JP6870239B2 - Dispensing equipment and packaging manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a dispensing device and a method for manufacturing a package.

Conventionally, inventions relating to aseptic transfer of a solution from a supply container for a biological fluid or the like have been known (see Patent Document 1 below). Such conventional single-use manifold devices carry out the transfers required in biological processing applications. Using this conventional invention, automatic dispensing is achieved in connection with disposable conductivity sensors and remote control pinch valves (see paragraph 0002, ibid.).

Japanese Patent No. 5043035

In the conventional manifold device described in Patent Document 1, a fluid such as a bioengineering fluid, a pharmaceutical fluid, or a chemical fluid contained in a single-use bag of a supply source is transferred through a pipe by a pump unit, and a single of the supply destination is used. Fill the youth bag.

In such a conventional manifold device, the fluid transferred from the single-use bag of the supply source is filled in the single-use bag of the supply destination through an access port provided at the upper end of the single-use bag of the supply destination. (See the same document, FIGS. 1 to 12, etc.). Therefore, when the single-use bag to be supplied is filled with the fluid, air bubbles may be generated in the fluid to deteriorate the quality of the product, or the filling of the fluid into a plurality of single-use bags may be uneven or inaccurate. There is.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and is capable of preventing deterioration of the quality of the contents, and manufacturing a dispensing device and a package capable of accurately filling a specified amount of the contents. The purpose is to provide a method.

In order to achieve the above object, the dispensing device according to the present disclosure is a dispensing device that dispenses the contents of the supply container and fills the filling container, and is a supply pipe connecting the supply container and the filling container. It is characterized by including an inlet port provided at the lower end of the filling container and connected to the supply pipe, and a transfer unit for generating a differential pressure in the supply pipe to transfer the contents to the filling container. And.

The dispensing device may include a switching unit that switches between supplying the contents to the supply pipe and supplying a transfer gas that transfers the contents, and a control unit that controls the transfer unit. The control unit operates the transfer unit to deliver the filling amount of the content to be filled in the filling container from the supply container to the supply pipe, and the supply is transferred from the content to the supply pipe by the switching unit. After switching to the gas for transfer, the transfer unit is operated to deliver the transfer gas having a volume corresponding to the filling amount to the supply pipe.

In the dispensing device, the volume of the supply pipe may be equal to or less than the filling amount of the contents.

In the dispensing device, the switching unit may include a gas supply pipe connected to the supply pipe to supply the transfer gas.

In the dispensing device, the supply container may have an outlet port connected to the supply pipe and may contain the contents and the transfer gas therein. The switching unit supports the supply container and supplies the contents into a content supply posture in which the outlet port is located below the contents and a gas supply posture in which the outlet port is located above the contents. The posture of the container may be switchable.

In the dispensing device, the supply pipe may have a branch portion provided between the transfer portion and the filling container, and a plurality of branch pipes connected to the branch portion. The filling container may be connected to the end of each of the branch pipes.

The dispensing device includes a support portion that supports the filling container so that the inlet port is located at the lower end of the filling container, and the support portion is connected to a plurality of branch pipes on a one-to-one basis. Each of the inlet ports of the filling container may be supported at the same height position.

In the dispensing device, the volumes of the plurality of branch pipes may be equal.

In the dispensing device, the plurality of branch pipes connected to the branch portion are perpendicular to the cross section of the end portion of the supply pipe connected to the side opposite to the connection side of the branch pipe in the branch portion. It may branch line-symmetrically with respect to the center line.

In the dispensing device, all the connection portions of the supply pipe including the supply container and the connection portion between the filling container and the supply pipe may be aseptic connection portions.

In the dispensing device, at least one of the supply container, the filling container, and the supply pipe may communicate with an external space through an aseptic filter.

The method for manufacturing a package according to the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a package in which a filling container filled by dispensing the contents of the supply container is sealed, and the supply container and the filling container are connected by a supply pipe. Connection step to support the filling container so that the inlet port provided in the filling container and connected to the supply pipe is located at the lower end of the filling container, and a differential pressure is generated in the supply pipe. It is characterized by having a transfer step of transferring the contents of the supply container to the filling container and a sealing step of sealing the inlet port of the filling container.

In the method for producing a package, the transfer step includes a content delivery step of delivering the content of the filling amount to be filled in the filling container from the supply container to the supply pipe, and a supply to the supply pipe. It may have a switching step of switching from the content to the transfer gas for transferring the content, and a gas delivery step of delivering the transfer gas in a volume corresponding to the filling amount to the supply pipe.

In the method for producing the package, the supply pipe having a volume equal to or less than the filling amount of the contents may be used in the connection step.

In the method for manufacturing the package, the transfer gas may be supplied through the gas supply pipe connected to the supply pipe in the gas delivery step.

The method for producing a package uses the supply container having an outlet port connected to the supply pipe and containing the contents and the transfer gas inside in the gas delivery step, and uses the supply container of the supply container. The posture is switched from the content supply posture in which the outlet port is located below the content to the gas supply posture in which the outlet port is located above the content, and the transfer gas inside the supply container. May be supplied to the supply pipe.

The method for manufacturing the package uses the supply pipe having a branch portion and a plurality of branch pipes connected to the branch portion in the connection step, and fills a container at the end of each branch pipe. May be connected.

In the method for manufacturing a package, in the connection step, a plurality of the filling containers are connected one-to-one to the plurality of branch pipes, and in the support step, the inlet ports of the plurality of filling containers have the same height. It may be supported in position.

In the method for manufacturing the package, the supply pipes having the same volume of the plurality of branch pipes may be used in the connection step.

In the method for manufacturing a package, in the connection step, a plurality of the branch pipes connected to the branch portion are connected to the side opposite to the connection side of the branch pipe at the branch portion at the end of the supply pipe. The supply pipe which is line-symmetrically branched with respect to the center line perpendicular to the cross section of the above may be used.

The method for manufacturing the package may also use the supply pipe in which all the connection portions of the supply pipe including the supply container and the connection portion between the filling container and the supply pipe are aseptic connection portions in the connection step. Good.

In the method for manufacturing the package, at least one of the supply container, the filling container, and the supply pipe may be communicated with the external space through an aseptic filter in the connection step.

According to the present disclosure, in a dispensing device for dispensing the contents of a supply container and filling the filling container, and a method for manufacturing a package in which the filling container filled with the contents of the supply container is sealed. Deterioration of the quality of the product can be prevented, and the specified amount of the content can be accurately filled.

The schematic block diagram of the dispensing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. The flow chart which shows each process of the manufacturing method of the package which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. The flow chart which shows an example of the process included in the transfer process shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a supply pipe in the gas delivery step shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the dispensing device shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another modification of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 1.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the dispensing device and the method for manufacturing a package of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, first, one embodiment of the dispensing device will be described, and then one embodiment of the method for manufacturing a package will be described.

(Dispensing device)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a dispensing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The dispensing device 100 of the present embodiment is suitable for handling, for example, the content C in a sterile environment, and can be configured as a single-use system that is not washed or reused. Examples of the content C handled by the dispensing device 100 include chemical solutions, cell suspensions, extracellular fluids, infusion solutions, and fluid foods that require sterile handling.

The dispensing device 100 is a device that dispenses the content C of the supply container 10 and fills the filling container 20. More specifically, it is an apparatus that distributes and fills the contents C housed in the supply container 10 having a relatively large volume into a plurality of filling containers 20 having a relatively small volume. The dispensing device 100 mainly includes a supply pipe 30, an inlet port 21 provided at the lower end of the filling container 20, and a transfer unit 50. Further, the dispensing device 100 can include a supply container 10 and a filling container 20 as a part thereof, and may further include a support unit 40, a switching unit 60, and a control unit 70.

The materials of the supply container 10 and the filling container 20 are not particularly limited as long as they can seal the content C, but for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene, which are materials having excellent low temperature durability and can be cryopreserved at low temperature. A resin material such as vinyl acetate copolymer can be used. The supply container 10 and the filling container 20 are, for example, an aseptic bag or an aseptic bag that has been sterilized.

At one end of the supply container 10, an outlet port 11 for supplying the contents C contained in the supply container 10 is provided. The outlet port 11 may have, for example, an opening / closing cock and may be provided so as to be openable / closable. The outlet port 11 may include, for example, an aseptic connector capable of aseptic connection. Further, the supply container 10 may contain the transfer gas G together with the contents C inside. As the transfer gas G, for example, a gas such as air sterilized by gamma rays or the like or aseptic air passed through an aseptic filter can be used. Further, although not shown, the supply container 10 may have a vent provided with an aseptic filter and may communicate with the external space via the aseptic filter.

At one end of the filling container 20, an inlet port 21 connected to the supply pipe 30 and receiving the content C supplied from the supply container 10 is provided. The inlet port 21 may have, for example, an opening / closing cock and may be provided so as to be openable / closable. The inlet port 21 may include, for example, an aseptic connector capable of aseptic connection. Further, although not shown, the filling container 20 may have a vent provided with an aseptic filter and may communicate with the external space via the aseptic filter. The vent is opposite to the inlet port 21 at the upper end of the filling container 20 from the viewpoint of entering the filling container 20 from the inlet port 21 at the lower end of the filling container 20 and efficiently discharging the gas accumulated at the upper end of the filling container 20. It is desirable to be located on the side. The vent of the filling container 20 can be sealed by, for example, aseptic welding after filling the content C.

Further, the discharge of the gas accumulated inside the filling container 20 causes a differential pressure in the direction opposite to the case where the content C is transferred with the inlet port 21 of the filling container 20 facing upward in the vertical direction. This can be done by activating the transfer unit 50. In this case, the gas discharged from the filling container 20 can be transferred to the gas supply source, or can be discharged to the outside from a gas discharge port provided in the supply pipe 30 and provided with an aseptic filter.

For example, one end of the supply pipe 30 is connected to the outlet port 11 of the supply container 10, the other end is connected to the inlet port 21 of the filling container 20, and the supply container 10 and the filling container 20 are connected. The supply pipe 30 can be aseptically connected to the supply container 10 and the filling container 20, respectively, by aseptic welding joining, for example. Further, the supply pipe 30 may be provided with aseptic connectors at both ends, and may be aseptically connected to the supply container 10 and the filling container 20 via the sterile connectors. The supply pipe 30 may have one or more aseptic connectors or aseptic welding joints between both ends.

The material of the supply pipe 30 is not particularly limited, but is a material capable of sterilization such as autoclave sterilization, gamma ray sterilization, ethylene oxide sterilization, electron beam sterilization, etc., and is used in a wide temperature range from -196 ° C to 135 ° C. It is preferable that the material satisfies at least one of being a possible material and being a material that can be aseptically heat-welded. Examples of the material of the supply pipe 30 include polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene, fluororesin, and silicon. Further, as the supply pipe 30, a commercially available tube such as C-Flex (registered trademark) manufactured by Saint-Gobain Co., Ltd. may be used.

The transfer unit 50 generates a differential pressure in the supply pipe 30 and transfers the content C contained in the supply container 10 to the filling container 20. The transfer unit 50 includes, for example, a peristaltic pump that pressurizes the supply pipe 30 from the outside to transfer the contents C, and a syringe pump that is connected to the supply pipe 30 via an aseptic welding joint or an aseptic connection such as an aseptic connector. Alternatively, a pressurizing pump or the like can be used. The aseptic connection portion is not limited to the aseptic welding joint portion or the aseptic connector, and for example, the connection portion in which the supply pipe 30 is mechanically connected to the transfer portion 50 by a binding band or the like in a space where the cleanliness is sufficiently controlled. Also included are connections that are dissolved in a fixing solvent and then dried and fixed.

In the dispensing device 100 of the present embodiment, the supply pipe 30 has a branch portion 31 provided between the transfer portion 50 and the filling container 20, and a plurality of branch pipes 32 connected to the branch portion 31. Have. The filling container 20 is connected to the end of each branch pipe 32. As described above, the connection portion between the end portion of the branch pipe 32 and the filling container 20 is an aseptic connection portion such as an aseptic connector or an aseptic welding joint. In the dispensing device 100 of the present embodiment, the connection portions of the supply pipe 30 including the connection portion between the supply container 10 and the filling container 20 and the supply pipe 30 are all sterile connection portions, for example. It is preferable that the volumes of the plurality of branch pipes 32 are substantially equal. Specifically, it is preferable that the difference in volume between the plurality of branch pipes 32 is as small as possible within the tolerance of the volume of the content C filled in the filling container 20.

The plurality of branch pipes 32 connected to the branch portion 31 can branch line-symmetrically with respect to the center line L perpendicular to the cross section of the end portion of the supply pipe 30 connected to the opposite side of the branch portion 31. .. Further, the plurality of branch pipes 32 can be branched radially at equal angular intervals, for example. Further, the branch portion 31 is an opening / closing cock that selectively communicates one or more of the plurality of branch pipes 32 connected to the branch portion 31 with the supply pipe 30 connected to the opposite side of the branch portion 31. Alternatively, it may have an opening / closing mechanism such as a pinch valve. Further, the branch portion 31 may have a discharge path 33 for introducing the content C of the supply container 10 from the supply container 10 to the branch portion 31. The discharge path 33 may have an opening / closing mechanism 34 such as an opening / closing cock or a pinch valve between the tip end and the branch portion 31.

In the dispensing device 100 of the present embodiment, in order to accurately fill the filling container 20 with the content C having a predetermined filling amount, the volume of the supply pipe 30 is, for example, the specified filling amount of the content C for each filling container 20. It can be: Here, the volume of the supply pipe 30 is the volume of the internal space of the supply pipe 30. As shown in FIG. 1, when the supply pipe 30 has a plurality of branch pipes 32, the volume from the end of the supply pipe 30 connected to the supply container 10 to the branch portion 31 and the volume of the branch portion 31. , The sum of the volume of one branch pipe 32 from the branch portion 31 to one filling container 20 can be made equal to or less than the specified filling amount of the content C for each filling container 20. In this case, the volumes of all the branch pipes 32 can be, for example, the same volume. Further, it is preferable that the inner diameter and the length of all the branch pipes 32 are the same.

The support portion 40 is, for example, a support base made of metal or resin, and supports the filling container 20 so that the inlet port 21 of the filling container 20 is located at the lower end of the filling container 20. The support portion 40 has, for example, a plurality of container accommodating portions 41, and by accommodating one filling container 20 in one container accommodating portion 41, a plurality of filling containers 20 can be supported. If the filling container 20 has rigidity that can maintain its shape and can stand on its own with the inlet port 21 located at the lower end, the dispensing device 100 does not have to have the support portion 40. ..

The support portion 40 can support each inlet port 21 of the plurality of filling containers 20 connected to the plurality of branch pipes 32 on a one-to-one basis at the same height position. The height position of each inlet port 21 of the plurality of filling containers 20 may include an error that does not affect the filling of the contents C of the plurality of filling containers 20. Specifically, the support portion 40 accommodates at least a part of the filling container 20 in the concave container accommodating portion 41, and fills the filling container 20 so that the inlet port 21 of the filling container 20 is located at the lower end of the filling container 20. Hold. In the illustrated example, the support portion 40 has a through hole 42 through which the inlet port 21 of the filling container 20 is inserted into the bottom surface 41a of the container storage portion 41.

Here, the bottom surface 41a of the container accommodating portion 41 that supports the bottom portion of the filling container 20 on the inlet port 21 side is provided, for example, in a shape corresponding to the shape of the bottom portion of the filling container 20, and a plurality of container accommodating portions. In 41, the bottom surface 41a is provided so that the height positions in the vertical direction are equal. In the illustrated example, the filling container 20 is a generally rectangular bag with a generally flat bottom. Further, the bottom surface 41a of the container accommodating portion 41 is substantially horizontal, and the height positions of the bottom surfaces 41a in the vertical direction are the same in the plurality of container accommodating portions 41.

Each branch pipe 32 connected to the inlet port 21 of each filling container 20 may have an opening / closing mechanism 35 such as an opening / closing cock or a pinch valve in the vicinity of the support portion 40. When the branch pipe 32 has an opening / closing mechanism 35 in the vicinity of the support portion 40, the flow path of the branch pipe 32 can be opened / closed by opening / closing the opening / closing mechanism 35. When an opening / closing mechanism for opening / closing each branch pipe 32 is provided in the vicinity of the branch portion 31 or the connection portion between the branch portion 31 and each branch pipe 32, the branch pipe 32 opens / closes in the vicinity of the support portion 40. It is not necessary to have the mechanism 35.

The switching unit 60 switches the supply to the supply pipe 30 to the content C of the supply container 10 or the transfer gas G for transferring the content C. In the dispensing device 100 of the present embodiment, the switching unit 60 supports the supply container 10 so that the posture of the supply container 10 can be switched. The switching unit 60 can switch the posture of the supply container 10 between a content supply posture in which the outlet port 11 is located below the content C and a gas supply posture in which the outlet port 11 is located above the content C. It is configured.

In the illustrated example, the switching unit 60 has a rotation drive unit 61 and a supply container support unit 62. The rotary drive unit 61 is connected to a drive shaft of, for example, a motor or the like, and is provided so as to be rotatable in an angle range of 180 degrees. The supply container support portion 62 is fixed to the rotation drive portion 61 and rotates together with the rotation drive portion 61 in an angle range of 180 degrees. The supply container support portion 62 has an accommodating portion 63 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the supply container 10, and by accommodating the supply container 10 in the accommodating portion 63, the supply container 10 is supported and fixed to the accommodating portion 63. ..

The supply container support portion 62 has an opening 64 at one end of the accommodating portion 63 through which the outlet port 11 of the supply container 10 is inserted. The opening 64 of the supply container support portion 62 is located at the lower end of the supply container support portion 62 at the upper limit of the rotation angle range of the rotation drive unit 61, and is located at the lower limit of the rotation angle range of the rotation drive unit 61 of the supply container support portion 62. It is provided so as to be located at the upper end. The switching unit 60 is rotated between the upper limit and the lower limit of the rotation angle range of the rotation drive unit 61, for example, in a state where the supply container 10 is housed in the storage unit 63 of the supply container support unit 62 and is supported and fixed. As a result, the posture of the supply container 10 can be switched between the content supply posture in which the outlet port 11 is located below the content C and the gas supply posture in which the outlet port 11 is located above the transfer gas G. ..

The control unit 70 is composed of, for example, an arithmetic unit such as a CPU, a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk, and a control program stored in the storage device. The control unit 70 is connected to the switching unit 60 and the transfer unit 50 via a signal line so as to be able to transmit and receive control signals, and controls the switching unit 60 and the transfer unit 50.

Specifically, the control program of the control unit 70 operates, for example, the transfer unit 50 to send the content C of the filling amount to be filled in the filling container 20 from the supply container 10 to the supply pipe 30, and then the switching unit. It is configured to operate 60 to switch the supply to the supply pipe 30 from the content C of the supply container 10 to the transfer gas G. Further, the control program of the control unit 70 is configured to, for example, operate the transfer unit 50 to send the transfer gas G having a volume corresponding to the filling amount to the supply pipe 30 after switching the supply to the supply pipe 30. ing.

More specifically, the control program of the control unit 70 operates, for example, the switching unit 60 to determine the content supply posture in which the outlet port 11 is located below the content C of the supply container 10 and the content of the supply container 10. The posture of the supply container 10 is switched to the gas supply posture in which the outlet port 11 is located above C. Further, the control unit 70 controls the opening / closing mechanism of the outlet port 11 of the supply container 10, the opening / closing mechanism of the branch portion 31, the opening / closing mechanism 35 of the inlet port 21 of the filling container 20, the opening / closing mechanism 34 of the discharge path 33, and the like. It may be configured to do so.

(Manufacturing method of packaging)
Hereinafter, a method for producing a package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure using the above-mentioned dispensing device 100 will be described together with the operation of the dispensing device 100.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing each process of the package manufacturing method S100 according to the present embodiment. The package manufacturing method S100 according to the present embodiment is a method for manufacturing a package in which the filling container 20 in which the content C of the supply container 10 is dispensed and filled is sealed. For example, the above-mentioned dispensing device 100 is used. Can be carried out using. The package manufacturing method S100 according to the present embodiment includes a connection step S10, a support step S20, a transfer step S30, and a sealing step S40.

(Connection process)
The connection step S10 is a step of connecting the supply container 10 and the filling container 20 by the supply pipe 30. In the connection step S10, the supply pipe 30 can be used as the connection portion of the supply pipe 30 including the connection portion between the supply container 10 and the filling container 20 and the supply pipe 30 which is an aseptic connection portion. As the aseptic connection portion, the above-mentioned aseptic connector or a joint portion formed by aseptic welding can be used. In the connection step S10, as described above, the supply pipe 30 having a volume equal to or less than the filling amount of the content C of the filling container 20 can be used.

In the package manufacturing method S100 according to the present embodiment, in the connection step S10, for example, a supply pipe 30 having a branch portion 31 and a plurality of branch pipes 32 connected to the branch portion 31 is used, and each of them is used. The filling container 20 is connected to the end of the branch pipe 32. Here, it is preferable to use the supply pipes 30 having the same volume of the plurality of branch pipes 32. Further, in the package manufacturing method S100 according to the present embodiment, in the connection step S10, for example, a plurality of branch pipes 32 connected to the branch portion 31 are connected to the opposite side of the branch portion 31 at the end of the supply pipe 30. A supply pipe 30 that branches line-symmetrically with respect to the center line L perpendicular to the cross section of the above is used.

In the connection step S10, for example, a plurality of filling containers 20 are connected one-to-one to a plurality of branch pipes 32. At this time, one filling container 20 may be connected to all of the plurality of branch pipes 32, but one filling container 20 may be connected to one branch pipe 32 and one filling container 20 may be connected through each step described later. After the filling of the content C is completed, another filling container 20 may be sequentially connected to another one branch pipe 32. In this case, the flow path of the other branch pipe 32 to which the filling container 20 is not connected can be closed by, for example, an opening / closing mechanism provided in the branch portion 31, an opening / closing mechanism 35 provided in each branch pipe 32, or the like. .. After the connection step S10 is completed, the support step S20 shown in FIG. 2 is performed.

(Support process)
The support step S20 is a step of supporting the filling container 20 so that the inlet port 21 provided in the filling container 20 and connected to the supply pipe 30 is located at the lower end of the filling container 20. In the package manufacturing method S100 according to the present embodiment, in the support step S20, the inlet ports 21 of the plurality of filling containers 20 are supported at the same height position. Specifically, for example, one filling container 20 is housed in each of the plurality of container storage parts 41 provided in the support part 40 of the above-mentioned dispensing device 100. As a result, the inlet ports 21 of the plurality of filling containers 20 can be arranged at the lower ends of the filling containers 20 and supported at the same height position.

Further, the support step S20 can include a step of supporting the supply container 10 so that the outlet port 11 provided in the supply container 10 and connected to the supply pipe 30 is located at the lower end of the supply container 10. Specifically, for example, the supply container 10 is housed in the supply container support portion 62 provided in the switching portion 60 of the above-mentioned dispensing device 100 to be supported and fixed. At this time, the rotation drive unit 61 of the switching unit 60 is provided at the supply container support unit 62, and the opening 64 through which the outlet port 11 of the supply container 10 is inserted is fixed at an angle position located at the lower end of the supply container support unit 62. Will be done.

As described above, when the transfer gas G is housed together with the content C inside the supply container 10, the content C is supported by supporting the supply container 10 so that the outlet port 11 is located at the lower end. Is stored in the outlet port 11 side of the supply container 10, and the transfer gas G is stored in the opposite side of the outlet port 11 of the supply container 10. As a result, the posture of the supply container 10 is such that the outlet port 11 at the lower end and its surroundings are filled with the contents C, and only the contents C can be sent out from the outlet port 11. At this stage, the opening / closing mechanism provided at or near the outlet port 11 is closed, and the content C is not supplied from the supply container 10 to the supply pipe 30. After the end of the support step S20, the transfer step S30 shown in FIG. 2 is performed.

(Transfer process)
FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of the steps included in the transfer step S30 shown in FIG. The transfer step S30 is a step of generating a differential pressure in the supply pipe 30 to transfer the contents C of the supply container 10 to the filling container 20. The transfer step S30 can include, for example, a content delivery step S31, a switching step S32, and a gas delivery step S33.

(Content delivery process)
The content delivery step S31 is a step of delivering the filling amount of the content C to be filled in the filling container 20 from the supply container 10 to the supply pipe 30. Specifically, the transfer unit 50 is operated under the control of the control unit 70 of the above-mentioned dispensing device 100 to generate a differential pressure in the supply pipe 30 to transfer the content C to the filling container 20. At this time, if the outlet port 11 of the supply container 10 has an opening / closing mechanism, it is automatically opened manually or by a control signal from the control unit 70, and the contents C of the supply container 10 are supplied from the outlet port 11. It is supplied to the pipe 30. The outlet port 11 does not have to have an opening / closing mechanism, for example, when the flow path of the supply pipe 30 can be closed by the transfer unit 50.

Further, the opening / closing mechanism provided in the branch portion 31 or the opening / closing mechanism 35 provided in the inlet port 21 of each filling container 20 automatically branches, for example, manually or by a control signal from the control unit 70. Only the flow path of the pipe 32 can be opened, and the flow paths of the other branch pipes 32 can be closed. As a result, the contents C of the supply container 10 can be sequentially filled into the individual filling containers 20.

The delivery amount of the content C of the supply container 10 at one time in the content delivery step S31 can be, for example, a volume corresponding to the filling amount of the content C for each filling container 20. Here, the volume corresponding to the filling amount is, for example, a volume equal to the filling amount of the filling container 20, or a volume of the content C remaining in the supply pipe 30 in the gas delivery step S33 described later is filled in the filling container 20. The volume added to the quantity. The delivery amount of the content C of the filling container 20 can be controlled by, for example, the time during which the transfer unit 50 is operated by the control unit 70.

Here, as described above, when the volume of the supply pipe 30 is equal to the filling amount of the content C for each filling container 20, the supply pipe 30 from the outlet port 11 of the supply container 10 to the individual filling container 20. The entire internal space of the is filled with the contents C sent out from the supply container 10. Further, when the volume of the supply pipe 30 is smaller than the filling amount of the content C for each filling container 20, a part of the content C sent out from the supply container 10 further exits the supply pipe 30. The inside of the filling container 20 is filled from the inlet port 21 at the lower end of the filling container 20.

Further, when the branch portion 31 has the discharge path 33, the gas in the supply pipe 30 extruded by the content C can be discharged from the discharge path 33 to reduce the volume of the gas entering the filling container 20. it can. Further, when the filling container 20 communicates with the outside through the aseptic filter, the gas extruded by the content C and enters the filling container 20 can be discharged to the outside through the aseptic filter. After the content delivery step S31 is completed, the switching step S32 shown in FIG. 3 is performed.

(Switching process)
The switching step S32 is a step of switching the supply to the supply pipe 30 from the content C to the transfer gas G for transferring the content C. Specifically, in the package manufacturing method S100 of the present embodiment, the above-mentioned dispensing device 100 is used to switch the supply to the supply pipe 30 from the content C to the transfer gas G. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 70 of the dispensing device 100 operates the switching unit 60 to exit above the content C from the content supply posture in which the outlet port 11 is located below the content C. The posture of the supply container 10 is switched to the gas supply posture in which the port 11 is located.

As a result, the supply container 10 is turned upside down, the transfer gas G is housed on the outlet port 11 side at the top of the supply container 10, and the contents are on the opposite side of the supply container 10 from the outlet port 11 below the transfer gas G. The object C is contained. That is, the posture of the supply container 10 is such that the outlet port 11 at the upper end and the periphery thereof are filled with the transfer gas G, and only the transfer gas G can be delivered from the outlet port 11. At this stage, the opening / closing mechanism provided at or near the outlet port 11 is closed, and the transfer gas G is not supplied from the supply container 10 to the supply pipe 30. After the completion of the switching step S32, the gas delivery step S33 shown in FIG. 3 is performed.

(Gas delivery process)
The gas delivery step S33 is a step of delivering a transfer gas G having a volume corresponding to the filling amount of the filling container 20 to the supply pipe 30. In the package manufacturing method S100 of the present embodiment, in the gas delivery step S33, as described above, the outlet port 11 connected to the supply pipe 30 is provided, and the content C and the transfer gas G are housed therein. The supply container 10 is used. In the gas delivery step S33, as described above, the posture of the supply container 10 is changed from the content supply posture in which the outlet port 11 is located below the content C to the gas supply in which the outlet port 11 is located above the content C. In the state of switching to the posture, the transfer gas G inside the supply container 10 is supplied to the supply pipe 30.

Specifically, using the above-mentioned dispensing device 100, the transfer unit 50 is operated under the control of the control unit 70 to provide a transfer gas G having a volume corresponding to the filling amount of the content C in the filling container 20. It is sent from the supply container 10 to the supply pipe 30. At this time, the opening / closing mechanism of the outlet port 11 of the supply container 10 is automatically opened manually or by a control signal from the control unit 70, and the transfer gas G in the supply container 10 is supplied from the outlet port 11. It is supplied to 30.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the supply pipe 30 showing the transfer gas G and the contents C in the gas delivery step S33. The transfer gas G supplied from the supply container 10 to the supply pipe 30 acts to push the content C in the supply pipe 30 into the filling container 20. That is, the transfer unit 50 generates a differential pressure in the supply pipe 30, and the transfer gas G is supplied from the supply container 10 to the supply pipe 30, so that the content C remaining in the supply pipe 30 is replaced by the transfer gas G. It is extruded and filled in the filling container 20.

Here, the filling container 20 is supported by the support portion 40, and the inlet port 21 connected to the supply pipe 30 is located at the lower end of the filling container 20. Therefore, as compared with the case where the inlet port 21 is located at the upper end of the filling container 20, it is possible to suppress the generation of air bubbles in the content C filled in the filling container 20, and the content C can be made more accurate. It can be filled by the filling amount.

More specifically, for example, when the content C is poured into the filling container 20 with the inlet port 21 located at the upper end of the filling container 20, the content C poured vigorously from above to below due to the influence of gravity is applied. Foaming, air bubbles are caught in the content C. Therefore, the quality of the content C may deteriorate. Further, even after the pouring of the content C into the inlet port 21 located at the upper end of the filling container 20 is stopped, the content C is added to the filling container 20 in excess due to the influence of gravity. The filling amount may be overfilled than the predetermined filling amount, and the filling amount of the plurality of filling containers 20 may be uneven or inaccurate.

On the other hand, in the dispensing device 100 and the package manufacturing method S100 of the present embodiment, the inlet port 21 of the filling container 20 connected to the supply pipe 30 is located at the lower end of the filling container 20 and is transferred by the transfer unit 50. The completed content C is filled from the bottom to the top of the filling container 20. Therefore, it is possible to suppress foaming and extra input of the content C due to the influence of gravity. Therefore, according to the dispensing device 100 and the package manufacturing method S100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the quality of the content C to be filled in the filling container 20, and to fill a specified amount of the content C. The container 20 can be filled uniformly and accurately.

In the gas delivery step S33, the delivery amount of the transfer gas G to be sent from the supply container 10 or other gas supply source to the supply pipe 30 is, for example, the delivery amount of each filling container 20 from the supply container 10 or other gas supply source. It can be larger than the volume of the supply pipe 30 up to. As a result, all the contents C remaining in the supply pipe 30 can be transferred to the inside of the filling container 20 by the transfer gas G, and it is possible to suppress the extra transfer gas G from entering the filling container 20. ..

Here, when the volume of the supply pipe 30 from the supply container 10 or other gas supply source to each filling container 20 is smaller than the filling amount of the content C with respect to the filling container 20, in the content delivery step S31. The transfer unit 50 can deliver the content C of the filling amount to the filling container 20. After that, in the gas delivery step S33, the transfer gas G having the same delivery amount as the delivery amount of the content C in the content delivery step S31 is delivered. In this case, some transfer gas G enters the filling container 20, but the content C in the supply pipe 30 is transferred without changing the settings of the transfer unit 50 in the content delivery step S31 and the gas delivery step S33. By extruding all of the gas G, it becomes possible to accurately fill the filling container 20 with the content C having a specified filling amount. Therefore, the content C can be reliably filled in the filling container 20 while simplifying the operation of the transfer unit 50.

Further, even when the volume of the supply pipe 30 from the supply container 10 or other gas supply source to each filling container 20 is substantially equal to the filling amount of the content C with respect to the filling container 20, the transfer is performed in the content delivery step S31. The content C of the filling amount with respect to the filling container 20 can be sent out by the part 50. After that, in the gas delivery step S33, the transfer gas G having the same delivery amount as the delivery amount of the content C in the content delivery step S31 is delivered. In this case, the contents C in the supply pipe 30 can be changed without changing the settings of the transfer unit 50 in the contents delivery step S31 and the gas delivery step S33 while suppressing the transfer gas G from entering the filling container 20. It is possible to accurately fill the filling container 20 with the contents C having a specified filling amount by extruding all of them by the transfer gas G. The delivery amount of the transfer gas G from the supply container 10 or other gas supply source can be controlled by, for example, the time during which the transfer unit 50 is operated by the control unit 70.

After the completion of the gas delivery step S33 shown in FIG. 3, that is, after the completion of the transfer step S30, the sealing step S40 shown in FIG. 2 is performed.

(Seal process)
The sealing step S40 is a step of sealing the inlet port 21 of the filling container 20. In the sealing step S40, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the flow path of the portion between the inlet port 21 of the filling container 20 and the opening / closing mechanism 35 provided at the end of the branch pipe 32 is, for example, a two-dot chain line. It is closed by aseptic welding at the predetermined position P shown to form a sealing portion that seals the inlet port 21 of the filling container 20. Then, by cutting the branch pipe 32 on the opening / closing mechanism 35 side of the sealing portion, the contents C of the supply container 10 are dispensed to produce a package filled in the filling container 20.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the dispensing device 100 that dispenses the content C of the supply container 10 and fills the filling container 20 and the filling container 20 filled with the content C are provided. In the sealed package manufacturing method S100, deterioration of the quality of the content C can be prevented, and a specified amount of the content C can be accurately filled.

The dispensing device and the packaging manufacturing method of the present disclosure are not limited to the dispensing device 100 and the packaging manufacturing method S100 of the above-described embodiment. Hereinafter, a modified example of the dispensing device and the manufacturing method of the package of the present disclosure will be described.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the dispensing device 100 shown in FIG. The dispensing device 100 shown in FIG. 1 has described an example in which the switching unit 60 supports the supply container 10 so that the posture of the supply container 10 can be switched between the content supply posture and the gas supply posture. On the other hand, the dispensing device of the modified example includes the switching unit 60A shown in FIG. 5 between the outlet port 11 of the supply container 10 and the transfer unit 50 instead of the switching unit 60 shown in FIG. .. The switching unit 60A according to this modification includes a gas supply pipe 36 connected to the supply pipe 30 to supply the transfer gas G.

The switching unit 60A includes a sterile filter 37 provided in the gas supply pipe 36, and supplies the transfer gas G, which is aseptic air taken into the gas supply pipe 36, to the supply pipe 30 via the sterile filter 37. To do. Further, the switching unit 60A has opening / closing mechanisms 38 and 39 such as an opening / closing cock or a pinch valve on the upstream side (supply container 10 side) of the gas supply pipe 36 and the connection portion of the gas supply pipe 36 in the supply pipe 30. I have.

In the method for manufacturing a package using the dispensing device of this modified example, in the connection step S10, the supply pipe 30 is communicated with the external space via the gas supply pipe 36 provided with the sterile filter 37. Further, in the gas delivery step S33 included in the transfer step S30, the switching unit 60A is operated, the opening / closing mechanism 39 of the supply pipe 30 is closed, the opening / closing mechanism 38 of the gas supply pipe is opened, and the gas connected to the supply pipe 30 is opened. The transfer gas G is supplied through the supply pipe 36. As a result, the same effects as those of the dispensing device 100 and the package manufacturing method S100 according to the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another modification of the dispensing device 100 shown in FIG. The dispensing device 100A of the modified example shown in FIG. 6 does not have the rotation drive unit 61 and the control unit 70, and the supply pipe 30 has a plurality of branch portions 31. It is different from the dispensing device 100. Since the other points of the dispensing device 100A of this modification are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the package manufacturing method S100 using the dispensing device 100 shown in FIG. 1, an example in which the transfer step S30 shown in FIG. 2 includes the content delivery step S31, the switching step S32, and the gas delivery step S33 shown in FIG. explained. However, in the method for manufacturing a package using the dispensing device 100A of the modified example shown in FIG. 6, the transfer step S30 does not have to include the content delivery step S31, the switching step S32, and the gas delivery step S33.

In the method for manufacturing a package using the dispensing device 100A of this modified example, a plurality of filling containers 20 are connected one-to-one to a plurality of branch pipes 32 in the connection step S10, and a plurality of filling containers are connected in the support step S20. The inlet port 21 of 20 is supported at the same height position. Then, in the transfer step S30, with the opening / closing mechanism 35 of each branch pipe 32 open, the transfer unit 50 is operated to collectively fill the plurality of filling containers 20 with the contents C of the supply container 10.

As a result, the heights of the contents C to be filled in the plurality of filling containers 20, that is, the positions of the liquid levels become equal, and the contents C can be filled in the plurality of filling containers 20 with a uniform and accurate filling amount. .. In this modification, it is preferable that the filling container 20 has a rigidity capable of maintaining substantially the same shape before and after filling the content C. Since the filling container 20 has such rigidity, the content C can be filled in the internal space of the filling container 20 having a constant shape. Therefore, the height of the content C to be filled in the plurality of filling containers 20, that is, the position of the liquid level can be controlled, and the content C can be filled in the plurality of filling containers 20 with a uniform and accurate filling amount. ..

According to the packaging manufacturing method of this modification, the inlet port 21 of the filling container 20 connected to the supply pipe 30 is located at the lower end of the filling container 20 as in the packaging manufacturing method S100 of the above-described embodiment. Then, the content C transferred by the transfer unit 50 is filled from the lower side to the upper side of the filling container 20. Therefore, similarly to the above-mentioned packaging manufacturing method S100, deterioration of the quality of the content C can be prevented, and a specified amount of the content C can be accurately filled. In addition, the contents C can be collectively filled in a plurality of filling containers 20 with a uniform and accurate filling amount.

In addition, even if the contents C are collectively filled in a plurality of filling containers 20 by using the dispensing device 100 shown in FIG. 1 and in the same manner as the method of manufacturing a package using the dispensing device 100A shown in FIG. Good. In this case, the branch portion 31 of the supply pipe 30 does not have to have an opening / closing mechanism. In the transfer step S30, the above-mentioned content delivery step S31, switching step S32, and gas delivery step S33 are omitted, and the transfer unit 50 is operated and supplied with the opening / closing mechanism 35 of each branch pipe 32 open. The contents C of the container 10 are collectively filled in a plurality of filling containers 20.

Here, in the case of the method for manufacturing a package using the dispensing device 100 shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of branch pipes 32 connected to the branch portion 31 are the supply pipes 30 connected to the opposite side of the branch portion 31. It branches line-symmetrically with respect to the center line L perpendicular to the cross section of the end portion. Therefore, the flow of the content C flowing from the upstream side of the supply pipe 30 to the branch pipe 32 via the branch portion 31 can be more uniformly divided into the plurality of branch pipes 32. Therefore, the content C can be collectively filled in a plurality of filling containers 20 with a more uniform and accurate filling amount than in the method of manufacturing a package using the dispensing device 100A shown in FIG.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and there are design changes and the like within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure. Also, they are included in this disclosure. For example, it is possible to increase the number of filling containers that can be dispensed by further connecting the branch portion and a plurality of branch pipes to the tip of the branch pipe connected to the branch portion.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where there is one transfer unit has been described, but the dispensing device may include a plurality of transfer units. For example, a single or a plurality of branching portions may be provided in the supply pipe connected to the outlet port of the supply container, and a transfer portion may be provided in each of the plurality of branched supply pipes. Further, when the supply container has a plurality of outlet ports, a transfer unit may be provided in the supply pipe connected to each outlet port. In this way, when the dispensing device includes a plurality of transfer units, the time required for dispensing a plurality of filling containers can be shortened by operating the plurality of transfer units at the same time and dispensing in parallel. Can be done.

In particular, the supply pipe connected to the outlet port of the supply container is branched into a plurality of branch pipes at the first branch portion, and each branch pipe is further branched into a plurality of branch pipes at the second branch portion. can do. The branch pipe branched in this way can be further provided with a branch portion, and the supply pipe can be branched a plurality of times in the same manner. This makes it possible to collectively distribute the contents to many filling containers connected to the end of the branch pipe branched from the last branch portion.

Further, the configuration of the syringe pump that can be used as the transfer unit is not particularly limited. For example, one that joins a tube to a syringe pump in which a syringe and a pump are integrated can be used. Further, the syringe and the pump are not integrated, and a single-use syringe in which a tube is aseptically bonded and the syringe is pumped from the outside can be used.

10 Supply container 11 Outlet port 20 Filling container 21 Inlet port 30 Supply pipe 31 Branch part 32 Branch pipe 36 Gas supply pipe 37 Sterile filter 40 Support part 50 Transfer part 60 Switching part 60A Switching part 70 Control part 100 Dispensing device 100A Dispensing Device C Contents G Transfer gas L Center line S10 Connection process S20 Support process S30 Transfer process S31 Contents delivery process S32 Switching process S33 Gas delivery process S40 Sealing process S100 Manufacturing method of package

Claims (20)

It is a dispensing device that dispenses the contents of the supply container and fills the filling container.
A supply pipe connecting the supply container and the filling container, an inlet port provided at the lower end of the filling container and connected to the supply pipe, and a differential pressure are generated in the supply pipe to fill the contents with the filling container. It is provided with a transfer unit for transferring to, a switching unit for switching between supply of the contents to the supply pipe and supply of a transfer gas for transferring the contents, and a control unit for controlling the transfer unit .
The control unit operates the transfer unit to deliver the filling amount of the content to be filled in the filling container from the supply container to the supply pipe, and the supply is transferred from the content to the supply pipe by the switching unit. to After switched to use a gas dispensing device the transport gas volume corresponding to the filling amount by actuating the transfer unit, characterized that you sent to the supply pipe. The volume of the feed tube, dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that not more than the filling amount of the contents. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the switching unit includes a gas supply pipe connected to the supply pipe to supply the transfer gas. The supply container has an outlet port connected to the supply pipe, and the contents and the transfer gas are housed therein.
The switching unit supports the supply container and supplies the contents into a content supply posture in which the outlet port is located below the contents and a gas supply posture in which the outlet port is located above the contents. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the posture of the container is switchable. The supply pipe has a branch portion provided between the transfer portion and the filling container, and a plurality of branch pipes connected to the branch portion.
The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the filling container is connected to an end portion of each of the branch pipes. A support portion for supporting the filling container is provided so that the inlet port is located at the lower end of the filling container.
The dispensing according to claim 5 , wherein the support portion supports each of the inlet ports of the plurality of filling containers connected to the plurality of branch pipes on a one-to-one basis at the same height position. apparatus. The dispensing device according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the volumes of the plurality of branch pipes are equal. The plurality of branch pipes connected to the branch portion are lined with respect to a center line perpendicular to the cross section of the end portion of the supply pipe connected to the side opposite to the connection side of the branch pipe in the branch portion. The dispensing device according to any one of claims 5 to 7 , wherein the dispensing device is symmetrically branched. The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein all the connection portions of the supply pipe including the supply container and the connection portion between the filling container and the supply pipe are aseptic connection portions. Dispensing device. The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein at least one of the supply container, the filling container, and the supply pipe communicates with an external space through an aseptic filter. .. It is a method for manufacturing a package in which the contents of the supply container are dispensed and filled, and the filling container is sealed.
The filling container is supported so that the connection step of connecting the supply container and the filling container by the supply pipe and the inlet port provided in the filling container and connected to the supply pipe are located at the lower end of the filling container. a supporting step, possess a transfer step of transferring the contents of the supply container to the filling container by generating a pressure difference in the supply pipe, and a sealing step of sealing said inlet port of said filling container, the ,
The transfer step includes a content delivery step of delivering the content of the filling amount to be filled in the filling container from the supply container to the supply pipe, and a content delivery step of delivering the supply to the supply pipe from the content to the content. method of manufacturing a package for a switching step of switching to the transfer gas, and gas delivery step for delivering said transfer gas volume corresponding to the filling amount to the supply pipe, characterized in that have a to. The method for producing a package according to claim 11 , wherein in the connection step, the supply pipe having a volume equal to or less than the filling amount of the contents is used. The method for producing a package according to claim 11 or 12 , wherein in the gas delivery step, the transfer gas is supplied through the gas supply pipe connected to the supply pipe. In the gas delivery step, the supply container having an outlet port connected to the supply pipe and containing the contents and the transfer gas is used, and the posture of the supply container is set below the contents. Switching from the content supply posture in which the outlet port is located to the gas supply posture in which the outlet port is located above the content, the transfer gas inside the supply container is supplied to the supply pipe. 11. The method for producing a package according to claim 11 or 12. In the connection step, the supply pipe having a branch portion and a plurality of branch pipes connected to the branch portion is used, and the filling container is connected to the end of each branch pipe. The method for producing a package according to any one of claims 11 to 14. In the connection step, a plurality of the filling containers are connected one-to-one to the plurality of branch pipes.
The method for manufacturing a package according to claim 15 , wherein in the support step, the inlet ports of the plurality of filling containers are supported at the same height position. The method for producing a package according to claim 15 or 16 , wherein in the connection step, the supply pipes having the same volume of the plurality of branch pipes are used. In the connection step, a center line perpendicular to the cross section of the end portion of the supply pipe in which the plurality of branch pipes connected to the branch portion are connected to the side opposite to the connection side of the branch pipe in the branch portion. The method for manufacturing a package according to any one of claims 15 to 17 , wherein the supply pipe that is line-symmetrically branched with respect to the relative is used. The 11th aspect of the present invention, wherein in the connection step, the supply pipe is used in which all the connection portions of the supply pipe including the supply container and the connection portion between the filling container and the supply pipe are aseptic connection portions. Item 8. The method for producing a package according to any one of items 18. The connection step according to any one of claims 11 to 19 , wherein at least one of the supply container, the filling container, and the supply pipe is communicated with the external space through a sterile filter. The method for manufacturing the package described.

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