DE10154702B4 - Filter Module Packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

Filter module packaging, especially reusable packaging sleeve for sterile filtering filter modules, essentially consisting of at least two detachably connectable, inwardly sterile final Sleeve members characterized in that the sleeve members (7, 7 ') respectively have a predefinable size, so by joining together the sleeve elements (7, 7 ') the packaging sleeve (1) with a sleeve space (8) predetermined size, with at least one, in a sleeve end area (11) arranged free space (3, 3 ') of specifiable size bildbar is, and that the free space (3, 3 ') is formed so that, with Help at least one, at least one sleeve member (7, 7 ') arranged Fixing element (13) through which the filter module (9) within of the sleeve space (8) can be fixed, with filter modules (9) of different sizes a non-binding Minimum distance between filter module (9) and an adjacent end face (12) in the sleeve end area (11) is ensured.

Description

The The invention relates to a filter module package, in particular a reusable packaging sleeve for sterile Filtering filter modules, consisting essentially of at least two detachable connectable, inwardly sterile terminating sleeve elements.

Sterile Filtering filter modules are available in a wide variety of designs, for example as filter cartridges, filter capsules, winding modules, filter cartridges, or as ready-to-connect filter units, such as so-called Disposables made. The packaging of the filter modules provides a significant cost factor in the filter production. By the size Quantity accumulating filter packaging and additional outer packaging is created In addition, a high environmental impact. Therefore comes next to the economy The environmental friendliness of packaging is also becoming increasingly important to.

It is common to either filter modules in dense (see, for example US 4,727,705 . DE 299 08 080 U1 ) or in plastic bags permeable to sterilization media. The sterilization of the filter modules is done in the sealed bags by autoclaving or irradiation with gamma rays and the permeable bags by the action of sterilizing gases, such as water vapor or ethylene oxide gas.

When The handling of the filter module packaging is problematic. Unpacking the filter modules from the plastic bags and cartons is for the customer relatively complicated. The plastic bags are used as disposable items by the customer separated from the filter modules and disposed of. This creates a high environmental impact. Most come as additional waste cardboard than Additional packaging. In the manufacture of the filter modules has become the bagging and final packaging in boxes, in spatially separated operations happens, also proved uneconomical.

From the DE 37 24 803 A1 is a filter module package for receiving a disposable filter holder and a method for sterilizing the single-use disposable filter holder, known. The filter module packaging or packaging sleeve is produced as a two-part plastic housing from an upper housing part and a lower housing part. The two housing parts can be connected and released via a screw cap. The walls of the housing parts may have a gassing and venting opening for sterilizing the filter holder. This opening can be welded after degassing or sealed with foil. In view of a recyclability, a closure of the opening via a plug or a spike is possible. The used filter holder can be put back into the packaging sleeve after use and the capsule can be closed again.

adversely in the known filter module packaging affects that they only for the inclusion of a specific type of filter holders with predetermined same dimensions is suitable. This is the versatility this packaging severely limited.

Furthermore, from the DE 35 37 748 A1 a hard capsule, consisting of a body part and a, connectable to the body part, cap part known. The capsule is provided as a container for filling with loose substances or liquids, such as drugs. The cap part has on its inner wall side an annular ridge. Toward the open end of the cap, at least one means consisting of protrusions or another ridge is provided, spaced from the ridge. The burr, together with the device, effects an exact coaxial alignment of the capsule parts and an improved stability of the capsule against the mechanical loads during filling, sealing and checking in high-speed processing machines. A disadvantage of the known hard capsule is that the capsule contents in the interior of the capsule can move freely or completely fill the interior. A solid single object, such as a filter module, would slip in the capsule and / or undesirably impact the closed capsule part ends. This could lead to damage to the filter module and / or the capsule, in particular if ventilation or sterilization feeds, for example sensitive filter membranes, are provided on the capsule. For a secure recording of filter modules, the known hard capsule is therefore unsuitable.

Finally, out of the DE 32 38 759 A1 a package for holding gardening goods, consisting of a receiving tube, which is closed at its ends in each case with a lid, known.

The known packaging tube also has the disadvantage that a filter module is not sufficiently secured in such a package.

task It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a package for filter modules to develop in a simple, versatile and flexible way is, and thereby ensuring a safe recording and storage of the modules guaranteed.

These Task is inventively in conjunction solved with the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the sleeve elements each have a predefinable size, so by joining together the sleeve elements the packaging sleeve with a sleeve space specifiable size, with at least one, in a sleeve end area arranged clearance of specifiable size is bildbar, and that the Free space is designed so that, with the help of at least one, to at least one sleeve element arranged fixing element, through which the filter module within of the sleeve space can be fixed, for filter modules of different sizes a non-binding Minimum distance between the filter module and an adjacent end face in the sleeve end area is ensured.

Thereby, that two or more sleeve elements predefinable size, i. with selectable length and Diameter and considering the Free space, can be used, the sleeve in a simple way optimally to filter modules of various sizes and construction be adjusted. The packaging sleeve is through the respective Choice of suitable sleeve elements particularly economical in production and space required for transport and storage needed in principle no additional outer packaging and is therefore environmentally friendly and is suitable for many different filter products suitable and thus versatile usable The planned free space, preferably in each case a free space in Hülsenendbereich the sleeve, allows Recording, and by maintaining a minimum distance to the front at the sleeve conclusion Safe storage of filter modules with different connection adapters in the same packing sleeve. Of the Free space is provided by the fixing element or a plurality of fixing elements guaranteed. The fixing element secures the filter module in its position in the sleeve. Thereby can the module, for example, during of transport, in the pod do not slip. The danger of associated damage is thus excluded. In particular, arranged on the sleeve Devices for ventilation, or, to the feeder protected by sterilization media by the fixation of the filter module. Of the Freiraum can easily, if logistically and economically meaningful, adapted to the different connection types. The packaging sleeves can for different Filter module sizes are executed. It can sleeve elements same or different lengths combined be to provide a variety of different sized sleeve chambers with little effort. The packaging is thus highly universally applicable. Of the Production process leaves Automate with relatively little effort. In addition, the sleeve packaging cost-effective when packing in bags with additional cartons. The packaging sleeve is therefore particularly economical in production and distribution. At the same time are the sleeves easy to handle for the customer and meet As a reusable packaging the requirements for an environmentally friendly Product. Can do this they are withdrawn by the manufacturer and reused become. By the packaging according to the invention becomes an elevated one Transport protection for the sensitive filter modules and a high saving of storage volume (at least 10%).

According to one preferred embodiment of Invention, the fixing element is designed as a retaining cam.

to Fixation of the filter module can particularly easy and inexpensive one or more retaining cams may be formed on the inner walls of the sleeve members. For this purpose, for example, on two sleeve elements which form the sleeve, each provided a retaining cam. Between the two retaining cams the filter module is inserted and held securely. Stand out possibly existing connection adapter of the module in the adjoining open spaces, the sufficiently large are so that the closed ends of the sleeve remain non-contact. filter modules with different connection adapters and otherwise the same dimensions can thus problem-free and cost-effective packed in a sleeve version become. The feeder a sterilizing gas, or a sterilizing liquid via a Membrane in the end face of the closed end of the respective sleeve element can not be affected by an adjacent filter module part. The module is stored safely, the membrane is protected.

To a further preferred embodiment the invention, the packaging sleeve on three sleeve elements, such that a third sleeve element as a middle part and the two sleeve elements as one each End part are formed.

A three-piece packaging sleeve increased with a middle section the variety of combination options and thus further improves the usability of the package.

According to one another preferred embodiment The invention has at least one sleeve element designed as an end part one on the face arranged ventilation filter on.

The ventilation filter allows Direct sterilization in the final packaging. An additional outer sterilization bag is not necessary. The filter module can thereby in the production process be packed directly.

According to another preferred Ausfüh In accordance with the invention, the ventilation filter is designed as a hydrophobic filter membrane.

hydrophobic Filter membranes are particularly suitable for introducing the sterilization medium in the packaging sleeve. They stand with different pore diameters in the μm range, which pass the sterilizing medium, but impermeable to microorganisms are available. By a suitable choice of the pore size of the Sterilization process in goodness and speed to be optimized. Basically it is also possible the Replace filter membrane if necessary.

According to one another preferred embodiment The invention relates to the ventilation filter a Safety cap can be placed.

The attachable safety cap, or the caps, if at both ends the sleeve a ventilation filter is used, protects the ventilation filter used from external damage. Thereby can individual filter modules can be shipped without further packaging. On the other hand in multiple packaging, i. several individual packs are located in an outer packaging, the safety caps omitted. Thereby the cost of packaging is further reduced.

To a further preferred embodiment the invention, the fuse cap at least one loading and Vent and a connection for a sterilizing medium supply on.

About these feed can forcibly sterilization medium and degassing medium in the packaging in and out to accelerate the sterilization process, which is usually if the packaged filter modules are exposed to the action of the sterilization medium, for example, ethylene oxide, and subsequently the action of the air leaves, 20 Takes hours or more.

According to one another preferred embodiment The invention relates to the sleeve elements as cylindrical sleeves with a circular base formed. You can but also be formed with an oval or angular base.

The Circular basic shape corresponds to the basic form of the frequently used Filter cartridges. Due to the different possible basic forms are the packaging sleeves but also for oval or square filter modules optimally usable.

To a further preferred embodiment The invention relates to the sleeve elements at their open ends threaded portions, with which the sleeve elements air and liquid tight with each other are screwed. The sleeve elements can but also designed to be pluggable.

The Screw connection is suitable for the circular sleeve shape as a simple and secure connection device, while at from the circular shape deviating sleeve base one Plug connection a cost-effective and structurally simple connection device between the sleeve elements forms.

According to one another preferred embodiment According to the invention, the packaging sleeve is made of polypropylene. But it can also be made of other plastics.

Lots Filter modules, in particular filter candles, are predominantly made of polypropylene produced. When using packaging sleeves the same material as the filter modules themselves, the spent and put into the pods Filter modules, disposed of with this without substance separation or fed to a recycling process become. This will make the environmental friendliness of the packaging sleeves, too if not reused, improved. Analog can also packaging sleeves made of other plastics are used when filter modules off these other plastics come for packaging.

To a further preferred embodiment The invention relates to the packaging sleeve in a blow molding process produced. It can also be produced by injection molding be.

With the blow molding in particular sleeve shapes for special filter modules, such as the SARTOCON ^® the company Sartorius AG, Göttingen, can be produced cheaply. The injection molding process enables a simple and inexpensive production of square sleeves, for example for flat filters.

According to one another preferred embodiment According to the invention, the sleeve elements have a to specified stability requirements customizable wall thickness on.

By suitable choice of wall thickness the sleeve on the one hand the stability and thus the protection of the packaged filter module is improved, On the other hand, with less packaging requirements a smaller wall thickness can be chosen resulting in a weight and material savings and thus a cost reduction is achieved.

Further Details of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed Description and attached Drawings in which preferred embodiments of the invention for example, are illustrated.

In show the drawings:

1 : A packaging sleeve with a filter module in a side view in longitudinal section and

2 : the packing sleeve of 1 in a plan view without filter module.

A filter module packaging essentially consists of a multi-part packaging sleeve 1 with a sleeve space 8th specifiable size.

1 shows the packaging sleeve 1 , composed of two, via a gland portion 6 including air-tight and liquid-tight screwed sleeve elements 7 . 7 ' , In the sleeve room 8th there is a trained as a filter cartridge filter module 9 , filter module 9 and packing sleeve 1 are advantageously made of polypropylene. The filter module 9 is by two as a holding cam 2 trained fixing elements 13 in the sleeve space 8th fixed. At the ends of the filter module 9 is ever a connection adapter 10 . 10 ' arranged. The connection adapters 10 . 10 ' protrude into each one, in a sleeve end area 11 arranged free space 3 . 3 ' , The size of the sleeve space 8th is due to the length of the two sleeve elements 7 . 7 ' certainly. Inside the sleeve room 8th are the free spaces 3 . 3 ' whose size is determined by the position of the retaining cams 2 is fixed. The retaining cams 2 are advantageous as formations in the walls of the sleeve elements 7 . 7 ' educated. In one end face each 12 the sleeve elements 7 . 7 ' is ever a ventilation filter 4 used for supplying a sterilization medium. The ventilation filters are advantageous 4 set back in the face 12 the sleeve elements 7 . 7 ' used to protect them from damage The pore size of the filter 4 is at most 0.4 microns, preferably it is smaller than 0.2 microns, so that the sterilization medium, such as ethylene oxide in the sleeve 1 In contrast, contaminating microorganisms can be safely retained. The filter module 9 can in the sleeve 1 be treated with a known sterilization process. On the ventilation filters 4 each is a safety cap 5 placed. These safety caps 5 serve as closed caps as transport protection for the ventilation filters 4 , However, it can also be used with attachable cap with openings over the forcibly sterilization medium inside the sleeve 1 is guided to accelerate the sterilization process. By fixing the filter module 9 and an appropriate choice of open space 3 . 3 ' is a touch and damage to the sensitive ventilation filters 4 locked out. The open spaces 3 . 3 ' are the dimensions and connections of the module to be packed by the appropriate specification of the size of the sleeve elements 7 . 7 ' customized.

1

packaging sleeve

2

holding cams

3, 3 '

free space

4

ventilation filter

5

safety cap

6

Verschraubungsteilbereich

7, 7 '

sleeve member

8th

sleeve space

9

filter module

10 10 '

connection adapter

11

sleeve end

12

face

13

fixing

Claims (17)

Filter module packaging, in particular reusable packaging sleeve for sterile filtering filter modules, consisting essentially of at least two detachably connectable, inwardly sterile terminating sleeve elements, characterized in that the sleeve elements ( 7 . 7 ' ) each have a predefinable size, so that by joining the sleeve elements ( 7 . 7 ' ) the packing sleeve ( 1 ) with a sleeve space ( 8th ) of a predefinable size, with at least one, in a sleeve end region ( 11 ) arranged free space ( 3 . 3 ' ) of a predeterminable size, and that the free space ( 3 . 3 ' ) is formed so that, with the help of at least one, on at least one sleeve member ( 7 . 7 ' ) arranged fixing element ( 13 ), through which the filter module ( 9 ) within the sleeve space ( 8th ) is fixable, in filter modules ( 9 ) of different sizes a remaining free distance between the filter module ( 9 ) and an adjacent end face ( 12 ) in the sleeve end region ( 11 ) is ensured. Filter module package according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing element ( 13 ) as a retaining cam ( 2 ) is trained. Filter module package according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the packaging sleeve ( 1 ) has three sleeve elements, such that a third sleeve element as a central part and the two sleeve elements ( 7 . 7 ' ) are formed as a respective end part. Filter module package according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that min at least one sleeve element designed as an end piece ( 7 . 7 ' ) on the front surface ( 12 ) arranged ventilation filter ( 4 ) having. Filter module package according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ventilation filter ( 4 ) is formed as a hydrophobic filter membrane. Filter module package according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that on the ventilation filter ( 4 ) a fuse cap ( 5 ) can be placed. Filter module package according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the safety cap ( 5 ) has at least one ventilation opening and a connection for a sterilization medium supply. Filter module packaging according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sleeve elements ( 7 . 7 ' ) are formed as cylindrical sleeves with a circular base. Filter module packaging according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sleeve elements ( 7 . 7 ' ) have an oval base. Filter module packaging according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sleeve elements ( 7 . 7 ' ) have an angular base. Filter module package according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the sleeve elements ( 7 . 7 ' ) at its open ends Verschraubungsteilbereiche ( 6 ), with which the sleeve elements ( 7 . 7 ) Are screwed together air- and liquid-tight. Filter module package according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the sleeve elements ( 7 . 7 ' ) have at their open ends plug-in portions over which the sleeve members ( 7 . 7 ) are air- and liquid-tight pluggable with each other. Filter module package according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the packaging sleeve ( 1 ) is made of a plastic. Filter module package according to claim 13, characterized in that the packaging sleeve ( 1 ) is made of polypropylene. Filter module package according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the packaging sleeve ( 1 ) is produced in a blow molding process. Filter module package according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the packaging sleeve ( 1 ) is produced in an injection molding process. Filter module package according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the sleeve elements ( 7 . 7 ' ) have adapted to specifiable stability requirements wall thickness.