EP3612781B1 - Freeze-drying apparatus - Google Patents

Freeze-drying apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3612781B1
EP3612781B1 EP18701750.4A EP18701750A EP3612781B1 EP 3612781 B1 EP3612781 B1 EP 3612781B1 EP 18701750 A EP18701750 A EP 18701750A EP 3612781 B1 EP3612781 B1 EP 3612781B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
freeze
drying apparatus
lever
product chamber
per
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EP18701750.4A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3612781A1 (en
Inventor
Kornel ANDRASCHEK
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SBM Schoeller Bleckmann Medizintechnik GmbH
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SBM Schoeller Bleckmann Medizintechnik GmbH
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B5/00—Drying solid materials or objects by processes not involving the application of heat
    • F26B5/04—Drying solid materials or objects by processes not involving the application of heat by evaporation or sublimation of moisture under reduced pressure, e.g. in a vacuum
    • F26B5/06—Drying solid materials or objects by processes not involving the application of heat by evaporation or sublimation of moisture under reduced pressure, e.g. in a vacuum the process involving freezing

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a freeze-drying system with at least one product chamber which comprises at least two adjustable support means arranged within the product chamber.
  • the freeze-drying system comprises at least one adjusting device, which interacts with the support means, for adjusting the distance between the at least two support means.
  • the freeze-drying system additionally comprises at least one drive means for moving the support means, which drive means is arranged outside the product chamber.
  • the invention also relates to a method for adjusting the distance between the at least two support means of the freeze-drying system.
  • the font EP 1 726 901 A1 discloses a freeze-drying system with vertically held shelves arranged within the product chamber as support means for containers.
  • the freeze-drying system comprises two independent lifting cylinders as actuators, which are arranged within the product chamber and via which the support means can be vertically and continuously adjusted.
  • the shelves can be moved up and down via separate drive units that are arranged inside the product chamber. From the U.S. 4,961,273 A another freeze-drying system is known.
  • the object of the invention is to develop a freeze-drying system in which the adjustment plate adjustment is carried out in a simpler and safer manner.
  • the freeze-drying system according to claim 1 comprises a product chamber with at least two adjustable support means arranged within the product chamber.
  • the support means can mean, for example, shelves for storing at least one product to be dried by means of the freeze-drying system, which is filled in small containers, so-called vials.
  • the freeze-drying system comprises at least one adjusting device, which interacts with the support means, for adjusting the distance between the at least two support means.
  • the freeze-drying system according to claim 1 also comprises a drive means for moving the at least two support means. The movement of the support means in the vertical direction is preferably meant here.
  • the drive means is arranged outside the product chamber and preferably represents a hydraulic, pneumatic or motorized linear drive. This can be a hydraulic cylinder, for example.
  • the drive means actuates the adjustment device to adjust the distance between the at least two support means.
  • the adjusting device of the freeze-drying system additionally comprises a pressure plate which is designed to be moved by the at least one drive means.
  • the pressure plate is arranged above the support means and, in freeze-drying systems, also serves to distribute the force that is required to push in the closures of the containers from above evenly over the surface.
  • the adjusting device additionally comprises a lever connected to the pressure plate.
  • the freeze-drying system preferably comprises at least two holding means for holding one of the at least two support means, the at least one lever being connected to the holding means.
  • at least one stop of the adjusting device can preferably be provided, which on the acts at least one lever.
  • a preferably mechanical stop thus offers the advantage that a lever can be operated easily without additional actuators in the product chamber.
  • it can preferably be provided that the at least one lever and the at least one stop are arranged so that they can move relative to one another.
  • the at least one stop is preferably arranged on a side wall of the product chamber. This means that space in the product chamber is not used up unnecessarily and the stops have a stable option for mounting on the side wall of the product chamber. On the other hand, the stops are often easily accessible for maintenance purposes, for example, without being covered by other machine parts.
  • the at least one stop is preferably designed to be movable relative to the product chamber. Thus, different positions can be provided for the stops relative to the product chamber.
  • a pivot point of the lever is preferably arranged on the side of the pressure plate.
  • the pivot point here means the point around which the lever can rotate as a rigid body. This can be a second support, for example. A simple connection between the pressure plate and the lever of the adjusting device can thus be achieved.
  • the at least one lever represents a two-sided lever.
  • the lever is thus designed as a type of rocker with two lever arms, the two lever arms of which can be rotated about a pivot point.
  • a first lever arm of the two-sided lever is designed to hold the at least two holding means.
  • the first lever arm preferably rests on a support connected to the pressure plate and is supported by this.
  • the second lever arm of the two-sided lever interacts with the at least one stop.
  • the adjusting device preferably comprises at least two stops which are arranged within the product chamber. Also preferably includes the adjusting device has at least two bilateral levers connected to the pressure plate, the at least two bilateral levers being connected to the holding means. This would result in a uniform adjustment of the support means. Furthermore, the at least two stops are preferably movably arranged in the product chamber. Thus, different distances between the support means with different positions of the support means would be possible. For example, an inclined position of the support means would thus be made possible.
  • the invention also has a method which is used to adjust a distance between at least two adjustable support means arranged within a product chamber of a freeze-drying system.
  • a first method step at least one drive means arranged outside the product chamber of the freeze-drying system is activated.
  • at least two adjustable support means arranged within the product chamber are moved by means of the drive means.
  • the distance between the at least two support means of the freeze-drying system is adjusted by means of an adjusting device that interacts with the support means.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic structure of the freeze-drying system 200 according to the invention.
  • the freeze-drying system 200 here comprises a product chamber 20 within which adjustable shelves are stacked as support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e.
  • An adjusting device is connected to the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e via holding means 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i and 80j, which are connected to the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e interacts and serves to adjust the distance between the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e and 70f to one another.
  • the holding means 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i and 80j are designed as holding rods which are used to hold the supporting means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e.
  • the adjusting device comprises a pressure plate 100 on which two two-sided levers 40a and 40b are arranged laterally as a rocker.
  • the two-sided lever 40b is mounted rotatably about a pivot point 120a and has a first lever arm 55a and a second lever arm 55b.
  • the pivot point 120a is arranged laterally on the pressure plate.
  • the lever 40a is rotatably mounted about the pivot point 120b and also has a first lever arm 45a and a second lever arm 45b, these being the same length here as the first lever arms 55a and 55b.
  • the pivot point 120b is also arranged laterally on the pressure plate.
  • the first lever arms 45a and 55a are each supported on a support 110a and 110b, so that the second-side levers 40a and 40b are in a horizontal position.
  • the holding means 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i and 80j are connected to the bilateral levers 40a and 40b and an equal number of holding means 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i and 80j are each assigned to a lever 40a and 40b.
  • One holding means 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i and 80j of the associated levers 40a and 40b hold an associated support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e.
  • the holding rods, which thus hold the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e as pairs, are designed as pairs of the same length. However, different pairs have different rod lengths.
  • the longest support rods as support means 80e and 80j hold the support means 70e located at the bottom in the stack of support means 70a, 70b, 70d and 70e and the shortest support rods as support means 80a and 80f hold the uppermost support means 70a.
  • the longest holding rods as support means 80e and 80j are farthest away from the respective pivot point 120a and 120b and the shortest support rods as support means 80a and 80f are arranged closest to the respective pivot point 120a and 120b.
  • the adjusting device comprises a piston 10 of a hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic cylinder being arranged as drive means 25 outside the product chamber 20.
  • the hydraulic cylinder as drive means 25 is designed to move the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e in the vertical direction up and down via its piston and to close the adjustment device for adjusting the distance between the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e actuate.
  • stops 30a and 30b are arranged, which can act on the bilateral levers 40a and 40b.
  • a table 90 is arranged at the bottom of the product chamber 20, on which the stack of support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e is deposited.
  • Figure 1b shows the freeze dryer 200 from Figure 1a
  • the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e are held at a maximum distance from one another within the product chamber by means of the holding rods as holding means 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i and 80j .
  • the holding means 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i and 80j are in turn held by means of the first lever arms 45a and 45b of the bilateral levers 40a and 40b.
  • Hydraulic cylinder as drive means 25 has its piston here in contrast to Figure 1a further retracted and thus the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e are moved vertically upwards.
  • Containers 190 which contain products which are to be freeze-dried are arranged on the shelves as support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e.
  • the stops 30a and 30b are arranged so that they can move relative to the bilateral levers 40a and 40b and are positioned on them Figure 1b the stop 30a touches the second lever arm 55b of the second-side lever 40b and the stop 30b touches the second lever arm 45b of the second-side lever 40a, but without already transmitting a force to the lever.
  • Figure 1c shows the freeze dryer 200 from Figure 1a and Figure 1b
  • the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e are held at a reduced distance from one another by means of the rods as holding means 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i and 80j.
  • the hydraulic cylinder arranged outside the product chamber 20 as drive means 25 has its piston here in contrast to Figure 1a and 1b retracted even further and thus the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e are moved further vertically upwards.
  • the stop 30a and the second lever arm 55b cooperate in that the stop 30a transmits a force to the second lever arm 55b of the second-side lever 40b.
  • the stop 30b and the second lever arm 45b work together in the same way, in that the stop 30b transmits an equally large force to the second lever arm 45b of the lever 40a on the other side.
  • the bilateral levers 40a and 40b are thus rotated through a rotation angle 35b.
  • the holding means 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i and 80j are connected to the bilateral levers 40a and 40b in such a way that they are also slightly inclined when the bilateral levers 40a and 40b are tilted.
  • FIG. 2 shows the freeze dryer 200 from FIGS Figures 1a , 1b and 1c
  • the two stops 30a and 30b are arranged on the outer wall of the product chamber 20 so that they can move evenly.
  • the stops can be moved down to positions 32a and 32b or up to positions 31a and 31b. This results in a possible travel path 34 for the two stops shown.
  • FIG. 2 shows the freeze dryer 200 from FIGS Figures 1a , 1b , 1c and 1d
  • the two stops 30a and 30b are arranged on the outer wall of the product chamber 20 so as to be movable relative to one another.
  • the one on the Figure 1e shown left stop 30a can be moved down over the travel 35 to the position 33a, while on the Figure 1e shown right stop 30b is not moved.
  • Figure 2 shows a method sequence for adjusting a distance between at least two adjustable support means, which are arranged within a product chamber of a freeze-drying system.
  • the method is carried out here by a freeze-drying system according to the invention.
  • a drive means arranged outside the product chamber of the freeze-drying system is activated.
  • the at least two adjustable support means are moved by means of the drive means.
  • the distance between the at least two support means of the freeze-drying system is adjusted by means of an adjusting device that interacts with the support means.
  • the distance between the support means is adjusted by the drive means actuating the adjustment device.
  • step 330 it is checked whether a first control signal was detected for at least two stops of the adjustment device arranged within the product chamber for a desired inclination of the support means.
  • the stops are moved relative to one another as a function of the detected first control signal for the at least two stops.
  • the at least two stops are moved relative to one another if the first control signal was detected. If the first control signal was not detected, in an optional method step 350 following method step 330, the stops are not moved towards one another and remain in their position.
  • an optional method step 360 following method step 320 it can also be checked whether a second control signal was detected for at least two stops arranged within the product chamber for a desired height adjustment of the support means within the product chamber. Depending on the detected second control signal for the at least two stops, the stops are moved uniformly to one another within the product chamber. Thus, in an optional method step 370 following method step 360, the at least two stops are moved evenly up and down on both sides of the product chamber. If the second control signal was not detected, in an optional method step 380 following method step 330, the stops are not moved and remain in their position.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)

Description

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Gefriertrocknungsanlage mit wenigstens einer Produktkammer, die wenigstens zwei, innerhalb der Produktkammer angeordnete, verstellbare Auflagemittel umfasst. Zudem umfasst die Gefriertrocknungsanlage wenigstens eine mit den Auflagemitteln zusammenwirkende Verstellvorrichtung zum Verstellen des Abstands der wenigstens zwei Auflagemittel zueinander. Die Gefriertrocknungsanlage umfasst zusätzlich wenigstens ein Antriebsmittel zum Bewegen der Auflagemittel, welches außerhalb der Produktkammer angeordnet ist. Zudem betrifft die Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Verstellen des Abstands der wenigstens zwei Auflagemittel der Gefriertrocknungsanlage zueinander.The invention relates to a freeze-drying system with at least one product chamber which comprises at least two adjustable support means arranged within the product chamber. In addition, the freeze-drying system comprises at least one adjusting device, which interacts with the support means, for adjusting the distance between the at least two support means. The freeze-drying system additionally comprises at least one drive means for moving the support means, which drive means is arranged outside the product chamber. The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the distance between the at least two support means of the freeze-drying system.

Die Schrift EP 1 726 901 A1 offenbart eine Gefriertrocknungsanlage mit, innerhalb der Produktkammer angeordneten, vertikal gehaltenen Stellplatten als Auflagemittel für Behältnisse. Zudem umfasst die Gefriertrocknungsanlage als Aktuatoren zwei voneinander unabhängige Hubzylinder, die innerhalb der Produktkammer angeordnet sind und über die die Auflagemittel vertikal, stufenlos verstellt werden können. Über separate Antriebseinheiten, die innerhalb der Produktkammer angeordnet sind, können die Stellplatten rauf und runter bewegt werden. Aus der US 4 961 273 A ist eine weitere Gefriertrockungsanlage bekannt.The font EP 1 726 901 A1 discloses a freeze-drying system with vertically held shelves arranged within the product chamber as support means for containers. In addition, the freeze-drying system comprises two independent lifting cylinders as actuators, which are arranged within the product chamber and via which the support means can be vertically and continuously adjusted. The shelves can be moved up and down via separate drive units that are arranged inside the product chamber. From the U.S. 4,961,273 A another freeze-drying system is known.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, eine Gefriertrocknungsanlage zu entwickeln, bei der die Stellplattenverstellung einfacher und sicherer ausgeführt ist.The object of the invention is to develop a freeze-drying system in which the adjustment plate adjustment is carried out in a simpler and safer manner.

Offenbarung der ErfindungDisclosure of the invention

Zur Lösung der Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß eine Gefriertrocknungsanlage gemäß den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 vorgeschlagen. Zudem wird ein Verfahren vorgeschlagen, welches durch die Gefriertrocknungsanlage ausgeführt wird.To achieve the object, a freeze-drying system according to the features of claim 1 is proposed according to the invention. In addition, a Proposed method which is carried out by the freeze-drying system.

Die Gefriertrocknungsanlage nach Anspruch 1 umfasst eine Produktkammer mit wenigstens zwei, innerhalb der Produktkammer angeordneten, verstellbaren Auflagemitteln. Mit den Auflagemitteln können hierbei z.B. Stellplatten zum Lagern von wenigstens einem, mittels der Gefriertrocknungsanlage zu trocknendem Produkt, welches in kleinen Behältnissen, sogenannten Vials, abgefüllt ist, gemeint sein. Zusätzlich umfasst die Gefriertrocknungsanlage wenigstens eine mit den Auflagemitteln zusammenwirkende Verstellvorrichtung zum Verstellen des Abstands der wenigstens zwei Auflagemittel. Die Gefriertrocknungsanlage nach Anspruch 1 umfasst zudem ein Antriebsmittel zum Bewegen der wenigstens zwei Auflagemittel. Vorzugsweise ist hierbei die Bewegung der Auflagemittel in vertikale Richtung gemeint. Das Antriebsmittel ist hierbei außerhalb der Produktkammer angeordnet und stellt vorzugsweise einen hydraulischen, pneumatischen oder motorisierten Linearantrieb dar. Dies kann z.B. ein Hydraulikzylinder sein. Diese Antriebsmittel beinhalten jedoch oft Maschinenteile, bei denen das Risiko des Austritts von Öl besteht. Die Produktkammer einer Gefriertrocknungsanlage ist jedoch möglichst steril zu halten. Mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Aufbau und der Antriebseinheit außerhalb der Gefriertrocknungsanlage, würde sich ein einfacher Aufbau mit einer möglichst steril gehaltenen Produktkammer ergeben. Erfindungsgemäß betätigt das Antriebsmittel die Verstellvorrichtung zum Verstellen des Abstands der wenigstens zwei Auflagemittel.The freeze-drying system according to claim 1 comprises a product chamber with at least two adjustable support means arranged within the product chamber. The support means can mean, for example, shelves for storing at least one product to be dried by means of the freeze-drying system, which is filled in small containers, so-called vials. In addition, the freeze-drying system comprises at least one adjusting device, which interacts with the support means, for adjusting the distance between the at least two support means. The freeze-drying system according to claim 1 also comprises a drive means for moving the at least two support means. The movement of the support means in the vertical direction is preferably meant here. The drive means is arranged outside the product chamber and preferably represents a hydraulic, pneumatic or motorized linear drive. This can be a hydraulic cylinder, for example. However, these drive means often contain machine parts where there is a risk of oil leaking. The product chamber of a freeze-drying system should, however, be kept as sterile as possible. With the structure according to the invention and the drive unit outside the freeze-drying system, a simple structure would result with a product chamber kept as sterile as possible. According to the invention, the drive means actuates the adjustment device to adjust the distance between the at least two support means.

Erfindungsgemäß umfasst die Verstellvorrichtung der Gefriertrocknungsanlage zusätzlich eine Druckplatte, die dazu ausgebildet ist, von dem wenigstens einen Antriebsmittel bewegt zu werden. Die Druckplatte ist hierbei oberhalb der Auflagemittel angeordnet und dient bei Gefriertrocknungsanlagen auch dazu, die Kraft, welche zum Hineindrücken der Verschlüsse der Behältnisse von oben nötig ist, gleichmäßig über die Fläche zu verteilen. Erfindungsgemäß umfasst die Verstellvorrichtung zusätzlich einen mit der Druckplatte verbundenen Hebel. Bevorzugt umfasst die Gefriertrocknungsanlage wenigstens zwei Haltemittel zum Halten von je einem der wenigstens zwei Auflagemittel, wobei der wenigstens eine Hebel mit den Haltemitteln verbunden ist. Hierbei kann vorzugsweise wenigstens ein Anschlag der Verstellvorrichtung vorgesehen sein, der auf den wenigstens einen Hebel einwirkt. Ein bevorzugt mechanischer Anschlag bietet somit den Vorteil, dass einfach, ohne zusätzliche Aktuatoren in der Produktkammer ein Hebel bedient werden kann. Hierzu kann vorzugsweise vorgesehen sein, dass der wenigstens eine Hebel und der wenigstens eine Anschlag relativ beweglich zueinander angeordnet sind.According to the invention, the adjusting device of the freeze-drying system additionally comprises a pressure plate which is designed to be moved by the at least one drive means. In this case, the pressure plate is arranged above the support means and, in freeze-drying systems, also serves to distribute the force that is required to push in the closures of the containers from above evenly over the surface. According to the invention, the adjusting device additionally comprises a lever connected to the pressure plate. The freeze-drying system preferably comprises at least two holding means for holding one of the at least two support means, the at least one lever being connected to the holding means. Here, at least one stop of the adjusting device can preferably be provided, which on the acts at least one lever. A preferably mechanical stop thus offers the advantage that a lever can be operated easily without additional actuators in the product chamber. For this purpose, it can preferably be provided that the at least one lever and the at least one stop are arranged so that they can move relative to one another.

Der wenigstens eine Anschlag ist vorzugsweise an einer seitlichen Wand der Produktkammer angeordnet. Somit wird nicht unnötig Platz in der Produktkammer verbraucht und die Anschläge haben eine stabile Möglichkeit zur Halterung an der Seitenwand der Produktkammer. Zum anderen sind die Anschläge somit häufig ohne Verdeckung durch andere Maschinenteile, einfach zur z.B. Instandhaltung erreichbar.The at least one stop is preferably arranged on a side wall of the product chamber. This means that space in the product chamber is not used up unnecessarily and the stops have a stable option for mounting on the side wall of the product chamber. On the other hand, the stops are often easily accessible for maintenance purposes, for example, without being covered by other machine parts.

Vorzugsweise ist der wenigstens eine Anschlag relativ zu der Produktkammer beweglich ausgebildet. Somit lassen sich unterschiedliche Positionen für die Anschläge relativ zu der Produktkammer vorsehen.The at least one stop is preferably designed to be movable relative to the product chamber. Thus, different positions can be provided for the stops relative to the product chamber.

Bevorzugt ist ein Drehpunkt des Hebels seitlich an der Druckplatte angeordnet. Mit Drehpunkt ist hierbei der Punkt gemeint, um den sich der Hebel als starrer Körper drehen kann. Es kann sich hierbei z.B. um ein zweites Auflager handeln. Somit lässt sich eine einfache Verbindung zwischen Druckplatte und Hebel der Verstellvorrichtung erreichen.A pivot point of the lever is preferably arranged on the side of the pressure plate. The pivot point here means the point around which the lever can rotate as a rigid body. This can be a second support, for example. A simple connection between the pressure plate and the lever of the adjusting device can thus be achieved.

Weiter bevorzugt repräsentiert der wenigstens eine Hebel einen zweiseitigen Hebel. Der Hebel ist somit als eine Art Wippe mit zwei Hebelarmen ausgebildet, deren zwei Hebelarme um einen Drehpunkt drehbar sind. Ein erster Hebelarm des zweiseitigen Hebels ist dazu ausgebildet, die wenigstens zwei Haltemittel zu halten. Hierzu liegt der erste Hebelarm bevorzugt auf einem mit der Druckplatte verbundenen Auflager auf und wird durch dieses abgestützt. Der zweite Hebelarm des zweiseitigen Hebels wirkt mit dem wenigstens einen Anschlag zusammen. Dies bietet den Vorteil, dass der zweiseitige Hebel somit gleich zwei Funktionen erfüllen kann und dass eine stufenlose Verstellung der Auflagemittel ermöglicht wird.More preferably, the at least one lever represents a two-sided lever. The lever is thus designed as a type of rocker with two lever arms, the two lever arms of which can be rotated about a pivot point. A first lever arm of the two-sided lever is designed to hold the at least two holding means. For this purpose, the first lever arm preferably rests on a support connected to the pressure plate and is supported by this. The second lever arm of the two-sided lever interacts with the at least one stop. This offers the advantage that the two-sided lever can thus fulfill two functions at the same time and that a stepless adjustment of the support means is made possible.

Vorzugsweise umfasst die Verstellvorrichtung wenigstens zwei Anschläge, die innerhalb der Produktkammer angeordnet sind. Weiterhin vorzugsweise umfasst die Verstellvorrichtung wenigstens zwei mit der Druckplatte verbundene zweiseitige Hebel, wobei die wenigstens zwei zweiseitigen Hebel mit den Haltemitteln verbunden sind. Somit ergäbe sich eine gleichmäßige Verstellung der Auflagemittel. Weiterhin bevorzugt sind hierbei die wenigstens zwei Anschläge beweglich in der Produktkammer angeordnet. Somit wären unterschiedliche Abstände der Auflagemittel mit unterschiedlichen Stellungen der Auflagemittel möglich. Beispielsweise wäre somit eine Schrägstellung der Auflagemittel ermöglicht.The adjusting device preferably comprises at least two stops which are arranged within the product chamber. Also preferably includes the adjusting device has at least two bilateral levers connected to the pressure plate, the at least two bilateral levers being connected to the holding means. This would result in a uniform adjustment of the support means. Furthermore, the at least two stops are preferably movably arranged in the product chamber. Thus, different distances between the support means with different positions of the support means would be possible. For example, an inclined position of the support means would thus be made possible.

Die Erfindung weist zusätzlich ein Verfahren auf, welches zum Verstellen eines Abstands von wenigstens zwei, innerhalb einer Produktkammer einer Gefriertrocknungsanlage angeordneten, verstellbaren Auflagemitteln dient. Hierbei wird in einem ersten Verfahrensschritt wenigstens ein außerhalb der Produktkammer der Gefriertrocknungsanlage angeordnetes Antriebsmittel angesteuert. Darauf folgend werden in einem zweiten Verfahrensschritt wenigstens zwei, innerhalb der Produktkammer angeordnete, verstellbare Auflagemittel mittels des Antriebsmittels bewegt. In einem dritten Verfahrensschritt wird der Abstand der wenigstens zwei Auflagemittel der Gefriertrocknungsanlage zueinander mittels einer mit den Auflagemitteln zusammenwirkenden Verstellvorrichtung verstellt.The invention also has a method which is used to adjust a distance between at least two adjustable support means arranged within a product chamber of a freeze-drying system. In this case, in a first method step, at least one drive means arranged outside the product chamber of the freeze-drying system is activated. Subsequently, in a second method step, at least two adjustable support means arranged within the product chamber are moved by means of the drive means. In a third method step, the distance between the at least two support means of the freeze-drying system is adjusted by means of an adjusting device that interacts with the support means.

Kurze Beschreibung der ZeichnungenBrief description of the drawings

  • Figur 1a zeigt eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Gefriertrocknungsanlage, bei der eine Anzahl von Auflagemitteln gestapelt ist. Figure 1a shows an embodiment of the freeze-drying system according to the invention, in which a number of support means are stacked.
  • Figur 1b zeigt eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Gefriertrocknungsanlage mit einem maximalen Abstand der Auflagemittel zueinander. Figure 1b shows an embodiment of the freeze-drying system according to the invention with a maximum distance between the support means.
  • Figur 1c zeigt eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Gefriertrocknungsanlage mit einem reduzierten Abstand der Auflagemittel zueinander. Figure 1c shows an embodiment of the freeze-drying system according to the invention with a reduced distance between the support means.
  • Figur 1d zeigt eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Gefriertrocknungsanlage mit einer Bewegung von zwei Anschlägen innerhalb der Produktkammer von oben nach unten. Figure 1d shows an embodiment of the freeze-drying system according to the invention with a movement of two stops within the product chamber from top to bottom.
  • Figur 1e zeigt eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Gefriertrocknungsanlage mit einer Schrägstellung der Auflagemittel. Figure 1e shows an embodiment of the freeze-drying system according to the invention with an inclined position of the support means.
  • Figur 2 zeigt einen Ablauf eines Verfahrens zum Verstellen eines Abstands von wenigstens zwei Auflagemitteln einer Gefriertrocknungsanlage. Figure 2 shows a sequence of a method for adjusting a distance between at least two support means of a freeze-drying system.
AusführungsbeispieleEmbodiments

Figur 1 zeigt schemenhaft einen Aufbau der erfindungsgemäßen Gefriertrocknungsanlage 200. Die Gefriertrocknungsanlage 200 umfasst hierbei eine Produktkammer 20, innerhalb der verstellbare Stellplatten als Auflagemittel 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d und 70e aufeinander gestapelt, angeordnet sind. Mit den Auflagemitteln 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d und 70e ist eine Verstellvorrichtung über Haltemittel 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i und 80j verbunden, die mit den Auflagemitteln 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d und 70e zusammenwirkt und zum Verstellen des Abstands der Auflagemittel 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e und 70f zueinander dient. Figure 1 shows a schematic structure of the freeze-drying system 200 according to the invention. The freeze-drying system 200 here comprises a product chamber 20 within which adjustable shelves are stacked as support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e. An adjusting device is connected to the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e via holding means 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i and 80j, which are connected to the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e interacts and serves to adjust the distance between the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e and 70f to one another.

Die Haltemittel 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i und 80j sind in dieser Ausführungsform der Gefriertrocknungsanlage 200 als Haltestangen ausgebildet sind, die zum Halten der Auflagemittel 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d und 70e dienen.In this embodiment of the freeze-drying system 200, the holding means 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i and 80j are designed as holding rods which are used to hold the supporting means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e.

Die Verstellvorrichtung umfasst in dieser Ausführungsform eine Druckplatte 100, an der seitlich zwei zweiseitige Hebel 40a und 40b als Wippe angeordnet sind. Der zweiseitige Hebel 40b ist um einen Drehpunkt 120a drehbar gelagert und besitzt einen ersten Hebelarm 55a und einen zweiten Hebelarm 55b. Der Drehpunkt 120a ist hierbei seitlich an der Druckplatte angeordnet. Der Hebel 40a ist um den Drehpunkt 120b drehbar gelagert und besitzt ebenfalls einen ersten Hebelarm 45a und einen zweiten Hebelarm 45b, wobei diese hier gleich lang wie die ersten Hebelarme 55a und 55b sind. Der Drehpunkt 120b ist hierbei ebenfalls seitlich an der Druckplatte angeordnet. Die ersten Hebelarme 45a und 55a sind jeweils auf einem Auflager 110a und 110b abgestützt, sodass sich die zweitseitigen Hebel 40a und 40b in einer horizontalen Position befinden. Die Haltemittel 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i und 80j sind mit den zweiseitigen Hebeln 40a und 40b verbunden und eine gleiche Anzahl von Haltemitteln 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i und 80j sind jeweils einem Hebel 40a und 40b zugeordnet. Je ein Haltemittel 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i und 80j der zugeordneten Hebel 40a und 40b halten ein zugehöriges Auflagemittel 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d und 70e. Die Haltestangen, die somit die Auflagemittel 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d und 70e als Paare halten, sind als Paare jeweils gleich lang ausgebildet. Unterschiedliche Paare besitzen jedoch unterschiedliche Stangenlängen. Die längsten Haltestangen als Haltemittel 80e und 80j halten das im Stapel der Auflagemittel 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d und 70e unterstete angeordnete Auflagemittel 70e und die kürzesten Haltestangen als Auflagemittel 80a und 80f das oberste angeordnete Auflagemittel 70a. Die längsten Haltestangen als Auflagemittel 80e und 80j sind am weitesten von dem jeweiligen Drehpunkt 120a und 120b entfernt und die kürzesten Haltestangen als Auflagemittel 80a und 80f am nächsten zu dem jeweiligen Drehpunkt 120a und 120b angeordnet.In this embodiment, the adjusting device comprises a pressure plate 100 on which two two-sided levers 40a and 40b are arranged laterally as a rocker. The two-sided lever 40b is mounted rotatably about a pivot point 120a and has a first lever arm 55a and a second lever arm 55b. The pivot point 120a is arranged laterally on the pressure plate. The lever 40a is rotatably mounted about the pivot point 120b and also has a first lever arm 45a and a second lever arm 45b, these being the same length here as the first lever arms 55a and 55b. The pivot point 120b is also arranged laterally on the pressure plate. The first lever arms 45a and 55a are each supported on a support 110a and 110b, so that the second-side levers 40a and 40b are in a horizontal position. The holding means 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i and 80j are connected to the bilateral levers 40a and 40b and an equal number of holding means 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i and 80j are each assigned to a lever 40a and 40b. One holding means 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i and 80j of the associated levers 40a and 40b hold an associated support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e. The holding rods, which thus hold the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e as pairs, are designed as pairs of the same length. However, different pairs have different rod lengths. The longest support rods as support means 80e and 80j hold the support means 70e located at the bottom in the stack of support means 70a, 70b, 70d and 70e and the shortest support rods as support means 80a and 80f hold the uppermost support means 70a. The longest holding rods as support means 80e and 80j are farthest away from the respective pivot point 120a and 120b and the shortest support rods as support means 80a and 80f are arranged closest to the respective pivot point 120a and 120b.

Zudem umfasst die Verstellvorrichtung einen Kolben 10 eines Hydraulikzylinders, wobei der Hydraulikzylinder als Antriebsmittel 25 außerhalb der Produktkammer 20 angeordnet ist. Der Hydraulikzylinder als Antriebsmittel 25 ist dazu ausgebildet, über dessen Kolben die Auflagemittel 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d und 70e in vertikaler Richtung rauf und runter zu bewegen und die Verstellvorrichtung zum Verstellen des Abstands der Auflagemittel 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d und 70e zu betätigen. An der Außenseite der Produktkammer 20 sind Anschläge 30a und 30b angeordnet, die auf die zweiseitigen Hebel 40a und 40b einwirken können. Am Boden der Produktkammer 20 ist ein Tisch 90 angeordnet, auf dem der Stapel von Auflagemitteln 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d und 70e abgesetzt wird.In addition, the adjusting device comprises a piston 10 of a hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic cylinder being arranged as drive means 25 outside the product chamber 20. The hydraulic cylinder as drive means 25 is designed to move the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e in the vertical direction up and down via its piston and to close the adjustment device for adjusting the distance between the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e actuate. On the outside of the product chamber 20, stops 30a and 30b are arranged, which can act on the bilateral levers 40a and 40b. A table 90 is arranged at the bottom of the product chamber 20, on which the stack of support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e is deposited.

Figur 1b zeigt die Gefriertrocknungsanlage 200 aus Figur 1a, wobei die Auflagemittel 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d und 70e mittels der Haltestangen als Haltemittel 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i und 80j im Unterschied hier innerhalb der Produktkammer in einem maximalen Abstand zueinander gehalten werden. Die Haltemittel 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i und 80j werden wiederum mittels der ersten Hebelarme 45a und 45b der zweiseitigen Hebel 40a und 40b gehalten. Der außerhalb der Produktkammer 20 angeordnete Figure 1b shows the freeze dryer 200 from Figure 1a The support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e are held at a maximum distance from one another within the product chamber by means of the holding rods as holding means 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i and 80j . The holding means 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i and 80j are in turn held by means of the first lever arms 45a and 45b of the bilateral levers 40a and 40b. The one arranged outside the product chamber 20

Hydraulikzylinder als Antriebsmittel 25 hat seinen Kolben hier im Unterschied zu Figur 1a weiter eingefahren und somit die Auflagemittel 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d und 70e vertikal nach oben bewegt. Auf den Stellplatten als Auflagemittel 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d und 70e sind Behältnisse 190 angeordnet, die Produkte, welche gefriergetrocknet werden sollen, enthalten. Die Anschläge 30a und 30b sind relativ beweglich zu den zweiseitigen Hebeln 40a und 40b angeordnet und auf dieser Figur 1b berührt der Anschlag 30a den zweiten Hebelarm 55b des zweitseitigen Hebels 40b und der Anschlag 30b berührt den zweiten Hebelarm 45b des zweitseitigen Hebels 40a, ohne jedoch schon eine Kraft auf den Hebel zu übertragen.Hydraulic cylinder as drive means 25 has its piston here in contrast to Figure 1a further retracted and thus the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e are moved vertically upwards. Containers 190 which contain products which are to be freeze-dried are arranged on the shelves as support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e. The stops 30a and 30b are arranged so that they can move relative to the bilateral levers 40a and 40b and are positioned on them Figure 1b the stop 30a touches the second lever arm 55b of the second-side lever 40b and the stop 30b touches the second lever arm 45b of the second-side lever 40a, but without already transmitting a force to the lever.

Figur 1c zeigt die Gefriertrocknungsanlage 200 aus Figur 1a und Figur 1b, wobei die Auflagemittel 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d und 70e mittels der Stangen als Haltemittel 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i und 80j im Unterschied hier in einem reduzierten Abstand zueinander gehalten werden. Der außerhalb der Produktkammer 20 angeordnete Hydraulikzylinder als Antriebsmittel 25 hat seinen Kolben hier im Unterschied zu Figur 1a und 1b noch weiter eingefahren und somit die Auflagemittel 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d und 70e noch weiter vertikal nach oben bewegt. Durch die Aufwärtsbewegung der Auflagemittel 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d und 70e und der Verstellvorrichtung überträgt auf dieser Figur 1c wirken der Anschlag 30a und der zweite Hebelarm 55b zusammen, indem der Anschlag 30a eine Kraft auf den zweiten Hebelarm 55b des zweitseitigen Hebels 40b überträgt. Gleichermaßen wirken der Anschlag 30b und der zweite Hebelarm 45b zusammen, indem der Anschlag 30b eine gleich große Kraft auf den zweiten Hebelarm 45b des zweitseitigen Hebels 40a überträgt. Die zweiseitigen Hebel 40a und 40b werden somit um einen Drehwinkel 35b gedreht. Die Haltemittel 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i und 80j sind hierbei so mit den zweiseitigen Hebeln 40a und 40b verbunden, dass sie bei Schrägstellung der zweiseitigen Hebel 40a und 40b ebenfalls leicht schräg gestellt sind. Figure 1c shows the freeze dryer 200 from Figure 1a and Figure 1b The support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e are held at a reduced distance from one another by means of the rods as holding means 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i and 80j. The hydraulic cylinder arranged outside the product chamber 20 as drive means 25 has its piston here in contrast to Figure 1a and 1b retracted even further and thus the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e are moved further vertically upwards. Due to the upward movement of the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e and the adjusting device, transfers to the latter Figure 1c the stop 30a and the second lever arm 55b cooperate in that the stop 30a transmits a force to the second lever arm 55b of the second-side lever 40b. The stop 30b and the second lever arm 45b work together in the same way, in that the stop 30b transmits an equally large force to the second lever arm 45b of the lever 40a on the other side. The bilateral levers 40a and 40b are thus rotated through a rotation angle 35b. The holding means 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i and 80j are connected to the bilateral levers 40a and 40b in such a way that they are also slightly inclined when the bilateral levers 40a and 40b are tilted.

Figur 1d zeigt die Gefriertrockungsanlage 200 aus den Figuren 1a, 1b und 1c, wobei hierbei im Unterschied die zwei Anschläge 30a und 30b gleichmäßig beweglich an der Außenwand der Produktkammer 20 angeordnet sind. Die Anschläge können nach unten auf die Positionen 32a und 32b oder nach oben auf die Positionen 31a und 31b bewegt werden. Es ergibt sich hierbei ein möglicher Verfahrweg 34 für die zwei dargestellten Anschläge. Figure 1d FIG. 2 shows the freeze dryer 200 from FIGS Figures 1a , 1b and 1c In this case, in contrast, the two stops 30a and 30b are arranged on the outer wall of the product chamber 20 so that they can move evenly. The stops can be moved down to positions 32a and 32b or up to positions 31a and 31b. This results in a possible travel path 34 for the two stops shown.

Figur 1e zeigt die Gefriertrocknungsanlage 200 aus den Figuren 1a, 1b, 1c und 1d, wobei hierbei im Unterschied die zwei Anschläge 30a und 30b relativ zueinander beweglich an der Außenwand der Produktkammer 20 angeordnet sind. Der auf der Figur 1e dargestellte linke Anschlag 30a kann nach unten über den Verfahrweg 35 auf die Position 33a bewegt werden, während der auf der Figur 1e dargestellte rechte Anschlag 30b nicht bewegt wird. Somit ergibt sich eine unterschiedliche Zusammenwirkung der zwei Anschläge 33a und 30b mit den zweiten Hebelarmen 45b und 55b, indem die zwei zweiseitigen Hebel 40a und 40b unterschiedlich stark gedreht werden. Während der auf der Figur 1e dargestellte linke zweiseitige Hebel 40b um einen Drehwinkel 65b gedreht wird, wird der auf der Figur 1e dargestellte rechte zweiseitige Hebel 40a um einen Drehwinkel 65a gedreht. Die Drehwinkel 65a und 65b unterscheiden sich voneinander, wobei der Drehwinkel 65a in diesem Fall größer als der Drehwinkel 65b ist. Somit ergeben sich auf der linken dargestellten Seite größere Abstände der Auflagemittel 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d und 70e zueinander, als auf der rechten dargestellten Seite der Figur 1e. Folglich ergibt sich für die Auflagemittel 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d und 70e eine leichte Schrägstellung, wobei das unterste Auflagemittel 70e am stärksten schräg gestellt und das oberste Auflagemittel 70a am schwächsten schräg gestellt ist. Figure 1e FIG. 2 shows the freeze dryer 200 from FIGS Figures 1a , 1b , 1c and 1d In contrast to this, the two stops 30a and 30b are arranged on the outer wall of the product chamber 20 so as to be movable relative to one another. The one on the Figure 1e shown left stop 30a can be moved down over the travel 35 to the position 33a, while on the Figure 1e shown right stop 30b is not moved. This results in a different interaction of the two stops 33a and 30b with the second lever arms 45b and 55b in that the two bilateral levers 40a and 40b are rotated to different degrees. While on the Figure 1e shown left two-sided lever 40b is rotated by a rotation angle 65b, the on the Figure 1e shown right two-sided lever 40a rotated by a rotation angle 65a. The angles of rotation 65a and 65b differ from one another, the angle of rotation 65a in this case being greater than the angle of rotation 65b. This results in greater distances between the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e on the left-hand side shown than on the right-hand side shown in FIG Figure 1e . This results in a slight inclination for the support means 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d and 70e, the lowest support means 70e being the most inclined and the uppermost support means 70a being the least inclined.

Figur 2 zeigt einen Verfahrensablauf zum Verstellen eines Abstands von wenigstens zwei, innerhalb einer Produktkammer einer Gefriertrocknungsanlage angeordneten, verstellbaren Auflagemitteln zueinander. Das Verfahren wird hierbei durch eine erfindungsgemäße Gefriertrocknungsanlage ausgeführt. Hierbei wird in einem ersten Verfahrensschritt 310 ein außerhalb der Produktkammer der Gefriertrocknungsanlage angeordnetes Antriebsmittel angesteuert. In einem darauf folgenden Verfahrensschritt 320 werden die wenigstens zwei verstellbaren Auflagemittel mittels des Antriebsmittels bewegt. In einem auf den Verfahrensschritt 320 folgenden Verfahrensschritt 390 wird der Abstand der wenigstens zwei Auflagemittel der Gefriertrocknungsanlage zueinander mittels einer mit den Auflagemitteln zusammenwirkenden Verstellvorrichtung verstellt. Optional wird hierbei der Abstand der Auflagemittel zueinander verstellt, indem das Antriebsmittel die Verstellvorrichtung betätigt. Figure 2 shows a method sequence for adjusting a distance between at least two adjustable support means, which are arranged within a product chamber of a freeze-drying system. The method is carried out here by a freeze-drying system according to the invention. Here, in a first method step 310, a drive means arranged outside the product chamber of the freeze-drying system is activated. In a subsequent method step 320, the at least two adjustable support means are moved by means of the drive means. In a method step 390 following method step 320, the distance between the at least two support means of the freeze-drying system is adjusted by means of an adjusting device that interacts with the support means. Optionally, the distance between the support means is adjusted by the drive means actuating the adjustment device.

In einem auf den Verfahrensschritt 320 folgenden optionalen Verfahrensschritt 330 wird geprüft, ob ein erstes Steuerungssignal für wenigstens zwei innerhalb der Produktkammer angeordnete Anschläge der Verstellvorrichtung zu einer erwünschten Schrägstellung der Auflagemittel erfasst wurde. In Abhängigkeit des erfassten ersten Steuerungssignals für die wenigstens zwei Anschläge werden die Anschläge relativ zueinander bewegt. So werden in einem auf den Verfahrensschritt 330 folgenden optionalen Verfahrensschritt 340 die wenigstens zwei Anschläge relativ zueinander bewegt, falls das erste Steuerungssignal erfasst wurde. Falls das erste Steuerungssignal nicht erfasst wurde, werden in einem auf den Verfahrensschritt 330 folgenden optionalen Verfahrensschritt 350 die Anschläge nicht zueinander bewegt und verbleiben auf ihrer Position.In an optional method step 330 following method step 320, it is checked whether a first control signal was detected for at least two stops of the adjustment device arranged within the product chamber for a desired inclination of the support means. The stops are moved relative to one another as a function of the detected first control signal for the at least two stops. Thus, in an optional method step 340 following method step 330, the at least two stops are moved relative to one another if the first control signal was detected. If the first control signal was not detected, in an optional method step 350 following method step 330, the stops are not moved towards one another and remain in their position.

Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann auch in einem auf den Verfahrensschritt 320 folgenden optionalen Verfahrensschritt 360 geprüft werden, ob ein zweites Steuerungssignal für wenigstens zwei, innerhalb der Produktkammer angeordnete Anschläge zu einer erwünschten Höhenverstellung der Auflagemittel innerhalb der Produktkammer erfasst wurde. In Abhängigkeit des erfassten zweiten Steuerungssignals für die wenigstens zwei Anschläge werden die Anschläge gleichmäßig zueinander innerhalb der Produktkammer bewegt. So werden in einem auf den Verfahrensschritt 360 folgenden optionalen Verfahrensschritt 370 die wenigstens zwei Anschläge gleichmäßig an beiden Seiten der Produktkammer hoch und runter bewegt. Falls das zweite Steuerungssignal nicht erfasst wurde, werden in einem auf den Verfahrensschritt 330 folgenden optionalen Verfahrensschritt 380 die Anschläge nicht bewegt und verbleiben auf ihrer Position.Additionally or alternatively, in an optional method step 360 following method step 320, it can also be checked whether a second control signal was detected for at least two stops arranged within the product chamber for a desired height adjustment of the support means within the product chamber. Depending on the detected second control signal for the at least two stops, the stops are moved uniformly to one another within the product chamber. Thus, in an optional method step 370 following method step 360, the at least two stops are moved evenly up and down on both sides of the product chamber. If the second control signal was not detected, in an optional method step 380 following method step 330, the stops are not moved and remain in their position.

Claims (14)

  1. Freeze-drying apparatus (200), comprising at least
    - at least one product chamber (20) with at least two adjustable shelves (70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e) arranged within the product chamber, and
    - at least one adjustment device for adjusting the distance between at least two shelves (25), which interacts with the shelves (70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e), and
    - at least one drive (25) for moving the shelves (70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e),
    whereby the drive (25) activates the adjustment device for adjusting the distance between at least two shelves (70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e), characterised in that the drive (25) is located outside of the product chamber (20); and that the adjustment device includes
    - a pressure plate (100) designed to be moved by at least one drive (25), and
    - at least one lever connected to the pressure plate (100) .
  2. Freeze-drying apparatus (200) as per claim 1, characterised in that the adjustment device
    - has at least one latch (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a),
    whereby the latch (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a) influences at least the one lever.
  3. Freeze-drying apparatus (200) as per claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the freeze-drying apparatus (200) also has
    - at least two holders (80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i, 80j) for holding each of the two (or more) shelves (70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e),
    whereby at least the one lever is connected to the holders (80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i, 80j).
  4. Freeze-drying apparatus as per claim 2 or 3, characterised in that at least the one latch (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a) is located on a side wall of the product chamber (20).
  5. Freeze-drying apparatus as per one of the claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the position of at least the one latch (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a) is adjustable relative to the product chamber (20).
  6. Freeze-drying apparatus as per one of the claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the positions of at least the one lever and at least the one latch (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a) are adjustable relative to one another.
  7. Freeze-drying apparatus (200) as per one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a fulcrum of the lever is located on the side of the pressure plate.
  8. Freeze-drying apparatus (200) as per one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least the one lever is a two-sided lever (40a, 40b).
  9. Freeze-drying apparatus (200) as per claim 8, characterised in that at least the two holders (80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i, 80j) are held by a primary lever arm (45a, 55a) of the two-sided lever (40a, 40b), and the first lever arm is located on a bearing (110a, 110b) connected to the pressure plate (100).
  10. Freeze-drying apparatus (200) as per claim 8 or 9, characterised in that a secondary lever arm (45b, 55b) of the two-sided lever (40a, 40b) interacts with at least the one latch (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a).
  11. Freeze-drying apparatus (200) as per one of the claims 2 to 10, characterised in that the adjustment device includes at least two latches (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a) that are positioned such that they are adjustable relative to one another in the product chamber (20) .
  12. Freeze-drying apparatus (200) as per one of the claims 8 to 11, characterised in that the adjustment device includes at least two two-sided levers (40a, 40b) connected to the pressure plate (100), whereby at least the two two-sided levers (40a, 40b) are connected to the holders (80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h, 80i, 80j).
  13. Freeze-drying apparatus (200) as per one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drive (25) is a linear drive, in particular a hydraulic cylinder.
  14. Process for adjusting the distance between at least two adjustable shelves (70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e) within a product chamber (20) of a freeze-drying apparatus (200), whereby the process is performed with the freeze-drying apparatus (200) as per one of the claims 1 to 13, and includes the following steps:
    a) actuation (310) of at least one drive (25) located outside of the product chamber (20) of the freeze-drying apparatus (200), and
    b) movement (320) of at least the two adjustable shelves (70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e) within the product chamber (200) via the drive (25), and
    c) adjustment (390) of the distance between at least the two shelves (70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e) of the freeze-drying apparatus (190) via an adjustment device that interacts with the shelves (70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e).
EP18701750.4A 2017-03-22 2018-01-25 Freeze-drying apparatus Active EP3612781B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102017204749.6A DE102017204749A1 (en) 2017-03-22 2017-03-22 Freeze drying plant
PCT/EP2018/051792 WO2018171957A1 (en) 2017-03-22 2018-01-25 Freeze-drying system

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3612781A1 EP3612781A1 (en) 2020-02-26
EP3612781B1 true EP3612781B1 (en) 2021-09-08

Family

ID=61054407

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18701750.4A Active EP3612781B1 (en) 2017-03-22 2018-01-25 Freeze-drying apparatus

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3612781B1 (en)
CN (1) CN110494708B (en)
DE (1) DE102017204749A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2900224T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2018171957A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4961273A (en) * 1987-03-30 1990-10-09 Hull Corporation Method and means for assuring freeze dryer chamber sterility
US4993171B1 (en) * 1989-11-22 1996-07-02 Boc Group Inc Covering for a hydraulic ram of a freeze dryer
FR2695329B1 (en) * 1992-09-10 1994-11-10 Usifroid Device for cleaning the shelves of a lyophilization tank.
DE29709647U1 (en) * 1997-06-03 1997-08-07 Hof Hans Georg Freeze dryer
DE102005024539B4 (en) 2005-05-28 2008-10-02 Hans-Georg Hof Freeze drying plant
GB0613082D0 (en) * 2006-07-03 2006-08-09 Boc Group Plc Freeze dryer
CN201233158Y (en) * 2008-03-11 2009-05-06 北京天利联合科技有限公司 Ply multiplication apparatus
CN203758170U (en) * 2013-10-24 2014-08-06 上海凛马机械科技有限公司 Novel hanging mechanism for partitioning plates of freeze drying machine
CN204535359U (en) * 2014-12-30 2015-08-05 楚天科技股份有限公司 A kind of drive unit and freeze dryer
CN204730626U (en) * 2015-06-12 2015-10-28 山东新华医疗器械股份有限公司 A kind of freeze dryer flaggy lowering or hoisting gear
CN204881129U (en) * 2015-07-09 2015-12-16 楚天科技股份有限公司 Freeze -drying sheet layer interval adjustable freeze dryer
CN105258459B (en) * 2015-11-04 2017-06-16 楚天科技股份有限公司 A kind of tiltable freeze dryer of flaggy liftable

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3612781A1 (en) 2020-02-26
DE102017204749A1 (en) 2018-09-27
ES2900224T3 (en) 2022-03-16
CN110494708B (en) 2021-08-03
CN110494708A (en) 2019-11-22
WO2018171957A1 (en) 2018-09-27

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