EP3275790A2 - Filling device with improved hose 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), the linear tube pump (7) being 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 102008001204 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 102012022836 B3 known peristaltic pump to be replaced. However, this known peristaltic pump very complicated and expensive and especially 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 relative to the first flexible Pressure range movable, so that the pressure build-up and the vacuum generation is enabled in the hose assembly.

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 the case of the first check valve, a passage direction is provided in the direction of the first flexible pressure area, and a passage direction of the second check valve is, starting 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 area, a second supply area and a second discharge area, 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 a risk of cross-contamination, which in to be cleaned components of the filling device would always be present, not given. 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, that the product in the bag by a rotating movement of the roller can be expressed from the bag.

drawing

Figur 1

eine schematische Ansicht einer Füllvorrichtung gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,

Figur 2

eine schematische Ansicht einer Linear-Schlauchpumpe der Füllvorrichtung von Figur 1 von vorne,

Figur 3

eine schematische Ansicht der Linear-Schlauchpumpe von Figur 2 von hinten,

Figur 4

eine schematische Darstellung der Funktionsweise der Linear-Schlauchpumpe der Figuren 2 und 3,

Figur 5

eine schematische Ansicht einer Quetscheinrichtung der Linear-Schlauchpumpe der Figuren 2 und 3, und

Figur 6

eine schematische Ansicht einer Funktion einer Linear-Schlauchpumpe einer Füllvorrichtung gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.

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:

FIG. 1

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

FIG. 2

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

FIG. 3

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

FIG. 4

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

FIG. 5

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

FIG. 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 FIGS. 1 to 5 a filling device 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention described in detail.

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

The bag 2 is made of a flexible material.

Furthermore, a squeezing unit 11 is provided, which comprises a first roller 12 and a second roller 13. One end 2a of the bag 2 is arranged between the two rollers 12, 13. By rotation of at least one of the two rollers, the product 10 located in the bag 2 can be squeezed out of the bag.

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

On the hose assembly 5, a linear hose pump 7 is further arranged, which in detail from the Figures 2 and 3 is apparent. The linear tube pump 7 comprises a squeezing device 8, which in detail FIG. 5 is apparent.

The squeezing device 8 comprises a linear element 80 having a wall region 81 and a first leg region 82 and a second leg region 83. Furthermore, the linear element 80 comprises a milling cylinder 84 as a rolling device. The milling cylinder 84 is mounted between the two leg regions 82, 83. The linear element 80 is connected to a lifting device 87, which causes a stroke in the direction of the double arrow A (FIG. FIG. 2 ). The linear element 80 is guided by the two guide rods 85, 86.

The hose assembly 5 is also in detail from the Figures 2 and 3 seen. The hose assembly 5 comprises a first three-way device 20 having a first supply region 21, a first discharge region 22 and a first flexible pressure region 23. The first three-way device 20 has a substantially Y-shape.

The first flexible pressure region 23 is arranged at the squeezing device 8 between the first wall region 81 and the milling cylinder 84. A distance between the first wall region 81 and the milling cylinder 84 is such that the flexible pressure region 23 is squeezed. As a result of the movement of the linear element, the product 10 to be filled can be sucked in and pushed out in the first flexible pressure region 23.

During operation, the squeezing device 8 ensures that the first flexible pressure region 23 between the milling cylinder 84 and the wall region 81 is completely squeezed off. This seal also remains when the flexible pressure area 23 is displaced to displace and suck in the fluid.

The first three-way device 20 further comprises a first check valve 24 and a second check valve 25. The first check valve 24 is arranged in the first supply line 21 and the second check valve 25 is arranged in the first discharge region 22. At the first intermediate region 21 and at the first discharge region 22, respective connection elements for a connection of the supply hose 4 and the discharge hose 6 are provided.

The function of the linear peristaltic pump 7 is as follows. Starting from the in the Figures 2 and 3 As shown, which represents a bottom dead center of the movement of the linear tube pump 7, the linear member 80 of the squeezer 8 is moved along the guide rods 85, 86 toward the first three-way device 20. In this case, the first flexible pressure region 23 of the first three-way device 20 between the milling cylinder 84 and the wall portion 81 is squeezed fluid-tight, so that 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. As the linear member 80 is further moved upwardly, the product in the flexible pressure region 23 is displaced and over the opened second one Check valve 25 is conveyed into the discharge hose 6. From there, the product to be filled can be filled via the filling needle 3 into the container 14.

FIG. 4 shows the basic operation of the linear tube pump 7. The filter element 26 ensures in particular the sterility of the tube assembly 5 during the pressure stroke.

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

When the linear element 80 moves back down into the in FIG. 2 and 3 shown moves closed, the second check valve 25 and the first check valve 24 opens, so that the product to be bottled 10 can be sucked out of the bag 2 again in the first flexible pressure region 23. By reversing the direction of the linear element 80 then a further filling can be performed.

It should also be noted that the linear tube pump 7 can also be adapted quickly and easily to different tube diameters of the tube assembly 5. The linear hose pump 7 comprises a housing 70 and a cover 71, wherein a distance between the housing 70 and the cover 71 is adjustable by means of shims 72. This allows a quick adaptation to different hose diameters. It should also be noted that the lid 71 is preferably arranged captively on the housing 70 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 carried out by means of a lifting device 87, which can be connected for example to a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder. To compensate for a compensation of a misalignment by a drive of the lifting device 87, preferably cross and / or ball joints are provided.

Furthermore, the bag 2, the supply hose 4, the hose assembly, the discharge hose 6, the filter element 26 and the filling needle 3, an assembly which is formed as a disposable article. Thus, after filling of the product 10 from the bag 2, the entire assembly can be disposed of. Since the linear tube 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. Also, no complex cleaning process of the linear tube pump 7 must be performed. In operation, minimal process costs are achieved by the filling device 1 according to the invention, since 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.

FIG. 6 shows a filling device 1 with a hose assembly 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 assembly 5 of FIG. 6 In addition to the first three-way device 20, a second three-way device 30 with a second supply region 31, a second discharge region 32 and a second pressure region 33. Further, a third check valve 34 is disposed in the second supply region 31 and a fourth check valve 35th is arranged in the second discharge region 32. The first and second supply regions 21, 31 are each connected to the supply hose 4. The first discharge region 22 and the second discharge region 32 are each connected to the discharge hose 6. Furthermore, the first flexible pressure region 23 is connected to the second pressure region 33. This can be how out FIG. 6 becomes clear, the linear tube pump 7 are operated in the form of a double-acting pump, so that depending on the direction of movement of the linear member 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 member 80, a negative pressure in the first three-way device 20 is generated and a pressure in the second three-way device 30 is generated. Thus, a suction and conveying takes place alternately via the first and second three-way device 20, 30. Here, the tube assembly 5 is also designed as a disposable article, so that in the first Embodiment described advantages in terms of format change and prevention of contamination can be obtained.

Claims (10)

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 adapted to build by means of a linear movement (A) in the first three-way device (20) and a pressure Create negative pressure. Filling device according to claim 1, wherein the squeezing device (8) of the linear peristaltic pump (7) has a linear element (80) linearly movable relative to the first flexible pressure region (23) with a wall region (81) and a rolling device (84), in particular a walking cylinder. , wherein the first flexible pressure region (23) between the wall portion (81) and the Walkeinrichtung is arranged. Filling device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising guide means (85, 86) on which the linear element (80) is guided. Filling apparatus according to claim 2 and 3, wherein the Walkeinrichtung comprises a walking cylinder, which is mounted on the linear element (80) between a first leg portion (82) and a second leg portion (83). Filling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a first check valve (24), which is arranged in the first supply region (21) and a passage direction in Direction to the first flexible pressure region (23) and by a second check valve (25), which in the first discharge region (22) is arranged and a passage direction out of the first flexible pressure region (23) addition. Filling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a filter element (26) which is arranged at a free end (23a) of the first flexible pressure region (23). Filling apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second three-way device (30) having a second supply region (31), a second discharge region (32) and a second pressure region (33), which are in fluid communication with each other, wherein the first flexible pressure region (23) is in fluid communication with the second pressure region (33). Filling device according to claim 7, further comprising a third check valve (34) which is arranged in the second supply region (31) and a passage direction towards the second pressure region (33) and a second check valve (25) which in the second discharge region (32 ) is arranged and has a passage direction from the second pressure region (33) addition. Filling device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising - A bag (2) made of a flexible material which is filled with the product to be filled (10), and a filling needle (3), - The bag (2), the filling needle (3) and the tube assembly (5) form an assembly which is formed 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) having a first roller (12) and a second roller (13) which is arranged to empty the bag (2) ,

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