configured and/or designed like the processing unit 148 shown in Fig. 3.

The second processing unit 162 may be part of the system 200 or associated therewith.

The respective covering devices 154, 160 are arranged and/or attached to the respective process units 158, 162 in the manner already described in connection with Figs. 1 to 4.

The said feed device 156 can be controlled by means of the respective control unit 132 of the first and/or the second covering device 154, 160.

It is additionally or alternatively conceivable that the said feed device 156 comprises a control unit separate from the control unit 132 or is assigned to such a control unit, for example of the respective process units 158, 162.

The cover devices 154, 160 can be engaged with each other.

For this purpose, the two processing units 158, 162 can, for example, be movable relative to one another and then maintain a common contact so that the covering devices 154, 160 are and remain in engagement with one another.

In the engaged state of the covering devices 154, 160, a particular spatial transition can be formed between the respective recesses 112 of the respective base bodies 110 of the covering devices 154, 160.

In this way, a particularly spatial transition between the process units 158, 162 can also be realized or is realized. This spatial transition can be sealed or is sealed to the outside by the respective outer sealing elements 142 of the covering devices 154, 160.

Furthermore, this spatial transition can be flowed through with gas and/or gas mixture by means of the supply device 156 before, during and/or after the intervened state, whereby, for example, a risk of contamination can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the first and/or the second process unit 158, 162 can be designed, for example, as a treatment box, e.g. a patient box, in particular for receiving and/or transporting and/or treating a treatment object.

The first and/or the second process unit 158, 162 can, for example, be designed as a tool box, in particular for treating an object, which can in particular comprise a tool unit, in particular for treating the treatment object and/or a sensor unit, in particular for analyzing the treatment object.

The first and/or the second process unit 158, 162 can, for example, be designed as a supply box, in particular for providing a material, e.g. a consumable material, and/or a substance which may be required for the treatment of a treatment object.

For example, it can be provided that the first process unit 158 or the second process unit 162 is designed as a treatment box and the corresponding other process unit 162, 158 is designed as a tool box and/or a supply box.

For example, it may be additionally or alternatively provided that the first process unit 158 or the second process unit 162 is designed as a tool box and the corresponding other process unit 162, 158 is designed as a supply box.

In the engaged state of the covering devices 154, 160 and thus of the processing units 158, 162, for example, a piercing element from the interior 150 of the second processing unit 162 can be guided through the opening 106 of the second processing unit 162, in particular automatically. Subsequently, first the cover element 118 of the second cover device 160 and then the cover element 118 of the first cover device 154 can be penetrated, in particular pierced, with this piercing element.

The piercing element can then be used to deliver anything, e.g. a treatment object, e.g. a biological object, a tool unit, a sensor unit, a material and/or a substance, from the second processing unit 162 to the first processing unit 158.

The piercing element can then be returned, in particular retractable, into the second processing unit 162.

When the piercing element is returned to the second processing unit 162, the respective pierced part of the respective cover element 118 of the first and second cover devices 154, 160 is moved away from the respective recess 112 and received by the respective receiving device 116 of the first and second cover devices 154, 160.

Consequently, the respective openings 106 of the second processing unit 162 and the first processing unit 158 are again aseptically covered.

In Fig. 6, a system 200 according to the invention with, for example, two covering devices 100 according to a further embodiment is shown schematically.

The embodiment of the system 200 shown in Fig. 6 is substantially configured and/or designed like the embodiment of the system 200 shown in Fig. 5.

The only difference between the embodiments in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is the provided cover devices 154, 160, which are essentially configured and/or designed like the embodiment of the cover device 100 shown in Fig. 2.

It should therefore be understood that any structural and/or functional features and/or characteristics and/or advantages described in connection with the covering device 100 and/or the process unit 148 and/or with the system of Fig. 5 and/or become, may also be part of said system 200 of Fig. 6 and/or may be assignable thereto.

In Fig. 7, a covering device 100 according to the invention for the in particular aseptic covering of at least a part 102 of an object 104 according to a further embodiment is shown schematically.

The embodiment of the covering device 100 shown in Fig. 7 is essentially configured and/or designed like the embodiment of the covering device 100 shown in Fig. 1, so that only the differences are described below.

As can be seen in Fig. 7, the covering device 100 can be arranged or is arranged on the base body 110.

The cover device 100 is arranged relative to the recess 112 formed in the base body 110 such that the cover element 118 and in particular the intermediate section 124 of the cover element 118 extends through this recess 112.

The covering device 100 is arranged relative to the recess 112 formed in the base body 110 such that the covering element 118 and in particular the intermediate section 124 of the covering element 118 protrudes relative to the base body 110, in particular in a direction facing away from the base body 110 and in particular from the object 104.

This opposite direction can be understood, for example, as a direction which is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to a direction of travel of the cover element 118 along the opening 106 of the object 102 and/or along the recess 112.

As can be seen in Fig. 7, the cover element 118 extends from the supply device 114 to the receiving device 116, wherein the intermediate section 124 of the cover element 118 is stretched over the opening 106 of the object 102, so that the said intermediate section 124 protrudes outward through the recess 112 with respect to the base body 110. It is understood that this effect, that the cover element 118 and in particular the intermediate section 124 of the cover element 118 protrudes relative to the base body 110, can additionally or alternatively be achieved by means other than by a structure of the object 102, as shown by way of example in Fig. 7. For example, corresponding deflection elements, e.g. deflection rollers, can also serve to deflect the cover element 118, which are suitably arranged for this purpose, in particular on the base body 110.

The protruding cover element 118 and in particular the protruding intermediate section 124 of the cover element 118 can be particularly advantageous if the said object 102 is to be brought into engagement with another object (cf. Figs. 5 and 6) and this further object also comprises a covering device 100 described in connection with Fig. 7.

In this case, the respective objects 102 can be arranged or can be arranged in such a way that the respective protruding cover elements 118 and in particular the respective protruding intermediate sections 124 of these cover elements 118 preferably lie flush against one another. This can, for example, make it possible to achieve low-contamination access to the respective objects 102 and/or exchange between the respective objects 102.

It is understood that the said objects 102 can, for example, be process units, as has already been described in particular in connection with Figs. 5 and 6.

list of reference symbols

cover device

part of object

object

opening of object

interior of object

base body

recess

provisioning facility

reception facility

Cover element first section of cover element second section of cover element intermediate section of cover element intermediate area

provisioning role element

Take-up roller element Control unit First motor Second motor First inner seal element Second inner seal element

external sealing element

deflection device

pulley element

process unit

interior

lateral surface first covering device

feeding device first process unit second covering device second process unit

system

Claims

patent claims 1. Covering device (100, 154, 160) for the in particular aseptic covering of at least one part (102, 106) of an object (104, 148, 158, 162), in particular an opening (106) to an interior (108, 150) of an object (104, 148, 158, 162), wherein the covering device (100, 154, 160) can be arranged or is arranged on a base body (110) in the region of a recess (112) formed in the base body (110) for access to the at least one part (102, 106) of the object (104, 148, 158, 162) and has the following: a provision device (114) for providing at least one part of a in particular elongated cover element (118), wherein the provision device (114) holds and/or retains a first portion (120) of the cover element (118); and a receiving device (116) for receiving at least a part of the cover element (118), wherein a second section (122) of the cover element (118) is held and/or retained on the receiving device (116), wherein the provision device (114) and the receiving device (116) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that a section (124) of the cover element (118) located between the first and the second section (120, 122) extends beyond the recess (112) and thus the at least one part (102, 106) of the object (104, 148, 158, 162) can be covered, and wherein the cover element (118) can be moved in sections and/or continuously from the provision device (114) to the receiving device (116) and in an intermediate region (126) between the provision device (114) and the receiving device (116) covers the recess (112) and thus at least one part (102, 106) of the object (104, 148, 158, 162) can be covered. 2. Covering device (100, 154, 160) according to claim 1, characterized in that the provision device (114) comprises a provision roller element (128), by means of which the covering element (118) can be stored in particular rolled up and from which the covering element (118) can be provided by means of a rotary movement and can in particular be unrolled. 3. Covering device (100, 154, 160) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving device (116) comprises a receiving roller element (130), by means of which the cover element (118) can be stored, in particular rolled up, and on which the cover element (118) can be received by means of a rotary movement and in particular can be rolled up. 4. Covering device (100, 154, 160) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the covering element (118) is designed as a particularly elongated film which is at least partially held and/or retained on the provision device (114), is at least partially extendable over the recess (112) and/or extends over it and is at least partially held and/or retained on the receiving device (116). 5. Covering device (100, 154, 160) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the provision device (114) and the receiving device (116) for providing and receiving the at least one part of the covering element (118) are in particular synchronized in time, wherein in particular the provision device (114) and/or the receiving device (116) are motorized. 6. Cover device (100, 154, 160) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the receiving device (116) comprises an elastic element, in particular a spring element, by means of which the receiving device (116) is prestressed to receive the at least part of the cover element (118). 7. Covering device (100, 154, 160) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the covering device (100, 154, 160) comprises one or more inner sealing elements (138, 140) which are arranged between the base body (110) and the covering element (118) and in particular corresponding to the recess (112) and/or which can be or are arranged between the object (104, 148, 158, 162) and the covering element (118) and in particular corresponding to the recess (112) and/or the opening (106). 8. Covering device (100, 154, 160) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the covering device (100, 154, 160) comprises one or more external sealing elements (142) which can be or are arranged externally on the base body (110), in particular in a region for contacting a counter element (160, 162), and corresponding to the recess (112). 9. Covering device (100, 154, 160) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the provision and the receiving of the cover element (118) by the provision device (114) and the receiving device (116) can each be initiated by means of a rotational movement, wherein a respective direction of rotation of the provision device (114) and the receiving device (116) is identical to one another. 10. Cover device (100, 154, 160) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cover device (100, 154, 160) comprises a deflection device (144) which is arranged upstream of the receiving device (116) and by means of which the cover element (116) can be deflected and/or is deflected in such a way that the side of the cover element (118) which is oriented outwards in the recess (112) with respect to the base body (110) faces the second section (122) of the cover element (118) which is already held or retained there when the cover element (118) is received by the receiving device (116). 11. Cover device (100, 154, 160) according to claim 10, characterized in that the provision and the receiving of the cover element (118) by the provision device (114) and the receiving device (116) as well as the deflection of the cover element (118) by the deflection device (144) can each be caused by means of a rotary movement, wherein a respective direction of rotation of the provision device (114) and the deflection device (144) is identical to one another and a direction of rotation of the receiving device (116) is opposite to the respective direction of rotation of the provision device (114) and the deflection device (144). 12. Cover device (100, 154, 160) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the base body (110) is a housing by means of which the covering device (100, 154, 160) can be fastened to the object (104, 148, 158, 162) and in which the recess (112) is provided for access to the at least one part (102, 106) of the object (104, 148, 158, 162), and/or the base body (110) forms a part, in particular a wall, of the object (104, 148, 158, 162) or is formed by a part, in particular a wall, of the object (104, 148, 158, 162). 13. Covering device (100, 154, 160) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the object (104, 148, 158, 162) comprises a process unit for producing a product, in particular a biological-pharmaceutical product, and/or is designed as such, and/or the object comprises a container or a vessel and/or is designed as such, wherein in particular the container or the vessel serves to receive a treatment object. 14. System (200) comprising: a covering device (100, 154) according to one of claims 1 to 13; and a supply device (156) for supplying gas and/or a gas mixture, by means of which a gas flow and/or gas mixture flow can be generated which is directed along and in particular substantially parallel to the recess (112) of the base body (110). 15. System (200) according to claim 13, characterized in that the system (200) comprises at least one further covering device (160) according to one of claims 1 to 13, which can be brought into engagement with the other covering device (154) in order to form a particularly spatial transition between the respective recesses (112) of the respective base bodies (110). 16. Process unit (148, 158, 162) for producing a product, in particular a biological-pharmaceutical product, comprising: a housing (152) defining an interior space (150) for manufacturing a product, wherein an opening (106) to an interior (108; 150) is formed in the housing (152); and a covering device (100, 154, 160) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the covering device (100, 154, 160) is fixed to the housing (152) of the process unit (148, 158, 162) such that the recess (112) is aligned corresponding to the opening (106) of the housing (152) of the process unit (148, 158, 162).