EP2303706B1 - Metering device and method for operating said metering device - Google Patents
Metering device and method for operating said metering device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2303706B1 EP2303706B1 EP08773423.2A EP08773423A EP2303706B1 EP 2303706 B1 EP2303706 B1 EP 2303706B1 EP 08773423 A EP08773423 A EP 08773423A EP 2303706 B1 EP2303706 B1 EP 2303706B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- powder
- metering
- metering chamber
- valve
- outlet valve
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B1/00—Packaging fluent solid material, e.g. powders, granular or loose fibrous material, loose masses of small articles, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
- B65B1/04—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles
- B65B1/16—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles by pneumatic means, e.g. by suction
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B1/00—Packaging fluent solid material, e.g. powders, granular or loose fibrous material, loose masses of small articles, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
- B65B1/30—Devices or methods for controlling or determining the quantity or quality or the material fed or filled
- B65B1/36—Devices or methods for controlling or determining the quantity or quality or the material fed or filled by volumetric devices or methods
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B37/00—Supplying or feeding fluent-solid, plastic, or liquid material, or loose masses of small articles, to be packaged
- B65B37/14—Supplying or feeding fluent-solid, plastic, or liquid material, or loose masses of small articles, to be packaged by pneumatic feeders
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B37/00—Supplying or feeding fluent-solid, plastic, or liquid material, or loose masses of small articles, to be packaged
- B65B37/16—Separating measured quantities from supply
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B39/00—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers
- B65B39/001—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers with flow cut-off means, e.g. valves
- B65B39/004—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers with flow cut-off means, e.g. valves moving linearly
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B39/00—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers
- B65B2039/009—Multiple outlets
Definitions
- the invention relates to a metering device for fine-grained powder, in particular for medical powder for pulmonary administration, and to a method for operating this metering device.
- a metering device for fine-grained, dry powder is known in which the powder is kept in a closed, funnel-shaped reservoir.
- the funnel-shaped reservoir has on its underside an opening which is closed by means of an outlet valve.
- the valve body of the exhaust valve is axially displaceable by means of piezoelectric elements, and can be opened, closed and also vibrated in this way.
- the vibration movement of the valve body contributes to a loosening of the powder and to an improved discharge from the reservoir.
- the disadvantage here is that a dissolution of agglomerates in the powder is not reliably ensured.
- a complex sensor and a corresponding process control is required to maintain a sufficient level of the powder in the reservoir.
- the container When falling below the minimum required level, the container must be opened and refilled, which affects the economy of the arrangement.
- the order is complicated in construction.
- the piezoelectric drive of the valve body is in the powder flow and must therefore be protected from contamination and contamination of the powder.
- metering devices for fine-grained powder are from GB-A-871651 and the DE-A-3310452 known.
- the invention has for its object to provide a metering device for fine-grained powder, which allows a simple and cost-effective and accurate metering of the powder with a simple structure and low operating costs.
- the invention is further based on the object of specifying a method for operating the metering device, with which the powder can be metered accurately and economically with the dissolution of agglomerates.
- a metering device for fine-grained powder, in particular for medicinal powder for pulmonary administration comprises a powder pump for conveying the powder and a metering device supplied with the powder by the powder pump.
- the doser comprises a continuous powder channel and at least one metering chamber with an outlet valve, wherein the metering chamber branches off at an angle from the powder channel, and wherein the metering chamber has a larger cross section than the powder channel.
- the outlet valve comprises a valve needle which extends into the interior of the metering chamber and which carries at least one radially protruding bulging projection for the powder.
- the axial movement of the valve needle contributes by means of Auflock ceremoniessvorsprungs to loosen up the powder and agglomerates formed there.
- the powder is conveyed through the powder channel by means of the powder pump, wherein the at least one metering chamber is filled with the powder.
- the volume flow of the powder conveyed by the powder pump, of a powder-air mixture or of a powder-gas mixture has a certain speed in the powder duct of the dosing unit as a consequence of its cross section.
- the flow cross section increases overall, whereby the flow rate is reduced.
- the pumped powder can fall out of the powder channel or out of its carrier air flow out into the metering chamber, whereby it is filled with the powder.
- a level control of the dosing is not required. Rather, only the lapse of a time interval is waited by the self-leveling filling of the dosing has taken place. Thereafter, the promotion of the powder is interrupted by means of the powder pump.
- the volume of the metering chamber is preferably dimensioned such that several and in particular four target containers can be filled directly one behind the other from a single metering chamber without the powder supply in the metering chamber being exhausted.
- target containers for example in the form of hard gelatine capsules, so-called vials, and other target containers can be filled in a matrix-shaped frame for receiving a multiplicity of target containers.
- the time required to replace this frame with the target containers after filling can be used for the self-leveling refilling of the metering chambers by means of the powder pump, so that thereby no time delay occurs.
- the metering device and the associated method can be used with a correspondingly high efficiency.
- the powder channel is arranged horizontally in operation, while the at least one dosing branched off at right angles from the powder channel and is arranged vertically with its longitudinal axis.
- the powder pump, a supply line leading from the powder pump to the doser, the powder channel and a return line returning from the metering device to the powder pump form a closed circuit for the powder.
- the powder can be conveyed with excess, but without losses through the powder channel and back to the powder pump, as a result of the self-leveling described above, the amount required for filling the metering chamber is automatically separated from this powder stream. Even with a large number of dosing chambers, which branch off sequentially from the powder channel, it is ensured that each individual dosing chamber reaches the required level.
- the cross section of the metering chamber in the connection region to the powder channel is at least twice as large and in particular at least three times as large as the cross section of the powder channel.
- the outlet valve is preferably a particular conical, to the outside of the metering chamber opening valve.
- the exiting powder flows around the outside of the valve seat, the valve body raised to the outside and is thereby deflected by this, which contributes to the loosening of the powder.
- a subsequent closing movement of the valve body against the exiting powder flow avoids that residual powder is compressed at the valve seat in an undesirable manner.
- the loosening projection is arranged at an axial distance from the valve seat of the outlet valve in the interior of the dosing chamber. Due to the spatial distance between the loosening projection and the valve seat, a reliable fluidization of the powder upstream of the valve seat is ensured, so that it can emerge undisturbed through the outlet valve in its entirety.
- the loosening protrusion may take various suitable forms. Suitably, it is designed as a valve needle rotating around the plate, whereby the loosening movement of the valve needle is uniformly transmitted to the surrounding powder.
- a first drive for the valve needle for opening and closing the exhaust valve and a second, in particular connected in series with the first drive second drive for an oscillating movement of the valve needle is provided.
- the correspondingly large stroke for opening or closing the exhaust valve is carried out with the first drive designed for this purpose.
- valve needle is expediently guided through the dosing chamber in the longitudinal direction, with the two drives acting on the valve needle on the side opposite the outlet valve.
- the drives and their connection to the valve needle are thus not in the flow of the emerging from the metering powder, so that here independent protective measures are not required.
- the individual metering chambers, including their drives in coaxial design can be made very slim, so that they are close to each other in the same Grid as the target container can be arranged. The simultaneous, parallel filling of target containers is thereby possible in a simple manner.
- the filling amount of the powder received by the target container is determined by means of a weighing cell for the target container, wherein the outlet valve is controlled or regulated by means of the measurement result of the load cell.
- the outlet valve is controlled or regulated by means of the measurement result of the load cell.
- Fig. 1 shows a side view of a metering device according to the invention for fine powder 1, in the illustrated embodiment for medical powder 1 for pulmonary administration with a particle size of ⁇ 5 microns.
- the metering device comprises a powder pump 2 for conveying the powder 1, as indicated by arrows, and one fed by the powder pump 2 with the powder 1 metering 3.
- the metering device 3 is provided with at least one, in this example six in Fig. 3 shown metering chambers 5 for simultaneous metering of the powder 1 and filling the same number of target containers 13 provided. It can also be a different number of metering chambers 5 appropriate.
- the target containers 13 may be hard gelatin capsules, vials or other target vessels which are used in an inhalation device, not shown, with the appropriate amount of powder.
- the target container 13 are each on a load cell 14, via which the degree of filling of the target container 13 is determined.
- powder channel 4 which together with the powder pump 2, one leading from the powder pump 2 to the metering supply line 8 and a back from the metering unit 3 to the powder pump 2 return line a forms closed circuit for the powder 1 according to the arrows shown there.
- Fig. 2 shows an external perspective view of the doser 3 after Fig. 1 with details of its structural design.
- the metering device 3 comprises a housing 15 extending in a longitudinal direction, through which the powder channel 4 passes axially parallel.
- the outlet valves 6 each comprise a continuous valve needle 10, which are provided in the region of the outlet valve 6, each with a valve body 16 for opening or closing the respective outlet valve 6.
- the valve needles 10 are in their longitudinal direction through the metering chambers 5 (FIG. Fig.
- the outlet valve 6 opposite end are as shown in the Fig. 1 and 3 each a first drive 12 and a second drive 21 connected to the valve needle 10, so that all the valve needles 10 can be moved independently of one another according to a double arrow 17 axially.
- Three of the total of six valve needles 10 are shown in their closed position, with the associated valve bodies 16 resting tightly on their valve seat 20 formed in the housing 15, while the other three valve needles are pushed down so that the associated valve body 16 is downwardly from the valve seat 20 is lifted and the respective outlet valve 6 opens.
- Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the metering device 3 after the Fig. 1 and 2 With details of the mutual arrangement of the powder channel 4, the metering chambers 5, the target container 13 and the load cells 14. It can be seen that the powder channel 4 is guided in the longitudinal direction through the housing 15, wherein the powder channel 4 in operation horizontally, ie transversely to Weight direction runs. From the powder channel 4 at least one metering chamber 5 branches off at an angle, wherein in the embodiment shown a plurality, here six total metering chambers 5 are provided.
- the metering chambers 5, like the powder channel 4, have a cylindrical shape, but extend along their longitudinal axis 7, which lies perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the powder channel 4 and is arranged vertically, ie in the direction of the weight force.
- the metering chambers 5 In the connection region of the metering chambers 5 adjacent to the powder channel 4, the metering chambers 5 have a larger cross section than the powder channel 4.
- the cross section of the metering chambers 5 in this connection region is at least twice as large and here at least three times as large as the cross section of the powder channel 4.
- Each of the metering chambers 5 has at its lower end in the direction of gravity each a conically tapered Section, which is provided to the outside of the metering chambers 5 and to the outside of the metering unit 3, each with an outlet valve 6.
- the outlet valve 6 comprises a molded into the housing 15, in Fig. 4 illustrated valve seat 20 and a valve needle 10 with a molded valve body 16 which in the closed state at the valve seat 20 (FIG. Fig. 4 ) of the housing 15 and thereby closes the outlet valve 6.
- Three of the total of six valve needles 10 are shown pushed axially downward compared to the other three valve needles 10, wherein the valve body 16 of the molded in the housing 15 valve seat 20 (FIGS. Fig. 4 ) is lifted off.
- valve needle 10 takes place in the opening direction against the biasing force of a compression spring 19 by means of the first, here pneumatic drive 12.
- pneumatic drive 12 may also be an electromagnetic design or the like appropriate.
- a second drive 21 is arranged between the first drive 12 and the upper shaft end of the valve needle 10, a second drive 21 is arranged. It is connected in series with the first drive 12 such that the second drive 21, together with the valve needle 10, carries out the stroke generated by the first drive 12.
- the second drive 21 is just like the first drive 12 designed as a linear drive, but deviating designed for a lower, but high-frequency stroke. For this purpose it is designed as a piezoelectric drive. But it may also be appropriate to deviate designs such as electromagnetic drives.
- the valve needle 10 can be offset, if necessary, in an axially oscillating stroke movement. Due to the series connection Both drives 12, 21 are superimposed on their two strokes, but can be switched on independently, controlled or regulated and also switched off.
- Fig. 4 shows an enlarged detail view of the arrangement according to Fig. 3 , wherein like features are provided with the same reference numerals.
- the valve body 16 lies on the outside of the housing 15 and, together with the associated valve seat 20, forms a valve which opens toward the outside of the metering chamber 5 or of the housing 15.
- the shape of the valve body 16 and the associated valve seat 20 is conical in the sealing area, which contributes to a fine distribution of the exiting powder 1. Incidentally, the valve body 16 is rounded.
- the valve needle 10 extends through the interior of the metering chamber 5.
- the valve needles 10 may have a smooth shaft.
- the valve needles 10 may be provided with various radially protruding loosening protrusions 11 for the powder. At least one such Aufklerungsvorsprung 11 is provided. It may be expedient to arrange several, in particular up to three loosening projections 11 on a single valve needle 10. These loosening projections 11 may be radially projecting teeth or the like and are designed in the illustrated embodiment as around the shaft of the valve needle 10 rotating plate, wherein preferably only one such Auflock ceremoniessvorsprung is arranged on each of a valve needle 10.
- the loosening projections 11 are not in the immediate vicinity of the respective outlet valve 6, but at an axial distance from the Valve seat 20 in the interior of the respective metering chamber 5.
- the axial position of the respective loosening projection 11 is advantageous in the region of the conically tapered portion or in the transition region to the cylindrical portion of the metering chamber fifth
- the powder 1 is conveyed through the powder channel 4 in the form of the above-described closed circuit. If the metering chambers 5 are not or not completely filled with the powder 1, there is an extended flow cross-section in the connection area between the metering chambers 5 and the powder channel 4, in which by arrows 18 (FIG. Fig. 3 ) is delayed in the powder channel 4 indicated powder flow. As a result of this delay, part of the powder 1 falls from the powder channel 4 into the powder chambers 5, as a result of which the filling level thereof increases.
- the powder pump can continue to run as long as required without overfilling. In fact, however, it only has to run as long as required for filling the metering chambers 5 is. This period is used, the target container 13 ( Fig. 1 ) on the load cells 14 under the doser 3 to position. Depending on a target container 13 is in each case an outlet valve 6 with the associated metering chamber 5. After elapse of any time interval which is at least so large that a self-leveling filling of the metering chamber 5 has taken place, the promotion of the powder 1 is interrupted by the powder pump 2 , Thereafter, the valve needles 10 are pressed by their first drives 12 according to the double arrow 17 down so that the respective valve body 16 lifts from the associated valve seat 20.
- the exhaust valve 6 and the associated drives 12, 21 are by means of Measurement result of the load cell 14 is controlled or regulated in such a way that the second drive 21 is switched off when reaching the predetermined filling amount in the target container 13 with a high reaction rate.
- a slip of the powder 1 from the metering chambers 5 then stops immediately.
- the typical dosing mass for a single target container 13 is in a range of from 0.2 mg to 50 mg inclusive.
- target containers 13 it may be appropriate to arrange exactly the same amount of target containers 13 in a row as dosing chambers 5 are present. After filling these target container 13 by means of a respective metering chamber 5 and closed exhaust valves 6, the promotion of the powder 1 is resumed by means of the powder pump 2 until again a self-leveling filling of the metering chamber 5 has taken place. During this time, a new series of still empty target containers 13 can be positioned below the metering chambers 5 for a subsequent filling operation, which then takes place again in the manner described above.
- a larger number of target containers 13 in a matrix-like manner, for example in a frame.
- the volume of the metering chambers 5 is dimensioned such that the powder reservoir accumulated therein is sufficient for the filling of several, here four target containers 13, wherein then after filling of four reservoirs 13 from each metering chamber 5 is still a residual amount of powder 1 in each Dosing chamber 5 remains.
- up to four target containers 13 are then filled sequentially between two successive fillings of the associated metering chambers 5. Only then is the powder pump 1 put back into operation to replenish the metering chambers 5, this refilling takes place during the replacement of the filled target container 13 against a new frame with empty target container 13.
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Abstract
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Dosiereinrichtung für feinkörniges Pulver, insbesondere für medizinisches Pulver zur pulmonalen Verabreichung, sowie ein Verfahren zum Betrieb dieser Dosiereinrichtung.The invention relates to a metering device for fine-grained powder, in particular for medical powder for pulmonary administration, and to a method for operating this metering device.
Aufgrund der Zunahme von Asthma und COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Desease, chronisch obstruktive Lungenerkrankung) gewinnen inhalative Darreichungsformen von Medikamenten zur Therapie dieser Erkrankungen immer mehr an Bedeutung. Die pulmonale Gabe ist - neben Injektion oder Infusion - auch eine Alternative für zahlreiche Arzneistoffe, die nicht peroral appliziert werden können, weil die Substanzen im Magen-Darm-Trakt zerstört würden oder eine mangelhafte Bioverfügbarkeit besitzen. Pulver zur Inhalation besitzen dabei gegenüber Lösungen zur Vernebelung den Vorteil der besseren Wirkstoffstabilität, sind aber schwieriger zu verarbeiten, da alle Wirkstoffpartikel eine Größe von < 5 µm besitzen müssen, um bis an den Zielort, die Alveolen, zu gelangen. Pulverinhalatoren mit einzeln verpackten Dosen werden wegen der besseren Stabilität und der höheren Dosiergenauigkeit bevorzugt.Due to the increase in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), inhaled dosage forms of drugs are becoming increasingly important in the treatment of these diseases. The pulmonary administration is - in addition to injection or infusion - also an alternative for many drugs that can not be applied perorally, because the substances in the gastrointestinal tract would be destroyed or have a poor bioavailability. Powders for inhalation have the advantage of better drug stability compared to solutions for nebulization, but are more difficult to process because all drug particles must have a size of <5 microns in order to reach the target site, the alveoli. Individually packaged dose powder inhalers are preferred for better stability and higher metering accuracy.
Kleinstmengen solcher Pulver, die bei medizinischer Anwendung im Bereich von 0,2 mg bis 50 mg liegen, müssen sehr genau dosiert und in das Zielgefäß abgefüllt werden. Aufgrund der geringen Partikelgröße agglomerieren diese Pulver sehr stark, wobei die Masse einzelner Agglomerate größer als die zulässige Dosiertoleranz sein kann. Dies führt zu mangelnder Dosiergenauigkeit bei herkömmlichen Volumendosieren. Bleiben diese Agglomerate beim Dosieren und Inhalieren erhalten, kann der Werkstoff nur eingeschränkt zu den Alveolen gelangen. Ziel ist es deshalb, die Agglomerate während des Dosiervorganges aufzulösen, das Pulver möglichst feinkörnig in die Zielbehälter abzufüllen und dabei eine hohe Bemessungsgenauigkeit zu erreichen.Small amounts of such powders, which are in the range of 0.2 mg to 50 mg when used medicinally, must be metered very precisely and filled into the target vessel. Due to the small particle size of these powders agglomerate very strong, the mass of individual agglomerates may be greater than the allowable dosing tolerance. this leads to lack of dosing accuracy in conventional volume dosing. If these agglomerates are retained during dosing and inhalation, the material can only reach the alveoli to a limited extent. The aim is therefore to dissolve the agglomerates during the metering process to fill the powder as fine as possible in the target container and thereby achieve a high degree of accuracy.
Aus der
Nachteilig ist hierbei, dass eine Auflösung von Agglomeraten im Pulver nicht zuverlässig sichergestellt ist. Insbesondere ist eine aufwendige Sensorik und eine entsprechende Prozesskontrolle erforderlich, um einen hinreichenden Füllstand des Pulvers im Vorratsbehälter aufrechtzuerhalten. Beim Unterschreiten des minimalerforderlichen Füllstandes muss der Behälter geöffnet und nachgefüllt werden, was die Wirtschaftlichkeit der Anordnung beeinträchtigt. Die Anordnung ist kompliziert im Aufbau. Der piezoelektrische Antrieb des Ventilkörpers liegt im Pulverstrom und muss deshalb vor Verschmutzung und gegen Kontamination des Pulvers geschützt werden.The disadvantage here is that a dissolution of agglomerates in the powder is not reliably ensured. In particular, a complex sensor and a corresponding process control is required to maintain a sufficient level of the powder in the reservoir. When falling below the minimum required level, the container must be opened and refilled, which affects the economy of the arrangement. The order is complicated in construction. The piezoelectric drive of the valve body is in the powder flow and must therefore be protected from contamination and contamination of the powder.
Weitere Dosiereinrichtungen für feinkörniges Pulver sind aus der
Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Dosiereinrichtung für feinkörniges Pulver anzugeben, die bei einfachem Aufbau und geringem Betriebsaufwand eine genaue und wirtschaftliche Dosierung des Pulvers ermöglicht.The invention has for its object to provide a metering device for fine-grained powder, which allows a simple and cost-effective and accurate metering of the powder with a simple structure and low operating costs.
Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Dosiereinrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by a metering device having the features of
Der Erfindung liegt des weiteren die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren zum Betrieb der Dosiereinrichtung anzugeben, mit dem das Pulver unter Auflösung von Agglomeraten exakt und wirtschaftlich dosiert werden kann.The invention is further based on the object of specifying a method for operating the metering device, with which the powder can be metered accurately and economically with the dissolution of agglomerates.
Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 11 gelöst.This object is achieved by a method having the features of
Es wird eine Dosiereinrichtung für feinkörniges Pulver, insbesondere für medizinisches Pulver zur pulmonalen Verabreichung vorgeschlagen, wobei die Dosiereinrichtung eine Pulverpumpe zur Förderung des Pulvers und einen von der Pulverpumpe mit dem Pulver gespeisten Dosierer umfasst. Der Dosierer umfasst einen durchgehenden Pulverkanal und mindestens eine Dosierkammer mit einem Auslassventil, wobei die Dosierkammer vom Pulverkanal winklig abzweigt, und wobei die Dosierkammer einen größeren Querschnitt aufweist als der Pulverkanal.A metering device for fine-grained powder, in particular for medicinal powder for pulmonary administration, is proposed, wherein the metering device comprises a powder pump for conveying the powder and a metering device supplied with the powder by the powder pump. The doser comprises a continuous powder channel and at least one metering chamber with an outlet valve, wherein the metering chamber branches off at an angle from the powder channel, and wherein the metering chamber has a larger cross section than the powder channel.
Umfasst das Auslassventil eine Ventilnadel, die sich in den Innenraum der Dosierkammer erstreckt, und die mindestens einen radial hervorstehenden Auflockerungsvorsprung für das Pulver trägt. Die axiale Bewegung der Ventilnadel trägt dabei mittels des Auflockerungsvorsprungs zur Auflockerung des Pulvers und sich dort gebildeter Agglomerate bei.The outlet valve comprises a valve needle which extends into the interior of the metering chamber and which carries at least one radially protruding bulging projection for the powder. The axial movement of the valve needle contributes by means of Auflockerungsvorsprungs to loosen up the powder and agglomerates formed there.
Im zugehörigen erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren wird das Pulver mittels der Pulverpumpe durch den Pulverkanal hindurchgefördert, wobei die mindestens eine Dosierkammer mit dem Pulver befüllt wird. Der von der Pulverpumpe geförderte Volumenstrom des Pulvers, eines Pulver-Luft-Gemisches oder eines Pulver-Gas-Gemisches weist im Pulverkanal des Dosierers infolge dessen Querschnittes eine bestimmte Geschwindigkeit auf. An den Abzweigstellen der mindestens einen oder mehreren Dosierkammern mit vergrößertem Querschnitt vergrößert sich der Strömungsquerschnitt insgesamt, wodurch sich die Strömungsgeschwindigkeit verringert. In dessen Folge kann das geförderte Pulver aus dem Pulverkanal bzw. aus seinem Trägerluftstrom heraus in die Dosierkammer hineinfallen, wodurch diese mit dem Pulver befüllt wird. Im gefüllten Zustand ist jedoch die Erweiterung des freien Strömungsquerschnittes im Pulverkanal nicht mehr gegeben, so dass eine Verringerung der Strömungsgeschwindigkeit nicht mehr stattfindet. In der Folge fällt kein weiteres Pulver mehr in die Dosierkammer nach, so dass eine selbstnivellierende Befüllung der Dosierkammer mit dem Pulver ohne Überfüllung stattfindet.In the associated method according to the invention, the powder is conveyed through the powder channel by means of the powder pump, wherein the at least one metering chamber is filled with the powder. The volume flow of the powder conveyed by the powder pump, of a powder-air mixture or of a powder-gas mixture has a certain speed in the powder duct of the dosing unit as a consequence of its cross section. At the branching points of the at least one or more metering chambers with an enlarged cross section, the flow cross section increases overall, whereby the flow rate is reduced. As a result, the pumped powder can fall out of the powder channel or out of its carrier air flow out into the metering chamber, whereby it is filled with the powder. In the filled state, however, the extension of the free flow cross section in the powder channel is no longer present, so that a reduction in the flow rate no longer takes place. As a result, no further powder drops into the metering chamber, so that a self-leveling filling of the metering chamber with the powder takes place without overfilling.
Eine Füllstandsregelung der Dosierkammer ist nicht erforderlich. Vielmehr wird lediglich das Verstreichen eines Zeitintervalls abgewartet, indem die selbstnivellierende Befüllung der Dosierkammer stattgefunden hat. Danach wird die Förderung des Pulvers mittels der Pulverpumpe unterbrochen.A level control of the dosing is not required. Rather, only the lapse of a time interval is waited by the self-leveling filling of the dosing has taken place. Thereafter, the promotion of the powder is interrupted by means of the powder pump.
Es erfolgt dann eine Befüllung von mindestens einem Zielbehälter aus der Dosierkammer unter Öffnung des Auslassventils und unter Beibehaltung einer Restmenge von Pulver in der Dosierkammer. Das Volumen der Dosierkammer ist bevorzugt derart bemessen, dass mehrere und insbesondere vier Zielbehälter direkt hintereinander aus einer einzigen Dosierkammer befüllt werden können, ohne dass der Pulvervorrat in der Dosierkammer erschöpft ist.There then takes place a filling of at least one target container from the metering chamber with opening of the outlet valve and while maintaining a residual amount of powder in the dosing chamber. The volume of the metering chamber is preferably dimensioned such that several and in particular four target containers can be filled directly one behind the other from a single metering chamber without the powder supply in the metering chamber being exhausted.
Nach Befüllung der Zielbehälter und Schließen des Auslassventils wird schließlich die Förderung des Pulvers mittels der Pulverpumpe wieder aufgenommen, bis erneut eine selbstnivellierende Befüllung der Dosierkammer stattgefunden hat, woraufhin weitere Befüllungen von Zielbehältern und weitere selbstnivellierende Befüllungen der Dosierkammer stattfinden.After filling the target container and closing the exhaust valve finally the promotion of the powder is resumed by means of the powder pump until again a self-leveling filling of the dosing has taken place, whereupon further filling of target containers and other self-leveling fillings of the dosing take place.
Die Anordnung ist einfach im Aufbau und erfordert weder besondere Vorrichtungen noch Prozessschritte für eine kontrollierte Nachfüllung der Dosierkammer. Vielmehr findet ohne Überwachungssensorik eine selbstnivellierende Nachfüllung statt, wodurch mit geringem konstruktivem Aufwand eine hohe Prozesssicherheit erzielt werden kann. Bevorzugt zweigen mehrere und insbesondere sechs Dosierkammern vom durchgehenden Pulverkanal ab. In Verbindung mit der sequenziellen Befüllung von mehreren, insbesondere vier Zielbehältern aus je einer Dosierkammer lassen sich Zielbehälter beispielsweise in Form von Hartgelatinekapseln, sogenannte Vials, und andere Zielgefäße in einem matrixförmigen Rahmen zur Aufnahme einer Vielzahl von Zielbehältern befüllen. Die Zeit, die zum Austausch dieses Rahmens mit dem Zielbehältern nach erfolgter Befüllung erforderlich ist, kann für die selbstnivellierende Nachfüllung der Dosierkammern mittels der Pulverpumpe genutzt werden, so dass hierdurch keine zeitliche Verzögerung eintritt. Die Dosiereinrichtung und das zugehörige Verfahren sind mit einer entsprechend hohen Wirtschaftlichkeit einsetzbar.The arrangement is simple in construction and requires neither special devices nor process steps for a controlled refilling of the dosing. Rather, a self-leveling refilling takes place without monitoring sensor, whereby a high process reliability can be achieved with little design effort. Preferably, several and in particular six metering chambers branch off from the continuous powder channel. In connection with the sequential filling of a plurality, in particular four target containers from a respective dosing chamber, target containers, for example in the form of hard gelatine capsules, so-called vials, and other target containers can be filled in a matrix-shaped frame for receiving a multiplicity of target containers. The time required to replace this frame with the target containers after filling can be used for the self-leveling refilling of the metering chambers by means of the powder pump, so that thereby no time delay occurs. The metering device and the associated method can be used with a correspondingly high efficiency.
In bevorzugter Weiterbildung ist der Pulverkanal im Betrieb horizontal angeordnet, während die mindestens eine Dosierkammer rechtwinklig vom Pulverkanal abzweigt und dabei mit ihrer Längsachse vertikal angeordnet ist. Unter Ausnutzung der wirkenden Gewichtskraft wird hierdurch eine zuverlässige Abzweigung des Pulvers aus dem Pulverkanal in die Dosierkammer sichergestellt.In a preferred development of the powder channel is arranged horizontally in operation, while the at least one dosing branched off at right angles from the powder channel and is arranged vertically with its longitudinal axis. By utilizing the effective weight, this ensures a reliable diversion of the powder from the powder channel into the metering chamber.
In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform bilden die Pulverpumpe, eine von der Pulverpumpe zum Dosierer führende Zuführleitung, der Pulverkanal und eine vom Dosierer zur Pulverpumpe zurückführende Rückführleitung eine geschlossenen Kreislauf für das Pulver. Hierdurch kann das Pulver mit Überschuss, jedoch ohne Verluste durch den Pulverkanal und zurück zur Pulverpumpe gefördert werden, wobei infolge der oben beschriebenen Selbstnivellierung die zur Befüllung der Dosierkammer erforderliche Menge selbsttätig aus diesem Pulverstrom abgeschieden wird. Selbst bei einer Vielzahl von sequenziell vom Pulverkanal abzweigenden Dosierkammern ist sichergestellt, dass jede einzelne Dosierkammer den erforderlichen Füllstand erreicht.In a preferred embodiment, the powder pump, a supply line leading from the powder pump to the doser, the powder channel and a return line returning from the metering device to the powder pump form a closed circuit for the powder. As a result, the powder can be conveyed with excess, but without losses through the powder channel and back to the powder pump, as a result of the self-leveling described above, the amount required for filling the metering chamber is automatically separated from this powder stream. Even with a large number of dosing chambers, which branch off sequentially from the powder channel, it is ensured that each individual dosing chamber reaches the required level.
Es hat sich als zweckmäßig herausgestellt, dass der Querschnitt der Dosierkammer im Anschlussbereich an den Pulverkanal mindestens doppelt so groß und insbesondere mindestens dreimal so groß ist wie der Querschnitt des Pulverkanals. Hierdurch ist eine hinreichende Strömungsverzögerung im genannten Anschlussbereich sichergestellt, die ein selbsttätiges Herausfallen der Pulverpartikel aus dem geförderten Volumenstrom in die Dosierkammer hinein ermöglicht.It has proven to be expedient that the cross section of the metering chamber in the connection region to the powder channel is at least twice as large and in particular at least three times as large as the cross section of the powder channel. As a result, a sufficient flow delay in the said connection area is ensured, which is an automatic fall out of the powder particles from the promoted volume flow into the metering chamber into it.
Das Auslassventil ist bevorzugt ein insbesondere konisches, zur Außenseite der Dosierkammer hin öffnendes Ventil. Im geöffneten Zustand umströmt das austretende Pulver außenseitig des Ventilsitzes den nach außen angehobenen Ventilkörper und wird dabei von diesem umgelenkt, was zur Auflockerung des Pulvers beiträgt. Eine anschließende Schließbewegung des Ventilkörpers entgegen dem austretenden Pulverstrom vermeidet, dass Restpulver am Ventilsitz in unerwünschter Weise verdichtet wird.The outlet valve is preferably a particular conical, to the outside of the metering chamber opening valve. In the open state, the exiting powder flows around the outside of the valve seat, the valve body raised to the outside and is thereby deflected by this, which contributes to the loosening of the powder. A subsequent closing movement of the valve body against the exiting powder flow avoids that residual powder is compressed at the valve seat in an undesirable manner.
Zweckmäßig ist der Auflockerungsvorsprung mit axialem Abstand zum Ventilsitz des Auslassventils im Innenraum der Dosierkammer angeordnet. Durch den räumlichen Abstand des Auflockerungsvorsprunges zum Ventilsitz ist eine zuverlässige Fluidisierung des Pulvers stromauf des Ventilsitzes sichergestellt, so dass dieses in seiner Gesamtheit ungestört durch das Auslassventil austreten kann. Der Auflockerungsvorsprung kann verschiedene geeignete Formen aufweisen. Zweckmäßig ist er als um die Ventilnadel umlaufender Teller ausgeführt, wodurch die Auflockerungsbewegung der Ventilnadel gleichmäßig auf das umgebende Pulver übertragen wird.Suitably, the loosening projection is arranged at an axial distance from the valve seat of the outlet valve in the interior of the dosing chamber. Due to the spatial distance between the loosening projection and the valve seat, a reliable fluidization of the powder upstream of the valve seat is ensured, so that it can emerge undisturbed through the outlet valve in its entirety. The loosening protrusion may take various suitable forms. Suitably, it is designed as a valve needle rotating around the plate, whereby the loosening movement of the valve needle is uniformly transmitted to the surrounding powder.
In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist ein erster Antrieb für die Ventilnadel zum Öffnen und Schließen des Auslassventils sowie ein zweiter, insbesondere mit dem ersten Antrieb in Reihe geschalteter zweiter Antrieb für eine oszillierende Bewegung der Ventilnadel vorgesehen. In einem zugehörigen Verfahrensschritt wird mit dem ersten, dafür ausgelegten Antrieb der entsprechend große Hub zum Öffnen bzw. Schließen des Auslassventils ausgeführt. Für die Auflockerung des Pulvers ist ein geringerer, allerdings hochfrequenter Hub erforderlich, der mittels des zweiten, eigens dafür ausgelegten Antrieb ausgeführt wird, wodurch bei geöffnetem Auslassventil mittels dieses zweiten Antriebes eine insbesondere in der Längsachse der Ventilnadel ausgeführte oszillierende Bewegung zur Auflockerung des Pulvers herbeigeführt wird. Durch die Spezialisierung der beiden Antriebe auf ihre unterschiedlichen Aufgabenbereiche ist einerseits ein schnelles, verzögerungsfreies Öffnen und Schließen und andererseits die Auflockerung des Pulvers und damit ein agglomeratfreier Austritt des Pulvers aus der Dosierkammer zuverlässig sichergestellt.In a preferred embodiment, a first drive for the valve needle for opening and closing the exhaust valve and a second, in particular connected in series with the first drive second drive for an oscillating movement of the valve needle is provided. In an associated method step, the correspondingly large stroke for opening or closing the exhaust valve is carried out with the first drive designed for this purpose. For the loosening of the powder, a lesser, but high-frequency stroke is required, which is performed by means of the second, specially designed drive, whereby an open outlet valve by means of this second drive an executed especially in the longitudinal axis of the valve needle oscillating movement to loosen the powder is brought about , Due to the specialization of the two drives in their different areas of responsibility on the one hand fast, delay-free opening and closing and on the other hand, the loosening of the powder and thus an agglomerate-free exit of the powder from the metering chamber reliably ensured.
Die Ventilnadel ist zweckmäßig in Längsrichtung durch die Dosierkammer hindurchgeführt, wobei die beiden Antriebe auf der dem Auslassventil gegenüberliegenden Seite an der Ventilnadel angreifen. Bei einer Ausführung mit nur einem Antrieb gilt sinngemäß das Gleiche. Die Antriebe und ihre Verbindung zur Ventilnadel liegen damit nicht im Volumenstrom des aus der Dosierkammer austretenden Pulvers, so dass hier eigenständige Schutzmaßnahmen nicht erforderlich sind. Die einzelnen Dosierkammern können einschließlich ihrer Antriebe in koaxialer Bauweise sehr schlank ausgeführt werden, so dass sie dicht an dicht im gleichen Raster wie die Zielbehälter angeordnet werden können. Die gleichzeitige, parallele Befüllung von Zielbehältern ist hierdurch in einfacher Weise möglich.The valve needle is expediently guided through the dosing chamber in the longitudinal direction, with the two drives acting on the valve needle on the side opposite the outlet valve. In a single-drive version, the same applies mutatis mutandis. The drives and their connection to the valve needle are thus not in the flow of the emerging from the metering powder, so that here independent protective measures are not required. The individual metering chambers, including their drives in coaxial design can be made very slim, so that they are close to each other in the same Grid as the target container can be arranged. The simultaneous, parallel filling of target containers is thereby possible in a simple manner.
In einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung des Verfahrens wird die Füllmenge des vom Zielbehälter aufgenommenen Pulvers mittels einer Wägezelle für den Zielbehälter ermittelt, wobei das Auslassventil mittels des Messergebnisses der Wägezelle gesteuert bzw. geregelt wird. Während des Füllvorganges des Zielbehälters, also bei geöffnetem Auslassventil, erfolgt kontinuierlich eine Wägung der vom Zielbehälter aufgenommenen Füllmenge. Bei Erreichen der vorgegebenen Zielmenge wird das Auslassventil geschlossen. In Verbindung mit den vorstehend beschriebenen konstruktiven Merkmalen und der dadurch erreichten agglomeratfreien Pulveraufbereitung sind sehr schnelle Reaktionszeiten erzielbar, wodurch eine überraschend hohe Dosiergenauigkeit erreicht werden kann.In a preferred embodiment of the method, the filling amount of the powder received by the target container is determined by means of a weighing cell for the target container, wherein the outlet valve is controlled or regulated by means of the measurement result of the load cell. During the filling process of the target container, ie with the outlet valve open, a weighing of the quantity taken up by the target container is continuously carried out. When the predetermined target quantity is reached, the outlet valve is closed. In conjunction with the structural features described above and the agglomerate-free powder preparation achieved thereby, very fast reaction times can be achieved, as a result of which a surprisingly high dosing accuracy can be achieved.
Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist im Folgenden anhand der Zeichnung näher beschrieben. Es zeigen:
- Fig. 1
- in einer Seitenansicht eine erfindungsgemäße Dosiereinrichtung mit einer Pulverpumpe, mit einem Dosierer, und mit einem geschlossenen Kreislauf für das Pulver;
- Fig. 2
- eine perspektivische Ansicht des Dosierers nach
Fig. 1 mit Einzelheiten seiner konstruktiven Ausgestaltung; - Fig. 3
- eine Längsschnittdarstellung des Dosierers nach den
Fig. 1 und 2 mit Details der gegenseitigen Anordnung von Pulverkanal, Dosierkammern, Zielbehältern und Wägezellen; - Fig. 4
- eine vergrößerte Detaildarstellung der Anordnung nach
Fig. 3 mit Einzelheiten zur Ausgestaltung der Ventilnadel und des Auslassventils.
- Fig. 1
- in a side view of a metering device according to the invention with a powder pump, with a doser, and with a closed circuit for the powder;
- Fig. 2
- a perspective view of the doser after
Fig. 1 with details of its structural design; - Fig. 3
- a longitudinal sectional view of the meter according to the
Fig. 1 and 2 with details of mutual Arrangement of powder channel, dosing chambers, target containers and load cells; - Fig. 4
- an enlarged detail of the arrangement according to
Fig. 3 with details of the configuration of the valve needle and the exhaust valve.
Durch den Dosierer 3 läuft in dessen Längsrichtung ein in den
Jede der Dosierkammern 5 weist an ihrem in Gewichtskraftrichtung unteren Ende je einen konisch sich verjüngenden Abschnitt auf, der zur Außenseite der Dosierkammern 5 bzw. zur Außenseite des Dosierers 3 hin mit je einem Auslassventil 6 versehen ist. Das Auslassventil 6 umfasst einen in das Gehäuse 15 eingeformten, in
Zwischen dem ersten Antrieb 12 und dem oberen Schaftende der Ventilnadel 10 ist ein zweiter Antrieb 21 angeordnet. Er ist mit dem ersten Antrieb 12 derart in Reihe geschaltet, dass der zweite Antrieb 21 gemeinsam mit der Ventilnadel 10 den vom ersten Antrieb 12 erzeugten Hub ausführt. Der zweite Antrieb 21 ist ebenso wie der erste Antrieb 12 als Linearantrieb ausgebildet, jedoch abweichend davon für einen geringeren, aber hochfrequenten Hub ausgelegt. Hierzu ist er als piezoelektrischer Antrieb ausgeführt. Es können aber auch abweichende Bauformen wie elektromagnetische Antriebe zweckmäßig sein. Mittels des zweiten Antriebes 21 kann die Ventilnadel 10 bei Bedarf in eine axial oszillierende Hubbewegung versetzt werden. Infolge der Reihenschaltung beider Antriebe 12, 21 sind ihre beiden Hubbewegungen überlagert, können jedoch unabhängig voneinander eingeschaltet, gesteuert bzw. geregelt und auch ausgeschaltet werden.Between the
Die Ventilnadel 10 erstreckt sich durch den Innenraum der Dosierkammer 5. Die Ventilnadeln 10 können einen glatten Schaft aufweisen. Auch können die Ventilnadeln 10 mit verschiedenartigen, radial hervorstehenden Auflockerungsvorsprüngen 11 für das Pulver ausgestattet sein. Dabei ist mindestens ein solcher Auflockerungsvorsprung 11 vorzusehen. Es kann zweckmäßig sein, mehrere, insbesondere bis zu drei Auflockerungsvorsprünge 11 an einer einzelnen Ventilnadel 10 anzuordnen. Diese Auflockerungsvorsprünge 11 können radial hervorstehende Zähne oder dergleichen sein und sind im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel als um den Schaft der Ventilnadel 10 umlaufender Teller ausgeführt, wobei hier bevorzugt nur ein solcher Auflockerungsvorsprung an je einer Ventilnadel 10 angeordnet ist. Die Auflockerungsvorsprünge 11 befinden sich nicht in unmittelbarer Nähe zum jeweiligen Auslassventil 6, sondern mit axialem Abstand zum Ventilsitz 20 im Innenraum der jeweiligen Dosierkammer 5. Die axiale Position des jeweiligen Auflockerungsvorsprungs 11 ist dabei vorteilhaft im Bereich des konisch verjüngten Abschnittes bzw. im Übergangsbereich zum zylindrischen Abschnitt der Dosierkammer 5.The
Unter gleichzeitigem Bezug auf die
Die Pulverpumpe kann beliebig lange weiterlaufen, ohne dass eine Überfüllung eintritt. Tatsächlich muss sie jedoch nur so lange laufen, wie zur Befüllung der Dosierkammern 5 erforderlich ist. Diese Zeitspanne wird genutzt, die Zielbehälter 13 (
Währenddessen findet eine kontinuierliche und individuelle Wägung der Zielbehälter 13 mittels der zugeordneten Wägezellen 14 statt, wodurch die Füllmenge des vom Zielbehälter 13 aufgenommenen Pulvers ermittelt wird. Das Auslassventil 6 bzw. die zugeordneten Antriebe 12, 21 werden mittels des Messergebnisses der Wägezelle 14 in einer Weise gesteuert bzw. geregelt, dass der zweite Antrieb 21 bei Erreichen der vorbestimmten Füllmenge im Zielbehälter 13 mit hoher Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit abgeschaltet wird. Ein Nachrieseln des Pulvers 1 aus den Dosierkammern 5 hört dann unmittelbar auf. Unterstützend erfolgt unmittelbar nach dem Abschalten der zweiten Antriebe 21 ein Schließen der Auslassventile 6 mittels der zugeordneten ersten Antriebe 12. Die typische Dosiermasse für einen einzelnen Zielbehälter 13 liegt in einem Bereich von einschließlich 0,2 mg bis einschließlich 50 mg.Meanwhile, a continuous and individual weighing of the
Es kann zweckmäßig sein, genau die gleiche Menge an Zielbehältern 13 in einer Reihe anzuordnen, wie Dosierkammern 5 vorhanden sind. Nach Befüllung dieser Zielbehälter 13 mittels je einer Dosierkammer 5 und bei geschlossenen Auslassventilen 6 wird die Förderung des Pulvers 1 mittels der Pulverpumpe 2 wieder aufgenommen, bis erneut eine selbstnivellierende Befüllung der Dosierkammer 5 stattgefunden hat. Während dieser Zeit kann eine neue Reihe von noch leeren Zielbehältern 13 unter den Dosierkammern 5 für einen nachfolgenden Befüllvorgang positioniert werden, der dann erneut in oben beschriebener Weise stattfindet.It may be appropriate to arrange exactly the same amount of
Alternativ kann es auch zweckmäßig sein, eine größere Anzahl von Zielbehältern 13 beispielsweise in einem Rahmen matrixartig anzuordnen. Das Volumen der Dosierkammern 5 ist dabei derart bemessen, dass der sich darin angesammelte Pulvervorrat für die Befüllung von mehreren, hier vier Zielbehältern 13 ausreicht, wobei dann nach Befüllung von vier Vorratsbehältern 13 aus je einer Dosierkammer 5 immer noch eine Restmenge von Pulver 1 in jeder Dosierkammer 5 verbleibt. In diesem Falle werden dann bis zu vier Zielbehälter 13 zwischen zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Befüllungen der zugeordneten Dosierkammern 5 sequenziell befüllt. Erst dann wird die Pulverpumpe 1 wieder in Betrieb genommen, um die Dosierkammern 5 nachzufüllen, wobei dieses Nachfüllen während des Auswechselns der befüllten Zielbehälter 13 gegen einen neuen Rahmen mit noch leerem Zielbehälter 13 erfolgt.Alternatively, it may also be expedient to arrange a larger number of
Claims (15)
- Metering device for fine-grained powder (1), in particular for medicinal powder (1) for pulmonary administration, comprising a powder pump (2) for conveying the powder (1) and a metering unit (3) supplied with the powder (1) by the powder pump (2), wherein the metering unit (3) comprises a full-length powder passage (4) and at least one metering chamber (5) with an outlet valve (6), wherein the metering chamber (5) branches off the powder passage (4) at an angle and wherein the metering chamber (5) has a larger cross-section than the powder passage (4), characterised in that the outlet valve (6) comprises a valve needle (10) which extends into the interior of the metering chamber (5) and which supports at least one radially projecting loosening projection (11) for the powder (1), wherein it is provided that the valve needle (10) performs an oscillating movement to loosen the powder when the outlet valve is open.
- Metering device according to claim 1,
characterised in that the powder passage (4) is arranged horizontally in operation, and in that the at least one metering chamber (5) branches off at right angles from the powder passage (4), its longitudinal axis (7) being oriented vertically. - Metering device according to claim 1 or 2,
characterised in that several, and in particular six, metering chambers (5) branch off the full-length powder passage (4). - Metering device according to any of claims 1 to 3,
characterised in that the powder pump (2), a feed line (8) leading from the powder pump (2) to the metering unit (3), the powder passage (4) and a return line (9) leading from the metering unit (3) back to the powder pump (2) form a closed circuit for the powder (1). - Metering device according to any of claims 1 to 4,
characterised in that the cross-section of the metering chamber (5) in the connecting region to the powder passage (4) is at least twice as large and in particular three times as large as the cross-section of the powder passage (4). - Metering device according to any of claims 1 to 5,
characterised in that the outlet valve (6) is an in particular conical valve opening towards the outside of the metering chamber (5). - Metering device according to any of claims 1 to 6,
characterised in that the loosening projection (11) is arranged at an axial distance from a valve seat (20) of the outlet valve (6) in the interior of the metering chamber (5). - Metering device according to claim 7,
characterised in that the loosening projection (11) is configured as a disc surrounding the valve needle (10). - Metering device according to claim 7 or 8,
characterised in that a first drive (12) for the valve needle (10) for opening and closing the outlet valve (6) and a second drive (21), which is in particular series-connected to the first drive (12), for an oscillating movement of the valve needle (10) are provided. - Metering device according to claim 9,
characterised in that the valve needle (10) passes through the metering chamber (5) in the longitudinal direction, and in that the drives (12, 21) act on the valve needle (10) on the side opposite the outlet valve (6). - Method for operating a metering device with the features according to any of claims 1 to 10, comprising the following process steps:- the powder (1) is conveyed through the powder passage (4) by means of the powder pump (2), wherein the at least one metering chamber (5) is filled with the powder (1);- after a time interval in which the metering chamber (5) has been filled in a self-levelling manner, the delivery of the powder pump (2) is interrupted;- at least one target container (13) is then filled from the metering chamber (5), while the outlet valve (6) opens and a residual quantity of powder (1) is retained in the metering chamber (5);- finally, the delivery of the powder (1) by means of the powder pump (2) is resumed until the metering chamber (5) has once again been filled in a self-levelling manner, followed by further filling of target containers (13) and further self-levelling filling of the metering chamber (5);- characterised in that- during the filling operation from the metering chamber (5) the valve needle (10) performs an oscillating movement to loosen the powder (1) while the outlet valve (6) is open;- the outlet valve is closed on completion of the filling operation.
- Method according to claim 11,
characterised in that several, and in particular four, target containers (13) are filled from a single metering chamber (5) between two successive filling operations of the metering chamber (5). - Method according to claim 11 or 12,
characterised in that the filling quantity of the powder (1) received by the target container (13) is determined by means of a weighing cell (14) for the target container (13), the outlet valve (6) being controlled in an open or closed loop by means of the measuring results of the weighing cell (14). - Method according to any of claims 11 to 13,
characterised in that the outlet valve (6) is opened and closed by means of a first drive (12) for the valve needle (10), and in that an in particular axially oscillating movement of the valve needle (10) is provided by means of a second drive (21), which is in particular series-connected to the first drive (12), in order to loosen the powder (1). - Method according to claim 14,
characterised in that the second drive (21) is only switched on after the opening of the outlet valve (6).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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PCT/EP2008/004747 WO2009149727A1 (en) | 2008-06-13 | 2008-06-13 | Metering device and method for operating said metering device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2303706A1 EP2303706A1 (en) | 2011-04-06 |
EP2303706B1 true EP2303706B1 (en) | 2013-11-20 |
Family
ID=40406081
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP08773423.2A Not-in-force EP2303706B1 (en) | 2008-06-13 | 2008-06-13 | Metering device and method for operating said metering device |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US8757220B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2303706B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009149727A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2334560B1 (en) * | 2008-08-05 | 2013-10-23 | MannKind Corporation | Powder dispenser modules and powder dispenser assemblies |
DE202013008523U1 (en) * | 2013-09-25 | 2013-10-21 | Harro Höfliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH | "Metering" |
US10399712B2 (en) | 2013-12-26 | 2019-09-03 | Altria Client Services Llc | Slide measuring system for filling pouches and associated method |
US9750663B2 (en) * | 2014-03-31 | 2017-09-05 | Aesynt | Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing interim volume verification of a fluid |
US10888108B2 (en) | 2015-07-30 | 2021-01-12 | Altria Client Services Llc | Slide measuring system for filling pouches and associated method |
MX2020007242A (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2020-11-13 | Pirelli | Metering apparatus for metering ingredients of compounds in particular for tyres and method for metering ingredients of compounds in particular for tyres. |
EP3608015B1 (en) * | 2018-08-08 | 2021-10-06 | Harro Höfliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH | Powder provision device for a powder metering apparatus |
CN111792066A (en) * | 2020-08-05 | 2020-10-20 | 楚天科技股份有限公司 | Liquid medicine filling system capable of reducing liquid medicine loss and filling method thereof |
CN111846307B (en) * | 2020-08-05 | 2021-09-21 | 楚天科技股份有限公司 | Liquid medicine filling method |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB871651A (en) | 1958-09-17 | 1961-06-28 | Mono Pumps Ltd | Installations for supplying powder materials |
GB1414967A (en) | 1971-10-26 | 1975-11-19 | Heinz Co H J | Apparatus for filling containers |
DE3310452A1 (en) | 1983-03-23 | 1984-09-27 | Bühler-Miag GmbH, 3300 Braunschweig | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE AUTOMATIC PNEUMATIC LOADING OF A VARIETY OF CONSUMPTION POINTS WITH POWDERED GOODS |
US4472091A (en) | 1983-04-25 | 1984-09-18 | Pennwalt Corporation | Dry powder metering apparatus |
US5222529A (en) * | 1990-12-21 | 1993-06-29 | American Cyanamid Company | Filling apparatus |
SG166814A1 (en) * | 2005-11-21 | 2010-12-29 | Mannkind Corp | Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods |
-
2008
- 2008-06-13 US US12/997,600 patent/US8757220B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2008-06-13 EP EP08773423.2A patent/EP2303706B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2008-06-13 WO PCT/EP2008/004747 patent/WO2009149727A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US8757220B2 (en) | 2014-06-24 |
EP2303706A1 (en) | 2011-04-06 |
US20110108157A1 (en) | 2011-05-12 |
WO2009149727A1 (en) | 2009-12-17 |
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