DE102016213847A1 - Filling device with improved peristaltic pump - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filling device for filling a defined quantity of a product (10) comprising a hose assembly (5) comprising a first three-way device (20) having a first supply region (21), a first discharge region (22) and a first flexible pressure region (23), which are in fluid communication with each other, and a linear tube pump (7) with a squeezing device (8), wherein the linear tube pump (7) is arranged by means of a linear movement (A) in the first three-way device (20) to build up a pressure and to generate a negative pressure.

Description

State of the art

The present invention relates to a filling device for filling a defined amount of a product, in particular a pharmaceutical product, by means of a peristaltic pump.

In the pharmaceutical industry, different, in particular liquid active ingredients must be filled in defined quantities with very narrow tolerances in containers, such as bottles or vials or the like. In this case, filling systems are known, which have a stainless steel container in which the product to be filled is filled and via lines to a manifold or the like., To which one or more filling devices in the form of hoses, at the end of each a filling needle is arranged, are provided , Also, in this case, a throttle is arranged, through which the active ingredient to be filled is passed. The chokes must be selected according to the application and are the most tightly toleranced components to ensure high accuracy in filling. Therefore, such chokes are very expensive. Since frequently changing products are filled in the pharmaceutical industry, cross-contamination must be prevented. This requires a high cleaning effort and especially for sterile products a very large effort. Therefore, increasingly disposable products are used. Such a filling device with a designed as a disposable assembly for filling is from the DE 10 2008 001 204 A1 known. However, the accuracy of the filling depends on the activation of a shut-off valve. Basically, the shut-off valve, for example, by a like DE 10 2012 022 836 B3 known peristaltic pump to be replaced. However, this known peristaltic pump is very complicated and expensive and in particular not suitable for single-use applications.

Disclosure of the invention

The filling device according to the invention for filling a defined amount of a product with the features of claim 1 has the advantage over that an exact filling of predetermined amounts is possible, so that the filling device according to the invention can be used in particular in the filling of medical products. In particular, in the filling of small quantities improved filling performance can be achieved. The filling device according to the invention also has its own intake stroke, so that an independence from a state of a product template is present. Furthermore, according to the invention, a same output as in conventional piston pumps can be achieved without the costly and expensive need for a seal being present in piston pumps. Furthermore, a quick changeover of a bottling to another product can be carried out. This is inventively achieved in that the filling device comprises a hose assembly which has a first three-way device with a first supply region, a first discharge region and a first flexible pressure region. The three regions of the three-way device are in fluid communication with each other. Furthermore, a linear peristaltic pump is provided with a squeezing device, wherein the linear tube pump is set up by means of a linear movement at the flexible pressure area alternately in the three-way device to build up a pressure and to generate a negative pressure. Thus, an intake stroke and pressure stroke (Ausschiebetakt) can be realized, so that a very accurate quantity promotion of the product to be conveyed is possible.

The dependent claims show preferred developments of the invention.

The squeezing device of the linear peristaltic pump preferably comprises a movable linear element with a wall region and a rolling device, in particular a walking cylinder. The first flexible pressure region of the three-way device is arranged between the wall region and the Walkeinrichtung. The movable linear element is movable relative to the first flexible pressure range, so that the pressure build-up and the negative pressure generation in the hose assembly is made possible.

More preferably, the linear peristaltic pump comprises a guide device on which the linear element is guided. In this case, the guide device particularly preferably comprises two rods or the like arranged parallel to one another. Thus, a secure linear movement of the linear element along the guide device can be made possible.

More preferably, the movable linear element has a first and second leg region, wherein the milling cylinder is mounted on the linear element between the two leg regions.

A particularly simple and inexpensive construction is possible if the filling device further comprises a first check valve and a second check valve. The first check valve is arranged in the first supply area of the hose arrangement and the second check valve is arranged in the first discharge area of the hose arrangement. In this case, a passage direction in the direction of the first flexible pressure region is provided in the first check valve and a Passage direction of the second check valve is from the first flexible pressure area in the outlet direction to the discharge area.

The use of the check valves has the advantage that they can be provided very easily and inexpensively and a control of the check valves is made possible only by the movement of the linear element by generating negative pressure or overpressure.

Preferably, the hose assembly comprises a filter element which is arranged at a free end of the first flexible pressure region. The filter element ensures a sterility of the inner region of the hose assembly, since air, which is sucked or ejected during the conveying process during the movement of the linear member through the filter element into the flexible pressure region of the hose assembly, is kept sterile.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the filling device further comprises a second three-way device. The second three-way device comprises a second pressure region, a second supply region and a second discharge region, which are in fluid communication with each other. The linear peristaltic pump is preferably arranged only at the first flexible pressure region and the free end of the first flexible pressure region is connected to the free end of the second flexible pressure region. Thus, in a linear movement of the linear element in both directions alternately a pressure in the first and second three-way device can be constructed. By using two three-way devices, it is possible for pressure generation and negative pressure generation to take place alternately in the first and second three-way devices. As a result, the principle of a double-acting pump can be transferred to the linear hose pump. It should also be noted that the second pressure range does not necessarily have to be provided as a flexible area.

Particularly preferably, the second three-way device comprises a third check valve, which is arranged in the second supply region and a fourth check valve, which is arranged in the second discharge region.

Particularly preferably, the first and / or second three-way device has a same structure. The first and / or second three-way device are particularly preferably provided in the form of a Y-shape or a T-shape.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the filling device further comprises a bag made of a flexible material, which is filled with the product to be filled, in particular a medical product, and a filling needle or the like. In this case, the bag, the filling needle and tube assembly form an assembly, which is designed as a disposable article. This makes it possible that a minimum number of product-contacting parts is present. After a filling process, these provided as disposable items components can be easily disposed of. Thus eliminating a cleaning of such parts. The linear peristaltic pump can be reused. For a new filling here only the first flexible pressure range of the first three-way device must be introduced into the peristaltic pump. As a result, the present invention is particularly preferably suitable for toxic products or products, since the product path does not have to be cleaned. Thus, there is also no danger of cross contamination, which would always be present in components of the filling device to be cleaned. As a result, the filling device according to the invention is particularly suitable for the pharmaceutical sector.

If the bag is made of a flexible material, the filling device preferably further comprises an emptying device, in particular a squeezing device with at least one roller, wherein the bag is arranged on the at least one roller such that the product in the bag by a rotating movement of the roller can be expressed from the bag.

drawing

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or functionally identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the drawing is:

1 a schematic view of a filling device according to a first embodiment of the invention,

2 a schematic view of a linear tube pump of the filling of 1 from the front,

3 a schematic view of the linear tube pump of 2 from behind,

4 a schematic representation of the operation of the linear tube pump of 2 and 3 .

5 a schematic view of a squeezing of the linear tube pump of 2 and 3 , and

6 a schematic view of a function of a linear tube pump of a filling device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of the invention

The following is with reference to the 1 to 5 a filling device 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention described in detail.

How out 1 can be seen comprises the filling device 1 of the first embodiment, a bag 2 , which with a product to be filled 10 is filled. The product to be filled is, for example, a pharmaceutical liquid.

The bag 2 is made of a flexible material.

Further, as the emptying device is a squeezing unit 11 provided, which is a first role 12 and a second role 13 includes. An end 2a of the bag 2 is between the two roles 12 . 13 arranged. By rotation of at least one of the two rollers that in the bag 2 located product 10 be squeezed out of the bag.

On the bag 10 is a supply hose 4 arranged, which to a hose assembly 5 leads. From the hose assembly 5 leads a discharge hose 6 to a filling needle 3 with which the product to be filled 10 in a container 14 can be bottled.

At the hose assembly 5 is also a linear hose pump 7 arranged in detail from the 2 and 3 is apparent. The linear hose pump 7 includes a squeezing device 8th which in detail 5 is apparent.

The squeezing device 8th includes a linear element 80 with a wall area 81 and a first leg portion 82 and a second leg portion 83 , Furthermore, the linear element comprises 80 as Walkeinrichtung a walking cylinder 84 , The walking cylinder 84 is between the two leg areas 82 . 83 stored. The linear element 80 is with a lifting device 87 connected, which a stroke in the direction of the double arrow A ( 2 ). The linear element 80 is through the two guide rods 85 . 86 guided.

The hose arrangement 5 is in detail also from the 2 and 3 seen. The hose arrangement 5 includes a first three-way device 20 with a first supply area 21 , a first derivation area 22 and a first flexible pressure area 23 , The first three-way device 20 has essentially a Y-shape.

The first flexible pressure range 23 is at the squeezing device 8th between the first wall area 81 and the walking cylinder 84 arranged. A distance between the first wall area 81 and the walking cylinder 84 is such that the flexible pressure range 23 is squeezed. By the movement of the linear element can thereby be filled product 10 in the first flexible pressure area 23 sucked and squeezed out.

The squeezing device 8th ensures in operation that the first flexible pressure range 23 between the walking cylinder 84 and the wall area 81 is completely squeezed. This seal also remains when the flexible pressure range is being swept 23 for displacing and sucking the fluid present.

The first three-way device 20 further includes a first check valve 24 and a second check valve 25 , The first check valve 24 is in the first supply area 21 arranged and the second check valve 25 is in the first derivation area 22 arranged. At the first intermediate area 21 and at the first discharge area 22 are each connection elements for a connection of the supply hose 4 or the discharge hose 6 intended.

The function of the linear hose pump 7 is as follows. Starting from the in the 2 and 3 shown position, which is a bottom dead center of the movement of the linear tube pump 7 represents, becomes the linear element 80 the squeezing device 8th along the guide rods 85 . 86 towards the first three-way facility 20 emotional. This is the first flexible pressure range 23 the first three-way device 20 between the walking cylinder 84 and the wall area 81 squeezed fluid-tight, so in the first three-way device 20 an increase in pressure occurs. This closes the first check valve 24 and the second check valve 25 opens. While the linear element 80 continues to move upward, which is in the flexible pressure range 23 displaced product and the open second check valve 25 in the discharge hose 6 promoted. From there can then be filled product via the filling needle 3 in the container 14 be bottled.

4 shows the principle of operation of the linear hose pump 7 , The filter element 26 in particular sets the sterility of the hose assembly 5 sure when pushing.

The amount to be filled can be exactly by the length of the linear movement of the linear element 80 be determined. Depending on the linear motion, a certain amount of product will be in the flexible pressure range 23 the three way facility 20 displaced, which then into the container 14 can be exactly filled.

When the linear element 80 back down to the in 2 and 3 shown position, the second check valve closes 25 and the first check valve 24 opens, leaving the product to be filled 10 out of the bag 2 back in the first flexible pressure range 23 can be sucked. By reversing the direction of the linear element 80 then another filling can be carried out.

It should also be noted that the linear peristaltic pump 7 also quickly and easily to different hose diameter of the hose assembly 5 can be adjusted. The linear hose pump 7 includes a housing 70 and a lid 71 , where a distance between the housing 70 and the lid 71 using shims 72 is adjustable. This allows a quick adaptation to different hose diameters. It should also be noted that the lid 71 preferably captive on the housing 70 is arranged and more preferably also without tools to open, so that a quick format change can be performed.

The linear movement of the linear element 80 is by means of a lifting device 87 executed, which can be connected, for example, with a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder. To compensate for a misalignment by a drive of the lifting device 87 compensate, are preferably provided cross and / or ball joints.

Furthermore, the bag 2 , the feeding tube 4 , the hose assembly, the discharge hose 6 , the filter element 26 and the filling needle 3 an assembly which is designed as a disposable article. Thus, after satisfied bottling of the product 10 out of the bag 2 the entire assembly is disposed of. Because the linear hose pump 7 does not come into direct contact with the product, there is no cross-contamination or the like when changing the product to be filled, which must be ensured in particular when filling pharmaceutical products. There is no need for a complicated cleaning process of the linear peristaltic pump 7 be performed. Even during operation, minimal process costs are incurred by the filling device according to the invention 1 achieved because in particular a preparation of the components or an assembly effort for filling another product is very low. Even a format change can be carried out easily and inexpensively.

6 shows a filling device 1 with a hose arrangement 5 according to a second embodiment of the invention. In the second embodiment, in contrast to the first embodiment, no filter element is necessary. The hose arrangement 5 from 6 includes in addition to the first three-way device 20 a second three-way facility 30 with a second supply area 31 , a second derivation area 32 and a second pressure range 33 , Further, a third check valve 34 in the second supply area 31 arranged and a fourth check valve 35 is in the second derivation area 32 arranged. The first and second supply area 21 . 31 is each with the supply hose 4 connected. The first derivation area 22 and the second derivation area 32 is each with the discharge hose 6 connected. Furthermore, the first flexible pressure area 23 with the second pressure range 33 connected. This can be how out 6 becomes clear, the linear hose pump 7 be operated in the form of a double-acting pump, so that depending on the direction of movement of the linear element 80 either pressure in the first three-way device 20 is generated and at the same time a negative pressure in the second three-way device 30 is generated or upon reversal of the direction of movement of the linear element 80 a negative pressure in the first three-way device 20 is generated and a pressure in the second three-way device 30 is produced. Thus, suction and delivery take place alternately via the first and second three-way devices 20 . 30 , Here is the hose assembly 5 Also designed as disposable items, so that the advantages described in the first embodiment in terms of format change and prevention of contamination are obtained.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102008001204 A1 [0002]
• DE 102012022836 B3 [0002]

Claims (10)

Filling device for filling a defined amount of a product ( 10 ), comprising: - a hose assembly ( 5 ), comprising a first three-way device ( 20 ) with a first supply area ( 21 ), a first derivation area ( 22 ) and a first flexible printing area ( 23 ), which are in fluid communication with each other, and - a linear peristaltic pump ( 7 ) with a squeezing device ( 8th ), whereby the linear peristaltic pump ( 7 ) by means of a linear movement (A) in the first three-way device ( 20 ) build up a pressure and create a negative pressure. Filling device according to claim 1, wherein the squeezing device ( 8th ) of the linear hose pump ( 7 ) relative to the first flexible pressure area ( 23 ) linearly movable linear element ( 80 ) with a wall area ( 81 ) and a Walkeinrichtung ( 84 ), in particular a walking cylinder, wherein the first flexible pressure range ( 23 ) between the wall area ( 81 ) and the Walkeinrichtung is arranged. Filling device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a guide device ( 85 . 86 ), on which the linear element ( 80 ) is guided. Filling device according to claim 2 and 3, wherein the Walkeinrichtung comprises a walking cylinder, which on the linear element ( 80 ) between a first leg region ( 82 ) and a second leg area ( 83 ) is stored. Filling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a first check valve ( 24 ), which in the first supply area ( 21 ) and a passage direction towards the first flexible pressure region (FIG. 23 ) and by a second check valve ( 25 ), which in the first derivation area ( 22 ) and a passage direction from the first flexible pressure region (FIG. 23 ). Filling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a filter element ( 26 ), which at a free end ( 23a ) of the first flexible printing area ( 23 ) is arranged. Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second three-way device ( 30 ) with a second supply area ( 31 ), a second derivation area ( 32 ) and a second pressure range ( 33 ), which are in fluid communication with each other, wherein the first flexible pressure range ( 23 ) with the second pressure range ( 33 ) is in fluid communication. Filling device according to claim 7, further comprising a third check valve ( 34 ), which in the second supply area ( 31 ) and a passage direction towards the second pressure area (FIG. 33 ) and a second check valve ( 25 ), which in the second derivation area ( 32 ) is arranged and a passage direction from the second pressure range ( 33 ). Filling device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising - a bag ( 2 ) made of a flexible material, which with the product to be filled ( 10 ), and - a filling needle ( 3 ), - the bag ( 2 ), the filling needle ( 3 ) and the hose assembly ( 5 ) form an assembly which is designed as a disposable article. Filling device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an emptying device for emptying the bag ( 2 ), in particular a squeezing unit ( 11 ) with a first roll ( 12 ) and a second roll ( 13 ), which is set up, the bag ( 2 ) to empty.

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