WO2025098892A2 - Swiveling unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a swiveling unit (100) for moving and/or positioning a container (102), in particular in a process unit (104) for producing a preferably biological-pharmaceutical product, having: a drive device (106) for providing a torque; a torque transmission device (108) for transmitting a torque provided by the drive device (106); and an adapter device (110) for holding a container (102), in particular a container (102) for a biological-pharmaceutical fluid, wherein the torque which can be provided by the drive device (106) can be transmitted to the adapter device (110) via the torque transmission device (108) in order to move and/or position the container (102). The invention additionally relates to a system (182) consisting of the aforementioned swiveling unit (100) and the aforementioned container (102) and to a process unit (104) for producing a product, preferably a biological-pharmaceutical product, which has the aforementioned swiveling unit (100).

Description

Swivel unit

The present invention relates to a pivoting unit for moving and/or positioning a container and in particular to a pivoting unit for moving and/or positioning a container in a process unit for producing a preferably biological pharmaceutical product.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system comprising said pivoting unit and said container as well as to a process unit for producing a product, preferably a biological-pharmaceutical product, which comprises said pivoting unit.

Particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, for example for personalized therapeutics, treatment devices and/or process units are often used to manufacture a biological-pharmaceutical product in order to be able to carry out different and, in particular, individually tailored treatment processes for the production of the product. These highly personalized therapeutics are therefore associated with high costs, particularly personnel costs, due to their individual and/or micro-production, and there is often no possibility for large-scale application and/or industrial production of individual and/or micro-batch sizes. Furthermore, the said treatment processes preferably require a maximum degree of sterility as well as precise handling of tools and/or sensors to carry out the treatment processes. In this case, it may often be necessary to handle containers, for example for fluids, with regard to treatment devices and/or tools and/or sensors.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of solving the aforementioned problem and, in particular, of providing a pivoting unit for moving and/or positioning a container, in particular in a process unit for producing a preferably biological-pharmaceutical product, by means of which such containers can preferably be moved and/or positioned in an efficient and/or automated manner.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. The pivoting unit according to the invention for moving and/or positioning a container, in particular in a process unit for producing a preferably biological pharmaceutical product, comprises: a drive device for providing a torque; a torque transmission device for transmitting a torque provided by the drive device; and an adapter device for holding a container, in particular a container for a biological-pharmaceutical fluid, wherein the torque that can be provided by the drive device can be transmitted via the torque transmission device to the adapter device for moving and/or positioning the container.

It can be provided that the drive device is designed as an electric motor, preferably a stepper motor, and/or comprises such an electric motor, wherein the electric motor can optionally have a gear on the torque output side.

It can be provided that the swivel unit has a coupling device by means of which the drive device can be detachably coupled to the torque transmission device.

For example, it can be provided that the coupling device is designed as a claw coupling device and/or as a magnetic coupling device.

Advantageously, the drive device can be easily disassembled by means of the coupling device prior to sterilization and, in particular, autoclaving of the pivoting unit. It is understood that the drive device can additionally or alternatively be designed to be sterilizable and, in particular, autoclavable, so that such disassembly can preferably be avoided.

It can be provided that the torque transmission device has a first torque transmission element and a second torque transmission element, which are operatively connected to one another for transmitting a torque from the first torque transmission element to the second torque transmission element via a gear unit of the torque transmission device. For example, the clutch device can be arranged at a first end region of the first torque transmission element and the gear unit can be arranged at a second end region of the first torque transmission element.

For example, the gear unit may be arranged at a first end region of the second torque transmission element and the adapter device may be arranged at and/or adjacent to a second end region of the second torque transmission element.

For example, it may be provided that the first torque transmission element is longer than the second torque transmission element, or that the second torque transmission element is longer than the first torque transmission element, or that the first and second torque transmission elements are substantially the same length.

It can be provided that a torque deflection of substantially 90 degrees from the first torque transmission element to the second torque transmission element can be effected by means of the gear unit.

Alternatively, it can be provided that a torque deflection of greater than 90 degrees from the first torque transmission element to the second torque transmission element can be effected by means of the gear unit. For example, said torque deflection can be between 90 degrees and 180 degrees, preferably including 180 degrees.

For example, it can be provided that the first and second torque-transmitting elements enclose an angle of substantially 90 degrees to one another or between them. To a certain extent, the first and second torque-transmitting elements can be angularly spaced from one another, with said angle being substantially 90 degrees. It is understood that the two torque-transmitting elements can alternatively be spaced from one another at a different angle; for example, such an angle can be between 90 degrees and 180 degrees, preferably including 180 degrees.

It can be provided that the gear unit is designed as a self-locking gear, in particular a worm gear, and/or has such a gear. For example, it can be provided that the self-locking gear has a helical drive element and an output element.

Preferably, the drive element can be associated with the first torque transmission element and the output element can be associated with the second torque transmission element.

In a sense, the input element can be connectable or connected to the first torque transmission element and the output element can be connectable or connected to the second torque transmission element for the respective torque transmission.

For example, the screw-shaped drive element can be a worm shaft and/or a worm for mounting on a shaft.

For example, the output element can be a gear, in particular a worm gear.

Advantageously, the self-locking gear can be used to prevent a transmission of a movement originating from the second torque transmission element to the first torque transmission element.

It can be provided that the torque transmission device has a centering device which is fixed to the transmission unit and through which the second torque transmission element extends.

For example, it can be provided that the centering device has a flange-like section and/or a bushing-like and/or sleeve-like section.

To a certain extent, the centering device can have a centering flange and/or a centering bushing, which are preferably firmly connected to one another and/or are formed integrally with one another.

It can be provided that the first torque transmission element is designed as a first shaft. Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided that the second torque transmission element is designed as a second shaft.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the gear unit has a gear housing which is sealed to the outside.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that a first sealing element, in particular a radial shaft sealing ring, is provided between the first torque transmission element and the transmission unit for sealing a transition between the same.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that a second sealing element, in particular a radial shaft sealing ring, is provided between the second torque transmission element and the transmission unit for sealing a transition between the same.

It can be provided that the adapter device is held releasably on the torque transmission device, and in particular on a second torque transmission element of the torque transmission device, in particular is held releasably in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner.

For example, the adapter device can be releasably held on the second torque transmission element by means of a screw connection and/or by means of a magnetic force-based connection.

For example, the adapter device can be mounted and/or dismounted on the second torque transmission element by means of an actuating element for actuation by a user and/or a robot-like device.

It may be conceivable, for example, that such an actuating element is designed as a handle-like element, e.g. a star handle, by means of which a non-positive and/or positive connection between the second torque transmission element and the adapter device can be realized and/or dissolved. This may, for example, enable a simple change of the adapter device with respect to the torque transmission device and in particular the second torque transmission element.

It can be provided that the adapter device has one or more holding elements for holding the container on the adapter device.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the adapter device has an adapter plate on which the container is held or retained.

For example, the one or more holding elements can be arranged, e.g. mounted, on the adapter plate and/or formed integrally with the adapter plate.

For example, the adapter plate and a container held or supported thereon can have contours corresponding to one another, in particular on the outside.

It can be provided that the container can be held and/or fixed in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner by means of the one or more holding elements.

It can be provided that the one or more holding elements are at least partially elastically deformable, in particular for exerting a holding force on a container held or held by means of the adapter device.

For example, a respective holding element can be designed in the form of a clamp and/or a bracket.

It can be provided that the pivoting unit has a bearing device for fixing the pivoting unit in a process unit for producing a preferably biological pharmaceutical product.

It can be provided that the torque transmission device, and in particular a first torque transmission element of the torque transmission device, is rotatably mounted on and/or in the bearing device.

It can be provided that the bearing device is designed as a rolling bearing and/or a plain bearing and/or comprises such. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the bearing device has a base body on and/or in which the torque transmission device is at least partially arranged, optionally via a rolling bearing and/or a plain bearing.

It can be provided that the bearing device can be mounted on a wall of the process unit, in particular for fixing the swivel unit in an interior of the process unit.

It may additionally or alternatively be provided that the pivoting unit has a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is arranged on a first side of the bearing device and the second part is arranged on a second side of the bearing device opposite the first side.

For example, it can be provided that the bearing device can be mounted in a wall of the process unit, in particular for fixing the first part of the pivoting unit in a first interior space of the process unit and the second part of the pivoting unit in a second interior space of the process unit.

For example, it can be provided that the first part comprises the torque transmission device and the adapter device.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the second part comprises the drive device and optionally the coupling device.

Preferably, the first and second interior spaces of the process unit can be spatially separated from one another.

For example, a particularly aseptic production area can be defined or defined and/or formed by the first interior space of the process unit. To a certain extent, it can be provided that the first interior space of the process unit is a particularly aseptic production area.

For example, the second interior space of the process unit can be arranged in a technical box of the process unit, which, for example, before autoclaving the remaining Process unit can be removable and/or insulated from an autoclaving process and/or cooled, in particular passively or actively cooled.

It can be provided that the bearing device has at least one sealing device by means of which the first part and the second part can be sealed against each other.

Preferably, the first and second interior spaces of the process unit can be sealed from one another by means of the at least one sealing device.

For example, it can be provided that the at least one sealing device is designed as a circular sealing element, in particular an O-ring-like sealing element and/or a radial shaft sealing ring, and/or comprises such a sealing element.

It can be provided that at least the torque transmission device and the adapter device are designed to be autoclavable.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the pivoting unit is completely autoclavable, wherein the drive device has a particularly sealed housing which is partially or completely insulated, in particular thermally, from its surroundings.

It can be provided that the container is designed as a vessel, for example a culture vessel, a cell culture vessel, a bottle, for example a cell culture bottle, a vial, a bag, a cassette (e.g. a cassette made of a, in particular biocompatible, hard plastic) and/or a titer plate (e.g. a microtiter plate).

It can be provided that the container, including the aforementioned examples, has a storage body for storing an object, in particular for producing a preferably biological-pharmaceutical product, and a covering element, preferably a closure, for covering and/or closing the storage body.

For example, a cell culture flask may have such a storage body and a closure.

It may be provided that such an object comprises, for example, at least one of the following: a reactant, in particular a material containing cells, for example a starting material containing cells, and/or a biological-pharmaceutical material and/or a biological-pharmaceutical workpiece, an intermediate product, in particular an intermediate product containing 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, a consumable, for example a fluid and/or a component obtained or obtainable from a fluid.

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

It can be provided that the container, including the examples mentioned above, is suitable, in particular biocompatible, partially or completely coated and/or partially or completely uncoated.

The container may have a volume between 1 pl and 2000 ml, in particular between 1 pl and 1000 ml, and furthermore in particular between 1 pl and 500 ml. The volume may be, for example, 250 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, 1000 ml, 1500 ml, or 2000 ml. Furthermore, the volume may be less than 1 pl and/or greater than 2000 ml.

Advantageously, by means of the pivoting unit, the container held or retained thereon can be moved and, in particular, positioned in a simple and/or efficient manner, for example in order to enable the container to be opened and/or closed by a corresponding device of a or the process unit.

Advantageously, the contents of the container can be kept in motion by means of the pivoting unit. For example, a cell suspension and/or other liquid stored in the container can be kept in motion, preferably during a treatment process. Advantageously, the swivel unit can be operated without linear movement and thus has a simple sealing concept, preferably with regard to sterilization and in particular autoclaving.

Advantageously, the swivel unit can enable a quick and easy change of the adapter device, so that the swivel unit can be used flexibly for different types of containers.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a system comprising a pivoting unit according to the above and/or following description and a container, in particular a container for a biological-pharmaceutical fluid.

It should be understood that all structural and/or functional features associated with the pivoting unit according to the invention and its embodiments described above and/or below can also be included in said system, either alone or in combination, and the associated properties, configurations and/or advantages can also be included and achieved accordingly.

It can be provided that the adapter device is designed to be at least partially complementary and/or corresponding to the container.

For example, the one or more holding elements can be designed to be at least partially complementary and/or corresponding to the container.

It can preferably be provided that the adapter device is formed from a plurality of adapter units and the container is a container of a specific type of a plurality of containers, wherein each adapter unit is designed to be at least partially complementary and/or corresponding to a specific type of container of the plurality of different types of containers.

To a certain extent, a respective adapter unit can have one or more holding elements which are at least partially complementary and/or corresponding to the respectively assigned type of container. Furthermore, the present invention provides a process unit for producing a product, preferably a biological-pharmaceutical product.

It should be understood that all structural and/or functional features associated with the pivoting unit and/or system according to the invention and its embodiments described above and/or below can also be included in said process unit, either alone or in combination, and the associated properties, configurations and/or advantages can also be included and achieved accordingly.

The process unit comprises: an interior space formed by a wall; and a pivoting unit arranged in the interior space according to the above and/or following description or a system of the above and/or following description, wherein at least its pivoting unit is arranged in the interior space.

It can be provided that the process unit has an actuating device for opening and/or closing a container, which is arranged in the interior.

It can be provided that, with respect to the actuating device for opening and/or closing, a container, preferably for a biological-pharmaceutical fluid, which is held or retained by means of the pivoting unit, can be positioned by means of the pivoting unit, in particular for opening and/or closing the container by means of said actuating device.

It may additionally or alternatively be provided that the processing unit has a tapping unit for exerting a force and/or a moment and/or a mechanical impulse on a or the container, preferably for detaching adhering material, in particular cells, in the interior of the container, wherein the tapping unit is arranged in the interior of the processing unit.

This can be understood in particular to mean that, additionally or alternatively, the process unit can have a tapping unit for accelerating and decelerating a or the container, preferably for detaching adhering material, in particular cells, in the interior of the container, wherein the tapping unit is arranged in the interior of the process unit. It is conceivable, for example, that the aforementioned tapping unit could be used for adherent cell cultures, whose cells can grow in particular in a lawn-like manner on the bottom of the container, e.g., a cell culture vessel. Depending on the cell type, the cells can adhere to it to varying degrees. Using a tapping unit, for example, the detachment of adherent material, in particular the cells, can be simplified. For example, the addition of enzymes, e.g., trypsin, to detach the cells, subsequent rinsing with neutral liquid, e.g., PBS, and/or manual, particularly jerky, movement of the container by laboratory personnel can be avoided.

It can be provided, for example, that a force and/or a moment and/or a mechanical impulse and/or the said acceleration and deceleration can be realized and/or initiated and/or exerted by means of the knocking unit, for example on the basis of a release of energy stored in or by the knocking unit, e.g. by an elastic element of the knocking unit, in particular a spring element, by a pneumatic element of the knocking unit, air pressure, so to speak, by a magnetic element of the knocking unit, etc.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that a container, preferably for a biological-pharmaceutical fluid, which is held or supported by the pivoting unit can be positioned relative to the tapping unit by means of the pivoting unit, and that a force and/or a moment and/or a mechanical impulse and/or the aforementioned acceleration and deceleration can be exerted on the container by means of the pivoting unit when the container is moved to a predefined position by means of the pivoting unit. To a certain extent, the tapping unit, for example a striking element of the tapping unit, can then release its stored energy to exert the force and/or moment and/or impulse and/or acceleration on the container.

Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided that the tapping unit is arranged on or adjacent to the container and that the container and the tapping unit are movable and positionable together by means of the pivoting unit, and that a force and/or a moment and/or a mechanical impulse and/or the aforementioned acceleration and deceleration can be exerted on the container by means of the tapping unit when the container and the tapping unit are moved to a predefined position by means of the pivoting unit. To a certain extent, the tapping unit, for example a striking element of the tapping unit, can then release its stored energy to exert the force and/or the moment and/or the impulse and/or the acceleration on the container. For example, it may be conceivable that that the knocking unit is arranged on the adapter device and/or the second torque transmission element.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the tapping unit can be preloaded by means of the pivoting unit, in particular a movement, preferably rotation, of the pivoting unit, for example the adapter device. This allows energy to be supplied to the tapping unit in a simple manner, which energy can then be released to exert the force and/or torque and/or impulse and/or acceleration on the container. In particular, such a release of energy can occur upon reaching a predetermined preload or a corresponding threshold value or upon reaching a predefined position, e.g., the aforementioned one, and/or can be triggered by means of a separate switching element, e.g., a magnet.

Additionally or alternatively, the tapping unit may comprise at least one link element and an elastic element, e.g., a spring element, wherein a container or containers can be accelerated and/or decelerated by means of the elastic element, wherein the elastic element can be pretensioned by a movement along and/or through the link element, effectively a link movement. This can be understood, in particular, as a linear movement for detaching adhering material, in particular cells, being realizable by means of a link movement.

Additionally or alternatively, the tapping unit may be provided with an actuator, e.g., a lifting magnet or a rotary actuator, by means of which a force and/or a moment and/or a mechanical impulse and/or the aforementioned acceleration and deceleration can be exerted on the container. For example, a plunger of the lifting magnet may be removable, and/or a separation of the stator or actuator may be designed in accordance with hygienic design. For example, the rotary actuator may have a radial seal on the outside, e.g., relative to the wall of the process unit.

Additionally or alternatively, the tapping unit may be configured as a handling device that is provided or can be provided in the process unit, by means of whose actuators, drive device, and/or pneumatics a force and/or a torque and/or a mechanical impulse and/or the aforementioned acceleration and deceleration can be exerted on the container. For example, when the container is removed by the handling device, a linear movement of the same can be utilized to exert a particularly linear and jerky movement on the container. It can additionally or alternatively be provided that the knocking unit is arranged on a handling device that can be provided or is provided in the process unit, wherein when the container is removed by the handling device, a force and/or a moment and/or a mechanical impulse and/or the said acceleration and deceleration can be exerted on the container by means of the knocking unit.

Optionally, the tapping unit can be provided with a counter element located opposite the container in its direction of action for absorbing the energy released by the tapping unit. For example, this counter element can be designed as an elastic element, e.g., a spring element, for absorbing energy, for example, from a blow or impulse.

As already described, the process unit can have an interior space formed by a wall, in which at least the pivoting unit is arranged.

The said interior space may, for example, be the first interior space in which the said first part of the pivoting unit can be arranged or is arranged.

It can be provided that the wall forms several side surfaces of the interior space and/or the process unit, preferably a front surface, a rear surface, an upper surface, a lower surface, and/or a first and a second opposing lateral surface. For example, a wall section of the wall can be assigned or associated with each of said surfaces.

It can be provided that the wall is thermally insulating, preferably with respect to an environment of the process unit.

It can be provided that the process unit has an opening device to enable the interior to be opened.

It may be provided that the opening device allows access to the interior space via said opening. It is understood that the opening device may additionally or alternatively allow closing of the interior space. It can be provided that the opening device comprises an opening element for opening and closing the interior space, which is assigned to a wall section of the wall.

For example, it can be provided that the process unit can be equipped and/or equipped via the opening device, for example with the pivoting unit and/or the tapping unit and/or the actuating device and/or one or more tool units and/or one or more sensor units.

It can be provided that a particularly aseptic production area can be defined or is defined and/or formed by the interior of the process unit. To a certain extent, it can be provided that the interior of the process unit is a particularly aseptic production area.

It can be provided that the process unit comprises at least one access device for enabling access to the interior.

It can be provided that the process unit has at least one tool unit and/or sensor unit for carrying out a treatment process for producing the product, which is or can be positioned with respect to the at least one access device.

It can be provided that the at least one access device of the process unit can enable access to the in particular aseptic production area of the process unit, which is definable or defined and/or formed by the interior space.

It can be provided that the access device comprises a door element which is arranged on and/or adjacent to the wall in the interior and which serves to open and close an access opening to the interior formed in the wall.

For example, it can be provided that the door element is movable, for example pivotable, in the direction of the interior for opening and closing. It can be provided that the process unit has a further interior space which is arranged adjacent to the interior space and is spatially separated from the interior space.

For example, the further interior space may be the second interior space in which said second part of the pivoting unit can be arranged or is arranged.

For example, it can be provided that the further interior space and the interior space are separated from each other by a part of the wall, for example a wall section.

It can be provided that the further interior space serves to receive and accommodate in particular temperature-sensitive and/or moisture-sensitive components, such as drive devices, motors, circuit boards, etc., which can be or are assigned to the pivoting unit and/or the knocking unit and/or the actuating device and/or the opening device and/or the access device.

In a sense, the additional interior space can be provided as a type of technical box. This technical box can, for example, be removable before autoclaving the remaining process unit and/or can be insulated and/or cooled, in particular passively or actively cooled, in such a way that the said sensitive components are not damaged during autoclaving of the interior.

In other words, it can be provided that the process unit has a technology container or a technology box, which is connected or connectable to the process unit, preferably in an exchangeable manner, and/or is formed integrally with the process unit. For example, it can be provided that such a technology box has an interior space or the further or second interior space, in particular for receiving and accommodating preferably temperature-sensitive and/or moisture-sensitive components for operating the pivoting unit and/or the tapping unit and/or the actuating device and/or one or more tool units and/or one or more sensor units. It can be conceivable that this interior space of the technology box or the further or second interior space can be arranged or is arranged adjacent to that interior space or the first interior space of the process unit and is spatially separated from this interior space of the process unit. This technology box can, for example, be cleaned and/or sterilized, e.g. autoclaving, of the rest of the process unit and/or can be insulated and/or cooled, in particular passively or actively cooled, in such a way that the said sensitive components are not damaged during cleaning and/or sterilization, e.g. autoclaving, of the process unit and in particular of the interior or the first interior of the process unit.

For example, it can be provided that the 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.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the 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 object and/or a sensor unit, in particular for analyzing the object.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the 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 an object.

The said object can, for example, be designed as already described in connection with the container and/or can be stored or stored in the container described herein.

The process unit may be designed to be movable and/or transportable relative to its surroundings and/or, in particular, to be automatically movable. It is understood that the process unit may additionally or alternatively be stationary relative to its surroundings.

For example, the process unit may comprise a particularly freely moving transport vehicle or be designed as such and/or be capable of being coupled to a particularly freely moving transport vehicle.

It can be provided that the transport vehicle, in particular a free-moving one, is guided by an induction loop and/or magnetically, in particular by permanent magnets and/or magnetic coils. Additionally or alternatively, a sensor based guidance, in particular camera-based guidance and/or radar/LIDAR-based guidance, may be provided.

It can be provided that the process unit can be connected and in particular mechanically coupled to one or more further process units for producing a product, in particular a biological pharmaceutical product.

For example, it can be provided that the process unit can be connected simultaneously and, in particular, mechanically coupled to a number of further process units corresponding to the number of its own access devices.

It can be provided that the process unit comprises a control unit which is in particular designed and programmed to at least partially or completely regulate and/or control the process unit.

It can be provided that the control unit is designed as an intermediary unit between the process unit and a higher-level further control unit, with which the control unit can be connected by signaling.

For example, the higher-level further control unit can be a computer system assigned or assignable to the process unit, e.g. from a production plant, which can, for example, itself be designed and programmed to at least partially or completely regulate and/or control the process unit.

The computer system assigned or assignable to the process unit can, for example, be arranged in the environment of the process unit, for example in a production plant, and/or arranged spatially separated or separately and can be connected or connected to the process unit, in particular to the control unit designed as an intermediary unit, in particular wirelessly and/or by cable, for example by means of one or more communication interfaces of the process unit.

It is understood that it can be provided that the pivoting unit and/or the knocking unit and/or the actuating device can be controlled by the said control unit and/or the higher-level further control unit. It is further understood that the process unit may comprise an energy storage device, in particular for power supply, and/or may be connectable to such a device for power supply. Preferably, the pivoting unit and/or the tapping unit and/or the actuating device may be supplied with power in this way.

Further preferred features and/or advantages of the present invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

The figures show:

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pivoting unit for moving and/or positioning a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a further schematic perspective view of the swivel unit of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the swivel unit of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a further side view of the swivel unit of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a further schematic perspective view of the swivel unit of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a further schematic perspective view of the swivel unit of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the swivel unit of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a process unit for manufacturing a product according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

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

Referring to Figs. 1 to 7, a swivel unit 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided. The swivel unit 100 is used to move and/or position a container 102.

Preferably, the pivoting unit 100 serves to move and/or position the container 102 in a process unit 104 for producing a preferably biological pharmaceutical product.

The swivel unit 100 has a drive device 106, a torque transmission device 108 and an adapter device 110.

The drive device 106 serves to provide a torque. In a sense, a torque can be delivered by the drive device 106.

The drive device 106 is designed as an electric motor and in particular as a stepper motor.

Optionally, said electric motor may have a gearbox on the torque output side, preferably for the corresponding increase and/or decrease.

The torque transmission device 108 serves to transmit a torque provided by the drive device 106.

The adapter device 110 serves to hold a container 102.

As can be seen in the figures, in the present case a container 102 is arranged on and/or on the adapter device 110 and is held by it.

In this case, the container 102 is a container for a biological-pharmaceutical fluid. To a certain extent, the biological-pharmaceutical fluid can be stored in the container 102.

In the present case, the container 102 is designed as a cell culture bottle, which has a storage body 112 for storing the biological-pharmaceutical fluid and a closure 114 for covering and/or closing the storage body 112. The torque that can be provided or is provided by the drive device 106 can be transmitted via the torque transmission device 108 to the adapter device 110 for moving and/or positioning the container 102.

In a sense, the container 102 can be caused to move and/or position in this way.

The drive device 106 is releasably connected to the torque transmission device 108 via a coupling device 116.

In other words, the pivoting unit 100 has a coupling device 116 by means of which the drive device 106 can be releasably coupled to the torque transmission device 108.

In the present case, the coupling device 116 is designed, for example, as a claw coupling device, wherein other coupling concepts may be conceivable additionally or alternatively, such as a magnetic coupling device.

Since the drive device 106 can be selectively disassembled and/or assembled from the rest of the swivel unit 100 by means of the coupling device 116, it can advantageously be easily disassembled before sterilization, for example autoclaving, of the swivel unit 100.

In particular, the coupling device 116 is connected to a first torque transmission element 118 of the torque transmission device 108.

In other words, the torque transmission device 108 has a first torque transmission element 118, via which the torque transmission device 108 can be connected or is connected to the coupling device 116 and thus to the drive device 106.

Furthermore, the torque transmission device 108 has a second torque transmission element 120, which is torque-effectively connected to the first torque transmission element 118. Specifically, the first torque transmission element 118 and the second torque transmission element 120 are operatively connected to one another via a gear unit 122 of the torque transmission device 108 in order to enable a torque to be transmitted from the first torque transmission element 118 to the second torque transmission element 120.

This can be understood in particular to mean that the torque which can be delivered by the drive device 106 can first be transmitted via the coupling device 116 to the first torque transmission element 118 and then can be transmitted from there via the gear unit 122 to the second torque transmission element 120.

As can be seen in the figures, the clutch device 116 is arranged at a first end region 124 of the first torque transmission element 118 and the gear unit 122 is arranged at a second end region 126 of the first torque transmission element 118.

Furthermore, the gear unit 122 is arranged at a first end region 128 of the second torque transmission element 120 and the adapter device 110 is arranged at and/or adjacent to a second end region 130 of the second torque transmission element 120.

In the present embodiment, the first torque transmission element 118 is longer than the second torque transmission element 120.

The first torque transmission element 118 is in the present case designed as a first shaft 132.

The second torque transmission element 120 is in the present case designed as a second shaft 134.

The first and second torque transmission elements 118, 120 and in particular the first and second shafts 132, 134 enclose an angle of substantially 90 degrees.

In a sense, the first and second torque transmission elements 118, 120 and in particular the first and second shafts 132, 134 are angularly spaced from one another, said angle being substantially 90 degrees. A torque deflection of also substantially 90 degrees from the first torque transmission element 118 to the second torque transmission element 120 can be effected by means of the gear unit 122.

The gear unit 122 has an outwardly sealed gear housing 136 in which a drive element (not shown in the figures) and an output element (not shown in the figures) are arranged, which engage with each other for torque transmission.

The drive element is in the present case helical, preferably as a worm shaft and/or a worm for mounting on a shaft, preferably the first shaft 132.

The output element is in the form of a gear, preferably a worm gear.

This can be understood in particular to mean that the gear unit 122 is designed as a worm gear and/or has such a gear.

In other words, the gear unit 122 is designed as a self-locking gear and/or has such a gear.

Here, the drive element is assigned to the first torque transmission element 118 or the first shaft 132 and is connected thereto.

The output element is assigned to the second torque transmission element 120 or the second shaft 134 and is connected thereto.

This can be understood in particular to mean that the said torque can be supplied to the gear unit 122 via the first torque transmission element 118 and can be transmitted there to the drive element, which can transmit the said torque to the output element, whereby the said torque can be transmitted to the second torque transmission element 120. In a sense, with respect to the transmittable torque, the first torque transmission element 118 is connected on the input side to the transmission unit 122 and the second torque transmission element 120 is connected on the output side to the transmission unit 122.

Advantageously, the self-locking gear, i.e., the gear unit 122, prevents and/or prevents the transmission of a movement originating from the second torque transmission element 120 to the first torque transmission element 118. This can, for example, result in improved reliability and/or accuracy of the pivot unit 100.

As can also be seen in the figures, the torque transmission device 108 has a centering device 138.

The centering device 138 is arranged on the gear unit 122 and the second torque transmission element 120 extends through the centering device 138.

Specifically, the centering device 138 is arranged on the outer surface of the gear housing 136 and secured thereto, for example, via a screw connection. To a certain extent, the centering device 138 can be screwed to the gear housing 136, for example, via four screw elements not shown in the figures.

Alternatively, it may be conceivable that the centering device 138 can be arranged on the outer surface side of the transmission housing 136 and can be fixed to the second torque transmission element 120, whereby the centering device 138 can function as a support device and/or stabilizing device of the torque transmission element 120 with respect to the transmission housing 136.

The centering device 138 has a flange-like portion and a bushing-like portion.

In the present embodiment, the flange-like portion is designed as a centering flange 140 and the bushing-like portion is designed as a centering bush 142. The centering flange 140 and the centering bushing 142 are formed and/or manufactured in one piece.

In the present case, the centering flange 140 is fixed to the gear housing 136 and the centering bushing 142 protrudes therefrom.

The second torque transmission element 120 or the second shaft 134 extends centrally through the centering device 138, in particular through a corresponding central hole 144 of the centering device 138.

Optionally, a plain bearing can be provided in the centering bush 142.

By means of the centering device 138, the concentricity of the second torque transmission element 120 can be improved. To a certain extent, a deviation from an ideal concentricity of the second torque transmission element 120 or the second shaft 134 can be reduced.

Furthermore, the centering device 138 can assume a supporting function with respect to the second torque transmission element 120 by securing the centering flange 140 to the gear housing 136. This makes it possible, for example, to hold containers 102 with larger volumes, for example, over 1000 ml and/or over 2000 ml, on the adapter device 110 while simultaneously ensuring high positioning accuracy of the container 102.

As already described, the swivel unit 100 is generally sterilizable and preferably autoclavable.

For this purpose, a first sealing element 146 is provided between the first torque transmission element 118 and the gear unit 122.

The first sealing element 146 serves to seal a transition between the first torque transmission element 118 and the gear unit 122.

The first sealing element 146 is designed here as a radial shaft seal. Furthermore, a second and a third sealing element 148, 150 are provided between the second torque transmission element 120 and the gear unit 122.

The second and third sealing elements 148, 150 serve to seal a transition between the second torque transmission element 120 and the gear unit 122.

The second and third sealing elements 148, 150 are each designed as a radial shaft seal.

By means of the second sealing element 148, the centering device-side transition between the second torque transmission element 120 and the gear unit 122 can be sealed or is sealed.

By means of the third sealing element 150, a transition between the second torque transmission element 120 and the transmission unit 122 can be sealed or is sealed, which transition is arranged on a side of the transmission housing 136 facing away from the centering device 138.

This can be understood, in particular, to mean that the second torque transmission element 120 is mounted in the gear housing 136 at at least two locations, and the second torque transmission element 120 extends through the gear housing 136. This can, for example, improve the concentricity of the second torque transmission element 120 and/or improve the load-bearing capacity of the second torque transmission element 120, whereby, for example, heavier containers 120 can be supported by the adapter device 110.

The adapter device 110 is in this case releasably held and/or fixed to the torque transmission device 108 and in particular to the second torque transmission element 120.

In particular, it is fixed to the second torque transmission element 120 in a force-locking and/or form-locking manner.

For this purpose, a through hole 152 is formed in a coupling region 154 of the second torque transmission element 120. The coupling region 154 is arranged between the first and second end regions 128, 130 of the second torque transmission element 120.

The adapter device 110 is releasably held on the second torque transmission element 120 by means of a screw connection. For this purpose, for example, a screw element (not shown in the figures) can be accommodated in the through-hole 152, which screws the adapter device 110 to the second torque transmission element 120.

Said screw element can further be designed as an actuating element for actuation by a user, by means of which the adapter device can be mounted and/or dismounted. For example, this actuating element can be designed as a handle-like element.

The adapter device 110 has an adapter plate 156 and a plurality of holding elements 158 for holding the container 102 on the adapter plate 156.

The adapter plate 156 and the holding elements 158 are formed in one piece and/or can be manufactured from a single sheet metal.

The adapter plate 156 has an outer contour corresponding to the container 102.

By means of the holding elements 158 and the adapter plate 156, the container 102 can be held and/or fixed in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner.

A portion of the holding elements 158 encompasses the container 102 from at least two sides of the container 102.

Another part of the holding elements 158 encompasses the container 102 from at least three sides of the container 102, for example in a clamp-like and/or bracket-like manner.

In a sense, the further part of the holding elements 158 are designed as clamp elements 160, which secure the container 102 against the adapter plate 156. The clamp elements 160 are at least partially elastically deformable to exert a holding force on the container 102 held or held in place by means of the adapter device 110.

This can in particular ensure that the container 102 is held securely on the adapter device 110.

As can be seen in the figures, the pivoting unit 100 has a bearing device 162 for fixing the pivoting unit 100 in a or the process unit 104 for producing a preferably biological-pharmaceutical product.

The first torque transmission element 118 is rotatably mounted on and/or in the bearing device 162.

For this purpose, the bearing device 162 comprises a rolling bearing 164.

According to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bearing device 162 further comprises a base body 166 in which the rolling bearing 164 is fixed and which can be fixed and, for example, screwed in a or the process unit 104 and/or on a wall 168 of the process unit 104.

This can be understood in particular to mean that the base body 166 can be mounted on a wall 168 of the process unit 104 in order to fix the pivoting unit 100 in an interior space 170 of the process unit 104, which is formed by the wall 168.

According to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rolling bearing 164 can be mounted directly or indirectly in a wall 168 of the process unit 104.

To a certain extent, in this second embodiment, the base body 166 of the other embodiment, identified by the reference numeral 166, can be regarded as part of the said wall 168 of the process unit 104.

This can be understood in particular to mean that the bearing device 162 can be mounted in a wall 168 of the process unit 104 in order to fix the swivel unit 100 in one or the interior 170 of the process unit 104, which is formed by the wall 168.

According to the second embodiment, the pivot unit 100 has a first part 172 and a second part 174.

The first part 172 is arranged on a first side of the bearing device 162 and the second part 174 is arranged on a second side of the bearing device 162 opposite the first side.

As a result, the first part 172 can be arranged or disposed in the interior space 170 of the process unit 104, which is a first interior space 170 of the process unit 104, and the second part 174 can be arranged or disposed in a further interior space, in a sense a second interior space 176, of the process unit 104.

The first part 172 comprises the torque transmission device 108 and the adapter device 110.

The second part 174 has the drive device 106 and the coupling device 116.

The first and second interior spaces 170, 176 of the process unit 104 are spatially separated from one another by means of the wall 168 or by means of a section of the wall 168.

For example, a particularly aseptic production area can be defined or defined and/or formed by the first interior space 170 of the process unit 104.

In a certain sense, it can be provided that the first interior space 170 of the process unit 104 is a particularly aseptic production area.

For example, the second interior space 176 of the process unit can be arranged in a technology box 178 of the process unit 104, which can be removable, for example, before autoclaving the remaining process unit and/or can be insulated and/or cooled, in particular passively or actively cooled, with respect to an autoclaving process. According to the second embodiment, the bearing device 162 has a sealing device 180, by means of which the first part 172 and the second part 174 can be sealed against each other.

Preferably, the first and second interior spaces 170, 176 of the process unit 104 can be sealed from one another by means of the sealing device 180.

In the following, a possible exemplary operation of the swivel unit 100 will be described independently of the first or second embodiment:

By means of the drive device 106, a torque is transmitted to the first torque transmission element 118, causing it to rotate.

By virtue of the first torque transmission element 118 being operatively connected to the second torque transmission element 120 via the gear unit 122, the torque or said rotation is transmitted to the second torque transmission element 120, whereby the adapter device 110 and thus also the container 102 held thereon are pivoted.

Here, a pivoting direction depends on a torque direction of the torque that can be output by the drive device 106.

As a result, the container 102 can be moved and/or positioned precisely and/or automatically by means of the pivoting device 100, preferably in the interior or first interior space 170 of the process unit 104.

Advantageously, by means of the pivoting unit 100, the container 102 held or held thereon can be moved and, in particular, positioned in a simple and/or efficient manner, for example in order to enable opening and/or closing of the container 102 by a corresponding device 186 of a or the process unit 102.

Advantageously, the contents of the container 102 can be kept in motion by means of the pivoting unit 100. For example, a cell suspension and/or other liquid stored in the container 102 can be kept in motion, preferably during a treatment process. Referring to Figures 1 to 7, a system 182 is provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The system 182 comprises said pivot unit 100 and said container 102.

It should be understood that all structural and/or functional features associated with the pivot unit 100 according to the invention and its embodiments described above and/or below can also be included in the said system 182 either alone or in combination and the associated properties, configurations and/or advantages can also be included and achieved accordingly.

As already described, the adapter device 110 is designed to be at least partially complementary and/or corresponding to the container 102. The adapter plate 156 and the holding elements 158 form an adapter unit 184.

The system 182 provides that the adapter device 110 is formed from a plurality of adapter units 184 and the container 102 is a container of a specific type, here a cell culture flask, of a plurality of different types of containers, wherein each adapter unit 184 is designed to be at least partially complementary and/or corresponding to a specific type of container of the plurality of different types of containers.

In a sense, a respective adapter unit 184 has an adapter plate 156 and holding elements 158, which are at least partially complementary and/or corresponding to the respectively assigned type of container.

Referring to Fig. 8, a processing unit 104 is provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

It should be understood that all structural and/or functional features associated with the swivel unit 100 and/or system 182 according to the invention described above and/or below and their embodiments can also be included in said process unit 104 either alone or in combination and the associated associated properties, configurations and/or advantages can also be included and achieved accordingly.

As already described, the process unit 104 has the interior space or first interior space 170 formed by the wall 168.

Furthermore, the process unit 104 has the pivoting unit 100 of Figs. 1 to 7, which is arranged inside the process unit 104.

This is the swivel unit 100 according to the second embodiment.

The first part 172 of the swivel unit 100 is arranged in the first interior space 170 of the process unit 104.

Furthermore, the process unit 104 has an actuating device 186 for opening and/or closing a container 102.

The actuating device 186 is also arranged in the first interior space 170.

A container 102 held or retained by the pivoting unit 100 can be moved and positioned relative to the actuating device 186 by means of the pivoting unit 100.

This preferably serves to open and/or close the container 102 by means of said actuating device 186.

Preferably, the closure 114 of the container 102 is engageable with the actuating device 186 after positioning for subsequent opening and/or closing of the container 102.

Such engagement and/or opening and/or closing by the actuating device 186 after positioning by the pivoting unit 100 can be carried out fully automatically.

After a corresponding operation, the container 102 can again be moved and/or positioned in another way by means of the pivoting unit 100, for example with respect to one or more tool units and/or one or more sensor units. The corresponding mobility and/or pivotability is indicated by the arrows in Fig. 8.

As can be seen in Fig. 8, the processing unit 104 has a tapping unit 188 arranged in the interior 190 for exerting a force and/or a moment and/or a mechanical impulse on the container 102 in order to detach adhering material, in particular cells, in the interior of the container 102.

Preferably, the tapping unit 188 can be actuated by the actuating device 186 before opening to detach adhering material, in particular cells.

The wall 168 is thermally insulating, preferably with respect to an environment of the process unit 104.

Furthermore, the process unit 104 comprises an opening device, not shown in the figures, for enabling opening of the first interior space 170.

By means of the opening device, access to the first interior space 170 is possible via said opening. It is understood that the opening device can additionally or alternatively enable closing of the first interior space 170.

The process unit 104 can be equipped and/or equipped via the opening device, for example with the pivoting unit 100 and/or the tapping unit 188 and/or the actuating device 186 and/or one or more tool units and/or one or more sensor units.

The first interior space 170 of the process unit 104 defines a particularly aseptic production area. In a sense, the first interior space 170 of the process unit 104 is a particularly aseptic production area.

It can further be provided that the process unit 104 comprises at least one access device for enabling access to the first interior space 170. It can be provided that the process unit 104 has at least one tool unit and/or sensor unit for carrying out a treatment process for producing the product, which can be positioned or is positioned. It can be provided that the at least one access device of the process unit 104 can enable access to the in particular aseptic production area of the process unit 104, which is definable or defined and/or formed by the first interior space 170. It can be provided that the access device comprises a door element which is arranged on and/or adjacent to the wall 168 in the first interior space 170 and which serves to open and close an access opening formed in the wall 168 to the first interior space 170. It can be provided, for example, that the door element is movable, for example pivotable, in the direction of the interior space for opening and closing.

As can be seen in Fig. 8, the process unit 104 has a further interior space 176, here a or the second interior space 176, which is arranged adjacent to the first interior space 170 and is spatially separated from the first interior space 170 by means of the wall 168 and in particular a section of the wall 168.

In the further or second interior space 176, the said second part 174 of the pivoting unit 100 can be arranged and is arranged here.

The further or second interior space 176 serves to receive and accommodate, in particular, temperature-sensitive and/or moisture-sensitive components, such as drive devices 106, motors, circuit boards, etc., which can be or are assigned to, for example, the pivoting unit 100 and/or the knocking unit 188 and/or the actuating device 186 and/or the opening device and/or the access device.

In a sense, the further or second interior space 176 is a type of technical box 178 or the already mentioned technical box 178.

This technology box 178 can, for example, be removable before autoclaving the remaining process unit 104 and/or can be insulated and/or cooled, in particular passively or actively cooled, in such a way that the said sensitive components are not damaged during autoclaving of the first interior space 170.

Furthermore, the process unit 104 comprises a control unit not shown in the figures, which is particularly designed and programmed to control the process unit 104 at least to partially or completely regulate and/or control. This control unit is preferably also located in the technical box 178.

Preferably, the pivoting unit 100 and/or the tapping unit 188 and/or the actuating device 186 can be controlled with said control unit.

It is further understood that the processing unit 104 comprises an energy storage device (not shown in the figures), particularly for power supply. This energy storage device is preferably also arranged in the technology box 178. Preferably, the pivoting unit 100 and/or the tapping unit 188 and/or the actuating device 186 can be supplied with power in this way.

List of reference symbols

Swivel unit

container

Process unit

drive device

Torque transmission device

Adapter device

Storage body

closure

Clutch device first torque transmission element second torque transmission element

Gear unit first end region of first torque transmission element second end region of first torque transmission element first end region of second torque transmission element second end region of second torque transmission element first shaft second shaft

Gearbox housing

Centering device

Centering flange

Centering bushing

Central hole first sealing element second sealing element third sealing element

through hole

Coupling area

adapter plate

Holding element

Clamp element

Storage facility

Rolling bearings

Basic body Wall of process unit

Interior of process unit; first interior of process unit first part second part further interior of process unit; second interior of process unit

Technology box

Sealing device

System

adapter unit

Actuating device

Knocking unit

Claims

Patent claims 1. A pivoting unit (100) for moving and/or positioning a container (102), in particular in a process unit (104) for producing a preferably biological-pharmaceutical product, comprising: a drive device (106) for providing a torque; a torque transmission device (108) for transmitting a torque provided by the drive device (106); and an adapter device (110) for holding a container (102), in particular a container (102) for a biological-pharmaceutical fluid, wherein the torque that can be provided by the drive device (106) can be transmitted via the torque transmission device (108) to the adapter device (110) for moving and/or positioning the container (102). 2. Swivel unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the swivel unit (100) has a coupling device (116) by means of which the drive device (106) can be detachably coupled to the torque transmission device (108), wherein in particular the coupling device (116) is designed as a claw coupling device and/or as a magnetic coupling device. 3. Swivel unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the torque transmission device (108) has a first torque transmission element (118) and a second torque transmission element (120), which are operatively connected to one another for transmitting a torque from the first torque transmission element (118) to the second torque transmission element (120) via a gear unit (122) of the torque transmission device (108). 4. Swivel unit (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that a torque deflection of substantially 90 degrees from the first torque transmission element (118) to the second torque transmission element (120) can be effected by means of the gear unit (122). 5. Swivel unit (100) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the gear unit (122) is designed as a self-locking gear, in particular a worm gear, and/or has such a gear. 6. Swivel unit (100) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the torque transmission device (108) has a centering device (138) which is fixed to the gear unit (122) and through which the second torque transmission element (120) extends. 7. Swivel unit (100) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the first torque transmission element (118) is designed as a first shaft (132); and/or the second torque transmission element (120) is designed as a second shaft (134); and/or the gear unit (122) has a gear housing (136) which is sealed to the outside; and/or a first sealing element (146), in particular a radial shaft sealing ring, is provided between the first torque transmission element (118) and the gear unit (122) for sealing a transition between the same; and/or a second sealing element (148, 150), in particular a radial shaft sealing ring, is provided between the second torque transmission element (120) and the gear unit (122) for sealing a transition between the same. 8. Swivel unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter device (110) is releasably held on the torque transmission device (108), and in particular on a second torque transmission element (120) of the torque transmission device (108), in particular is releasably held in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner. 9. Swivel unit (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that the adapter device (110) has one or more holding elements (158) which are optionally at least partially elastically deformable, in particular for exerting a holding force on a container (102) which is held or held by means of the adapter device (110). 10. Pivoting unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivoting unit (100) has a bearing device (162) for securing the pivoting unit (100) in a process unit (104) for producing a preferably biological-pharmaceutical product, wherein the torque transmission device (108), and in particular a first torque transmission element (118) of the torque transmission device (108), is rotatably mounted on and/or in the bearing device (162), wherein it is preferably provided that: the bearing device (162) is mountable on a wall (168) of the process unit (104), in particular for securing the pivoting unit (100) in an interior space (170) of the process unit (104), and/or the pivoting unit (100) has a first part (172) and a second part (174), wherein the first part (172) is arranged on a first side of the bearing device (162) and the second part (174) is arranged on a second side of the bearing device (162) opposite the first side, wherein it is optionally provided that the bearing device (162) can be mounted in a wall (168) of the process unit (104), in particular for fixing the first part (172) of the pivoting unit (100) in a first interior space (170) of the process unit (104) and the second part (174) of the pivoting unit (100) in a second interior space (176) of the process unit (104). 11. Pivoting unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the torque transmission device (108) and the adapter device (110) are designed to be autoclavable; and/or the pivoting unit (100) is fully autoclavable, wherein the drive device (106) has a housing, in particular a sealed housing, which is partially or completely, in particular thermally, insulated from its surroundings. 12. System (182) comprising a pivoting unit (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and a container (102), in particular a container for a biological pharmaceutical fluid. 13. System (182) according to claim 12, characterized in that the adapter device (110) is designed to be at least partially complementary and/or corresponding to the container (102), wherein it is preferably provided that the adapter device (110) is formed from a plurality of adapter units (184) and the container (102) is a container of a specific type of a plurality of containers, wherein each adapter unit (184) is designed to be at least partially complementary and/or corresponding to a specific type of container of the plurality of different types of containers. 14. A process unit (104) for producing a product, preferably a biological pharmaceutical product, comprising: an interior space (170) formed by a wall (168); and a pivoting unit (100) arranged in the interior space (170) according to one of claims 1 to 11 or a system (182) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein at least its pivoting unit (100) is arranged in the interior space (170). 15. Process unit (104) according to claim 14, characterized in that the process unit (104) has an actuating device (186) for opening and/or closing a container (102), which is arranged in the interior (168) and with respect to which a container (102), preferably for a biological-pharmaceutical fluid, which is held or held by means of the pivoting unit (100), can be positioned by means of the pivoting unit (100), in particular for opening and/or closing the container (102) by means of said actuating device (186), and/or the process unit has a tapping unit (188) for exerting a force and/or a moment and/or a mechanical impulse on a container (102), preferably for detaching adhering material, in particular cells, inside the container, wherein the tapping unit (188) is arranged in the interior (180).