EP3487633B1 - Dispenser with vent valve filter - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a metering dispenser system for a pumpable dispenser product, in particular a cosmetic fluid dispenser product such as a washing lotion, a cream lotion, a dentifrice, a pharmaceutical product, a perfume liquid or the like according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention also relates to a filter unit for use in such a metering dispenser system and to a manufacturing plant and a manufacturing method for manufacturing and filling a metering dispenser system according to the invention according to the preambles of the independent claims.

STATE OF THE ART

Dosing dispenser systems are known from the prior art, which are generally also freely available on the market as soap dispensers, cream dispensers, dentifrice dispensers, or perfume dispensers or the like. Dosing dispenser systems of the generic type are also known in the medical-pharmaceutical field for drugs or pharmaceutical products. They usually include a product container in which either liquid or finely ground soap products, cream products, perfume or similar dispenser products are stored in liquid, cream-like, pasty or granular form and can be dispensed in doses using a pump or rotating mechanism. Most of the time, the pumping or rotating mechanism can be operated manually. Many such metering dispenser systems have a dispensing device that works on the principle of a piston pump.

Many dispenser products, in particular in the field of body hygiene, cosmetics, but also in the medical-pharmaceutical field, are offered in packaging in which a metering dispenser system is provided in order to be able to dispense the dispenser product in a metered manner. Such are such dosing dispenser systems to be found especially in public spaces, but also common in private areas in the form of small free-standing containers with a capacity of up to 500 ml.

It is characteristic of such dosing dispenser systems that the product container has a thick-walled packaging with a high consumption of material, in contrast to liquid soap or liquid products packed in bags for filling and replacement purposes. Dispenser systems of the generic type can, for example, be permanently mounted on a wall or can also be used free-standing in a product container. They can contain washing-active substances, cream and cosmetic substances or perfume substances, which can usually be refilled using a refillable product container.

The known dispenser devices in the dosing dispenser system in many cases comprise a pump device which can convey the dispensed product from the product container in a metered manner via an output nozzle, the amount of the dispensed dispenser product being replaced by an equal amount of ambient air flowing in, so that no negative pressure arises in the product container. Dosing dispenser systems of this type are generally not airtight, so that ambient air can reach the dispenser product. Since the ambient air contains germs and impurities, especially in the damp climate of a sanitary area, such donor products, especially in the case of highly sensitive or biological donor products, have a limited shelf life, so that the risk of contamination with biological pathogens or chemical decomposition is averted. In order to extend the period of use, shelf-life substances are regularly incorporated into such donor products, which are intended to significantly increase the service life of the donor product. These preservatives are substances or mixtures that are used for preservation, ie long-term storage, and have an antimicrobial effect through biocides, which inhibit the growth or kill microorganisms. In the cosmetics industry, in which soaps, creams, lotions or even perfume products are used as donor products, parabens, benzoic acids or methylisothiazolinone are preferred as preservatives. The approval is based on a Cosmetics Ordinance, Annex 6, which regulates which types of cosmetic ingredients may be used as preservatives. Also in In the pharmaceutical sector, auxiliary substances are used for the preservation of drugs, which are intended to increase the service life. If these are missing, fungi and microorganisms can develop in the ingredients, which can lead to poisoning or extremely harmful side effects when using these donor products.

A pretreatment of the dispenser products, for example by heating, dehydration or deep freezing, is hardly an option for the dosing dispenser systems known from the prior art, since they are still in contact with air in daily use. Thus, only artificial preservatives can effectively increase the lifespan of the donor products and thus bring about a longer usability.

On the other hand, shelf life and preservatives are suspected of triggering allergies, especially in the case of donor products that are in long-term contact with the human body, such as creams, medicines, perfumes, but also soap products. This can lead to skin damage and fungal infections. In the delivery state, such dosing dispenser systems can still be sealed airtight, so that no external inputs from ambient air can reach the dispenser product. With regular use, however, ambient air is inevitably introduced into the product container of the dosing dispenser system, so that an extension of the service life can only be achieved by adding durability substances. Instead of parabens or other known preservatives, alcohols or anisic acid can also be used, although these can still have side effects. Butyl or propyl parabens, which are subgroups of methyl or ethyl parabens, are approved under food law and the Cosmetics Ordinance, but are widely suspected of triggering allergies and side effects. For example, metals such as aluminum or other metallic additives are also used for preservation, which can also trigger allergic reactions. In studies, deodorants containing parabens have been linked to the occurrence of breast cancer. Allergic reactions have also been found in sunscreens and shaving creams that contain such preservatives. Therefore, maximum concentrations of approx. 0.19% apply in the donor product, but only one show little effect on the shelf life of the donor product and in many cases are exceeded.

From the DE 10 2004 050 679 A1 a metering dispenser system is known which comprises a dispenser device with a pump device, a filter membrane being provided in the pump device for the inflowing air in order to filter out impurities from the outside air. The purpose of this is to extend the shelf life of the donated product. However, the air supply channel is open in both directions, so that there is a constant and uncontrolled exchange of air, with contaminated air also being able to reach the dispensing product through the dispensing channel and the dispensing nozzle, for example. There is no reliable shielding and filtering of ambient air and no separate air pressure atmosphere can be set inside the product container. The dosing dispenser system proposed therein cannot guarantee 100% filtering of outside air, so that ultimately the shelf life of the dispenser product is only possible to a limited extent without the addition of preservatives. Ultimately, pressure equalization cannot be controlled via a valve device, nor can an overpressure in sterile air be set as a result.

the DE 698 16 336 T2 shows a metering dispenser system for the preparation and storage of a fluid product which is to be stored sterile without the addition of preservatives and to be protected from oxidation or contamination from the outside. The metering dispenser system comprises a container, a manual pump and a filter, whereby the use of standard metering pumps is possible. The pump is designed without an air inlet and the filter is arranged in an air inlet in the bottom of the container. When the pump is operated by a user, the negative pressure generated in the container can be compensated through this air inlet, the outside air passing through the filter. The filter can consist of a hydrophobic filtering material. Furthermore, a closure flap can be arranged between the filter and the inner volume of the container so that no product stored within the container can escape. It is explicitly mentioned here that this does not require a special pump with a complex structure. It is also explicitly pointed out that standard metering pumps can be used. Furthermore, the air inlet with the filter is also arranged on the bottom surface of the container and thus not in the area of the valve group of the pump device. Due to the double pump system proposed there, it is not possible to generate overpressure of sterile air in the product container.

The standardization regulation VDMA 15390 2004-03-00 - "Compressed air quality list" is a standard of the Association of German Machinery and Plant Engineering (VDMA), which contains a list of recommended purity classes for compressed air quality in accordance with the ISO 8573-1 standard. A list of recommended purity classes is shown under point 5, which includes classes H13 and H14, in this respect, purity classes are normatively regulated and listed in the named standard.

In the EP 0 193 054 Al is a dispensing device for flowable medium disclosed that can be stored in a container with a filling space. The output device is suitable, for example, for the filling with and the very long storage of anti-infectives and similar media, a clean and hygienic filling being ensured in a simple manner. A drag piston is guided inside the container. This delimits the buffalo space during a filling position, with at least one closable ventilation opening being provided in the filling position in the area of the drag piston. This vent opening can be closed by a movement of the drag piston from the filling position into the working position. In this way, the ventilation opening is closed immediately after filling in order to prevent the ingress of bacteria or the like. Furthermore, a riser pipe can be used inside the container so that the container can be filled from the bottom to the top through the riser pipe. It is not intended or technically possible to generate or maintain an overpressure of sterile air in the container.

the FR 2 669 379 A1 discloses a metering valve that can be applied to a pressureless container designed for liquid products. The metering valve includes a filter with which outside air penetrating into the container is cleaned with each metering. The valve comprises a first valve mechanism for the inlet of the liquid into the metering chamber, and a second valve mechanism for controlling the metered amount supplied. The closing security of the valve is controlled with a third valve mechanism. In doing so, no overpressure can be generated in the container either. The filter is arranged in the area in which the complete head with the metering valve is applied to the container and thus cleans the air that unintentionally enters the container in this connection area. The valve group consisting of the first to third valve mechanisms is only used to adjust the supply amount of the flowable medium that is stored in the container. None of the valve mechanisms are designed for the supply of positive pressure of sterile air into the container.

the WO 2009/095337 A 1 relates to a method for filling and evacuating a container for pasty, foam-like or liquid media. In this case, the container has a suction pump in a pump receptacle, which seals the container against air penetrating from the outside. The container can be produced from a plastic tube in a blow molding process and is designed to be sleek. The suction pump prevents outside air from entering the container when the medium is dispensed from the container. A valve unit for setting an excess pressure of sterile air in the container is not disclosed.

the DE 103 47 466 A1 shows a medium conductor for a pump device with at least one medium channel, an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A weight is arranged in the area of the inlet opening. The medium channel has at least one flexible bending section with a dimensionally stable channel cross section. Due to the weight in the area of the inlet opening of the medium conductor, a deformation force is exerted on the medium conductor as a function of the spatial position. This ensures that the inlet opening in particular is immersed in the medium in almost all spatial positions. It is thus possible for the medium to flow through the medium channel into the pump device from different spatial positions. A metering dispenser system with several valve groups and an excess pressure of sterile air in the product container is also not disclosed here.

the FR 2 891 262 A1 Figure 10 illustrates a method and container for storing materials equipped with a filter on a vent pipe. The filter removes contaminants from the atmospheric air entering the container to replace the material removed therefrom.

the WO 2015/038692 A1 relates to liquid dispensing systems and, more particularly, to non-collapsing container dispensers and vent pumps for use with such dispensers.

the FR 2 368 306 A2 shows a vaporizer consisting of a bottle with flexible walls so that the bottle can be deformed by pressure.

The known prior art also gives rise to the problem that long-term storage of a dispenser product in a dosing dispenser system is only possible by adding preservatives without the addition of shelf-life substances, and no leakage or unwanted ingress of contaminated ambient air can be detected.

Furthermore, the problem arises that the dosing dispenser systems emerging from the known prior art comprise a product container which is dimensionally stable and thick-walled, and entails high material and cost consumption.

After all, there is a problem that the shelf life and preservatives can trigger allergies and harmful reactions that must be avoided.

The object of the invention is therefore to propose a metering dispenser system that enables long-term storage and use of a dispenser product without the need to add harmful preservatives, the product container being able to be thin-walled with as little material consumption as possible. Another object of the invention is to present a metering dispenser system that prevents the ingress of contaminated ambient air or at least makes it recognizable.

This object is achieved by a metering dispenser system, a manufacturing plant and a manufacturing method for such a metering dispenser system. In addition, a filter unit is proposed that can be used in such a metering dispenser system. Advantageous further developments of the inventions are set out in the subclaims.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a metering dispenser system for a pumpable dispenser product, in particular a cosmetic fluid dispenser product such as washing lotion, cream lotion, perfume liquid or the like, which comprises a dimensionally stable or limp product container and a dispenser device with a pump device. The pump device comprises a first valve group for conveying the dispensed product from the product container. It is proposed that the pump device comprises a second valve group for supplying air into the product container, the second valve group defining a supply channel in which at least one filter unit for sterile air filtering is arranged, so that an overpressure of sterile air in the product container can be set. In other words, a metering dispenser system is proposed in which, for example, a pump device can convey a dispenser product from a product container according to the principle of a piston pump. The product container can be dimensionally stable, that is to say consist of a self-stabilizing material, but can also be designed to be limp, and for example be made of a plastic film bag, rubber, latex or other soft material. The pump device has a first valve group which comprises one or more valves, mostly non-return valves, in order to dispense the dispensed product mostly with the aid of a conveying pipe from the product container via a dispensing nozzle. The amount of withdrawn dispenser product in the product container will be replaced by an amount of incoming air. For this purpose, a feed channel is provided in which a second valve group is arranged with at least one second valve, in particular a check valve, through which air flows from the outside into the product container in order to replace the amount of dispensed product. The second group of valves prevents filtered air from being released back into the environment from the product container. In the supply channel, a filter element is arranged either before, after or between several valves of the second valve group, through which the ambient air is filtered so that sterile, filtered and germ-free air, i.e. extremely finely filtered air without bioreactive substances such as fungi, microorganisms or other contaminating particles, is introduced into the product container. The second group of valves is used to ensure that the inflowing sterile air can no longer escape in the same way from the product container. Therefore, an overpressure of sterile air is established in the product container, so that even in the case of slack product containers, dimensional stability is maintained through an overpressure of the introduced sterile air. Even slack product containers are sufficiently stabilized by themselves. One advantage here is that as long as the overpressure is visible in the product container, as is the case in particular with limp product containers with self-stabilization, it can be assumed that the sterility of the dispenser product will be guaranteed. This provides an indicator of the effectiveness of the dispenser system and indicates that the dispenser product is permanently covered with sterile air. Since no contaminated substances from the outside air can get into the product container, the dispenser product does not come into contact with substances that are harmful to the shelf life. so that a practically unlimited service life of the donor product is guaranteed. This means that there is no need to add shelf life or preservatives. This makes it possible to offer organically produced donor products, such as creams, soaps, shampoos or the like, which cannot have any harmful side effects, since they contain no preservatives, parabens or other chemical preservatives or metallic additives. On the one hand, the overpressure atmosphere of sterile air simplifies the pumping process, since the dispenser product is literally pushed towards the dispensing nozzle by the high sterile air pressure, so that the pumping action of the pump device for dispensing can be minimized. On the other hand, there is no need for the risk of harmful ambient air reaching the dispenser product via the dispensing channel, since no ambient air can penetrate due to the overpressure. In the event of damage or leaks, the overpressure in sterile air disappears, so that the dispenser product must be used up as quickly as possible, since the sterile air atmosphere is no longer there.

The decisive difference to the state of the art is the fact that your proposed double pump system can generate an overpressure of sterile air in the product container; this cannot be achieved in the known state of the art. A failure of the sterile air atmosphere or an undesired leakage can be easily recognized as a result, furthermore, in particular, limp product containers always remain tightly filled, have inherent stability and can be used in a shape-retaining manner until they are completely emptied.

Because the decisive difference according to the invention is that in the invention the two valve groups are provided to form a double pump system for generating an overpressure of sterile air, while in the known prior art neither a dispenser system for generating an overpressure of sterile air is presented nor suggested. In an advantageous further development, the pump device can be connected airtight to the product container, preferably permanently connected to the product container, and when the dispenser product is not in use it can be stored airtight and tightly closed from the environment. A permanent and airtight connection between the pump device and the product container ensures that none Ambient air can penetrate between the pump device and the product container, neither through thread or other fastening points. This increases the tightness of the dosing dispenser system and thus the service life of the dispenser product, since no harmful outside air can penetrate unfiltered. The product container can still be refilled, provided that it can be detached from the pump device under sterile air conditions, for example by means of a special tool. However, it is not in the interests of the user to detach the pump device from the pump container himself, since the contact with outside air, even if only briefly, has already given rise to contamination of the dispenser product.

In an advantageous development, the pump device can be set up to introduce a volume of sterile air into the product container that is equal to or greater than the volume of the dispenser product to be conveyed, so that an overpressure can be set in the product container by sterile air. As a rule, the pump device is preferably set up in such a way that it provides a double pumping action in which, on the one hand, the dispenser product is conveyed out of the product container via the dispensing nozzle, and, on the other hand, air is introduced into the product container through the sterile filter element. It is proposed that the volume of sterile air introduced into the product container by the pump device is greater than the volume of the dispenser product to be conveyed, so that an overpressure is reliably established in the product container. This creates a self-stabilizing effect of a limp product container. In the borderline case, an equal amount of sterile air is introduced into the product container and removed from the product container for each dispenser product. It is conceivable that the pump device is designed to be adjustable, so that the amount of sterile air to be conveyed can be adjusted in relation to the amount of dispenser product to be conveyed in order to be able to adjust the overpressure. In this way, an optimized sterile air atmosphere can be created in the product container. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the supply of sterile air precedes the removal of the dispenser product from the delivery, with an excess amount of sterile air supporting the removal of the delivery of the dispenser product by means of a compression pressure. This can be achieved by suitable mechanical measures, for example piston strokes and piston stroke mechanisms of different speeds.

In an advantageous development, the filter unit, which is defined in the feed channel of the second filter group, is a sterile air filter with a filter class H13, preferably H14 or class 100 or higher. The sterile air filter is preferably designed as a HEPA filter (high-efficiency particulate arrestance filter) or a ULPA filter (ultra low penetration air filter) and, furthermore, the filter unit preferably has a labyrinth-like filter channel. The filter unit advantageously comprises a sterile air filter, preferably an EPA / HEPA or a UPA filter unit with a filter class H13, preferably H14 or class 100 or higher. HEPA filters which are particularly well suited for carrying out the invention are so-called HEPA filters (high-efficiency particulate arrestance filters) or so-called ULPA filters (ultra low penetration air filters). Filters of this class are used to filter out viruses, respirable dusts, mite eggs or excretions, pollen, smoke particles, asbestos, bacteria, various toxic dusts or aerosols from the air. These filters are usually used in medical technology, and according to the invention can be used suitably for the production of sterile air, with ambient air being forced through the filters by means of fans or compression devices, and the suspended matter and impurities contained therein can be filtered out. Filters of filter class H13 or higher achieve a degree of separation of 99.95% for the entire air flow, with a local separation rate of at least 99.75% of particles from 0.1 μm to 0.3 μm being able to be achieved. According to the VDMA standard "Compressed Air Quality" (list of recommended standard classes according to ISO 8573-1) VDMA 15390 of March 2004, filters are used to produce sterile air for a sterile air overlay, which completely filter out solid impurities in the range of 1 µm to 5 µm and impurities < 1 µm can only pass in the range of 1-100 ppm. Filters of this type ensure that the sterile air overlay is as sterile as required, so that the donated product has an extremely long service life without additional treatment steps.

The pump device is advantageously designed as a manually operable double pump device and has a double piston system for simultaneously conveying the dispenser product and for introducing the sterile air. A double piston system is characterized in that two pistons are moved in two separate chambers by a pump actuator, the first valve group being arranged in the first chamber and for conveying the Dispenser product is used, and the second valve group is arranged in the second chamber, which is used to transport the sterile air into the pump container. A single piston actuator, which is in mechanical contact with the two cylinders of the double pump device, thus simultaneously conveys sterile air in and dispenser product out of the product container. The two pistons can work synchronously or staggered in time, with the sterile air supply piston preferably advancing the product dispenser delivery piston.

The pump actuator can integrate an outlet nozzle and be spring-loaded, or it can be designed as a pistol grip, as is known from window cleaning products, for example. The pump actuator can have a protruding outlet connection with an outlet nozzle, or it can be cylindrical with an outlet nozzle integrated in the cylinder wall. A cylindrical pump actuator usually has a protective cap against unintentional actuation.

Based on the above embodiment, the pump device can advantageously be shaped according to the principle of a scoop piston pump with a scoop piston, the scoop piston comprising two piston sections with a first piston section for conveying the dispensed product and a second piston section for supplying sterile air. Furthermore, the two piston sections are preferably designed concentrically and can be actuated by a single pump actuator in a structural unit with two separate piston chambers, which are arranged one below the other or concentrically with one another. In this implementation, it is proposed to provide a double piston system based on the principle of a scoop piston and to drive the two piston sections together by a single drive pump actuator cylinder in order to carry out the dispenser product delivery and the sterile air delivery via the first and the second valve group, respectively. The ratio of the sizes of the first piston section to the second piston section determines the overpressure that can be set by the sterile air in the product container.

In an advantageous development, the second valve group comprises at least two, in particular three check valve units connected in series in the supply channel. In principle, a single check valve unit is sufficient, but for better separation between the sterile air atmosphere in the Product container and environment two or preferably three check valve units can be provided, wherein a first check valve unit can comprise one or more check valves arranged in parallel, which can be arranged in front of a second piston section, a second check valve unit can be arranged in the second piston section and a third check valve unit after the second Piston portion can be arranged, so that an efficient sealing of the product container against the outside air is made possible, and a high overpressure of sterile air can be maintained.

The filter unit can advantageously be arranged in the path of outside air to the first check valve unit. The valve unit is thus arranged in the direct vicinity of the outside air, which first flows through the filter unit before it passes through the first check valve into the interior of the piston system. In this embodiment, it is possible to replace the filter unit, for example after a long period of use, in order to enable an optimized filter effect and a long service life, especially in the case of high-quality dispenser products.

Alternatively or additionally, the filter unit or a second filter unit can be arranged between a first check valve unit and a second check valve unit or between a second check valve unit and a third check valve unit of the second valve group. Thus, the filter unit can also be arranged at a different point in the feed channel, for example in the interior of the piston. As a result, it can be protected from damage and can, for example, also be designed as a porous, mechanically sensitive structure. Is the filter structure inside, i. H. Arranged after the first check valve unit, this can advantageously comprise a labyrinth passage so that the path of the air to be filtered through the filter element is artificially lengthened in order to achieve the best possible filtering effect. Integrated in the pump device, a labyrinth passage can enable an increased filter effect through a longer filter path due to the structural limitation.

In an advantageous development, a check valve unit can be arranged in the pump device in the outlet channel of the dispenser product in the area of an outlet nozzle. It is therefore proposed that the dispenser product be conveyed out of the product container in addition in the outlet channel to arrange at least one check valve on the outlet nozzle or in the outlet channel in the area of the outlet nozzle, so that a dispenser product that is already in the outlet channel does not come into contact with harmful outside air. The non-return valve unit is used to ensure that the dispenser product can be delivered to the outside into the outlet nozzle, but the ingress of air or other foreign substances from the outside into the outlet channel is prevented. Thus, even after a long period of non-use, it can be ensured that the dispenser product, which is already conveyed in the outlet channel, does not come into contact with harmful outside air and is therefore durable for a long time, so that the quality is guaranteed even if the dispenser product is not used for a long time.

In an advantageous development, the product container is designed to be slack and in particular designed as a film container. Foil containers made of plastic film can be produced comparatively inexpensively and are very easy to sterilize and weld, especially during production, so that it can already be ensured in the processing stage that the product container remains sterile and tight. Due to the overpressure sterile air atmosphere in the product container, such a film container remains dimensionally stable and has a light weight and low production costs. The foil container would lose its stability as a result of leaks, which is an indication that a dispenser product should be used up as quickly as possible, since the sterile air coverage is no longer guaranteed. Foil containers or slack product containers are therefore preferably suitable for using a metering dispenser system according to the invention.

In a secondary aspect, a filter unit for use in a metering dispenser system, as shown above, is proposed, the filter unit comprising a sterile air filter, in particular with a filter class H13, preferably H14 or class 100 or higher. In particular, the sterile air filter is designed as a HEPA filter or ULPA filter. Such filter units can be retrofitted in a metering dispenser system in order to enable long-term use of the metering dispenser system. The filter cleaning effect of the outside air largely determines the period of use of the dispenser product, such a sterile air filter with a filter class higher than H13 or Class 100 providing a practically sterile air environment within the product container can. The filter unit can already be installed in the dispensing system during the manufacturing and filling process or it can be used manually before the first use, so that it is also conceivable to use filter units in several dispensing systems one after the other and to make them interchangeable.

In a secondary aspect, a manufacturing plant for manufacturing and filling a previously described metering dispenser system is proposed which comprises at least one raw material tank, a processing tank and a storage tank for manufacturing and storing the dispenser product. Furthermore, the manufacturing plant comprises a filling station for filling the dispenser product into the product container and for an airtight connection of the product container to the pump device. It is proposed that outside air be supplied through at least one sterile air pressure line to which at least one sterile air filter device is connected, that the filling station comprises a sterilization device for the product containers, a filling device and a pump assembly device, that the filling device is set up, a floor-open product container to be filled, wherein the pump assembly device is connected upstream, and the sterilization device is arranged between the pump assembly device and the filling device and is designed to carry out a sterilization of the open-bottomed product container in an open position of the pump device. In other words, a manufacturing plant for manufacturing a donor product, in particular a medical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic or therapeutic donor product is proposed, which includes a raw material tank for providing raw materials, a processing tank in which the processing of the raw materials to form the donor product takes place and in which chemical or biological Processes for donor product production are running, and a storage tank in which the processed donor product is stored. This is followed by a filling station in which the product container is sterilized on the one hand, and the dispenser product is filled on the other hand and provided with the pump device, the pump device being connected to the product container in an airtight manner. Outside air is supplied in the process chain in order to provide a process atmosphere both in the tank facilities and in the filling station. These The process atmosphere is provided under sterile air, with at least one, in particular several sterile air filter devices being connected to the individual manufacturing stations, and providing the sterile air process atmosphere via a sterile air pressure line with sterile air overpressure in the raw material tank, in the processing tank and in the storage tank as well as in the filling station. Thus, a hermetically sealed manufacturing plant is provided in which, for the manufacture of a dispenser product, only sterile air is in contact with the raw materials, with the processed dispenser product during storage and processing as well as during filling occurs. Furthermore, if the product container is sterilized and only subjected to sterile air, a dispenser product can be provided which has been treated both in handling and in daily use as well as in production under sterile air conditions and in which no harmful germs can penetrate during production or use . This means that theoretically unlimited shelf life can be achieved even with biologically perishable donor products. The risk of allergies and other harmful reactions to shelf life materials are avoided and high quality donor products with a long shelf life can be made available.

In addition to producing the dispenser product under sterile air conditions, it is essential to sterilize the product container before filling it. In the case of a limp product container, in particular a film product container, this can be done very easily by sterilizing the films or the limp material. In the case of a dimensionally stable product container, which is composed, for example, of glass, ceramic, dimensionally stable plastic or similar materials, a complex sterilization of the interior of the product container can be carried out. As a rule, a sterilization device works with ozone as the sterilization fluid or another germicidal and cleaning oxidant, after which the sterilization agent can be rinsed out of the product container, for example with sterile air.

Thus, a filling station for filling open-floor product containers is proposed, which carries out assembly of a pump device under sterile air coverage, followed by sterilization of the open-floor product container with the assembled one

Performs pump device, and then fills the dispenser product and finally closes the bottom of the product container. The product container can be designed to be limp, but preferably to be dimensionally stable. A container bottom can be pressed into the open bottom side of the product container, for example by creating overpressure, or the container bottom can be welded on or on, comparable to a toothpaste tube. In this way, effective sterilization and pump assembly with subsequent filling can be achieved, with a sterile air overpressure in the product container being able to be achieved by closing the container bottom.

Furthermore, in an advantageous further development, the manufacturing plant can comprise a sterilization device which comprises a film welding or film deep-drawing unit for the manufacture of shapeless product containers. For example, a film welding or film thermoforming unit can be arranged in the filling station for the production of shapeless product containers.

S1:

Bereitstellung von Rohmaterial unter Sterilluftüberdeckung;

S2:

Verarbeitung des Rohmaterials zum Spenderprodukt unter Sterilluftüberdeckung;

S3:

Lagerung des Spenderprodukts unter Sterilluftüberdeckung;

S4:

Abfüllung des Spenderprodukts in das Dosierspendersystem unter Sterilluftüberdeckung.

In a further secondary aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a metering dispenser system as described above. The method comprises at least the following steps:

S1:

Provision of raw material under sterile air cover;

S2:

Processing of the raw material into the donor product under sterile air cover;

S3:

Storage of the donated product under sterile air cover;

S4:

Filling of the dispenser product into the dosing dispenser system under sterile air cover.

The above-mentioned method uses an embodiment of a manufacturing plant described above, with the production of the dispenser product from the raw material through processing and storage to filling taking place under a complete sterile air cover under sterile air cover. Advantageously the sterile air is covered when there is excess pressure, so that even in the event of leaks, no outside air can penetrate the process, but only sterile air can escape. The sterile air can be set in an entire production hall or in individual lockable chambers or tanks, which have to be hermetically shielded from the outside air. By manufacturing such a dispenser product and dosing dispenser system, a fundamental sterility can be guaranteed, with simple sterile air filter measures enabling a long service life for high-quality cosmetic products and dispenser products without additives that extend the service life having to be introduced.

M1:

Montage der Pumpeneinrichtung an einen bodenoffenen Produktbehälter (306);

M2:

Sterilisation des Produktbehälters in einer Öffnungsstellung der Pumpeneinrichtung (18);

M3:

Abfüllen des Spenderproduktes in einer Verriegelungsstellung der Pumpeneinrichtung (18);

M4:

Verschließen des Produktbehälterbodens;

M5:

Versiegeln des Produktbehälterbodens.

In an advantageous variant of the aforementioned manufacturing method, the dispenser product is filled in step S4 by the following filling steps:

M1:

Mounting the pump device on an open-floor product container (306);

M2:

Sterilization of the product container in an open position of the pump device (18);

M3:

Filling the dispenser product in a locked position of the pump device (18);

M4:

Closing the product container bottom;

M5:

Sealing the bottom of the product container.

Thus, a filling station is proposed in which a form-lax or form-stable product container with an open container base under sterile air cover can be assembled in step M1, sterilized in step M2 and filled in step M3. First, in step M1, a pump device with a double pump function is arranged on the upper side of the product container, and connected to the neck of the product container in an atmospherically tight manner. The pump device is then moved into an open position, for example by actuating the pump lever in step M2, so that fluid can pass from the interior of the product container through the pump system to the output nozzle of the pump actuator. A sterilization eg with ozone sterilized by the open bottom opening of the product container sterilizes the inner wall of the product container and the interior of the pump device. Ozone can be introduced under pressure through a sterilization device and flush the dosing dispenser system during a sterilization period. During the sterilization time, the pump device can be locked in a locking position in which the fluid path is blocked. Subsequently, in step M3, the product container is filled with a dispenser product through the bottom opening. After completion of the filling process, the container bottom is closed in step M4. In the final step M5, the container base is sealed in a pressure-tight manner by welding opposing edge regions of the container base or by pressing in a container base. When the container bottom is pressed in, sterile air and possibly ozone can also be included and an overpressure atmosphere can be set inside the product container. The filling station can be arranged in a sterile air overpressure atmosphere, whereby an ozone gas used for sterilization can be returned.

DRAWINGS

Further advantages emerge from the drawings and description of the drawings. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

Fig. 1

eine Spendereinrichtung eines Dosierspendersystems des Stands der Technik;

Fig. 2

ein formschlaffer Nachfüllproduktbehälter eines Spenderprodukts des Stands der Technik;

Fig. 3

ein Dosierspendersystem mit Produktbehälter des Stands der Technik;

Fig. 4

eine Schnittdarstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Dosierspendersystems;

Fig. 5a, 5b

Schnittdarstellungen weiterer Ausführungsbeispiele eines erfindungsgemäßen Dosierspendersystems;

Fig. 6

schematisch eine Herstellungsanlage zur Herstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Dosierspendersystems;

Fig. 7

schematisch eine Sterilisationseinheit für eine Abfüllstation einer Herstellungsanlage zur Sterilisation formstabiler Produktbehälter;

Fig. 8

perspektivisch eine Sterilluft-Filtereinrichtung für einen Einsatz in einer Herstellanlage nach Fig. 6;

Fig. 9

Detaildarstellung der in Fig. 8 dargestellten Sterilluftfilteranlage;

Fig. 10

Ausführungsbeispiel einer Abfüllstation gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a dispensing device of a prior art metered dispensing system;

Fig. 2

a prior art resilient refill product container of a dispenser product;

Fig. 3

a prior art dosing dispenser system with product container;

Fig. 4

a sectional view of a first embodiment of a metering dispenser system according to the invention;

Figures 5a, 5b

Sectional representations of further exemplary embodiments of a metering dispenser system according to the invention;

Fig. 6

schematically a manufacturing plant for manufacturing a metering dispenser system according to the invention;

Fig. 7

schematically a sterilization unit for a filling station of a manufacturing plant for the sterilization of dimensionally stable product containers;

Fig. 8

in perspective a sterile air filter device for use in a manufacturing plant according to Fig. 6 ;

Fig. 9

Detailed representation of the in Fig. 8 illustrated sterile air filter system;

Fig. 10

Embodiment of a filling station according to an embodiment of the invention.

In the figures, the same or similar components are numbered with the same reference symbols.

the Fig. 1 Fig. 10 shows a prior art dispensing device 200. The dispenser device 200 comprises a pump actuator 202, a pump unit 204 and a delivery pipe 206. The dispenser device 200 is attached to a product container by means of a screw connection seat 224, as shown in FIG Fig. 3 is shown, screwed on. By means of the conveying pipe 206, a dispensed product is conveyed from the product container through the pump unit 204 to a dispensing nozzle. Because of the screwed seat 224, the dosing dispenser system 220 with the screwed-on product container cannot be made reliably airtight, so that ambient air with corresponding impurities can reach a dispenser product. For this reason, the donated product must be durable for a long time, even if it comes into contact with air, which means that it is essential to include durability materials.

In the Fig. 2 is shown a sagging product container 212 of a refill packaging of a dispenser product from the prior art. The product container 212 is designed as a film container 216 and has a screw cap 214. It is used to put the dispenser product in a product container like the one in Fig. 3 product container 222 shown, can be refilled to provide a refillable metered dispensing system.

In the Fig. 3 A prior art metered dispensing system 220 is shown incorporating a dispensing device 200 of FIG Fig. 1 uses. A dimensionally stable product container 222 is arranged on the screw connection seat 224 of the dispenser device 200 in order to be able to dispense a dispenser product in a metered manner. Because the dispenser device 200 and the product container 222 can be removed, there is no airtight separation between the ambient atmosphere and the dispenser product, so that durability substances in the dispenser product must ensure an extended durability.

In the Fig. 4 a section through an upper region of a metering dispenser system 10 of a first exemplary embodiment is shown schematically. The dosing dispenser system 10 has a product container 14, which can be designed, for example, as a shapeless film container, but also as a dimensionally stable plastic, glass, ceramic or metal container. A dispenser product 12, for example a soap lotion, a cream lotion or an atomizable perfume, is stored in the interior of the product container. The metering dispenser system 10 has a dispensing device 16 which is connected to the product container 14 in an airtight manner. The dispenser device 16 comprises a pump device 18 with a double pump system, in which a double piston system 34 based on the principle of a scoop piston with a first piston section 38 and a second piston section 40 both introduce sterile air into the product container 14 and at the same time introduce the dispensed product 12 via an output channel 42 to an outlet nozzle 44 can convey. The double piston system 34 is driven by hand via a pump actuator 56, with an automatic return being carried out by a return spring element 54. When the pump device 18 is activated, the pump actuator 56 is pressed manually, as a result of which both the first piston section 34 and the second piston section 36 are moved downward in a hermetically sealed chamber. The first piston section 38 serves to convey the dispensed product 12 into the outlet channel 42. For this purpose, a first valve group 20 is provided, which is based on two check valve units 24. The check valve units 24 let the dispensed product through from the bottom to the top by a negative pressure generated by the first piston section 38, and prevent backflow. By raising and lowering the scoop piston 36 of the first piston section 38, a negative pressure is generated so that the dispensed product enters the piston chamber via a conveying tube 26, the dispensed product entering the outlet channel 42 of the pump device 18 through the second check valve of the first valve group 20. A sterile air supply channel 28 guides sterile air 46 into the interior of the product container 14 at the same time as the dispensed product 12 is removed from the product container 14. For this purpose, ambient air 50 is first introduced into the supply channel 28 via a filter unit 30 and introduced into the interior of the product container 14 by means of a second scoop piston 36 of the second piston section 40. For this purpose, three check valve units 22a, 22b and 22c of the second valve group 22 are arranged in the feed channel 28. Ambient air 50 flows through the filter element 30 through the first check valve unit 22a into the upper area of the second piston section 40. When the piston section 40 is moved upward, the check valves 22b bring this sterile air into the lower area of the sterile air piston chamber and when the second piston section is moved downward 40, this sterile air is introduced into the interior of the product container 14 via the check valve units 22c, as shown by the arrows. The double piston system 34 is dimensioned such that during a piston stroke of the pump actuator 56 a larger volume of sterile air 46 is introduced than the dispensed product 12 is conveyed into the outlet channel 42, so that the product container 14 is under excess pressure.

the Figure 5a shows a second exemplary embodiment of a metering dispenser system 10. This essentially corresponds to the structural design of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG Fig. 4 identical. However, the second exemplary embodiment differs from the first exemplary embodiment in that the filter element 30 is arranged after the first reset units of the second valve group 22a and is thus located in the interior of the sterile air pump chamber. Sterile air is introduced from the outside through the sterile air supply channel 28 and reaches the interior of the sterile air piston via the first check valve unit of the second valve group 22a, is down via the second piston section 40 and through the second valve group 22b and finally through the check valve unit 22c into the interior of the product container brought in. The air passes through a labyrinth passage 48 as it passes through the filter element 30, see above that the transport path through the filter element 30 is lengthened in order to generate an increased filter effect. This is particularly advantageous in the case of structurally limiting filter units 30, since the longer filter path enables an improved filter effect and thus a higher purity of the sterile air to be achieved. In such an embodiment, the filter unit 30, in contrast to the in Fig. 4 illustrated embodiment are not exchanged, whereby a reduced size of the dosing dispenser system 10 can be achieved. It is also conceivable to arrange additional filter elements in front of the inlet of the feed channel 28 or also in the lower region of the pump chamber or at the outlet after the check valve unit 22c. Furthermore, in the in Figure 5a A further check valve unit 24 is arranged in the area of the outlet nozzle 44 in the outlet channel 42 in the illustrated embodiment. This has the effect that no outside air 50 can penetrate into the outlet channel 42, so that a donated product that has been in the outlet channel 42 for a long time does not come into contact with contaminated outside air. Thus, even after long storage and non-use, a sterile dispenser product can be removed with the first dose, so that the risk of contamination or microbial contamination in the dispenser product is effectively prevented.

In the Figure 5b is a for Figure 5a Modified embodiment shown, in which the filter element is arranged at the inlet of the check valve unit 22c. Thus, inflowing air is only filtered after passing through the second piston section 40 in the pressure area, with compressed air being filtered here instead of draft. As a result, an increased amount of air can be conveyed through the filter unit 30 at an adjustable pressure. Otherwise, this embodiment corresponds to that in Fig. 5 illustrated embodiment.

In the Fig. 6 a production plant 60 of an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown schematically. The production facility 60 implements a four-stage production concept, wherein in step S1 starting materials can be stored in raw material tanks 70, in this case up to four raw material tanks. The necessary atmospheric air supply takes place via a sterile air pressure line 62, with a sterile air filter device 64, for example, a Sterivent 500 sterile air filter device being able to be connected upstream. Thus, raw materials can be stored under sterile air cover for a long time, with a Contamination with microbes, fungi and pollutants from the ambient air can be prevented. Raw materials can in particular be water, EDA (ethylenediamine), amido, Purton CFD or other chemicals that can be used to manufacture cosmetics, creams, pharmaceutical products or medical products.

The raw material can be passed on under sterile air cover to reactors in processing tanks 72, which can also be referred to as reactor tanks, in which the processing steps with physical and chemical processes take place, with sterile air still being provided as the process atmosphere via a pressure line 62 from a sterile air filter device 64 can. In this process step S2, the donated product is produced, which is generally initially stored and passed on in the process step S3 in storage tanks 74. Here, too, sterile air is covered, and a filling in a filling station 76 then takes place, with the dispenser product being able to be removed from the storage tanks 74.

A sterile air covering of the raw material tank (s) 70 is not mandatory, because process temperatures of 85 ° C. or more prevail in the processing tanks 72, which are also called reactor tanks, whereby at least biological contaminants are usually killed. However, cooling to room temperature to approx. 25 ° C. also takes place in the processing tanks 72. As a result of the cooling process, outside air flows into the processing tank (s) 72, so that during cooling there is a risk that impurities could get into the dispenser product 12. Thus, at least from the processing stage of the processing tanks 72, a sterile air cover is required with a slightly positive overpressure above the normal atmosphere.

Basically, two different embodiments are possible as filling station 76, namely a filling station 76a, in which dimensionally stable product containers can be filled, or a filling station 76b, in which shapeless product containers can be filled.

The filling station 76 is composed of various stations, for example with a blow molding machine as the first stage, which forms the hot and thus sterile blank into a bottle. On the actual filling device 82, a Laminar flow sterile filter 78 can be arranged with a mesh size of 0.45 micron, for example. Biocides have a diameter down to a minimum of 0.6 to 0.5 µm and therefore get stuck in the filter. A particle count of 0.3 particles / milliliter in such secured tanks is documented in the operating log. From the raw material through production to packaging, the donated product remains without any contact with unfiltered outside air.

A filling station 76a for dimensionally stable product containers comprises a sterilization device 80, in which the produced product containers are first cleaned and sterilized, then the dispenser product is filled into a filling device 82 and finally the dispenser device 16 is placed on the product container 14 in a pump assembly device 84 and sealed airtight. The connection between the product container 14 and the pump device 18 is generally inseparable, so that the product container 14 cannot be refilled. However, provision can also be made to provide a refillable metering dispenser system 10, although refilling can be carried out under a sterile air cover. A possible construction of a sterilization device 80 for the sterilization of dimensionally stable product containers is shown in the following illustration in FIG Fig. 7 shown.

Alternatively, a filling station 76b can be operated in parallel or individually, which station is prepared for filling the dispenser product into shapeless product containers. For this purpose, the filling station 76b includes both a sterilization device and a film welding and film thermoforming unit 86. In the sterilization device 80, the films to be welded are sterilized, for example by exposure to ozone, and then welded or deep-drawn to one another so that a limp product container is formed. The dispenser product is then filled under a sterile air cover and then the dispenser device 16 is mounted on the product container 14 in the pump mounting device 84.

Sterile air coverage can be achieved through a central sterile air pressure line 62 with a sterile air pressure line, or via one or more laminar flow filters 78, which can be arranged directly at the filling station 76.

In the Fig. 7 a part of a filling station 76 for filling dimensionally stable product containers 52 is shown. Such a filling station 76 can be used as a filling station 76a in a manufacturing plant Fig. 6 can be used. In the filling station 76, dimensionally stable product containers 52 are first sterilized in a sterilization device 80, which consists of three different stages, and filled with the dispenser product in a further filling device 82. In the sterilization device 80, a sterilization medium, for example ozone, is first introduced into the product container via a sterilization medium supply line 138, and a sterilization medium filling unit 130 is thus formed. The sterilization medium penetrates through a lance to the bottom of the product container 52 and flows at one open end into an exhaust air duct 136, in which the sterilization medium is drawn off through exhaust air lines 140. The exhaust air duct 136 is sealed with the openings of the product containers 52 by a seal 144. In a further step of a sterilization medium process unit 132, the product container 52 is process-technically sterilized, for example by mechanical treatment with the filled sterilization medium, and in a third step the sterilization medium is filled in via a sterilization medium extraction unit 134, for example with sterile air, through a sterile air pressure line 62 executed from the product container. The sterilization medium and the sterile air are again drawn off through an exhaust air duct 140. After this, the product container 52 leaves the sterilization device 80 and arrives at the filling device 82. In the filling device 82, a dispenser product filling line 142 is introduced through a lance and the dispensed product into the product container 52 filled. After this, the product container 52 is closed (not shown) by a dispenser device 16, so that the metering dispenser system is established.

In the Fig. 8 an embodiment of a sterile air filter device 64 is shown in perspective, which is designed as a sterile air supply device 110 for the production of a sterile air metering dispenser system 10. The sterile air supply device 110 has an ambient air inlet area 112 with a labyrinth channel, which, protected from environmental influences and rain, can only be flowed with air from below, and a sterile air outlet area 114 arranged on the opposite side, in which filtered sterile air is output. The filter system 110 is constructed in the shape of a cylinder and has on one Outer wall section has an electrical sterile air pressure control 108, in which operating elements and display elements for displaying the operating status and, for example, an upcoming filter change, the current pressure, etc. are arranged.

In the Figure 9a is the perspective of the internal structure of the in Fig. 8 illustrated sterile air supply device 110 is shown, and Figure 9b shows schematically as a block circuit diagram the air routing and the electrical components of the sterile air supply device 110. Ambient air is guided via a labyrinth channel into an ambient air inlet area 112 and is pre-filtered via a prefilter unit 116. The pre-filter unit can filter air with a flow speed of around 0.35 m / s and filters coarse matter out of the air. A filter fan 118 is then arranged, which generates an air pressure and is used to produce a desired fluid flow of sterile air. The filter blower 118 is speed controllable and can have a nominal power between 100 W to 500 W, preferably 200 W, and provide an air throughput of up to 500 m ³ / h. At the outlet of the filter blower 118, a differential manometer 120 is arranged, which can detect a pressure difference in the fine filter unit 66. The sterile filter unit 66 is a class 100 filter which does not ^{allow more than 100 particles of 0.5 μm size to pass per m 3 of} air and which has a solids removal rate of 99.997%. It is preferably designed as a HEPA filter or as a ULPA filter of class H14 or higher. It has an active filter area of at least 5 m ² , the differential manometer 120 measuring the pressure loss across the filter 66 and thus indicating a degree of contamination or indicating a defect or proper functioning of the filter system. Finally, a further pressure manometer 122 is arranged at the sterile air outlet area 114, which can determine the sterile air pressure within the sterile air pressure line 62 in order to be able to monitor a sufficient amount of sterile air overlay.

In the Fig. 10 is an alternative to the in Fig. 7 A modified filling station 300 is shown in the filling station 76 shown. The filling station 300 is arranged in a sterile air overpressure container 320 in which there is an overpressure of sterile air in order to prevent outside air from penetrating into the filling station 300. In step M1, a pump mounting device 304 attaches a pump device 18 to the neck of an open-bottomed product container 306 in a pressure-tight manner, wherein For example, a pressure-tight locking ring 316 on the product container 306 ensures a fluid-tight connection by means of a latching connection and an optional welding of the seam. In step M2, ozone is introduced into the product container as a sterilization gas from the open bottom side by means of a lance of a sterilization device 318. The product containers are upside down during the filling process, so that the open bottom area of the product container 306 faces upwards. During the introduction of the ozone in step M2, the pump actuator 202 is moved into an open position 312 so that ozone can flow through the pump actuator mechanism and also sterilize it. As a result, both the product container 306 and the pump device 18 are sterilized. During a sterilization time, the pump device 18 is locked in a locking position 314 so that the fluid path is blocked. The duration of the sterilization time in which ozone renders the interior of the product container 306 sterile can be preselected. In the subsequent step M3, a dispenser product is introduced into the product container 306 through the open bottom side by means of a filling device 302. Thereafter, in step M4, the bottom opening is closed, either in which opposite side areas of the product container 306 are connected to one another as in the case of a toothpaste tube, or by pressing a product container bottom 308 into the bottom opening. The product container bottom 308 is adapted in such a way that the product container 306 is gas-tight. As a result of the closure, a slight amount of sterile air or ozone can be enclosed, and an overpressure atmosphere is set in the interior of the product container 306. In the final step M5, the product container 306 or the bottom 308 is welded by means of a bottom welding device 322, with a weld seam 310 being formed. The dosing dispenser system is thus sterile-free and filled with sterile air coverage, so that no foreign matter can get to the dispenser product 12.

List of reference symbols

10

Dosing dispenser system

12th

Donor product

14th

Product container

16

Dispensing device

18th

Pump device

20th

first valve group

22nd

second valve group

24

Check valve unit

26th

Delivery pipe

28

Sterile air supply channel

30th

Filter unit

32

Double pump device

34

Double piston system

36

Scoop

38

First piston section

40

Second piston section

42

Exit channel of the donor product

44

Output nozzle of the dispenser product

46

Sterile air

48

labyrinth-like filter channel

50

Surroundings

52

Dimensionally stable product containers

54

Return spring element

56

Pump actuator

60

Manufacturing facility

62

Sterile air pressure line

64

Sterile air filter device

66

Sterile air filter of a sterile air filter device

70

Raw material tank

72

Processing tank

74

Storage tank

76

Filling station

78

Laminar flow filter

80

Sterilization facility

82

Filling device

84

Pump mounting facility

86

Foil sealing or foil thermoforming unit

106

Sterile air compression tank

108

Sterile air pressure control

110

Sterile air supply device

112

Ambient air inlet area

114

Sterile air outlet area

116

Prefilter unit

118

Filter fan

120

Differential manometer

122

Pressure gauge

130

Sterilization medium filling unit

132

Sterilization medium processing unit

134

Sterilization medium extraction unit

136

Exhaust duct

138

Sterilization medium supply line

140

Exhaust duct

142

Dispenser product fill line

144

poetry

146

Transfer seal

200

Prior art dispensing device

202

Pump actuator

204

Pump unit

206

Delivery pipe

210

Prior art dispenser product refill

212

Shapely product container

214

Screw cap

216

Foil container

218

220

Prior art dispensing dispensing system

222

Dimensionally stable product container

224

Screw seat of the pump device on the product container

300

Filling station

302

Filling device

304

Pump assembly facility

306

open-floor product container

308

Product container bottom

310

Weld

312

Open position of the pump direction

314

Locked position of the pump direction

316

Pressure-tight locking ring

318

Sterilization facility

320

Sterile air pressurized container

322

Bottom welding device

Claims (14)

1. Dispenser system (10) for a pumpable dispensed product (12), in particular for a cosmetic dispensed fluid product such as washing lotion, cream lotion, perfume liquid or the like, comprising a dimensionally stable or flexible product container (14) and a dispenser device (16) with a pump apparatus (18), said pump apparatus (18) comprising at least one first valve group (20) for conveying the dispensed product (12) out of the product container (14) and a second valve group (22) for feeding air into the product container (14), said second valve group (22) defining a feed duct (28) in which at least one filter unit (30) is arranged for sterile air filtration, such that a positive pressure is settable for sterile air inside the product container (14), characterized in that the pump apparatus (18) is designed as a manually operable double-pump apparatus (32) and comprises a double-piston system (34) for simultaneous conveying of the dispensed product (12) and introduction of the sterile air (46).
2. Dispenser system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pump apparatus (18) is connected air-tight to the product container (14), is preferably undetachably connected to said product container (14), and when not in use stores the dispensed product (12) air-tight against the environment (50).
3. Dispenser system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump apparatus (18) is equipped to introduce into the product container (14) a volumetric quantity of sterile air (46) which is equal to or greater than the volumetric quantity of the dispensed product (12) to be conveyed, such that a positive pressure is settable inside the product container (14) by sterile air (46).
4. Dispenser system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter unit (30) comprises a sterile air filter with a filter class H13, preferably H14 or Class 100 or higher, is preferably an HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arrestance) filter or an ULPA (ultra low penetration air) filter, and that furthermore said filter unit (30) preferably comprises a labyrinth-like filter duct (48).
5. Dispenser system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump apparatus (18), based on the principle of a scoop piston pump, is designed with a scoop piston (36), said scoop piston (36) comprising two piston sections (38, 40) with a first piston section (38) for conveying the dispensed product (12) and with a second piston section (40) for feeding sterile air (46), and furthermore said two piston sections (38, 40) are preferably designed concentric.
6. Dispenser system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second valve group (22) comprises at least two, in particular three, non-return valve units (24) arranged one behind the other in the feed duct (28).
7. Dispenser system (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the filter unit (30) is arranged in the feed path for outside air to the first non-return valve unit (24).
8. Dispenser system (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the filter unit (30) or a second filter unit is arranged between a first non-return valve unit (24a) and a second non-return valve unit (24b), or between the second non-return valve unit (24b) and a third non-return valve unit (24c).
9. Dispenser system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a non-return valve unit (24) is arranged in the pump apparatus (18) in the outlet duct (42) of the dispensed product (12) in the area of an outlet nozzle (44).
10. Dispenser system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product container (14) is designed flexible, in particular designed as a film container.
11. Manufacturing facility (60) for manufacturing and filling a dispenser system (10) according to one of the aforementioned claims, said manufacturing facility (60) comprising at least a raw material tank (70), a processing tank (72) and a storage tank (74) for manufacturing the dispensed product (12), and a filling station (76, 300) for filling the dispensed product (12) into the product container (14) and for air-tight connection of said product container (14) to the pump apparatus (18), characterized in that external air is fed in by at least one sterile air pressure line (62) to which at least one sterile air filter apparatus (64) is connected, that the filling station (76, 300) comprises a sterilisation apparatus (80) for the product container (14), a filling apparatus (82, 302) and a pump mounting apparatus (84, 304), that said filling apparatus (82, 302) is equipped to fill a product container (306) open at the bottom, the pump mounting apparatus (84, 304) being connected upstream, and the sterilisation apparatus (80, 318) is arranged between said pump mounting apparatus (84, 304) and said filling apparatus (82, 302) and is designed to perform, in an opening position (312) of the pump apparatus (18), a sterilisation of the product container (306) open at the bottom.
12. Manufacturing facility (60) according to claim 11, characterized in that the sterilisation apparatus (80) comprises a film shrink-wrapping or film thermoforming unit (86) for manufacturing flexible product containers (212).
13. Method for manufacturing a dispenser system according to one of the aforementioned claims 1 to 10, characterized by the steps:

    S1: Provision of raw material under a sterile air covering;

    S2: Processing of the raw material into the dispensed product (12) under a sterile air covering;

    S3: Storage of the dispensed product (12) under a sterile air covering;

    S4: Filling of the dispensed product (12) into the dispenser system (10) under a sterile air covering.
14. Method according to claim 13, characterized by filling of the dispensed product in step S4, following the filling steps:

    M1: Mounting of the pump apparatus (18) on a product container (306) open at the bottom;

    M2: Sterilisation of the product container in an opening position (312) of the pump apparatus (18);

    M3: Filling of the dispensed product (12) in a locked position of the pump apparatus (18);

    M4: Closing of the product container bottom (308);

    M5: Sealing of the product container bottom (308).

Images